48 hours in Stockholm

Sweden, especially in winter, has never been on my must-visit list, but over the past year I’ve got to work with a few Swedes who really got me interested in the country, its people and culture. So it didn’t take much for me to pack my things and head to Stockholm for the weekend.

I knew I only had two days in Stockholm so I wanted my experience to be as Swedish as it gets. Naturally, this meant the accommodation for my stay wasn’t just another hotel or Airbnb. Instead, I picked Mälardrottningen (The Queen of Lake Mälaren) Yacht and Hotel. Located in Stockholm’s Old Town (Gamla Stan), it is surrounded by the glittering waters of Lake Mälaren and offers a truly unique stay in the Swedish capital.

The yacht hotel is a perfect base for exploring the city, especially the long winding streets of the beautiful Old Town where you can find an abundance of independent local shops for everything your heart desires – from chocolate and bakeries to stationery shops, homeware and clothing boutiques, all with signature Swedish twist and clean, minimalist design.

It’s still quite chilly at this time of the year, so I’d recommend grabbing a bite or your caffeine fix in some of the nearby coffee shops and restaurants. My favourite? Osterlanggatan 17 (awesome cocktails, delicious meals and perfect indie playlist) and Wiennercaffeet (not actually in the Old Town but a must-visit for its mouth-watering pastries and very Wes Anderson-esque interior).

Stockholm encompasses 14 islands, so there’s never a dull moment in the city. Ferries and sightseeing shuttle boats are perfect for hopping on and off the islands, each symbolic with a different part of Sweden’s history and culture. These took me to three of Stockholm’s most famous museums. If you’re anything like me and love all things sea, you’ll be fascinated by the Vasa Museum, home of the only almost fully intact 17th century ship that has ever been salvaged, the 64-gun warship Vasa that sank on her first voyage in 1628.

In addition to the magnificent ship, the museum features an assortment of objects closely connected with the Vasa’s history, the people and society from 17th century. Interesting fact: the skeletal remains of at least 17 people were found during the excavation of Vasa. In studies of the bones, researchers were able to determine their height, age, diet, and medical history, to identify relationships between them, and even reconstruct the faces of some of the crew!

For a lesson in modern art head to the Moderna Museet, where entry to its permanent collection is free. I would also recommend seeing the current temporary exhibition by the renowned Marina Abramovic.

The photography lovers out there should definitely check out Stockholm’s beautiful Fotografiska. Part-gallery, part-restaurant and bar, it currently displays a stunning exhibition by legendary fashion photographer Patrick Demarchelier, as well as the late young Chinese art photographer Ren Hang.

By all means, after you’ve had your dose of art and culture for the day, finish off in style at the Fotografiska’s restaurant and bar where you can wine and dine while enjoying the most stunning views of the city. Fotografiska prides itself in what it calls responsible gastronomy. This means that the focus of each dish on the menu is a different vegetable, all organic and locally-sourced, prepared in a sustainable way. The meat, fish and poultry are served as a side in a bid to create a proportionate dining experience with better balance for both the body and nature.

I’m gutted I didn’t get the chance to experience Stockholm’s insane club culture but I am sure I’ll be back in the city soon enough for a rave or, even better, a festival. Summerburst, anyone?