One Flight, Two Vacation Experiences: Stockholm and Its Archipelago

In 2025, the Stockholm Archipelago earned international recognition and was included on National Geographic’s Best of the World list for its dramatic coast, nearly 30,000 islands and islets, and unforgettable island experiences.

The Stockholm Archipelago Trail, which connects around 20 islands, was named one of TIME’s World’s Greatest Places 2025. Through a network of hiking paths, ferries, communities, forests, beaches, and waterfront stays, the trail offers travelers a unique way to experience the archipelago’s outdoors and culture.

Perhaps the best part of visiting Stockholm is how refreshingly uncomplicated and rewarding it is — everyone speaks English, public transit is fast and efficient, the archipelago is easily accessible, restaurants are delightful, cultural attractions are actually interesting, and there’s always a gorgeous water view just a few blocks away.

Arriving in the “City of Islands”

For a city spread across islands, Stockholm is surprisingly easy to reach. The high-speed Arlanda Express train connects Stockholm Arlanda Airport with central Stockholm in just 18 minutes, while its award-winning interior reflects the clean, functional Scandinavian design that defines much of the city.

A short walk from Stockholm Central Station, the Sheraton Stockholm Hotel welcomes guests to its newly renovated property following an extensive transformation. Once inside, you’re greeted by contemporary elegance, warm tones, inviting spaces, and a friendly, smiling staff.

Guest rooms embrace stylish Scandinavian design with minimalist decor. Many rooms feature private balconies with incredible views of Lake Mälaren and Stockholm’s skyline. You’ll even find a complimentary pair of binoculars by the window to enjoy a closer look at some of the city’s landmarks, like Stockholm City Hall, the Royal Palace, and Gamla Stan (Old Town).

The expansive, two-level Wellness Center is a guest favorite. It includes state-of-the-art gym equipment, dedicated training spaces, and 24-hour access. After a workout or a day of exploring Stockholm, enjoy the sauna or refresh with a cold plunge. Marriott Bonvoy members can gain access to the exclusive Club Lounge, a quiet place to relax or catch up on work.

Mr. Bronck, which is the hotel’s signature restaurant, pairs the bold flavors of a classic New York brasserie with fresh Swedish ingredients. The menu features elevated favorites such as fresh oysters, mouthwatering lobster rolls, and tender Iberico pluma served with chimichurri.

Also on-site, Juicy Jane’s serves fresh, nutrient-packed smoothies, salads, sandwiches, and protein-rich snacks, making it a great option for a quick snack or healthy meal.

Södermalm and Stockholm’s Creative Side

Just a short journey from the Sheraton Stockholm Hotel, you’ll discover Södermalm, Stockholm’s bohemian neighborhood known for its shopping, cafés and restaurants, parks, and great views of the city. One of the neighborhood’s most iconic streets, Hornsgatan, is the heart of Stockholm’s Slow Fashion District, lined with design boutiques, vintage shopping, and sustainable fashion.

For travelers who prefer authentic souvenirs over typical magnets and keychains, Södermalm is a great place to find Scandinavian ceramics, textiles, candles, home accessories, clothing, and handcrafted goods.

Fotografiska, which sits along the Södermalm waterfront, is a must-visit for anyone interested in the art of photography. The museum showcases rotating exhibitions by famous photographers, as well as emerging artists.

Purchase a glass of wine and explore the thought-provoking galleries before visiting the gift shop or dining at the restaurant, known for its seasonal cuisine and fantastic views.

“Island Hopping” Without Leaving the City

In the center of Stockholm, you’ll find the two small islands of Skeppsholmen and Kastellholmen, known as a peaceful escape from the city. The islands, which are connected by bridges, were once home to the Swedish Navy. Today, the easily walkable islands welcome visitors for recreation and cultural attractions.

Skeppsholmen can be reached by the historic 19th-century iron bridge, known for its gilded crowns, which make for a memorable photo in front of the waterfront. Once on the island, you’ll discover incredible waterfront views, Moderna Museet for art enthusiasts, and the museum of architecture and design, ArkDes. The af Chapman, a historic three-masted, full-rigged steel ship permanently moored on the island since 1949, is a maritime landmark worth admiring and photographing.

Långa Raden at Hotel Skeppsholmen is a delightful place for lunch while visiting the island. The covered outdoor terrace is the perfect setting on a sunny day. The stylish indoor dining room offers a curated exhibition of Swedish art to enjoy while dining.

The restaurant serves Swedish specialties, like smoked duck breast, cured salmon, cod with browned butter, and classic Swedish meatballs.

Just across a short bridge is the island of Kastellholmen, a smaller island with impressive waterfront views. Here you’ll find Kastellet, a red-brick fortress built on the site of a 17th-century fortification that once helped defend Stockholm’s harbor.

Interestingly, in February 2026, unusually low water levels exposed the remains of a 400-year-old Swedish warship near Kastellholmen. Archaeologists believe it was intentionally sunk to support a bridge between the two islands.

Stockholm’s Medieval Old Town

Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s oldest district, is where the city itself began. Dating back to the 13th century, you can stroll down cobblestone alleys while passing centuries-old buildings, enjoy the Swedish tradition of fika by the waterfront, visit the Nobel Prize Museum, and shop for unique souvenirs like the iconic Dala horse.

Touring the Royal Palace feels like stepping back into the world of 18th-century royalty. The palace stands on the foundations of the medieval Tre Kronor castle, which burned down in 1697. While it is the King’s official residence and workplace, the King and Queen live privately at Drottningholm Palace.

You can view the Royal Apartments, go down into the underground vaults and explore the remains of the castle, visit the Treasury museum where you’ll see royal crowns and jewels, or step into the courtyard to experience the Changing of the Guard.

An Overnight Stay in the Archipelago

The Stockholm Archipelago is a breathtaking collection of more than 30,000 islands and islets stretching into the Baltic Sea. Many of the islands are accessible by ferry, offering easy access to unspoiled nature, hiking trails, and a peaceful atmosphere.

A scenic hour-and-a-half ferry ride to the island of Grinda is a popular destination for many. Grinda is a car-free island and a protected nature reserve.

Grinda Wärdshus is a historic inn spread across four traditional archipelago houses on the island. The focus is on tranquil surroundings, easy access to hiking trails, and the waterfront.

Rooms are cozy and dog-friendly, Wi-Fi is free, and the property has a restaurant and bar, complimentary breakfast, and outdoor terraces overlooking the sea. You can also book a private sauna and take a cold plunge in the Baltic Sea.

If your visit coincides with Midsummer, Grinda is a wonderful place to experience this beloved Swedish summer celebration. An overnight stay at Grinda Wärdshus offers the opportunity to fully embrace Swedish traditions, which include decorating the maypole, making your own flower crown, a special menu of classic cuisine, live music, and performances. For an authentic Midsummer celebration, Grinda is the place to be.

An Island of Museums, Parks, and Waterfront

Djurgården, a large island in central Stockholm, is where you’ll find popular museums, the Gröna Lund amusement park, restaurants, cafés, and other interesting attractions. There are beautiful green spaces, scenic walking and cycling paths, and quiet waterfronts, making Djurgården a great place to take in the scenery.

Hotel Hasselbacken offers stylish rooms and suites, some with garden views and in-room saunas. Yes. Your very own in-room sauna!

Other amenities include elegant lounges and common areas, a fitness center, a shared sauna with a cold plunge, Restaurant Hasselbacken (the birthplace of the Hasselback potato), and beautiful gardens.

Its location places you within easy walking distance of the Vasa Museum, the Viking Museum, ABBA The Museum, Skansen open-air museum, and many other enjoyable cultural experiences.

For a memorable Swedish meal, Ulla Winbladh is an exceptional restaurant for its food, atmosphere, and service. Inside, the cozy dining rooms have wood details, soft lighting, and classic decor.

However, the large outdoor dining area is the true highlight, with a garden-like setting surrounded by greenery. Savor dishes like marinated salmon with mustard sauce, grilled Swedish beef, and poached cod.

If you only have time for one museum during your visit to Stockholm, the Vasa Museum is a must. It’s a museum unlike any other, centered around the remarkably preserved, 226-foot warship Vasa, which sank on its maiden voyage in 1628.

The ship stayed at the bottom of Stockholm’s harbor for 333 years before it was salvaged in 1961. Much of the ship’s original structure was found intact thanks to the cold waters of the Baltic Sea and the absence of wood-eating shipworms.

The rest of the museum spans seven levels, allowing you to see the Vasa from many angles while also exploring exhibits about the ship’s construction, crew, salvage operation, and conservation efforts.

A Capital, an Archipelago, and One Unforgettable Trip

Stockholm, Sweden, is an easy city to love and an even harder one to leave. Between neighborhoods and districts, the museums, the quality cuisine, and archipelago island adventures, most travelers go home with a list of what they didn’t get to.

But that’s not a failure of planning. It’s just what happens on a vacation with so much worth doing, which just may be one of the best reasons to return.