Stockholm Second Visit: 48 Hours in the Swedish Capital

Stockholm has a way of drawing you back. Two years after our first visit, we returned to Sweden’s capital for another short summer getaway, once again with my parents, to mark two special occasions: my husband’s 35th birthday and my parents’ 41st wedding anniversary. Over the course of 48 hours, we revisited old favourites, discovered new gems, and soaked up the city’s serene charm and island scenery.

Here’s how we spent our celebratory city break in Stockholm—packed with fika stops, archipelago adventures, and unforgettable meals.

Day 1

Morning: Early Arrival and Östermalm Wanderings
We were up bright and early—3:45 am, to be precise—for our flight from Oslo. Touching down in Stockholm just after 8:30 am, we hopped in a Bolt and made our way to Mornington Hotel Stockholm City, our base in Östermalm. Though it was too early to check in, the hotel kindly stored our bags so we could start exploring.

Being a quiet Sunday morning, most places were still closed for business, so our first stop was the Fabrique bakery on Nybrogatan, where we grabbed a simple breakfast and some much-needed caffeinated beverages. From there, we walked over to admire the majestic City Hall, before looping back toward the hotel with a quick detour via Uniqlo.

Lunch at Wärdshuset Ulla Winbladh
For lunch, my husband and I made our way to Wärdshuset Ulla Winbladh, a well-loved Stockholm institution nestled on the island of Djurgården. Their fish soup was rich, hearty, and absolutely delicious—a perfect first proper meal in the city. We were recommended this restaurant by a friend, and it did not disappoint. Make sure to check out this gem for some proper Swedish treats away from the busy tourist traps of Gamla Stan.

Afternoon: Svenskt Tenn & Hotel Relaxation
We strolled back into the centre, making an essential visit to Svenskt Tenn, the iconic design store known for its bold textiles and timeless interiors. We could’ve spent hours admiring all the beautiful design pieces, dreaming of one day being able to own some of them ourselves, but we were quite tired from getting up so early and decided to head back to the hotel for a quick breather before our family dinner. 

Evening: Dinner at Kouzina and Waterfront Walk
At 18:00, we gathered for dinner at Kouzina, a cosy and welcoming Greek restaurant on Valhallavägen. The food was fresh and flavourful—classic Mediterranean comfort—and the atmosphere warm and buzzing with local regulars.

After dinner, we took a leisurely walk down to the waterfront, letting the summer evening air and gentle views of the water round off a long, full day.

Day 2

Morning: Sauna and Setting Sail for the Archipelago
After a quick session at the hotel gym, a relaxing sauna, and a filling breakfast, we headed to Strömkajen Pier, just by the Grand Hôtel, for our next adventure: a ferry ride to Vaxholm in the Stockholm Archipelago.

Waxholmsbolaget ferries depart frequently, and no booking is necessary—just hop on and pay onboard. We caught the 10:20 ferry, and for SEK 138 (for four people!), we cruised past islands, summer homes, and boats bobbing in the sun. If the weather’s good, sit outside for the best views!

Late Morning in Vaxholm
Once in Vaxholm, we enjoyed a relaxed stroll along the waterfront promenade, soaking up the small-town charm. We stopped for drinks at Winbergs Bar, followed by a wander through the historic streets.

Lunch at Hembygdsgårds Café
Lunch was at Hembygdsgårds Café, a picture-perfect garden café with views over the water. We sat under the parasols, eating smoked shrimp and drinking lemonade, while ducks wabbled around our feet patiently waiting for us to drop some bread and shrimp shells. It was an ideal summer lunch, peaceful and unfussy.

Afternoon Return to Stockholm
Ferries back to Stockholm run throughout the afternoon, and we made sure to catch one around 15:00, giving us time to freshen up before dinner.

Evening: Italian Indulgence at Ristorante Paganini
Dinner that night was at Ristorante Paganini in Gamla Stan—a warm, atmospheric Italian spot perfect for a celebration. We were welcomed with exceptional service and treated to their Menu Piccolo, which included bruschetta caprese, fettuccine alla Paganini, and a classic tiramisu. Every bite was spot on, and the attention to detail made the evening feel truly special.

Day 3

Morning: Hidden Culture and Moving Art
After another visit to the hotel gym and sauna, we checked out and headed to the elegant Hallwyl Museum, followed by a stop at Moderna Museet for the Britta Marakatt-Labba “Where Each Stitch Breathes” exhibition. Her work—rich in Sámi themes and political history—was deeply moving. It was, without question, one of the most powerful exhibitions I’ve seen.

Lunch at Rosendals Trädgård
We couldn’t leave Stockholm without returning to Rosendals Trädgård, our favourite garden café from our first trip. Nestled in the greenery of Djurgården, it remains just as beautiful and serene. We had a delicious seasonal lunch surrounded by flowers, with birdsong in the background. It felt like the perfect full-circle moment.

Afternoon: Goodbye for Now
From Rosendals, we strolled back along Djurgårdsbrunnsviken, soaking in the last views of Stockholm’s nature-meets-city magic. After picking up our bags from the hotel, it was time to head to the airport—relaxed, content, and already dreaming of visit number three.

Where to Stay: Mornington Hotel Stockholm City

Tucked in the elegant neighbourhood of Östermalm, Mornington Hotel Stockholm City remains an ideal base for a short break. The rooms strike a balance between Scandinavian minimalism and comfort, and its location makes exploring a breeze. The hotel gym and sauna are a lovely bonus, especially if you’re mixing city life with a bit of wellness.

Final Thoughts

This second visit reaffirmed everything we love about Stockholm: its laid-back rhythm, its connection to nature, and its commitment to design, food, and culture. Whether it’s your first time or your fifth, Stockholm is a city that continues to charm and surprise.

If you’re considering a return visit—or just planning your first—don’t hesitate. The Swedish capital has more than enough magic for many rounds. If it’s your first (summer) visit, I recommend following the itinerary outlined in my blog post “Stockholm Like a Scandi: 48 Hours in the Swedish Capital.” And if you have more than 48 hours, make sure to add a day or two of the itinerary outlined here in the blog post from my second visit. Happy travels!