Holiday apartments, airbnb and bed and breakfast in Stockholm

Visit Stockholm, ‘The Venice of the Nordics'!

If you want a holiday apartment in Sweden but you are not sure where to begin, look no further than Stockholm. A collection of islands, brimming with impeccable Scandinavian style, Stockholm is the epitome of a contemporary riverside retreat, so, unsurprisingly, so many visitors choose to explore the Swedish capital. This chromatic kingdom is a hive of royal culture, countless museums, and a bustling old town, where your tastebuds can experience the impeccable cuisine for themselves. Stockholm has something for every visitor, so whatever is drawing you to this northern water paradise, there is the perfect holiday apartment, home or bed and breakfast waiting to be secured. Once you have found your sanctuary, get out there, and see why Stockholm is the most stylish city in Scandinavia!

How to get there?

Located on the east coast of Sweden, alongside the Baltic Sea, Stockholm can be reached by flying north from the UK in approximately 2 and a half hours. There is an extensive section of flights from across the country, including London Heathrow, Manchester and Edinburgh to Stockholm airport, which is less than 15 minutes to the city centre. If you would rather travel to Stockholm without flying, you can reach the Swedish capital by catching a ferry from Immingham in North East Lincolnshire to the port city of Gothenburg in around 26 hours, where you can then jump aboard a train to Stockholm in under four hours. Alternatively, if you are already exploring a Scandinavian country, consider hopping to Stockholm to emphasise your dreamy Nordic experience. If you have already reserved holiday accommodation in Copenhagen then jump on board a train to Stockholm, where you can enjoy the capital in only five and a half hours.

When to visit

Thanks to its northerly position, Stockholm is not exactly favoured for its sunshine, though the chilly climate and snow-topped monuments only add to the charm of this Swedish metropolis, so embrace the cold, but remember to pack a jumper! Visiting in the winter does however mean you might need to sacrifice a few attractions, including the outdoor restaurants and bars, and if a moderate climate is preferable than snow, choose to visit between late April and September. With these warmer months comes a more significant crowd, and the city can get busy, but it is worth it to enjoy a cocktail outside in the Scandinavian summer sun.

Where to stay

Gamla Stan (Old Town)

Nicknamed ‘The Town between the bridges', no neighbourhood showcases Stockholm's waterside position quite like Gamla Stan. With its captivating harbour, alongside the national Cathedral of Sweden and the Kungliga Slot, Sweden's Royal Palace, this medieval quarter is truly the beating of heart Stockholm. Choose a holiday apartment rental in Gamla Stan to wake up in a room with a view of Norrmalm or Södermalm island, then stay out beyond dusk, immersing yourself in the timeless architecture and Swedish cuisine which is flowing around Gamla Stan's waterways.

Norrmalm

If you are hitting up Stockholm to immerse yourself entirely in rich Swedish culture, there is nowhere quite as perfect as Norrmalm. You can discover the Royal Opera House, the National Museum of Sweden and the House of Culture in this arty neighbourhood, making it the ideal place to reserve a bed and breakfast in Stockholm.

Djurgårde

Hear of Sweden, and it probably won't take you too long before you think of ABBA, one of the country's most famous exports. Whether you are a self-proclaimed Dancing Queen, or you pretend not to enjoy ABBA's hits, their presence is unavoidable in Sweden, so visit Stockholm's homage to the band by visiting the ABBA Museum in Djurgårde. Secure a self-catered apartment rental in this green and leafy area, where after indulging in all things ABBA, you can wander through its vast open space and experience a therapeutic escape from the buzz of the capital.

Vasastan

If nightlife is pretty high up on your agenda in Stockholm, then choosing accommodation in Vasastan is a must. Reserve a space in a cost-effective apartment rental, homestay or youth hostel in Stockholm's liveliest district, and spend your savings in the city's electric restaurants, bars and clubs. When you do finally wake up in Vasastan, you will discover this neighbourhood is just as funky in the day-time, as the city streets are brimming with vintage stores, libraries and indie art galleries, including Cecilia Hillström Gallery, among many which are Stockholms best-kept secrets.

Östermalm

The district of Östermalm is slightly removed from the hustle of Stockholm centre, which leaves more room for beautiful parks, along with exclusive shops and galleries, making this one of the most prestigious neighbourhoods in Stockholm. Reserve a luxury apartment rental in one of the elegant townhouses in Östermalm, and wake up nestled in and amongst the grand Royal Mews and the Östermalmshallen food market, which is one of the most luxurious food markers in the country.

Food and drink in Stockholm

There is far more to Stockholm's cuisine than the humble Swedish meatball, though you can't knock this iconic dish, especially if you are sampling the best from Pélican, which is said to be the ‘best place to get a meatball in town'. There is an exclusive air which runs through this powerful capital, and the food and drink scene is just as exquisite, with restaurants around the city serving up some of their inventive takes on traditional Swedish food. For a contemporary twist on these hearty Swedish staples, pay a visit to New-Nordic cuisine, which is renowned for serving up traditional Swedish dishes in an ingenious new way. Another experience which is not to be missed, especially if you are visiting Stockholm in the summer, is the chance to dine in one of the city's many open-air restaurants and bars. From the picturesque garden cafes to fine dining in an outdoor restaurant or rooftop bar, these spaces allow you to enjoy the best Scandinavian landscape and cuisine in one sitting!

History and culture in Stockholm

If you are looking for an escape to excite your cultural senses, you could do far worse than Stockholm, home to two UNESCO World Heritage sites, the Skogskyrkogården cemetery and the impressive Drottningholm Palace which is the private residence of the Swedish royal family. These royal roots are evident across the city, though there is even more to Stockholm than these imperial structures and national museums. Learn more about the history of Stockholm by getting lost in the medieval neighbourhood of Gamla Stan, which has a mixture of 13th-century monuments, along with Baroque-style architecture which rose after a fire in 1697 destroyed much of the original town. Stockholm is no stranger to the arts, as the literature and theatrical scene is as vibrant as the colours of the old town's rainbow glazed buildings. Visit the architectural wonder of Stockholm Public Library, and you will see how many times this Nordic paradise has been featured as a backdrop to the most famous Swedish works.