Sometimes, you’ve just got to do you, right? Whether you like to travel without compromise, take out some time to learn and find a new focus, or simply treat your fabulous self; Stockholm is an amazing place for solo travellers. Although lively and cosmopolitan, Scandinavia’s largest capital city somehow retains a rather mellow vibe, helping visitors to slow down and enjoy its countless treasures!
If you’d been looking to get away from it all for a few days (or weeks, really!) and reconnect with yourself in the Open City, make sure to put the below places on your itinerary. Here’s where to head to for some Stockholm-based me-time…
Bibliotekstan
You know that voice in your ear telling you that dress or pair of jeans isn’t made for your body type or wallet? Leave them at home when shopping at Stockholm’s most boutique shopping district, Bibliotekstan! Here, international household names such as Maje, Chanel and Louis Vuitton rub shoulders with Sweden’s very own take on luxury fashion: J. Lindeberg, Filippa K and Acne Studios.
The sheer density of stylish stores – several of which also sell jewellery, antiques and homewares – means you could spend most of a day here. And really, you might as well: who doesn’t like a bit of splurging when you don’t owe someone an explanation?
The Royal Palace
If you’d like to use your time-away-from-others to connect with history and discover something truly spectacular, best make your way to Stockholm’s Royal Palace. The marvellous complex in the capital’s old town district offers so much stimulation, you could spend an entire day! Take your time to explore the palace’s current exhibition or dream away as you wander around its stunningly embellished hallways.
Perhaps unexpectedly, there’s also a bit of alleged LGBT-relevant history to uncover here (ever heard of a certain silver throne?) and for solo-travellers with a penchant for all things regal, the palace is an incredibly rich resource to attain an in-depth understanding of European dynasties past and present…
Teatergrillen
Getting hungry from all that exploration? Of course you are. Among Stockholm’s oldest and most prestigious restaurants, Teatergrillen sits in a prime location in the capital’s pretty Östermalm district. Its menu reads like a collection of all the finest foods available anywhere in town – caviar and truffle risotto, anyone? – and that’s exactly what makes Teatergrillen the perfect place to treat yourself!
Take in all the subtle flavours served at the haute cuisine restaurant, and don’t shy away from asking one of their knowledgable sommeliers to talk you through their impressive offering of vintage wines – it’s like a little ABC of viticulture, exclusively for you!
Hotel Skeppsholmen
Even the most devoted solo-travellers are going to have to find a roof over the heads when night falls. If you don’t want to compromise on the sense of seclusion (as well as the invaluable joys of a calm environment!), you’d be well-advised to bed down at Hotel Skeppsholmen.
Nestled in between trees on the intimate island of Skeppsholmen, this four-star address feels a world away from the rest of Stockholm, despite actually being rather central! Guests love to make use of the relaxing, green areas surrounding the property, especially during the summer months. Though even the views towards tiny Kastellholmen island and the capital’s southernmost districts from your bedroom invite moments of calm and contemplation – if soul-searching is what you’ve come for, this place is for you!