Okay, so we’re not going to sugarcoat it: 2020 wasn’t the best year for travel, and many a trip had to be cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic. But it’s 2021 now and things are looking up… With travel slowly resuming, it’s high time for a trip the Scandinavia’s queerest capital, Stockholm!
There are many reasons to visit Sweden’s first city this year, including Stockholm Pride, which, if everything goes well, will return to the streets in August and have us all come together in unison and celebration. But that’s not all. Here are a few ideas on what to catch up on when returning to Stockholm…
Finally make that mouthwatering dinner at The Hills
Gorgeous The Hills restaurant opened just as the world got stopped in its tracks last March – but that didn’t stop them from pulling through and spoiling the locals with some of the capital’s most delectable meals. The focus at the Södermalm eatery is on sourcing the finest available ingredients and creating sophisticated but honest dishes (try the chocolate truffles!).
Within less a year and despite 2020’s challenges, The Hills has become a real Stockholm staple and the kind of place a local would take a visitor to. Romantic, friendly and actively supporting LGBT+ initiatives during last year’s Pride, The Hills should be at the top of everyone’s Stockholm bucket list this year.
Return to Mälarpaviljongen for the summer season
Another business in the Open City supporting LGBT+ charities is Mälarpaviljongen; thought that’s far from the only reason we’ll be headed here when summer arrives. The capital’s favourite cafe-cum-bar venue, Mälarpaviljongen is most fun when it’s bustling… And Stockholmers are eager to return to the lake-side pavilion and make up for last year!
There’s already some buzz about what surprises might be in store at Mälarpaviljongen this year, from local and international DJs to perhaps a new dish or two at its adjacent The Green Green restaurant. Whatever it is we can look forward to, no trip to the Open City is complete without a stop (or two!) at this Stockholm institution.
Stay at the five-star Villa Dagmar, set to open this Easter
Among the most raved about new additions to the capital’s hospitality scene is this luxurious Östermalm address. With its opening postponed to 2021, Villa Dagmar has had plenty of extra time to polish its 70 boutique rooms and suites and fine-tune its restaurant experience to enthral the most discerning of travellers.
Fans of upscale hotels will be excited to hear that the Villa is the latest endeavour by nearby Hotel Diplomat, frequently named Sweden’s best hotel. But Villa Dagmar promises to delight with its very own, contemporary take on hospitality – guests can look forward to an in-house florist, indulgent spa experiences and much more!
Catch up on culture at Royal Djurgården’s museums
If like us, you’re feeling starved for amazing exhibitions and culturally immersive experiences, remember to pay a visit to Stockholm’s green lung, Royal Djurgården, on your next trip. The leafy island home to world-class museums such as the Vasa Museum and ABBA The Museum is set to offer a colourful array of entertainment options throughout 2021…
Though if you’re more of an outdoors person, you could even just go for a prolonged stroll around Djurgården’s vast meadows and forests, have a lakeside picnic, break out into a spontaneous Instagram photoshoot with your other half (we’ve been there!) and enjoy all that nature has to offer. Whatever it is you’re looking for in a Stockholm getaway this year, we hope you find it!