Couples, rejoice: when spending Valentine’s Day in Stockholm and trying to decide what to do to celebrate your special bond, LGBTQ+ lovebirds are spoiled for choice. The ‘Venice of the North’, as the Open City is sometimes referred to, doubles as a realm of romance for those looking to make lifelong memories with their other halves!
Sure, you could always just take it easy and see where the day takes you, but for a true standout experience, a bit of planning goes a long way in unlocking the Swedish capital’s best, lovebirds-approved things to see and do. Follow your heart and find some inspiration below…
Dance to the beat of your heart at ABBA The Museum
While this might sound like an unconventional thing to do for Valentine’s Day in Stockholm, ABBA The Museum is actually a fabulous place to head to on February 14. After all, not only does the legendary group have a long history of supporting same-sex love, their museum also explores ABBA’s romantic relationships over the years!
Though couples looking for some action and laughter will be most drawn to ABBA The Museum’s interactive experiences, which – among other things – allow visitors to get on stage with virtual avatars of their idols! And before you head out, why not stop by the adjoining, ABBA-owned Pop House Hotel for a romantic meal?
Fall in love with the art on display at Millesgården
The former home of Swedish sculptor Carl Milles and his painter wife Olga, Millesgården takes on a particularly romantic feel in the winter, when Carl Milles’ outdoor sculptures are decked in powdery white snow. A stroll around the museum’s grounds is obligatory, though you’ll also want to check out the inside.
Ever-changing exhibitions put the focus on art from all over the world, and because the boutique museum is some 20 minutes from the centre of town (and off some tourists’ radar!), visiting couples can immersive themselves in art in a more intimate environment than elsewhere. Plus, there’s a cosy winter garden and a fireplace, which make a perfect backdrop for a romantic lunch or a latte topped with a cocoa heart!
Jazz away with your other half at Hotel Hellsten
No Valentine’s Day in Stockholm could be complete without attending a concert or two. Fortunately, lovebirds bedding down at LGBTQ-welcoming Hotel Hellsten won’t have to travel far: at the hotel’s very own Earth Bar, ‘Jazz at Hellsten’ is a unique, weekly event with great music, fabulous drinks and an audience truly appreciative of this utterly romantic type of music.
When the show is over and it’s time to sleep (or not, if you’re lucky!), the bedrooms at Hellsten are among the cosiest in all of Stockholm, featuring exposed brick walls and wooden beams along the ceiling. It’s the perfect place to have a sleep-in… and a cuddle!
Wine and dine at romantic The Hills restaurant
The art-filled eatery has climbed the capital’s culinary ladder since opening at the onset of the pandemic, and it’s easy to see why: with a continental approach to serving Scandinavian cuisine, The Hills is all about refining classic dishes, and each mouthwatering bite is a treat for your tastebuds!
Beyond excellent food, the Södermalm-based restaurant also convinces with a laidback and welcoming atmosphere, inviting guests to stay for a round or two of after-dinner drinks. Those looking for an aphrodisiac might want to order some oysters on the side, too – that’s just how we do Valentine’s Day in Stockholm.