How I spent 11 days in Sweden

I’ve just returned from Sweden, where I spent over a week soaking up everything the city and some of the surrounding areas had to offer. The trip was a mix of rest, relaxation and interior inspiration. A weekend in the archipelago—a sprawling network of thousands of islands stretching along Sweden’s coastline—delivered on the rest and relaxation part, while museums, galleries and shops in Stockholm delivered on the design front, as did simply walking the city streets.

I have so much to share from my travels—the interiors that inspired me the most, appointments with galleries, a deep dive on the design of the main hotel I stayed at—but for now I’m keeping this one fairly high-level, a day-by-day outline, with some days packing in more than others. Whether you’re planning a trip here soon or just want to see what pulled me in around this beautiful country, here’s how I spent 11 days.

A few quick notes:

• I chose 11 days for a slower pace—plenty of downtime, plus time with some family in Sweden. You can easily do it in less.

• Sandhamn was my pick in the archipelago—it has the most nightlife of the islands while still keeping days relaxed—but there are many others, like Vaxholm, you could also visit.

• References to areas like Östermalm or Södermalm are Stockholm neighborhoods—think Soho or Williamsburg, but for New York City.

• When I say “fika” I am referring to a cherished Swedish tradition that means taking a break to enjoy coffee or tea, usually accompanied by a baked good like a cinnamon bun.

Day 1 — Stockholm

• Arrive in Stockholm; check in for a night at Miss Clara by Nobis

• Breakfast at Gast

• Archipelago tour by classic wooden boat — the perfect post-redeye activity since all you have to do is sit and listen

• Lunch at Schmaltz — great patio, works for a light snack and drink or a full meal

• Shopping in Östermalm — Toteme, By Malene Birger, Massimo Dutti, House of Dagmar

• Dinner at Bar Nimes

Day 2 — Stockholm + Sandhamn

• Breakfast at Gast

• Check out of hotel

• Exploring in Södermalm — Stockholm's "hipster" neighborhood, known for vintage stores, bars, and restaurants

• Lunch at Pom & Flora

• Ferry to Sandhamn — an island in the archipelago, about a 2.5-hour ride

• Check in at Sandhamn Seglarhotell — sits in the heart of Sandhamn's harbor and has been part of Swedish archipelago history for over a century

• Dinner at the hotel restaurant — the upstairs patio is worth it if weather permits

Day 3 — Sandhamn

• Breakfast at hotel restaurant

• Trail run around the island

• Sauna at hotel

• Trouville beach — about a 20-minute walk from the hotel; expect wind and chill, but worth it

• Lunch at hotel restaurant

• After sail party at hotel — hosted weekends June 19 through August 15 on the patio

• Dinner at Dykarbaren — there are only a few restaurants on the island and this one was incredible

Day 4 — Sandhamn + Stockholm

• Ferry and bus back to Stockholm — about 1.5 hours

• Check in at Stockholm Stadshotell — a 32-room hotel that leans into an Arts & Crafts design philosophy set in a restored 19th-century building in Södermalm

• Late breakfast at S:t Paul Bageri

• Shopping and exploring in Södermalm — mostly vintage stores like House of Tell, Broadway & Sons, Herr Judit

• Dinner at Babette — fabulous pizza and great vibes

Day 5 — Stockholm

• Reformer pilates at Burner Studio — they have two locations (H6 in Östermalm and J2 in Vasastan) and offer reformer pilates, heated mat classes, private training and more

• Late breakfast at Stora Bageriet

• Appointment at Galerie Storm

• Appointment at Galerie North

• Dinner at hotel restaurant

Day 6 — Stockholm

• Breakfast at hotel restaurant

• Fika at Svedjan Bageri

• Millesgården Museum — sculptor Carl Milles' former home and garden, perched on a cliff overlooking the water with great views and sculpture-filled terraces

• Lunch at Rosendals Trädgård — a biodynamic garden and greenhouse cafe on Djurgården, serving food and wine

• Shopping at Svenskt Tenn — the iconic Swedish design house behind Josef Frank's textiles, plus furniture and homewares

• Dinner at Triton

Day 7 — Stockholm