image
Travel

by Sana Bun

Escaping Heat: Your Essential Stockholm Guide

11 Aug 2025

Photo: Robin G

If you are still figuring out your strategic escape from the brutal Middle Eastern summer, here is a thought: Stockholm. With its breezy islands, long daylight hours, and just the right dose of Scandi cool, it is the perfect pick if you are craving some fresh air and a bit of fika.
Never been? This guide is for you.

Before you fly

Sweden is part of the Schengen Area, so make sure your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure date. You will also need a valid Schengen visa unless you are travelling on a passport that allows visa-free entry. Don’t forget to sort out travel health insurance — it is a requirement for the visa and just good common sense in case your holiday takes an unexpected turn.

How to get there

The best-priced flights to Stockholm generally depart from Dubai or Abu Dhabi, with return fares starting from around 1,400 AED if you are happy to include a short layover.
If you are after the convenience of a direct flight, your main option is Emirates from Dubai, with prices starting from around 3,450 AED. It is a bit pricier, but you will get there in just over 6.5 to 7 hours — and with the added bonus of arriving less frazzled.
image

Photo: John Vimal Velpula

Where to stay

If it is your first time in Stockholm, good news: the city is super walkable and fairly easy to navigate. Yet picking the right neighbourhood to stay in can make a big difference, especially when you are trying to squeeze the most out of a short trip.
Norrmalm might be your most practical choice. It is the city’s main hub, with the central station, shops, restaurants and transport links — all within walking distance. It may not be the cosiest area, but it is ideal for getting your bearings.
For something more authentic — think cobbled streets, colourful buildings, and a heavy dose of charm — book a hotel in Gamla Stan. Just as any Old Town it is touristy, yes, but it puts you right in the historic heart of things.
Then, just nearby you will find Södermalm — the artsy, laid-back area full of cool cafes, indie boutiques and locals going about their day.
image
image
image

Photo: Aaron Zhu; Ana Bórquez; Jonathan

What to eat

Swedish cuisine is much more than just meatballs (though they are definitely worth trying). Stockholm’s food scene combines traditional comfort with fresh, local ingredients and modern twists that elevate even the simplest dishes.
Let’s start with the classic: köttbullar (meatballs), typically served with creamy mash, lingonberry sauce, and pickled cucumber. Another local favourite is sill (herring), served in more varieties than you might expect. And, of course, no visit is complete without a kanelbulle (cinnamon bun) to go with your coffee — fika is practically a national sport. I personally love skagenröra (also known as Skagen toast — a creamy prawn salad, often served on toast) and local oysters.
All of these dishes are common on menus across the city, but if you are keen to sample a bit of everything, head to Östermalm Market Hall, a foodie institution since 1888.

What to do

Stockholm may be calm and cool on the surface, but there is plenty going on once you start exploring. Whether you are into history, design, or just fancy a bit of boutique browsing, the city delivers without ever feeling chaotic.
For a dose of history, head to Gamla Stan — Stockholm's charming old town, where you can wander through narrow cobblestone streets and admire centuries-old architecture.
If you are looking to relax and reconnect with nature, visit one of the city's many parks and islands, such as Djurgården or Tantolunden, perfect for strolling, picnicking, or simply unwinding.
For a cultural touch with a side of fresh air, Södermalm is home to numerous cafés with outdoor seating, ideal for watching the city pass by while enjoying a coffee.
And if you are after something more laid-back, hop on a ferry to explore the archipelago and take in the natural beauty just outside the city.
image

Photo: MAO YUQING

Museums

Start with the classics. The Vasa Museum is one of Stockholm’s most iconic spots — home to a massive 17th-century warship that sank on its maiden voyage and was impressively salvaged centuries later. It might sound like one for naval history buffs, but it is genuinely gripping (and pleasantly cool inside, which is always a win in summer).
Just across the water, the National Museum is the place to go for art lovers — it houses everything from Old Masters and Swedish portraiture to sleek design objects and Scandi furniture. The building itself is a stunner too, recently renovated and perfectly perched by the waterfront. Note that on Thursdays, from 5 to 8 pm the entrance is free of charge for all visitors, so be prepared for potential crowds.
If you are in a mood to enjoy more time outdoors, consider Skansen offering a mix of historical Swedish buildings and Nordic wildlife. It is a great choice if you are travelling with kids or just want to wander among pretty wooden houses, old-school bakeries and a moose or two.
And if contemporary art and photography are more your thing, don’t miss Fotografiska in Södermalm. It hosts striking photo exhibitions in a stylish setting, with big windows looking out over the water and a nice museum café.
image

Source: skansen.se

Shopping

Coming to Stockholm and not talking shopping? Unthinkable.
You will likely find yourself starting in Norrmalm, where the iconic department store NK (Nordiska Kompaniet) sits alongside flagship boutiques from Scandinavian favourites like Toteme, Acne Studios, Axel Arigato, Ganni, Asket, Rodebjer and more. It is a sleek, fashion-forward part of town.
If you are in the mood for something a little more offbeat, head south to Södermalm, particularly the SoFo district (short for South of Folkungagatan). This is where you will find minimalist fashion labels, locally made ceramics, quirky bookshops, vinyl stores, and design-led concept shops — all nestled among painfully stylish cafés and even more stylish locals.
image

Photo: Bernard Blanc