Europe’s vibrant city break where you can become ABBA’s fifth member

WITH Stockholm spread across 14 islands, you would be forgiven for thinking that the Swedish capital was too sprawling to visit in just a few days.

However, it is actually a compact city — and one where modern architecture meets buildings from the past.

From the cobblestone streets and colourful buildings of the old town to its unique museums and huge green spaces, there’s a little something for everyone.

And it does not have to be as expensive as it is traditionally considered. Hope Brotherton discovers how to enjoy a weekend on a budget.

FLIGHTS AND TRANSPORT: £128

AIRLINES including Ryanair, British Airways and Norwegian fly direct to Stockholm, with journey times of two hours.

The cheapest month to travel is September, where you can get return flights from £30. We paid £86pp for our flights in May with Ryanair and Norwegian.

For a pocket-friendly transfer to the city, jump on to a Flygbussarna bus service. It takes 40 minutes and costs £16pp return.

After being dropped outside the main bus station, we quickly realised we would be doing a lot of walking thanks to the city’s compact size. Even though the Swedish capital is extremely walkable, public transport is an attraction in its own right. Holidaymakers can opt to purchase a 72-hour pass for £26 per person.

ACCOMMODATION: £72

AT £144 for two people, a two-night stay at Scandic Go was the biggest outlay of my city break.

The hotel is in an ideal location away from the hustle and bustle and is just a ten-minute walk from T-Centralen, the city’s main transport hub.

Every inch of the hotel is designed with savvy travellers in mind, from the self-service check-in desks to the cafe and water refill station.

Light flooded into the brightly-decorated lobby and its co-working space thanks to the huge windows. There is also a football table, locker storage and laundry room.

Our queen-size room had an en suite bathroom. The bed was extremely comfortable and there were lots of functional elements too, including underbed storage and black-out curtains.

ATTRACTIONS: £22

STOCKHOLM certainly doesn’t lack unique attractions, with the ABBA Museum being possibly one of the most well-known.

 We spent 90 minutes at the interactive attraction learning about the pop icons’ history. We even became the fifth and sixth members, singing Dancing Queen and Mamma Mia live on stage. Entry costs £22 per person.

Be sure to book a free walking tour of Gamla Stan old town with Nordic Freedom Tours. Guide Sofia spent two hours navigating our group around the cobblestone streets, including Marten Trotzigs Grand, the narrowest in the city.

Stopping on colourful corners, we learnt about the history of the city before the tour wrapped up in Stortorget, where you can pose for photos in front of the red, orange and green buildings.

Holidaymakers can also take photos outside the Royal Palace, Stockholm Cathedral and Saint Gertrude, also known as the German Church.

The city’s underground metro stations are covered in huge pieces of artwork and are dubbed the world’s longest art gallery.

More than 100 stations have been decorated in murals, statues and other installations.

BREAKFAST AND LUNCH: £23

WHEN it comes to breakfast, take advantage of Scandic Go’s Brekkie Deal, which costs £5 per person.

The deal includes a hearty sandwich and a mug of coffee.

For lunch, dine at Kalf & Hansen, an organic restaurant on Sodermalm, which uses local ingredients. A hearty plate of seasonal veg and falafel balls set me back £9. Stopping for fika — a coffee break — isn’t technically lunch but it’s certainly filling enough.

And it is one of Sweden’s most cherished customs.

To act like a local, unwind with a coffee of your choice and a cinnamon bun (kanelbulle). Fika costs roughly £9 per person, depending on the type of beverage ordered.

EVENING MEALS & DRINKS: £39

IF you want to sample something traditional then head to the TikTok-famous Meatballs For The People.

Set on Sodermalm, the cosy restaurant serves generous portions of perfectly cooked meatballs, creamy mashed potatoes and all the trimmings, such as lingonberries and pickled cucumbers, for £17.

There’s also Melanders, a fish restaurant ten minutes from Scandic Go. I ordered a cod fillet that was served with a creamy sauce, peas and boiled potatoes. Dishes start from £17.

Fancy a tipple? Avoid places like Gamla Stan and any bars near the city’s main thoroughfare.

Instead, head to a bar called The Lobby, which is just a few minutes from Scandic Go and has beers for £5.

GRAND TOTAL: £284 per person