A cultural exchange: city swap Stockholm and Copenhagen this summer

A five-day summer city break itinerary highlighting the best of Scandinavia

Stylish city breakers should look no further than Stockholm and Copenhagen for a culture hit with a sprinkle of urban grit. Melt-in-the-mouth meatballs, sticky cinnamon buns, too-pretty-to-eat open sandwiches. The foodie scene in both cities is as delicious as the design – colourful townhouses on cobblestone streets, hip-and-happening art districts, contemporary meets creative architecture. It’s impossible to choose between these chic capitals, which is why this city swap itinerary doubles up to deliver both while staying at two of the trendiest boutique hotels in Scandinavia.

AT A GLANCE

• Five-day independent itinerary travelling from Stockholm to Copenhagen (or vice versa) with a one-hour flight or five-hour train between cities.
• Take in the vibrant culture and Viking heritage from the comfort of specially selected Scandinavian city centre hotels.
• Highlights include sweet treats from Cakenhagen, a behind-the-scenes tour of Copenhagen’s Tivoli Gardens, and a traditional Swedish tasting dinner.

START IN STYLE: STOCKHOLM

Built on 14 picturesque islands, the beauty of this water-based city is reflected in its Baltic Sea setting. You can rent a private kayak or canoe and paddle your way around, or take a daring dip in the waters in front of Stadshuset, Stockholm’s City Hall for some city-centre swimming. Back on dry land, the city can easily be seen on foot or by bicycle – from the enchanting Old Town, with its narrow cobblestone streets as well as the Royal Palace, to the thriving creative scene of countless art galleries, museums, and world heritage sites. Not to mention the competitive culinary display largely driven by the new Nordic movement focusing on seasonal and local produce – stock up on wholegrain breads, freshly baked pastries, and seafood classics while you’re here.

UNPACK YOUR SUITCASE

Perfectly positioned on Stockholm’s historic waterfront, the grand yet intimate Bank Hotel is brimming with ideas about what to see, do, eat and drink while in the city. Offering private guided sightseeing tours on foot or by luxury limousine, boat trips around the archipelago, and tip-offs for just-opened exhibitions, Bank Hotel makes the ideal boutique base.

After satisfying your culture cravings, indulge in a menu of Swedish favourites at Bonnie’s, the hotel’s main restaurant housed within the impressive former bank hall – the ‘Smash the Piggy Bank’ dessert is an absolute must-try. End the day with a cocktail at Le Hibou, the hotel’s elegant rooftop terrace bar with breathtaking skyline views. Suggested stay 2 nights minimum.

CAPITAL OF COOL: COPENHAGEN

Offering recreational urban living with harbour baths and cycle paths as far as the eye can see, Copenhagen is a cutting-edge city which boasts some of Europe’s best contemporary design. Home to high-end shopping in its medieval centre and boutique design-hunting in its vibrant urban districts, world-class cuisine and on-the-go street food, this multifaceted metropolis has something for every on-trend or off-beat traveller. Another city built on the water, the best way to get about is by boat – venture out Viking style on a canal tour, or make like the locals on two wheels (bicycle basket strongly recommended for picking up Danish pastries en route).

YOUR URBAN OASIS…

A masterclass in Moorish romance and hygge-luxe, Nimb Hotel faces Copenhagen’s famous Tivoli Gardens which means every suite comes with verdant views (not to mention four-poster beds, original artworks and log fires). Soak up the sunshine from the rare-for-the-city rooftop pool, before retreating to the moodily magical wellness sanctuary inspired by the hammams of Morocco and Istanbul.

Food lovers will be utterly spoiled from the Cakenhagen treats on arrival and champagne-oyster breakfast, to the classic Danish lunch of open sandwiches at Fru Nimb, complimentary tapas and rosé picnic hampers, and tasting menu dinner at Restaurant KOKS, a two-Michelin-star pop-up in the Tivoli Gardens. Meanwhile, vegetarians are treated to organic, seasonal produce at the greenhouse-inspired Gemyse for delightfully light bites in a bright setting. All washed down by one of the hotel’s thousand labels from Vinotek or some Nimb Gin which takes its flavours straight from Tivoli’s fragrant flower garden. Suggested stay 2 nights minimum.

TRAVEL TIPS

Scandinavians take their holidays seriously, which means during peak summer season you’ll likely have these cities to yourself. Taxis can be particularly pricey in Stockholm, so it’s best to book your transfers in advance if possible. If you’re in need of transport between hotels, as always, ask our Voice Reservation Team for further details.

BOOK YOUR BOUTIQUE HOTELS

The ‘Best of Scandinavia’ offer is available throughout June, July, and August 2021 and is available to book via Itineraries by SLH starting in either Stockholm or Copenhagen. Our Voice Reservation Team are on hand to answer any bespoke questions on 0800 0482 314 (UK) & 1-877-234-7033 (US). You can find a full list of our dedicated toll-free numbers here. We’re ready and waiting to plan luxury adventures 24 hours a day, seven days a week. So whenever inspiration strikes, just get in touch.