Six romantic date ideas for Valentine’s Day in Stockholm

A spa day for two

What better way to avoid the February chill than to head to the spa? Centralbadet is a calming oasis along shopping street Drottninggatan, with surprisingly low prices starting from 300 kronor per person for spa entry (Monday-Thursday only, or from 400 kronor at weekends) and the option to enjoy a meal in the eco restaurant afterwards.

It can get busy here at weekends, so either go shortly after opening or book a treatment along with your spa entry, which usually guarantees you can skip the queue.

Also boasting a central location is The Nest at Scandic Downtown Camper, where prices for non-hotel guests start at 395 kronor for a half-day. You can enjoy a mocktail at the rooftop bar once you've finished with the baths and saunas.

And one of the most luxurious spa experiences (with prices to match) is to be had at Yasuragi out in the archipelago. This wellness centre has the Japanese spa tradition as its inspiration, and certainly has the wow factor.

Yasuragi offers relaxation Japanese spa style. Photo: Fredrik Sandberg/Scanpix/TT

Indulge in sweet treats

Add a little something special to your weekend fika by treating your Valentine to some fancy confectionery from the likes of Chokladfabriken or Pärlans Konfektyr, sharing an almost comically large cinnamon bun at Cafe Saturnus, or trying out the pretty-in-pink seasonal specials at American-Swedish favourite Mr Cake.

Alternatively, escape the crowds of the city centre and combine your cake break with a walk, by visiting Konditori Lyran for traditional pastries and views over the water, and then strolling along the coast further south.

Watch the sunset

The classic locations for panoramic sunset views in Stockholm are Monteliusvägen and Skinnarviksberget in Södermalm. You can also head to Evert Taubes Terrass on Riddarholmen which is often a bit calmer and has a fantastic view of the City Hall, or climb up one of the cliffs on the island of Långholmen just to the west of Södermalm.

You can treat your other half to this view at Monteliusvägen. Photo: Susanne Walström/imagebank.sweden.se

Dinner with a difference

Look out over the lights of the city while having a meal at a classic rooftop restaurant such as Tak, Gondolen, or Himlen. 

Alternatively, pick a restaurant that doubles up as a fun date activity by combining burgers with boules or ping pong at Ugglan, American retro style food with mini golf at Swing by Golfbaren, or dining at the bistro at Bio Rio before watching a film.

Get out of the city

If you're hoping to properly unwind from the working week, why not head out of Stockholm and spend an afternoon or the entire weekend wandering round a smaller town? Trosa, Sigtuna and Mariefred are all easily doable for a day trip, even without a car (although that will mean a couple of changes), and each offer a range of cafes and restaurants plus cute streets, shops and shoreline to amble around.

Trosa. Photo: Catherine Edwards/The Local

• Five of the best day trips to do from Stockholm

Go to a bar that's out of the ordinary

For those willing to splash out, the Cadierbaren at the Grand Hotel or Champagnebaren at Södra Teatern are the obvious choices. 

Options for cocktail-lovers are Pharmarium, where you can find themed drinks in an former pharmacy in Gamla Stan, or the award-winning and sleek Tjoget at Hornstull. Or in the Östermalm district head to Melt, where you can enjoy your drinks at a speakeasy-themed bar that even hosts Burlesque Bingo on Thursdays.