Time Out x Arlanda express: The ultimate concert & city guide to Stockholm

Concert day, let’s go! You know what they say: a good day starts with a solid foundation. Luckily, Stockholm has a ton of stellar breakfast options. If you're on Södermalm, Svedjan and Drop Coffee are local favorites, while the all-organic Skeppsbro Bageri in Gamla Stan serves up great sandwiches made with freshly baked bread. 

But if you really want to set the tone for an epic day? Why not go for something Latin American? Volca Coffee on Kungsholmen roasts its own beans, so if you're serious about your brew, this is a great place to go. Best of all, you can pair your morning cup with an array of traditional Latin American pastries and snacks – think flaky empanadas, decadent tres leches cake, and irresistible cheesy breads.

Want to amp up your look for tonight's concert? Head to the island of Södermalm and the streets around Mariatorget and Zinkensdamm. This is the heart of Södermalm’s vintage scene – an area unofficially known as Stockholm's slow-fashion district. 

On and around Hornsgatan you'll find Beyond Retro, Judits and Herr Judit, Siv & Åke and the military/workwear paradise Broadway & Son. Nearby is also the famous Monteliusvägen, a small gravel walking path that offers stunning views of Stockholm.

Pro tip: Pick up an ice coffee on Baggio first.

Still on Hornsgatan? Two great options that won't dig too big of a hole in your wallet are Falafelbaren, which offers the city's best falafel and an addictive amba sauce, and its almost-neighbor – the organic Kalf & Hansen. Aim for the vegetarian frikadeller or their famous tunnbrödsrulle, which comes with an artisan chorizo-style sausage, prawn salad, and homemade mash.

Lastly, if you want to keep on the budget side but go Latin, Xulo – which serves awesome quesabirria tacos and spicy, cheesy papas just a short walk from the central station – has our warmest recommendations.

Head over to charming Nytorget and hit up POP Stockholm if you’re still hunting for that perfect look for tonight. Then, continue to the vibrant bar Lykke for some matcha lattes or white sangria. Or try their hot honey burger if you're still looking for lunch options. For another serious fika item to consider at Nytorget, you should walk over to Pärlans. During the summertime, they serve a delicious soft serve with a hot fudge topping that is incredibly smooth. Besides that, Socker Sucker and its puff pastry galore is our top contender if you happen to be near Drottninggatan and if you are over at Djurgården, Slipen Bakery is almost worth the trip alone.

Time to get back to your hotel and start getting ready for the concert. The best way to get to the venue, Strawberry Arena? Take the commuter train from Södermalm (Stockholm Södra), Stockholm City, or Odenplan straight to Solna Station. Alternatively, you can hop on the subway's Blue Line and get off at Näckrosen, followed by a 15-minute walk. Arriving at the adjacent Mall of Scandinavia is a great option, as the mall is hosting a four-day festival with lots of events leading up to the Bad Bunny concerts. Some good news is that the commuter train capacity has been increased for the concert weekend.

Step inside Sweden’s massive national stadium, a hyper-modern venue that holds up to 75,000 screaming fans at maximum capacity.  Finding your spot among tens of thousands of fellow music lovers is an experience all on its own. When that dembow beat drops at "Tití Me Preguntó", the entire arena will be jumping.

Don’t want those percussions to stop drumming? Stockholm's nightlife is ready to deliver. If you want to keep the Caribbean and Latin vibes pulsing on the dancefloor, two prime spots are Josefinas on Djurgården and Club Caribe at Biblioteket Live on Söder – perfect for keeping that "Después de la Playa" energy going late into the night. 

Just looking for a classic, high-energy nightclub experience instead? Aim for Trädgården or the electric outdoor courtyard at Nosh and Chow. Expect a cover charge at the door and remember to dress sharp.

Feeling peckish? Although Stockholmers are constantly scorned by the rest of the country for having subpar kebab, there are still a few good spots that hit the mark after midnight.

If you spent your post-concert hours partying at Trädgården, then Kebabkungen Skanstull is your ultimate late-night beacon, serving hungry crowds all the way until 4:00 AM. The same goes for the old school Stockholm staple Södergrillen, serving up their burgers in classic styrofoam boxes. Alternatively, the chain Max Burgers is another option with generous opening hours for when you crave some  after midnight-fries.

Don't spend your last day dragging suitcases over Stockholm's cobblestones. Flying with SAS, Norwegian, Lufthansa or Austrian Airlines? Then you can use the highly convenient luggage check-in service provided by the Arlanda express and drop your bags off in advance at their lounge at Stockholm Central station. From that moment on, your luggage is fully taken care of and sent all the way to your final destination, leaving you completely hands-free to enjoy your final hours in Stockholm. 

The best part? The service is included in your train ticket. So when it's time to leave, you can just hop on the train and relax. 

Time to fuel up and unpack the night before. If you’re looking for a brunch, you’ve got great options; the legendary pan-Asian feast at Berns Asiatiska, the cozy glass patio at Bleck, the scenic Café Klotet, or the chic, high-end setting of Villa Dagmar. Just craving salt and grease? Pom Friterie has the best fries in town (seriously, they're next level). Or if you'd rather explore a new neighborhood, brunch at Junos in Kungsholmen is a favorite as well as Hasselssons in Vasastan for the ultimate fish and chips.

You are probably completely wiped out after the last two days of escapades. Now it’s time to chill out, relax, and recharge your energy before the trip back home. 

While a pro move would have been booking a day pass at one of the city's top spas, a fantastic alternative is to pick up some great food to go, grab a picnic blanket, and head straight for a beach or park. Opt for the lively Rålambshovsparken (Rålis) on Kungsholmen or the beach area over at Tantolunden in Södermalm. Park yourself in horizontal mode and just breathe.

And when it's time to head back to the airport? Simply hop on the Arlanda express. Remember, it’s only 18 minutes to the terminal – plus it runs constantly and has free Wi-Fi. Taking the train gives you the absolute maximum amount of time to relax in the park instead of wasting your final hours sweating in traffic or waiting on a slow bus.

Want to make your trip even smoother? Book your Arlanda express tickets in advance here.

And just like that, the show is over. You've officially conquered the ultimate concert weekend in Stockholm. Safe travels home and we'll see you at the next encore!