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2-Day Itinerary in Visby: The Town Behind Kiki’s Delivery Service

Have you ever fancied stepping into a Studio Ghibli movie? Make your dream a reality in Visby, Sweden. This medieval UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for its medieval charm, cobblestone streets and well-preserved city walls. This storybook town has a rich history and inspired Hayao Miyazaki’s Kiki’s Delivery Service. Visby has something for everyone: history, nature, culture, food or beach relaxation.

Visby is a fairly small town, so you can easily explore the city in two days. In this post, we’ll give you the best itinerary for Visby. However, if you want to create your own itinerary based on your interests, budget and travel style, you can use Piri Guide’s AI-powered travel planner. Download Piri Guide and say goodbye to spending hours planning your trip.

Day 1 in Visby

Places to Visit

2-Day Itinerary in Visby- Visby Old Town

1. Visby's Old Town

As a former Viking site, Visby was the main centre of the Hanseatic League and thrived especially from the 12th to the 14th centuries. It was a key trading hub, attracting merchants from all over Europe. Today, it is considered the best-preserved fortified commercial city in northern Europe. Walking through the old town you’ll be transported to a different time. Here are some of the places you shouldn’t miss:

✔️ Adelsgatan is the most tourist spot in Visby and can get crowded especially in the summertime. It has some amazing shops making it a great place to buy Gotlandic souvenirs like handmade ceramics, woollen goods, and local honey. 

✔️ Fiskargränd is one of the most photographed places in Visby, with its narrow, rose-covered alleyway that has a dreamlike atmosphere.

✔️ St. Mary’s Cathedral is the only one of the town’s 13 medieval churches that is still standing. This Gothic-style cathedral is Visby’s only active medieval church.

2. Gotland Museum

If you want to find out more about Visby, then the Gotland Museum is an essential visit. It’s got one of Europe’s most significant archaeological collections, so you can learn all about the island’s Viking heritage. You can see centuries-old rune stones, Viking relics, and ancient artefacts in the Fornsalen (Hall of Antiquities), and Europe’s largest silver hoard in the museum’s Treasury. The museum also shows how Gotland was formed, including coral reefs creating the island’s bedrock. Children can enjoy interactive activities such as the Ship o’Joy.

3. Villa Villekulla

Visby’s connection to the big screen doesn’t end with Miyazaki’s Kiki’s Delivery Service. The beloved children’s movie Pippi Longstocking was filmed in Visby as well. Villa Villekulla, the original house of Pippi is open to visitors. This iconic house, originally built in 1902 as an officers’ residence, became a part of pop culture history when it was transformed into the filming location for the 1969 Pippi Longstocking TV series. Now it’s an interactive museum dedicated to the strongest girl in the world.

4. Sunset at Högklint Viewpoint

Högklint Viewpoint is one of Sweden’s most beautiful coastal lookouts. This dramatic cliffside has great views of the town’s medieval rooftops, the huge Baltic Sea and the surrounding countryside. It’s the perfect place to watch the sunset. If you like a bit of a challenge, the hiking route to Högklint takes you through the Södra Hällarna Nature Reserve.

Where to Eat in Visby:​

🍽️ Breakfast: Själsö Bageri 

A craft bakery a few kilometres outside Visby with stone-baked sourdough bread and mouth-watering cinnamon buns. They also have a bred truck at Östercentrum in central Visby.

🍽️ Lunch: Bakfickan

For an authentic Gotlandic meal, stop by Bakfickan, a cosy seafood restaurant near St. Mary’s Cathedral. 

🍽️ Dinner: Surfers – A Flavorful End to the Day

For a change from traditional Swedish food, Surfers offers vibrant Sichuan cuisine in a lively setting. Book a table in advance, as Surfers is one of Visby’s most popular restaurants.

Quick Reminder: You can always create your own travel plan within seconds, using Piri Guide’s AI-powered travel planner. Just download the Piri Guide app!

Day 2 in Visby

Places to Visit

2-Day Itinerary in Visby- Almedalen Park

1. Visby City Wall:

One of the best things to see in Visby is its city walls. This wall was built in the 13th century, is 3.5 kilometres long and is one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval defence structures. It was originally constructed to protect Visby’s Hanseatic trade hub and was designed to defend against foreign invaders and to guard the city from Swedish attackers in the countryside.Sections of the wall you must visit:

✔️The Powder Tower: This defensive tower is one of the oldest parts of the wall.

✔️Dalman’s Gate: This gate has a great viewpoint where you can see Visby’s rooftops and the Baltic Sea.

✔️St. George’s Gate: This gate is historically significant as it led to the hospital for lepers, as well as the Church of St. George, which was outside the town walls.

2.St. Karin’s Church Ruins

St. Karin’s Church Ruins is one of the most impressive medieval landmarks in Visby. It was built in 1233 by the Franciscan order. This grand church is now just a ruin, but it is still gorgeous, with its tall stone arches. The contrast between the ancient Gothic architecture and the open-air surroundings makes it one of the most popular places to take photos in town.

3.Almedalen Park:

Almedalen Park is the quietest place by the water, once Visby’s medieval harbour. Now a green space, it is a great place to relax. Enjoy a coffee or just take in the beautiful views. In Sweden, ‘Almedalen’ is usually linked to the Almedalen Week. This is when important people from the world of Swedish politics meet in the city of Visby every year. During this time, which is held in the 27th week of every year, people from the main political parties in Sweden give speeches in the park.

4. DBW’s Botanical Garden

DBW’s Botanical Garden was created in 1855 by the Sällskapet DBW, and it is a beautiful place with lots of plants from all over the world. It is home to a large number of rare and exotic plants, such as the beautiful Empress Tree and bright red rhododendrons. It is also home to the ruins of St Olof’s Church, which adds to its charm. The garden has been free for anyone to visit since 1970, With its quiet pathways, colourful flower beds and pretty water features, the Visby Botanical Garden is a great place for people who love plants and for people who just want to relax in a peaceful place.

Where to Eat in Visby:

🍽️ Breakfast: Ett Rum För Resande

Start your morning at Ett Rum För Resande, a small and intimate café beloved for its fresh pastries, and cosy atmosphere.

🍽️ Lunch: S:t Hans Garden Café 

For a unique lunch experience, head to S:t Hans Garden Café, a seasonal garden café set within the ruins of a medieval church.

💡 Tip: Since this café is only open during summer, it’s best to check ahead if you’re visiting in early spring or late fall.

🍽️ Dinner: Visby Crêperie & Logi

End your Visby adventure with a delicious meal at Visby Crêperie & Logi, a cosy, French-inspired crêperie known for its savoury and sweet crêpes. 

If you have more days to spare for Visby or just want to explore the nearby cities and towns, you can always plan your trip according to your needs. Download Piri Guide and access hidden gems, interesting spots and more!

Looking for more inspiration. Check out our article on Europe’s best destinations.

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