Stockholm is spread across 14 islands and is surrounded by the cool waters of Lake Mälaren and the Baltic. It is a city filled with highlights across Europe: there are parts where you feel like you could wondering through the quaint towns of Italy, and others where you could be surrounded by the high-rises of London. Wherever you go though, there are always things to do in Stockholm, and this Ultimate Guide is about just that.
The Swedish capital is genuinely jam-packed with things to do and this guide goes through pretty much everything there is to do. Whether it’s cruises, museums, walks or food, I’ve included all you need to know. I hope that you enjoy it and that it helps you plan your time here.
Without further ado, here are all the things to do in Stockholm, written by somebody who has been here countless times.
Things to do in Stockholm | The Ultimate Guide
Planning Your Trip
Before we get truly started, I wanted to bring up two tools which are going to be helpful during your time in Stockholm. These are:
- Stockholm Card: This covers the entrance fee to most of the attractions and things to do. Whilst it is somewhat pricey up front depending on how long you intend to stay in Stockholm, it does end up with you saving money over time. I would 100% recommend getting it. You can see all of the attractions covered by it here.
- Stockholm Travel Card: The Stockholm Travel Card covers all of your public transport requirements over a set period, including the Metro and bus lines. You can purchase this at any station in the city, or simply download the SL App. For more information, check out the page on the SL website.
I’ve included lots more information in my 48 Hours in Stockholm guide. It covers all of the above, as well as places to stay and things to eat.
Exploring Gamla Stan
Firstly, let’s begin with Gamla Stan the city’s historic Old Town. It is probably the most visited part of the city, and certainly one of the most atmospheric. The layout of the Old Town dates back to the 13th Century, though most of the buildings which remain are merchant houses from the 17th Century.
Without a doubt, this is the most visited section of the city. It isn’t hard to see why; the narrow cobbled streets wind through colourful houses, some leading to hidden courtyards and important buildings. Possibly the most beautiful are Västerlånggatan and Österlånggatan.
If you’ve read my other Stockholm guides, you’ll know that my recommendation is to get lost here. There are so many little boutiques and souvenir shops, along with cafés and restaurants. However, start your time at Stortorget, which is the oldest square in the city. This is probably the most recognisable part of the Old Town and is perfect for an early morning coffee. Nearby is Mårten Trotzigs Gränd, the narrowest street coming in at just 90cm wide!
Key Highlights in Gamla Stan
Aside from the winding streets, there are some notable things to see here. In fact, I’d argue that these are ‘must see’ for my things to do in Stockholm Ultimate Guide.
The first is the Royal Palace (Kungliga Stottet), the residence of the Swedish Royal Family. You’ll find this right at the top of the Old Town and is open to visitors throughout the year. Entrance fees vary depending on what you want to do (see their website for more details), but this is included with your Copenhagen Card. Inside you can see the Royal and State Apartments, as well as the Royal Ballroom. Tickets also allow you to see the Treasury, Museum and even Gardens too. It is a fantastic day out and I’d highly recommend it.
Top Tip: Try to time this with the Changing of the Guard. This takes place at 12:15 each day, with the exception of Sundays where it happens an hour later.
Next to the Royal Palace is the Cathedral, the oldest church in Stockholm. Whilst churches aren’t on the top of everyone’s list for things to do, I personally love this one. The medieval interior is beautiful, as is the pink exterior. If you have stopped by the Royal Palace, this is just next door and is well-worth your time.
Discover Riddarholmen
Riddarholmen is a hidden part of Gamla Stan and is not always seen by tourists. It is a little detour, but one which is definitely worth the time.
This small island is home to the Riddarholmen Church (Riddarholmskyrkan), which actually is the traditional burial home of Swedish monarchs. Because of this Royal history, it is one of the most important and impressive buildings in Stockholm.
What is also nice about Riddarholmen is that it is one of the best places to appreciate the unique island setting of Stockholm. If you view across the water towards Stockholm City Hall and Södermalm you’ll get a beautiful view, especially at sunset.
Discover Stockholm’s World-Class Museums
Now it’s time for the (very) impressive collection of Museums in this city. If you’re looking for things to do in Stockholm, I can promise you that you’ll find something in one of the museums. They range from the fun and musical to the gritty and historical. Fortunately, the very best museums are concentrated into Djurgården making it easy to combine visits. What’s even better is that all of the entrance fees are covered with the Copenhagen Card, so if you’re planning on multiple visits you’ll definitely save money.
| Best museums in Stockholm at a glance: | |
| Best for history: | Vasa Museum |
| Best for photography: | Fotografiska |
| Best for modern art: | Moderna Museet |
| Best for Swedish culture: | Skansen |
| Best for design lovers: | Nationalmuseum |
| Best for music fans: | ABBA Museum |
Vasa Museum
Perhaps my favourite museum in Stockholm is the Vasa Museum. I’d say that if you only have time for one of the museums, make it this one. The museum houses the Vasa warship which sank on its maiden voyage in the 17th Century. Its body was perfectly preserved because it was under the water for over 300 years, and it was then restored and housed in a museum. Now, you can see the Vasa in all its glory and is the only complete ship of its age in the world.
I’d say that you need around 2 hours to really enjoy this museum. You also don’t need any prior knowledge to enjoy it; it is very user-friendly.
Top Tip: This is one of the busiest tourist attractions in Sweden. We arrived just after opening and already a few tour buses had turned up. Get here as early as possible to avoid the crowds. Whilst it is a huge museum, you certainly don’t want too many people here.
Skansen
Skansen is the world’s oldest open-air museum and offers a truly unique and fascinating glimpse into the past of Sweden.
What I like about Skansen is that it forgoes with the classic museum blueprint and instead focusses on traditional, preserved buildings along with costumed interpreters. However, that is not all they offer. In fact, there is an onsite zoo which features species of animals which lived with Nordic communities. You can find moose, otters, eagle owls and even reindeer here, along with other animals which you may encounter in wild Sweden.
The museum becomes particularly popular during seasonal events. It hosts a Christmas market and others throughout the year. A complete list can be found on the Skansen calendar.
I think that this is one of the best things to do in Stockholm. It is just so different to the other attractions. Plus, I’m always a sucker for animals!
ABBA Museum
The ABBA Museum needs no introduction. It celebrates the most famous pop group Sweden – maybe even the world – has produced. It is one of the city’s most fun and interactive attractions and is suitable for all.
Visitors here don’t just learn about ABBA’s rise to fame. You can sing and perform a range of songs with your family and friends, adding a completely different dimension to the museum experience.
After visiting here, I’ve decided that anyone could have fun here. It is one of the best things to do in Stockholm, especially on a rainy day where you just need a pick-me-up.
Viking Museum
The Viking Museum focusses on the medieval populations in Stockholm. To go “viking” was to conduct raiding and plundering overseas, rather than referring to a group or civilisation.
As you’d imagine, the Viking Museum focusses on this and looks at the history of the civilisations which lived in Sweden during this time. Whilst guided tours are available here, my highlight has to be the Ragnfrids Saga ride. This is essentially a slow cart which takes you through the story of a Swedish man from the 10th Century who has to go viking. If you’ve ever been to York’s Jorvik attraction, it is very similar to that. The ride walks you through the story, with 9 languages, and lasts 11 minutes.
Top Tip: The following museums are not on Djurgårten, unlike the other museums above.
Fotografiska
If you are in to your photography then I’d definitely recommend Fotografiska. This is one of the city’s most popular museums and is worth visiting, even if you aren’t a photographer!
The museum hosts rotating exhibitions. Unlike others around the world, this museum celebrates all photographers and styles. Whether it be local or international, professional or amateur, even fashion or portraits, you can find it all here.
What’s more is that Fotografiska is worth visiting for just its impressive setting by the waterfront. The industrial-looking building also boasts an excellent restaurant which gives you panoramic views across the waters.
Nationalmuseum
Found on Norrmalm, the Nationalmuseum is Sweden’s largest art museum. You’ll see it on the waterfront just opposite the Royal Palace.
It houses an incredibly impressive collection of paintings, sculptures, decorative arts and drawings, all covering several centuries and European countries.
Even if art isn’t one of your interests, I think that the building is definitely worth a visit. It has been beautifully restored and is incredibly elegant. You also get spectacular views across the water.
Moderna Museet
On the small island of Skeppsholmen is Moderna Museet, the city’s leading museum for modern and contemporary art.
Inside you’ll find a surprisingly large collection of some of the world’s most famous artists, such as Picasso and Warhol, as well as Scandinavian artists too. Once again, the location of the museum on the peninsula is a great reason to visit. I also like the walk over to Skeppsholmen – it is incredibly peaceful.
Explore Stockholm’s Most Beautiful Neighbourhoods
It goes without saying that one of the best ways to experience Stockholm is to move away from the attractions and head into the distinctive neighbourhoods. Walking around like a local is one of the best things to do in Stockholm. You’ll discover the real culture of the city, as well as secretive cafés and boutiques only known by the residents.
Here are my favourite places to walk about and explore.
Djurgården
I’m going to start with my favourite island; Djurgården. This is so much more than just a sightseeing stop and has a fair amount of heritage to go with it. The beautiful island once was the hunting ground for the Royal Family, but now has much more peaceful and calm feel. In fact, it is the ultimate escape from the busy city.
The highlight for me is Rosendals Trädgård, a famous biodynamic garden which is filled with gardens, woodlands and orchards. Incidentally, this is also where you’ll find one of the best places for a lunch in my humble opinion. Rosendals Trädgårdskafé is located within a large greenhouse in the middle of the park. You can buy delicious food here and feel well-and-truly isolated from the Swedish capital. It is also the perfect place to begin a walk through the park and along the waterfront.
If you are feeling more adventurous, Djurgården is also home to Gröna Lund, Stockholms historic amusement park. Whilst it has been open since 1883, the park also has modern rides now and features live music and other entertainment throughout the year, especially in the summer where it hosts concerts. If you’re after a thrill, or just with family, this is one of the most exciting things to do in Stockholm.
Södermalm
Another of my favourites is the trendy and creative Södermalm. It is often referred to as the hipster neighbourhood of Stockholm and one walk around is enough to see why. There are many independent cafés and vintage shops, as well as plenty of art and design shops. It also happens to be the place where you’ll find some of the best restaurants in the city. No area in Södermalm does this better than SoFo (which stands for “south of Folkungagatan”), which is probably the most popular part of the island and has plenty of shopping opportunities.
Södermalm is also known for having one of the best viewpoints in Stockholm; Monteliusvägen. On a clear day you get views across Lake Mälaren, Gamla Stan, the City Hall and the islands beyond which make up the archipelago. it is best enjoyed at sunset on a sunny day.
Afterwards, head down to the waterfront in the direction of city hall. This is where you’ll find sun lounges which are open to the public, which is perfect for a quick chill by the water.
For a glimpse of modern Stockholm, head to Södermalm, the city’s trendiest and most creative district.
Östermalm: Elegant Streets, Food Halls and Design
From the hipster Södermalm, we’ll now go to the more refined and elegant Östermalm. It offers something a bit different here. Instead of the small shops of Södermalm, you’ll get grand boutiques, and instead of the small passageways of Gamla Stan you’ll see wide avenues.
It is known for its beautiful architecture, but one of the must-see highlights is Östermalm Food Hall (Östermalms Saluhall). It dates back to the 19th Century and is famous for its range of Swedish delicacies and local produce. If you ever wanted to sample the classic Swedish seafood dishes such as gravlax, Skagenröra (creamy prawn salad), or oysters, this is the place to do it.
Top Tip: There is a very good café – Café Pascal – nearby here which is worth a visit. To this day, probably the best cheese toastie I’ve ever had.
Skeppsholmen
The island of Skeppsholmen offers a much more peaceful side of Stockholm. Aside from the Moderna Museet which we’ve spoken about, there isn’t a lot here but the waterfront. The views towards Gamla Stan and the Royal Palace are worth seeing and the island’s isolation means that few tourists end up here. It is perfect for that quiet escape you need.
Experience Stockholm’s Design Scene
If you didn’t know, Stockholm is actually one of the world’s great design capitals. We aren’t talking about IKEA and in fact the city has lots of design stores ranging from the smaller souvenirs to the large interior design pieces.
Wandering around these different stores in Stockholm is an excellent choice especially during the colder months where you might not want to spend too much time outside. You’ll be able to find timeless furniture and innovative fashion right in the heart of Sweden.
Here are some of my must-see places.
Svenskt Tenn
Svenskt Tenn is one of the most famous design stores in Stockholm and has been in the city since 1924. You’ll find it on Strandvägen Boulevard in Östermalm, right by the seafront. It is best known for its distinctive patterns and colourful textiles, with collaborations with Austrian designer Josef Frank.
What I would say is that it is rather expensive, even for Scandinavian prices. Here you can buy luxury furniture which go into the thousands. Even if you aren’t planning on buying anything, this is excellent home-inspiration material. I always love walking around shops like this to take the best ideas home with me.
Designtorget
Designtorget is far more affordable and is a fun little store found in the heart of Östermalm. They have an ever-changing collection of homeware, jewellery and stationary and has a similar vibe to other Scandi shops you’re probably familiar with.
I did enjoy my time walking around here and there are definitely some good items to pick up whether it be for the home or just as a quirky souvenir. If you’re looking for timelessness then this one probably isn’t the one for you.
Nordiska Galleriet
One place that should be high on the list for any interior design lover is Nordiska Galleriet, one of the leading destinations for contemporary furniture in the country.
Once more, we’re in Östermalm and, similarly to Svenskt Tenn, this shop is very high-end. In fact, it showcases some of the most iconic Scandinavian and international brands ranging across furniture, lighting and home accessories. Like I said above, this is perfect for browsing and to admire Scandi design at its best.
Stockholm’s Department Store: NK
NK (Nordiska Kompaniet) is a Stockholm institution and is the city’s grand department store. It has been open since 1902 and has a leading collection of international fashion, beauty, interiors and food. Even if you aren’t necessarily into shopping, go to the building. It is beautiful and has a truly elegant interior.
Södermalm
Lastly, you can’t go to Södermalm and not go to the independent boutiques. There are so many to choose from here and each one has its own unique twist. Some of them, like the interestingly-named Grandpa, sell clothes but also have regular DJ appearances. Others like L:A Brucket sell a beautiful looking (and smelling!) selection of soap and conditioner. Many of these are small and understated, but is arguably where you’ll find the best and most unique souvenirs.
Stockholm’s Food Culture
Swedish cuisine is not very well known across the world. You probably are aware of some of the obvious ones; Swedish meatballs, cinnamon buns, seafood and the coffee culture are all well-known. However, to really get to know it you need to try it. Fortunately for you, Stockholm is the best places to try it.
Experience Swedish Fika
Let me introduce you to Fika. Without a doubt, embracing this tradition fully is one of the best things to do in Stockholm. Fika means coffee, a pause, relax and enjoy some great company, usually accompanied with an excellent pastry or two.
The go-to pastry of choice for much of Sweden is a kanelbulle. This is a cinnamon bun and they range in texture and flavour around Scandinavia. In Sweden, they are quite dense and not quite as sweet when compared to the softer buns in Denmark.
My favourite places to go for Fika culture are:
- Vete-Katten – One of Stockholm’s most famous and legendary cafés operating since 1928. Thing incredibly elegant and sophisticated, with sensational foodie treats.
- Stora Bageriet – Whilst housed in a historic building which has stood for 300 years, Stora Bageriet is a trendy, verging on hipster, café which serves some of the best Fika around. This is one of those places I just keep coming back to.
- Fabrique – A lovely little artisan bakery known for its sourdough bread and exceptional cinnamon buns.
- Café Pascal – Okay, whilst maybe not 100% Fika, this is one of my favourite cafés in Stockholm. They do a range of food items and some truly outstanding coffee. Be warned though, it is quite small and seats go fast.
Try Traditional Swedish Food
Outside of Fika, Stockholm is the place to go for discovering traditional Swedish cuisine. The dishes reflect the nearby countryside and the provisions which were available to people over time.
Whilst there are many different dishes for you to try, I’ve narrowed down my favourite in the following list.
- Swedish meatballs (köttbullar) – You’ve almost certainly heard of these through IKEA. Similarly to the big blue and yellow shop, they are traditionally served with mashed potatoes, lingonberry jam and creamy sauce. I can confirm though that they are even better in Stockholm. If you want to try these at their best, I’d recommend Meatballs for the People in Södermalm.
- Gravlax – This dish consists of cured (with salt and sugar) salmon, which is often served with dill, a mustard sauce and some bread. Think the taste of raw salmon with the texture of smoked salmon. Very nice all in all.
- Toast Skagen – If you aren’t aware, this is a popular seafood dish made with prawns, mayonnaise, dill and lemon served on, well you guessed it, toast.
- Pyttipanna – This is the Scandi equivalent of a hash and consists of diced potatoes, onions and meat. It is then often topped with a fried egg.
- Smörgåsbord – One which needs no introduction; this is a Swedish buffet featuring a variety of hot and cold dishes.
You can find these dishes all around the city. Undoubtedly on of the best places to try is Restaurant Pelikan. It is a great option for sampling traditional Swedish dishes in Södermalm. For somewhere which is more of a fine dining experience, I’d suggest Oaxen Krog & Slip.
Top Tip: For a more affordable way to experience Stockholm’s food scene, look for lunch menus (dagens lunch), which often offer excellent value compared with dinner prices.
Visit Stockholm’s Food Halls
If you’re a regular reader of my blog, you’ll know that I love a good food hall. Whether you’re in Europe or further afield, they’re often the best places to find the authentic food. The quality is also usually extremely good and you’ll find food which is that little bit less touristy and more local
Stockholm is no exception and has an excellent selection. Östermalms Saluhall is the largest and most famous food hall in the city. Not only is the restored building beautiful, but it is here where you’ll find some of the finest foods in the city. There is lots of variety and I promise you’ll be spoilt for choice. There are even a few cafés and restaurants here which are some of the best restaurants in the city. One of which is Lisa Elmqvist, which is the place to head to if you want to try Stockholm’s historic seafood heritage.
Top Tip: We went to Östermalms Saluhall during lunchtime and is it was heaving. Is you like a lively atmosphere, this is a good time to go. Otherwise visit slightly earlier / later to avoid the crowds.
For an alternative food hall, try Hötorgshallen. This is near Segels Torg in Norrmalm. This has a mixture of different cuisines here, but is a little bit more local and smaller too.
Enjoy Stockholm’s Waterfront Dining
It would be remiss of me not to recommend waterfront dining during a post about things to do in Stockholm. Without doubt, some of the best views (which we’ll get on to) are by the waterfront in the evening. When accompanied with a beer and food, this is easily one of the ultimate Stockholm experiences.
Being the more touristy location, you’re best bet for this is in Gamla Stan, although Södermalm is also an excellent choice.
Discover the Best Views in Stockholm
Of course, Stockholm is best known for its views. Being part of an archipelago, you could argue that Stockholm was built with views in mind. The architecture has been built with this in mind and many of the best views are on the top of the roofs of tall buildings, or up a hilltop.
Whether you are looking for that perfect sunset spot or just a place to admire the city, these viewpoints are worth adding to your itinerary.
Here are some of my favourites:
| Best Viewpoints in Stockholm at a glance: | |
| Monteliusvägen: | Great for sunset views, photography and a romantic evening walk. |
| Stockholm City Hall Tower: | Outstanding for first-time visitors and classic Stockholm photographs. |
| Skinnarviksberget: | A personal favourite for sunset picnics and a more local atmosphere. |
| Rooftop bars: | Try one for evening drinks and experiencing Stockholm after dark. |
| Best for music fans: | The one-and-only ABBA Museum |
Top Tip: If you only have time for one viewpoint, make it Monteliusvägen. It’s free, easy to reach and offers one of the most iconic views of Stockholm.
Monteliusvägen
I’ve mentioned it a fair few times already, but let me hammer home the point that Monteliusvägen is a must-do. You’ll find this scenic path along the cliffs of Södermalm. Whilst it is a bit of a climb to get here (buses are available, too!), I promise that it is worth the effort. You’ll be able to see right over Gamla Stan, the beautiful Stockholm City Hall, as well as over Lake Mälaren and over the islands beyond.
Surprisingly, Monteliusvägen is actually quite peaceful. Even though it is popular amongst locals and tourists, this lookout spot rarely is covered with tourists. In fact, when we most recently came up here we practically had the place to ourselves.
Stockholm City Hall Tower
Another recommendation I need to give you is to go up Stockholm’s City Hall Tower. You may have seen the City Hall on the news; it actually is famous for hosting the annual Nobel Prize banquet.
The 106m tower is only open from May through to September and costs 100 SEK (approximately £7.82). It is not included in the Stockholm Card.
What makes this view so impressive is the location right on the waterfront. This particular setting is one of the nicest parts of the city, and the viewpoint is definitely worth those 365 steps up.
Skinnarviksberget
If you’re after somewhere which is a bit more off of the tourist trail, consider Skinnarviksberget, the highest natural point in central Stockholm. Once more you’ll find this lovely park in Södermalm.
This is definitely the most local viewpoint. In fact, it is especially popular at sunset and local people often come here for picnics and for drinks.
My recommendation is to join them and to enjoy one of Stockholm’s best free experiences.
Enjoy the View from a Rooftop Bar
If you’re after a more of a lively atmosphere, consider one of Stockholm’s rooftop bars. They’re an incredibly memorable way to see the city, especially during the evenings.
If I could recommend a few, I would start with Tak. This is a fusion of Swedish and Japanese cuisine, but it also has a fabulous rooftop bar. I particularly like this because of my love of Japanese food…
The next one I’d recommend is Stockholm Under Stjärnorna, which is a highly popular rooftop spot for the younger people in Stockholm. You have some excellent views here overlooking the city.
Explore Stockholm from the Water
It will come as no surprise that the ultimate way to explore Stockholm is by water. With around 30,000 islands, islets and rocky skerries to see, a boat enables you to cover the biggest majority of the city. I’d also add that the city is especially green and beautiful; cruising here really does not feel like you’re in a modern city hub.
Whether you have just a few hours or a day to spare, there are plenty of ways to discover Stockholm’s coastline and hidden corners. Here are some of my favourites.
Take a Stockholm Archipelago Tour
If you’ve read any of my other Stockholm content, you’ll know that a cruise around the Archipelago is one of the highest things to do on my list.
There are plenty of different providers which operate this and you’ll see them along the coastline. With your Stockholm Card, you actually get an archipelago cruise included with this. The cruise actually takes you to Vaxholm which is commonly known as the Archipelago City. Each journey to and from Vaxholm takes 90 minutes and you also get time to explore. I think that this is a great option if you’re keen to explore.
Other possibilities for exploring include the islands of Fjäderholmarna and Grinda. The former is one of the easiest islands to visit and is perfect for a half-day trip. It is also included with your Stockholm Card. Grinda is another small, peaceful island with plenty of walking trails, and is also included.
Our cruise though didn’t include a stop. We first visited Lovely Cruises and, whilst their reviews are excellent, it was then sadly cancelled. After that, we went to Stromma and had a really lovely time. Neither of these were included in the Stockholm Card, but it was definitely money well spent.
See Stockholm’s Landmarks from the Water
If you don’t have time for / don’t fancy the full archipelago cruise, your Stockholm Card also includes a sightseeing cruise. As I’ve said, the water is probably the best mode of transport to see all of the main city attractions and landmarks.
The highlights cruise which comes with your Card lasts 2 hours and 15 minutes. I think that this is best enjoyed at the start of your journey.
Take the Ferry Like a Local
If you haven’t invested in the Stockholm Card and want an affordable way of seeing the landmarks of Stockholm, I’d recommend taking the ferry like the locals do.
There are ferries which connect much of the islands and you can very easily tie this in to trips to other islands as you explore the city.
Discover Stockholm’s Hidden Gems
We’ve covered the more popular attractions in Stockholm, but there are some which are not as well known. They aren’t necessarily on the tourist trail and can offer some of the most memorable experiences with your time.
You may have heard of these, or you may have not. Either way, they include some of my favourite things to see in Stockholm.
Explore Stockholm’s Metro Art
If you didn’t know, Stockholm’s Metro system is actually a large art gallery. Really; more than 90 of the stations feature artwork created from over 150 artists. What’s even better is that they are all completely free to explore with just one Metro ticket.
In some stations you have vivid colours and in others you have almost historic-looking sculptures. Here are some of the most impressive stations:
- T-Centralen – Probably the most famous one. It has a blue and white cave-like design and is featured on many pieces of art around Stockholm.
- Solna Centrum – Best known for its dramatic red and green forest-inspired artwork.
- Stadion – This features a very colourful rainbow design which is inspired by the 1912 Stockholm Olympics.
- Kungsträdgården – Lastly, we have one of the most unusual stations. This has an archaeological-inspired interior and references Stockholm’s history.
Visit Fjäderholmarna Island
If you want to explore the Stockholm Archipelago but don’t have the time for an entire day trip, might I suggest Fjädaerholmarna? I’ve mentioned it in the above section, but let’s go into a little more detail.
As said, it is included in your Stockholm Card. The boat ride over here takes just 30 minutes and you’ll then have the time to explore the island. It is far more traditionally Sweden than the majority of Stockholm. You have the colourful wooden buildings and scenic paths through an open outdoor space.
It’s an easy half-day escape when you want the sea air and countryside quiet, but without travelling too far.
Discover Stockholm’s Smaller Museums and Cultural Spaces
Aside from the city’s headline museums, Stockholm has plenty of smaller cultural attractions just waiting to be sought out.
Some of my favourites include:
- Millesgården – The former home of a former artist. It also features a sculpture garden overlooking the water. Entrance is 170 SEK (£13.29) for an adult or is free with a Stockholm Card.
- Spritmuseum – This quirky museum explores Swedish drinking culture and includes the history of aquavit. This attraction is included with the Stockholm Card and is 190 SEK (£14.85) for an adult.
- Nobel Prize Museum – A fun museum which focusses on the legendary Nobel Prize (which originated here) and its winners over the years. Entrance costs 160 SEK for an adult (£12.50), or is free with a Stockholm Card.
- Tekniska – If you love science then this is the museum for you! With plenty of interactive exhibits, this one is perfect for families. This is again included with the Stockholm Card or costs 145 SEK (£11.33) for an adult.
I’ve only included the few museums which I have been to, however the vast majority of these are included in the Stockholm Card. Check out their website to see everything which is included.
Visit Bergianska Trädgården
My final hidden gem is Bergianska Trädgården, otherwise known as Stockholm’s botanical gardens. I don’t know about you, but I love a good botanical garden. There is something so special and peaceful about them. In particular, I like seeing the thousands of plant species from across the world, as well as the carefully landscaped gardens.
In my opinion, this is a really good example of a botanical garden. As you’d expect, it is best enjoyed in the spring and summer when the flowers are in bloom.
Entrance to the outdoor part of the gardens is completely free for all. However, they charge 100 SEK (£7.82) per adult to go inside the historic greenhouses. I think that this is worth the money as they are beautiful.
FAQs
Lastly, I thought that I would end with some FAQs to help you plan your trip. I’ve included as many practical tips as possible to help you get the most out of your trip.
How Many Days Do You Need in Stockholm?
In my opinion, you probably need 3 full days to really experience Stockholm. However, you could very easily spend a little more, which would allow you to go further afield.
I’ve written a few guides on this. If you are looking for a shorter itinerary, check out my guide on 48 hours in Stockholm. Should you want a bit longer, have a look at my guide on the best day trips from Stockholm. With this guide you’re reading now, you’ll have everything you need.
When is the Best Time to Visit Stockholm?
Stockholm is stunning whenever you visit. Personally, I prefer the early spring; you get that lovely crisp air and, on a sunny day, it feels authentically Scandinavian. Additionally, there are fewer tourists around. Alternatively, you could come in the autumn which is ideal for the leaf colours and the cosy fireplaces.
Of course, the peak time is summer. Don’t get me wrong, this is still a lovely time to visit and the weather will be its best. Having said that, you’ll have far more tourists.
Is Stockholm Expensive?
Stockholm is quite expensive, yes. It is not quite in the region of Norway or Iceland, but it is still notably more expensive than the majority of the UK. Think Paris / London prices throughout.
Final Thoughts | Things to do in Stockholm
Phew! That’s all for my ultimate guide for things to do in Stockholm. As I’m sure you’ll agree, there is plenty to do and see here, and you could spend a good week pottering about and enjoying yourself. It is a truly special capital and one which any seasoned traveller should aim to visit.
I hope that you found this ultimate guide useful and if you have any questions please ask. I always love hearing from you.
