Discover Stockholm

Your complete guide to this amazing destination

Discover the best things to do in Stockholm, Sweden with our 2025 travel guide. Explore top attractions, hidden gems, and plan your perfect Stockholm itinerary. Find the best things to do in Stockholm for an unforgettable trip.

Discovery Insights

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Local Insider Secrets

1

Visit the Vasa Museum on Tuesdays at 8:30 AM when they open to avoid the biggest crowds. Enter through the side entrance near the information desk for quicker access.

2

Buy a SL Access card for public transport – it’s cheaper than single tickets. Download the 'SL' app to plan your route and track bus times. Stand on the right side of the escalator and let people pass on the left.

3

A realistic budget for 3 days in Stockholm is approximately SEK 3000-4500. This includes: Meals (SEK 500-700 per day), Transport (SEK 165 per day), Attractions (SEK 300-500 per day), Miscellaneous (SEK 100-200 per day).

4

Head to Hötorgshallen market for local produce and delicacies. Bargain politely, especially towards closing time. Look for saffron buns ('lussebullar') during the Christmas season and cloudberry jam ('hjortronsylt') as souvenirs.

5

Avoid the tourist trap restaurants on Västerlånggatan in Gamla Stan – they are overpriced and often serve mediocre food. Instead, try Stockholms Gastabud (Österlånggatan 7) for traditional Swedish cuisine at reasonable prices.

6

Attend the Stockholm Film Festival in November for a cinematic experience. Be aware that public transport can be crowded during the festival, and some streets may be closed for events.

Dining & Food

Best Cafes

Drop Coffee Roasters,Johan & Nyström,Espresso House

Top Restaurants

Frantzén,Oaxen Krog,Ekstedt

Food Markets

Östermalms Saluhall,Hötorgshallen,Söderhallarna

6 Photo Spots

1

Vasa Museum

Photograph the ship from multiple levels for different perspectives.

2

Gamla Stan (Old Town)

Capture the colorful buildings along Stortorget.

3

Skansen Open-Air Museum

Photograph the traditional buildings and costumes.

4

Stockholm Royal Palace

Photograph the palace facade and the changing of the guard.

5

Fotografiska

Capture the city views from the restaurant.

6

Stockholm Archipelago

Photograph the islands from the boat or kayak.

Budget Breakdown

Free Activities

  • Walking tour of Gamla Stan
  • Exploring the parks of Djurgården
  • Visiting the free exhibitions at Moderna Museet (select days)

Budget-Friendly

  • Lunch at a local cafe (SEK 100-150)
  • Public transportation day pass (SEK 165)
  • Visiting Skogskyrkogården cemetery (Free)

Splurge-Worthy

  • Fine dining experience at a Michelin-starred restaurant (SEK 1000+)
  • Private boat tour of the archipelago (SEK 5000+)
  • Luxury hotel stay (SEK 3000+ per night)

Quick Facts

Total Attractions: 13

Free Activities: 3

Average Time per Attraction: 1-2 hours

Walking Friendly: Yes

Public Transport Quality: Excellent

Complete Stockholm Guide

1

Vasa Museum

Moderate 2-3 hours

The Vasa Museum is home to the incredibly well-preserved Vasa warship, which sank on its maiden voyage in 1628. It's a fascinating, if slightly soberi...

Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the biggest crowds....
2

Gamla Stan (Old Town)

Moderate 2-3 hours

Wander through the charming cobblestone streets of Gamla Stan, Stockholm's Old Town. Here, you'll find colorful buildings, the Royal Palace, and numer...

Explore the side streets to find hidden courtyards and quiet cafes....
3

Skansen Open-Air Museum

Moderate 2-3 hours

Skansen is the world's oldest open-air museum, showcasing Swedish life throughout history. Explore historic buildings, watch craft demonstrations, and...

Check the daily schedule for demonstrations and performances....
4

Stockholm Royal Palace

Moderate 2-3 hours

The Royal Palace is the official residence of the Swedish monarch. Explore the State Apartments, Treasury, and Royal Armoury. Watch the changing of th...

Arrive early for the changing of the guard to secure a good viewing spot....
5

Fotografiska

Moderate 2-3 hours

Fotografiska is a contemporary photography museum showcasing a variety of exhibitions. It's a great place to see thought-provoking and visually stunni...

Visit on a weekday evening for a less crowded experience....

Vasa Museum

Moderate 2-3 hours Photo Spot

The Vasa Museum is home to the incredibly well-preserved Vasa warship, which sank on its maiden voyage in 1628. It's a fascinating, if slightly sobering, glimpse into Sweden's maritime past. You can explore the ship's many decks and learn about the lives of the sailors who sailed on her. It’s one of the must-see places in Stockholm, and I think you'll find it pretty impressive.

Insider Tip

Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the biggest crowds.

Practical Information

How to Get There: Take tram 7 or bus 67 to the Djurgården stop. It's a short walk from there.
Opening Hours: Open daily 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (extended hours during summer)
Cost: SEK 190 for adults, free for children under 18

Gamla Stan (Old Town)

Moderate 2-3 hours Photo Spot

Wander through the charming cobblestone streets of Gamla Stan, Stockholm's Old Town. Here, you'll find colorful buildings, the Royal Palace, and numerous shops and restaurants. It's a great place to just get lost and soak up the atmosphere. Don't miss Stortorget, the main square, which has a rather dark history. Gamla Stan is definitely one of the best things to do in Stockholm.

Insider Tip

Explore the side streets to find hidden courtyards and quiet cafes.

Practical Information

How to Get There: Take the metro to Gamla Stan station.
Opening Hours: Open 24/7 (shops and restaurants have varying hours)
Cost: Free to enter, costs vary for attractions and shops
Website: null

Skansen Open-Air Museum

Moderate 2-3 hours Photo Spot

Skansen is the world's oldest open-air museum, showcasing Swedish life throughout history. Explore historic buildings, watch craft demonstrations, and see native animals. It's a fun and educational experience for all ages. It's the kind of place you might linger longer than expected, just absorbing the atmosphere. Definitely consider this when planning what to do in Stockholm.

Insider Tip

Check the daily schedule for demonstrations and performances.

Practical Information

How to Get There: Take tram 7 or bus 67 to the Skansen stop.
Opening Hours: Open daily 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (seasonal variations)
Cost: SEK 220 for adults, SEK 60 for children (seasonal variations)

Stockholm Royal Palace

Moderate 2-3 hours Photo Spot

The Royal Palace is the official residence of the Swedish monarch. Explore the State Apartments, Treasury, and Royal Armoury. Watch the changing of the guard ceremony, which is quite a spectacle. It's a grand building and definitely one of the top attractions in Stockholm. I found the view surprisingly calming.

Insider Tip

Arrive early for the changing of the guard to secure a good viewing spot.

Practical Information

How to Get There: Take the metro to Gamla Stan station.
Opening Hours: Open daily 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (seasonal variations)
Cost: SEK 180 for adults, SEK 90 for children

Fotografiska

Moderate 2-3 hours Photo Spot

Fotografiska is a contemporary photography museum showcasing a variety of exhibitions. It's a great place to see thought-provoking and visually stunning works. The museum also has a restaurant with fantastic views of the city. I think this is a great option when considering what to do in Stockholm.

Insider Tip

Visit on a weekday evening for a less crowded experience.

Practical Information

How to Get There: Take the metro to Slussen station, then walk along Stadsgårdshamnen.
Opening Hours: Open daily 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM (extended hours on weekends)
Cost: SEK 175 for adults, free for children under 12

Stockholm Archipelago

Moderate 2-3 hours Photo Spot

Explore the stunning Stockholm Archipelago, a collection of thousands of islands and islets. Take a boat tour, go kayaking, or visit one of the charming island villages. It's a great way to escape the city and experience the natural beauty of Sweden. This is one of the best things to do in Stockholm if you love nature.

Insider Tip

Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy on one of the islands.

Practical Information

How to Get There: Take a boat tour from Strömkajen or Nybroplan.
Opening Hours: Varies depending on the tour operator and season.
Cost: Varies depending on the tour and duration.
Website: null

Moderna Museet

Moderate 2-3 hours Photo Spot

The Moderna Museet houses Sweden's national collection of modern and contemporary art. Explore works by Picasso, Dalí, and Warhol, among others. It's a must-visit for art lovers. It is perhaps one of the most interesting places to visit in Stockholm for art enthusiasts.

Insider Tip

Visit on a Tuesday evening for free admission.

Practical Information

How to Get There: Take bus 65 to the Moderna Museet stop.
Opening Hours: Open Tuesday-Sunday 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (until 8:00 PM on Tuesdays)
Cost: SEK 150 for adults, free for children under 18

Östermalms Saluhall

Moderate 2-3 hours Photo Spot

Östermalms Saluhall is a historic food hall offering a wide variety of high-quality food and drink. Sample local delicacies, buy fresh produce, or enjoy a meal at one of the restaurants. The hall itself is beautiful with stunning architecture. It's a great place to experience Swedish food culture. Some say it's the best food hall in Stockholm.

Insider Tip

Try the traditional Swedish meatballs at Lisa Elmqvist.

Practical Information

How to Get There: Take the metro to Östermalmstorg station.
Opening Hours: Open Monday-Saturday 9:30 AM - 7:00 PM (closed Sundays)
Cost: Free to enter, costs vary for food and drink

Meatballs for the People

Moderate 2-3 hours Photo Spot

Meatballs for the People (or 'Köttbullar för folket') is a restaurant dedicated to, you guessed it, meatballs! They offer a variety of meatball dishes, including traditional Swedish meatballs and more creative variations. It's a popular spot for both locals and tourists. It is perhaps the best spot to try authentic meatballs, and is one of the fun things to do in Stockholm.

Insider Tip

Try the reindeer meatballs for a unique Swedish experience.

Practical Information

How to Get There: Take the metro to Södermalmstorg station, then walk along Nytorgsgatan.
Opening Hours: Open daily 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Cost: Moderate (SEK 200-300 per person)

Södermalm

Moderate 2-3 hours Photo Spot

Södermalm is a trendy district known for its hip cafes, vintage shops, and vibrant nightlife. Explore the streets around SoFo (South of Folkungagatan) for the best shopping and dining. Take in the views from Monteliusvägen. It's a great place to experience Stockholm's modern culture. If you're looking for fun things to do in Stockholm, this is it.

Insider Tip

Explore the independent boutiques and vintage stores in SoFo.

Practical Information

How to Get There: Take the metro to Slussen or Medborgarplatsen station.
Opening Hours: Varies depending on the shops and restaurants.
Cost: Free to enter, costs vary for shopping and dining.
Website: null

Abba The Museum

Moderate 2-3 hours Photo Spot

For fans of the iconic Swedish pop group ABBA, this interactive museum is a must-visit. Sing along to their hits, try on virtual costumes, and learn about the band's history. It's a fun and engaging experience. Some people might think it is touristy, but it's difficult to deny the appeal. It's definitely one of the things to do in Stockholm for music lovers.

Insider Tip

Book your tickets online in advance to avoid queues.

Practical Information

How to Get There: Take tram 7 or bus 67 to the Liljevalchs/Gröna Lund stop.
Opening Hours: Open daily 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (extended hours during summer)
Cost: SEK 250 for adults, SEK 95 for children

The Hairy Pig Deli

Moderate 2-3 hours Photo Spot

The Hairy Pig Deli is a charming spot known for its delicious charcuterie boards and sandwiches. It's a great place to grab a quick and tasty lunch or a snack. They use high-quality ingredients and offer a variety of local and international cheeses and meats. It's a real treat, and one of the best things to do in Stockholm for foodies, or at least, I think so.

Insider Tip

Try the wild boar sausage for a unique Swedish flavor.

Practical Information

How to Get There: Located in Gamla Stan (Old Town), near Stortorget.
Opening Hours: Open daily, 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Cost: Budget-friendly (SEK 100-200 per person)

Drottningholm Palace

Moderate 2-3 hours Photo Spot

Drottningholm Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the private residence of the Swedish royal family. Explore the palace's beautiful gardens, the Chinese Pavilion, and the Drottningholm Palace Theatre. It's a great day trip from Stockholm. The best things to do in Stockholm sometimes require a short trip outside of the city center.

Insider Tip

Take a boat tour to Drottningholm for a scenic journey.

Practical Information

How to Get There: Take the metro to Brommaplan station, then take bus 177 to Drottningholm.
Opening Hours: Open daily 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (seasonal variations)
Cost: SEK 150 for adults, SEK 75 for children

Getting Around

Stockholm has an excellent public transportation system, making it easy to get around the city. The metro (Tunnelbana) is efficient and connects most of the major attractions. Buses and trams are also readily available. Consider purchasing a travel card for unlimited travel within a specified period. Walking is another great way to explore Stockholm, especially in areas like Gamla Stan and Södermalm. Many attractions are within walking distance of each other, and you'll discover hidden gems along the way. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, as you'll likely be doing a lot of walking. For travel to the archipelago, boats are the primary mode of transportation. Several tour operators offer boat tours to various islands. You can also use the regular ferry service, which is integrated into the public transportation system.

Transportation Tips:

  • Check local transport apps for real-time updates
  • Consider day passes for multiple journeys
  • Download offline maps before exploring
  • Ask locals for the best routes and shortcuts

Where to Stay

Gamla Stan (Old Town) is a charming area to stay, with its historic buildings and central location. However, accommodation here tends to be more expensive. Södermalm is a trendy district with a wide range of hotels and hostels, offering a more budget-friendly option. Norrmalm, the city center, is convenient for transportation and shopping. Östermalm is an upscale area with luxury hotels and elegant apartments. Consider staying in Vasastan for a quieter neighborhood with good access to parks and museums. Djurgården offers unique accommodation options, such as hotels near the Vasa Museum and Skansen. Airbnb is also a popular option in Stockholm, offering a variety of apartments and rooms for rent in different neighborhoods. Consider the proximity to public transportation when choosing your accommodation.

Accommodation Tips:

  • Book early for better rates and availability
  • Consider location vs price when choosing areas
  • Check transport links to major attractions
  • Read recent reviews for the most current information

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Stockholm is during the summer months (June-August), when the weather is warm and sunny. This is the peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds and higher prices. Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Winter (November-March) can be cold and dark, but it also has its charm. You can experience the Christmas markets, ice skating, and the Northern Lights (although sightings are not guaranteed). Be prepared for shorter daylight hours and potential snow. Consider visiting during Midsummer (late June) for a traditional Swedish celebration. Be aware that many shops and restaurants may be closed during this holiday.

Seasonal Highlights:

  • Check local events and festivals
  • Consider weather patterns for outdoor activities
  • Book accommodations early during peak seasons
  • Off-season visits often offer better value

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1: Explore Gamla Stan, visit the Royal Palace, and enjoy a traditional Swedish lunch. In the afternoon, visit the Vasa Museum and take a stroll along the waterfront. In the evening, have dinner in Södermalm. Day 2: Visit Skansen Open-Air Museum and learn about Swedish history and culture. In the afternoon, explore Djurgården and visit the ABBA The Museum (if you're a fan). In the evening, enjoy a boat tour of the Stockholm Archipelago. Day 3: Visit Moderna Museet and explore the modern art collection. In the afternoon, visit Östermalms Saluhall and sample local delicacies. In the evening, enjoy dinner at Meatballs for the People and experience authentic Swedish meatballs. Day 4: Take a day trip to Drottningholm Palace and explore the palace gardens and the Chinese Pavilion. Alternatively, explore more of Södermalm and visit the Fotografiska photography museum. Consider a cooking class to learn to make traditional Swedish dishes.

Itinerary Tips:

  • Book major attractions and dining reservations in advance
  • Allow flexibility for spontaneous discoveries
  • Keep backup indoor activities for weather changes
  • Mix popular sights with local neighborhood exploration

When is the best time to visit Stockholm?

The best time to visit Stockholm is The best time to visit Stockholm is during the summer months (June-August), when the weather is warm and sunny. This is the peak tourist season, so expect larger crowds and higher prices. Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds. Winter (November-March) can be cold and dark, but it also has its charm. You can experience the Christmas markets, ice skating, and the Northern Lights (although sightings are not guaranteed). Be prepared for shorter daylight hours and potential snow. Consider visiting during Midsummer (late June) for a traditional Swedish celebration. Be aware that many shops and restaurants may be closed during this holiday.. This period offers ideal weather conditions and optimal experiences for most attractions and activities.

How many days should I spend in Stockholm?

We recommend spending at least 3-4 days in Stockholm to see the main attractions. For a more comprehensive experience, 5-7 days allows you to explore hidden gems and enjoy a more relaxed pace.

What are the must-see attractions in Stockholm?

The top attractions include Vasa Museum, Gamla Stan (Old Town), Skansen Open-Air Museum. These represent the essence of Stockholm and should not be missed during your visit.

Is Stockholm suitable for budget travelers?

Yes, Stockholm offers options for budget travelers. Many attractions are free or low-cost, and there are affordable dining and accommodation options available throughout the city.

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