Stockholm

Stockholm perfectly combines the quaint charm of Gamla Stan with elegance of the Strandvägen boulevard, and exploring it all is a pleasure. From world-class museums to historic landmarks and scenic boat trips, Sweden’s capital offers a multitude of unforgettable experience. It’s time to explore our list of the 10 best things to do in Stockholm, Sweden.

Wander around Gamla Stan

Gamla Stan, the city’s oldest part and the place where it had originated, is undoubtedly one of the best things to see in Stockholm. Nestled on several islands, the old town transports visitors back in time with its medieval streets and historic landmarks. Stortorget, its main square, is a major draw, boasting the colourful buildings of the Nobel Museum and the Stock Exchange.

Gamla Stan offers a wealth of historic landmarks. The Royal Palace is a must-visit, boasting opulent interiors, including the Treasury, Royal Apartments, and the Tre Kronor Museum. The 13th-century Stockholm Cathedral is a magnificent example of Gothic architecture that treasures the renowned sculpture of Saint George and the Dragon. And the Nobel Museum is the perfect place to learn about this famed prize and its laureates.

Beyond the major attractions, travellers can explore hidden courtyards or stroll down Mårten Trotzigs Gränd, the city’s narrowest street. Filled with street performers and lively atmosphere, Gamla Stan abounds with cosy cafes and charming boutiques, which makes exploring it one of the best things to do in Stockholm.

Enjoy a promenade along the grand Strandvägen

Lined with magnificent 19th-century buildings, the elegant Strandvägen boulevard is a captivating promenade that graces Stockholm’s stunning waterfront. Designed with a vision to create a street “unparalleled in Europe,” this bustling avenue draws travellers with its architectural grandeur, chic boutiques, and high-end restaurants.

Visitors can pause at one of the cosy cafés to experience fika, a traditional Swedish coffee break, or indulge in fine dining at the sophisticated restaurants that line the avenue. The boulevard is a favoured spot for photography, offering picturesque views of the waterfront and an ideal place for observing the comings and goings of boats. Even a leisurely stroll down this elegant promenade — a beloved venue for both locals and tourists — is undoubtedly among the essential things to do in Stockholm.

Take a boat trip around the archipelago

Taking a cruise through the picturesque Stockholm archipelago — a stunning collection of over 30,000 islands and islets — is undeniably among the best things to do and see in Stockholm. Travellers can navigate the crystal-clear waters and discover the area’s diverse landscapes, which range from lush, forested retreats to dramatic, rocky outcrops.

During the warmer months, a maritime voyage around Stockholm is a must. There are a couple of ways to experience this: either join a dedicated sightseeing cruise or plan a personalised adventure by hopping on a public ferry (operated by Waxholmsbolaget) to one of the inhabited islands.

Around Stockholm, the opportunities for exploration are limitless. Popular destinations for island-hopping include Vaxholm (home to the monumental Vaxholm Fortress and a charming town), Sandhamn (a premier sailing destination), and Grinda, ideal for a tranquil escape. Adventurers will also relish exploring the more understated, off-the-beaten-path islands, many of which are located within easy reach of Stockholm.

Visit the iconic Vasa Museum

The remarkable Vasa Museum is an essential stop when considering what to see in Stockholm in one day. Home to the massive and remarkably preserved 17th-century warship that sank near Stockholm’s shores, it offers visitors a truly immersive experience that transports them back in time.

At the museum, guests can delve into the ship’s construction and design, learn about life aboard the vessel, and understand the circumstances surrounding its sinking and subsequent salvage. The Vasa provides a unique window into Swedish history, showcasing an array of fascinating artefacts recovered from the wreck. Overall, this imposing wooden vessel is undoubtedly among the top things to see in Stockholm.

Experience Swedish culture at Skansen

For an authentic taste of Swedish culture, travellers should take a bus to Djurgården island and explore the open-air Skansen Museum. As the world’s oldest open-air museum, Skansen recreates historical Swedish life, showcasing traditional buildings from various periods and regions of Sweden.

Visitors can wander through the museum’s expansive grounds, roaming historical Swedish districts and visiting numerous workshops with costumed interpreters. Skilled artisans in these historic buildings demonstrate traditional crafts, such as pottery, glassblowing, or baking, and handmade crafts are available for purchase.

Skansen also houses the Nordic Zoo, featuring a diverse array of Scandinavian animals, including brown bears, moose, wolves, and owls. Families with young children will find delight in a visit to Lill-Skansen, a children’s zoo with interactive activities. The Skansen Aquarium, home to numerous exotic animals, offers plentiful interactive experiences, albeit requires an additional entry fee.

This fascinating museum provides an immersive, family-friendly cultural experience, making a visit here undoubtedly among the best things to do in Stockholm.

Visit Stockholm’s remarkable museums

Nordic Museum, Stockholm.

Beyond Skansen and Vasa, Stockholm boasts a rich collection of world-class museums. The Nordic Museum, housed in a truly magnificent building, delves into Sweden’s cultural history, displaying the country’s traditions, customs, and everyday life throughout the centuries. Nearby, travellers will find ABBA The Museum, an interactive experience dedicated to the iconic Swedish band (in our opinion, this place is among the best things to see in Stockholm).

Art enthusiasts will particularly appreciate Stockholm’s offerings. The Moderna Museet exhibits an impressive collection of 20th- and 21st-century art, featuring works by esteemed masters, including Picasso, Dalí, and Warhol. The National Museum of Fine Arts houses a vast collection of European art spanning from the Middle Ages to the early 20th century. And Fotografiska, a museum of contemporary photography, is also a must-visit, hosting rotating exhibitions by internationally acclaimed photographers.

Visitors exploring Gamla Stan can pay a visit to the Nobel Museum, which celebrates the prestigious prize and explores the achievements of its laureates. And for a truly unique experience, travellers can venture to the Museum of Spirits, which explores the history and culture of the country’s alcoholic beverages.

Venture beyond the city centre to Drottningholm Palace

The majestic Drottningholm Palace, nestled on the outskirts of Stockholm, is a rare jewel even in Sweden, a country brimming with magnificent palaces and castles. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this remarkable estate is celebrated for its historical significance, exquisite architecture, and beautiful gardens.

Visiting this outstanding landmark is undoubtedly among the best things to do in Stockholm year-round. However, in summer, travellers can enhance their experience by joining a scenic boat trip from central Stockholm, reaching Drottningholm in a relaxing manner while admiring the stunning views of Lake Mälaren along the way.

Guests can embark on a guided tour of the palace and explore its opulent state rooms, filled with elegant décor and historical artefacts. The meticulously maintained Baroque gardens, the unique 18th-century Chinese pavilion, and the perfectly preserved theatre are some of the highlights of this vast royal complex. The palace is grand — both in luxury and size, so allowing enough time (at least a couple of hours) for the visit is a must.

Discover the grandeur of Stockholm City Hall

Easily recognised by the prominent 106-metre tower, the monumental Stockholm City Hall dominates the city’s historic centre. A masterpiece of Swedish National Romantic architecture, this iconic landmark, designed by architect Ragnar Östberg, was built between 1911 and 1923 and features impressive inner courtyards.

The interiors of this remarkable building are sure to leave visitors in awe. The Blue Hall (Blå hallen) presents a striking contrast, its red brick walls defying its name, while the Golden Hall (Gyllene salen) captivates guests with its opulent, golden splendour. The latter boasts more than 18 million gold mosaic tiles depicting scenes from Swedish history and mythology, with the “Queen of Lake Mälaren” as its centrepiece. On December 10th, these two magnificent halls host the annual Nobel Prize banquet and the subsequent dancing.

The best way to explore this magnificent city hall is through a guided tour. During the summer months, travellers can ascend the building’s imposing tower and enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the Swedish capital. The sheer grandeur of this city hall firmly cements its spot on the list of things to do and see in Stockholm.

Take down to the metro for an underground art exhibition

T-Centralen metro station, Stockholm.

For one-of-a-kind visit to an art gallery, travellers in Stockholm simply need to descend into the metro. Often referred to as “the world’s longest art gallery,” the city’s metro system is not just a convenient mode of transport; it’s an impressive art exhibition spanning over 100 kilometres.

This extraordinary gallery is the product of an ongoing project, initiated in the 1950s, which has transformed Stockholm’s metro into a dynamic art space. Each station possesses its own distinct character, reflecting its location and the artist’s vision. Many of the installations are carved directly into the bedrock, creating a visually striking experience.

Stockholm’s metro features a wealth of remarkable stations, with several particularly noteworthy examples. T-Centralen offers a calming atmosphere with its blue and white tilework, while Rådhuset evokes the feeling of being inside of a cave. Tekniska högskolan is themed around science, and Kungsträdgården resembles an underground garden filled with historical artefacts. Exploring this vast and incredibly affordable underground art gallery is undoubtedly among the best things to do in Stockholm.

Enjoy the local food scene

Fika, a traditional Swedish coffee break with pastries.

Famous for its fika culture, Stockholm offers a wealth of culinary experiences — from exquisite Michelin-starred restaurants to cosy bistros and savoury street food. The city’s countless cafés provide excellent settings to experience fika, the traditional Swedish coffee break, accompanied by pastries such as kanelbulle (cinnamon bun) or prinsesstårta (princess cake).

A must-try dish in Stockholm is, of course, the famed köttbullar, Swedish meatballs, typically served with mashed potatoes and a rich brown sauce. Stockholm’s proximity to the Baltic Sea ensures an abundance of fresh seafood, inviting visitors to taste pickled herring (a local staple), smoked or grilled salmon, and open-faced sandwiches with shrimps. Smörgås, the classic open-faced sandwich, is a popular snack and can be customised to individual preferences.

Stockholm boasts many fantastic places to sample the local cuisine. The historic Östermalms Saluhall delights visitors with a vast array of gourmet offerings, while Hötorgshallen appeals to those seeking international flavours. For a culinary adventure in Stockholm, travellers can head to the trendy neighbourhood of Södermalm, brimming with cosy cafés and chic restaurants.

Overall, exploring the city’s rich culinary scene is surely one of the essential things to do in Stockholm.

Getting around

With its compact size and highly efficient transportation system, Stockholm is easy to navigate. The public transportation network, encompassing metro, buses, trams, commuter trains, and ferries, makes it easy to travel throughout the city and beyond.

The T-bana, or metro, is the easiest and quickest way to get around Stockholm, especially for longer distances. Commuter trains, with four lines and 53 stations, are even better for long-haul travel, offering an easy way to take a day trip to Uppsala, for example.

A comprehensive bus network covers the entire city and surrounding areas, while trams serve specific areas, such as Djurgården. As a city scattered across 14 islands, ferries are an essential mode of transportation, providing easy access to the Stockholm archipelago and surrounding islands.

A single journey ticket (38 SEK for adults) is valid for 75 minutes on any form of transportation, including transfers. Travellers can also buy a travel card for 24 hours, 72 hours, or 7 days, or opt for the Stockholm Pass, which offers free transportation and free access to many attractions.

Travellers can also explore this relatively compact city on foot or by bike, with Stockholm boasting an extensive network of cycling lanes and bike rentals.