free tourist guide stockholm

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Free Things to Do in Stockholm

As local tour guides who live on a budget here in Stockholm, we take advantage of the free things there are to do in our city.

In this post, we share 21 of our favorite free (or very cheap) things to do including free museums and attractions, free things to do at night and family-friendly activities that don't cost a thing.

1. View the Changing of the Royal Guard

This popular 40-minute ceremony takes place daily in front of the royal palace. 

Swedish Armed Forces guard march in time with a military band as they hand over protection of the royal family to the next squad. 

There is no cost Ceremony times can be found here .

2. Visit the Nobelmuseet

The Nobel Prize museum can be found in the Gamla stan in one of Stockholm’s 18th-century buildings. 

The exhibits cover Alfred Nobel, an inventor and the founder of the prize, as well as other Nobel Laureates, celebrating the fact that  “ideas can change the world”.

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It's always free for children and youth, aged 18 and under. Check out the website to see any special dates it may be free for adults as well. 

TIP: It's always free for holders of a money-saving Stockholm Tourist Attraction Pass .

3. Discover Medieval Stockholm at the Medeltidsmuseet 

Here you will find a medieval graveyard loaded with skeletons, a warship, a city wall, life-sized replicas of medieval buildings, and a display of Stockholm's beginnings centuries ago.

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There is something of interest to both adults and children, and entrance is free.  Find more information here.

4. Stroll through Gamla Stan

Old town Stockholm is pedestrian-friendly and packed with charming buildings edging cobblestone streets.

In addition to cafes and restaurants, there are 11 museums, the Royal Palace, three medieval churches, the stock exchange building where the Nobel Prize is announced, and many tourist shops.

5. Take a Free Walking Tour

If you're on a budget, a free walking tour is one of the best ways to see Stockholm.

With these tours, you tip only what you think the tour was worth and you aren't required to pay anything. 

Read our post on a few different companies that offer free walking tours.

6. People-Watch in Kungsträdgården

One of the city's oldest parks, Kungsträdgården (King’s Garden), is one of the city's most popular meeting spots.

Here you’ll find Cherry Blossom trees, flowers, festivals, concerts, restaurants and cafes, fountains, and more. It’s the perfect spot to relax, have a cup of tea and people-watch.

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The park is located  here  in the Normalm district of Stockholm, on the water. 

If you have  the Stockholm Pass  the Hop-On-Hop-Off bus makes a stop at the end of the park.

7. Free Museums

Several museums in Stockholm, like the Medieval Museum mentioned above, are free to visit.

Below is a list of museums that offer free admission on specific days or times.

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• Moderna Museet (Modern Art) Free entrance on Fridays from 18:00 to 20:00
• Bonniers Konsthall (Contemporary Art) Free entrance all day on Fridays
• The Jewish Museum Free entrance on Saturdays from11:00 to 12:00
• Museum of Ethnography Free admission on Tuesdays from 14:00 to 17:00
• Museum of Far Eastern Antiquities Free admission on Wednesdays from 14:00 to 17:00
• Museum of Mediterranean Antiquities Free admission on Wednesdays from 14:00 to 17:00

8 . Go ice skating in the center of Stockholm

Speaking of things to do in Kungsträdgården, during some months there's ice skating in the park, even at night.

Entry to this fairy-light-draped-rink is free to enter, and skates can be cheaply rented if you don’t have your own.

Visit  here  for their schedule.

9. View the World’s Longest Art Gallery While Riding the T-bana

90 of Stockholm’s 100 t-bana (subway) stations are decorated with themes reflecting an important time in Swedish history or a subject relating to Stockholm.

Décor has been created using tiles, paintings, drawings, sculptures, lighting, and more.

Information on tickets and travel cards can be found  here .

10. Walk Amongst the Graves of Skogskyrkogården

This world heritage site is home to an early 20th-century graveyard, one whose design of the natural and architectural have become the model for cemeteries around the world. 

Visit the Mediation Hill, chapels and buildings, and even the simple gravestone of one of Sweden’s most famous exports, Greta Garbo.

A visitor and audio tour can be found here .

11. Window Shop in Stockholm's Hippest Neighborhood  

Sofo (South of Folkungagatan) sits in the Sodermalm district.

The neighborhood was named by those who wanted to mimic the coolness of the Sohos of London and New York.

Here you'll find places that are kitschy, colorful, or just plain creative.

In addition to boutiques, design showrooms, music shops, and vintage stores, you'll find it a better spot for rubbing shoulders with locals than some of the more touristy areas of the city. 

12. Follow a Self-Guided Tour

If you want the freedom to explore Stockholm at your own pace, consider downloading an audio tour.  All you need is your cell phone. 

Click here  to find one short and one much longer self-guided audio tour.  

13. Visit An Old Church

Katarina Kyrka , named after the mother of one of Sweden’s Kings, is over 325 years old and one of Stockholm’s most important churches.

The church has been rebuilt more than once due to damage from fires.

It's a stunning yellow beauty with gold decor, a front-facing clock, and a dark-tiled octagonal dome. 

There are free 20-minute pipe organ concerts a few times a week, in addition to other cultural events For information on activities at the church, visit  here .

14. Eat at Östermalms Saluhall

One of the largest food halls in the world, Östermalms, opened in 1888. You can find all sorts of Swedish delicacies such as reindeer and moose meats.

Of course, it also includes regular daily fare such as fish, bread, vegetables, potatoes, fruits, and cheeses.

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Casual, and within a 10-minute walk from the city center, it is soon to move back from across the street after a three-year renovation.

Entry is free. The address and hours of operation can be found here .

15. Take pictures from Monteliusvägen or Fjällgatan

Monteliusvägen is considered to have one of the best views in the city.

Follow this footpath along the cliffs of Södermalm, catching sight of Stockholm City Hall across the water in one direction and Gamla Stan, Stockholm's old town, across the other. 

Another stunning view can be had from Fjällgatan, also in Södermalm, along the edge of a cliff. This is a great spot for a panoramic view of the city.

Fjällgatan is a popular stop on the city bus tours, so that provides another way of getting there: 

16. Let Your Kids Run in Mulle Meck Park

Mulle Meck Park was built to be interactive. It's located in Järvastaden, the children's district of Stockholm. 

Kids have access to airplanes, boats, houses, rocket ships, a garage, a zip line, a water pump and more. It's the perfect place to let their imaginations fly!

Access to the park is free and parking is close by.

More information about the park .

17. Visit  Stockholm's Parliament Building  

On the little island between Gamla stan and Stockholm’s city center, is Sweden’s Parliament, one of the city’s most recognizable buildings.

As Swedes say, “Openness and transparency are central to Swedish democracy” – therefore guests are welcome at hearings, debates, and votes.

Tours go out five times a day though they are limited to only 28 people in each.

Read more about theses tours .

18. Take a picture of Stockholm's Narrowest Alley

Not for the claustrophobic, the Mårten Trötzigs Gränd is a high-walled narrow alley in Galma stan, one with a width that tapers down to just 35 inches. 

If you have  the Stockholm Pass  the hop on hop off tour visits Galma Stan. 

19. Take You Own Millenium Series Tour through Södermalm

If you're a fan of the best-selling, Stieg Larsson's Millennium trilogy, you might enjoy visiting the neighborhood where the characters and the author frequented!

Follow the map at the bottom of the page  here .

20. View Stockholm From the Top of One of Stockholm's Most Well Known Buildings

The world's largest spherical building is known to Swedes as "the Globe" (pronounced gloo-ben).

Its exterior round glass elevator, Skyview, takes you to the very top of the building where you can look out over the city at 400 feet above sea level. 

Entry to Skyview is free with both  the Stockholm Pass and the IVenture Card .

21. Visit a Documentary Photography Gallery

Galleri Kontrast is owned by the Swedish Press Photographers Club, has a fantastic reputation for its display of photojournalism photography.

As Sweden's newspapers fund the gallery, entrance is free. Opening times can be found  here . 

RELATED POSTS

• Which Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Tour is Best?
• Tourist Attraction Discounts
• Free Walking Tours of Stockholm

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The 20 essential travel tips for visiting Stockholm

Wondering whether to use cash, or whether to bare all at the sauna? We've got you covered.

You can plan out every minute of every day when visiting a city like Stockholm , and you’ll still get caught out by one tiny little thing. Train tickets. Cash only. That sort of thing. You might even get caught in an embarrassing foreign blunder, where you order a coffee at completely the wrong time. 

Anyway, this is as true in the Scandinavian capital of cool as it is anywhere else. Want to know which stations to avoid, and what time you should eat cake? Do you bare all at a sauna, or keep your pants on? From metro tickets to how to say ‘hello’, here is every travel tip you’ll need for your first time in Stockholm. 

RECOMMENDED: 📍 The best things to do in Stockholm 🍽️ The best restaurants in Stockholm 🏘️ Where to stay in Stockholm 🛍️ The best spots for shopping in Stockholm

This guide was updated by Madeleine Hyde , a writer based in Stockholm. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines .  

An email you’ll actually love

The ultimate Stockholm guide

1.  Access the airport the sneaky way

Many travellers don’t realise that apart from the expensive express train and coaches, you can get from Arlanda airport to the city centre by public transport. Follow signs to the local buses at any terminal, and look for the one that goes to Märsta station, which is on a commuter rail line. The whole journey to central Stockholm can be covered on a single ticket, which you can buy on the SL app.

2.  Don’t bring a ton of cash

Stockholm aims to become a cash-free city in the coming years, and in fact, many cafes, restaurants and hotels already enforce this policy. So on your trip, it’s best to bring your bank card and only use cash if you have to. 

3.  Look beyond the metro lines

Booking accommodation in Stockholm can be dizzying. Which island is best? How much should you spend? And most commonly asked: Can they all be accessed easily? In the inner-city, the answer is yes. But it’s worth looking further, too: the prices of accommodation go down if you look along the commuter rail lines, rather than just the metro lines. Don’t be intimidated by these local lines; they’ll often get you to the city centre just as quickly!

4.  Avoid the ‘stress tunnel’ at Centralen

An early sunset normally tempts Stockholmers to leave the office around 4pm and so for most of the year, this is our rush hour. Avoid the central station, ‘T-Centralen,’ at 4pm and at around 8 in the morning, if you can help it—this is when the ‘stress tunnel’ between the different metro lines is at its most congested.

5.  On weekdays, breakfast is simple and healthy

In cafes, you’ll find mostly muesli and yoghurt or bread rolls with ham and cheese served in the morning hours. On weekends, however, it’s a whole different story. Popular brunch spots like Kitchen & Table and Greasy Spoon fill up quickly, so be sure to book ahead!

6.  Pack your toughest boots

If you’re planning a winter trip, bring along some very sturdy shoes. From November through till March you can expect the ground to be covered in ‘slask,’ a grotty mix of melted snow and grit. It keeps you from falling over, but it will leave its mark on your footwear!

7.  Have a whole Swedish conversation with just two words

Swedes are well-known for their English skills; you’ll hear and see English all around you in Stockholm. Still, if you want to try out some Swedish, you can do so with minimal effort. You can say hello or goodbye with just ‘hej’ or ‘hej hej’ (where the ‘j’ is pronounced like an English ‘y’) and ‘tack’ means both thank you and please, so it’s extra easy to be polite.

8.  The flavours of fika

‘Fika’ is the Swedish coffee and cake ritual that means that the best cafes in the city will be full to the brim in the afternoons, especially on weekends. The traditional fika is with a cinnamon bun, but some cafes do their own variations: the rhubarb crumble buns at Fabrique, or the pistachio and blackcurrant version at Il Caffe are some favourites. It’s a crowded time, but well worth pushing in.

9.  Saunas are for revealing all

Another Nordic ritual is stripping down in the sauna. In Swedish culture, it’s generally encouraged to keep things private—except for when it comes to the sauna. Don’t expect to bring anything but yourself and a towel, which is mostly for drying yourself off after you plunge into an icy-cold lake.

10.  Save your clean-eating week for Stockholm

The vegan offerings in this city are unrivalled. You can order your coffee with oat, almond or soya milk in most cafes, get delicious vegan ice cream in stores or at Stikki Nikki, or try vegan pulled pork (called oomph ) in Max Burger, Vigårda and many other burger establishments.

11.  Spend late night at a gallery

If you’re a night owl looking for something more intellectually stimulating than a night on the tiles, thank goodness for Fotografiska, the photography exhibition on Södermalm’s northern waterfront. After the rest of the galleries have closed, this former factory stays open until 11pm.

12.  Lunch starts early in Sweden

Lunch is Sweden’s biggest meal of the day. Restaurants typically offer buffet lunches for a fixed price and start serving at noon sharp. Oh, and there won’t normally be any desserts on the table, but you can save your sweet tooth for later (see fika )!

13.  Down-time in the summer

Swedes take holidays very seriously—normally, by disappearing off to their countryside cottages or island retreats on the archipelago. This means that at certain times of the year, Stockholm is a bit of a ghost town, especially after Midsummer in June and July. On the plus side, visitors get the city to themselves!

14.  Island-hop in style for no extra cost

Your SL card (SL being the Stockholm transport system) can get you onto pretty much any transport, including some of the ferries that run between the inner-city islands. In the winter season, you can even use an SL ticket on ferries to the archipelago.

15.  Buying alcohol here is a bit… systematic

The Swedish government has a monopoly on alcohol—if it’s over 3.5% ABV, anyway. For the strong stuff, you’ll need to head to government-owned Systembolaget, which close early afternoons on Saturday and don’t open at all on Sundays. If you fancy a 2% beer (affectionately known to locals as folköl , or ‘the people’s beer’), you can get these in any regular store.

16.  Get a pint at 4pm

Rush hour is also the start of ‘After-Work’, a Swedish version of happy hour beginning around 4:30pm. Many pubs will serve a cheaper pint during these hours, and there’s even a club, Out of Office, that kicks off in the late afternoon instead of the late evening to cater to thirsty office workers. Download the club’s app for your free entrance ticket and dance your suit off.

17.  Culture without the entrance fee

If beer and sauna culture don’t cut it, you can spend your Tuesday afternoon at a museum instead, without spending anything. The Nordic Museum has free entry on Wednesdays from 5-8pm, and the Nobel Prize Museum from 5-8pm on Tuesdays. The Modern Art museum on Skeppsholmen, meanwhile, has free admission the whole week round.

18.  The two words you need for a cheap pint

Stockholmers are big beer lovers, and there are many great micro-breweries and craft beer establishments across the city to prove it. That’s not to say that your pint has to be anything fancy or expensive, however; at any bar, you can order their cheapest pint of beer simply by asking for a ‘Stor Stark.’

19.  Drink in the evening sunlight in summer

In the summer, drinking goes outdoors. Bars reveal themselves in all kinds of innovative outside spaces, including under a bridge: Trädgården (the garden) opens under Skanstull bridge at the end of May. As a bonus, if you get there before 7pm you’ll avoid any entrance free and be offered cheaper drinks deals.

20.  Plan ahead to avoid taxis

Taxis are very, very expensive in Stockholm. Especially boat taxis (yes, really!), which will come and get you if you’re stuck on an island in the archipelago. Plan ahead by checking the SL app for your best travel options. On weekends, the metro runs all night, but on weekdays your best bet after 1am might be a night bus.

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110 cheap and free things to do in Stockholm

The Swedish capital is famously expensive but we’ve still managed to create this epic guide showing 110 cheap and free things to do in Stockholm.

Whether you want to go gallery hopping, get behind the wheel of the nation’s newest cars, or simply dress up like the Swedish king, we’ll show you how it’s done.

As this guide is pretty long (and you probably won’t have time to squeeze in all of our recommendations), we’ve divided it up into handy categories.

Click below to hop straight to the section you’re interested in.

• Historic sights and attractions • Fun and entertainment • Museums and galleries • Just chilling • Parks and nature • Excursions and day trips • Tours • Viewpoints and lookouts • Health and fitness • Window shopping • Eating and drinking • Kids

Quick take: the 10  best free things to do

Don’t have time to read the whole list? Here are our 10 very best suggestions.

• Wander through the beautiful Old Town (Gamla Stan)
• Go swimming at one of the city’s unspoilt lakes
• Enjoy the amazing murals on Stockholm’s metro system
• Check out the Swedish delicacies on offer at Östermalms Saluhall
• Soak up epic views of the city from Skinnarviksberget
• Walk across Västerbron and grab some incredible photos
• Get a free tour of the Swedish parliament building
• Ice skate across a frozen lake in winter
• Visit the Stockholm Archipelago for total peace and quiet
• Picnic and play in the city’s many parks

Historic sights and attractions

1) Get lost in the old town, Gamla Stan , and find Stockholm’s narrowest street among the tangle of cobbled lanes.

Mårten Trotzigs Gränd is just 90 cm (three feet) wide. This cheap, guided tour is a good option if you’d like to learn more. Buy tickets here .

2) Find your way to Stortorget, the old town’s main square. In 1520, following the Danish invasion of Stockholm, the square was the scene of a bloodbath – these days it’s a wonderful (if touristy) spot for a coffee.

Try Kaffekoppen  on the western edge of the square, which attracts locals as well as tourists.

3) Go to church. Storkyrkan , Stockholm’s de facto cathedral, charges tourists an admission fee (100 SEK) but it’s included on the Stockholm pass , so if you’ve got one of these entrance is free.

Dating back to 1571,  Tyska Kyrkan (the German Church) charges a nominal entrance fee of around 30 SEK and has a stunning baroque interior.

Alternatively, there are some other beautiful churches in Stockholm that are free to look around, such as the Katarina church in Södermalm.

4) Watch the changing of the guard ceremony. The parade takes place daily in Gamla Stan during summer and at least three times a week during the winter.

The timings of the parade change depending on the season , so check before setting off.

Fun and entertainment

5) Try parkour. Stockholm is home to Sweden’s first purpose-built training ground for parkour.

Located in Nydalsparken, Tensta,   the park is completely free   to use and has a whole bunch of different obstacles to hop over and around.

6) Watch a film in the park. For a few nights each August, free films  are screened under open skies in Rålambhovsparken, on the island of  Kungsholmen .

Go early to get a good space on the grass (and to stock up on popcorn).

7) Play laser tag. This one isn’t strictly free, but it is pretty cheap – head to Laserdome   at St Eriksgatan 56  (on Kungsholmen ) and you’ll get 15 minutes of childish fun for around 85 SEK.

There are ramps, mazes and bridges set across the 600 sq m arena.

8) Go geocaching. Geocaching isn’t just the modern answer to a good old-fashioned treasure hunt; it gives you a good excuse to get off the beaten track and explore areas that tourists don’t usually bother with.

There are hundreds of caches hidden all over the Stockholm area .

9) Rent a bike. Stockholm is great city for cycling with 114 km of cycle paths.

There are plenty of bike rental places around the city, while some hostels also rent out bargain bikes, making it cheap and easy to get around without relying on buses and subway trains.

Another fun way to see Stockholm’s best bits on two wheels is to   join this organised bike tour .

Buy tickets here .

10) Go longboarding through Stockholm’s parks.  City Backpackers has some great boards for rent. Alternatively, you could buy your own board from a shop like Junkyard.

For ramps, pools and street skating, try Kristinebergs Skatepark  on the island of Kungsholmen.

11) Try dancing on ice. During winter, the octagonal ice rink at Kungsträdgården  opens for business.

It’s free to use if you have your own skates – otherwise you can rent a set for around 100 SEK per hour. There are also disco-skating sessions on selected Saturday nights.

12) Play pub games. There are a couple of mega pubs in Stockholm that offer more than the usual dartboards and fruit machines.

At O’Learys Tolv you can go bowling, play ping-pong or mess around on whacky golf simulators for a small fee.

BallBreaker has slot-car racing, billiards and simulators that let you hunt virtual bears and elk (it doesn’t get much more Swedish than that).

13) Watch free stand-up comedy. The Big Ben Pub in Södermalm has free stand-up shows every Monday at 8pm.

Thursdays are international nights, with acts performing in both English and Swedish (80–100 SEK).

14) Listen to free organ music. Escape the noise of the city with a little musical interlude – every Tuesday at 11.15pm, Adolfs Frediks kyrka in Norrmalm has free recitals.

15) Head to the  Lida Nature Reserve to do some winter sports. Tobogganing, cross-country skiing and ice-skating are all free (though you can rent skis and skates if you don’t have your own).

16) Go bouldering. There are some good, purpose-built bouldering walls near the play park in  Rålambshovsparken . Just turn up and start climbing.

17) Watch a free performance. Check out the many free gigs, plays and cultural activities that take place across Stockholm in summer.

Parkteatern  puts on free outdoor shows from theatre to opera to jazz and dance performances from June–August.

18) Play a round of frisbee golf. There are a full 18 holes to try out at   Visättra Discgolf  in Huddinge, which has free entry.

19) Grab a beer at Pub Anchor and watch some real-life head-banging karaoke unfold before your eyes every Tuesday and Sunday, or listen to live cover bands on Fridays and Saturdays.

★ SUGGESTED DISCOUNT

Save with the stockholm pass.

Get up to 50% off at Stockholm's top attractions, including the Vasa Museum, SkyView Stockholm and The Viking Museum, plus discounts on some of the city's best boat trips.

Museums and galleries

20) Visit Stockholm’s Sports Museum to find out all about sports in Sweden, including the city’s 1912 Olympic Games. You can also try out various sports activities, such as using running blocks, and it’s all completely free.

21) See how Sweden conquered the seas at the maritime museum, Sjöhistoriska , which costs just 120 SEK to visit.

22) Go to court (without committing a crime). You’ll have to pass security to get inside Stockholm’s courthouse, Rådhuset , but there’s no admission fee – and it’s one of the best examples of the  national romantic architectural style in Sweden.

23) See some of the world’s biggest coins (which weigh in at almost 20kg!) and explore Sweden’s Viking history at Stockholm’s  history museum .

It’s always free for under 19s, and admission on Wednesdays from 5–8pm is 75 SEK. At other times all over 19s pay 150 SEK.

24) Learn what it takes to win a Nobel Prize at  Nobelmuseet , which tells the stories of past recipients. It’s normally 140 SEK to get inside, but admission is free if you have a Stockholm Pass.

25) Head to Nordiska Museet for the inside track on Swedish traditions.

Look out for the quirky part of the museum dedicated to Swedish table settings, which shows how attitudes to entertaining have changed throughout the ages.

It’s 170 SEK to enter, or you can get free admission with the  Stockholm Pass .

26) Check out the contemporary art exhibitions on display at the Bonniers Konsthall . Admission is 130 SEK, but it’s completely free on Fridays and all week if you’ve got a Stockholm Pass .

27)  Wander among the trippy sculptures in the grounds around Moderna Museet , which are always free to visit. The museum’s main collection is free on Fridays from 6–8pm; at other times it costs 150 SEK.

28) One of Sweden’s oldest museums, the Royal Armoury Museum displays costumes and arms belonging to the Swedish royal family.

Entrance is half-price (75 SEK) on Thursday evenings from 5–8pm: at other times admission is 150 SEK.

29)  Admire the art in the metro. Stockholm’s metro is like one giant gallery, with 94 of its 100 stations boasting artworks, sculptures and exhibitions by some 250 artists.

All you need is a metro ticket and you can ride round and enjoy the artworks for free.

30) Visit a commercial gallery. There are lots of small ones worth visiting around Stockholm, including the Lars Bohman Gallery  at Karlavägen 9, which shows off works by Swedish greats like Lars Lerin.

31)  Visit Scandinavia’s only Japanese teahouse.

Browse round the Ethnografiska on Djurgården and admire some of the 8000 cultural and ethnic artefacts that were collected during round-the-world sailing trips and expeditions from the 17 th to 20 th centuries.

It’s free to enter on Tuesdays from 2–5pm. At other times, tickets cost 150 SEK, or you can buy an annual pass that gives you unlimited entry to the museum plus three others for a year for a bargain 250 SEK.

Just chilling

32) Marvel at the vast curved bookshelves in Stockholm’s distinctive City Library , which was built in 1928 and holds more than 400,000 books. There’s no charge to get in.

33) If you’re hungry for more book-based sightseeing, head to Kungliga Biblioteket in Humlegården – the main reading room is packed with beautifully bound books.

34) Enjoy a stroll along the waterfront on Skeppsholmen, admiring what might just be the world’s most beautiful floating hostel .

35) Pray for sunny weather and go for a picnic in one of Stockholm’s best parks. Need a recommendation? Try Humlegården, Hagaparken or anywhere green on Djurgården .

This tour of the Old Town , Djurgården and the Vasa Museum is a good option if you’d rather have a guide. Buy tickets here .

36) Practice your Swedish (or Spanish, or Arabic, or German…) at one of Stockholm’s language cafés.  This site  has details of upcoming events at libraries across the city.

37) Kick back while listening to free music at Lilla Hotellbaren, part of the Scandic Malmen hotel , where DJs and live music play six evenings a week.

Some live concerts are ticketed, other music evenings are free: all you need is the price of a drink.

38) If you’re in Stockholm on a cloud-free summer’s day, grab a pedal boat from Restaurant Djurgårdsbron  (300 SEK an hour) and  soak up the sun as you splosh about, snapping pictures of the ridiculously pretty skyline.

39) Grab a perfect photo of  Stockholm City Hall while listening to the buskers on the Riksbron bridge, at the southern end of Drottninggatan.

Parks and nature

40) Get a taste for Swedish design by admiring the 500-or-so functionalist villas in Södra Ängby, a leafy residential area that’s now protected by Swedish law.   This map shows where it is .

41) Discover the weird and wonderful buildings dotted around Hagaparken , including a Chinese pagoda and a copper ‘tent’ that looks like it’s fallen straight from a book of fairytales.

There’s also a butterfly park and an aquarium.

42) See (and smell) some of the world’s most dazzling plants at Bergianska Trädgården , a botanical garden with two impressive glasshouses.

You can visit the outdoor grounds and gardens for free, while entry to the Edvard Anderson Conservatory is 100 SEK and admission to the Victoria House costs just 20 SEK.

43) Get lost on Djurgården . Most tourists only come for the museums , but there’s enough pretty parkland on the island for a thousand free walks.

44) See the cherry trees burst into life in  Kungsträdgården . They usually start blossoming in early April , and the show lasts just a couple of weeks at most.

45) Explore the orchards and other fruit and veg gardens at  Rosendals Trädgård , where all the produce is biodynamic, organic and sustainable.

You can either bring a picnic and eat it in the gardens or try the tasty home-grown dishes at the on-site café.

46) Find the final resting place of Swedish actress Greta Garbo among the countless tombstones at Skogskyrkogården , one of three World Heritage Sites in Stockholm, and the only one that’s free to visit.

47)  Go skating in Tantolunden Park. OK, so you’ll have to wait til a cold snap, when the shores of the lake freeze over, but this large inner-city park is a great place for some outdoor activity.

If you haven’t got your own skates, you can watch the locals take to ice or join them in sledging down the park’s hills.

Excursions and day trips

48) Go on the hunt for berries. If the season is right (late summer) you’ll find tasty berries growing wild all over the place in Sweden. Tyresta Nationalpark , around 25km south of Stockholm, is a great place to start.

You can pick as many as you want for personal consumption – just make sure you know what you’re eating.

49) Swedes love picking and eating mushrooms and you can join them towards the tail end of the summer, when yummy chanterelles start popping up in the forests near Stockholm.

Try a day trip to the forests in the eastern part of Djurgården . And again, make sure the mushrooms you’re collecting are safe to eat (or you definitely won’t be a fungi to be with).

50) Get a taste for archipelago life by visiting  Vaxholm , a pretty island with a fortress just offshore. As there’s a bridge to the island, you can get there and back using Stockholm’s affordable public transport network .

Alternatively, you can explore the island from the water on this fun  half-day kayak tour . And if you want to visit the island’s fortress, it’s included in the Stockholm pass.

Buy one here .

51) Take the tram. Stockholm has plenty of bus and subway lines, but trams only operate in one part of the city.

The old-fashioned carriages that loop past Djurgården’s most popular museums make a fun alternative to walking, and they’re the same price as the snazzy modern trams which cover the same route.

Single tickets are around 42 SEK.

52) See Stockholm from the water by riding  Djurgårdsfärjan , the ferry service that runs year-round between Slussen and Djurgården, taking about ten minutes. Public transport passes are valid on the boats.

53) Go exploring on an electric bike. Cycling is very popular in Stockholm, but if you’re not feeling energetic there are plenty of places that rent out e-bikes by the hour, day or week.

Electric bikes with Rentbike start at around 480 SEK a day.

But if you’d rather explore with a local guide, this fun guided e-bike tour take you round the trendy district of Sodermalm. You can buy tickets here .

54)  Escape to an island. Using the ferries run by  Waxholmsbolaget you can get to beautifully sleepy islands in the Stockholm Archipelago with fares starting from as low as 61 SEK.

Car-free Finnhamn takes around five hours to reach from central Stockholm and has just one laid-back hostel, along with a few cottages. There are tips on the best islands to visit in this guide .

If you’d rather explore the archipelago at a slower pace, try this  full-day guided tour of the archipelago by kayak .

And if you’ve got a Stockholm pass, you get a boat trip round some of the archipelago’s islands included for free. Buy one here .

55) Gawp at the grand old oak trees in  The Royal National City Park .

56) Take a north-south walk through the heart of Stockholm. Start at Sergels Torg, the huge pedestrianised square in Norrmalm and head all the way south to the bottom of Södermalm , passing through Gamla Stan along the way.

This hop-on, hop-off bus tour  is a good alternative if you’d rather not walk too far. You’ll get a good feel for Stockholm’s old and new sides and see a lot of sights along the way.

And it’s free if you’ve got a Stockholm pass .

57) A good alternative is to pick a central island and walk the whole way around it.  Långholmen is a very pretty one to begin with, offering good views and clean air.

58) Seek out Söderbysjön. Just a short bus ride from Stockholm, this beautiful lake is surrounded by woods and has a small sandy beach for swimming. Better still, leap off the rocks into the refreshing water.

59) Camp wild. Thanks to Sweden’s right to roam, which is enshrined in law, your options for free camping near Stockholm are practically limitless. Follow the advice in our camping guide and you won’t go far wrong.

60) Try some circus skills. Head out to the suburb of Botkyrka, where the  Cirkus Normal  school runs free training and workshops of acrobatics, dance and circus skills for under 18s (you just pay the annual membership fee of 50 SEK).

Over 18s pay the membership the fee, plus 100 SEK per class or session.

61) Be wowed by Stockholm’s art-filled subway system. The public transport operator SL has developed a free app that includes maps, pictures and information about the artworks.

The tour begins at the T-Centralen station and takes you round five of Stockholm’s most beautiful metro stations in about 90 minutes.

You can download the app here .

62)  Take a free walking tour of Stockholm. Free Tour Stockholm and Stockholm Free Tour both run trips.

63) Explore the Swedish parliament building on a free guided tour.  Our guide to exploring the parliament building  has more info on when tours take place in English .

64) Guided tours based on Stieg Larsson’s Millennium books have been running for a while now.

If you want to keep things cheap, just buy the official Millennium Map (40 SEK) from the Stockholm City Museum, at Ryssgården, Södermalm and guide yourself to the key sights.

Prefer to take an organised tour?

If you’d like to join a group tour or explore with help from a local expert, rather than guiding yourself, Stockholm has some great organised tours to choose from.

You can go sailing in the Stockholm archipelago , go kayaking with a guide, take a tour of local Viking sites , or simply explore the Old Town with a knowledgable history buff. You can see all of our recommended tours here .

Viewpoints and lookouts

65) Get a free, postcard-quality view of the Royal Palace from the island of Skeppsholmen. Climb up towards Eric Ericsonhallen and Östasiatiska museet for the best panoramas.

66) Head to Evert Taubes Terrass, on the western edge of Riddarholmen, for waterfront views of the City Hall , where the Nobel Prize banquet is held each year.

67) From May to September, you can get great views by climbing up to the top of City Hall’s 106-metre-high tower (70 SEK). There are 365 steps, but it’s worth the effort for the amazing panorama over the whole city.

68) Get a sense of how low-rise Stockholm really is by taking a walk across Västerbron, the big bridge that links Kungsholmen with Långholmen .

69) The Fjällgatan viewpoint on  Södermalm is also a great place for views back over Gamla Stan, Skeppsholmen, Djurgården and the waterfront .

70) Drink in the amazing views from Skinnarviksberget, the highest point on Södermalm . This rocky lookout is a popular hang-out during summer, with plenty of space to have a picnic.

71)  For great views over the roof-tops, head up to the ninth-floor

Urban Deli Sveavägen  on one of Stockholm’s largest roof terraces.

For the price of a coffee or cocktail, you can chill out and admire the views from this large park-like open-air space with wooded walkways and greenery.

72)  Take a selfie. Yes, we know you don’t have to be told this one, but as one of Europe’s most picturesque capital cities, Stockholm has plenty of opportunities for you to get your phone out and snap away.

Health and fitness

73) Go running. There are some great suggestions for running routes in Stockholm on Great Runs . 

74) If you fancy some company on your run, hook up with the folks at Ssideline City , who arrange regular sessions with post-run meals and drinks.

75) Do the Stockholm park run. Like park runs the world over, this one’s completely free. Join fellow Stockholmers at 9.30am on Saturday for a 5km run round the Hagaparken in Solna.

76) Swim wild. Locals all have their own favourite spots for summer dips – for something central, we’d suggest trying one of the beaches on the northern edge of Långholmen .

For more ideas for free and cheap swimming spots in the city, see Where to go swimming in Stockholm .

77) Take a Swedish sauna.  Hellasgården , located on the edge of the lake called Källtorpssjön, has two single-sex saunas with direct access to the lake (entry costs just 110 SEK for daytime weekday sessions, up to 180 SEK for a peak time visit).

There are mixed-sex sauna sessions on Mondays and Wednesdays. Nervous about stripping off? Read our guide to Swedish sauna etiquette first.

78) Have a workout. There are free, outdoor gyms located across the city, offering a mix of chin-up bars, balance beams and resistance-training machines.

This website (in Swedish) has a list of all the free outdoor gyms in Stockholm, organised by area.

79)  Non-profit Swedish gym group  Friskis&Svettis  has free training sessions and classes on its website, that you can do at home or outside in parks in Stockholm.

80) If it’s a little too chilly for free wild swimming, never fear! Sweden’s national swimming centre, Eriksdalbadet has three outdoor pools and five indoor pools, including an Olympic-sized one, a diving pool and a slide pool.

Entry to this watery wonderland costs around 80 SEK (or 40 SEK for kids).

Window shopping

81) Visit NK, Stockholm’s grandest department store , to browse through the swanky products – this place stocks everything from books and clothes to ornaments. There’s also a splendid food court.

82) Rummage through the bargains on offer at a classic Swedish loppis (flea market).There are a few different ones dotted around the city.

Check out the Hötorget flea market , which t akes place every Sunday, when t he regular food and vegetable stalls are replaced by tables of old vinyl records, books, kitchenware and other bric a brac .

83) Browse the pre-loved and vintage stores in Södermalm , which sell everything from old records to kids’ toys.

Prices vary from pretty cheap to ultra-expensive, depending on what’s deemed ‘in’ at any given moment. There are some recommendations in this guide .

84) If second-hand is not your thing, there are upscale design shops all over the place in Södermalm. Start searching in SoFo, the area south of Folkungagatan.

85) Hit up the Swedish fashion stores that are tricky to find abroad. Acne , Weekday and Cos all have outlets in the Swedish capital.

86) The world’s biggest H&M isn’t in Sweden at all (it’s in New York). But if it’s cheap Swedish fashion you want, there’s still a sufficiently massive H&M at the Westfield Mall of Scandinavia , just north of Stockholm.

87) Get behind the wheel of the latest cars at the flashy Volvo Car Studio at Kungsträdgården . There’s also an exhibition about the brand’s road-safety ambitions.

88) Play with the whacky gadgets and cool kitchen accessories at the Nordic design shop Designtorget , which has three stores in Stockholm including one at the main train station .

89) Learn what snus is (and stuff some under your lip) at the   Swedish Match snuff shop  on Kungsgatan.

90 ) Try on a few crazy wigs (or wear a mask with Swedish king’s face on it) at Buttericks fancy dress shop , which has been open at Drottninggatan 57 for more than a century.

91) Browse the stalls at  Hornstulls Marknad , a waterside market that sells a good mix of vintage items and some modern street food. It’s open on Saturdays and Sundays from April to October only.

Eating and drinking

92)  Check out Stockholm’s food trucks . You can eat just about any cuisine from Vietnamese bao buns to Greek pittas, Sri Lankan sandwiches to West African domoda – and all at bargain prices.

Our guide to cheap eats in Stockholm has other recommendations.

93) Look out for free samples at Hötorgshallen , one of the most popular lunchtime hangouts for local office workers.

94) Drool over the sweets at one of Stockholm’s colourful candy shops. There are still independent places selling hundreds of different sugary treats, but otherwise you can always try a branch of Hemmakväll .

95)  Hear your tastebuds scream ‘WTF’ when you sample Swedish salt liquorice. Lakritsroten , which has six branches in Stockholm, sells dozens of different types.

96)  Search out Stockholm’s cheap bars. Yes, alcohol is notoriously expensive in Sweden and, of course, even more so in the capital city.

But, don’t despair, there are plenty of places where you can get a beer for under 50 SEK, if you’re in the know. Check out our guide and join the locals for a super cheap beer.

97)  Wander into a branch of Systembolaget , the nation’s alcohol monopoly, for a true taste of Swedish culture.

The shop at Drottninggatan 32 is nice and central, but be sure to avoid Friday evenings, when the queues are ridiculous.

98) Browse the city’s food markets. Stockholm’s grandest,   Östermalms Saluhall sells gourmet food from around the globe, as well as Swedish products, including fish, shellfish, cheeses, vegetables – and even reindeer meat.

If you’d like company and an expert guide to tell you all about the produce,  this Nordic food walk  is worth a look.

99) That eye-wateringly stinky Swedish fish you’ve heard about – surströmming – is available to buy in cans. Your mission: find one in Stockholm’s supermarkets.

Don’t try to fly home with it though (some airlines have banned it due to the risk of the smell leaking out during transit). For more on this smelly speciality, see our guide to Sweden’s stinkiest food .

100)   Have a hot dog. There are hot dog stands all over Stockholm and they make a tasty filling lunch that won’t break the bank.

Bruno’s Korvbar  has three sausage bars in the city serving a variety of different sausages in a bun, from chorizo to lamb and veggie options. Prices start at 75 SEK including sauces, mustard and sauerkraut.

101) Try the gooey, homemade, organic gelato at StikkiNikki, which has several branches around the city. Unusual flavours include vegan cashew and sea salt, lingonberry yoghurt and peanut butter – and if you ask nicely, you can try before you buy.

102) Buy a picnic to eat in the park. Who needs a restaurant when Stockholm has so many lovely parks and waterside areas where you can picnic in the summer?

Lidl is probably the cheapest supermarket for supplies, but Willys, ICA and Coop are all worth trying too.

103) Head to the playground at Hammarbygläntan , out near the Hammarbyhöjden subway station. There are swings, a rope course, obstacle courses and sculptures for kids to play on.

104) Get a feel for how Södermalm looked in the 1800s at  Bryggartäppan , another themed children’s play area with swings, wooden houses and a maze.

105) Feed the ducks at Långbro Park (see  here  for a map of where it’s located).

106) Play ping-pong. There’s a regular table tennis meet-up for kids aged 9–12 at the Timmermansgården youth centre in Södermalm.

Games take place on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 5–9pm and Thursdays from 4–9pm (it’s free to join in).

107) Get creative at Lava at the Kulturhuset, where there’s a library and meeting space for young adults aged 14–25.

You can borrow books and musical instruments (you’ll need a Stockholm library card ), or try your hand at textiles, painting graphic design, 3D printing and music production . Some activities are free: other charge a nominal fee of 30–70 SEK.

108) Read a comic. Check out Comics Heaven book shop in Gamla Stan. It’s a treasure house of comic books, in both English and Swedish, where kids will happily browse the sci-fi, Manga and adventure stories .

109) Take the kids to a dance class.  Stockholms Barnidrottsförening  runs free taster sessions for little ones throughout the year.

110)   Head to the beach. The Smedsuddsbadet on Kungsholmen is a sandy family-friendly beach, with a large lawn behind – perfect for kids. There are toilets and an electric barbecue if you want to make a day of it.

Viking rune translator: turn your text into runes

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Very good post, thanks for this! Saw that you are mentioning SL’s free guided art walks. Love art and have done that one myself. It was very intressting. If case you don’t like joining public group tours, there is this self-guiding tour app as well http://stockholmartwalk.se/?lang=en

Hey Thank you so much, it is a great article and it will be helpful a lot for the next time I have been to Stockholm last year with my girlfriend and it was amazing! We visited most of the places you mentioned above thanks to our local guide. We booked 3-4 local tours ( old town/Gamla stan walking tour + hiking tour +  Viking Tour + a private boat tour to Archipelago) and we think we saw a lot more than we expected from Stockholm

Thanks for sharing this interesting post. Stockholm was not in my bucket list but after reading your post I would love to explore it as there is so much to visit and things to do there. Keep sharing such informative posts.

Thanks Kanika, it should definitely be on your list!

I`m planning my trip to Stockholm with my Mom. And I would like to thank you for such wide and structural describing of useful places. Your information really makes my trip preparation more easy. Thank you for your help!

You’re welcome! Thanks for the comment and have a great trip 🙂

I’ve just spent hours and hours reading everything I can (and I’m not even finished yet) I too was putting together a family trip, and had no idea where to start but now…I suddenly feel very relieved.

Seriously, thank you very much for this amazingly thorough and insightful guide!

Thank you so much! Have an amazing time in Stockholm! 🙂

Putting together a trip for my dad and I. This purely fantastic, and I’m amazed at the amount of work that went into this. A job well done, you truly represent Stockholm well!

Wow, thank you for taking the time to let us know that you liked it! It means a lot! Have a great trip 🙂

Thank you for your guide!! It will be super useful for my travel!

You’re welcome! Have a great trip! 🙂

absolutely loved this guide, thank you very much!

Hej Anna! You’re welcome – glad you found it useful 🙂

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11 Top Things to Do for Free in Stockholm, Sweden

Stockholm, Sweden is known to be an expensive city, but many travelers don't know that there are numerous free things to do in Stockholm as well.

Consider a Swedish City Card, a travel discount card which offers travelers in Sweden cheap or free transportation in Swedish cities, along with many other discounts.

You can visit beautiful churches and museums, see the changing of the guard at the King's residence and even laze on the beach—all without spending a Krona. As you travel, you'll want to speak a little Swedish with  phrases will help you connect with the locals.

Take a look at this travel season's 10 best activities and sights in Stockholm that are ideal for a traveler on a budget. A map of the area can help to get you started.

See the Changing of the Royal Guard

TripSavvy / Christopher Larson

The guard of the Swedish royal family consists of 30,000 individual guards. Watching this free 40-minute event in front of the residence of the King of Sweden is a very popular attraction in Stockholm.

The Royal Guard ceremony is scheduled differently in the summer than in the winter. From April 23 to August 31, the ceremonial march through central Stockholm is accompanied by a full military band from the Swedish Armed Forces Music Center. On the King's birthday, April 30, the guards parade to the royal palace on horseback.

No matter what the season, the changing of the guard is a ceremony worth seeing.

Take a Walking Tour of Djurgården

Stockholm's Djurgården, a nature park, is an island right in the middle of Stockholm, known for its beautiful green spaces and many sights. Two significant attractions do have entry fees. The park is known for the Vasa Museum, which houses the 17th-century warship that is a must-see. At the Skansen open-air museum, you can see Swedish craftspeople and a living history village.

However, it costs nothing to walk on the island and savor the views. From any point in Stockholm, this free walking tour takes about 2 to 2.5 hours and will show you the best of Djurgården island.

Visit Stockholm's Beautiful Churches

 Taylor McIntyre/TripSavvy

Enter the churches of Stockholm and enjoy the beautiful artwork inside. The following churches in Stockholm are worth visiting and, of course, offer free entry:

• The Royal Cathedral ("Storkyrkan") in Stockholm in Gamla Stan, was built in 1279.
• The Katarina Church at Högbergsgatan 15 is one of the major churches of central Stockholm.
• St. Maria Magdalena at St. Paulsgatan 10 on Sodermalm is constructed in the Baroque style of architecture.
• Riddarholmen Church is close to the royal palace and serves as the final resting place of most Swedish monarchs. 
• The Gustav Vasa Church along Karlbergsvägen is the biggest church in Stockholm and was named after 16th century King Gustav Vasa.

Visit the Museums

Even visiting a museum can be free in Stockholm. There's free admission at both the Moderna Museet (modern art and sculptures) and the Arkitekturmuseet (architecture and design). You'll find both of them next to the National Museum (which unfortunately isn't free) on the island of Skeppsholmen.

Ride Stockholm's Free and Low-Cost Public Transportation

With the Swedish city card, you get free public transportation and free admission to countless attractions in Stockholm. The card pays for itself immediately.The Stockholm Card ( Stockholmskortet in Swedish) includes free admission to over 75 museums and attractions, free boat tours, and discounts at hotels and restaurants. There are city cards for other Swedish cities such as Goteborg and Malmo.

With the SL Tourist Card you will get free public transportation through Greater Stockholm and free admission to the  Grona Lund amusement park . You can purchase these cards online.

Your other option for "almost-free" transportation would be using Stockholm's CityBikes , the popular bicycle rental service ideal in good weather .

Relax at Two Free Beaches

Långholmsbadet and Smedsuddsbadet are two swimming beaches right in Stockholm, so you don't even have to go anywhere. In the summer these are very popular beaches for sunbathers, especially on weekends. Go in the morning to get a good spot.

Go Ice Skating

Kungstradgarden (known as Kungsan) is a popular destination for both summer and winter travelers. In winter, Stockholm offers a popular free activity—ice skating. From mid-November until March, with live music and warming refreshments, you can take your turn on the ice. In summer, Kungstradgarden is an outdoor venue offering free events such as concerts.

Enjoy Free Annual Events

There are festivals and events happening year around. The best part about the many of these fun events is that they're completely free:

• Midsummers Eve celebrations (June)
• The "Taste of Stockholm" Festival (June)
• The Stockholm Pride Festival (July/August)
• Nobel Prize Award lectures (December)

Peruse Modern Art

Moderna Museet  (modern art museum) has a world-class collection of 20th and 21st-century art and photography. They offer free entry on Fridays after 6 p.m. The museum is located on the central island of Skeppsholmen.

You can see works by Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí, and Henri Matisse among many others. After enjoying the art, you can relax at the museum cafe.

Stroll the Södermalm District

Tobias Ackeborn / Getty Images

Södermalm  (often shortened to Söder) is a trendy neighborhood, located both on the island of Södermalm and the surrounding areas. It's a hip place with vintage clothing boutiques, art galleries, bistros, and bars. There are also parks to stroll where you can relax and take in the views. The City Museum of Stockholm (re-opening in 2019) is also there.

Wander Through Medieval Old Town

Stockholm's Old Town ( Gamla Stan ) is fun to explore on foot. It's the largest and best preserved medieval city center in Europe and is the site where Stockholm was established in 1252. The main streets like Västerlånggatan and Stora Nygatan are good to explore but don't miss walking the cobblestone streets of Mårten Trotzigs Gränd which is the narrowest alley in Stockholm. It's a great place to go shopping for souvenirs and handicrafts.

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The Top 12 Free Things To Do In Stockholm

There’s no denying that visiting Stockholm is quite pricey compared to other European cities, and it’s for good reasons. But a visit to the Swedish capital doesn’t have to break your bank account. Instead of a taxi, you can take public transportation, which is efficient, safe, and relatively cheap. There are also a number of free walking tours that allow you to see the major sights, learn about Swedish history, and get your questions answered by local experts.

Additionally, you’ll find numerous free things to do in Stockholm that require nothing but your time and undivided attention. From free museums and art galleries to free events, concerts, and festivals in and around the city, the sky is the only limit to what you can do here. Once you’ve dropped your bags off with Bounce luggage storage , you can see the main attractions and family-friendly activities in Stockholm that are completely free. And hands-free too!

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Tour around Gamla Stan, the Old Town Stockholm

Start your journey with a free walking tour of the historic Old Town. The original city center of Stockholm, Gamla Stan, is surrounded by the islets of Riddarholmen, Helgeandsholmen, and Stromsburg. Here, you will witness how Europe’s largest medieval city center is preserved from as back as 1252 and explore the historical buildings from the 16th and 17th centuries.

Besides discovering this town’s fascinating history, you can use the colorful structures or the Swedish Royal Palace as a fantastic backdrop for a souvenir photo. There are also free guided tours of the Parliament you can join.

The city of Stockholm used to refer only to the old town of Gamla Stan. But as the city expanded, the surrounding suburban areas were eventually included. If you really want to see the heart of Stockholm, then taking a stroll down Gamla Stan will definitely be worth it. If you are not sure where to stay in Stockholm, this is a recommended neighborhood. Read about other places to stay here .

Get lost in Stockholm’s oldest square

Also located in Gamla Stan, Stortorget is not only the oldest but also the city's main square. Make sure to bring your camera as you’ll like want to capture the vibrant and colorful townhouses on the west side of the square. There’s also an 18th-century fountain that is sure to catch your eyes, surrounded by cobblestones.

Stortorget is undoubtedly the focal point of the Old Town. It’s a great spot to catch up with friends and watch people, as it continues to receive hoards of tourists every day. In the summer, it serves as a host to open-air concerts and festivities. When the cold winter comes, it also comes alive with the Christmas market and lights glowing around the square.

Watch the changing of the guard ceremony

The Changing of the Guard ceremony is an event you don’t want to miss when visiting Stockholm. While it’s usually only the children who get free entry to the Royal Palace, anyone can watch the Royal Guards ceremony for free. It is held every day in summer, from April to August or May to September.

The ceremony lasts for forty minutes, often starting at 12:15 pm on the weekdays in the outer courtyard of the Royal Palace and at 1:15 pm on Sundays. It includes a military parade and marching band or a ceremony with horses. It’s fascinating to see, so make sure you head to the area in the summer and be there early to get a good spot.

Get free entry to the Modern Art Museum

Visiting the Modern Art Museum, a prominent modern and contemporary art museum in Europe, is one of the best free things to do in Stockholm for art lovers. It offers free admission to the Moderna Museet Collection and many of its temporary exhibitions. These include some of the world’s finest contemporary and modern art, international and Swedish collections, as well as masterpieces by the remarkable artists of the 20th and 21st centuries.

Even if you’re only accompanying your art enthusiast friend, you’ll also fall in love with the magnificent displays and art pieces in the gallery. The building is another excellent sight designed by a notable Spanish architect, Rafael Moneo. It is also close to other free attractions and museums, including the National Museum.

Moderna Museet usually takes admission for its temporary exhibitions, like Björn Lövin. But every Thursday since June 9, the exhibition has been open to everyone for free, allowing guests to enter  Björn Lövin’s world of art.

Explore the Royal National City Park

Established in 1995, the Royal National City Park stretches across the Swedish municipalities of Stockholm, Solna, and Lidingo. This is the green oasis for everyone looking for a quick timeout from the hustle and bustle of the city. Within the Royal National City Park, you’ll be captivated by the ancient forest and open land.

Entry to the national city park is free, making it one of the best free things to do in Stockholm. It’s a perfect destination to relax and feel the beauty of nature. There are also excellent restaurants to check out, like the Lilla Hasselbacken and Vikingaliv’s restaurant. Moreover, world-class hotels such as the Hasselbacken, Villa Kalhagen, and the Pop House are only a few minutes away for those looking for a place to stay.

Bike around the island of Djurgården

Djurgården is a captivating island in central Stockholm. It used to serve as the Game Park of the Swedish Royal Family and is now home to many of the city’s amusement parks, art galleries, and museums. These include the Nobel Prize Museum, the ABBA Museum , Gröna Lund, the Vasa Museum, The Nordic Museum , the open-air museum and zoo, Skansen, and many more.

Apart from featuring Stockholm’s famous tourist attractions, Djurgården also offers ideal grounds for peaceful picnics and exploration by foot or on bikes. While some prefer a free walking tour around its extensive stretches of parkland, a bike ride allows you to see more of the island and cycle even further.

Follow the coast to Blockhusudden and Hundudden and discover lush greens, beautiful forests, meadows full of colorful blooms, and even grazing horses. There are bike routes you can follow and see more of the area.

See the Rosendals Garden

Opening daily from 11 am to 4 pm, the Rosendals Garden is a market garden that has captivated both local and international tourists for almost four decades now. It is one of the popular go-to venues for people all over Sweden, particularly for social gatherings like weddings. Thanks to the garden’s lush setting, Rosendals Garden is a venue for sustainability, growth, and, of course, enjoyment.

Besides viewing the beautiful flowers and various botanical plants on display, Rosendals Garden has its own cafe. Their farm shop is where people can buy and collect their favorite succulents and vegetables. So if you plan to snack while exploring, you won’t be disappointed in spending your day here. Relax here while planning your evening. With much to do at night in Stockholm , you'll be happy you had the rest.

Hang out at Kungsträdgården

No matter what time of the year you visit, Kungsträdgården remains a favorite destination among tourists and locals. Nestled in the center of Stockholm, Sweden, this gorgeous outdoor setting is a multi-use event venue and park in the heart of the city. It features a bronze statue, a fountain, generous staircases, and long wooden benches where you can chill and relax.

Many people often call Kungsträdgården the park for all seasons. During summer, it hosts an array of events, including open-air festivals and free concerts. In the spring, you’ll be amazed at the stunning cherry trees blooming in the northern area of the park.

And if you come in winter, it turns into an ice skating rink where you see residents and tourists of all ages ice skating for hours. It is free and open to everyone, so you’ll see it comes alive even in the freezing season.

Discover Swedish history at the museum

The Swedish History Museum or Historiska Museet is one of the cultural attractions in Stockholm that offers free admission for all. It is easily accessible, only a short distance from Karlaplan subway station, giving you a glimpse into the country’s lively and lengthy history. Here, you’ll learn about the dramatic life stories, love, celebration, triumph, struggles, and daily life from the past to the present day.

The museum boasts an outstanding collection of ten million historical objects and artifacts that span 10,000 years. These include treasures from the Viking age, armor, Madonnas, relics, and many more. It offers a fascinating journey of discovery told through the exhibitions, guided tours, and inspiring lectures.

If you visit Stockholm with your kids, there are also child-friendly adventures they will enjoy. During weekends and school holidays, the museum organizes workshops for them with accompanying adults. In summer, the courtyard is packed with interactive activities, crafts, and games for everyone of all ages and interests.

Go swimming

With crystal water virtually everywhere in the city, you can’t come here and not bask in the sun and go swimming in the middle of town. One of the beloved beaches in northern Stockholm is Ängbybadet. It became a public beach in 1936 and is now widely known due to its excellent water quality. It has a small coffee and ice cream shop and a changing room.

Another swimming area you can check out is located in the lush mountain park Tantolunden. It has wide walkways and is dominated by a lot of vegetation and trees. It’s one of the popular swimming areas on the island, with close proximity to restaurants and trendy cafes. There is also an outdoor gym, ball fields, and a playground.

Marvel at the book collection at the Stockholm Public Library

Whether you’re an avid reader or not, you’ll be amused at the seemingly endless collection of books at the Stockholm Public Library (Stadsbiblioteket). It is the largest public library in the country, which holds over half a million books in more than a hundred languages. It’s an inspiring place to study and work and no doubt one of the top free things you should go to in Stockholm.

The library was designed by world-renowned architect Gunna Asplund. It is a perfect example of the Swedish Grace style and has been recognized as one of the most beautiful libraries in the world. Anyone will love the building façade, but once you enter, you’ll realize that it’s an even more spectacular sight inside, with a glorious panorama of literature covering the cylindrical walls.

You probably won’t stick around for long, but it’s still a real masterpiece worth exploring. Who knows, it might inspire you to build your own library at home!

See inside the world’s longest art museum

Who would’ve thought that a subway would be the longest art gallery in the world? Well, this Scandinavian city made it happen, with Stockholm’s Metro featuring works by over 150 artists. Over the years, the city commissioned some of the country’s most heralded artists to create art, making the 110-kilometer underground stations a place of artistic beauty. So if you can’t afford the expensive admission fee of art museums and galleries, take a trip to the station and admire the works of some of the greatest artists in Sweden.

In the summer, Stockholm Public Transport regularly schedules free guided art tours in the subway. You can start at Stockholm Central Station , where you’ll see beautiful artworks as you pass through. You’ll hear from knowledgeable art guides who will explain the impressive collection of artwork, architecture, sculpture, and artists behind the masterpiece of the subway system.

The best fun, completely free

Along with proper planning and preparing yourself mentally and physically, traveling can require a lot of money, especially if you’re flying out of the country. Even if you’re only going out of town, you need to ensure you have enough means to cover your accommodation, food, transportation (read our guide How to Get Around Stockholm for stress-free travel), and other expenses. But with tons of free things to do in Stockholm, budget-friendly travelers can still visit and explore the city comfortably.

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Top 10 Free Attractions in Stockholm, Sweden

Stockholm is without doubt a beautiful city. Everywhere you go you are close to water as the city is spread out across 14 unique islands. Just outside, the spectacular archipelago awaits with more than 1000 islands. Our Stockholm specialist Lisa is happy to share her top 10 list of free attractions in Stockholm.

Lisa J Cooke

Lisa is part of our travel consultant team and our Stockholm expert. Today she lives in Göteborg, but has been living 3 years in Stockholm.

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Add to favourites, would you like to visit stockholm, have a look at our recommended tours.

Stockholm is the largest city in Scandinavia and in this vibrant city you'll always find something to do between the museums, the green spaces, historic streets and buildings. Here are my top ten tips for a free day out in this amazing capital. Oh, and don’t forget the traditional “fika” typically made up by a nice coffee break with a cinnamon bun!

1. Djurgården

Djurgården is one of the city islands of Stockholm. Here you can find many of Stockholm’s most interesting museums, but Djurgården is also a great place for long walks in lush nature. Start your walk from Strandvägen or take the one and only tram in Stockholm to Djurgården and get off at “Djurgårdsbron” at the end of Strandvägen. From here you continue your walk along the water, please see the recommended 2-hour walk on Djurgården . If you get hungry, visit the restaurant Djurgårdsbrunn and enjoy lunch by the water.  

2. Rosendal’s Garden

Rosendal’s Garden is located on Djurgården and is open to the public. On a nice warm day, you can easily spend a few hours here marvelling at the orchards, flowerbeds and beautiful apple trees. You can also see and learn about the biodynamic cultivation of vegetables, flowers and fruit. Visit the exhibitions or simply relax on a rug under an apple tree. The café serves lunch, sandwiches and cakes, using only ecological ingredients of the season.

3. Gamla Stan (Old town)

You cannot visit Stockholm without strolling up and down the narrow medieval cobbled streets of Gamla Stan – the Old town of Stockholm, which is also its own separate island. Here is where the history of Stockholm started about one thousand years ago. You can find the Cathedral, Nobel museum and the Royal Palace here, but also many small shops, cosy cafés and restaurants.

4. Östermalmshallen food hall

One of Stockholm’s most significant food halls is “ Östermalmshallen ”. Östermalms Saluhall has been named "The world's 7th best food hall" by the prestigious and award-winning magazine Bon Appétit in 2007. The market hall is from the 1880s, and you will find numerous restaurants and cafés where you can enjoy traditional Swedish delicacies. I can especially recommend the restaurant Lisa Elmquist for fresh fish and shellfish. Östermalms Saluhall is located at Östermalmstorg in the heart of Stockholm. The market hall is currently being renovated and the food stalls and restaurants are moved to a temporary covered market situated on the square. The renovation will finish winter 2020.

5. City beaches

In central Stockholm you can go swimming! Popular beaches include Långsholmsbadet, Smedsundsbadet and Oxhålsbadet , take your pick!

Enjoy art, architecture, history, and culture for free! Many museums in Stockholm offer free admission! For instance, visit the Nordic Museum, Nobel Prize Museum and the Modern Art museum on Skeppsholmen. The opening times for free admissions vary, you can find further information here.  

7. The King’s Garden

A perfect spot for people-watching and ice cream in the sun! This is one of Stockholm’s oldest public parks and in the spring time many people come to enjoy the pink cherry blossoms lighting up the park. You may also find free performances, concerts and entertainment on a nice day. In winter time many Stockholmers come here to ice skate.

8. The Katarina Elevator

This elevator was constructed in 1881, and even though it is now out of service, it is well worth the climb up the stairs to enjoy one of the best views of Stockholm! Come in the evening and admire the sunset. Located just by Slussen on the Söderström river connecting Södermalm and Gamla stan.

9. Free walking tours

Free Tour Stockholm offers three great tours covering most of central Stockholm (City Tour, Söder Tour and Old Town Tour). The expert guide will show you the sites and talks about the city’s history during the 1,5-2-hour walk. Stroll through the narrow alleyways of the Old Town or visit fashionable Södermalm or select the tour of the modern city area. The tours are free, but if you like the experience you are welcome to leave an optional tip with your guide. You don’t need a booking, just show up at the meeting place in time for the tour to start.

10. Riksdagen (the Swedish parliament)

Yes, you can visit the Swedish parliament. From the middle of September until June, while the Riksdag is in session, guided tours for the public are held on Saturdays and Sundays. During the summer guided tours will be held on weekdays. It is not possible to book the tours in advance.

By Lisa Jörgensen Cooke / Nov 08 2021

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Stockholm and beyond

Best things to do and see in Stockholm

Stockholm , the Swedish capital, also known as the Venice of the North, is one of the largest and most beautiful cities in the Nordic region. It is characterized by having numerous cultural, natural and architectural attractions , and it is famous for being the birthplace of Alfred Nobel and where the Prizes that bear his name are held annually. With a privileged location in an archipelago of the Baltic Sea, it is very well-connected with Copenhagen, Gothenburg and also Helsinki.

A free walking tour with GuruWalk is the best way to get to know the essential places of this city including, Gamla Stan or the historic center to get a chance to walk through its medieval streets, the Royal Palace in Stockholm, the Nobel Prize Museum, Skansen or the Open Air Museum, Stockholm City Hall, the Royal Opera, the Riddarholmen Church, are also great places to get to learn about the historical figures and periods that have shaped the course of this city.

If you want to have more information about local guides and guided tours of Stockholm , we invite you to read the opinions that other walkers have left about their experience, and book with GuruWalk the Free Tour that interests you the most to make sure your next holidays are memorable and full of authentic experiences. Other travelers who checked out the available tours for the morning, afternoon, and evening in Stockholm, were also interested in cities like Tallinn.

Free walking tour near Stockholm

Others cities to visit after stockholm, find other guruwalks in stockholm, where are you traveling to.

Stockholm Travel Guide: 32 Best Things To Do & See in the Swedish Capital

The venice of the north.

Stockholm, Sweden’s capital , is super cosy!

As Alexander’s grandmother and grandfather live just south of the city, we have been lucky to visit Stockholm countless times over the years in all seasons.

“Fika”, old streets, walks along the canals and nice interior design shops… That’s just some of the things we love most about Stockholm.

You can easily spend a weekend in Stockholm – or several days – because there is so much to do and see at the many islands in the archipelago (which has given the city the nickname the Venice of the North).

In this travel guide to Stockholm, we share the best things to do and see as well as tips and recommendations for where to stay, good restaurants and cafés, how to get around and much more.

Where to stay in Stockholm?

• Budget: STF Zinkensdamm Hostel – Hostel five minutes from the beach in Södermalm.
• Value for money: Backstage Hotel Stockholm – Nice hotel close to nature on Djurgården.
• Luxury: Grand Hôtel Stockholm – Stockholm’s finest hotel.
• Search for the best value accommodation in Stockholm here .

Table of contents

Best things to do and see in Stockholm

Where to stay in stockholm, best restaurants and cafés in stockholm, how to get around stockholm, how to get to stockholm, our best tips for visiting stockholm.

Stockholm map and geography

Stockholm is spread over several different islands and islets. The central part of the city is located on 14 islands , all of which are connected by more than 50 bridges .

Stockholm’s archipelago consists of more than 20,000 islands (some say 30,000!), which spread east from the city towards the Baltic Sea.

Stockholm City Card

We’ll start this guide to Stockholm by mentioning an all-inclusive pass to the city: Stockholm City Card .

It’s a really great idea if you want to experience several museums or go on sailing trips in the archipelago.

You get access to more than 50 attractions and tours in Stockholm which you can visit freely for either 1 day, 2 days, 3 days or 5 days.

The card is valid, among other things, for:

• Going on an Archipelago Sightseeing Cruise with a guide.
• Sailing to Drottningholm.
• Visiting the Vasa Museum.
• Going up to SkyView Stockholm.

Some of Stockholm’s biggest and best highlights , in other words.

Several of the things to do and see in this travel guide to Stockholm are included in the Stockholm City Card, so we will mention it again later.

If you want to check out the prices and which museums, attractions and tours are included, you can read more about the Stockholm City Card here ( adlink ).

Tip: Remember to check the digital guide you receive after your purchase to see the updated list of included experiences and attractions, opening hours and specific booking instructions.

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Since you are reading this travel guide, you are probably wondering what to do and see in Stockholm.

Well, we have been to Sweden’s capital many times and still find new exciting shops and cafés to visit as well as parks and museums we haven’t been to before.

There are plenty of sights and attractions for both a weekend trip and a longer stay.

In our opinion, here are the best things to do and see in Stockholm:

• Gamla Stan – The old town
• Stockholm Palace – The royal residence
• Stockholm Cathedral – The royal church
• The Parliament House – The legislative assembly
• Riddarholmen and Riddarholm Church
• Stockholms Stadhus – The City Hall
• Walk along the canals
• Canal cruise – See Stockholm from the waterside
• Djurgården – The green lungs of Stockholm
• The Vasa Museum – A well-preserved 17th-century warship
• The Viking Museum – Norse mythology and an interactive exhibition
• Skansen – The world’s oldest open-air museum
• Gröna Lund – Stockholm’s amusement park
• Rosendal Garden and Rosendal Palace
• Junibacken – A fun playground for children
• Candlelight Concert – Live performances with thousands of candles
• Södermalm – Hip atmosphere and great food
• Fotografiska – Museum of Photography with a view
• Katarinavägen – View of Gamla Stan
• Skinnarviksberget – Natural view of the city
• Sofia Church and Vitabergsparken
• Östermalm – Fancy shops and beautiful architecture
• Östermalms Saluhall – Food market for aestheticians
• Norrmalm – Shopping and culture in the centre
• Hallwylska Museet – A luxurious family mansion
• Paradox Museum – Optical illusions for children
• More parks and green areas in Stockholm
• SkyView – View of Stockholm from the Globe
• Stockholm’s metro stations – An underground art gallery
• Hop-on hop-off bus tour – See the best of Stockholm
• Shopping – Everything from vintage shops to Swedish chain stores
• Drottningholm Palace – Royal castle from the 17th century

1. Gamla Stan – The old town

Stockholm’s old town Gamla Stan is a must-visit when in Stockholm.

The area is located on an island in the middle of the city ( Stadsholmen ) between Norrmalm and Södermalm and it’s lovely to stroll through when walking from one district to the other.

The streets of Gamla Stan are narrow, old and really cute .

And yes, it is a bit touristy with souvenir shops and slightly more expensive food options… But the area is still super charming!

Our favourite streets in Gamla Stan:

• Västerlånggatan with the many shops.
• The more quiet Prästgatan , which, among other things, includes The German Church.
• Köpmangatan (Stockholm’s oldest street).
• Österlånggatan , where there are several small galleries and special shops.

Also, don’t miss Stortorget with the beautiful coloured houses and The Nobel Museum as well as the narrowest alley of Stockholm: Mårten Trotzig’s Alley .

In Gamla Stan, you will find Stockholm Palace , Stockholm Cathedral and the Parliament House – all of which we will get into in more detail below.

2. The Royal Palace – The royal residence

If you are interested in history , royal families or as Victoria loves historical drama series and movies about the royals, you can’t miss The Royal Palace ( Kungliga Slottet in Swedish).

Even though it’s the royal couple’s official residence and workplace , large parts of the castle are open all year round.

The Royal Palace is built in Baroque style and we were really impressed with the pompous rooms , the art and the gold details in the old castle.

It’s like stepping into a movie! It’s also fun to experience if you have watched the Netflix series Young Royals .

In addition to the castle itself, the entrance ticket also gives access to the Royal Treasury ( Skattkammaren ) with incredible royal crowns and weapons as well as the Museum Three Crowns ( Tre Kronor ), where you can learn more about the development of the old Tre Kronor Palace from a defence fort to a Renaissance palace.

See opening times, prices and different types of tickets on their website .

3. Stockholm Cathedral – The royal church

Right next to Stockholm Palace (described above), you’ll find Stockholm Cathedral ( Storkyrkan in Swedish).

The cathedral, which is also called Sankt Nikolai Kyrka , is the oldest church in Stockholm.

Inside the church, there is, among other things, a famous statue of Saint George and the Dragon, a beautiful organ and an impressive altar.

It’s worth checking out if you are in Gamla Stan.

By the way, this is the church in which Sweden’s Crown Princess Victoria married Daniel .

The church can obviously be seen from the outside for free, but (unfortunately) going inside costs a little bit .

You can buy a ticket at the entrance.

Tip: The entrance fee to the church is included if you have the Stockholm City Card ( adlink ).

4. The Parliament House – The legislative assembly

The Parliament House is called Riksdagshuset, and it is the seat of the Parliament of Sweden .

The building is located on a small island, Helgeandsholmen , just north of Gamla Stan, and it’s open to the public ( read about visiting the Riksdag here ).

It’s an impressive building and it’s worth passing by to admire even if you don’t intend to go inside.

5. Riddarholmen and Riddarholm Church

Riddarholmen is located on a small islet west of Gamla Stan.

On the cute little streets , you will find the town court, Birger Jarl’s tower, the Gamla Riksarkivet and lots of beautiful views of the water.

Riddarholmen Church is a beautiful burial and memorial church where former Swedish regents are buried.

The church is open to visitors during the summer season and also arranges several concerts throughout the year.

6. Stockholms Stadhus – The City Hall

The city hall , Stockholms Stadhus, was built between 1911 and 1923 and it was designed by the Swedish architect Ragnar Östberg in a national romantic style.

There are tours of the city hall almost daily ( read more about times and prices here ).

The city hall is located next to the water at the tip of Kungsholmen , where you can get a great view of Riddarholmen and the western part of Södermalm from the City Hall vantage point ( Stadshuset utsiktspunkt ).

In addition to being the seat of Stockholm’s municipality, it’s also where the Nobel Prize is awarded every year in December in the magnificent halls.

7. Walk along the canals

One of the most characteristic features of Sweden’s capital is the many canals and waterways that wind through the city.

In fact, there is so much water that Stockholm is sometimes called the Venice of the North .

Taking the time to walk along the canals is definitely recommended!

Enjoy the views over the water from the many bridges and roads along the waterfront, for example from Strandvägen , which runs from Norrmalm to Djurgården, North Mälarstrand a little west of the city hall, or Söder Mälarstrand just on the other side on the western part of Södermalm.

8. Canal cruise – See Stockholm from the waterside

You can also choose to see Stockholm from the water by going on a canal cruise.

Several companies offer boat trips in the canals where you get a unique perspective on the city and pass several of the best sights in Stockholm.

There are also several different types of boat trips included among the experiences you can get with a Stockholm City Card ( adlink ).

Going on a canal cruise in Stockholm is definitely a wonderful way to see the city.

9. Djurgården – The green lungs of Stockholm

The island of Djurgården is a beautiful oasis in the middle of Stockholm which is especially nice to visit in the summer because of the large green areas.

Rosendals Trädgård (the Rosendal Garden) with Rosendals Slott (the Rosendal Palace), Ekoparken, Djurgårdens Bokskog and Frisens Park take up a large part of the island.

The historic open-air museum Skansen is worth a visit on a day with good weather, too.

Near the water, you will find the amusement park Gröna Lund , ABBA The Museum and other popular museums such as the Vasa Museum , The Viking Museum , The Nordic Museum and the children’s park Junibacken .

Below we go into more detail about several of the experiences and sights on Djurgården.

10. The Vasa Museum – A well-preserved 17th-century warship

The Vasa Museum is one of Stockholm’s most famous museums and iconic landmarks .

The Vasa Ship sank in 1628 shortly after it sailed from the port of Stockholm on its maiden voyage.

Around 300 years later, the ship was raised from the bottom of the sea and restored. Now it can be experienced up close.

Alexander naturally visited the Vasa Museum as a child with his Swedish family – because it’s truly an exciting museum for children where you, among other things, can play between the cannons and imagine being inside the ship.

On our most recent trip to Stockholm, we both visited the museum and it was impressive to see the gigantic ship from six different floors . That way we could soak in all the details and see the ship from all angles.

There are several small exhibits, including a screening of a 17-minute documentary about the ship’s history.

The Vasa Museum is included in the Stockholm City Card ( adlink ) which gives access to more than 50 experiences and sights in Stockholm.

You can also buy your ticket online ( adlink ) or at the museum entrance.

Children up to 18 years old can enter The Vasa Museum for free.

11. The Viking Museum – Norse mythology and an interactive exhibition

We have to admit that we didn’t have high expectations for the Viking Museum. But we were positively surprised and really enjoyed our visit.

Here, you can learn about Norse mythology , Scandinavian history and of course the Viking way of life .

If you have seen Viking-themed TV series like Vikings, The Last Kingdom or Norsemen, it’s fun to see some of the more in-depth descriptions of the characters you know from the screen.

The museum is right next to the Vasa Museum on Djurgården, so it’s easy to combine a visit to both – and that’s exactly what we did.

Something that made the Viking Museum special was a small “ride” called Ragnfrid’s Saga , where you sit in a carriage (like in an amusement park) that takes you on a journey back to the Viking Age and tells the story of the fate of a Viking family.

In the course of 11 minutes, the carriage takes you through different rooms with figures, exhibitions, videos as well as light and sound installations. It was really well made!

You can choose to hear the story in English, Swedish and several other languages.

Visiting The Viking Museum, like the Vasa Museum, is also included in the Stockholm City Card ( adlink ).

Alternatively, you can buy tickets online ( adlink ) or at the entrance.

12. Skansen – The world’s oldest open-air museum

It has been quite a few years since we visited Skansen but we still include it in this travel guide to Stockholm as it’s a really cosy place.

At the world’s oldest open-air museum, you can travel back in time and learn about how the Swedes lived in the 16th century and up to the first half of the 20th century.

There are 150 historic houses and farms from all over Sweden.

During the summer season, there are singing, dancing and concerts at the outdoor museum while the winter season includes a Christmas market and Christmas concerts.

We have to admit that we are a bit conflicted about the fact that Skansen also has enclosures with wild Nordic animals, an aquarium and a children’s zoo with farm animals. As vegans and animal lovers, we don’t think animals should be kept in captivity like that.

13. Gröna Lund – Stockholm’s amusement park

Gröna Lund is Sweden’s oldest amusement park and it’s beautifully located next to the water on Djurgården.

If you are travelling with children , this is a fun place to spend the day.

There are around 30 rides , lots of stalls with games and lotteries as well as several restaurants and snack stands.

In addition, there is also entertainment for children, concerts and dance evenings.

Read more about Gröna Lund’s opening hours, prices and events on their website .

14. Rosendal Garden and Rosendal Palace

Go for a walk, relax in the sun or enjoy the many flowers and plants in the large green garden in the middle of Djurgården.

In Rosendals Trädgård (the Rosendal Garden), you’ll find biodynamic fruits, vegetables and flowers (which you can buy and take home with you).

There is a cute greenhouse café with lunch dishes, coffee and cake, too.

Apart from that, the garden also has a cool labyrinth and the beautiful Rosendal Palace from the 19th century ( read more about opening hours and prices here ).

15. Junibacken – A fun playground for children

We have not visited Junibacken ourselves, but if you are in Stockholm with young children , you should definitely check it out.

The children’s museum is a cultural centre for children (and childlike souls) , and it has a theatre, interactive exhibitions, places to play, a large bookstore with children’s books and many references to Astrid Lindgren’s world.

Among other things, you can “lift up” Pippi’s horse and ride a story train that takes you through several of the well-known Astrid Lindgren stories.

It’s recommended to buy tickets in advance – they can be purchased online here ( adlink ) or at the museum entrance where they cost a little more.

16. Candlelight Concert – Live performances with thousands of candles

Stockholm is already one of Europe’s most romantic cities. Now you can experience a special night with Candlelight Concerts; musical events by Fever that put on unique shows with classical music, tributes to contemporaries (like Sweden’s very own ABBA) as well as other genres like ballets and even anime.

What they all have in common, though, is the intimate settings and the thousands of candles . It sounds and looks so beautiful!

Read more about what’s on and book your Candlelight tickets here .

17. Södermalm – Hip atmosphere and great food

Södermalm, often called Söder , is a large area in Stockholm south of Gamla Stan with lots of green parks, cosy cafés and restaurants, thrift shops, interior design and clothing stores.

The hippest part of Söder is the SoFo district (South of Folkungagatan), where you’ll find many creative and innovative fashion stores, designer shops, small galleries and trendy eateries.

Further down, we’ll mention some of the best things to do and see in Södermalm.

18. Fotografiska – Museum of Photography with a view

With a beautiful view over the water and Stockholm’s small islands, the museum Fotografiska is located in an old customs station building in the northernmost part of Södermalm.

The modern photography museum is often recommended as one of the best things to experience in Stockholm – and for a good reason!

When we stopped by, there were three exhibitions at the museum and we were particularly fond of the News Flash exhibition which displayed unique news photographs from different decades.

The museum shop is also quite cool with many books, posters and Swedish design objects.

Furthermore, the museum is open from 10 am to 11 pm every day which can be convenient if you have more energy in the evening when all the other museums and shops are closed.

You can see the current exhibitions on Fotografiska’s website .

And if you have already considered buying a Stockholm City Card ( adlink ), you will be pleased to hear that Fotografiska is also included in the pass.

Alternatively, you can buy tickets online ( adlink ) or at the entrance, where they (according to the museum) typically are more expensive.

Children up to the age of 13 enter for free.

19. Katarinavägen – View of Gamla Stan

Katarinavägen is technically not a thing to see in Stockholm but nevertheless, we think it should be mentioned in this travel guide.

The road starts at Slussen and if you continue further up, you’ll get a nice view of Gamla Stan and the rest of Stockholm.

When we visited in February 2023, a fence had been put up in connection with some road work, so the view wasn’t the best. Luckily, you could still see – and take pictures – through the fence.

20. Skinnarviksberget – Natural view of the city

Another scenic view of Stockholm can be seen from the top of Skinnarviksberget.

In the northwestern part of Södermalm, you can go up to a small cliff , from where you can see the town hall Stockholms Stadshus, among other things.

It’s free and we can imagine it’s a lovely area in the summer or around sunset.

21. Sofia Church and Vitabergsparken

If you are in the eastern part of Södermalm – east of SoFo – it might be worth checking out Sofia Kyrka (Sofia Church) and Vitabergsparken.

The church is quite special from the outside (nothing too special from the inside though) and we can imagine that the park is beautiful in the summer.

22. Östermalm – Fancy shops and beautiful architecture

North of Djurgården and east of Norrmalm, one of the finest areas in the city with some of the highest property prices is located: Östermalm .

Here you’ll find designer shops, fancy bars, classy restaurants, green parks, Stureplan Torv , theatres and museums (for example Dramaten and Historiska Museet ).

It is a lovely area to walk around with beautiful architecture.

23. Östermalms Saluhall – Food market for aestheticians

One of the popular experiences for both locals and tourists in Östermalm is to stop by the beautiful market hall Östermalm’s Saluhall.

The market is from the end of the 19th century and you can buy fresh ingredients , get a bite to eat or have a drink from one of the many stalls.

And even if you don’t want to buy anything, you can just take a look inside, because it’s simply a stunning building .

24. Norrmalm – Shopping and culture in the centre

Norrmalm – the large area in the middle of Stockholm – brims with (Swedish) fashion and design shops along the shopping street Drottninggatan as well as on the smaller streets near it and in the shopping centre called Gallerian.

In addition, you will find lots of restaurants and cafés in different price ranges.

Norrmalm is also where you’ll find Stockholm Central Station , The Royal Swedish Opera , Stockholm Concert Hall , St. Clara Church and Sergels Torg with the Cultural centre Stadsteatern and the park Kungsträdgården .

25. Hallwylska Museet – A luxurious family mansion

As we have already mentioned earlier in the guide, Victoria has a thing for historical dramas and luxurious residences .

Although Hallwylska Musee is not a royal residence, the family that lived there was extremely well off – and you can see their beautiful rooms and all the fine things they have collected at the museum today.

It is free to visit the museum on Wednesdays (when it’s also open for longer).

See prices and opening hours on their website here .

26. Paradox Museum – Optical illusions for children

If you are in Stockholm with children, they will love to experience the Paradox Museum.

The museum is full of interactive experiences and optical illusions where you can take cool pictures.

Buy tickets online here ( adlink ).

27. More parks and green areas in Stockholm

We have already mentioned several parks in Stockholm city but if you want to check out even more parks for a relaxing time or a picnic in the summer , these are great options:

• Observatorielunden
• Humlegården
• Tantolunden
• Drakenbergsparken

Rålambshovsparken , Hagaparken , Skogskyrkogården (the Forest Cemetery) and Nackareservatet are a bit further away from the city but they also look lovely.

28. SkyView – View of Stockholm from the Globe

The world’s largest spherical building , the Stockholm Globe Arena (which is now called the Avicii Arena ), is just south of the central part of Stockholm.

Large music, sports and cultural events are held here, and along the outside of the round building, you can get a ride in a glass gondola and get a “sky view” over Stockholm.

If you already have a Stockholm City Card (adlink) , a ride in SkyView is included. Remember to check whether you need to book a visiting time in advance.

Alternatively, you can buy tickets here (adlink) .

29. Stockholm’s metro stations – An underground art gallery

The metro stations in Stockholm deserve their own spot in this travel guide because many of them are worth a visit just for their special designs.

The metro system has been called “the world’s longest art gallery” and there are more than 90 subway stations decorated with paintings, rock formations, sculptures, mosaics, installations and more.

And it’s almost like walking into an art exhibition as so much work has gone into making them unique and exciting .

The metro system is also called tunnelbanan or t-banan.

Some of the most beautiful metro stations in Stockholm:

• T-Centralen – especially the blue line with blue plants on a white background.
• Stadion Station is built into the mountain and has, among other things, a beautiful rainbow painted on the wall.
• Solna Central Station is red and green with cool nature details.
• Kungsträdgården Station is green with references to the old French garden that once lay above ground.
• Tensta Station illustrates acceptance, equality and love with pretty paintings.
• Rådhuset Station has the bedrock is exposed and unsculptured which resembles a large cave.
• Tekniska Högskolan has a technology theme with quotes from the history of science mixed with paintings and sculptures that refer to the four elements and the laws of nature.

You can see more cool metro stations on Instagram if you search for #stockholmmetro or #metrostockholm .

30. Hop-on hop-off bus tour – See the best of Stockholm

The classic hop-on hop-off buses also exist in Stockholm and you should consider going on a tour if you don’t have much time in the Swedish capital, or if you prefer to walk less .

The buses drive directly to many of the best attractions in Stockholm (including top sights like Stockholm Palace, the Vasa Museum, Gamla Stan, Gröna Lund and the City Hall).

You can easily jump on and off as you like in either 24 hours or 72 hours or you can stay on the bus and see most of town from the comfort of your seat.

See prices and read more about which sights the buses stop at here (adlink) .

31. Shopping – Everything from vintage shops to Swedish chain stores

Stockholm has it all when it comes to shopping.

The city is full of thrift stores, flea markets, design shops, antique shops and, of course, interior design in all price ranges (including the world’s largest IKEA).

In many places, you will find Swedish chain stores such as H&M, Weekday, COS, & Other Stories, Arket, Tiger of Sweden, Acne, Fjällräven, Filippa K, Lindex and the like.

Stockholm’s largest shopping street Drottninggatan (in Norrmalm) is a long pedestrian street with all kinds of shops, restaurants, bars and cafés.

Biblioteksgatan on the border between Norrmalm and Östermalm is a good place to go for more exclusive shops such as Mulberry, Tommy Hilfiger, Michael Kors, Ralph Lauren and the like. The most expensive shops are located on the nearby Birger Jarlsgatan .

Some of the best vintage and thrift shops are Beyond Retro, Arkivet, Judit’s Second Hand, Humana Second Hand, Emmaus, Modern Retro Vintage and Myrorna – and Södermalm in general is probably your best bet if you’re looking for those kinds of shops.

For large shopping centres , you can check out NK (Nordiska Kompaniet), Gallerian, Åhlens City, Mood Stockholm and Sturegallerian.

The flea market Hornstull’s Market can be visited every Saturday and Sunday afternoon from the beginning of April to the end of September along the southwestern part of Södermalm. Second-hand clothes, books, art, antiques, delicacies and street food are sold here and live music is often played.

There is also a daily fruit and vegetable market on Hötorget – and at the weekend there are various other stalls, too.

32. Drottningholm Palace – Royal castle from the 17th century

Unfortunately, we have never been to Dronningholm Palace and it was closed on weekdays during our last trip to Stockholm – but next time we must go there!

The large well-preserved royal palace from the 17th century is on the UNESCO World Heritage List and surrounding it, there’s a beautiful palace garden in baroque style, a fountain, an English landscape park with canals and bridges, a Chinese pavilion and a theatre.

The Swedish king and queen live in the palace’s south wing , so that part is closed but the rest of the palace is open to the public. And it looks pompous.

A boat trip to Drottningholm is included in the Stockholm City Card ( adlink ) from May to September and as far as we can see, it takes about 50 minutes to sail to the island of Lovön, where it is located.

See opening times, entrance prices and get more information on the palace’s website .

We can imagine that it’s a fantastic experience if you have plenty of time in Stockholm or already have seen many of the sights in the city.

Map of the best things to do and see in Stockholm

Find all the best sights and attractions in Stockholm on the map below.

Although it’s easy to get around Stockholm, it will be convenient for most people to live relatively centrally in the city.

The most central areas are Gamla Stan (Old Town), Norrmalm and Östermalm . Here, you will find many of the best hotels in Stockholm as you will be in the middle of the action and close to all the most famous sights and attractions.

Södermalm and Vasastan are great if you want to be a little further away from the inner city and live more like a local. We think most of the city’s best eateries can be found here – and it’s still easy to get into the city.

On Djurgården , you will be very close to the centre and especially Östermalm but at the same time, you will stay in a very quiet and green area. It’s also a really nice option.

Find great hotels in the different areas below or scroll further down to see the best hotels in Stockholm divided by price range.

Search for the best and cheapest hotels in each area here:

Södermalm .

• Östermalm .
• Djurgården .

Here are our favourite hotels in Stockholm divided by price range:

Luxury hotels in Stockholm

• Grand Hôtel Stockholm – The finest hotel in Stockholm. Norrmalm .
• Bank Hotel – Gorgeous and lavish. Norrmalm .
• At Six – Hotel with a subdued, exclusive colour palette. Norrmalm .
• Hôtel Reisen – Gamla Stan’s most luxurious hotel. Gamla Stan .
• NOFO Hotel – Close to several of Stockholm’s best eateries. Södermalm .
• Hotel Diplomat – Sophisticated 5-star hotel. Östermalm .
• Ett hem – Luxurious, exclusive atmosphere with only 12 rooms. Vasastan .

Value for money hotels in Stockholm

• Hotel With Urban Deli – Close to everything and with a roof terrace. Norrmalm .
• Victory Hotel – Hotel with a sailor theme. Gamla Stan .
• Nobis Hotel Stockholm – Sleep well in Östermalm. Östermalm .
• Backstage Hotel Stockholm – Djurgården’s best hotel. Djurgården .
• Hotel Hasselbacken – Perfect place to relax after a day in Stockholm. Djurgården .
• Best Western Plus Time Hotel – Cosy “standard” hotel. Vasastan .

Budget hotels in Stockholm

• City BackPackers Hostel – Shared dormitories and shared bathrooms for budget travellers. Norrmalm .
• Generator Stockholm – Centrally located with dormitories. Norrmalm .
• Castle House Inn – A good and cheap option for some very central accommodation in Stockholm. Gamla Stan .
• STF Zinkensdamm Hostel – Hostel in Hornstull. Södermalm .
• Hostel Dalagatan – Great prices at a slightly secluded location. Vasastan .

Since we eat plant-based, we have visited cafés and restaurants in Stockholm with great vegan options and these are the ones we have included in this guide.

But don’t be alarmed if you normally don’t eat plant-based foods. We have included the places because the quality is amazing and the food has plenty of taste – for all types of eaters!

We had breakfast at the cute little plant-based cafe À La Lo and were really impressed with their “frozen banana yoghurt” which was a smoothie bowl with lots of fresh fruit and granola.

Their Croque Mon Dieu with “cheese”, smoked tofu, tomatoes and (perhaps a little too much) mustard was perfectly crispy and delicious.

The coffee comes from The Belleville Brûlerie roastery in Paris and they bake their own cakes.

If you want to come by at the weekend, make sure to come early or reserve a table in advance.

Vegan Mahalo has two cafés in Stockholm – one in Vasastan on Odengatan (close to À La Lo) and one on Hornsgatan in Södermalm .

We tried the latter and it was nicely decorated and had plenty of seating.

They had a good selection of breakfast options but we love smoothie bowls and of course, we had to try one of their three options. We ordered a pretty pink “pitaya” (dragon fruit) smoothie bowl with delicious toppings and a sinful stack of pancakes with whipped cream, fresh berries and syrup.

Their quinoa croissants tasted a bit too healthy for our liking but plus points for having vegan croissants at all!

Victoria enjoyed a Golden Latte which was creamy with a good, not too-strong spice mix (turmeric, ginger, pepper and cinnamon).

Vasastan and Södermalm .

Piccola Nonna Pizza

When we passed by Piccola Nonna Pizza, two nice ladies were behind the counter making pizzas to go and to stay in the cosy, small shop with Italian pictures and artefacts on the walls.

The place is known for making great Neapolitan pizzas (with a thick, soft edge and bottom), and it’s our favourite kind of pizza.

We tried a Potato pizza with pesto and one with nduja – both were really good!

Falafelbaren

Fresh falafels are the best and at Falafelbaren, they serve them in pita bread with homemade red cabbage, pickles, tomatoes, cucumber and tahini sauce – just as it should be.

Drop Coffee

The specialty coffee shop Drop Coffee serves some of the best coffee in Stockholm .

Here we filmed a few shots for our coffee documentary Shade Grown Coffee .

Delivore and Goodstore

Not far from Piccola Nonna Pizza, there’s a café called Delivore .

It doesn’t look like much from the outside but we had the best Snickers cake with chocolate, caramel and peanuts.

We already had lunch and weren’t that hungry, but we simply had to try it and we’re so glad we did. Yum!

In the same store, behind Delivore, there is a hidden 100% plant-based supermarket : Goodstore .

You have to know it’s there because it’s not really something that’s advertised to the street – but if you’re vegan, vegetarian or just curious about alternatives, you should definitely stop by.

We came home with “salmon”, “shrimp”, “sausages” and various snacks that we had never seen in Denmark before.

Fern & Fika

The atmosphere was lovely at Fern & Fika, which is located all the way west in Södermalm close to Hornstull Station.

We got a black coffee from Gringo Nordic and a chai latte as well as a raw raspberry chocolate cake which was amazing – and there were many other delicious dessert options in the display case.

Kafé Plattan

In the big Kulturhuset at Sergels Torg and T-Centralen metro station in the middle of Norrmalm, you will find the 100% plant-based Kafé Plattan on the bottom floor.

While Kulturhuset (the House of Culture) has a shopping mall vibe, Kafé Plattan has actually made their corner really nice.

In the display case, they have several dishes ready to be heated and eaten in the café or taken away. At lunchtime, there is an even bigger menu.

We tried a sandwich with pesto and a hoisin “duck” wrap .

And then Victoria couldn’t help herself, so she had to try a vegan semla (a traditional Swedish sweet roll) with almond filling and whipped cream – it was tasty!

Normally we wouldn’t recommend dining in the middle of a touristic area as the prices are often higher and the quality lower…

And while the prices are perhaps a bit higher at Verte, which is located in Gamla Stan , the quality of the food followed!

Their plant burger was absolutely perfect and for a few extra Swedish kronor, we could replace the regular fries with sweet potato fries which we loooove.

We also had a bowl with “chicken” in BBQ sauce , black rice, avocado, mango, bean sprouts, chickpeas, sriracha mayo and more. Super delicious!

Gamla Stan .

It’s amazing walking around in Stockholm – it’s safe , clean and there are a lot of interesting things to see on the way.

The pavements are wide and pedestrians can walk everywhere in the city.

If you want to experience many of the sights we have included in this travel guide to Stockholm, you must prepare to walk several thousand steps a day .

You can for example use public transport for the longest distances and then walk around the different areas between all of the museums, parks and iconic buildings.

Public transport

Stockholm has a very good public transport system with several bus lines, metro (also called tunnelbana or t-bana), trams and boats.

If you take the metro , you can get an art experience too, as most of Stockholm’s subways are beautifully decorated. Check out number 28 of the best things to do and see in Stockholm further up in the guide to see which stations are extraordinarily cool.

A one-way ticket is valid for 75 minutes and can be purchased in SL’s ticket machines, in the SL app or directly on the bus and subway using a contactless credit card, Apple Pay or similar.

The price per trip for an adult was 39 Swedish kronor in 2023.

Of course, you can drive around Stockholm (as locals obviously do to some extent) but for tourists, we wouldn’t recommend it.

Parking in Stockholm can quickly become a nightmare and it’s expensive . It’s not unusual with prices from 90 to 120 Swedish kronor per hour or a 24-hour ticket for 400 Swedish kronor.

There are of course several hotels that offer parking if you travel with a car.

The bike lanes in Stockholm are good (and there are many) so it is definitely an option to bike around the city .

In the summer, we imagine it’s a nice way to get around in the sunny weather.

There are several bicycle rental companies with both regular bikes and electric bikes.

Read more about the various options for renting bicycles here .

Drive to Stockholm

Although it is not great to experience Stockholm with your own car, it is certainly possible to drive to Stockholm from other locations in Sweden or its neighbouring countries.

The trip from Copenhagen in Denmark is 650 kilometres, which takes ~8 hours to cover. From Oslo in Norway , you’ll be driving for about 6.5 hours with a length of 520 kilometres.

From Gothenburg, there are 460 kilometres to Stockholm and a journey time of just over 5 hours, while the trip from Helsingborg is 550 kilometres, which according to Google Maps takes about 6 hours.

We would recommend that you either park your car at your hotel car park/parking garage , or alternatively find a free parking lot outside the city and take public transport back in.

With a little research, we have found free parking in the suburbs of Liljeholmen and Solna , but check for yourself what applies at the time you visit the city and whether the free parking is valid for only 24 hours or for several days.

Train to Stockholm from Denmark or Norway

The best way to get to Stockholm from Denmark or Norway is in our opinion by train.

Stockholm Central Station is located in the heart of the city, and it’s easy to get everywhere from here by public transport.

The journey from Copenhagen Central Station to Stockholm Central Station only takes a little more than 5 hours if you hop on an SJ express train (fast train).

From Oslo Central Station , the train ride takes about 5.5 hours.

It is also possible to travel to Stockholm with Snälltåget (a different train company) from Malmö , which takes approx. 6 hours, or from Helsingborg , where it takes 5-6 hours.

Find train tickets and see prices on SJ’s website .

Fly to Stockholm

There are many flights from Europe and the rest of the world flying into Stockholm every day.

The main airport is called Arlanda and it’s located 45 kilometres north of the city.

If you take the (slightly expensive) train Arlanda Express , you can reach Stockholm from Arlanda in just 20 minutes.

If you want to make it a little cheaper, you can take a bus from Arlanda to the train station Märsta and then take the train to Stockholm from there. That takes ~45 minutes in total.

There is also a less-used airport in Bromma, which is somewhat closer to the city.

You can use our adlink below to find the cheapest tickets:

Find the cheapest tickets to Stockholm on Momondo .

• Remember a good camera – here’s a guide to the gear we use .
• Drink tap water . The water quality in Sweden is excellent. You can easily drink water from the tap.
• Walk around . Walking from one place to another is often the best and most pleasant way to get around Stockholm.
• Take the subway . You can also take the metro and enjoy the art installations on the stations.
• Consider buying a Stockholm City Card (adlink) where you get access to more than 50 sights and attractions in Stockholm. In summer, there is also free transport with selected hop-on hop-off buses and boats.
• Explore the parks . The parks in Stockholm are great places to relax and breathe some fresh air.
• Don’t forget fika . Having a cup of coffee and something sweet is a pleasant way to spend the afternoon.
• Credit cards can be used virtually anywhere, so you don’t need to carry cash. In fact, not every shop accepts cash.
• Travel insurance (adlink) is important. Never travel without it.

Thanks for reading along

Thank you for reading our travel guide to Stockholm. We hope it has been helpful!

What do you think of Sweden’s capital? Are any of the things to do in Stockholm on your list yet?

If you’ve already been there, it would be great to hear your best tips and tricks.

Don’t hesitate to ask us anything in the comments below if you haven’t been to Stockholm yet. We are happy to help.

Pin for later:

Our favourite travel resources:

• Booking.com for cheap hotels.
• Momondo for the best flight deals.
• SafetyWing for travel insurance. We also like World Nomads and True Traveller . All three compared here .

Our camera gear:

• Panasonic GH5 . Used for all of our photos and videos.
• DJI Mavic 2 Pro . Best drone out there!
• Sirui Tripod . Lightweight and strong.
• See all of our camera gear here .

Related articles:

• Helsingborg, Sweden Travel Guide : 11 Best Things To Do & See - Everything you need to know about Helsingborg in Sweden, including what to do, where to stay and our best tips
• Day Trip to Malmö From Copenhagen: How to Get There & What to Do - Discover the charm of Sweden’s 3rd largest city just 40 minutes by train from Copenhagen
• Mölle and Kullaberg Nature Reserve: Breathtaking Slopes and Hiking Trails in Scania, Sweden - Hiking with great views over Kattegat and Öresund in Southwest Sweden
• City break in Lund, Sweden: 6 Amazing Things to Do - A day in the charming university city in Scania
• Hiking in Söderåsen National Park in Scania, Sweden - A beautiful afternoon with lush forests, high cliffs and flowing streams

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16 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Stockholm

Written by Bryan Dearsley and Andrew Birbeck Updated Dec 24, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Known as the "Venice of the North" for its many waterways and lakes, Stockholm, the capital city of Sweden, lies on a number of islands and peninsulas at the outflow of Lake Mälar into the Baltic.

This vibrant, modern city offers an astounding number of historic attractions, from architectural splendors like the Royal Palace to entire neighborhoods like Gamla Stan , Stockholm's Old Town district. If you want even more history, you can visit world-class museums like the Skansen Open-Air Museum or the Stockholm Medieval Museum, and if you're here for Vikings, the Vasa Museum should be at the top of your list of things to do.

Stockholm is also home to excellent art galleries and other world-class museums, but if you want to spend more time outdoors, it offers both expansive parks and seemingly endless waterways and islands to explore. The UNESCO-listed Drottningholm Palace is just a ferry ride away, and the central location makes day trips from Stockholm easy.

To learn more about the many tourist attractions and places to visit in this attractive European city, be sure to read through our list of the best things to do in Stockholm.

1. Explore Old Town Stockholm: Gamla Stan

2. relive sweden's seafaring past at the vasa museum, 3. get your bearings aboard a stockholm boat tour, 4. be a star at abba the museum, 5. take a stroll and see the sights of djurgården, 6. skansen open-air museum, 7. tour the royal palace (sveriges kungahus), 8. fotografiska: stockholm's photography museum, 9. see historic stockholm city hall (stadshuset), 10. the national museum of fine arts: nationalmuseum, 11. moderna museet, 12. roam the royal national city park, 13. get lost in time at stockholm medieval museum (medeltidsmuseet), 14. visit storkyrkan: the great church, 15. shop 'til you drop in östermalm, 16. take in the perfect "skyview", tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to stockholm, where to stay in stockholm for sightseeing, map of attractions & things to do in stockholm, more delightful swedish destinations and day trips.

Dating from the 1200s and crammed with must-see sights, attractions, cafés, authentic restaurants, and boutique shops, the area of Gamla Stan (Old Town ) is a living, breathing museum in its own right. It's often a first stop for tourists in Stockholm and is among the most popular places to visit in Sweden .

Plenty of souvenirs and gifts are available in the Old Town, and you will find yourself transported back to medieval times as you meander through a bewildering labyrinth of tiny, winding streets, many of which lead to (or from) Stortorget, the main public square.

If you want to be sure you see all the main points of interest while learning about each site's historic significance, take a guided walking tour of Stockholm Old Town . It lasts two-and-a-half hours and includes visits to highlights like the Royal Opera House, several churches, and more.

If visiting in winter, be sure to take in the marvelous Christmas Market , Julmarknad , an experience akin to finding yourself in a real-life fairy tale and among the best Christmas markets in Europe .

Stockholm Cathedral (Storkyrkan, or Stockholms domkyrka), the Nobel Prize Museum (Nobelmuseet), and the Royal Palace are all located here and should be high up on any Stockholm sightseeing itinerary.

The incredible Vasa battleship, the main attraction at Stockholm's brilliant Vasa Museum ( Vasamuseet ) , was intended to be the pride of the Swedish Imperial fleet. Yet, in a forerunner of the Titanic disaster centuries later, this majestic 64-gun vessel sank on its maiden voyage in 1628.

An amazing salvage operation took place in 1961, and now you can marvel at this glorious time capsule, 95 percent of which is entirely original. The three masts on the roof of the museum are not just a tourist draw; they were reconstructed to the exact height and specifications of the original masts.

This is the most visited museum in Sweden , and rightfully so. More than one million people a year come here to enjoy the different exhibitions and watch the movie on the ship's history. A variety of other historic vessels are also located on-site, including an icebreaker, a lightship, and a torpedo boat.

Entry is free if you are under 18 years of age, and the museum offers a free phone-based audio guide just for kids. The museum is open daily (except holidays), and also offers a quality on-site restaurant.

Address: Galärvarvsvägen 14, 115 21 Stockholm, Sweden

The sea flows through the arteries of Stockholm, and during the summer months, the city is quite literally awash with boats of all shapes and sizes. Many city-dwellers own summer houses on the islands of the skärgården (archipelago) and spend, if not the entire summer there, then most weekends. It all makes for a Friday evening commute like no other.

Bearing all this in mind, experiencing Stockholm from the water is surely a must-do for any visitor. It's also a great way to get your bearings early on in your visit. Take a sightseeing cruise under the bridges of Stockholm or hop on one of the Stromma boat excursions like the Archipelago Tour.

There are also hop-on, hop-off options with a valid ticket lasting 24 hours. Best of all, cruises are available year-round and can be just as much fun in winter.

Few pop bands from the 1970s can still garner the kind of enthusiasm among fans that Sweden's ABBA does. To celebrate the continuing interest in Scandinavia's biggest music export, ABBA The Museum opened in 2013 and has attracted young and old alike with its unique interactive exhibits.

Using state-of-the-art technology, visitors can see computerized versions of themselves not only wearing the band's most iconic outfits, but can even dance and sing along with Agnetha, Björn, Benny, and Anni-Frid.

Other highlights include a visit to a reconstruction of their recording studio , where you can try your hand at remixing some of their best-loved tunes, as well as the unique experience of seeing Benny's original piano seemingly playing itself, but in reality, being controlled by the star from his home.

You can also enjoy a thrilling virtual helicopter ride and the Waterloo exhibit, which faithfully recreates the band's winning performance at the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest in Brighton, England.

English language audio and guided tours are available. The adjoining music-themed hotel, Pop House Hotel , is a fun place to stay, with a convenient location. It offers clean, bright, and affordable rooms, with a restaurant and gift shop located on-site.

Address: Djurgårdsvägen 68, 115 21 Stockholm, Sweden

A tranquil oasis in the heart of the city, the island of Djurgården draws crowds of tourists and locals alike. It's particularly busy during the summer months of long lazy days and short nights.

The park forms part of the Royal National City Park , which is the perfect place for a stroll and picnic, as well as being home to several of Stockholm's top museums and other attractions.

Scattered about are pleasant cafés, restaurants, snack bars, and hotels. You can rent bicycles to explore the forest trails or, if you're feeling adventurous, take to the waterways in a canoe. The popular Vasa Museum and ABBA the Museum are located here, as is the open-air museum Skansen and Gröna Lund amusement park.

A fun way to arrive is by ferry from Gamla Stan or Slussen , both of which are on the T-Bana. Alternatively, jump on a tram from Norrmalmstorg , take the bus, or stroll from the city center, a journey of only 15 minutes. Drop by the Djurgården visitor center for more information.

The oldest open-air museum in the world , Skansen opened in 1891 on the island of Djurgården. This is a wonderful attraction for families, particularly those with young children, although tourists of any age will enjoy the visit.

More than 150 different buildings and houses were collected from all around the country and reassembled here. On display are distinct town districts, including manor houses, a bakery, the beautiful Seglora timber church, and a pottery, all brought to life by costumed living history interpreters.

Not only will you be treated to an authentic taste of Sweden as it once was, but you'll also have fun at the wonderful Skansen Aquarium and the Children's Zoo . A wide variety of creatures can be seen at the zoo, including moose, bears, lynxes, wolves, and seals.

You can visit the aquarium for an extra fee and see more than 200 animals of all types from around the world, including not only fish but also furry friends like lemurs and many species of monkeys. For traditional Swedish Smörgåsbord pay a visit to the Solliden Restaurant.

Address: Djurgårdsslätten 49-51, 11521 Stockholm, Sweden

A visit here could be a day out in itself. Located by the water's edge on the periphery of Gamla Stan, Stockholm's Royal Palace (Sveriges Kungahus) is the official residence of the King of Sweden.

Interestingly, the Queen's residence lies elsewhere. It's on the beautiful island and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Drottningholm (Queen's Island), about a 45-minute ferry ride from Stockholm and an easy day trip .

A rich taste of the once-mighty Swedish Empire, this palace is one of the largest in Europe boasting in excess of 600 rooms and several museums. Dating from the 18th century and built in Baroque style, the palace houses many gems. Here, you can see Queen Kristina's silver throne and visit the Museum of Antiquities , the Royal Armoury , the Tre Kronor (Three Crowns) Museum , and the Treasury .

You won't want to miss the daily changing of the guard. Known as the Royal Guards Ceremony , it starts at 12:15pm each day (1:15pm on Sundays) and takes place in the palace's outer courtyard.

Location: Slottsbacken 1, 111 30 Stockholm, Sweden

Fotografiska is Stockholm's museum of contemporary photography and hosts an eclectic mix of exhibitions throughout the year. The complex encompasses a café, restaurant, store, and gallery, and from the top floor, you can enjoy one of the most enviable views over the city.

The museum is now acknowledged as one of the world's premier photography venues, and there are always a variety of themed exhibits on display, each featuring several photographers.

The museum's restaurant is just as popular as its exhibits — serving organic, sustainably-produced cuisine, the restaurant on the top floor is acclaimed as one of the city's coolest eateries. Its weekend brunch is particularly popular with locals.

The gallery also hosts cutting-edge live and club music throughout the year.

Address: Stadsgårdshamnen 22, 11645 Stockholm, Sweden

Nestled at the water's edge and topped by three golden crowns, the City Hall (Stockholms stadshus, or Stadshuset) is one of Stockholm's most iconic buildings and stars in countless images and postcards of the city. Dating from 1923, the hall opened on that most Swedish of dates: Midsummer's Eve.

Housed within are assembly rooms, offices, works of art, and the machinery of civil democracy. The prestigious annual Nobel Banquets are held here. Recipients dine first in Blå hallen (The Blue Hall) and then move on to the formal ball in Gyllene salen (The Golden Hall), which has no less than 18 million mosaics adorning its walls.

A particular treat is the chance to view the city from the famous tower.

Address: Hantverkargatan 1, 111 52 Stockholm, Sweden

Stockholm's impressive National Museum of Fine Arts , the Nationalmuseum, is a great place to get your art fix. Sweden's national gallery, it was established in 1792 as the Royal Museum and was renamed the Nationalmuseum after moving to its present location in 1866. It was fully renovated and modernized in 2018.

The architecture alone is worth seeing, particularly the interior with its massive central staircase and large galleries. Notable among its collections are over 500,000 drawings and sketches, numerous works by the Dutch Masters, including some by Rembrandt, as well as a sizable collection of sculptures. It also boasts the world's largest collection of portrait miniatures.

Guided tours are available, and a wide range of educational programs and workshops are provided. There's also a restaurant and gift shop on-site.

Address: Södra Blasieholmshamnen, Stockholm, Sweden

At Moderna Museet , you can dip your toes into one of Europe's foremost collections of art from the 20th century to today, featuring works by artists such as Picasso, Dali, Derkert, and Matisse. The museum exhibits everything from modern classics to contemporary art, including film, photography, drawings, prints, and whimsical outdoor sculptures.

Located on picturesque Skeppsholmen island, the building of Moderna Museet was designed by Rafael Moneo, a Spanish architect.

The museum offers a world-class program of temporary exhibitions, a children's workshop, a shop, a library, and a pleasant restaurant with beautiful views of Djurgården and Strandvägen . Guided tours are available.

The museum's second gallery lies in Malmö .

Address: Exercisplan 4, 111 49 Stockholm

The right-to-roam (allemansrätten) is an indelible part of the Swedish psyche. The Royal National City Park (Kungliga nationalstadsparken) is a six-mile-long, 27 square-kilometer green space surrounding and snaking into Stockholm and encompassing three royal parks: Djurgården, Haga, and Ulriksdal .

This, the world's first national urban park , is where tourists and locals flock to unwind. The forest harbors moose, foxes, deer, and many winged beauties, including rare birds. Fun things to do include enjoying the museums, castles, theaters, sports facilities, and historic homes.

Nature lovers will be in heaven exploring wilderness areas with centuries-old oak trees, streams, lakes, marshes, enticing swimming spots, and craggy hilltops. It truly is hard to believe you're in the middle of a thriving capital city.

Address: 115 21 Stockholm

Ever wondered what life was like in medieval Europe? Pay a visit to the Museum of Medieval Stockholm (Medeltidsmuseet), and you'll find out. Situated just a short distance from the Royal Palace, this fascinating attraction was built on an actual excavation site that unearthed and preserved a number of interesting finds from the medieval period.

The museum features a number of unique period structures, including part of the original city walls from the 1500s, old brick merchant's homes and workshops, as well as part of Stockholm's original port and its buildings. Interesting exhibits detail the city's history from around the 1200s through to the mid-16th century.

English language guided tours are available, and the museum also hosts walking tours with prior arrangements. If you want to bring home a bit of medieval Stockholm, be sure to visit their gift shop.

Address: Strömparterren 3, 111 30 Stockholm, Sweden

Located in the heart of Stockholm's Gamla Stan district, Storkyrkan is the city's oldest church . Also known as 'The Great Church," or Stockholms domkyrka, it was built in the 13th century and is a remarkably well-preserved example of medieval architecture.

Highlights of this simple yet impressive hall church include its brick pillar-supported vaulted ceiling, as well as the many Baroque flourishes that were added later in the 1700s. More recently, the church has been the scene of important national events, such as royal weddings and coronations.

Numerous artifacts and furnishings survive from medieval times and can be seen as part of a visit or tour.

Address: Trångsund 1, 111 29 Stockholm, Sweden

If it's Stockholm designer chic you're after, then look no further. Östermalm is the most exclusive district in the city. Here, international luxury labels rub shoulders with high-class Scandinavian design.

On Biblioteksgatan, there's an abundance of flagship shops and designer boutiques, while the neighborhood around Stureplan offers plenty of posh shops — some with sky-high price tags.

Lovers of art and interior design will enjoy Svenskt Tenn and Malmstenbutiken , which are located at the beginning of Strandvägen near Nybroviken.

Many of Sweden's top antique dealers lie around the Kommendörsgatan neighborhood, and be sure to drop by Östermalmshallen for the absolute best in Swedish fresh food and produce.

Situated on Stockholm's southern fringe, SkyView takes you to the top of the world's largest spherical building , the Ericsson Globe, which is one of Stockholm's modern landmarks. From 130 meters above sea level, you'll be treated to an unforgettable view over the entire city.

Tours aboard the gondolas take about 30 minutes and depart every 10 minutes, but be prepared for long lines at peak times of the day. After the trip, sightseers can visit the restaurant and souvenir shop.

Address: Globentorget 2, 121 77 Stockholm, Sweden

Sightseeing Tours :

• A convenient and flexible way to see the city's attractions is the City Sightseeing Stockholm Hop-On Hop-Off Tour . Accompanied by an audio commentary, this double-decker bus tour visits 14 different attractions, and you can hop on and off at any of the stops.
• If you're an active traveler who wants to explore the archipelago up close, the one-day Small-Group Stockholm Archipelago Kayak Tour is for you. This eight-hour kayak tour includes all equipment and instruction, so even those without experience can give it a try. The excursion also includes coffee, tea, snacks, and a lunch cooked over a campfire.

Stockholm by Night :

• For an edgier look at the city, consider The Original Stockholm Ghost Walk and Historical Tour , a two-hour tour of the city by lantern light, where you'll hear spooky stories about spirits, vampires, myths, and mysteries as you stroll Gamla Stan's medieval streets.
• If Sweden's Viking and medieval history excite you, the Viking History Half-Day Tour is a must-do. Along the way, you'll see runic stones at Täby; discover ancient inscriptions at Granby; and stroll the medieval streets of Sweden's oldest town, Sigtuna.

Getting Around:

• The excellent underground railway system, the Tunnelbana (T-bana), takes you almost anywhere in the city. A highly efficient and regular bus network fills in any gaps between destinations. Alternatively, take the time to walk instead, as Stockholm is a terrific city to absorb on foot. The city also has an efficient network of bicycle lanes.

Save Money :

• Although Stockholm, like most of Scandinavia, can be expensive, good value can be found if you know where to look. One way to save a few kronor is to eat a main meal during the day and opt for something lighter in the evening. The Dagens rätt or Dagens lunch (daily special) is a great way to experience authentic Swedish fare at a fraction of the cost you'd pay in the evenings.

Sweet Treats :

• Swedes love coffee and cake, and they've even come up with a verb for it: Fika. To "fika" is to drink coffee, eat something small (and usually sweet), and chat. Be sure to indulge, as the cakes and pastries are delicious.

Luxury Hotels:

• Presiding over the waterfront, opposite the Royal Palace and Old Town, the aptly-named Grand Hotel has hosted celebrities and Nobel Prize winners in its elegant suites and Michelin-starred restaurants.
• Those who prefer contemporary Scandinavian style will enjoy the Nobis Hotel on Norrmalmstorg, a public square in the heart of the city.
• Within walking distance of Gamla Stan and only two minutes from the train station, the Sheraton Stockholm Hotel is a reliable chain option in a fantastic location.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• A five-minute walk from Gamla Stan, in the trendy Södermalm area, the Hilton Stockholm Slussen offers beautiful views of the city.
• The modern Radisson Blu Waterfront Hotel , which shimmers in the heart of the city, is less than three kilometers from the Royal Palace and Old Town.
• Travelers seeking a more historic ambience should consider the Sven Vintappare Hotel in the heart of Gamla Stan, which is steeped in 17th-century charm.

Budget Hotels:

• Perhaps the most unique budget hotel options close to the historic sites are on the water — literally. The Rygerfjord Hotel and Hostel , Red Boat Hotel and Hostel , and Loginn Hotel are boat hotels with cozy cabin rooms within walking distance of the Old Town.
• For those who prefer a hotel on dry land, Best Western Hotel Fridhemsplan offers a variety of room configurations, including family rooms, a five-minute train ride from the city center.

Sweden is known for its vibrant cities and quaint towns. From Stockholm, you can venture into the picturesque countryside for fun day trips , including a visit to the university city of Uppsala . A mere 35-minute flight from the capital, the gorgeous island of Gotland is a popular place to visit on vacation. On the western side of the country, Gothenburg has a milder climate than Stockholm and more of a European feel, while to the south of Gothenburg, both Helsingborg and Malmo lie only a short hop from neighboring Denmark , across the Oresund strait.

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“It is not a city at all. It is ridiculous to think of itself as a city. It is simply a rather large village, set in the middle of some forest and some lakes. You wonder what it thinks it is doing there, looking so important.”

Kungsholmen

Millesgården, old stockholm: gamla stan and around, skeppsholmen, swimming in stockholm.

Ingmar Bergman

Without a shadow of a doubt, Stockholm is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Built on no fewer than fourteen islands, where the fresh water of Lake Mälaren meets the brackish Baltic Sea, clean air and open space are in plentiful supply here. One-third of the area within the city limits is made up of water, while another third comprises parks and woodlands. As a result, the capital is one of Europe’s saner cities and a delightful place in which to spend time.

Broad boulevards lined with elegant buildings are reflected in the deep blue water, and rows of painted wooden houseboats bob gently alongside the cobbled waterfront. Yet Stockholm is also a high-tech metropolis, with futuristic skyscrapers, a bustling commercial heart and one of the world's hottest start-up scenes.

For most visitors, the first stop is the Old Town, Gamla Stan , a medieval jumble of cobbled streets and narrow alleyways huddled together on a triangular-shaped island. Close by is the tiny island of Skeppsholmen, home to the city's main modern art gallery and a quirky floating you hostel. To the north of the Old Town, the district of Norrmalm swaps tradition for a thoroughly contemporary feel: this is Stockholm's downtown area where you’ll find shopping malls, huge department stores and conspicuous, showy wealth. The Central Station and the lively park, known as Kungsträdgården – are located here too. Most of Stockholm’s museums and galleries are spread across this area and two others: to the east, the more residential Östermalm , with its mix of grand avenues and smart houses; and to the southeast, the green park island of Djurgården . Here the extraordinary seventeenth-century warship, Vasa , rescued and preserved after sinking in Stockholm harbour, and Skansen , the oldest and best of Europe’s open-air museums, both receive loud and deserved acclaim. To the south of the Old Town, the island of Södermalm was traditionally the working-class area of Stockholm, but is now a haven for hipsters. Its grids of streets, lined with lofty stone buildings, create an altogether more homely ambience than the grand and formal buildings of the city centre. It’s here, in a fashionable area known as SoFo (south of Folkungagatan) that you’ll find some of the city’s most enjoyable bars and restaurants. Crossing the narrow neighbouring island of Långholmen, known for its popular beaches, you’ll reach Kungsholmen, an island that’s fast becoming a rival to its southern neighbour for trendy restaurants and drinking establishments.

Brief history

Swedish stateman Birger Jarl founded Stockholm in 1255 in an attempt to secure the burgeoning city of Sigtuna from maritime attack. However, it was vibrant trade with other towns of the Hanseatic League, such as Hamburg, that helped give Stockholm, rather than Sigtuna, its prominent position within the Swedish realm during the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. Following the breakup of the Kalmar Union with Denmark, Swedish king Gustav Vasa established royal power in Stockholm, enabling the city to grow into the capital of one of Europe’s major powers by the seventeenth century. Military defeat by Russia in the Great Northern War (1700–21) put paid to Swedish territorial expansion in northern and eastern Europe, and, instead, Stockholm developed politically and culturally at the centre of a smaller Swedish state.

By the nineteenth century, Stockholm was still essentially rural, with country lanes, great orchards, grazing cows and even windmills in the centre of the city; the downside was the lack of pavements (until the 1840s) or piped water supply (until 1858), and the presence of open sewers, squalid streets and crowded slums. Having escaped bomb damage during World War II thanks to Swedish neutrality, the mid-twentieth century ushered in a huge modernization programme as part of the Social Democratic out-with-the-old-and-in-with-the-new policy: Sweden, and particularly the capital, Stockholm, was to become a place fit for working people to live. Old areas were torn down as “a thousand homes for a thousand Swedes” – as the project had it – were constructed. Today, Stockholm is a bright and elegant place, and with its great expanses of open water right in the centre, it offers a spectacular city panorama unparalleled anywhere in Europe.

To the west of the city centre, Kungsholmen has a very different feel, with wider, residential streets, larger parks, select shops and Stockholm’s Stadshuset (City Hall). Whereas Norrmalm is easy to get to on foot, Kungsholmen is best reached by T-bana (either Rådhuset or Fridhemsplan T-bana stations). Venture further into Kungsholmen and you’ll discover a rash of great bars and restaurants, and an excellent beach – Smedsuddsbadet – at Smedsudden, where you can swim in Lake Mälaren and enjoy fantastic views of the Stadhuset and the Old Town; to get to it, head through the popular park, Rålambshovsparken , or take bus #4 to Västerbroplan, from where it’s a five-minute walk.

Northeast of the city centre, Lidingö is a well-to-do commuter island, close to the ferry terminal at Värtahamnen serving Finland, Estonia and Latvia. The island’s main attraction is the startling Millesgården , the outdoor sculpture collection of Carl Milles (1875–1955), one of Sweden’s greatest sculptors and art collectors.

Phalanxes of gods, angels and beasts sit on terraces carved into the island’s steep cliffs, many of the animated, classical figures also perching precariously on soaring pillars, which overlook the distant harbour. A huge Poseidon rears over the army of sculptures, the most remarkable of which, God’s Hand , has a small boy delicately balancing on the outstretched finger of a monumental hand. Those who’ve been elsewhere in Sweden may find much of the collection familiar, as it includes copies and casts of originals adorning countless provincial towns.

If this collection inspires, it’s worth tracking down three other pieces by Milles in the capital– his statue of Gustav Vasa in the Nordiska Muséet on Djurgården; the Orpheus Fountain in Norrmalm’s Hötorget; and, out at Nacka Strand (Waxholm boat from Strömkajen), the magnificent Gud på Himmelsbågen , a claw-shaped vertical piece of steel topped with the figure of a boy, forming a stunning entrance marker to Stockholm harbour.

Three islands – Riddarholmen, Staden and Helgeandsholmen – make up the oldest part of Stockholm , a cluster of seventeenth- and eighteenth-century buildings backed by hairline medieval alleys. It was on these three adjoining polyps of land that Birger Jarl erected the town’s first fortifications. Rumours abound as to the derivation of the name “Stockholm”, though it’s now widely believed to mean “island cleared of trees”, since the trees on the island that is now home to Gamla Stan were probably felled to make way for the settlement. Incidentally, the words holm (island) and stock (log) are still in common use today. You can experience a taste of Stockholm’s medieval past at the excellent Medeltidsmuseet , at the northern end of the two bridges – Norrbron and Riksbron – which lead across to Gamla Stan.

Although strictly speaking only the largest island, Staden, contains Gamla Stan , this name is usually attached to the buildings and streets of all three islands.

Once Stockholm’s working centre, nowadays Gamla Stan is primarily a tourist hub with many an eminently strollable area, in particular around the Kungliga Slottet (royal palace), Riksdagshuset (parliament building) and Storkyrkan (cathedral). The central spider’s web of streets – best approached over the bridges of Norrbron or Riksbron – is a sprawl of monumental buildings and high airy churches which form a protective girdle around the narrow lanes. Some of the impossibly slender alleys lead to steep steps ascending between battered walls, others are covered passageways linking leaning buildings. The tall, dark houses in the centre were mostly owned by wealthy merchants, and are still distinguished by their intricate doorways and portals bearing coats of arms.

The main square of the Old Town is Stortorget , an impressive collection of tall pastel-coloured stone buildings with curling gables which saw one of the medieval city’s most ferocious battles, the “Stockholm Bloodbath”. Now, as then, the streets Västerlånggatan, Österlånggatan, Stora Nygatan and Lilla Nygatan run the length of the Old Town, although today their time-worn buildings harbour a succession of souvenir shops and restaurants. Happily, the consumerism here isn’t too obtrusive, and in summer buskers and evening strollers clog the narrow alleyways, making it an entertaining place to wander or to stop for a bite to eat. There are few real targets, but take every opportunity to wander up side streets, where you’ll find fading coats of arms, covered alleys and worn cobbles at every turn.

Off the western shore of Gamla Stan, the tiny islet of Riddarholmen houses not only one of Stockholm’s most beautiful churches, Riddarholmskyrkan , the burial place for countless Swedish kings and queens over the centuries, but also the Baroque Riddarhuset (House of the Nobility), a reminder of the glory days of the Swedish aristocracy.

East of Birger Jarlsgatan – the main thoroughfare that divides Norrmalm from Östermalm – the streets become noticeably broader and grander, forming a uniform grid as far as the circular Karlaplan, a handy T-bana and bus interchange full of media types coming off shift from the Swedish Radio and Television buildings at the eastern end of Kalavägen. Östermalm was one of the last areas of central Stockholm to be developed; the impressive residences here are as likely to be consulates and embassies as fashionable homes.

Off Gamla Stan’s eastern reaches lies the island of Skeppsholmen , home to two of Stockholm’s best youth hostels. However, it’s the eclectic clutch of museums and galleries, including the excellentModerna Museet, that draw most people here.

Whatever you do in Stockholm, don’t miss the delights of the city’s southern island, Södermalm , whose craggy cliffs, turrets and towers rise high above the clogged traffic interchange at Slussen. The perched buildings are vaguely forbidding, but venture beyond the main roads skirting the island and a lively and surprisingly green area unfolds, one that has, historically speaking, been working class at heart. After dark, you’ll probably end up in one of Söder’s bars or restaurants in the hip area known as So-Fo ; this is the handful of streets lined with cafés and restaurants which lie “ so uth of Fo lkungagatan” (hence the name), predominantly Åsögatan, Bondegatan and Skånegatan.

Fotografiska Muséet

A mere five minutes’ walk from Slussen along Stadsgårdsleden towards the Viking Line ferry terminal, Stockholm’s latest attraction, the Fotografiska Muséet , is housed inside one of the city’s former red-brick customs warehouses. Spread across three floors of airy exhibition space, the museum showcases the work of world-renowned photographers both in print and on film. Exhibitions change frequently though there’s every chance that one of the big names will be on display when you visit: recent displays have included Robert Mapplethorpe, France’s Sarah Moon and Scottish photographer Albert Watson, whose work featured on over two hundred magazine covers, including Vogue . For unsurpassed views of the Stockholm waterfront, head up to the museum’s top-floor café where the vistas are as breathtaking as the photographic work downstairs.

True to its name ("long island"), Långholmen is a skinny sliver of land that lies off the northwestern tip of Södermalm, crossed by the mighty Västerbron bridge linking Södermalm with Kungsholmen. There are a couple of popular beaches here. Leafy and peaceful, Långholmen is a delightful place to take a walk; on the way you’ll also get some stunning views of the city towards Stadhuset and Gamla Stan.

The water in Stockholm is clean and perfect for swimming during the long days of summer. The best beaches are all west of the city centre: on Långholmens there's Långholmens strandbad to the west of Västerbron bridge, and rocky Klippbadet to the east of the bridge; and across on Kungsholmen, Smedsuddsbadet has a large grassy area for sunbathing.

Alternatively, Södermalm is the place to go for swimming pools ; there are three in fairly close proximity: Forsgrénskabadet in Medborgarplatsen ( t 08 508 403 20; Medborgarplatsen T-bana); Erikdalsbadet, Hammarby Slussväg 20, ( t 08 508 402 58; Skanstull T-bana), which has an open-air pool; and the wonderful little Liljeholmsbadet, Bergsundsgatan 2, ( t 08 508 411 77; Hornstull T-bana), a pool in a boat-like pontoon contraption that floats in Lake Mälaren. The last of these is closed from mid-June to mid-August, and has nude swimming for women on Mondays, and men on Fridays; the water here is always 30°C. For unofficial nude bathing, head out to one of the islands in the archipelago and find your own private spot.

Top image: Things not to Miss: Rocky skerry in the outer archipelago of Stockholm, Sweden © Mikael Broms/Shutterstock

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updated 03.09.2021

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We are Nordic Freedom Tours, established in 2015 as a local Scandinavian brand, renowned for offering complimentary, well-organized, and punctual walking tours in various Scandinavian cities. Our aim is to provide quality sightseeing experiences accessible to every traveler.

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Stockholm's Old Town, or Gamla Stan, is a historical treasure trove filled with fascinating stories and little-known facts that capture the imagination of visitors. This article will take you on a free walking tour of this enchanting place, offering insights into the city's past that go beyond the usual tourist information. Whether you're a history buff or simply an intrepid traveler eager to explore the hidden gems of Stockholm's cobblestone streets, this article has something for everyone. So, grab your walking shoes and let's delve into the secrets of Gamla Stan! The City Hall's Secret Sculpture You might be familiar with Stockholm's stunning City Hall, an architectural marvel and a popular tourist destination. However, what many travelers don't know is that there is a hidden sculpture within its walls. Called the "Mask of Shame," this mysterious piece depicts a face with exaggerated features, intended to humiliate those who were subjected to public punishments. The sculpture was created in 1923,[...]

Visitar la Ciudad de Estocolmo por Primera Vez

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Vasa Museum In Stockholm

The Vasa Ship: History, Myths, and Curiosities of a Maritime Marvel Unraveling the Stories Behind the Vasa Museum's Pride and Joy The Vasa Museum in Stockholm, Sweden, houses one of the most intriguing and well-preserved maritime artifacts in history: the Vasa ship. This 17th-century warship has captured the imagination of millions of visitors since its recovery in 1961, and the museum built around it has become one of the most popular attractions in the Swedish capital. In this article, we'll explore the fascinating history, curious facts, and enduring myths surrounding this remarkable vessel. The Vasa Ship: A Brief History The Vasa ship was commissioned by King Gustav II Adolf of Sweden in 1626 as part of his ambitious naval expansion plan. Constructed by master shipbuilder Henrik Hybertsson, the ship was intended to be the pride of the Swedish fleet, boasting 64 bronze cannons and decorated with intricate carvings and sculptures. However, on its maiden voyage on August 10, 1628, the Vasa sank[...]

Skansen Museum

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Dive into the Fascinating History of the 17th Century Swedish Warship The Vasa Museum, located on the picturesque island of Djurgården in Stockholm, is one of the most visited and unique museums in Sweden. It houses the iconic Vasa, a 17th-century warship that sank in Stockholm harbor during its maiden voyage. The Vasa Museum offers a fascinating insight into the maritime and cultural history of Sweden during the reign of King Gustav II Adolph. In this article, we will explore the history, exhibitions, and visitor experience at the Vasa Museum. The Vasa Ship: A Brief History 1.1. Vasa was commissioned in 1625 by King Gustav II Adolph, who wanted a powerful warship to strengthen his navy. The ship was built in Stockholm under the supervision of master shipbuilder Henrik Hybertsson.Built from over 1,000 oak trees, the Vasa was designed to be a formidable weapon with 64 cannons and intricate wood carvings. 1.2. The Ill-Fated Maiden Voyage The Vasa set sail on[...]

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5 Facts You Never Knew About Stockholm

Stockholm is a beautiful, bustling modern city, but behind all of the progress lies a rich and interesting history. From massacres to Minecraft, a lot has happened in Stockholm. Here’s a few facts about Stockholm’s varied heritage that you might enjoy! An Ill-Fated Voyage When Swedish King Gustavus Adolphus commissioned a flagship called the Vasa in the 17th century, he had high hopes for its success. Bronze cannons were cast in Stockholm just for the ship, and construction took three years. When it finally set sail in 1628, it barely made it out of Stockholm Harbor before sinking. The total voyage? A glorious 1,300 meters. A few hundred years later, the ship was salvaged, and you can see it today in a Stockholm museum. Trees Versus Chainsaws A central park in Stockholm, known as the Kungsträdgården (say that one five times fast), features some beautiful historic elms. If not for the acts of 1970s activists, however, you wouldn’t be able to see them today. When they were scheduled to be[...]

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Situated on 14 islands connected by 54 bridges, Stockholm is one of the most beautiful cities in Scandinavia . Its distinctive geography and grand historical monuments contribute to its beauty. Sweden's capital seamlessly blends the contemporary Nordic lifestyle with areas like Gamla Stan , where time appears to have halted. Explore the multifaceted charm of Stockholm !

Stockholm Travel Guide

• General information
• What to see and do
• Getting there
• Public transportation
• How to save
• Where to stay
• Where to eat

Why visit Stockholm?

Stockholm breathes art and culture in every nook. Notably, the Swedish capital hosts the world's longest art gallery —the Stockholm subway . The subway stations' tunnels showcase unique works of art seldom found elsewhere, adding an extra allure to a visit to Stockholm.

For music enthusiasts, ABBA The Museum provides a delightful experience where one can sing along to the tunes of one of the most influential bands in history . This interactive museum allows people to revisit the musical journey of the Swedish band and delve into the lives of its members.

Literature enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the alternative atmosphere of Södermalm , a neighborhood associated with the protagonists of the Millennium saga . Beyond its literary connections, Södermalm stands out as a prime shopping destination in Stockholm, offering avant-garde design items.

With a rich nautical heritage, Stockholm proudly houses the Vasa Museum , showcasing the world's best-preserved seventeenth-century ship . Rescued from the sea after 333 years, this vessel has evolved into a major tourist attraction in Stockholm .

Where do I start?

At the heart of Stockholm lies the Old Town , Gamla Stan , serving as the vibrant center of the capital. Its labyrinthine cobblestone streets beckon exploration, revealing charming antique stores , brightly colored historic houses, and iconic landmarks such as the Cathedral of St. Nicholas —an unwavering witness to Stockholm's history .

Exploring Stockholm goes hand in hand with savoring Nordic gastronomy . To truly experience the capital, indulging in dishes like h erring, salmon, moose stew, or the renowned kottbullar meatballs is a must. In Stockholm, delighting the palate becomes a flavorful form of sightseeing.

The Royal Palace and Stockholm City Hall are the city's two most impressive monuments. Within the City Hall's Blue Room , the annual banquet for the Nobel Prize winners takes place, with the laureates also honored in their dedicated space—the Nobel Prize Museum . Additionally, Stockholm boasts must-visit museums like the National Museum , the Viking Museum , and the Moderna Museet .

Still don't have a hotel?

You can discover hotels of all categories with a minimum price guarantee at the link below. Enjoy discounts of up to 75%, and you'll be able to pay directly at the hotel.

Hotels in Stockholm - Book online at the guaranteed minimum price.

top activities

Sigtuna Day Trip Explore Sigtuna , Sweden's oldest town , its Viking history , church ruins , and historic Wenngarn Palace on this enriching tour from Stockholm.

Free Walking Tour of Stockholm Beautiful architecture, enchanting culture and fascinating history: explore Stockholm's Old Town on this free walking tour with an English-speaking guide.

Free Walking Tour of Södermalm Södermalm is an island in central Stockholm known as the city's hipster district. Discover its charms on this free walking tour!

Free Tour of Östermalm Discover the fascinating history and artwork of Stockholm's New Town on this free walking tour of the Swedish capital's contemporary district.

Go City: Stockholm All-Inclusive Pass Save money and time with the Go City Stockholm All-Inclusive Pass which includes entry into over 60 museums and monuments in the stunning capital of Sweden .

Stockholm Hop-On Hop-Off Boat Tour Sail between the islands of Stockholm on board this comfortable sightseeing boat.  Hop on and off as many times as you want . A perfect way to discover the city!

Stockholm Archipelago Cruise Stockholm is spread over 14 islands in an archipelago that includes over 24,000 islands. Discover this beautiful scenery with a peaceful ride on a classic ship.

Stockholm Private Tours Discover the beauty of Stockholm, the 'Venice of Scandinavia' with this private tour of the city . You'll have an exclusive guide just for you!

Birka The Viking City Trip Birka was Sweden's first city and an important trading centre in the Middle Ages. On this tour, you'll visit its archaeological site and see the Ansgar cross.

Stockholm Bus Tour This sightseeing bus tour is the best way to discover the essential sights around the incredibly beautiful city of Stockholm.

Stockholm Segway Tour Discover a comfortable and fun way of getting around the Swedish capital with this Stockholm Segway Tour - see the sights on this two-wheeled tour!

Royal Canal Boat Tour Enjoy a boat trip along the Djurgården canal . Sail around an island full of parks and forests and enjoy the landscape of one of Stockholm's greenest areas .

Meet the animals that live outside the Swedish capital on this safari tour through the forests of Stockholm. You'll see wolves, reindeer, and lynx!

Stockholm Electric Boat Tour On this electric boat tour of Stockholm , you'll enjoy the capital of Sweden from a different perspective. We'll see the Royal Palace, Parliament, and more!

Stockholm Forest Hiking Tour On this hiking tour through the forests of Stockholm, we'll venture into Swedish nature and discover what makes it so special -perfect to escape the capital!

Hiking Tyresta National Park Join us and  explore Sweden's wild side on this  hiking route around Tyresta National Park . You'll love this unique environment!

Stockholm Royal Palace + Drottningholm + Skokloster Castle Tour Explore some of Sweden's most important monuments on this tour of the Royal Palace in Stockholm, Drottningholm, and Skokloster Castle .

Stockholm Archipelago Sauna Do you need some time to relax ? Then this sauna experience in the Stockholm archipelago is perfect for you - you'll come away feeling like new!

Stockholm Bridges Boat Trip With this ticket to La Hacienda Park, you'll experience a day full of fun on the zip lines and the many other attractions in this Dominican adventure park.

Stockholm Kayak Tour Experience the Venice of the North in a different way with this Stockholm Kayak Tour. You'll get away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Stockholm Food Tour Give your palate a different experience with a tasting of the wonderful gastronomy of Sweden when you take our tour through Stockholm.

Stockholm Bike Tour Tour Swedish capital's most popular tourist attractions in true Nordic style with this Stockholm Bike Tour. You'll discover the history of the Swedish capital.

Stockholm Ice Skating Class Join this winter adventure and test your balance on the icy lakes of the Swedish capital with this Stockholm Ice Skating Class.

Stockholm Christmas Free Tour It's time to get into the festive spirit on our Stockholm Christmas Free Tour. We'll explore the delightful Christmas markets in the Swedish capital!

Stockholm Snowshoe Adventure Travel to the snowy forests of the Swedish capital with this Stockholm snowshoe adventure . Enjoy a day full of nature and fun!

Explore the private residence of the kings of Sweden on  this boat trip to Drottningholm Palace. Walk through its rooms and discover its majestic garden.

Vaxholm Island Ferry Visit one of the top spots in the Swedish capital's archipelago with our Vaxholm Island Ferry. You'll journey back in time as you explore this historic island.

Stockholm Speed Boat Tour Made up of almost 30,000 islands, the archipelago is one of Sweden's most incredible landscapes - discover it with this Stockholm Speed Boat Tour!

Grinda Island Ferry Travel by ferry to gorgeous  Grinda , one of the main islands of the Stockholm Archipelago,  and enjoy beautiful baltic landscapes with this round-trip ticket.

Free Guided Viking Tour Time travel through Stockholm's past in this free guided Viking tour . We'll be escorted by an original ' man from the North ' during this very special trip.

Sandhamn Boat Trip Discover one of the most charming islands of the Stockholm Archipelago on this boat trip to Sandhamn. You'll fall in love with this place!

Boat to Fjäderholmarna Take a boat to the Fjäderholmarna islands and spend the day exploring the museums and shops in this breathtaking natural setting. Not to be missed!

Stockholm Panoramic Bus Tour Discover the iconic corners and history of Stockholm on this panoramic tour on board a comfortable bus. The best way to discover the capital of Sweden!

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Photo: Visit Stockholm

12 Stockholm highlights

Publish date : 2 May 2024

In Stockholm for the first time? Here are the most talked about must-see attractions and museums in town.

The list of things to do in Stockholm could be made endless and there are more than a hundred attractions to choose from.

To make it easier we have picked out the most unique and talked about attractions and museums for you to choose from. From internationally renowned attractions like the artful metro system and The Vasa Museum to contemporary museums like Fotografiska and ABBA The Museum.

• ABBA The Museum – Sweden’s most famous musical export has its museum on the island of Djurgården. Follow in Agnetha, Björn, Benny, and Anni-Frid’s footsteps and discover how ABBA became a global disco phenomenon in an interactive exhibition.
• Drottningholm Palace – Drottningholm, built during the latter half of the 17th century, is the best-preserved palace of its kind in Sweden. The baroque palace overlooking Lake Mälaren is a popular day-trip attraction and the official residency for the royal family. Highlights include the palace, the surrounding park, and the well-preserved palace theater; one of the few 18th-century theaters in Euorpa still in regular use.
• Fotografiska – Fotografiska opened in 2010 and has become one of the world's premier venues for contemporary photography, with branches in New York, Milano, Talinn, and Shanghai. The museum's restaurant has won several accolades for its heavy focus and sustainability, and the outdoor bar is a popular summer hang-out spot.
• Moderna Museet – Housed in a building conceived by Rafael Moneo, Moderna Museet features one of Europe's foremost collections of modern and contemporary art. Moderna's permanent collection includes works by Dalí, Picasso, Derkert, Christo, Duchamp, and many more. It also features regular programming of thought-provoking temporary exhibitions and a sculpture park surrounding the museum.
• Monteliusvägen – Monteliusvägen, running along the northeast edge of Södermalm island, is a beloved walking path and a great viewpoint of inner city Stockholm. A popular spot for a sunny Sunday walk, it offers a vista over Kungsholmen, City Hall, City/Norrmalm, Riddarholmen, Old Town/Gamla Stan, and Slussen. Along the way, you'll also find the extremely picnic-compatible Ivar Lo's Park.
• Nationalmuseum – The premier museum of Swedish art and design. Nationalmuseum's collections span over 600 years and include paintings, drawings, sculptures, ceramics, furniture, classic designs of everyday objects, and more. The Gustavsberg Porecalin Museum is a branch of Nationalmuseum, perfect for those who want in-depth knowledge about Swedish ceramics and pottery.

• Royal National City Park and Djurgården – The island of Djurgården has been a destination for recreation and entertainment for centuries. A big portion of the Royal National City Park (established in 1995; the first of its kind in the world) is located here; its lush, green nature contrasts with inner city Stockholm's busy streets just a short walk away. On the entertainment side, many of Stockholm's most popular attractions and museums are located in Djurgården. Several of the ones mentioned in this article, as well as Gröna Lund , The National Museum of Science and Technology , Nordiska Musset , and more.
• Skansen Open-Air Museum – Beloved by visitors and locals alike, Skansen is the world's oldest open-air museum. Founded in 1891, Skansen is a time machine to the Sweden of yesteryear. Its many historical buildings, dwellings, and farmsteads have been transported here and rebuilt, brick-by-brick, log-by-log. Skansen also has a zoo with Nordic animals, and two aquariums; one focused on the Baltic and one with tropical fish and amphibians .
• Stockholm's metro system – One of Stockholm's most visible attractions is its subway system, with artfully decorated platforms and ticket halls. Although the blue line has probably the most visually striking stations, most stations in the system feature some kind of artful decoration. Some of the most photogenic stations are Kungsträdgården [pictured above], T-Centralen , and Stadion .

• The City Hall – The City Hall is an iconic part of Stockholm's skyline. Built from over 8 million red bricks, City Hall has been the seat of power in Stockholm since 1923. The building was designed by Ragnar Östberg and is a prime example of Swedish national romanticism in architecture. Most notably, the televised Nobel banquet is held here each year in December.
• The Royal Palace and Old Town (Gamla Stan) – The current Royal Palace was finished in 1754, having been constructed after a fire destroyed the previous one, " Tre Kronor ", in 1697. Open to the public, it has over 600 rooms and 5 museums. The palace's location is in Stockholm's oldest district, Gamla Stan (Old Town), making it a perfect destination for a whole day of historical exploration.
• The Vasa Museum – Arguably the most famous failure in Swedish military history, the warship Vasa sank during her maiden voyage in 1628. The Vasa was rediscovered in 1950, mostly intact due to the brackish waters, salvaged, and put on display in a temporary museum. The current museum opened in 1988 and is one of Sweden's most popular tourist attractions, with over 1 million visitors annually.

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Stockholm Travel Guide

Last Updated: August 17, 2023

Stockholm is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. No matter how often I come here, I am always amazed by it. Everything is just so photogenic and picturesque – the parks, the islands, the harbor, the historic colored houses dating back hundreds of years.

In fact, it’s so incredible that I even spent an entire summer living in the city!

Stockholm spreads itself out across fourteen islands (though there are thousands of islands in the archipelago) and has a ton of museums, attractions, parks, and art to see while getting lost among the historic streets and buildings. The people are wonderful too. While Swedes generally are quiet and reserved, they are happy to share advice with visitors.

Stockholm isn’t the cheapest place in the world so many backpackers rush their visit (or skip over the city entirely). That’s a mistake if you ask me as a visit here is worth every penny.

This travel guide to Stockholm can help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your visit to Sweden’s capital!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Stockholm

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Stockholm

1. Walk around Gamla Stan

This is the oldest part of the city, with centuries-old buildings, the Nobel Museum, the Royal Palace, cobblestone streets, and the historic homes of the aristocracy. I never tire of wandering through it. Get here early in the summer to beat the crowds and have the narrow, winding alleys to yourself.

2. Wander around Skansen

Skansen was the first open-air museum in the world. It’s also a zoological garden specializing in Nordic fauna, such as moose, reindeer, bear, wolf, lynx, and wolverine. Entry is 160-220 SEK depending on the season.

3. Tour the archipelago

Stockholm is surrounded by beautiful islands and waterways. You haven’t really seen the city if you haven’t explored the archipelago. The good tours take a full day, going out to more secluded islands. Tours only operate during the summer. Or take the ferry and island hop yourself!

4. Enjoy fika

Each day, Swedes pause to have a coffee (or tea) and a baked treat. This daily ritual is called fika . For Swedes, fika (or “to fika”) is a normal part of everyday life and can be done wherever you want, with friends or solo.

5. Tour the Vasa Museum

This museum houses the world’s only preserved 17th-century ship. The Vasa was so poorly built that it sank a mile from the dock. The cold sea preserved the ship and the museum does a wonderful job of putting the ship into its historical context. Admission is 170-190 SEK.

Other Things to See and Do in Stockholm

1. spend the day at djurgarden island.

Djurgarden is an island right in the middle of Stockholm. You can take a walking tour, eat at a relaxing restaurant, enjoy the amusement park located here, and visit a historic Swedish village. There are a lot of easy walking paths and it’s a popular spot for a picnic. In the summer, it’s a wonderful place for people watching or lounging with a book.

2. Take a bike tour

To explore all the city’s neighborhoods, rent a bike or treat yourself to a guided bike tour of the city. The city is not traffic-heavy and the winding streets are so much fun to explore on wheels. Expect to pay around 200-250 SEK per day for a rental while guided bike tours range from 200-400 SEK per person.

3. Enjoy Stockholm’s wild nightlife

Stockholm is known for its nightclubs and bars. It may be expensive, but Swedes love to go out and party. Hit the clubs and party with the locals. Watch out for the blackjack tables (they have them at every club!). My favorite places to go out at night are Debaser Hornstulls Strand, Anchor, Retro, Under Bron, Rose, and Soap Bar. The main nightlife area is called Stureplan. Expect to pay 100-260 SEK per club just in entrance fees!

4. Tour the Royal Palace

Built between 1697-1760 and located on the east side of the Old Town, the Royal Palace is a Baroque palace open to the public. It’s one of the must-see sights in Stockholm. The building dominates Gamla Stan. The royal family doesn’t live here anymore, but it’s still an important historical site. A combined ticket to visit the treasury, reception rooms, and museum costs 140 SEK. The palace is closed when dignitaries are being hosted.

5. See the art at the National Museum

The National Museum was founded in 1792 and contains works by Rembrandt, Rubens, Goya, Renoir, Degas, and Gauguin, as well as well-known Swedish artists such as Carl Larsson, Ernst Josephson, C.F. Hill, and Anders Zorn. The collection is quite robust, especially if you like Scandinavian artists. Admission is free, though temporary exhibitions cost 70-170 SEK.

6. Explore the Medieval Museum

Located underneath the Royal Palace, this museum is one of the better history museums in the city. The museum was built around excavated monuments and sections of the city wall so you can actually see and experience what the city was like 400 years ago. There’s also a medieval graveyard here and a warship from the middle ages. You learn a lot of details about medieval Sweden and life in Stockholm. It’s free too!

7. Tour city hall

Built in 1911, Stockholm’s City Hall is a historic brick building that features daily guided tours for 110 SEK. You’ll see the official areas of the hall and learn about the history of the building and local government. You can also go up the tower from May-September (for an additional 50 SEK) for amazing views of Gamla Stan and the city. Tours go through the areas where official council business takes place, as well as the ceremonial halls used for official city events and banquets.

8. Walk along Monteliusvägen

This is a mile-long walking path that offers fantastic views of Lake Mälaren. It’s one of the best places in the city watch the sunset from too. I love coming here for a sunset stroll.

9. Visit Fotografiska

Fotografiska features some of the best works in contemporary photography. It’s only a couple of floors, but its rotating exhibits are always top-notch so I’m always happy to visit. There’s a bar and café on the top floor that offers panoramic views of the harbor and Gamla Stan. Admission is 165-245 SEK.

10. Visit the ABBA museum

A visit to Stockholm wouldn’t be complete without checking out the quirky ABBA museum. Tickets are not cheap (admission is 250 SEK) but it’s a colorful way to experience Sweden’s legendary pop group (they’re one of the most popular pop groups of all time, with some 150 million records sold). The museum displays their original costumes and outfits, gold records, and props from the Mamma Mia films (which were based on the music of ABBA). There are lots of interactive displays highlighting the history and achievements of the group too.

11. Visit the Swedish History Museum

If you’re interested in Scandinavian history, this museum covers the Stone Age to the Vikings. Highlights include the Gold Room, which houses gold treasures from the Bronze Age to the 16th century. It’s a very detailed museum and I think they do a really good job explaining their Viking history. Admission is free.

12. Day trip to Uppsala

It’s easy to day trip from Stockholm, so take the train to Uppsala and enjoy this university town’s abundance of quaint shops, beautiful parks, and waterways. There are several fantastic museums as well. Sigtuna is another great day trip option, especially for its preserved medieval buildings dating back to the 10th century.

13. Have fun at Gröna Lund Theme Park

This 15-acre amusement park has over 30 attractions and is a popular venue for concerts during the summer. Originally opened in 1883, the park is located on Djurgården so it’s easy to access. Just keep in mind that the schedule changes a lot so be sure to check the website before you go. Admission is 120 SEK.

14. See the stunning subway art

Stockholm’s subway system also doubles as the world’s longest art gallery. Since 1957, artists have been invited to decorate the subterranean stations with their work, and today over 90 out of 100 stations feature public art. Kungsträdgården is one of the most famous stations and features a colorful abstract garden complete with sculptures formerly housed at the palace.

15. Visit Drottningholm Palace

Located just 30 minutes outside of the city, this 17th-century palace is the most well-preserved in all of Sweden. Modeled after the Palace of Versailles, the UNESCO-listed complex includes ornate gardens, a theatre, a Chinese Pavilion, and elaborately decorated interiors. It is the official private residence of the Swedish royal family and is only open on weekends. Admission is 140 SEK or 170 SEK including a guided tour in English.

16. Stroll Strandvägen

Hugging the waterfront in the prestigious district of Östermalm, Strandvägen is a boulevard lined with beautiful Art Nouveau buildings on one side and floating bars and cafes on the other. Finished just in time for the Stockholm World’s Fair in 1897, the promenade remains a popular place to spend an afternoon.

17. Take a canal tour

There’s no better way to learn about this maritime city than by taking to the water. Join one of the many different canal tours showcasing different aspects and areas of the city. A 1-hour tour generally costs around 240 SEK.

  For more information on other cities in Sweden, check out these guides:

• Gothenburg Travel Guide

Stockholm Travel Costs

Hostel prices – A bed in a 4-8-bed dorm room costs 200-260 SEK per night. For a private room, expect to pay at least 650 SEK per night. Most hostels in the city also add a 50-80 SEK surcharge for bed linen to offset the cost of cleaning (you are allowed to bring your own sheets, but sleeping bags are not permitted).

Fortunately, some of the hostels have some great perks. City Backpackers , for example, has a free sauna as well as free pasta while Skanstulls Hostel has free pasta, coffee, and tea. In expensive Sweden, free goes a long way to save money if you’re on a budget!

For those traveling with a tent, wild camping is legal outside the city. You just need to make sure you aren’t too close to someone’s house and are not camping in a cultivated field. But otherwise, Sweden’s Freedom to Roam law means you have a lot of leeway when it comes to wild camping.

Budget hotel prices – Budget hotels cost around 900 SEK per night. TV, free Wi-Fi, and coffee/tea makers are usually standard. Several hotels include free breakfast, so opt for these to save on your food budget.

Food – Food in Sweden is hearty and based heavily on meat, fish, and root vegetables. One of the most iconic and popular dishes is meatballs and a creamy sauce with potatoes and lingonberry jam. Crayfish, shrimp, mushrooms, and fresh summer berries are other popular staples. For breakfast, Swedes usually eat dark bread with cheese and vegetables. For fika, cinnamon buns are the go-to choice for many.

Like all of Sweden, eating out is expensive in Stockholm. You can get cheap food from outdoor street vendors starting at around 50 SEK, though these are few and far between. You can get hot dogs for around 30 SEK at places like 7-Eleven and Pressbyran.

Many convenience stores and cafes offer pre-packaged sandwiches and meals for 50-100 SEK if you’re on the go and want a quick bite. Whole pizzas cost around 65-95 SEK and most nice sit-down restaurant meals begin at 200 SEK for a main dish (for yummy pizza, check out Omnipollos Hatt).

If you’re looking for a drink, beer can be as cheap as 40 SEK, though 65-75 SEK is more common. Wine costs around 55-75 SEK at your average restaurant, and cocktails are around 100 SEK. If you’re on a budget and want to drink, stick to beer. You can buy your own alcohol at the government-run Systembolaget for even greater savings.

Some of my favorite places to eat are Herman’s, Omnipolls Hatt, Beijing8, Ramblas Tapas Bar, and Hattori Sushi Devil.

Grocery shopping costs around 600-700 SEK per week for basic groceries like pasta, rice, and veggies. However, if you cut down on your meat and cheese intake (some of the most expensive food items in Sweden) you can lower your costs significantly.

Backpacking Stockholm Suggested Budgets

On a backpacking budget, you should plan to spend 825 SEK per day. This is a suggested budget assuming you’re staying in a hostel dorm, cooking all your own meals, using public transportation, walking, limiting your drinking, and participating in free activities like visiting free museums and taking free walking tours.

On a mid-range of budget of 1,600 SEK per day, you can stay in private hostel rooms, get a public transportation pass and take the occasional Uber, eat some fast food, enjoy a couple drinks, and do some more paid activities like museum visits or a guided bike tour.

On a “luxury” budget of 2,330 SEK or more per day, you can stay in a budget hotel, eat out for all your meals, take taxis tog et around, drink more, do some excursions to the islands, and day trip to Uppsala. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in SEK.

Stockholm Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Stockholm may not be the most budget-friendly city to visit, but luckily there are a lot of ways to save money. It’s not too hard to save big if you know just a few tips. Here is how to visit Stockholm on budget:

• Purchase the Go City Stockholm Card – This pass gives you access to the city’s public transportation system and free entrance into 99% of the museums and canal tours. It’s well worth the money and definitely saves a lot more than it costs if plan to do a lot of sightseeing. It includes access to over 60 attractions and is 669 SEK for a 1-day pass or 1,569 SEK for a 5-day pass (which is a much better deal!).
• Stay with locals for free – Accommodation is expensive in Stockholm. Consider using Couchsurfing, a site that connects travelers with locals who offer a free place to stay. If you can cut out your accommodation costs, you will save a lot of money. It’s also a great way to get to know the local culture because you’re staying in someone’s home and you can ask them all the questions you want.
• Free walking tours – Free Tour Stockholm runs the best walking tours in the city. They offer a few different tours, including a tour of Gamla Stan. They generally last two hours and are available in English. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end!
• Drink beer – If you are going to drink, stick to beer. It costs about half as much money as mixed drinks or wine at bars and restaurants. For greater savings, buy your own alcohol at the government-run Systembolaget (it can be up to 50% cheaper that way).
• Avoid the big restaurants – Eating out in Stockholm is very expensive. If you want to eat out, try to stick to the outside grills you see on the side of the street. You can find a variety in them and they are under 100 SEK per meal (which is half the price you’ll pay at a sit-down restaurant).
• Try the lunch buffets – If you choose to eat out, the lunch buffets are an economical way to do so, often costing around 110 SEK. They are a popular option with locals. For a healthier option, try Hermans or Hermitage.
• Get a metro card – If you don’t plan to get the Stockholm Card, make sure you get a week-long metro pass. At 415 SEK for a week of rides, it is a better deal than paying 160 SEK for just 24 hours.
• Avoid clubs – Most clubs have a cover charge of over 250 SEK. Don’t waste your money.
• Refill your water bottle – Water is about 30 SEK per bottle. Since the tap water is drinkable (one of the cleanest in Europe!) you should just buy one bottle and reuse it. Not only will this save you money, but it will save the environment too! My go-to bottle is LifeStraw since they have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.
• Avoid the taxis – With the subway open late (or all night long depending on the day) you can avoid taking taxis. A typical ride costs more than 250 SEK, so avoid them at all costs! (Uber is cheaper than taxis but it’s still very expensive).

Where to Stay in Stockholm

Stockholm has lots of hostels and they’re all pretty comfortable and sociable. These are my suggested and recommended places to stay in Stockholm:

• Archipelago Hostel Old Town
• Generator Stockholm
• City Backpackers
• Skanstull Stockholm
• Castanea Old Town Hostel

How to Get Around Stockholm

Public Transportation – Public transportation in Stockholm costs 38 SEK per ticket, making the day pass (or multi-day pass) your best choice.

You need to purchase a reloadable card in advance or download the app. Cards cost 20 SEK and can be filled with as much credit as you need (including multi-day passes). A week-long pass is the best deal at 415 SEK, though you can also get a 24-hour pass for 160 SEK or a 72-hour pass for 315 SEK. These can be used on buses, ferries, and trains.

The subway is known as the tunnelbana (or T-bana). Subway trains operate 5am–1am on weekdays and all night on Fridays and Saturdays. Trains come every 10 minutes during the day and every 30 minutes at night.

When coming from Arlanda airport, the bus is your cheapest option. Flygbussarna runs shuttles regularly, with tickets costing 119 SEK (one way). The journey takes around 45 minutes.

You can also take the Arlanda Express train to Stockholm’s central train station. It’s 299 SEK for a one-way ticket. The journey takes around 20 minutes.

Taxi – Most cabs cost around 285 SEK and should be avoided as the trains and buses run all night. Avoid taxis unless you have no other choice as they will burn a hole in your budget!

Ridesharing – Uber here is a little cheaper than taxis but it’s still quite expensive. I don’t recommend using it unless you have to.

Bicycle – Stockholm is a very easy city to bike around. Many hostels rent bikes or organize bike tours. Rentals cost around 200-250 SEK per day and guided bike tours range from 300-400 SEK per person.

When to Go to Stockholm

The ideal time to visit Sweden is from June to August, when the weather is warm and the days are (really) long. Stockholm is at its liveliest during this time, with locals taking advantage of the good weather at every opportunity. The parks are always full, and there are always fun events happening around town. Temperatures are often in the 20s Celsius (60s and 70s Fahrenheit) during the summer.

The downside to visiting then is that, since Sweden has a very short summer, the city is rather crowded, so be sure to book your accommodation in advance. This is especially true if you are visiting during Midsommar, the big Swedish holiday at the end of June. It’s a great time to experience Swedish traditions (which involve a lot of drinking).

May typically has great weather with occasional rain, while September has cooler temperatures and changing leaves. You’ll beat the crowds and still be able to explore the city on foot without the weather getting in your way (too much).

Attractions begin to close around late September, and the days get dark early in October. Temperatures start dropping around this time too. However, prices also decrease, and you’re likely to find cheaper airfares and accommodations during this time. Be sure to pack layers if you plan on visiting during this time of year.

The winter is very cold and sees a lot of snow and darkness. In the depths of the winter, you only get a few hours of light each day and temperatures plummet below -0ºC (32ºF). The plus side of traveling during the off-season, however, is that you can get the cheapest accommodations, and fees for certain attractions will be lower as well. While Stockholm is quite beautiful in winter, you won’t want to be walking around as much, and since it’s a great city to explore on foot, you will potentially be missing out.

How to Stay Safe in Stockholm

Sweden is one of the safest countries in the world. In fact, it ranks 15th on the ranking of the world’s safest countries (for comparison, the USA is 122nd) it’s a great destination for solo travelers — including solo female travelers.

However, Stockholm is still a large city, so the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.). Keep an eye out for pickpockets, especially around the train stations and on public transportation.

As in any city, be aware of your surroundings and use common sense and you should be just fine. You’re not really going to find any scams in the city either. It’s pretty safe.

That said, always keep an eye on your drink when out at the bar and never walk home alone if intoxicated.

If you’re worried about getting ripped off, here’s a list of common travel scams to avoid.

If you do experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past.

Stockholm Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Stockholm Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Sweden and continue planning your trip:

The 6 Best Hotels in Stockholm

Where to Stay in Stockholm: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

The 9 Best Hostels in Stockholm

Living Lagom in Sweden: An Interview With Lola Akerstrom

The Swedish Birthday Party

10 Ways to Visit Stockholm on a Budget

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