Over the years, I’ve had the chance to visit Sweden various times, be it with our family campervan, with friends or traveling solo. In this travel guide, you will find my recommendations about the four largest cities in Sweden (Stockholm, Gothenburg, Malmö and Uppsala) that you should include as part of your itinerary, along with some tips on the best things to do in each of them. Ready to start exploring these Swedish destinations?

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Disclaimers:

• The last time I visited Sweden was in December 2021 during my solo trip to Stockholm. This post includes the latest information available to this date, and I’ll keep updating it as I discover more destinations in the country.
• Please note that this post includes some affiliate links. This means that, at no additional cost for you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. In case you have any question about the companies advertised here or my status as an affiliate, please do not hesitate to contact me.

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When visiting these cities in Sweden, feel free to use this Stockholm pocket guide or this Sweden guidebook, both by Lonely Planet, to plan your stay and make the most out of it. I hope you’ll find them helpful!

Stockholm (+ the Stockholm archipelago)

The capital of Stockholm is the largest city in Sweden, and also one of the trendiest Nordic destinations. If you’re looking for cool vibes, plenty of sightseeing spots and lush nature, you came to the right place. Some of the best things to do in Stockholm include Gamla Stan (the charming Old Town), the imposing Stadshuset (City Hall) on the island of Kungsholmen, the trendy Södermalm neighborhood or the vast Djurgården area filled with parks and museums. Read my Stockholm travel guide to learn everything you need to know when visiting the capital of Sweden, from what to see and do to where to eat and stay. At the end of the post, you’ll also find a map for your ease of reference.

If your schedule allows, make sure to also explore the idyllic Stockholm archipelago. With endless islands to choose from, the options are plentiful. As a matter of fact, Vaxholm is just 35 kms away from the Swedish capital and it delivers on picturesque scenery: colorful wooden cabins by the water and lots of Nordic coziness. I spent a day here and some of the attractions on this small island include a fortress (Kastellet) and the welcoming Vaxholms Hotell. Browse my blog post on the Stockholm archipelago for more details.

Gothenburg

Gothenburg (also known as Göteborg) is the second largest city in Sweden. Located on the west coast of the country, I visited Gothenburg in 2009 when one of my hometown friends was spending his Erasmus semester there. Back in 2003, I had also been to Gothenburg with my family during one of our legendary summer road trips with our campervan.

Some of the best things to do in Gothenburg (Sweden) include walking down the main boulevard (Avenyn), enjoying the city view from Skansen Kronan or checking out the Liseberg amusement park.

Feeling adventurous? Check out these outdoor activities with Manawa near Gothenburg!

RIB Half-day Tour to Hamneskär Island near Gothenburg

RIB Tour Between Marstrand & Gothenburg

RIB Tour of the Swedish West Coast from Marstrand & Gothenburg

Malmö

During my traineeship at the Committee of the Regions in Brussels back in 2012, my colleagues and I got the chance to visit Copenhagen and the Swedish city of Malmö for a project on interregional cooperation.

Malmö is actually the third biggest city in Sweden and is famous for its remarkable architecture, including the imposing tower Turning Torso or the Öresund bridge connecting the Nordic countries of Denmark and Sweden. Other attractions include the Malmö Castle, the Sankt Petri Church or the square of Lilla Torg. You may also want to walk around the Marina of this coastal city.

Uppsala

Ranking fourth when it comes to the largest cities in Sweden, Uppsala is a historic destination near the capital of Stockholm. It offers a wealth of attractions for visitors, such as the Uppsala University, founded in the 15th century, the Uppsala Cathedral, or Old Uppsala, which held immense significance as a religious center during the Viking Age.

Do you need more inspiration throughout the Nordic countries?

Denmark: Denmark destination page, 5 cities in Denmark worth visiting, 10 things to do in Copenhagen (+ map)

Iceland: Iceland destination page, What to do in Iceland in 4 days, 8 things to do in Iceland

Norway: Norway destination page

Sweden: A day in the Stockholm archipelago: Vaxholm, Best things to do in Stockholm (travel guide + map), Sweden destination page, 10 series & films to travel while binge-watching

How did you find this post detailing the best things to do in the largest four cities in Sweden? Would you recommend any other? I look forward to reading your comments!

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✈️ Curious to know where I’ll be traveling next? ✈️

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In the meantime, safe travels around the world!

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