Stockholm is the capital of Sweden and also one of the trendiest cities among the Nordic countries. If you’re looking for cool vibes, plenty of sightseeing spots and lush nature, you came to the right place. In this travel guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from the best things to do in Stockholm to where to eat and stay. At the end of this post, you’ll also find a map with all the spots mentioned here for your ease of reference. Enjoy!

***

Disclaimers:

• The last time I visited Stockholm was in December 2021. This post includes the latest information available to this date, and I’ll keep updating it as I discover more cool things to do in the capital of Sweden.
• 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.

***

Best things to do in Stockholm, sorted by district

Stockholm is built on 14 islands connected by 58 bridges, so water and nature are all around. Given the proximity of the Baltic Sea and Lake Mälaren, the city is filled with waterside promenades, canals and spacious parks.

This section on the best things to do in Stockholm is sorted alphabetically by district, so you can easily find what to see and do in each of them depending on the area you’re in. At the end of it, you’ll find a suggested itinerary for spending three days in Stockholm, as well as a map with all the locations (sightseeing spots, restaurants or hotels) mentioned throughout this post.

In case you´re wondering where to get started and what to do in Stockholm, these are the main sightseeing areas in the Swedish capital:

• Djurgården: welcome to paradise for nature and culture lovers!
• Gamla Stan: this is Stockholm’s charming Old Town.
• Kungsholmen: housing the City Hall, this island is quite residential.
• Nörrmalm: the northern part of the city encompasses the modern and commercial districts of the capital of Sweden.
• Östermalm: this elegant area east of Stockholm houses design boutiques as well as exclusive bars and restaurants.
• Södermalm: this southern part of town is known for its bohemian and hipster touch.

Djurgården

Djurgården is a paradise for nature and outdoor lovers. Located on an island south of Östermalm and connected by bridges and boats, these are the highlights in this area of Stockholm:

• Admire the natural beauty of Kungliga Djurgården: these royal gardens occupy almost half of the island of the same name. Starting off in Blå porten (blue door), follow the path next to the water until you reach Rosendalsvägen. A short walk from there, you’ll bump into Rosendals Slott, one of the various royal palaces located in Stockholm. Rosendals Trädgårdskafé is a nearby café I can’t recommend enough. Read my section ‘Where to eat in Stockholm‘ for more information. Heading south towards Biskopsudden and the museum at Prins Eugens Waldemarsudde, you might see deers if you’re lucky enough!
• Gröna Lund: this is one of Stockholm’s most beloved amusement parks. It features popular rides as well as competitions and concerts. The fun is hence guaranteed for children and adults alike! Talking of amusement parks, feel free to check out my post about Disneyland Paris.
• Hop on tram 7: no matter how much you enjoy exploring by foot (which I do), I strongly suggest you come onboard this tramway. Connecting Djurgården Waldemarsudde with T-Centralen (Stockholm’s Central Station in Nörrmalm) in just 20 minutes, during this ride you’ll be amazed by the serene landscapes in Djurgården and the spectacular Strandvägen. Add this experience to your Stockholm bucket list (bonus point if you’re visiting during the cold winter months)!
• Museums: there are plenty to choose from in Djurgården depending on what you feel like. Vasamuseet tells the story of a ship that sank in 1628, Nordiska Museet is dedicated to the cultural history of Sweden and lets you explore the Nordic lifestyle and ABBA the Museum offers an immersive experience into the life of this famous Swedish music band. The most popular museum in Djurgården is Skansen though. This outdoor museum is a hit, especially with kids. Showcasing the country’s way of life through its houses and farmsteads, make sure to visit their cute gift shop too. There are many more museums scattered throughout this island such as Biologiska Museet (it is part of Skansen and is temporarily closed), Snus & Match Museum, Spiritmuseum or the Viking Museum. As you can see, you won’t run short of cultural options in the island of Djurgården, so enjoy!

Feeling adventurous? Check out these outdoor activities with Manawa in Stockholm!

Guided RIB Speedboat tour in Stockholm

Intermediate Ice Skating Excursion from Stockholm

Northern Lights Tour from Stockholm

Sailing Tour in the Stockholm Archipelago

Scenic Hot Air Balloon Flight in Stockholm

Sea Kayaking Tour in the Stockholm Archipelago

Snowshoe Hike in Stockholm

Gamla Stan

In a nutshell, Gamla Stan (literally meaning ´Old Town´ in Swedish) is the heart of the Old City of Stockholm, concentrating most of the sightseeing spots in town.

This island is connected to other parts of the city through various bridges, including Vasabron, Norrbro, Strömbron, Slussbron, Söderströmsbron, Norra and Södra Järnvägsbron, Centralbron and Riddarholmsbron.

Enjoy walking around around Gamla Stan’s colorful and cobbled streets, the main ones being Västerlånggatan and Stora Nygatan.

Some of the attractions you can’t miss in Stockholm’s Old Town include:

• Beautiful churches such as Storkyrkan or Tyska kirkan.
• Kungliga Slottet (the Royal Palace; make sure to be there around noon to see the changing of the guard or visit the Royal Gift Shop).
• Stortorget (the main square surrounded by pictoresque houses, a must during the Christmas season).
• The Nobel Prize Museum.

From the Old Town, I would also suggest you explore the nearby islands of Riddarholmen and Helgeandsholmen. While in the first one you’ll be able to admire the church of Riddarholmskyrkan and the view of Stadshuset (City Hall) across Kungsholmen, the second island hosts the Riksdaghuset (the Swedish Parliament).

For restaurants in Gamla Stan and other areas of the city, head to the section ‘Where to eat in Stockholm‘.

Kungsholmen

Located west of Gamla Stan, this island houses the imposing City Hall (Stadshuset). This brick building is the main feature of this area. One of the best things to do in Stockholm is to enjoy the panoramic view from the City Hall Tower (typically open from May to September).

Another highlight includes walking along Norr Mälarstrand, a promenade by the water with stunning views of Södermalm.

I read there are many ethnic restaurants worth trying in the junction of Schleegatan and Hantverkargatan. Head to ‘Where to eat in Stockholm’ for a list of the cafés and restaurants I visited during my trip to the Swedish capital city.

Nörrmalm

Lying in the northen part of Stockholm, Nörrmalm houses the modern and commercial areas in town.

In case you’re looking for Swedish shopping, head to department stores such as NK or Ahlens, both located near Sergels Torg, a major square steps away from T-Centralen. In case you’re looking for fast fashion, you can visit H&M along Drottninggatan.

Nörrmalm is also Stockholm’s cultural hub thanks to the Royal Opera (Kungliga Operan), Dramaten (a theater) or the National Museum.

For beautiful views of the city by the water, make sure to walk along Strömgatan and Nybrokajen. You may also want to check the park Kungsträdgården.

Last but not least, from Nörrmalm you can board on a boat or just cross the Skeppsholmsbron bridge towards the islands of Skeppsholmen and Kastellholmen. The latter houses the historic castle known as Kastellet.

Östermalm

The area of Östermalm, situated in the eastern part of Stockholm, is known for its elegance.

Some of the attractions you can’t miss when exploring this area include:

• Armémuseum (a military museum)
• Kungliga Biblioteket (the National Library of Sweden) in Humlegården
• Kungliga Hovstallet (the Royal Stables) and of course,
• Östermalms Saluhall with a vast array of delicious foodie stalls
• Svampen (a curious mushroom-shaped structure said to protect locals from the inclement weather)
• The beautiful Hedvig Eleonora kyrka.
• The monumental boulevard of Strandvågen. This waterfront promenade reminded me of the opulent hotels by lake Léman in Geneva.

If you’re in shopping mood, wander around Grev Turegatan, Humlegårdsgatan and Nybrogatan, which concentrate plenty of imposing brick buildings and stylish shops.

Södermalm

Located in the southern part of Stockholm, Södermalm is the hipster area of the capital of Sweden. Wandering around its trendy streets such as Götgatan or Slussen, you may want to visit Fotografiska, a museum dedicated to photography and visual art or watch life pass by in Medborgarplatsen. One of my highlights was heading to Monteliusvägen, a 500-meter narrow path on top (and literally on the edge) of Södermalm. Come here around sunrise or sunset to enjoy unforgettable views of the city. Definitely one of the most Instagrammable spots in town!

In case you’re looking for cool cafeterias, walk around Mariatorget. You’ll find thrift shops such as Red Cross or Stockholms Stadsmission along Hornsgatan. For decoration items, check out Hemtex.

Suggested 3-day itinerary in Stockholm

Based on my recent visit to the capital of Sweden, here’s my day to day itinerary in case it helps you planning. Note that I skipped the museums and preferred to focus on exploring the city, mainly by foot. 🙂

• Day 1: Östermalm + Djurgården + Gamla Stan + Nörrmalm
• Day 2: trip to Vaxholm (in the Stockholm archipelago) + Södermalm
• Day 3: Kungsholmen + Djurgården + Östermalm

👣 Spoiler alert: I tend to walk a lot, especially when I’m traveling solo, so feel free to adapt this route to your own pace and to the length of your trip.

Day trips from Stockholm (+ Nordic travel inspiration)

The capital of Sweden is a great destination for a few days, but in case it leaves you wanting for more, here are some other nearby locations you could visit on a day trip from Stockholm:

• Ladugårdsgärdet, simply known as Gärdet, is a vast green area located in the eastern part of the capital. Tessinparken is the biggest park here.
• Explore the Royal Palaces of Sweden: in addition to Kungliga Slottet in Gamla Stan, there are many others surrounding Stockholm such as Gripsholm, Drottningholm or Rosersberg.
• Discover the Stockholm archipelago: hop on a ferry and enjoy the endless islands surrounding the Swedish capital. Vaxholm is a popular destination, but there are many more depending on the time you have at hand or the activities you feel like doing.

Furthermore, I find Instagram is a great platform for travel inspiration and planning purposes. Before heading to Stockholm, these were the accounts I checked: Frida Tall, Hej Hej Stockholm, Stockholm, Stockholm explore, Stockholm food, Stockholmsjulofficial, Visit Stockholm.

When visiting Stockholm, 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 too!

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, Sweden destination page, 10 series & films to travel while binge-watching

Everything you need to know about Stockholm (and Sweden)

Before traveling to Stockholm, there are some things you should be aware of.

• The capital of Sweden (and the whole country for that matter) is expensive, at least compared to southern Europe and other destinations. If you’re looking for a cheap destination, I’m sorry to say this might not be it, although there are ways around it (see section below ‘How to travel cheap in Stockholm‘).
• Sweden is located in Europe and belongs to the European Union, but Swedes kept their own currency (the Swedish ‘krona‘, shortened as ‘kr’) and don’t use the euro. When I visited, 10 kr were more or less equal to 1 eur. Feel free to check the current exchange rate here.
• The country has a constitutional monarchy, just like Spain or Belgium. Carl XVI Gustaf has reigned in Sweden since 1973.
• Luckily for us tourists, Swedes speak great English even though their official language is Swedish. That means you shouldn’t have problems whenever you need to communicate (provided you speak English of course 🙂 ).
• In terms of COVID, when I last visited Stockholm, there were no restrictions to enter the country (no one asked for my COVID certificate or a PCR negative test). But what surprised me the most was that most people didn’t wear a mask, even in crowded places such as department stores with people doing their Christmas shopping.
• What’s the Stockholm weather like in the winter? COLD. Period. Winter is cold in Sweden and days are very short. The lowest temperatures ranged between -2C and -8C when I visited, but luckily it was sunny and it didn’t snow. Typically, the sun would rise around 8.30am and come down at 3pm. My suggestion would be that you make the most out of the daylight and explore during those hours, while spending the rest of the afternoon in museums or shopping. In the weeks leading up to Christmas, you will notice candlesticks and star-shaped lamps by the windows, which bring warmth and coziness to the dark and cold winter months in Sweden. To keep you warm during your stay in Stockholm, make sure to pack these items:

For more information, check my Sweden destination page!

How to get around Stockholm

Stockholm is a big city and as such, there are several ways to get here and move around depending on your preferences be it by air, bike, boat, bus, foot, metro, or train.

✈ By air: Stockholm airports

There are three airports in Stockholm:

• Arlanda: if you’re flying internationally, this is the main Stockholm airport. Located between the capital city and Uppsala, it is connected to Stockholm through Arlanda Express (although this is the fastest option, it is also the most expensive one) or the regular train (I recommend the latter in case you’re not in a rush).
• Bromma: it operates mainly for domestic flights and some minor international flights. It is well connected to Stockholm by metro.
• Skavsta: located in the southern part of the city, this Stockholm airport operates with low-cost companies.

🚲By bike

To be honest with you, since I last visited Stockholm during the winter time, venturing out in the freezing cold riding a bike didn´t seem like a very bright idea. However, renting a bicycle to explore the Swedish capital is an excellent way to get around, especially during the milder months. Check out these local companies to rent a bike in Stockholm.

🚢 By boat

Since Stockholm is built on 14 islands, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that boarding a boat is just another way of getting around the city. Ferry rides are included in your SL travel card if you purchased one, and I’d recommend you to take advantage of it. During my visit, I boarded ferry 82 in the amusement park in Gröna Lund and went all the way to Slussen in Gamla Stan. It was a beautiful way to explore the city despite the freezing temperatures. You can check the maps of the commuter ferry lines here.

For extra peace of mind when exploring the Nordic countries, you can calculate how much you would pay for your health insurance with the SafetyWing widget below.

🚌 By bus

There are hundreds of bus lines running throughout the County of Stockholm. Simply catch the most convenient bus and get around the public transportation system with your SL travel card in no time. Note that you cannot use cash to buy a ticket on board the buses.

When I visited the Stockholm archipelago, I actually returned from Vaxholm by bus instead of waiting for ferry 83 again, which came every other hour. I hopped on bus 270 to Universitetet (in northern Stockholm), and from there, I took the metro to Gamla Stan.

👣 By foot

The Swedish capital is ideal to be explored on foot, even though you will find some steep slopes around Monteliusvägen. In any case, public transportation is always a few steps away in Stockholm!

During my recent visit to Stockholm, I skipped the museums and preferred to focus on exploring the city, mainly by foot. Note that I tend to walk a lot, especially when I’m traveling solo, so feel free to adapt the abovementioned 3-day itinerary to your own pace and to the length of your trip.

🚆 By metro, train or tram

As mentioned before, the quickest route to arrive to Stockholm from the Arlanda airport is by using the Arlanda Express train. Yes, it only takes 18 minutes from Arlanda to Stockholm C (the capital’s Central Station) but the round trip is awfully pricey (it costs 579 SEK, almost 60 EUR). On the other hand, the regular train will get you to your destination in 40 minutes for a fraction of the cost.

In addition to the train, Tunnelbana (metro) is a great way to explore Stockholm. Check out the various ticket prices here. Besides, did you know there is some serious underground art here? T-Centralen, Stadion, Solna Centrum, Tensta or Hallonbergen are a few metro stations you should definitely check out while you’re visiting the Swedish capital. By the way, you might notice that the public transportation system in Stockholm is pretty modern. I saw USB chargers and plugs on both trains and buses, which I found really helpful when you’re on the go.

If you purchased the SL travel card, take advantage of it by hopping into tram 7 that connects T-Centralen (the Central Station in Stockholm) with Waldemarsudde in Djurgården in just 20 minutes. Along this ride you’ll pass by some iconic sightseeing spots in the capital, so take a seat and enjoy.

How to travel cheap in Stockholm

I warned you from the very beginning: Stockholm is a very expensive city. However, that shouldn’t prevent you from visiting because there are ways around it. Here are my top tips to save money during your trip to the capital of Sweden:

• Buy the SL card (the 7-day travel card cost me 415 kr), or even better, download the SL app. This will already save you 20 kr. The card is valid for trains, metro, buses, trams or ferries.
• If you’re arriving to Arlanda airport, choose the regular train over the Arlanda Express. Even though catching the latter is the fastest option to get to Stockholm, it is also the most expensive (at 579 SEK for a return ticket) and is not included in the SL travel card you may purchase. On the contrary, I suggest you board the regular train: the SL card gives you free access once you’ve paid the Arlanda passage fee (120 kr for each way).
• When eating out, look for dagens rätt (daily plate) at lunch time, which is usually between 100-200kr in all restaurants, including the fancy ones.
• In case you own a Revolut Card, use it to pay like a local with excellent exchange rates. This system allows you to pay in the local currency, be it through a card or the app on your phone. I think it’s a brilliant idea when you’re traveling abroad and don’t want to be worried with exchanging money upon arrival or being charged currency fees in your card.

Where to eat in Stockholm

Below is a selection of the restaurants and cafés I tried during my 3-day trip to the Swedish capital. Of course there are many more places to eat in Stockholm, but time constraint was real. All the spots are sorted by area for your ease of reference, and pinned in the map at the end of this post.

• Grillska Huset (Gamla Stan): memorable first lunch in Stockholm, steps away from the iconic Stortorget. Functioning as a social enterprise to offer a brighter future for those in need, this place includes a bakery, a bread shop, a café and a restaurant. I ordered a tomato and pepper soup (perfect for warming up) and a grilled croque monsieur (with a bit too much mustard in my opinion). Grillska Huset is definitely a perfect location for Swedish fika because you have free coffee refill.
• Östermalms Saluhall (Östermalm): this imposing brick building is beautiful from both the outside and the inside. Local traders offer high-quality food to enjoy onsite or to bring home, be it Lebanese mezze or the famous herring sandwiches by Lisa Elmqvist. This food hall has recently been renovated and has also welcomed a neighboring hotel.
• Rosendals Trädgårdskafé (Djurgården): located in the middle of nature, this was hands down my favorite spot in the Swedish capital. Featuring a garden café along with a woodfired bakery and a lovely gift shop, this greenhouse was my kind of foodie paradise on earth. I ordered lentil soup plus a slice of carrot cake and a cup of tea (did I mention there was free bread with butter too? 🙂 ). This place lived completely up to the hype: the food was both yummy and healthy, the greenhouse was charming and cozy and I could even sit in front of the fireplace. I mean, what else can you ask for when eating out? Trust me, make sure to come here to enjoy the Swedish way of life at its best.
• Stortorget (Gamla Stan): in case you’re visiting Stockholm during the Christmas period, trying glögg (mulled wine) with a ginger cookie in the Christmas market in this iconic square is an absolute must. Enjoy this quintessential Swedish experience!
• Tårtan Café (Södermalm): thanks to a warm cup of Ceylon tea with a cinnamon roll (kanelbulle), this cafeteria quite literally saved me from the extreme cold after a glorious sunset in Monteliusvägen.
• Under Kastanjen (Gamla Stan): located in a narrow street in Stockholm’s Old Town, this restaurant serves traditional Swedish food. I went for the most typical option on the menu: köttbullar (meatballs) with mashed potatoes, cream gravy, pickled cucumber and lingonberries. Under Kastanjen features an outdoor terrace as well as a cellar downstairs.

In addition to all the cafeterias and restaurants listed above, here are some more recommendations from local friends and colleagues or spotted by myself, which I didn’t get to try: Babette, Café Saturnus, Copine, Farang (Thai cuisine), Himlen (rooftop bar), Mathias Dahlgreen Matbaren, Newt, Nystekt strömming (fast food including herring), Pelikan, Portal, Stenugnsbageri Fabrique, Storstad, Strandvägen 1 (brunch), Tak (rooftop bar), Tranan.

If they’re good and you do visit these places, please let me know in the comments below so I check them out myself next time I’m in Stockholm. Sharing is caring! 🙂

Hungry for more? Browse these eating guides!

A local’s guide to Majadahonda (Spain)

Discovering singani with Casa Real (Bolivia)

My favorite places to eat & drink in Oxford (UK)

Where to stay in Stockholm

During my stay in the Swedish capital, I slept four nights at Crystal Plaza Hotel. Conveniently located on Birger Jarlsgatan 35, this 3-star hotel lies in the heart of the city center, just a 20 minute walk from the Royal Palace or T-Centralen.

Thanks to some spare miles, I was able to secure a good deal including an economy single room with free breakfast (served in the Ming restaurant downstairs). In my opinion, the decoration was a bit on the old side, but the room was comfortable enough. One of the features that I enjoyed the most after exploring the city was the kettle. I was truly in heaven with a warm cup of tea following long hours venturing out in the cold! The buffet breakfast was decent too: cereal, ham and cheese, pastries, fruit, tea or coffee. Oh, and they will welcome you with ginger cookies, which is a very Swedish (and delicious) thing to do.

For more accommodation options in Stockholm, feel free to check Airbnb or Booking.

Map with the best things to do in Stockholm

Below you’ll find a Stockholm map where I pinned all the locations mentioned throughout this post: from sightseeing spots and restaurants, to cafés or museums. I trust this will be helpful when planning your next trip to the capital of Sweden, so save it for later!

How did you like this travel guide covering the best things to do in Stockholm? Was it helpful? Let me know in the comments below.

***

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

Stay tuned by following me on social media (Instagram, X, Facebook) and subscribe to my newsletter for regular updates!

In the meantime, safe travels around the world!

***