Having visited Stockholm thrice, I’ve really gotten to know this gorgeous Nordic capital. As a Dane who frequently hops across the Øresund, I’m excited to share my updated guide to Stockholm’s best attractions and hidden gems.
- This guide was fully updated in September 2026. I’ve added ten more spots so the list now really does hit 25, plus current ticket tips and links so you can book the popular attractions before they sell out.
Let’s get right into the guide on the best things to do in Stockholm.
Contents
Must-See Attractions
1. Gamla Stan
Every time I visit Stockholm, I find myself drawn back to Gamla Stan. What was once the city’s slum is now one of its most charming quarters.
During my last visit, I spent a whole morning just wandering the cobbled streets, popping into little cafes, and discovering new corners I’d missed before. The transformation of this area over the years has been remarkable.
The narrow, winding streets remind me a bit of Copenhagen‘s old town, but with their own distinct Swedish character.
I particularly love exploring early in the morning before the crowds arrive, when you can really appreciate the ochre-coloured buildings and peaceful atmosphere.
2. Vasa Museum
The Vasa Museum remains my favourite museum in Stockholm. Seeing this massive 17th-century warship up close never gets old – even on my third visit, I spent hours examining the intricate details.
The story of its sinking on its maiden voyage and resurrection after 300 years underwater is fascinating.
Pro tip: Book your tickets online – it’s gotten much busier since my first visit. I’d recommend arriving right when it opens at 10:00 to avoid the largest crowds.
Get your Vasa Museum ticket here (there’s a combo with the Vrak museum that saves you a bit).
3. Royal Palace (Kungliga Slottet)
The Royal Palace has become even more interesting since my first visit, with new areas opened to the public. I particularly enjoyed the Royal Armoury during my latest trip – they’ve added some brilliant interactive displays about Swedish royal history.
The changing of the guard ceremony is still a must-see. In summer, it’s accompanied by a military band and mounted cavalry – quite a spectacle! I’d recommend getting there at least 15 minutes early to secure a good viewing spot.
See tickets and guided tours of the Royal Palace here.
4. ABBA: The Museum
Being Scandinavian, I almost feel obligated to love ABBA – and this museum makes it easy! It’s incredibly well done, and they keep updating the interactive experiences.
On my last visit, I tried their new virtual reality feature where you can ‘perform’ with the band.
Yes, I made a fool of myself attempting Dancing Queen, and it was worth it! 😀
Get tickets for the Abba Museum here.
5. AVICII Experience
On one of my recent visits, I checked out the AVICII Experience in Space Stockholm. As someone who grew up with Swedish music, this interactive museum really moved me.
You can mix your own versions of Tim Bergling‘s tracks, and the exhibits about his life and impact on music are beautifully done. The immersive audio experience is particularly powerful – bring tissues if you’re an AVICII fan.
6. Vrak – Museum of Wrecks
This is Stockholm’s newest maritime museum, and it’s fantastic. While the Vasa Museum shows you one ship in incredible detail, Vrak tells the broader story of the Baltic Sea’s underwater cultural heritage.
The technology they use to show shipwrecks is mind-blowing – I spent ages playing with their 3D visualisation tools.
7. Fotografiska
Fotografiska keeps getting better with each visit. This photography museum consistently hosts world-class exhibitions, and they’ve recently expanded their top-floor restaurant, which offers one of the best views in Stockholm.
I had a memorable dinner there on my last visit.
8. Djurgården
This island is becoming my favourite part of Stockholm. Beyond housing several museums (including the Vasa Museum and ABBA Museum), it’s a beautiful place for a walk.
On my last visit, I rented a bike and spent an afternoon cycling around the island, stopping at Rosendals Trädgårdskafé for their famous cinnamon buns.
9. Skansen
Skansen remains one of Stockholm’s most unique attractions. As the world’s oldest open-air museum, it offers a fascinating glimpse into Swedish life through the centuries.
On my most recent visit, I noticed they’ve added several new exhibits about sustainable living and traditional crafts.
The Nordic zoo section is particularly great if you’re travelling with kids – seeing moose and reindeer up close is always a highlight.
10. Södermalm
As a Copenhagener, Södermalm feels like home – it reminds me a bit of Vesterbro (which is one of the best areas in Copenhagen). This trendy island has only gotten cooler since my first visit.
The vintage shops along Götgatan are brilliant for unique finds, and the cafe scene keeps evolving.
More Brilliant Things to Do in Stockholm (11 to 25)
The ten spots above are the classics I’d send any first-timer to. These next fifteen are the ones that turn a good Stockholm trip into a great one, and several of them are free.
11. Stockholm City Hall (Stadshuset)
This is where the Nobel banquet is held every December, and you can only see the inside on a guided tour, which is exactly why it’s worth planning ahead. The Blue Hall (which isn’t blue at all) and the Golden Hall with its 18 million mosaic tiles are stunning. In summer you can also climb the 106-metre tower for the best view of the Old Town and Riddarholmen. The tower is open from May to September, and tickets are sold on the day, so go early.
12. Drottningholm Palace
Drottningholm is Sweden’s best-preserved royal palace and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it’s still the private residence of the royal family. The 18th-century theatre still uses its original stage machinery, and the baroque gardens are lovely for a slow walk. In summer, take the boat from Stadshusbron, which turns the trip into a mini archipelago cruise. It’s an easy half-day trip from the city.
See Drottningholm tours and other day trips from Stockholm here.
13. Moderna Museet on Skeppsholmen
Stockholm’s museum of modern art sits on the leafy island of Skeppsholmen, a ten-minute walk from the Old Town. The collection includes Picasso, Dalí, Matisse and a strong line-up of Nordic artists, and the building shares its site with ArkDes, the architecture and design museum. Even if you’re not a big art person, the walk around the island and the views back towards Gamla Stan are worth the detour.
14. Nobel Prize Museum
Right on Stortorget, the main square of the Old Town, this compact museum tells the story of Alfred Nobel and the laureates. It’s small, so an hour is plenty. My favourite detail: flip over the chairs in the café, because laureates sign the underside when they visit.
15. Monteliusvägen viewpoint
This 500-metre clifftop path on the northern edge of Södermalm gives you the postcard view of Riddarholmen, the Old Town and City Hall across the water. It’s free, it’s rarely crowded, and it’s at its best around sunset. Combine it with a stroll through the wooden houses of Mariaberget next door.
16. Stockholm’s metro art
Stockholm’s metro is often called the world’s longest art gallery, with more than 90 of the 100 stations decorated by artists. T-Centralen’s blue vines, the cave-like red ceiling at Solna Centrum and the rainbow at Stadion are the ones people photograph most. A single ticket lets you hop between stations, so it doubles as a cheap, dry activity for a rainy day.
Guided metro art and walking tours of Stockholm are listed here.
17. Gröna Lund
Stockholm’s amusement park has been squeezed onto the Djurgården waterfront since 1883, and the rides are far better than the compact setting suggests. It’s also one of the city’s main concert venues in summer, so check the programme before you go. If you’re travelling with kids, this and Skansen make an easy full day on the same island.
18. Nationalmuseum
Sweden’s national gallery reopened after a five-year renovation and it’s now one of the most enjoyable museums in the city, with Rembrandt and Renoir next to the best of Swedish painting and design. Entry to the permanent collection is free at the time of writing, and the restaurant is a genuinely good lunch option with a view of the Royal Palace.
19. Fika like a Swede
You haven’t been to Stockholm until you’ve done fika properly: coffee, a cardamom bun and no rush whatsoever. Vete-Katten on Kungsgatan has been doing it since 1928 and is my go-to, while Kaffekoppen on Stortorget is the cosy Old Town option with candlelit cellar rooms. Rosendals Trädgård on Djurgården, which I mentioned above, is the summer favourite.
20. Östermalms Saluhall
This 1888 brick food hall reopened a few years ago after a careful restoration, and it’s the most beautiful place in Stockholm to eat lunch. Come for the seafood counters, the smoked reindeer and the toast Skagen, and expect to spend more than you planned. It’s a two-minute walk from Östermalmstorg metro.
21. Junibacken
If you’re travelling with children, Junibacken on Djurgården is the one. It’s built around Astrid Lindgren’s stories, with a story train that glides through scenes from her books and a full-size Villa Villekulla where kids can run wild. Grown-up Scandinavians tend to get a little emotional here too.
22. Millesgården
The former home of sculptor Carl Milles sits on a cliff on the island of Lidingö, and the terraced sculpture garden with the water behind it is one of the most photogenic spots in greater Stockholm. It’s a 20-minute trip from the centre by metro and bus, and it’s rarely busy.
23. Hallwyl Museum
A private palace from the 1890s that was donated to the state with everything inside it, so you’re walking through a perfectly preserved time capsule of upper-class Stockholm life. Entry is free, it’s right by Berzelii Park, and it takes about an hour.
24. Kungsträdgården
The city’s central park changes character with the seasons: cherry blossoms in April, free concerts in summer and one of the loveliest outdoor ice rinks in Scandinavia in winter. It’s also a handy meeting point, as the metro station below is one of the most spectacular in the city.
25. Day trip to Vaxholm or Sigtuna
With an extra day, head out. Vaxholm is the capital of the archipelago, an hour by boat from Strömkajen, with a fortress, wooden villas and good lunch spots along the harbour. Sigtuna, Sweden’s oldest town, is about 45 minutes away by train and bus and has rune stones, church ruins and a very pretty main street. Both are far more relaxed than the city, and both are easy to do without a car.
Compare archipelago boat trips and day tours here.
New Food Spots and Markets
Aira Restaurant
On my latest trip, I treated myself to dinner at Aira on Djurgården. Yes, it’s pricey (even by Scandinavian standards!), but this two-Michelin-starred restaurant offers a unique take on Nordic cuisine. The seafood dishes are particularly outstanding, and the waterfront setting is magical at sunset.
Söderhallarna Food Hall
While Östermalms Saluhall will always have my heart, the newly renovated Söderhallarna in Södermalm has become my go-to lunch spot. It reminds me a bit of our Torvehallerne in Copenhagen, but with its own distinctly Swedish character. Don’t miss the new craft coffee roastery and the brilliant Swedish pastry stand.
K-Märkt Garnisonen
This sustainable restaurant has quickly become one of my Stockholm favourites. They focus on Swedish ingredients and traditional recipes with modern twists. The lunch menu changes daily, and the value is excellent for Stockholm prices.
Portal Deli
A more casual offshoot of the acclaimed Restaurant Portal, this deli serves some of the best sandwiches I’ve had in Stockholm. Perfect for a quick lunch between sightseeing. Their Swedish meatball sandwich is a modern take on the classic dish.
Outdoor Activities and Nature 🏞️
Stockholm Archipelago Tours
The boat tours keep getting better. On my last visit, I took a new sustainable electric boat tour of the archipelago. It’s quieter than the traditional boats and includes an excellent audio guide about the archipelago’s ecosystem.
The three-hour tour is perfect – long enough to see plenty but short enough to fit into a busy sightseeing day.
Kayaking
One of my favourite Stockholm experiences remains kayaking through the city’s waterways. There’s a new operator offering sunrise kayak tours, which I tried last summer – seeing the city wake up from the water is magical.
They provide all equipment and even serve Swedish breakfast afterwards.
See the current kayak tours in Stockholm here.
Eco-Walking Tours
Stockholm has introduced several new self-guided walking tours focusing on the city’s sustainability initiatives.
I followed the “Green Queen” route through Södermalm, which showcases urban farming projects, green buildings, and sustainable businesses. You can download the route map from the official Visit Stockholm app.
Practical Tips and Updates 🇸🇪
Getting Around
Stockholm’s public transport keeps getting better. The new express train from Arlanda is brilliant – faster and more comfortable than the older service. Within the city, they’ve expanded the subway system and introduced a new digital payment system.
- You can now use contactless cards or mobile payments on all public transport.
Best Time to Visit
While summer remains popular, I’ve grown to love visiting Stockholm in early autumn (September-October). The crowds are smaller, the colours in the parks are beautiful, and you can still enjoy outdoor activities. Plus, many restaurants launch new seasonal menus during this time.
Money-Saving Tips
- The Go City Stockholm Pass is worth it if you plan to visit 3+ attractions per day
- Many museums are free on Wednesday evenings
- Download the “Too Good To Go” app for discounted restaurant meals
- Consider staying in emerging neighbourhoods like Sundbyberg or Hornstull for better hotel rates
Where to Stay
After trying various areas over my visits, here are my recommended neighbourhoods:
Södermalm
My personal favourite area and perfect for first-time visitors. Hip, relaxed, and full of great cafes and bars. Check out Hotel Rival if your budget allows – it’s owned by ABBA’s Benny Andersson and beautifully designed. For something more affordable with the same Södermalm feel, Hobo Hotel in the city centre is a ten-minute walk from Slussen and consistently good value.
Östermalm
Great for luxury shopping and high-end restaurants. The area around Stureplan is perfect if you want to be close to Stockholm’s best nightlife.
Gamla Stan
Staying in the Old Town is magical, especially in the early morning and late evening when the day-trippers leave. Just be prepared for slightly higher prices and some street noise. Lady Hamilton Hotel is the classic choice here, in a 15th-century building a minute from the Royal Palace.
Want to compare everything in one place? Check current hotel prices across Stockholm on Booking.com here, and book early for June to August, when the city fills up fast.
Check out my full guide on where to stay in Stockholm for my in-depth thoughts and hotel recommendations.
I’ve also got a guide to the best spa hotels in Stockholm – there are some really nice places!
Seasonal Events and Activities
Summer (June-August)
- Midsummer celebrations in Skansen (June)
- Stockholm Culture Festival (August)
- Open-air concerts at Gröna Lund
- New rooftop bars in Södermalm
Autumn (September-November)
- Stockholm Design Week
- Restaurant Week (October)
- Stockholm Film Festival
- Brilliant autumn colours in Djurgården
Winter (December-February)
- Christmas markets in Gamla Stan
- Ice skating in Kungsträdgården
- Nobel Week (December)
- Winter Light Festival
Spring (March-May)
- Cherry blossoms in Kungsträdgården
- Stockholm Creative Edition
- Swedish food festivals
- Reopening of outdoor museums
Stockholm has evolved significantly since my first visit over 10 years ago, but it retains that special Scandinavian charm that makes it one of my favourite cities to visit. Whether you’re into history, design, food, or just enjoying fika like a local, you’ll find something to love here.
I update this guide regularly based on my visits, and this version was updated in September 2026. As always, check official websites for the most current opening hours and prices.
Frequently asked questions:
What are the absolute must-see attractions in Stockholm?
If you’re short on time, I’d recommend focusing on:
1. Gamla Stan (the Old Town)
2. Vasa Museum
3. Royal Palace
4. ABBA Museum
5. Fotografiska
How many days do you need in Stockholm?
I recommend at least three full days to see the main attractions. Five days would be ideal to explore more thoroughly and take a day trip to the archipelago.
What’s the best area to stay in Stockholm?
For first-time visitors, I recommend Södermalm or Gamla Stan. Both areas are central and offer plenty of restaurants and attractions within walking distance.
Is Stockholm expensive?
Yes, like most Scandinavian cities, Stockholm can be expensive. However, there are ways to save money:
– Use the Go City Stockholm Pass for attractions
– Eat lunch at restaurants rather than dinner (lunch menus are cheaper)
– Stay in hostels or hotels slightly outside the centre
– Use public transport instead of taxis
How do I get from Arlanda Airport into Stockholm?
The Arlanda Express train takes about 18 minutes to Stockholm Central and is the fastest option. The airport coaches and the regular commuter train are cheaper but slower, and a taxi only makes sense if you’re a group. I’ve written a separate guide to getting from Arlanda to the city centre with current prices for each option.
What’s the best way to see the Stockholm archipelago on a short trip?
A two to three hour sightseeing cruise from Strömkajen or Nybroplan gives you the highlights without committing a whole day. If you have a full day, take the ferry to Vaxholm or continue out to an island like Grinda or Sandhamn, pack a swimsuit in summer and have lunch by the water.
Looking for more Sweden inspiration? My guides to where to stay in Stockholm, the best spa hotels in Stockholm and getting from Arlanda to the city cover the practical side of the trip.
Travel ressources & websites I use all the time 👇
• Booking.com has the best offers on hotels and unique places to stay
• GetYourGuide is the best place to book tours & activities with free cancellation
• Welcome Pickups is the best & safest place to pre-book airport transfers
Psst 👀 Have you subscribed to my Youtube channel and my Instagram where I provide more useful travel tips?