17 Best Things to do in Stockholm, Sweden

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I’m going to start this article by being completely honest – Stockholm was nothing short of fantastic! We visited for my birthday, which is in January, so it was super cold. I’m talking -7°C at some points, but we had so much fun and there are so many excellent things to do in Stockholm. Plus, if you wrap up warm temperatures like that aren’t a problem anyway!

The entire city of Stockholm has a kinda artsy, and cool vibe. Like many cities in Europe, it has a gorgeous Old Town, but even that feels more ‘trendy’ somehow. It’s difficult to explain, so I highly recommend visiting the city to see what I mean!

One other thing I should point out before you book your flights is that Stockholm, like many cities in Scandinavia, (looking at you, Norway) isn’t known for being cheap. It’s not a budget city. Although we did spend a day simply exploring the Old town and didn’t spend a penny. But if you want to visit all the museums (and Stockholm has a lot of them), and go on paid attractions like canal cruises, then it can quickly add up! 

But don’t don’t worry, as always, I’ll be including the prices of all of these things to do in Stockholm so you know exactly what you’ll be spending in this city.

Where is Stockholm?

The largest and capital city in Sweden, Stockholm is located in the North of Europe. It is situated in the south-eastern part of Sweden, on the eastern coast of the Scandinavian Peninsula. 

The city is actually on a series of islands and islets in the Baltic Sea, which makes it a beautiful and unique waterfront city. It also makes for some stunning viewpoints, but we’ll get to those soon!

What is Stockholm famous for?

Stockholm is famous for a variety of things. First and foremost, the city is known for the beautiful islands that make it what it is. The stunning archipelago and waterfront beauty is often referred to as the “Venice of the North.” 

On top of that, the historic Gamla Stan showcases well-preserved medieval architecture, while the Royal Palace and Nobel Prize ceremonies add to its regal and intellectual allure. Stockholm is also the birthplace of the legendary pop group ABBA, which is celebrated at the ABBA museum. 

Overall, the city is a delightful mix of culture, history, and world-class museums.

How many days do you need in Stockholm?

Stockholm is definitely a city that can be visited during a long weekend in Europe. I’d recommend 3 days for a first time visit. You could spend the first day exploring the old town and getting accustomed to the city and the following days diving into the cultural scenes at the museums. This is exactly what we did and it was perfect.

Of course, if you wanted to explore more than about 3-4 museums, you’ll need longer and, to be perfectly honest, you could spend up to a week in Stockholm exploring everything. But, if you just want to see the best things to do in Stockholm, around 3 days is fine. 

Where to stay in Stockholm

As I’ve mentioned, Stockholm definitely isn’t what I’d consider a budget city and accommodation prices tend to reflect this. Nonetheless, there are certainly places to stay in the city for a range of budgets, and you certainly don’t have to go for the highest priced hotel to have a great stay. Here are my top recommendations for where to stay in Stockholm:

• £££ – Bank Hotel – A fantastic 5* hotel in the centre of the city, this is the perfect place to come for a touch of luxury in Stockholm. It features elegant rooms, a fitness centre, restaurant serving delicious food, and a top floor cocktail bar with great views.
• ££ – Elite Palace Hotel – This charming 4* hotel was where we stayed when we were in Stockholm. It features an elegantly decorated lobby, stylish and comfortable rooms, and a fantastic breakfast in the morning. Plus, it’s just a short walk to the metro station that connects you to the rest of the city.
• £ –  Biz Apartment Hammarby – This stylish and cosy apartment is perfect if you want a home from home in Stockholm. It’s spacious, with modern furnishing, affordable, and located within easy reach of the city centre  and amenities like a grocery store.

The best things to do in Stockholm

So, without further ado, here are the 16 best things to do in Stockholm, from the colourful buildings, to the fascinating museums. 

1. Visit the Vasa Museum

Cost: 170 SEK (about £13)

This was without doubt one of the best things to do in Stockholm. I absolutely loved my time at the Vasa Museum and highly recommend it to anyone visiting the city.

The Vasa itself is a 17th century Swedish warship that famously sank on its maiden voyage, It was salvaged from the waters of Stockholm Harbor in 1961, and remains one of the best preserved warships of its age.

The Vasa, adorned with elaborate carvings and armed with numerous cannons, is a stunning example of Swedish craftsmanship back then. The museum allows you to explore this fantastic ship, see all the details up close, and learn more about the story of why it sank.

As well as being able to see the ship itself, they also have a bunch of interactive exhibitions. There’s also a cinema, where you can watch a short film documenting exactly what happened to the ship and footage of how they recovered it. As well as this, the museum offers guided tours where an expert will walk you round the ship, explaining in more depth its story.

To book tickets to the Vasa Museum, click here.

2. See the Art at the Metro Stations – one of the most unique things to do in Stockholm

Cost: Free except the cost of the metro

In all my travels, I’ve never seen metro stations quite as beautiful as Stockholm’s.

Many of the stations are pretty much individual works of art, each with its own unique theme and design, each telling a story, and making your journey on public transport a hell of a lot more interesting. 

Some notable stations include T-Centralen, which serves as a major interchange and features blue and white artwork representing the city’s water and ice; Solna Centrum with its vibrant red and green patterns; and Kungsträdgården, designed to look like an archaeological site with exposed bedrock and ancient artifacts. 

3. Explore Gamla Stan

Cost: Free

Gamla Stan is Stockholm’s Old Town. This is literally what the name means in Swedish. Located on the central island of the archipelago, it’s one of the best preserved medieval towns in Europe with colourful buildings, charming cobblestone streets, and plenty of architectural gems.

You can spend hours wandering through the narrow alleyways and exploring the town, buying trinkets, sipping cups of glögg, and admiring the history.

4. See Traditional Houses at Skansen – one of the most historic things to do in stockholm

Cost: Either 185 – 245 SEK depending on the season. This is either £14 or £18.

The first museum we visited in Sweden, Skansen is definitely one of the best things to do in Stockholm. This fascinating open air museum is located in the city centre. Founded in 1891, it is actually considered the world’s first open-air museum, showcasing the cultural heritage and history of the country. 

Here, you can see everything from traditional metal workshops, to glass blowing, to old-fashioned streets that have been perfectly preserved. There are live actors in costume that can demonstrate traditional crafts and tell you more about the history and how things would have been.

They also have an entire section dedicated to Scandinavian wildlife. As we visited in winter, some of the wildlife (such as the bears) were sleeping, but we still got to visit (and feed) reindeer, see wolverines, otters, seals, and many other creatures. 

To book tickets to Skansen, click here.

5. Dance at the ABBA Museum – one of the most fun things to do in stockholm

Cost: 230 – 290 SEK depending on time period. This is around £14 – £21.

This was so much fun! I do love Mamma Mia, but have never gone out of my way to listen to ABBA. Nevertheless, I don’t think I’ve ever had such fun in a museum!

Located just a short walk from Skansen, we visited this museum afterwards. It opens later, so if you’re planning on visiting other museums that day, this is a good one to do last.

Inside, you’ll find an immersive and interactive experience showcasing the band’s remarkable music career. It shows where they started, how they came together as a group, and their journey and global influence. 

You can explore memorabilia, look at costumes, listen to the music, and dance (they have several disco-ball lit chambers). It’s also a great place for a sing-along – they have karaoke machines in individual booths and a mini stage where you can dance and sing alongside a hologram of ABBA themselves. 

To book tickets for the ABBA Museum, click here.

6. See the Stockholm City Hall

Cost: Free to explore the outside but 90 – 120 SEK for a guided tour. This is around £7 – £9.

If you enjoy magnificent buildings that have a stunning view over Stockholm waterfront, then you’ll love the Stockholm City Hall. Located on the eastern waterfront of Kungsholmen Island, it was completed in 1928 and is known for its stunning architecture.

It’s free to wander around the outside of the building, but you can also pay for a tour of the inside. The interior is quite impressive, with grand ceremonial halls, including the Blue Hall, which hosts the Nobel Prize banquet every year, and the Golden Hall, adorned with more than 18 million mosaic tiles depicting scenes from Swedish history.

Outside, you can explore the courtyard, see the distinctive 106-meter tall tower with a gilded three-crowned spire that has become the symbol of the city, and also see the statues by the water’s edge.  

7. Visit Storkyrkan Cathedral

Cost: 85 SEK. Around £6.50

Located in Gamla Stan, Storkyrkan is an iconic cathedral that dates back to the 13th century. It’s one of the oldest churches in the city and a great example of medieval gothic architecture. 

Storkyrkan is particularly famous for its remarkable interior, which includes a stunning altar by sculptor Bernt Notke known as the St. George and the Dragon sculpture. Another highlight is the Royal Pew, intricately carved with scenes from the Bible.

8. Wander the Royal Canals

Cost: Free

Exploring the waterfront of any city in Europe is always a good idea, and it’s certainly one of the best things to do in Stockholm. The city has a network of canals that run through its centre and definitely add to its picturesque charm. They meander through some of the most beautiful parts of Stockholm and connect various islands.

Walking along the canals is a pretty peaceful thing to do in Stockholm. I always find being by the water relaxing. Plus, since you’ll be within close proximity of many of the top Stockholm attractions simply by following the canals, it’s a great way to explore the city. 

To book a Royal Canal tour, click here.

9. See the Parliament House

Cost: Free

The Parliament House is a pretty significant and impressive building in the heart of Srockholm. Designed by architect Aron Johansson, it was inaugurated in 1905 and serves as the seat of the Swedish Parliament.

It’s an iconic example of neoclassical architecture and is characterized by its impressive columns, porticoes, and selection of beautiful statues in the courtyard. You can go on a guided tour every Saturday and Sunday at 13:30, free of charge. However, you have to book these in advance.

10. Visit the Royal Palace

Cost: Free to see the outside but a guided tour costs between 170 and 190 SEK. This is around £12 – £14.

Another of the most important buildings in Stockholm, the Royal Palace is also worth a visit. This magnificent residence is one of the largest palaces in Europe and is located in the heart of Gamla Stan. It serves as the official residence of the Swedish monarch. 

Built in the 18th century, it’s created in a Baroque style and has over 7,000 windows! You can explore the outside of the palace, or head inside with a guided tour. Here, you’ll find the Royal Apartments, the Hall of State, the Royal Chapel, and the Treasury. The Changing of the Guard ceremony, which takes place outside daily, is also well worth seeing.

11. Walk up to Monteliusvägen Viewpoint – one of the best Viewpoints in stockholm

Cost: Free

If you’ve visited this blog before, you’ll know how much I love a good viewpoint. So, naturally, on my trip to Stockholm, I wanted to find the best viewpoint that I could and decided on Monteliusvagen. 

Located across the river to Gamla Stan, Monteliusvägen is a bit of an uphill trek to get to. Nonetheless, the views are worth it. From the top, you can see breath-taking panoramic views of the city’s skyline, including many of its iconic landmarks such as Gamla Stan (the Old Town)and the spires of Stockholm City Hall. 

Lined with benches and surrounded by lush greenery, Monteliusvägen is a favorite spot among both locals and tourists for leisurely strolls and photography. Aside from the viewpoint itself, you can actually walk along the pathway here and view the city from lots of different angles. 

Top Tip: If you are visiting this viewpoint, I highly recommend coming at sunset. It’s particularly gorgeous when the city is bathed in warm, golden lights. 

12. Visit the Nobel Museum

Cost: 140 SEK. Around £10.

Housed in a historic building right in the centre of Gamla Stan, the Nobel Museum is one of the best places to visit for those who enjoy innovation and achievement. This captivating institution is dedicated to celebrating the Nobel Prize and the achievements of Nobel laureates in various fields, including physics, chemistry, medicine, literature, and peace.

Inside the museum, you can learn about the lives of various Nobel laureates and the work that led to their discoveries. You’ll see interactive displays, multimedia presentations, and artefacts related to their lives, as well as discover the history and significance of the Nobel Prize itself. 

To book tickets for the Nobel Museum, click here.

13. See Fotografiska

Cost: 225 SEK. Around £17.

If you’re interested in photography this is one of the top things to do in Stockholm. Fotografiska is a contemporary photography museum, known for its stroking architecture and innovative approach to photography. The museum showcases a wide range of exhibits from both established and emerging photographers. 

It can be a great source of inspiration and also a fantastic place to learn about the visual storytelling of photos. You can explore thought-provoking and visually captivating exhibits that cover various themes and styles, from documentary photography to fine art and experimental works. 

The museum also features a restaurant with panoramic views of Stockholm – perfect for practicing your own photography!

To book tickets for Fotografiska, click here.

14. See the Colourful Stortorget – one of the cutest places to visit in stockholm

Cost: Free

I loved this place in Stockholm. The buildings were some of the prettiest in the city and the vibe in that little square was electric. Stortorget is the historic main square located in the heart of Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s Old Town. It’s one of the city’s most iconic and picturesque spots, surrounded by colourful buildings dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries.

Within the square, you’ll find an abundance of cute cafes and buildings, restaurants, and places to buy souvenirs and trinkets. This is also the home of the Nobel Museum, so if you’re planning on visiting that, you’ll come here by default. 

Top Tip: This is also home to one of the best coffee shops in the city, Chokladkoppen. Definitely  pop in here if you need a pick-me-up. 

15. Visit the Nordic Museum

Cost: 150 SEK. Around £11.

If you’re interested in Nordic History (and you should be, because it’s fascinating), this is one of the best places to visit in Stockholm. Before you even get inside, you’ll probably spend some time admiring the pretty impressive building that it’s housed in. Designed in the Swedish Renaissance style, the building is an architectural gem in itself. But once you do get inside, there’s lots more to see. 

Established in 1873, the museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the cultural heritage of Sweden and the broader Nordic region. You can explore a vast collection of artifacts, exhibits, and displays that highlight the history, traditions, and daily life of the Nordic people over the centuries.

The museum covers a wide range of topics, including folk art, fashion, textiles, home interiors, and cultural practices, through both an educational and interactive experience.

Top Tip: This cultural gem is located near the Vasa Museum, so it’s a good one to visit on the same day to get a double dose of Swedish history. 

16. Eat all the Meatballs – one of the tastiest things to do in Stockholm

Cost: Depends how much you eat!

Last but not least, I just had to talk about Swedish cuisine! You can’t visit Stockholm and not try traditional Swedish Meatballs (hint – they’re much better here than in IKEA!). 

There are plenty of places around the city where you can try meatballs, but I highly recommend Meatballs for the People. This fantastic little place has cosy café/restaurant vibes, and was absolutely rammed when we visited. We just managed to get a table up by the bar where we could watch the chefs whipping up our delicious meal. It was the best meal we had in the city and, if I go back to Stockholm, I will definitely be eating here again.

As well as meatballs, there are plenty of other things you should try in Stockholm if you love experimenting with international cuisines. Some iconic Swedish foods include herring in various preparations (pickled, fried, or fermented), gravlax (cured salmon), and traditional crispbread (knäckebröd). The cuisine also embraces seafood, such as smoked or pickled salmon, and dishes like Janssons frestelse (a creamy potato and anchovy casserole). 

Additionally, Sweden is known for its love of coffee and fika, a cherished tradition of enjoying coffee breaks with pastries like cinnamon buns (kanelbullar). This is best enjoyed in Swedish coffee shops, like Chokladkoppen in the old town. 

Top Tip: If you plan on visiting Meatballs for the People, I highly recommend booking a table. We were very lucky to be served and saw plenty of people that arrived after us being turned away.

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