If you’re looking for the best things to do in Stockholm, then you’ve come to the right place. From taking a stroll through Gamla Stan, the city’s old town, to checking out the stunning architecture of renowned spots such as Stockholm City Hall and the Royal Palace, there are plenty of sights and activities to keep you entertained.
The city is also known for its vibrant nightlife scene and wide selection of bars and clubs. There are also plenty of green spaces throughout Stockholm, like Humlegården Park and Kungsträdgården, where visitors can relax after sightseeing.
For those looking for some culture, plenty of museums and art galleries around the city offer something for everyone. Whether it’s fashion, photography, or contemporary art you’re into, Stockholm has it all.
And last but not least, don’t forget to sample the local cuisine at one of Stockholm’s many restaurants – from traditional Swedish dishes such as herring and pickled salmon to more modern international flavors – there’s truly something here to satisfy every foodie! So explore what this beautiful city offers – you won’t be disappointed!
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Experiences and top things to do in Stockholm
Stoll the cobbled street of Gamla Stan
Gamla Stan, or the Old Town of Stockholm, is an old neighborhood and a perfect place for Stockholm sightseeing. It was founded in the 13th century. This medieval old town is one of the best-preserved ancient towns in Europe and one of the most famous Stockholm points of interest.
Walk on the narrow, charming cobbled street as you browse the antique buildings standing in the neighborhood. Gamla Stan is a haven full of mesmerizing museums, churches, shops, and cafes. As you enter the site, you will feel like you have stepped into a fairy tale world.
Some of the most notable buildings you can find here are the Nobel Museum and the Stockholm Cathedral, Sweden’s National Cathedral. Most of the buildings here were built using the North German architectural style. In the middle of Gamla Stan, you will find Stortorget, the oldest square in this capital city of Sweden.
It was the location of the dark part of Swedish history, The Stockholm Bloodbath, which happened in November 1520. In this sad event, King Christian II, the ruler of Denmark, ordered the killing of Swedish noblemen.
Where to stay in Stockholm? Find awesome deals and book your hotel here!
Book this unique experience: Stockholm City Archipelago Sightseeing Cruise with Guide
Have A Cruise on A Bus with Ocean Bus
Stockholm is a city built over several islands and islets, so small straits separate some of the neighborhoods in Stockholm. To give a unique experience for tourists who visit Stockholm and make it easier for them to tour around the city, a traveling company offers a tour in Stockholm using an amphibious bus.
The bus is designed to move on land and in the water and is named Ocean Bus. Ocean Bus Tour gives you a unique way to go to Stockholm sightseeing.
Feel the excitement as the bus enter the water. A funny yet informative guide will accompany you on this interesting tour in Stockholm. Ocean Bus Tour starts on Strömgatan, near the Royal Swedish Opera.
Where to stay in Stockholm? Find awesome deals and book your hotel here!
Book this unique experience: Stockholm Under the Bridges Boat Tour
Get High and check out Globentorget
Looking for something unique things to do in Stockholm? Then you have to go to the Ericsson Globe located in Globentorget. Ericsson Globe is the world’s most massive spherical building.
This Stockholm landmark is unique because two gondolas can take you to the top of the building and have a beautiful view of Stockholm from above. The gondola ride, called SkyView, departs every 10 minutes, and each trip takes 30 minutes to complete.
The top of the round building is about 130 meters above sea level, so you can have a significant scene in the city when you are on top. Skyview is, without a doubt, one of the best spots to go sightseeing in Stockholm.
- Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 10 AM to 6 PM, and Saturday and Sunday, 10 AM to 4 PM
- Admission fee: Check here for updated prices.
Where to stay in Stockholm? Find awesome deals and book your hotel here!
Book this unique experience: Stockholm Winter Tour by Boat
Are you planning your travels? Here’re my top travel resources!
I’m a serial planner both in life and in travel – I have bucket lists, things to do, see, and everything. So, I always love when my life is sorted easily using tools and resources that would make my general planning a little smoother and easier. Therefore, in my many years of traveling the world, I’ve seen myself returning to these travel resources repeatedly. And here I am, sharing my tips to make your life easy and breezy so you can stress less, travel heaps, and focus on the fun part of travel!
- Booking.com – I book all my hotels through this website and don’t honestly use anything else. They always have the best prices, in my opinion.
- Airbnb – If I’m traveling long-term to one destination, I book my flats through Airbnb.
- Skyscanner – The best place to find cheap flights on flexible dates. I use this a lot to score cheap flights within Europe!
- SafetyWing – Always travel insured! Never leave your home country without one. It is worth the extra money, I promise you!
- GetYourGuide – Hands-down, the best place to find cool and unique tours if you don’t feel like winging it, and go straight to a local expert. I use this a lot in new destinations to get acquainted with the area!
- My Pretty Wild World Travel Diary (coming soon) – A book you can write down your travel plans, create itineraries, track down your budget, and dot down memories along the way! A handy book you can keep and read later to revisit memory lane.
- Pretty Wild World Travel Planning Printables (coming soon) – Are you a nut like me when it comes to planning? Yes? Good. My travel planning resource in one zip file is an easy-to-use printable planner that comes with tips that helps you plan your travels during the planning stage, a pre-flight checklist, an itinerary planner, and so on.
Go for a Fika!
A slang word for Café’s, fika is an absolute Swedish thing that means to go for a coffee to accompany a slice of cake or pastry and is one of the things to do in Stockholm you must not miss.
If you’re living in Sweden, you invite your friends for a ‘fika’ after work or during the weekends (or anytime, really) and as a tourist or traveler, you can do the same, as well so you can experience something very Swedish. Visit Stockholm wrote a really good guide on where to go for a fika in Stockholm!
Check it out and try some bullar with your kaffe in a nice coffee shop with an amazing atmosphere, and maybe you’ll also find some other great places to visit in Stockholm along the way. Read it here.
Where to stay in Stockholm? Find awesome deals and book your hotel here!
Book this unique experience: Stockholm Archipelago Winter Kayaking and Fika Experience
Top Landmarks and attractions in Stockholm
Meet The Devil at the National Library of Stockholm
If you go to the National Library in Stockholm, you will find that this library has a unique collection: the Codex Gigas. Codex Gigas is loosely translated as Giant Book, but it is more popularly known as The Devil’s Bible because the books contain a large picture of the devil.
This antique book was made in the Benedictine monastery of Podlažice in Bohemia (Czech Republic) during the 12th century. It was taken to Sweden in 1648 as war booty, and now the book is preserved in the National Library, Stockholm.
Unfortunately, the book is not being displayed at the moment as the library is making a new temperature-controlled room for the book. Nevertheless, the National Library is still worth your visit. The vast library is the home to many other antique manuscripts. It also has thousands of modern books in its collection.
If you are still curious about Codex Gigas, you can see the digitized version on the National Library website.
- Opening hours: Monday and Thursday from 9 AM to 7 PM. Fridays, 9 AM to 6 PM. Saturdays from 9 AM to 3 PM.
- Admission fee: Free
Where to stay in Stockholm? Find awesome deals and book your hotel here!
Book this unique experience: Stockholm Paradox Museum Admission Ticket
Visit The Nobel Museum
What to do in Stockholm? How about visiting a place inspired by ideas to change the world? Located in a former Stock Exchange building in Gamla Stan’s big square, The Nobel Museum has an impressive collection of information regarding the prestigious awards in the world.
The Nobel Museum, a notable Stockholm attraction, was built by great minds that aim to create valuable discussions and spread knowledge about natural sciences and culture through creative learning with exciting designs mixed with modern technology and interesting exhibitions.
- Opening hours & admission fee: Check here for the updated opening hours and admission fees
Where to stay in Stockholm? Find awesome deals and book your hotel here!
Book this unique experience: Stockholm Go City All-Inclusive Pass with 45+ Attractions
Go Back to The Golden Era of Disco-Pop and visit ABBA: The Museum
Swedish singers for decades have been successful in making their way to the top of international music scenes. Not only are they famous in Sweden, but their hits have been able to capture the hearts of music lovers all over the world. In the past, you must have heard Roxette, Ace of Base, Eagle Eye Cherry, and many more. More recent Swedish singers that have made their way to international success are Icona Pop, Avicii, and Zara Larsson.
However, the most significant Swedish musicians that have become music legends are none other than the ABBA group. Many of their singles are still popular until now. Dancing Queen, I Have A Dream, Mamma Mia, and much more are still often played nowadays.
To honor their great success, a museum dedicated to showcasing the band’s music and memorabilia was opened in May 2013. In ABBA: The Museum, you can take a picture with the wax figures of the band members. You can also see replicas of the studio where ABBA recorded their hits. If you are a fan of ABBA or pop music, going to ABBA: The Museum should be put in your what to do in the Stockholm list.
- Opening hours: Monday and Tuesday, 10 AM to 6 PM. Wednesday and Thursday from 10 AM to 7 PM. Friday to Sunday from 10 AM to 6 PM.
- Admission fee: Check here for updated prices
Where to stay in Stockholm? Find awesome deals and book your hotel here!
Book this unique experience: ABBA The Museum Entrance Ticket
Hold up! Have you thought about the importance of travel insurance?
Remember this: anything can happen. Travel is fun, but your health is more important; thus, I always, always, always recommend getting insured during the duration of your trip. I have benefitted from having one multiple times, and it has been covered for thousands of euros!
The latest one is not necessarily “health” related – it was during the peak of the unspeakable terrible C that consumed the world. I was living in Vietnam when I received an email from SafetyWing (my travel insurance) that if I want they’ll fly be back home to Finland as the world goes through a global emergency alert. I flew back fully covered, and dealing with SafetyWing was a breeze despite the roar of people in contact with them trying to get back home.
I can’t highly recommend them enough. Otherwise, I rarely get sick; hence I don’t always need to head to a hospital, but knowing that I have travel insurance makes me feel safe at the very least.
Read my post about why you should get travel insurance for more information. Otherwise, you can get a free quote from SafetyWing – they’re the best, in my opinion.
Sail to The Past at Vasa Museum
Located in Galärvarvsvägen, one of the most famous places in Stockholm, the Vasa Museum. Vasa Museum’s interesting collection displays the history of maritime in Sweden. This museum opened in 1990 and is part of the Swedish National Maritime Museums.
The most iconic item that you can find in this Stockholm tourism highlight is the warship Vasa. It is a 17th-century warship that sank in 1628. It was not discovered until the 1950s, and in 1961 it was finally salvaged.
Four other ships have been turned into museum ships outside the museum, docked in the harbor. Those ships are the icebreaker Sankt Erik (launched in 1915), the light vessel Finngrundet (1903), the torpedo boat Spica (1966), and the rescue boat Bernhard Ingelsson (1944).
Vasa Museum opens every day from 10 AM to 5 PM, but it operates longer every Wednesday. On those days, the museum closes at 8 PM.
- Opening hours: Open every day from 10 AM to 5 PM
- Admission fee: Check here for updated prices.
Where to stay in Stockholm? Find awesome deals and book your hotel here!
Book this unique experience: Stockholm Vasa Museum Entrance Ticket
Learn about Sweden at Skansen Open Air Museum
If you’re looking at some of the best activities in Stockholm, then make sure to head to Djurgården island, and you will see the world’s oldest open-air museum. Skansen Open Air Museum was first opened to the public on 11 October 1891. The museum’s founder, Artur Hazelius, wanted to showcase how people from different parts of Sweden lived before the Industrial Era.
Skansen stands on a large piece of land with a size of approximately 300,000 m². You can find replicas of houses and farmsteads from every single area of Sweden. Not only displaying buildings, but you can see craftsmen, such as silversmiths, tanners, bakers, glassblowers, and shoemakers, dressed in traditional outfits and performing their skills. You will feel like you have traveled back in time.
If you bring your kids here, they will enjoy their time in Skansen. There are plenty of exciting activities for kids available here. They can have a pony ride, visit the zoo, play with traditional toys, and many more. If you bring them here in the summer, they can try to do the chores that were usually done in the past.
- Opening hours: Open every day from 10 AM to 4 PM
- Admission fee: Check here for updated prices.
Where to stay in Stockholm? Find awesome deals and book your hotel here!
Book this unique experience: 1.5-Hour Ghost Walk and Historical Tour in Stockholm
What to eat and restaurants in Stockholm to try
Kannelbulle with your coffee for Fika
Kannelbulle, also known as a kanelbulle or cinnamon roll, is a popular treat in Sweden and a must-try when visiting Stockholm. These sweet pastries are made with a soft and fluffy dough rolled up with a generous amount of cinnamon and sugar and then baked to perfection. Kannelbullar is often enjoyed as a breakfast or snack and can be found at most bakeries and cafes throughout the city.
But what makes Kannelbulle so special? For one, they are incredibly delicious! The combination of the soft, fluffy dough and the warm, fragrant cinnamon filling is truly heavenly. They are also versatile and can be enjoyed independently or with a cup of coffee or tea. And let’s not forget that they are a beloved part of Swedish culture, with a long history dating back to the 19th century.
So why should you try Kannelbulle when you visit Stockholm? Simply put, it is a tasty and authentic way to experience the culture and cuisine of Sweden. Plus, who doesn’t love a good cinnamon roll? So be sure to add Kannelbulle to your list of must-try treats while in Stockholm.
Where to stay in Stockholm? Find awesome deals and book your hotel here!
Book this unique experience: The Nordic Food Walk in Stockholm
Toast Skagen
I’ve lived in Vaasa, a Swedish-speaking Finland area where traditions and cultures mirror the local’s ancestors from Sweden, and Toast Skagen is one of their favorites.
The same food culture can be found in its original founders – the Swedes enjoy this snack as much as the Finn-Swedes in Vaasa!
Toast Skagen is a toast (duh) topped with chopped prawns mixed with mayonnaise, dill, and lemon juice. Try it when you see in it one of the many trendy cafés in Stockholm!
Where to stay in Stockholm? Find awesome deals and book your hotel here!
Book this unique experience: Stockholm Food Tour
What are my favorite travel must-haves?
As a frequent traveler, I’ve learned a lot throughout my years of travel, and there are five items that I always carry with me regardless of where I go and how long the trip is. Here are my five travel must-haves!
- Warm packable jacket – I always carry a light jacket, even when heading to warm countries. There hasn’t been a time I never used it, especially in airports and planes.
- Transparent toiletry bag – I often bring a carry-on if I’m only traveling within Europe for a few days. Life is so much easier to go through security checks with a transparent toiletry bag.
- Kindle Paperwhite – I love a good read and always take my Kindle everywhere. It keeps me entertained during long flights and waiting times.
- Powerbank – I don’t know how I could travel without one! Having a power bank saved me a ton since I carry a lot of electronic devices with me.
- Travel Adapter – I never leave my luggage without a travel adapter! I carry one with me all the time. It is just one of that travel-must haves that doesn’t hurt to have in your bag at all times.
Swedish Meatballs with Mashed Potatoes and Lingonberry Jam
Swedish meatballs, or köttbullar, are a traditional dish popular in Sweden and a must-try when visiting Stockholm. These savory meatballs are made with a mixture of ground beef and pork and are flavored with a blend of spices such as allspice, nutmeg, and white pepper. They are then formed into small balls and cooked until tender and juicy. Swedish meatballs are typically served with mashed potatoes, lingonberry jam, and gravy.
But what makes Swedish meatballs so special? For one, they are incredibly tasty and satisfying. Combining the savory meatballs with the tangy lingonberry jam and rich gravy is a flavor explosion that will satisfy your taste buds. They are also a beloved part of Swedish culture, with a long history dating back to the 18th century.
So why should you try Swedish meatballs when you visit Stockholm? Simply put, they are a delicious and authentic way to experience the culture and cuisine of Sweden. Plus, they are comfort food that will hit the spot, no matter what time of year you visit. So be sure to add Swedish meatballs to your list of must-try dishes while in Stockholm.
Where to stay in Stockholm? Find awesome deals and book your hotel here!
Have extra time? Visit other places near Stockholm!
Visit the Royals at Drottningholm Palace
What to see in Stockholm? Like some other European countries, Sweden is one of the few countries in the world with a reigning Monarch. And the lives of the Swedish Royal Family have become one of the leading tourist attractions in Stockholm. One place that you can go to if you want to know what it is like to be the king of Sweden during your trip to Stockholm is Drottningholm Palace.
Located in Drottningholm, on the island of Lovön, a part of Stockholm County, this palace is the private residence of the King’s family members. The original stone castle on this site was built in 1580 by John III of Sweden. It was rebuilt in 1662 after a fire incident in the previous year.
In the 19th century, this palace was abandoned. King Charles XIV John of Sweden at that time thought that Drottningholm Palace was the symbol of the old dynasty. It was in 1907 that a massive restoration of the palace was initiated. The process took four years to finish. In 1981, the current King’s family decided to move into the castle and use it as their primary residence.
You can visit the Drottningholm Palace and the park surrounding it almost any day of the year. However, visiting the insides is only open to the public at certain times (see below). The beautiful architecture and details are one of the things to see in Stockholm. The beauty of this palace has made Drottningholm Palace the first place in Sweden on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list.
- Opening hours: Mon- Fri CLOSED Sat-Sun 10 AM to 4 PM
- Admission fee: Check here for updated prices.
Where to stay in Stockholm? Find awesome deals and book your hotel here!
Learn and read more about Stockholm: Best Day Trips from Stockholm: Weekend Trips from Stockholm
Why should you visit Stockholm?
Stockholm is the top destination to visit if you’re interested in Scandinavia, as it is well-known as one of the most stylish cities in Europe. Not to mention, it has tons of attractions to see and well interesting history, traditions, and culture. Roaming around Stockholm, you’ll stumble upon many stylish and beautiful Swedes dressed like they’re there to impress, but trust me, they don’t! Besides this, the Swedish way of life is so chill that you’ll never want to leave Stockholm.
When is the best time to visit Stockholm?
Well, this is all up to you! Stockholm is beautiful all year round and has a lot to offer for each season, but the high season is, of course, in summer (June-August) when the weather is warm and the city is busy with activities. But of course, autumn (August-October) is also a marvelous time as nature changes its hues from green to bright orange, plus the weather is also still warm but cold at night.
That said, winter (November-March) is great for winter activities such as skating, snow angels, and Christmas markets! But if you’re not a big fan of the cold but would like to see Stockholm during the low season, come in spring (April-May), and witness nature comes back to life.
That said, winter in Stockholm is the best time to visit if you prefer lesser crowds, but I suggest dressing appropriately for winter when you plan to visit Stockholm in the cold season so that you can enjoy the town without freezing your ass off.
Also, if you’re interested, you can check out this list of awesome places to visit during winter in Europe!
Planning to visit Sweden? Check out these posts!
- Best time to visit Sweden
- Sweden Points of Interests: Places to visit, Castles to visit, Islands to check out, National Parks to hike, UNESCO Sites, Museums to check out, Beaches to chill at, Hiking spots, Camping spots, and Stockholm to Helsinki Ferry
- Stockholm Points of Interests: Things to do in Stockholm, Day trips from Stockholm, How to get from the airport, Cafes to check out, Pubs to hang out, Museums to visit, Restaurants to try, and Where to stay in Stockholm
- Swedish Culture Overview: Tipping guide, Drinks to try, Supermarkets to do your groceries, and Food to try
- Places to visit in Sweden: Kalmar, Gammelstad, Ystad, Gothenburg, Uppsala, Malmö, Swedish Lapland, Luleå, Kosterhavet National Park, Gotland, Österlen, Lund, and Skåne
Where to stay in Stockholm
Booking.comTours to do in Stockholm
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I hope to visit Sweden in the Fall, thanks for the guide!
I’m rooting for you!
I want to travel Stockholm in mid July Please guide me for economic sight seeing at Stockholm and nearby.
Hi! July is a good time to visit July and the weather is pleasantly warm. You can read this post about the best day trips from Stockholm. Let me know if it is any help!
Sweden is a beautiful and wonderful country to visit! A must-go in my list to travel! The city looks really nice and the food is amazing. Thanks for the tips and review.
No problem, pleasures’ all mine!