You will never run out of things to do in Stockholm. The Swedish capital is one of Europe’s most engaging cities, set in a gorgeous archipelago and surrounded by lakes and canals. Everything is here, from medieval Viking history to high culture and cutting-edge design.
That’s not to mention a vibrant food scene, some of the world’s best pop music, and traditional self-care practices that put most of the Western world’s obsession with doing everything at speed to shame.
In fact, there’s so much to do here that you’ll need to plan ahead to fit in as much as possible as you set out to explore this most vibrant of cities.
Explore Gamla Stan
Gamla Stan
The Swedish capital is a sprawling archipelago of 14 islands but at its heart lies historic Gamla Stan, the Old Town, shrouded in medieval history, founded in 1252.
Wandering the cobblestone streets is like being in a living museum, from the Viking foundations to the colorful Renaissance-era buildings that line the winding alleys.
Royal Palace
One of the best things to do in Stockholm then is to wander through Gamla Stan discovering some of the city’s key historical sites along the way, such as the Royal Palace and Stockholm Cathedral.
Look out, too, for Gamla Stan’s quirks. Runestone U53 is a Viking-age artifact built into a wall at the intersection of Prästgatan and Kåkbrinken. And don’t miss Mårten Trotzigs Gränd, the city’s narrowest street. At points just 35 inches wide, you almost feel like you have to breathe in to walk down it.
Read: Best Places to Visit in Europe
Watch the World Go By on Stortorget
Stortorget
Stockholm started life in what is now Stortorget, the oldest public square in the city and the historical center around which the city’s medieval roots coalesced.
Once the site of markets and major events, including the gruesome “Stockholm Bloodbath” political executions of 1520, today the square is a much more pleasant affair. Lined with colorful medieval buildings and lively cafés, it’s a great spot in which to sit a while and watch a sample of the thousands of people who pass through daily.
History buffs will love the discreet plaques dotted around the square that tell of its background, as well as the central 1778 well that was the city’s first water supply system.
Discover the Vasa Museum
Vasa Museum
The Vasa Museum is not only one of the best things to do in Stockholm but surely ranks as one of the most unusual museums in the world.
In 1628, the top-heavy naval flagship Vasa was so laden down with decorations and cannons on its maiden voyage that it sank to the bottom of the brackish archipelago waters just a few hundred yards after leaving port.
Vasa Museum
Those waters helped preserve it almost perfectly for more than 300 years before it was rediscovered in 1956 and raised back to the surface in 1961. Another 30 or so years of restoration followed before the ship became the centerpiece of the Vasa Museum in 1990.
As you enter the main museum space, the size of the ship is quite breathtaking, getting up close to the ornate carvings that adorn it even more so. The chance to discover more about its history, view 17th-century life, and gain insight into Swedish craftsmanship in one setting should not be missed. Allow two to three hours to get the best from a visit.
Tour the Royal Palace
Royal Palace
With more than 600 rooms, Sweden’s Royal Palace, Kungliga Slottet, is said to be one of the largest in Europe.
Dominating the northern tip of Gamla Stan, the current palace sits on the site of the former Tre Kronor, or Three Crowns Castle which was razed to the ground by fire in 1697. Designed by Nicodemus Tessin the Younger, the Baroque-style European castle was completed in 1754 and while it remains the official residence of the King, much of it is open to the public.
Royal Palace
Visitors get a real insight into the life of the Swedish Royal Family as they explore its opulent state apartments, royal museums, and historical treasures. Highlights include the Hall of State with Queen Kristina’s silver throne, the crown jewels in the Treasury, and the Tre Kronor Museum.
Make sure to visit the Royal Armoury with its ceremonial clothing and armor displays, and try not to miss the pageantry of the Changing of the Guard, daily in summer and on select days in winter.
Shop at IKEA Kungens Kurva
IKEA Kungens Kurva Photo by AleWi on Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC0 1.0
What do the Guggenheim and this branch of Sweden’s iconic furniture brand have in common? The IKEA at Kungens Kurva is actually modeled on the famed New York museum. IKEA Kungens Kurva is not only celebrated for that quirky fact, but because it also happens to be the largest IKEA branch in Sweden.
Set just south of the capital and opening in 1965, it was the second IKEA outlet in the country and has since gone on to be the company flagship. For those looking to get an insight into one of Sweden’s biggest exports, there’s a dedicated weekday shuttle from downtown, departing from Vasagatan 10 near Central Station.
Even if you’re not looking to ship a bookcase or new wardrobe home, there’s also the chance to eat at the store restaurant, which introduced the concept of Swedish meatballs to the wider world.
Climb the Tower at Stockholm City Hall
Stockholm City Hall
If you’ve ever seen someone collecting a Nobel Prize and wondered about the lavish location, the award ceremony takes place at Stockholm City Hall. The great and the good gather here annually in the Blue Hall to give out prizes for physics, chemistry, physiology or medicine, literature, and peace.
While the hall can be visited as part of a City Hall tour, you could also climb the 350-ft tower. From the summit, there are amazing views of the city and Lake Mälaren, one of the prettiest lakes in Europe.
There are 365 steps to reach the incredible vistas, but for those looking to break up the climb, there’s an elevator at around the halfway point. Summer visitors can take advantage of later opening hours, and it’s worth booking ahead as tower visits can sell out.
Immerse Yourself in History at Skansen
Skansen
Located on Djurgården island, Skansen is the world’s oldest open-air museum. Founded in 1891 by Arthur Hazelius, whose aim was to preserve the traditions of rural Sweden in an increasingly industrialized world, Skansen is, in effect, a miniature version of the country.
The museum features more than 150 historic buildings relocated from around Sweden, as well as displays of traditional crafts and living history exhibits. Visitors get the chance to try their hand at glass blowing and baking, plus there’s a zoo with bears, wolves, and lynx, all native to Scandinavia.
Keep an eye out for the Vastveit Storehouse, dating from the 14th century and transported here from the town of Telemark, and check out the website before visiting. The museum often hosts special events, especially in holiday seasons such as midsummer.
Dance Through Abba: The Museum
Abba: The Museum
For a country with a population of only around 10 million, Sweden has certainly left its cultural legacy on the modern world. IKEA, Volvo, and Spotify are just three of the big brand names to originate here—and you can add Abba to those.
The pop group consisting of Agnetha, Björn, Benny, and Anni-Frid is one of Sweden’s biggest exports, with movie and theater franchises around the world, alongside their millions of record sales.
Abba: The Museum is packed with interactive exhibits that pay homage to the fab four and certainly ranks as one of the best things to do in Stockholm. Pay a visit to the museum, also on Djurgården island, to sing along and record classics like Dancing Queen, step into replica outfits, and even perform with holograms of the band.
Cruise the Canals
Canal cruise
Stockholm’s 14 islands are connected by more than 50 bridges. These waterways have been vital to the city since its founding in 1252, providing both defense against invaders and trade routes to expand the city’s wealth.
What better way then to discover more about Stockholm than by jumping on a boat to cruise through these iconic canals and waterways? This beautiful city takes on a different view from the water as boats serenely cruise past highlights such as Gamla Stan, the Royal Palace, and the modern Södermalm district.
Different companies offer different options, including historical tours, Royal canal tours, sunset options, and more.
Get Steamy in a Swedish Sauna
Hellasgården Photo by Esquilo on Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0
Swedes take their saunas seriously. Jumping into an overheated space—often with total strangers—is a cultural tradition that runs deep here and is rooted in health and community.
This typically Swedish self-care routine can be enjoyed in locations both in and around this Scandinavian city. Just 15 minutes from downtown, Hellasgården provides a rustic sauna experience by Lake Källtorp. Throw some water on the wood-fired sauna to raise the temperature further before taking a dip in the lake itself.
Centralbadet Photo by Benreis on Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0
Meanwhile, in the city center, Centralbadet is a historic bathhouse dating back to 1904. Its Art Nouveau façade hides multiple different types of sauna, including traditional dry saunas and steam rooms. Pool swimming and spa treatments are also available.
So far, so traditional. But for something completely different, try Sjöbastun, a floating sauna on Lake Mälaren, a 20-minute drive south of the city.
The sauna raft here can be rented for private sessions for use by up to 12 people. Visitors are transported to the sauna by rowboat and left to their own devices. Towel rental and changing spaces are available onsite.
Pay a Visit to Drottningholm Palace
Drottningholm Palace
While the Royal Family may not spend a lot of time at downtown Stockholm’s Kungliga Slottet, they do hang out at Drottningholm Palace, their country retreat. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this masterpiece of baroque architecture is set on Lovön Island, around 30 minutes’ drive from the capital.
The palace was built in the late 17th century by Queen Hedvig Eleonora and is often compared to France’s Palace of Versailles, thanks to its grandeur. Visitors get an interesting blend of art, history and royal culture on a tour of its grand state rooms and elegant gardens.
The site is also home to a Chinese Pavillion, considered a rococo masterpiece, and the Drottningholm Court Theatre, which dates from the 18th century.
Try a Classic Swedish Smorgasbord
Smorgasbord
Aside from classic pop music, safety-first family cars, music streaming services, and flat-pack furniture, what have the Swedes done for the world? Well, when it comes to cuisine, there is, of course, the smorgasbord.
This iconic dining experience that Sweden is known for is a buffet-style sharing meal with a mixture of hot and cold dishes, including pickled herring, rich gravlax, and meatballs. The meal originates in 14th-century Sweden as an accompaniment to help wash down the local schnapps, but has since developed into a whole dining experience.
In the capital, try it at Grand Hôtel’s Veranda for a high-end version with great views of Gamla Stan from its waterside location. Alternatively, head to Pelikan in Södermalm for a more rustic experience. They’ve been serving iconic Swedish cuisine since 1733.
Jansson’s Temptation
Wherever you dine, remember smorgasbord etiquette, which dictates starting with the cold herring dishes before moving on to warmer dishes such as Jansson’s Temptation. This creamy potato, onion, breadcrumb, and anchovy casserole is the ultimate Swedish comfort food.
Read: The Ultimate Scandinavian Food Guide
Admire the Art at the National Museum
National Museum
Looking for art, design and culture on a trip to this European capital? Well, look no further. Gazing at the art in the National Museum is one of the best things to do in Stockholm.
The museum sits behind an 1866 neoclassical facade on a peninsula that juts out from the mainland with views across to Gamla Stan. While the vistas of the Old Town are fabulous, the museum’s incredible artworks are equally pleasing to the eye. Its many rooms offer a journey through the country’s artistic legacy, as well as the connection of Swedish artists to European movements.
As such, Swedish artists such as Anders Zorn and Carl Larsson sit alongside the works of Rembrandt, Renoir, and Goya. The museum is free to enter, which means it can get busy later in the day, so it pays to visit early if you want to avoid the queues.
Walk Along Monteliusvägen
View from Monteliusvägen
If you’re looking for the best views of Gamla Stan, head to Södermalm island, specifically, its north shore. There you’ll find Monteliusvägen, a picturesque, elevated walking path that’s about a third of a mile long.
Lined with elegant homes on one side, it offers views of Lake Mälaren, the historic Riddarholmen islet, and the iconic City Hall on the other. Named after archaeologist Oscar Montelius, the path was designed to showcase both the city’s natural beauty as well as the key landmarks.
Over the years it’s become both a much-loved romantic stroll and the location spot for thousands of pictures of the city.
Worship at Stockholm Cathedral
Stockholm Cathedral
In what is pretty much the center of Gamla Stan and a stone’s throw from the Kungliga Slottet lies Stockholm Cathedral, or Storkyrkan. Officially known as the Church of St. Nicholas, this beautiful medieval church was founded in 1279.
Paying a visit easily ranks as one of the best things to do in Stockholm. If the cathedral’s walls could talk, they’d tell tales of royal coronations, weddings, and other elaborate events, dating at least as far back as 1532 when Gustav Vasa and Katarina of Sachsen-Lauenburg married here.
Visiting at any time is a treat, even more so when sunlight through the windows lights up the gothic arches and baroque details, making for memorable images.
Highlights of a visit also include St. George and the Dragon, a wooden sculpture representing victory over the Danes in 1471, and Vädersolstavlan, the Sun Dog Painting. This 1535 depiction of the city is thought to be one of the earliest recorded images of Stockholm.
Take a Stroll Down Strandvägen
Strandvägen
To see how Stockholm’s other half live, pay a visit to Stockholm’s version of the Champs-Élysées, Strandvägen. The city’s most elegant boulevard lines the waterfront in the Östermalm district and was designed in the 19th century to provide a grand promenade for Stockholm’s elite.
This ostentatious display of the city’s rising wealth and status still rings true today thanks to its grandiose buildings, upscale boutiques, and trendy cafés.
As well as a great place to pick up designer gear or some cool Scandi design pieces, the waterfront side of the street offers great views of the city’s harbor and Djurgården island. It’s also home to a number of floating restaurants if you’re looking for a bite to eat.
Learn Culture at the Nobel Prize Museum
Nobel Prize Museum
The elegant 1778 building lining the northern edge of Stortorget public square was once Stockholm’s Stock Exchange building, but it now trades in culture rather than bonds and shares. For the elegant Börshuset, to give it its Swedish name, celebrates the legacy of Alfred Nobel and the Nobel laureates in the form of the Nobel Prize Museum.
Opened in 2001 to coincide with the centenary of the first prize ceremony, the museum features incredible tales of human achievement and innovation. Interactive exhibits, multimedia displays, and personal artifacts from the prizewinners themselves bring together a host of discoveries and ideas that have shaped the world.
Don’t forget to visit the café, too. The undersides of many of the chairs there have been signed by the laureates in a fun quirk.
Embrace Fika
Cafe in Stockholm
The Scandinavians are big on their self-care practices. In Denmark and Norway, they embrace hygge, a celebration of coziness and togetherness, while in Sweden, the concept of fika—a relaxed afternoon coffee break—rules.
If that sounds just like an excuse for a caffeine boost, it’s more than that. It’s the idea of slowing down and savoring life’s simple pleasures. The word is thought to have originated in the 19th century—an inversion of the word for coffee, kaffi, and is now a cornerstone of life here.
Coffee houses in the capital have turned fika into an art form, offering cozy spaces with specialty coffees for friends to enjoy company and conversation. The accompanying cakes, including the Swedish speciality kanelbullar, or cinnamon buns, are legendary too.
Check out Vete-Katten at 55 Kungsgatan, or Kaffekoppen near Stortorget in Gamla Stan for two of the best examples of fika culture here.
Cycle Around Djurgården
Djurgården
Skansen, the Vasa Museum, and Abba: The Museum make Djurgården one of the city’s most popular destinations. These three world-class museums in Stockholm, however, are not the only reason to visit.
A royal hunting ground from the 15th century, the island gradually transitioned into a public park, and its sprawling greenery and winding paths have now made it a favorite spot for cycling.
Taking to two wheels allows visitors to explore the island’s quieter side of forests, gardens, and waterfront trails, the latter offering great views over the city. Deer and hare roam here so there’s a chance to spot wildlife, as well as to check out lesser-known attractions such as Rosendals Garden Café for a spot of mid-cycle fika.
Bikes can be rented from the outlet at Djurgårdsboden near the entrance to Skansen.
Have a Drink in the Ice Bar
Ice Bar
Looking for the coolest bar in Stockholm? It’s quite literally the Ice Bar. Located in the city’s Hotel C, the sub-zero bar is an unforgettable experience thanks to everything, from the walls to the glasses, being made of ice.
Ice bars now exist in other cities but the Stockholm version was the world’s first when it opened in 2002 as a collaboration between the Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi and Absolut Vodka.
The ice used to create the bar is from the Torne River in northern Sweden and is redesigned annually with a new theme to keep things fresh. A visit to the bar sees customers enjoying drinks in temperatures as low as 23°F (-5°C) with special thermal capes and gloves provided for warmth.
Sessions are limited to 45 minutes long and it pays to book ahead in high season. Children are welcomed with non-alcoholic drinks, while there are often ice sculpting displays to see. A visit can also be combined with dinner in the hotel’s cozy Swede Hollow restaurant.
Wander Around Kungsträdgården
Kungsträdgården
Dating from the 15th century, Stockholm’s Kungsträdgården, or The King’s Garden, is one of the city’s oldest and most loved destinations. Located right in downtown, it provides a green oasis with activities year-round from peaceful strolls through cultural events and in winter, ice skating.
The park started life as the royal kitchen gardens, providing food for the royal household, but now has a pleasant blend of traditional design aligned with more modern sculptures and fountains.
Depending on the time of year you visit, the park’s look and feel can change dramatically. In spring, it is home to beautiful cherry blossoms. In summer, the flowers are in full bloom, while in winter, it becomes a snowy wonderland. Whenever you choose to visit though, it’s a perfect pause point on an exploration of the city.
Taste Swedish Meatballs
Swedish meatballs
IKEA may have introduced Swedish meatballs to the world, but it was King Charles XII who is said to have introduced the first recipe from Turkey in the 18th century. Now, sampling Swedish meatballs is as quintessential a Stockholm experience as fika or visiting the Royal Palace.
Swedish meatballs differ from their Italian counterparts in that they are usually made from a mix of pork and beef, have subtle spices like allspice, and are often served with a white sauce or gravy. Accompaniments, meanwhile, can include lingonberry sauce and buttery mashed potatoes.
Swedish meatballs
You can find them all over the city, from rustic traditional variations in restaurants such as Tranan and Riche to more contemporary efforts. Head to Meatballs For The People for a thoroughly modern take with gourmet versions made from elk and venison.
Vegetarians don’t need to miss out either: you can get plant-based versions at Verte, Organico, and other restaurants in the city.
See the Art in Stockholm’s Metro Stations
Tunnelbana
The metro system, Tunnelbana, isn’t just a way to get around the city, it’s actually the world’s longest art gallery and one of the best things to do in Stockholm for free, the cost of the ticket to ride aside.
The concept of bringing art to the stations began in the late 1950s as a way of making public transport more engaging. Now, 90 of the 100 stations on the system feature installations, murals, sculptures, and light displays, turning the everyday commute into a cultural experience.
While all the stations have their own charm, a number of them are must-sees. Check out T-Centralen with its blue-and-white floral motif, Solna Centrum where autumnal colors evoke a Nordic Forest, and Stadion with its 1912 Olympics-themed design.
In summer, SL, Stockholm’s public transport authority, offers free guided art tours of the stations.
Visit Stockholm Medieval Museum
Stockholm Medieval Museum
The word serendipity—an unplanned fortunate discovery—could well have been coined about the Stockholm Medieval Museum. For this charming museum was born out of a happy accident in the 1970s when an excavation project close to the Royal Palace revealed part of the original medieval city wall.
Instead of removing the wall, it was decided to create a museum celebrating Stockholm’s past. Opened in 1986, the museum now acts as a time capsule of the city’s medieval history, from the reconstructed town square to artifacts such as weapons, clothing, and tools.
With life-sized models of houses, shops, and even a graveyard, it’s an atmospheric experience with child-friendly touches such as the chance to dress in period garb.
See Viking History in Sigtuna
Sigtuna
Stockholm may be old, but it’s not Sigtuna-old. A 45-minute drive north of the capital, Sigtuna bears the title of Sweden’s oldest town, founded in 980 AD, right in the golden age of the Vikings.
Taking a trip here is to take a step back in history thanks to its serene lakeside setting, cobblestone streets, and ancient ruins. The town was founded by King Erik the Victorious and in its heyday was an important center for trade, governance, and religion, but its significance began to wane as Stockholm’s importance began to rise.
Visitors today get to explore Viking-era runestones around the town, visit the remains of medieval churches, and browse quaint shops and cafés housed in colorful 18th-century buildings. Shopaholics should spend some time on Stora Gatan too. Sigtuna’s main street is now lined with shops selling handcrafted goods and Viking-inspired memorabilia.
Grab a Shot at the Fotografiska Museum
Fotografiska Museum
There can’t be many museums in the world that have spawned a global franchise, but one of them is Fotografiska. Launched in 2010 in a repurposed Art Nouveau-style customs house, this compelling photography museum and gallery in the Södermalm has gone on to become a global phenomenon.
Branches exist in New York, Berlin, Shanghai, and Tallinn, but Stockholm’s is still the original and best. Over the years, the museum has hosted exhibitions by iconic names in photography, including Annie Leibovitz, David LaChapelle, and Sebastião Salgado. While they may roll off the tongue, it also makes sure to showcase emerging talents too.
Exhibitions rotate fairly regularly but are always of a high quality, so make sure to pay a visit, even if you don’t recognize the artists’ names. Take time to visit the top floor café, an excellent spot for lunch or fika.
Take the Fjäderholmarna Ferry
Fjäderholmarna
Fjäderholmarna—the Feather Islands—are the closest to the city, and just a 30-minute scenic ferry ride away from downtown.
Offering a few hours away from the bustle of the city, they have been a favorite retreat of Stockholmers for centuries and were once home to vibrant fishing communities. Today they are a great spot for artisans, foodies, and lovers of the great outdoors.
The islands are home to unique studios owned by glassblowers, potters, and chocolatiers, while Fjäderholmarnas Krog is a great seaside fish restaurant.
In summer, be sure to take swimming costumes as there are some lovely beaches, and there are great walking trails year-round. Ferries depart from Nybrokajen or Slussen. Make sure to grab a seat on the deck for great views of Stockholm’s waterfront on the way.
Gamla Stan
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