Stockholm Travel Guide – Explore Swedens Capital
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Seasons – Must-Dos and Specials
Summer is festival season! Join the Midsummer celebrations and dance around the maypole. Enjoy open-air concerts at Gröna Lund. Take a boat trip to the archipelago to swim and sunbathe. This is when the modern urban vibe truly comes alive. For a unique night out, visit a rooftop bar like The Capital and enjoy cocktails with a view of the city. Savor fresh herring and strawberries at local markets.
Stockholm glows with golden light and cozy charm. Take a stroll through the colorful parks and forests, and visit the Nobel Prize Museum to see exclusive exhibitions. The Stockholm Jazz Festival brings world-class music and vibes to the city. Enjoy traditional Swedish meatballs with lingonberry at Meatballs for the People, then warm up with a cinnamon bun at Leonardo’s Coffee Roastery.
A magical time in Stockholm. Experience the Christmas markets at Stortorget and Skansen, which are filled with handmade crafts and mulled wine. Go ice skating at the outdoor rink in Kungsträdgården, and visit the world-famous Vasa Museum to dive deep into history. Warm up with Swedish meatballs and glögg at local restaurants. Don’t miss the festive lights and fireworks on New Year’s Eve!
Spring brings vibrant cherry blossoms to Kungsträdgården and the first long days after the dark winter, making it the perfect time for lakeside walks in Djurgården and canal boat tours. Enjoy a classic Swedish fika at Mahalo Södermalm, where brunch and sunshine go hand in hand. In late April, you can enjoy Walpurgis Night (Valborg) and the International Film Festival Junior.
Our 3 Must-Dos
All Landmarks, Activities and Spots
Nobel Prize Museum
The Nobel Prize Museum is located in Gamla Stan’s Stortorget Square. It is housed in the Stockholm Stock Exchange Building and features exhibits on the winners of the Nobel Prize in various fields since 1901. The museum also has a café and offers guided tours.
Waldemarsudde
Stroll through Prins Eugens Waldemarsudde, the former home of Prince Eugen located on Djurgården just outside the city center, near Frisens Park. The estate features an art gallery, a beautiful garden, and special exhibitions. After exploring the charming garden, enjoy an amazing sunset over the city from the Lusthuset. The best way to get there is to take Tram 7 to Waldemarsudde and walk 500 meters along the shore.
Kungliga Slottet
Definitely visit Stockholm’s grand Royal Palace, which stands on the historic site of the medieval Tre Kronor Castle. Designed by architect Nicodemus Tessin the Younger in an imposing Baroque style after a devastating fire in 1697, the palace houses over 600 rooms. The palace contains three museums, the Treasury (which houses the Swedish regalia), and a chapel.
Vasa-Museum
The Vasa Museum in Stockholm is home to the remarkable 17th-century warship Vasa, which sank on its maiden voyage in 1628 and was later raised from the depths almost completely intact. The museum is amazingly designed, with various levels offering different views of the large ship and insights into its history and construction. It is a highly recommended museum.
ABBA The Museum
Don’t miss the ABBA Museum! For 239 SEK (about 21.67 euros), you can sing along with the band’s holograms, view their original costumes and enjoy a number of fun, interactive exhibits. Whether you’re a true ABBA fan seeking nostalgia or just looking for something lively and different, you’re sure to have a great time! Just remember to book your tickets in advance to avoid the queues! It’s definitely worth it!
Kungsträdgården
This beautiful park, located just north of Gamla Stan, has amazing things to offer all year round. In spring, the beautiful Japanese cherry blossom provides wonderful photo opportunities, and in winter, you can go ice skating on the free public rink. With a bit of luck, you can even enjoy the snow. There are also occasional exhibitions or concerts here, and several places to eat or drink.
Solsångaren
There is a lovely little park on the small island of Helgeandsholmen, directly in front of the Parliament building or Riksdagshuset. The park has sculptures and a viewing platform with plenty of benches where you can sit back and enjoy the panoramic view, which includes the Royal Palace.
Monteliusvägen
This hidden gem of a walking path is located on a charming hillside on Södermalm, the trendy island of Stockholm. From here, you can overlook the historic city centre and the skyline of Stockholm. It’s an amazing photo spot and a peaceful place to stroll at the end of the day while waiting for the sunset. Combine it with Mariaberget for the perfect walk.
Mariaberget
Another viewpoint on Södermalm in a steep waterfront neighbourhood with a first-class view over Stockholm’s old town, a small park and the water. Bring a picnic basket and have a romantic little picnic at sunset, or simply enjoy the view after you’ve walked up.
Långholmsbadet
Långholmsbadet is a popular, peaceful beach on the green island of Långholmen. With its sandy beach and grassy areas beneath the shade of trees, it’s the perfect place to swim, sunbathe, or enjoy a picnic. The clear water has earned a Blue Flag for safety and cleanliness, and there are showers and nearby cafés for the perfect city beach day. It’s easily reachable by public transportation.
Gamla Stan
One of our favourite things to do when visiting a new city is to walk around and see where your feet will take you. Gamla Stan is perfect for that, with so many great places, houses and little streets lined with all kinds of stores and cafés, allowing you to really experience Stockholm. It’s small enough to see every beautiful corner on one nice walk. We recommend you be brave and just go wherever you want to go at that moment, because that’s where the best memories are made.
Hötorget
Hötorget is a vibrant, historic square, renowned for its bustling open-air market and lively atmosphere. Its name, meaning ‘Haymarket’, dates back to the 17th century, when farmers would supply the nearby royal stables with hay and straw. Today, it’s a hub for fresh produce, flowers and street food, surrounded by cafés, shops and cinemas. This tradition has made the square very loved by locals to this day.
Lakritsroten
Lakritsroten is a specialist liquorice shop right in the heart of Gamla Stan. Since opening in 2019, it has become the go-to place for unique sweets and liquorice of all kinds. As big fans of liquorice ourselves, we really enjoyed the small, well-made shop. The staff are passionate and seemed very happy to guide customers through the extensive selection. With its fun atmosphere and opportunity to experiment with new flavours, it’s an ideal destination for liquorice lovers.
Skansen
The world’s oldest open-air museum is located on Djurgården. It’s a mix of historic villages where traditional crafts are practiced and presented, as well as the Nordic zoo with only local animals, which makes for a good time for both kids and adults. There are markets where you can eat fresh food and buy handcrafted souvenirs. The Christmas market in December is especially awesome.
Hellasgården
Hellasgården is the perfect place for a nature day or morning, just 25–30 minutes by bus from Stockholm. In summer, you can enjoy swimming and relaxing on the sandy lakeside beach, as well as hiking and paddling. In winter, the area is covered in snow and offers cross-country skiing and ice swimming, followed by the chance to warm up in traditional saunas. It’s a perfect place for outdoor action.
The Science Fiction Bookstore
This is an must-visit for any sci-fi or fantasy fan. Located in Gamla Stan, it features a fantastic selection of books, magazines and collectibles from all the best genres. Wander through the sculptures and merch, and most importantly, the great books. Whether you’re looking for classic works or rare finds, you’re sure to find something.
Gröna Lund
Stockholm’s amusement park is well worth a visit. Being on Djurgården, you have a nice view of the skyline while getting your adrenaline up. The best way to get there is to take the 82 ferry, which is the fastest way and allows you to enjoy a trip on the water. There are over 30 rides, ranging from simple carousels to spine-tingling roller coasters, and live concerts in summer. We found Monster to be the best.
Bodyflight Stockholm
Have you ever wanted to feel like an astronaut or go skydiving, but without being in the sky or jumping out of a plane? You will fly and feel as though you are falling while being almost weightless. The instructors were amzing and will put you completely at ease, even if it’s your first time. You’ll certainly remember the experience for the rest of your life.
Björnö
Björnö naturreservat is a beautiful nature reserve located around 36 km east of Stockholm, directly on the Baltic Sea. It is easily accessible by car in around 35 minutes or by taking bus 428X or 429X from Slussen in approximately 1 hour. The archipelago has plenty of hiking trails, perfect waters for kayaking and swimming at sandy beaches, and opportunities to spot local wildlife such as birds and deer. This is definitely the place to come if you want to get away from the city or just enjoy some nature.
Uppsala
Just board one of these trains 10960/846/950 SJ InterCity at Stockholm Central Station and you will arrive in the ‘History Town of Sweden’ in just over 40 minutes. The best things in Uppsala include the majestic cathedral and the historic university area, home to the oldest university in Sweden. You will find dozens of cosy cafés and shops sprinkled across the old town, making it a great day trip from Stockholm for history, culture and chilling out.
Sigtuna
Sigtuna, Sweden’s oldest town, is just a short trip from Stockholm. It is famous for its Viking history and well-preserved medieval Old Town. With its cobblestone streets, church ruins, and charming wooden houses, the town has a cosy, intimate vibe that makes you feel you’ve stepped back in time. Much smaller and quieter than Stockholm, it’s the perfect place to escape the hustle and noise of the big city for a calmer day. The best way to get there is to take the train from Stockholm Central Station to Märsta, then change to the 570 bus which goes directly to Sigtuna.
Our 3 Golden Food Tips
All Food Spots
FIKA & WINE
FIKA & WINE is a stylish spot located in Gamla Stan. Here, you can enjoy perfectly brewed coffee together with carefully selected wines in a cosy yet modern setting. The menu is full of delicious pastries, small plates, and light meals that pair beautifully with coffee and wine. It’s the perfect place to enjoy an afternoon or an evening with friends in a warm atmosphere in the heart of Stockholm’s historic district.
S:t Paul Bageri
S:t Paul Bageri in Stockholm is the place to go for exceptional pastries and breads with a modern twist. This cozy bakery is known for its buttery cinnamon buns and other freshly baked goods. It has a warm and inviting atmosphere and friendly staff. Whether you stop by for breakfast or a fika break, the high-quality coffee and delicious treats on offer, including vegan options, make this a place that the locals really love.
Skeppsbro Bakery
Skeppsbro Bakery, located in the Old Town directly on the waterfront in a small, cute house, has excellent artisanal breads and traditional Swedish pastries. Its crusty bread and flaky, buttery pastries tempt locals and visitors alike. It’s the perfect place to pick up some freshly baked goods to enjoy while strolling along the harbor or to start your day off right. As always, we recommend the amazing cinnamon rolls, which are so good.
Fern & Fika
Located on Södermalm, the trendy island, this café brings a fresh, creative plant-based twist to the Swedish fika tradition. The Must-try dish aret the pancakes, which are perfectly paired with matcha for an authentic hip Södermalm experience. It is highly recommended for people with gluten allergies or vegans but everyone will like it.
Stockholms Gästabud
Stockholms Gästabud is a fabulous restaurant near the Royal Palace and one of our favorite spots for classic Swedish cuisine. The meatballs with mashed potatoes and lingonberries are exactly what you would expect from a great Swedish restaurant. The small, crowded restaurant adds to the authentic atmosphere. It’s definitely a must if you want to experience authentic flavors in a cozy setting.
Tranan
Tranan has been a Stockholm classic since 1929, known for its timeless Swedish dishes, such as amazing Baltic herring and incredible meatballs in cream sauce. It has old-school brewery furniture and a bar downstairs where great live music is played. It’s a highly recommended place for good wine and food among locals in a great atmosphere.
Restaurang Kryp
Enjoy homemade European dishes in a picturesque Gamla Stan alley. It’s a lively place, so it’s definitely recommended that you book in advance. If you’re very hungry and don’t want to leave the Old Town, this is one of the best choices, with friendly service and fantastic reindeer and venison topside.
Meatballs for the People
Meatballs for the People is a popular restaurant on Södermalm known for serving some of the best Swedish meatballs in Stockholm. Their meatballs are juicy and flavourful and are served with classic sides such as creamy mashed potatoes and lingonberries. The restaurant is easy to reach, just a short walk from Medborgarplatsen metro station. After your meal, you directly are in a vibrant neighbourhood, which is full of trendy shops, cozy cafés and beautiful parks.
Sjätte Tunnan
This medieval-style tavern is quite touristy, but still serves amazing food and has friendly waiters. It’s the oldest restaurant in Stockholm, serving food in a building dating back to the 18th century. It’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy the warm, calm atmosphere after a day exploring the Old Town, especially on a cold day.
Delivore
There’s a great vegan bistro with sandwiches inside a grocery store pretty much in the middle of Södermalm. The prices are reasonable. It’s located in a hip, trendy neighborhood surrounded by bars and stores. I recommend the Toast Skagen and the meatball sandwich.
Verte
If you want to try the famous Swedish dish of meatballs, come here! Even if you’re vegetarian or vegan, you’ll find something to enjoy. They have vegan meatballs with mashed potatoes and a delicious vegan cream sauce. The numerous fresh salad bowls are also great, with options such as quinoa and mango.
La Piccola Nonna
They have creative pizza toppings in an all-vegetarian/vegan style and are loved by many locals. Based in Södermalm, you step into a little Italian world where you can enjoy great-value Neapolitan pizza, especially for Stockholm. It is highly recommended if you want to explore somewhere other than the centre and enjoy fantastic food among the locals, away from the crowds.
Kalf & Hansen
Kalf & Hansen on Södermalm is my favourite place to eat in Stockholm, with a focus on sustainability and regional products. Come here for good, healthy, flavourful meals in a small place that’s always full of life, you can choose between meat, fish or vegan options for every dish, which is great. It’s great for a quick lunch that makes you feel good.
Griffins
This excellent steakhouse near Stockholm Central Station offers an upscale dining experience with a charming 1920s salon vibe. It is renowned for its high-quality steaks, such as the entrecôte, as well as its extensive wine list and delicious Parmesan-topped potato crisps. While the prices are high, many visitors agree that the exceptional cuisine and elegant ambience justify the cost. It’s perfect for a special and fancy night out.
Restaurang Prinsen
A traditionally decorated restaurant with fantastic European cuisine north of the Old Town. The fish is great, and the desserts are absolutely amazing. For an elegant evening with a traditional yet modern flair, come here—it’s highly recommended!
Tonari Ramen
A great variation on Södermalm, only minutes away from the Medborgarplatsen metro station. The cozy restaurant with fairly priced ramen that are super flavorful; the broth is truly amazing. The service makes the atmosphere perfect for a truly comfortable restaurant.
Östermalms Saluhall
Östermalms Saluhall, the historic food hall in Stockholm, opened in 1888. It is known for its beautiful red brick and cast iron architecture. After a recent renovation, the market preserves its original charm while offering fresh, high-quality Swedish food. The market is famous for its stunning architecture, making it a must-visit culinary landmark.
Mahalo Södermalm
Mahalo Södermalm is the perfect place to enjoy a Swedish brunch in Stockholm. It has everything you need for a fresh, healthy start to the day, including colorful açaí bowls and fluffy American pancakes. Its casual, bright atmosphere makes it an ideal place to enjoy nutrient-rich, delicious food. If you’re looking for tasty yet wholesome food, Mahalo is your way to go.
Leonardos Kafferosteri
Leonardo’s Kafferosteri, located on Södermalm, is a hidden gem that feels cosy, warm and intimate from the moment you step inside. Renowned for its expertly roasted coffee and delicious waffles, it’s the perfect place to unwind away from the hustle and bustle of the city. This charming café is the perfect spot for a slow morning.
Vurma
This cozy restaurant is located right on the water and has an amazing breakfast menu with traditional Swedish pastries and everything fresh you could imagine. In the summer, it’s lovely to sit outside, and in the winter, the interior remains cozy and inviting. It’s full of locals year-round, and it’s definitely worth a visit.
Bonus
2 Bars – 2 Types – Exclusivity and Authenticity
The Capital
stylish • rooftop • views
Enjoy fantastic cocktails on the 8th floor in central Stockholm with absolutely fabulous views over the city.
SoFo
cozy • neighborhood • vibrant
SoFo on Södermalm has the perfect mix of cool bars, lively terraces and an artistic, welcoming crowd. It’s the perfect neighborhood to enjoy great drinks, good music and a local vibe, especially in spring and early summer it’s amazing.
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Citizens of the EU/EEA, UK, US, Canada, Australia, and Japan can visit Stockholm visa-free for up to 90 days. Just bring a passport valid at least three months beyond your stay. Others need a Schengen short-stay visa.
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How To Escape The Crowds
Step beyond Gamla Stan: Södermalm and Östermalm offer a wealth of vibrant culture, unique boutique shops, and local food spots, especially on weekday mornings.
Many museums in Stockholm stay open late some nights, creating a more relaxed experience.
Escape tourist rush by scheduling your sightseeing around mealtimes or midafternoon breaks. Flip the classic daily routine.
Be brave! Leave the city center and experience where people live, what they do, what they eat, and what they love. Sometimes, running without a plan is the best plan.
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