Stockholm! One of the major Nordic cities, Stockholm is known as the “Venice of the North” and spans across 14 interconnected islands. I visited Stockholm over a 3-day weekend (in “winter” too – it was April, but it snowed!). Despite the grey skies, I still loved my visit. If you’re looking for what to do in Stockholm, I’ve compiled a list of my top 10 things to do in Stockholm below, plus a few extra tips to best navigate this Swedish capital.
When to Visit Stockholm – Stockholm Weather
Generally, the best time to visit Stockholm is during the summer, particularly from June to August. During the summer, the temperatures are the highest and the days are the longest. Of course, these months are Stockholm’s busiest and most expensive months as the city sees a sharp influx of visitors during this time. I took my chances and visited Stockholm during off-season (April) thinking I could get away with some temperate-ish weather. Let me tell you how wrong I was – it literally snowed! If you want to visit Stockholm, invest in visiting during the summer because your experience will be much more enjoyable. While I still enjoyed Stockholm even in the cold, I wish I had booked something for the summer months to take full advantage of my trip.
Below are the average highs and lows of Stockholm during peak months + shoulder season:
- May: High of 57ºF/14ºC and low of 45ºF/7ºC
- June: High of 61ºF/16ºC and low of 50ºF/10ºC
- July: High of 63ºF/17ºC and low of 54ºF/12ºC
- August: High of 63ºF/17ºC and low of 52ºF/11ºC
- September: High of 57ºF/14ºC and low of 50ºF/10ºC
What to Do in Stockholm – Museums, Museums, Museums!
Stockholm is home to several interesting, well-done museums. Especially if you’re visiting during the colder months, you will likely find yourself exploring Stockholm’s museums more than you intended (which is exactly what happened to us).
If you’re thinking about what to do in Stockholm and museums are #1 on your list, I recommend considering an all-inclusive day pass. You can buy a pass that lasts anywhere from 1-5 days, but depending on the pace of your museum visit, this may or may not be worth it to you. We were able to fit all of the below in 3 days, averaging to about ~2 hours at most museums (except Skansen and the Boat tour!). I liked this pass because I didn’t have to worry about buying any tickets in advance, and the pass also included transportation around the city via its double-decker buses. I used to not really see the value in these types of passes (you don’t typically save much money with them anyway) but for Stockholm, it was convenient, easy to use, and even saved us a little bit of $$$ in the end. Below I’ve outlined exactly what our savings looked like (~$16 per person) + all the museums/attractions we saw while using the pass.
You can purchase a day pass directly on the GoCity website.
| Museum/Attractions Original Prices | Price SEK | Price $$$ |
| Vasa Museum | 220 | ~$21 |
| Storkyrkan – Stockholm Cathedral | 100 | ~$9.50 |
| Nobel Prize Museum | 140 | ~$13 |
| Royal Palace | 200 | ~$19 |
| Fotografiska | 197 | ~$18 |
| Skansen | 265 | ~$25 |
| Archipelago Boat Tour | 380 | ~$37 |
| Hop On Hop Off Bus (7 rides x 42 SEK per ride) | 294 | ~$27.75 |
| TOTAL Original Museum/Attraction Prices | 1,796 | ~$169.53 |
| TOTAL 3 Day Pass Price | 1,629 | ~$153 |
| Total Savings | 167 | ~$16.53 |
What To Do in Stockholm – 10 Things Not To Miss When Visiting Stockholm
#1 See Old Town Gamla Stan
Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s Old Town, is one of the best-preserved medieval city centers in Europe. This historic district, dating back to the 13th century, is a labyrinth of narrow, cobblestone streets and colorful buildings. Gamla Stan is where you go to get that classic “Stockholm pic” and it is often featured in postcards of the city. The Royal Palace, the official residence of the Swedish monarch and something I definitely mention visiting later in this what to do in Stockholm list, is also within Gamla Stan. I recommend exploring Gamla Stan’s charming streets and popping into a café or two for “fika”, (another thing I mention later in this list!) before heading over to see The Royal Palace.
#2 Visit the Vasa Museum
The Vasa Museum in Stockholm is dedicated to the well-preserved 17th-century Vasa warship. In 1628 the Vasa sank on its maiden voyage in Stockholm’s harbor and remained lost underwater for over 300 years. In 1961 it was salvaged, and after years of restoration, the ship was showcased with over 95% of its original structure intact.
I enjoyed my visit to the Vasa Museum way more than I thought I would. The size of this ship can only be truly appreciated in person, and it’s amazing to see such a ship in such good shape after 300 years underwater. The museum also features exhibits on maritime life in the 1600s, including artifacts from the ship, details about the ship’s construction and why it sank in the first place, and even information about the people who died on the ship itself. If you’re building your what to do in Stockholm list, the Vasa Museum is more than worthy of adding!
#3 See Stockholm’s Subway Art
Stockholm’s subway art is celebrated for transforming its transit system into the world’s longest art gallery. Nearly every station features unique artworks created by over 150 artists since the 1950s. The art ranges from sculptures and mosaics to paintings and installations, effectively making Stockholm’s subway system one of the most beautiful in the world.
The subway art is praised for its accessibility and integration into daily life, making art a part of the average everyday commute. I think it is worth seeing at least a few stops during your trip to Stockholm. Not all stops are created equal, though, and below is a definitive list of the stops you need to see if you decide to tour the Stockholm subways.
- T-Centralen Station
- Stadion Station
- Solna Centrum Station
- Tekniska Högskolan Station
- Tensta station
- Kungsträdgården Station
- Rådhuset Station
- Akalla station
If you’re having trouble filling out your what to do in Stockholm list, doing a self-guided tour of all these stops is more than worth it. However, I think seeing one or two of the stops is more than enough!
#4 Eat Swedish Meatballs
If you’re thinking about what to do in Stockholm, you should also be thinking about what to eat. Swedish meatballs, or “köttbullar,” are a beloved culinary staple in Sweden. Unlike their counterparts in other cuisines, Swedish meatballs are typically smaller and seasoned with a blend of spices like allspice and white pepper. They are traditionally made with a mixture of ground beef and pork and combined with breadcrumbs soaked in milk and finely chopped onions, resulting in a tender and flavorful texture.
What sets Swedish meatballs apart is not just the meatballs themselves, but the way they are served. They are commonly accompanied by creamy gravy, lingonberry jam, and mashed or boiled potatoes, creating a lovely sweet and salty dish.
Meatballs for the People is a great restaurant to try Swedish meatballs at, and we ordered the meatball feast (16 meatballs across 8 different meatball types — some being deer, duck, and pork) to split between 2.
#5 Check out the ABBA Museum
Did you know ABBA was Swedish? Yes, the creators of “Dancing Queen” and “Mamma Mia” are Swedish! Located on the island of Djurgården, the ABBA Museum is a fun, interactive museum that offers fans a unique, immersive experience into the world of Agnetha, Björn, Benny, and Anni-Frid. Original costumes, gold records, and memorabilia are all on display while taking you through ABBA’s journey from their early days to international stardom.
Highlights include the opportunity to step onto a stage with virtual avatars of the band, sing along in a replica recording studio, and interactive displays that allow you to mix their music. The museum also delves into the personal lives of the members and their solo careers post-ABBA. With its engaging exhibits and nostalgic atmosphere, the ABBA Museum provides a joyous and memorable experience for fans of all ages, celebrating the timeless appeal of their music.
I recommend booking tickets for the ABBA Museum ahead of time, as the line was long even though we were visiting during off season! You can book ABBA Museum tickets online, and tickets cost 299 SEK, or about 28 USD per person.
#6 Take an Archipelago Boat Tour
Stockholm, with its 14 islands, is not only a bustling city but a stunning natural wonder. Before I got to Stockholm, I didn’t really know how to envision a city across so many little islands. Even on land, you don’t really get a good feel for it because so much of the main touristy stuff is in one area anyway. A boat tour allows you to see all of Stockholm and provides a better understanding of its layout and history.
There are many boat tour options for Stockholm, but unless you’re doing a private cruise, it doesn’t need to be expensive/extravagant. This boat tour on Viator is only ~$40, and you get a full 2 1/2 hour guided tour of the archipelago. It’s an excellent way to appreciate the region’s maritime heritage while soaking in the breathtaking scenery from Stockholm’s waterfront. Whether you’re interested in photography, nature, or simply relaxing on the water, an Archipelago Boat Tour is a must-do when building your what to do in Stockholm itinerary.
#7 Fika time!
Fika is a cherished Swedish tradition that revolves around taking a break to enjoy coffee. More than just a coffee break though, fika is a cultural practice emphasizing relaxation, socializing, and well-being. Fika is an opportunity to unwind, chat with friends or colleagues, and savor the moment. The practice reflects the Swedish values of slowing down and appreciating the present, promoting both mental and social health. In workplaces, fika breaks are seen as essential for productivity and team bonding, making it an integral part of Swedish lifestyle and corporate culture. At around 3pm in the afternoon, you’ll see the many bakeries/cafés in Stockholm begin to fill up as people take their fika time.
Technically, you can do fika anywhere, but some cafés/bakeries are truly stand-out spots for fika. Below are some of the best places to take fika:
- Stora Bagariet
- Lille Bror Bagariet
- Ritorno
- Socker Sucker
- Valhallabagariet
- Gast Café
- Komet Café Stockholm
- Skeppsbro Bageri
When partaking in fika, make sure to order a cardamom bun, or kardemummabulle!
#8 Visit the Royal Palace
The Royal Palace in Stockholm, also known as Kungliga Slottet, is the official residence of the Swedish monarch. Situated on Stadsholmen in the heart of the capital, the Royal Palace is a symbol of Sweden’s rich history and architectural grandeur. Built in Baroque style, the palace was completed in the mid-18th century, following the destruction of its predecessor, Tre Kronor, by fire in 1697. It boasts over 600 rooms, including the opulent state apartments, the Hall of State, and the Royal Chapel.
Open to the public, the Royal Palace houses several museums such as the Royal Armory, the Treasury, and the Museum of Antiquities. Visitors can also witness the changing of the guard, which takes place every day Mon-Sat from the end of April until the end of August at 12:15h, and Sundays at 13:15h.
#9 Fotografiska (Photography Museum)
The Fotografiska Museum in Stockholm is a must-visit for photography enthusiasts and art lovers alike. Located in a stunning Art Nouveau building, this museum is one of the world’s largest spaces dedicated to contemporary photography. It features rotating exhibitions from both internationally renowned and emerging photographers, ensuring a fresh and inspiring experience with every visit.
I don’t know if I would’ve gone to the Fotografiska Museum if it wasn’t already included in my 3-day Stockholm pass, but I am so glad we went. We spent maybe an hour perusing the exhibits, and it made for a good indoor break on a cold day.
The museum also has a top-floor café and restaurant with breathtaking views of Stockholm’s waterfront, (which was closed when we tried to go, sigh) providing a perfect spot to relax and reflect.
#10 Make a Pit Stop for Swedish Candy
Swedish candy, or “godis,” is a beloved part of Swedish culture, known for its wide variety and high quality. Every grocery store and convenience shop features a “lösgodis” section, where customers can pick and mix from an extensive selection of candies. This tradition dates back to the 1980s, when Sweden began promoting “Lördagsgodis” or “Saturday candy,” encouraging children to enjoy sweets in moderation, primarily on Saturdays.
Today, many Swedes indulge in the daily ritual of purchasing candy after work. This habit is attributed to the country’s deep-rooted love for sweets, with licorice, gummy candies, and chocolate being favorites. The post-work candy run is a way for many to unwind and treat themselves after a long day — and it was something I saw IRL as we were shopping for candy at the grocery store! The wide variety of flavors and textures ensures there’s something for everyone, making it an irresistible part of Swedish life.
The best candies (to me) are the sugar skulls and Bubs candy. Of course, do your best to try a little of everything, but I wish I had stocked up on more of those to bring home with me!
