We recently had some friends visiting who had never been to Stockholm before, which gave us the perfect excuse to become tourists in our hometown! It had been ages since we last explored Stockholm properly – probably back in our school days – so we were excited to rediscover its charms and explore things to do in Stockholm.
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Highlights of the Day
Get ready for a jam-packed day of sightseeing, because we covered a lot of ground! Here are some of the highlights:
- Stureplan
- Östermalms Saluhall (Östermalm’s Market Hall)
- Strandvägen (Waterfront promenade)
- Djurgårdsbron (Djurgården Bridge)
- Vasa Museum
- Fjäderholmarna Islands
- Mariaberget (Mariaberget Hill)
- Gamla Stan (Old Town)
- The Royal Palace
- Kungsträdgården (King’s Garden)
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Best Time to Visit
Stockholm truly shines during the summer months, from May to September. The days are long and bright, perfect for exploring the city’s many outdoor attractions. October to April brings shorter days and colder weather, with temperatures sometimes dipping below freezing (as low as -10°C or colder).
Klook.comHow Long Should You Stay?
Realistically, a day isn’t enough to truly experience all that Stockholm has to offer. This itinerary is fast-paced, designed to squeeze in as much as possible.
Ideally, you’d want to spend at least a few days to fully appreciate the city.
Accommodation
If you’re only in Stockholm for a day, we recommend staying centrally to maximize your time. Here are a few hotels we recommend:
Luxury accommodations:
Medium and budget accommodations:
Do a qick search for accommodation here:
Transport
The best way to get around Stockholm is by using the local public transport system (SL). A single journey costs 42 SEK and is valid for 75 minutes. We opted for a 24-hour travel card (175 SEK) so we could hop on and off buses, trams, and the metro as much as we liked. Download the SL app for convenient mobile tickets or use your bank card to tap in at station barriers and on buses.
Don’t forget to look up! Stockholm’s metro system is often called the world’s longest art exhibition, with each station boasting unique artwork. It’s a feast for the eyes as you travel between sights. Stockholm is also a very walkable city, so you can easily stroll between many attractions.
Check out some tours for Stockholm:
Map
Packing
Be prepared for all types of weather. Even in summer, Stockholm can be quite cool, so pack layers and pack light! You don’t want to be lugging around a heavy bag all day. Here are the essentials:
- Comfortable shoes: You’ll be doing a lot of walking!
- Warm jacket/sweater: Even in summer, it can get chilly.
- Rain jacket/umbrella: Be prepared for sudden weather changes, they’re common in Stockholm.
- Bank card: This is a must-have, as most shops and restaurants don’t accept cash.
- Power bank: If you’re using Google Maps all day, it will drain your phone battery.
For travel clothes, shoes and backpacks we really recommend products from Tropic Feel that have some cool and environmentally friendly travel products:
Detailed Itinerary
Morning
Start your day at the vibrant Stureplan, a public square often referred to as “Svampen” (the Mushroom). This is Stockholm’s nightlife hotspot, so keep it in mind for a fun evening out! Afterwards, head to the newly renovated Östermalms Saluhall (market hall). This bustling market hall offers everything from fresh produce and delicacies to ready-to-eat meals.
Mid-morning
Take a leisurely stroll or hop on the tram along the beautiful Strandvägen, known for its elegant waterfront buildings and upscale apartments. Cross the Djurgårdsbron, passing the iconic Blue Gate that leads you to Djurgården. This green oasis was once the royal hunting grounds and is now a popular spot for recreation and relaxation. Djurgården is home to several museums, including the must-see Vasa Museum. Marvel at the remarkably preserved 17th-century warship. Get there early to avoid long queues!
Tip: You can pre-book tickets through their website to avoid the ticket que.
Lunchtime
After the Vasa Museum, take a short walk past the Gröna Lund amusement park. From there, hop on a ferry (included in your SL travel card) to Slussen. From Slussen (or Nybroplan), catch another ferry to the Fjäderholmarna Islands for a relaxing afternoon and a taste of the archipelago. Stockholm boasts over 30,000 islands, one of the largest archipelagos in the world! Fjäderholmarna is considered the closest archipelago island to Stockholm, just a 30-minute boat ride away. However, to experience the true archipelago, you’d need to venture much further out.
Two companies operate ferries to Fjäderholmarna: Strömma and Fjärderholmslinjen. We recommend buying tickets in advance and checking the ferry schedules. It’s best to visit during the summer months (May to September) as some services might be limited or closed in winter. Fjäderholmarna offers several restaurants and charming waterfront taverns. We highly recommend a beer tasting and lunch at the Fjäderholmarnas Brewery.
If you’re visiting Stockholm during the winter months, we recommend heading straight to Mariaberget and then continuing on to Södermalm. Södermalm is the bohemian district of Stockholm, brimming with trendy restaurants and bars. We suggest having lunch at one of the many eateries around Nytorget Square.
Afternoon
Once you’ve had your fill of island life, head back to the city center and walk across the Guldbron (Golden Bridge) towards Slussen. Keep an eye out for the classic Stimorol sign on your way to the hidden gem, Mariaberget. This hill offers stunning panoramic views of Stockholm, including City Hall, Gamla Stan, and Riddarfjärden.
Late afternoon
Walk down to Mariatorget and take the metro to Gamla Stan (Old Town). Wander through the charming narrow streets, browse souvenir shops, visit Storkyrkan (the Great Church), and admire the Royal Palace. Don’t miss the daily changing of the guard! Explore Mårten Trotzigs gränd, Stockholm’s narrowest alley, measuring just 90 cm at its tightest point. Stortorget, Stockholm’s oldest square, is steeped in history. Today it houses the Nobel Prize Museum and hosts one of Stockholm’s most charming Christmas markets in winter. If you’ve heard of the Stockholm Bloodbath of 1520, this is where it took place. Consider taking a guided tour to delve deeper into Gamla Stan’s fascinating past. While in Gamla Stan, seek out Sweden’s smallest monument, Järnpojken (Iron Boy), a tiny 15 cm statue located near the Finnish Church.
Early Evening
After Gamla Stan, visit the Parliament House and take a stroll through Kungsträdgården. In spring, this park is a beautiful spot to enjoy the cherry blossoms. The cherry trees were a gift from the Japanese government to the city of Stockholm in the 1950s and are a beloved sight today. Rest your feet with an ice cream or a drink at one of the many outdoor cafés. Continue to Hamngatan for some shopping at the upscale NK department store or the more budget-friendly Gallerian. For more shopping options, head to Drottninggatan (main shopping street) or Biblioteksgatan (high-end boutiques).
Evening
Cap off your day with a drink at one of Stockholm’s rooftop bars, like Urban Deli or Stockholm Under Stjärnorna. For a memorable dinner, we recommend Tranan, a classic restaurant where you should ask for the meatballs (they’re not on the menu but are rumored to be the best in Stockholm – we agree!). Other restaurants we recommend include Supper, Asian Post Office, TAK, Grodan, Tennstopet, and Aifur. Be sure to book a table in advance, as they can fill up quickly. If you’re looking for bars with great views, check out Freyja, Mosebacke terassen (open only during summer) and Gondolen.
If you’re keen to explore Stockholm’s nightlife, we recommend heading back to Stureplan or venturing out to Södermalm.
Tip: In Sweden, tipping in restaurants isn’t necessary (and we never do when we’re dining out). All taxes and VAT are included in the menu prices and shown on your receipt.
Outro
We hope this whirlwind tour of Stockholm has inspired you to explore this beautiful city! Whether you’re drawn to the historical charm of Gamla Stan, the vibrant energy of Södermalm, or the tranquil beauty of the archipelago, there’s something for everyone in Stockholm.
If you have any questions or need more personalized recommendations, feel free to reach out. Happy travels!
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