25 Things to do in Stockholm: Best places to visit (+ map)

Hipster cafes, a harbour lined with boats, gothic architecture, cinnamon buns and a vibrant nightlife – that’s Stockholm in a nutshell. A Nordic city that gets everyone who comes here. Get inspired by the best things to do in Stockholm.

Things to do in Stockholm: Best places to visit

Gamla Stan

To visit Stockholm and not visit the oldest part of Gamla Stan is like not seeing the Colosseum in Rome or the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Winding cobblestone streets, aristocratic houses in warm shades, cafes where you feel like snuggling up and just soaking up the atmosphere.

You’ll find these beautiful, colourful houses in the small Stortorget square, which is dominated by the Nobel Museum.

The best time to soak up the atmosphere is early in the morning or in the early evening, when Gamla Tent becomes more crowded. You can just wander through the hidden alleys and admire the interesting architectural features from lamps to doors to shutters.

One of the most interesting streets is Prästgatan. A quiet and authentic street with colourful houses that is a popular location for filming. Or wander on to the narrowest alley, Mårten Trotzigs Gränd, which is only 90 cm wide.

For shopping, head to Västerlånggatan, which forms the centre of the district. It’s crowded, so if you’re looking for something quieter with quaint shops, try Österlånggatan.

On your way from Norrmalm to the historic centre of Gamla Stan, you will pass the beautiful historic parlement building or Riksdagshuset.

☞ Book attractions and tours in Stockholm.

Stockholm Cathedral (Storkyrkan)

Stockholm Cathedral is one of the most beautiful sights in Stockholm and a must-see from the inside. The Baroque exterior contrasts with the Gothic interior complete with red tiles. The church has an extensive collection of medieval and contemporary works of art.

It is open daily from 10:00-18:00 and 9:00-18:00 in summer (June-August). Full admission is 100 SEK, reduced admission is 70 SEK for seniors and children under 18 are free.

Royal Palace (Kungliga slottet)

On the eastern side of the old town, the Gamla Stan Royal Palace dominates. The royal family may not live here, but it is still worth a visit. Interestingly, the Royal Palace is the official residence of the King of Sweden and Drottningholm Palace is the official residence of the Queen of Sweden.

The palace is huge – it consists of more than 600 rooms. Not all of them are accessible, but there is still more than enough to see. The combined ticket also includes a tour of the ticket office, the reception room or the museums.

The interior of the palace is luxuriously decorated in rococo style. Don’t miss the grand marble west staircase, the Hall of State, the Bernadotte Apartments and the Charles XVI Gallery, which is based on the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles.

As in London , the changing of the guard is popular here. It takes place daily at 12:15pm (one hour later on Sundays and public holidays).

The Royal Palace is open daily from 10:00-17:00 (May-September) and 10:00-16:00 (October-April). Admission costs 180 SEK (excluding the exhibition), 160 SEK for students and 90 SEK for children aged 7-17.

For official receptions, the Palace may be fully or partially closed, so check the Royal Palace website in advance.

Hotels in Stockholm 😴

Radisson Blu Waterfront Hotel

4* hotel in the centre with spectacular views

Generator Stockholm

Modern accommodation near the centre

Viewpoints Mariaberget and Skinnarviksberget

Where to enjoy iconic views of Stockholm from? If you go from Gamla Stan, just cross the bridge to Södermalm, where you will have the city in the palm of your hand.

From the bridge, turn right where there is a landscaped waterfront with boats and benches. From the waterfront there are several branches across the road. The first one is the turn-off to the wooden lookout Mariaberget, which you can see right on the rocks from the waterfront. This viewpoint offers one of the best views of Gamla Stan.

A little further on, a transmitter peeks above the houses, and there is a second viewpoint – Skinnarviksberget. Right on the rocks where the locals sit for sunset. Join them and enjoy the view of the whole city.

Another option is to take ferry 1 and get off at the waterfront or take it from the other side and get off at Mariatorget metro station, from where it is a few minutes walk to each of the viewpoints.

Riddarholm Church (Riddarholmskyrkan)

Does Riddarholm Church look familiar to you? It is in most of the photos of Stockholm.

Riddarholmskyrkan is one of Stockholm’s oldest churches from the 13th century, which is built of red brick and has a cast-iron church tower. It used to be the burial place of many Swedish rulers.

Riddarholm Church is open from May to September from 10:00-17:00. Admission is 65 SEK and 45 SEK for students and 30 SEK for children aged 7-17. You can also buy a discounted combination ticket with the Royal Castle for 230 SEK (students 210 SEK and children 115 SEK).

Skansen

The Skansen in Stockholm, known as “Sweden in Miniature”, is the oldest open-air museum in the world thanks to its opening in 1891. More than 150 farms, churches, windmills, craft workshops and dwellings will immerse you in the history of Sweden.

Especially when travelling with children, do not miss the open-air museum. Children will love the local Nordic Zoo, where they can see moose, bears, wolverines, reindeer, wolves and lynx. In summer, concerts are held in the open-air museum and in winter, Christmas markets are held.

The open-air museum is open 10:00-18:00 and 10:00-15:00 in the low season (up to 16:00 on weekends). Admission fees vary depending on the time of year you visit the museum – full admission ranges from 200-265 SEK, 180-245 SEK for students and seniors, and 70-80 SEK for children aged 4-15.

Vasa Museum (Vasamuseet)

The Vasa Museum is dedicated to the former battleship that infamously wrecked just 1 mile off shore. The cause was an engineering error. The hull of the boat was so slender that it could not withstand the impact of the water and the heavy rigging. The ship has been at the bottom of the sea for 333 years since the 17th century, yet it remains perfectly preserved.

Visitors are attracted not only by the preservation, but also by the rich decoration – 200 ornaments and 500 statues representing biblical figures, sea monsters, figures from Greek mythology and Swedish nobility. In addition to the ship, you will learn more about what life was like on a ship and what life was like in Stockholm at the time.

These are the reasons why the Vasa Museum is the most visited museum in Scandinavia.

The museum is open daily 10:00-17:00 and on Wednesdays until 20:00. In the summer, visiting hours are extended 8:30-18:00.

Admission costs between 170-220 SEK depending on the time of year you visit the museum (tickets are more expensive in the summer season until September). Children under 18 years of age are admitted free of charge.

Drottningholm Palace

Drottningholm Palace, or Queen’s Palace, is the private residence of the royal family and one of Stockholm’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

The palace dates back to the end of the 17th century and was built on the basis of Italian and French architecture. That is why it is called the “Versailles of the North”. Like Versailles, it lies outside the city centre itself.

The palace includes the Court Theatre, which is the oldest actively used theatre in the world. The beautiful park with its Baroque, Rococo and English-style gardens is also worth a visit. Entrance to the gardens is free.

Drottningholm Palace is open 10:00-17:00 in summer and 10:00-16:00 in low season. Admission is 160 SEK, 140 SEK for students and 80 SEK for children aged 7-17.

Nordiska Museum (Nordiska Museet)

Would you like to soak up more of Swedish art and culture? Nordiska Museet is the largest cultural and historical museum in Sweden, where you can admire the largest collection of paintings by the famous Swedish artist August Strindberg and discover Scandinavian traditions.

Also worth seeing is the eclectic Renaissance-style castle that houses the museum. In front of it is a grassy area ideal for a picnic, and the Vasa Museum is a few steps away.

Nordiska Museet is open 10:00-17:00 and admission is 170 SEK (seniors and students 150 SEK, children under 18 are free).

Museum of Modern Art (Moderna Museet)

At Moderna Museet, art awaits you with paintings and sculptures, including photography and film from 1900 to the present day by names such as Picasso, Braque, Dali, Matisse, as well as new artists from Scandinavia and the rest of the world. Outside you will find an exhibition of colourful sculptures.

Admission to the museum is free, but there is a charge for temporary exhibitions. It is open on Tuesdays and Fridays from 10:00-20:00 and on Wednesdays, Thursdays and weekends from 10:00-21:00.

The museum is located on the island of Skeppsholmen, which used to be an important naval base and is still home to traditional wooden ships. If you want to enjoy a pleasant walk in a quiet part of Stockholm, head here.

The island is reached by the Skeppsholmsbron bridge from the Normalm district, which is famous for its golden crown.

☞ Take a look at the best hotels in Stockholm.

You can drive across the island to the rocky islet of Kastellholmen, home to the medieval Kastellet Castle. It’s not open for tours, but it’s still a beautiful place.

☞ Book attractions and tours in Stockholm.

Historical Museum (Historiska Museet)

The Historical Museum in Stockholm is an authentic representation of Swedish history. The Viking era is brought to life through artefacts and multimedia installations. It immerses you in medieval battles and shows you in the Golden Chamber what treasures were found and looted in the past.

The Historical Museum is also a great place for families, as they have built fun attractions for children in the outdoor courtyard. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday 11:00-17:00 and on Wednesdays until 20:00 and in summer 10:00-17:00. Admission is free.

Hotels in Stockholm 😴

Hotel Sure

Cheap accommodation near the metro

Biz Apartment Gärdet

Studios with kitchenette and breakfast

Sergel Torg

Sergels Torg is a lively square known for its unique black and white tile pattern that resembles a giant chessboard.

Named after the famous Swedish sculptor Johan Tobias Sergel, the square serves as a central point for cultural and political events. At its centre is a striking sculpture called “Kristal – Vertical Accent”, surrounded by water features and lighting.

The square is a great place for shopping or as a starting point for exploring the city.

National Museum (Nationalmuseum)

The National Museum was founded in 1792 and is the largest art museum in Sweden. Here you will find works by Rembrandt, Rubens, Renoir, Degas, Goya and famous Swedish artists Carl Larsson, Erns Josephson, CF Hill and Anders Zorn.

It’s a huge collection, where you can enter for free (except for temporary exhibitions, where the entrance is around 85-170 SEK). Even if you don’t go inside, enjoy the beautiful building from the inside. It looks like something out of the Renaissance buildings in Florence. It is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00-17:00.

City Hall (Stadshuset)

City Hall is one of the top places to put on your list of places to visit in Stockholm. The historic brick building with its square silhouette and distinctive tower dating from 1911 defines the city’s skyline. They used 8 million dark red bricks to build the town hall. The tower is famous for its 3 golden crowns, which form the Swedish coat of arms.

But the main thing is inside. The glittering golden hall, frescoes by artist Prince Eugene and the Nobel Prize banquet room. Many ceremonies and ceremonies are held here, so the City Hall is only accessible for guided tours.

Tours are available all year round at 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15:00 for an entrance fee of 150 SEK (students and seniors 120 SEK and children 7-19 years 60 SEK). In summer, tours are every half hour from 9:30-15:00. You will see the official areas, learn more about the history of the place and the local government.

The tower is also open from May to September for an additional fee of 80 SEK.

Along the City Hall is the City Hall Park, which is free of charge. The park is open daily 8:00-20:00 (June-September) and 8:00-18:00 (October-May).

Tip: Where to eat something good? Try the famous Vete-Katten pastry shop on the corner in the Norrmalm district near Central Station. They have excellent cakes, pastries, pralines, but it’s usually crowded early, so it’s better to go here on the weekend or to sleep in.

From the City Hall you will have a beautiful view of Riddarholmen Island, which is located next to Gamla Stan. The spire of Riddarholm Church, which has already been mentioned today, peeks above the buildings on Riddarholmen Island. The view from Riddarholmen Island on the town hall is just as good.

Natural History Museum (Naturhistoriska Museet)

Naturhistoriska Museet is a wonderful interactive museum where you can have hours of fun even with children. You will learn a lot of information about nature, animals and dinosaurs in a fun way. We like natural history museums in general – there are great ones in London or Vienna.

Open Tuesday-Sunday 9:00-17:00 (10:00-18:00 in summer). Admission to the exhibitions is free.

Fotografiska (Fotografiska Museet)

Fotografiska is the name of the relatively new museum, which can be found in a former Art Nouveau red-brick customs warehouse. This museum is a must visit for every photography lover. Photographs by both local and international artists can be experienced in a changing series of 3-4 exhibitions at the same time, which change every few months.

Exhibitions often have a social overlap. On the top floor you will find a restaurant with panoramic views of the harbour and Gamla Stan.

The Fotografiska Museum is open daily from 10:00-23:00. Admission is 179-219 SEK, students and youth 13-17 years old 139-179 SEK, seniors 125-179 SEK, children under 12 free.

ABBA Museum (ABBA Museet)

Looking for something fun? Try the ABBA Museum, which is dedicated to Sweden’s most famous pop group ABBA. You can sing, dance, try on costumes and even record your performance and download it within 30 days.

Admission is 239-299 SEK, 200-260 SEK for students and seniors, and 100-120 SEK for children aged 7-15, depending on when you visit the museum (discounted tickets are also available). Open daily 10:00-20:00.

Stockholm Public Library (Stadsbiblioteket)

The Stockholm Public Library is an example of Nordic classicism. The building is unique for its main rotunda, which is equipped with 360° shelves of books in more than 100 languages. Admission is free.

Open daily except Sunday 10:00-19:00 and Saturday 12:00-16:00.

Globe Arena (Avicii Arena)

Globe Arena is one of the most beautiful arenas in Europe and the largest spherical building in the world. Plus, it offers stunning views of Stockholm. Admission is 170 SEK and 130 SEK for seniors and children 5-12 years old.

Stockholm Metro

The longest art gallery in the world. Yes, that’s exactly what the Stockholm metro is, with over 100 stations and 90 of them being perfect art. It is a pleasure to travel here by public transport.

Among the most beautiful metro stations are:

• T-Centraalen – blue metro line at Central Station
• Solna Centrum – blue metro line 11 near the Solna Centrum shopping centre
• Stadion – station in rainbow colours on the red metro line

Kungsträdgården

Kungsträdgården, often referred to as the Royal Garden, is a lively and historic park in the heart of Stockholm. This urban oasis is a popular meeting place for locals and tourists alike, where you can relax amidst beautiful gardens, majestic statues and fountains, and colourful flower beds.

The park is at its most beautiful in spring, when the local cherry trees literally burst with pink blossoms.

Strandvägen

Take a stroll along the Strandvägen waterfront, which is lined with magnificent buildings from the 19th century in the Östermalm district. Enjoy the view of the ships moored in the harbour or have a bite to eat on one of the flower-lined benches.

☞ Take a look at the best hotels in Stockholm.

Grona Lünd Amusement Park

Have fun on more than 30 rides and ride the wooden roller coaster at Grona Amusement Park. This is Sweden’s oldest amusement park and has been around for almost 150 years.

The park is located on the island of Djurgården, which is known for its greenery and hiking trails. The ferry terminal is located just a short walk from the park.

The opening hours of Grona Lünd change frequently, so please check the Grona Lünd website before visiting. Admission varies by event (tickets can be purchased online). The park is only open from May to September.

☞ More information: Travel guide to Stockholm (airports, transport, prices and other useful tips).

Södermalm district

The Södermalm district (locals say Söder) is a hipster part of Stockholm that is one of the best in the world. Just walk around and enjoy the atmosphere. The island’s terrain is hilly, so you’ll enjoy some of the best views of Stockholm from the cobbled streets and viewpoints.

Don’t miss Stigbergsgatan, famous for its old houses with red panelling. It is just a short walk from the Fjällgatan viewpoint.

☞ Book attractions and tours in Stockholm.

Stockholm archipelago

The Stockholm archipelago consists of 20 000 islands and islets scattered in the Baltic Sea. Only 200 of them are permanently inhabited, so you’ll experience perfectly untouched Scandinavian nature on most of the islands.

You can go to the islands with a guide, as part of the Stockholm Pass or on your own if you buy your own ferry ticket – prices range from 61-186 SEK depending on the island you’re heading to – Stockholm – Stockholm Archipelago tickets.

Where to stay in Stockholm

• Radisson Blu Waterfront Hotel – 4* centrally located hotel with spectacular views
• Generator Stockholm – Modern accommodation close to the centre at a good price
• Biz Apartment Gärdet – Studios with kitchenette and breakfast
• First Hotel Brommaplan – 3* hotel on the outskirts of town and a quarter of an hour from the airport
• Sure hotel – Cheap accommodation a short walk from the metro
• Den Röda Båten – Cheap accommodation in boat cabins in the centre of Stockholm

Hotels in Stockholm 😴

Radisson Blu Waterfront Hotel

4* hotel in the centre with spectacular views

Generator Stockholm

Modern accommodation near the centre

Things to do in Stockholm – map

HOW TO USE THIS MAP: Above you will find a detailed map of things to do in Stockholm. Click at the top left of the map to see separate layers with highlighted locations. You can hide and show the different layers or click on the icons on the map to see the names of the places I mention in the Stockholm travel guide. If you want to save the map, star it. For a larger version, click on the icon in the upper right corner.

Best booking resources for visiting Stockholm

Via Booking.com we search for all accommodation. It is the largest accommodation portal in the world and you will find everything from modern hotels, cosy guesthouses to seaside villas.

Get Your Guide is a huge booking system for buying tickets, guided tours and all sorts of activities. In one place you can read other travellers’ experiences and book tickets to the Vatican Museums, a cruise on the Danube or a desert safari in Dubai.

These were our tips on things to do in Stockholm. Do you have a question? We’ll be happy to answer it in the comments below. Have a safe journey!

More information about Stockholm

STOCKHOLM: We have prepared a Stockholm travel guide with practical tips. Stockholm Pass is one way to save money in Stockholm.

COPENHAGEN: Read our detailed itinerary of what to see in Copenhagen in 3 days. Get inspired by the things to do in Copenhagen. For more information on public transport, read our detailed guide to transport in Copenhagen.

HELSINKI: Check out the things to do in Helsinki (including a map and information on entrance fees and opening times). Helsinki Card is a way to save money in Helsinki.

Summary: Best Things to do in Stockholm