Stockholm: what to see, sights, and attractions in the capital of Sweden

Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, is one of the most beautiful cities in Northern Europe. It is spread over 14 islands connected by 57 bridges and is surrounded by water and greenery. It offers a combination of history, design, modern architecture and peaceful nature – an ideal urban destination for three days or a longer stay.

What to see in Stockholm: sights and attractions to visit

Gamla Stan (Old Town)

The historical heart of the city with narrow streets, pastel houses and Stortorget Square. Here you will find the Royal Palace, Storkyrkan Cathedral and the Nobel Museum. An ideal place for a walk and an evening sitting in a cafe.

Royal Palace (Kungliga Slottet)

The residence of the Swedish royal family. Visitors can walk through the state rooms, the Tre Kronor Museum and watch the changing of the guard. The palace stands right in the heart of Gamla Stan.

City Hall (Stadshuset)

Its tower (106 m) offers the best view of the city. The Blue Hall hosts the ceremonial banquet after the Nobel Prize ceremony every year.

Vasa Museum

One of the most visited monuments – the original 17th-century warship that sank on its maiden voyage and was raised after 333 years. A breathtaking exhibit, even for technology enthusiasts.

Skansen

The first open-air museum in the world, opened in the 19th century. It offers examples of traditional Swedish life, crafts and also a zoo with typical Nordic animals. Great for families with children.

Fotografiska

A modern photography museum on the waterfront, focused on contemporary art. In addition to the exhibitions, you will also find a cafe with a panoramic view.

Djurgården Island

A green island full of museums and entertainment. In addition to the Vasa Museum and Skansen, you will also find the ABBA Museum, the Nordiska Museet or the Gröna Lund amusement park.

Itinerary – what to see in Stockholm in 3 days

Day 1 – Historical center

Walk through Gamla Stan, the Royal Palace, the Town Hall and a cruise along the city’s canals.
In the evening, we recommend dinner in the traditional restaurant Den Gyldene Freden.

Day 2 – Djurgården Island

In the morning, the Vasa Museum, in the afternoon Skansen and the Nordiska Museet.
In the evening, relax in the park or take a boat trip around the surrounding islands.

Day 3 – Art and trips

In the morning, visit Fotografiska, then take a trip to Drottningholm Palace or the port town of Vaxholm.
In the evening, return to Södermalm and enjoy the sunset from the Monteliusvägen viewpoint.

Where to stay

Cheaper option

City Backpackers Hostel – a clean and popular hostel in the center with a kitchenette and a friendly atmosphere.

Middle class

Scandic Gamla Stan – a stylish hotel in a historic building in the heart of the old town.

Luxury hotel

Grand Hôtel Stockholm – a five-star hotel overlooking the Royal Palace and a spa center.

Where to eat

• Den Gyldene Freden – the oldest restaurant in the city (1722), traditional cuisine.
• Meatballs for the People – a modern version of Swedish meatballs.
• Kajsas Fisk – excellent fish soup in the center.
• Café Sätt Kaffe – ideal for “fika”, a Swedish coffee break with a cinnamon bun.

Getting around the city

All transport falls under the SL network – metro, buses, trams and boats on one ticket.

• Metro (Tunnelbana): three lines (blue, red, green), stations with artistic decoration.
• Trams and buses: reliable, line 7 runs from the center to Djurgården.
• Boats (SL ferries): connections between the islands, the same ticket as for the metro.
• From Arlanda Airport: Arlanda Express train or Flygbussarna bus.

The most beautiful viewpoints in Stockholm

• Monteliusvägen – the most famous panorama of Gamla Stan.
• Skinnarviksberget – a quiet place with a view of the city.
• Fjällgatan – a terraced viewpoint on the islands.
• Katarinahissen – elevator with a view of the harbor.
• City Hall Tower (Stadshuset) – view of the entire center.

Stockholm Card

A tourist card that includes admission to more than 40 attractions (e.g. Vasa, Skansen, Royal Palace) and public transport.

Where to go on a trip around Stockholm

Drottningholm Palace

The summer residence of the Swedish royal family, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Beautiful gardens, pavilions and a baroque theater.

Vaxholm

A historic town in the archipelago with a fortress and a harbor, accessible by boat from Stockholm.

Uppsala

University town 70 km north – Gothic cathedral, botanical garden and the Gamla Uppsala open-air museum.

Sigtuna

The oldest Swedish city, founded in the 10th century. Picturesque promenade by the lake and the remains of medieval churches.

Stockholm in a nutshell

Category	Information
Country	Sweden
Population	approx. 1 million (metropolitan area 2.5 million)
Currency	Swedish krona (SEK)
Time zone	GMT +1 / +2 in summer
Airport	Arlanda (ARN) – 40 km from the center
Transport	Metro, trams, buses, boats (SL network)
SL ticket price	42 SEK (75 min), 150 SEK (1 day)
Average lunch price	120–180 SEK
Accommodation	Hostel 900 SEK → Hotel 2500 SEK / night
When to go	May – September
Average temperature in summer	20–25 °C
Interesting fact	Metro = the longest art gallery in the world

My tips on what to do in Stockholm

• Try a canal cruise – an ideal angle of view of the city.
• You can take the most beautiful photos from Monteliusvägen at sunset.
• Leave time for fika – coffee and a cinnamon bun in a cafe with a view.
• If you want a quieter pace, head to the Södermalm district.
• Stockholm is safe, clean and well-organized – an ideal city for a relaxing city break.

Frequently Asked Questions