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The 56 Best Things to Do in Stockholm
👉 Jump to: Best Things to Do in Stockholm | Museums & Culture | Sights & Attractions | Food & Drinks | Night Out & Live Music | Seasonal
Stockholm has it all: waterfront boulevards, ABBA experiences, a lively food scene, dozens of museums, and untouched nature only a stone’s throw away.
With so much to explore, spending a week in the Swedish capital was barely enough to see it all. But it was enough to fall in love with Scandinavia. So, to help you craft the best trip possible, I have gathered the best things to do in Stockholm below.
Once you’ve figured out where to go and what to see, check out my guide on where to stay in Stockholm.
56 Best Things to Do in Stockholm
Strandvägen
Stockholm’s prestigious boulevard showcases state-of-the-art architecture and the finer things in life.
Strandvägen is the best place to get a first impression of Stockholm. The city’s popular waterfront boulevard reflects most of its best assets: the omnipresent water, stately and romantic buildings, and locals enjoying the sun.
As it was created for the World Fair in 1897, the architecture is a work of art. Even then, the boulevard was known for its prestigious restaurants and cafés. So, if you’re into the finer things in life, Strandvägen is not only a great sight but a food destination as well.
Skeppsholmen & Kastellholmen
Gawk at art and historical exhibitions, or enjoy the romantic serenity of these two central islands.
📍 Google Maps Skeppsholmen & Kastellholmen
Skeppsholmen and Kastellholmen are two small islands in Stockholm’s center, connected by a bridge. Skeppsholmen is the cultural island, with prominent museums like the Moderna Museet, while Kastellholmen is known for its castle and views of Djurgården.
But above all, both islands offer a tranquil respite from the busy center despite their location. Go for fika at Café Blom or take your kanelbullar to go and relax on Kastellholmen’s yard.
Monteliusvägen & Mariaberget
Stockholm’s most scenic pathway is a must-do, and doable, for all visitors.
📍 Google Maps Monteliusvägen & Mariaberget
Where Strandvägen is the best first impression of Stockholm, Monteliusvägen is a close second. This 500-meter pathway, including the Mariaberget viewpoint, offers incredible views of the city.
From here, you get to see Stadshuset, Gamla Stan, and Riddarholmen. Go when the sun is out, and don’t forget to explore the surrounding area. This part of Södermalm is full of cute shops, restaurants, and cafés, as well as some iconic red wooden homes.
The pathway is very accessible for both wheelchair users and strollers. Do bear in mind the surrounding streets are quite steep, and the path can get slippery in winter.
Visit a Bastu (Sauna)
The sauna is a lifestyle in Sweden, making it a relaxing and cultural experience in one.
📍 Google Maps Folkbastu – Castor & Pollux | Website | Hours: 9 am – 9 pm daily | Entrance: from 154 SEK
Going to a sauna isn’t just a relaxing activity in Sweden, it’s a way of life. Called a bastu in Swedish, these wooden cabins sporting log burners are a place to socialize and sweat out the stress of the day. Complete the experience by jumping into the freezing water afterwards.
On our trip to Stockholm, we enjoyed Folkbastu’s Castor sauna. This community-driven sauna on Södermalm is the perfect introduction to saunaculture. You have to light the hearth yourself, and the only way to cool off is by jumping in the river.
Fotografiska
Even laymen will feel inspired by this museum’s diverse photography exhibitions. And if not, at least they will enjoy its incredible restaurant.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +46 8 50900500 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 11 pm daily | Entrance: 195 SEK, adults, free under 16
The Fotografiska museum is my favorite museum in Stockholm. This former Art Nouveau customs building is the place for inspiring photography. Their temporary exhibitions are diverse and distinctive, and a must-visit for photographers and non-photographers alike.
Besides great photos, Fotografiska is also known for its top-floor restaurant. Here, your fika gets served with stunning views of the city’s skyline.
Day Trip to Uppsala
Sweden’s oldest university town is a relaxed destination for a day-trip.
📍 Google Maps | 👉 Book Uppsala Must-See 2 Hour City Walk on Viator
Home to Sweden’s oldest university, Uppsala is the country’s center of academia. This compact city, once scholar and botanist Carl Linnaeus’ home, is the place to go for history buffs. But its relaxed atmosphere makes it a must-see for anyone looking to escape Stockholm’s buzz.
You can easily fill a day exploring the university’s sights, like the botanical garden, or the center’s historical buildings, like the Cathedral. But when you’re there, don’t forget to visit one of its waterfront terraces or quaint cafés for a traditional fika as well.
🚗 How to Get There: Getting to Uppsala is super easy, as a direct 40-minute train leaves every 20 minutes. You can book your train tickets on the SJ webpage, or buy them at the station.
Tantolunden Park
Stockholm’s cutest park sports tiny cottages and well-groomed private gardens.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +46 8 50812000 | Website
Tantolunden Park, located on Södermalm, was one of the cutest places I visited on my trip to Stockholm. The park is hilly and lush, with lots of trees perfect for a picnic.
But its main sights are the tiny cottages with private gardens that come alive during the summer. The locals who own the gardens spend their free hours tending their crops or enjoying the sun on their porch.
Go here on a sunny day and walk along the red fences, or find a piece of grass with a good view of the cottages.
Day Trip to Tyresta National Park
Only 30 minutes from Stockholm by bus, this national park is a haven for hiking enthusiasts and outdoorsy travelers.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +46 8 7410876 | Website | 👉 Book Sunset Hike in Tyresta National Park with Meal on Viator
One thing I loved most about Stockholm is its proximity to nature. Not counting its urban national park, Djurgården, Tyresta National Park is the city’s closest major forest. The park is only 30 minutes away by bus and offers myriad hiking routes and sights.
We started our hike at Tyresö slott, a stunning castle just outside the park. This path circled a lake and led us through coniferous forests and villages with red wooden homes. When doing this hike, make sure that you’re wearing proper hiking boots, as it can get muddy after rain.
Bio Rio Breakfast Screenings
This 1940s cinema is best enjoyed with a cappuccino and cinnamon bun on a slow Sunday morning.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +46 8 6699500 | Website | Hours: 5 – 10 pm Mon, 9 am – 10 pm Tue-Thu, 9 am – midnight Fri, 10 am – midnight Sat, 10 am – 10 pm Sun | Tickets: from 125 SEK
With its artsy red and blue LED lights hanging over the entrance, Bio Rio is hard to miss. This 1940s cinema might only have one screen, but it is Stockholm’s most popular venue for arthouse films.
Even more popular are its breakfast screenings. Every Sunday at 10:30 am, the theatre offers breakfast packages to go with your movie ticket. So whether you’re in for a slow morning or went clubbing the night before, this is one of the best ways to start your Sunday.
An important note, though, is that your ticket does not include breakfast. If you want the breakfast package, you need to reserve and pay for it on their website when booking your seat. But if you don’t want a full breakfast, they also offer drinks and cinnamon buns at the cash register.
Museums & Culture
Nationalmuseum
Sweden’s largest art and design museum offers a glimpse into the country’s creative past and present.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +46 8 51954300 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 5 pm daily, 11 am – 8 pm Thursdays, Closed Mondays | Entrance: 160 SEK adults, free under 20 and on Thursdays from 5 – 10 pm
The Nationalmuseum is Sweden’s largest art and design museum. Its collection spans from the Middle Ages to the present and is a must-see if you want to learn more about Swedish art and design history.
Architecture enthusiasts will also want to visit the Nationalmuseum, as its halls are adorned with murals, painted ceilings, and an endless number of classical sculptures. And if you’re spending an afternoon here, don’t forget to visit its eclectic wine bar and restaurant.
👉 Pro Tip: Most museums in Stockholm offer free nighttime entry once a week. This means the Nationalmuseum is open from 5 to 8 pm on Thursdays. Not only great for budget travelers, but also worthwhile if you want to experience a museum in an informal and vibrant setting.
Moderna Museet
This museum offers a vast collection of all your favorite contemporary and modern artists.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +46 8 52023500 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 8 pm Tue & Fri, Closed Mondays, 10 am – 6 pm all other days | Entrance: 170 SEK, adults, free under 18 and on Fridays 5 – 8 pm
Moderna Museet is one of multiple museums located on Skeppsholmen. As the name suggests, the museum has a modern and contemporary collection. Artists on display range from Salvador Dalì to Picasso and Matisse, making it a must-visit for modern art enthusiasts.
The museum is also home to a coffee bar, restaurant and café, which are all free to visit without a ticket. Like most restaurants on Skeppsholmen, both the restaurant and Café Blom serve seasonal products and dishes.
Liljevalchs Konsthall
This contemporary kunsthalle showcases work from international, Swedish, established and emerging artists, and is the perfect place to be surprised.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +46 8 50831330 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 5 pm daily, 11 am – 8 pm Tuesdays & Thursdays | Entrance: 165 SEK adults, free under 18 and Mondays 11 am – 5 pm
Liljevalchs is Stockholm’s largest kunsthalle, which means that it’s a gallery without a permanent exhibition. Its temporary exhibitions show both international and Swedish contemporary art, from either established or emerging artists.
Visiting a contemporary kunsthalle like Liljevalchs is a great way to get to know new artists and discover your own artistic taste. But if your time is limited, check the exhibitions ahead of time to see if you’re interested, or hop in and out for free on Mondays between 11 am and 5 pm.
Prins Eugens Waldemarsudde
Once home to a Swedish prince, this castle now hosts his vast art collection, floral gardens, mills, and sculptures.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +46 8 54583700 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 5 pm daily, 11 am – 8 pm Thursdays, Closed Mondays | Entrance: 170 SEK adults, free under 19
Prins Eugens Waldemarsudde is more than a museum; it’s the former home of Prince Eugen, a member of the Swedish royal family.
A painter himself, Prince Eugen collected many artworks during his lifetime. Having gone to art school in Paris as a Swede, he was mainly interested in French and Nordic art. Travelers with the same interest will thus feel right at home here.
But there is much more to do at this castle-like museum. Besides collecting art, the prince also designed his own garden, which sports an old mill and multiple sculptures. Wander around on a sunny day, and sit down at the nearby Café Ektorpet for a fika or simple lunch.
Thielska Galleriet
A former banker’s villa showcasing Scandinavian art, including one of the largest collections of Edvard Munch’s work.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +46 8 6625884 | Website | Hours: 12 – 5 pm daily, 12 – 8 pm Thursdays, Closed Mondays | Entrance: 160 SEK adults, free under 18
As one of 20 museums on Djurgården, Thielska Galleriet might not be on your radar. But for fans of Edvard Munch, it’s a must-visit. This former banker’s villa showcases one of the largest Munch collections, as well as works by other notable Scandinavian artists.
Furthermore, the museum is located on the eastern tip of the island. This not only makes it one of the most serene museums in Stockholm, but also an ideal starting point for a hike along the Djurgårdsbrunnkanalen.
Hallwylska Museet
This museum showcases the personal art collection and life of its former resident, the Countess Von Hallwyl.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +46 8 4023099 | Website | Hours: Tuesday: 12 – 4 pm Tue, 12 – 7 pm Wed, 12 – 4 pm Thu & Fri, 11 am – 5 pm Sat & Sun, Closed Mondays | Entrance: from 150 SEK adults, free under 19
Hallwylska Museet tells the story of an enigmatic woman. It was built in the late 19th century to be the home to Count and Countess Von Hallwyl. The Countess, Wilhelmina, was an avid art collector, traveling the world to grow her collection.
Once completed, Wilhelmina donated the house and her collection to the Swedish state, on the condition that it would remain unchanged. Since then, the building has been preserved and is now the place to be for travelers interested in the life of Swedish nobility.
But art enthusiasts will revel in the countess’s personal collection as well. At the Hallwylska Museet you’ll find classical and romantic art, some early modern pieces, drawings, artifacts, and antiques.
Viking Museum
Dive into Viking history and culture at Sweden’s only dedicated Viking museum.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +46 8 40022990 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 5 pm Mon to Fri, 10 am – 5 pm Sat & Sun | Entrance: 199 SEK adults, 175 SEK students & seniors, 195 SEK ages 7-15 free under 6
You can’t think of Northern European history without thinking of the Vikings. Whether that thought is historically correct instead of one shaped by Hollywood is another matter. The Viking Museum aims to make these medieval people less mysterious.
As the only museum in Sweden dedicated to the Viking era, it’s the best place to learn more about their history. The exhibition is interactive and showcases Viking culture, important historical figures, mythology, and daily life. And to make it more immersive, the guides even dress in Viking clothing.
Nordiska Museet
Learn about Swedish culture and history at Stockholm’s ‘magical’ ethnographic museum.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +46 8 51954600 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm daily, 10 am – 8 pm Wednesdays | Entrance: 170 SEK adults, 150 SEK senior & students, 75 SEK ages 3-18 on weekends and school holidays
The Nordiska Museet is the first thing you’ll notice when entering Djurgården. Built to be an ethnographic museum on Sweden in the 19th century, this Hogwarts-like piece of architecture still offers the ultimate crash course on Swedish culture and history since 1500.
The museum has both informative exhibitions based on historical artifacts and ethnographic research, as well as artistic exhibitions focusing on photography and folk art. If you’re the type of traveler who lives for cultural immersion, the Nordiska Museet will give you the proper context.
Junibacken
From Pippi Longstocking to the Moomins: this museum allows your kids to play inside their favorite Swedish stories.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +46 8 58723000 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm daily, 9 am – 5 pm Saturdays | Entrance: from 165 SEK adults, from 140 SEK ages 2-15, free under 2
You can’t skip Junibacken if you’re traveling with kids. This museum revolves around children’s stories written by Astrid Lindgren and other Swedish authors.
And, in true Pippi Longstocking nature, the museum is meant to be played in. Each exhibition invites your kids into a story. They can explore Pippi’s home, Villa Villekula, or visit the valley of the Moomins.
If they’re tired of playing, you can take the kids to Junibacken’s theatre’s daily plays. And if all else fails, read them a book in Sweden’s largest children’s book store. Purchasing a story there will allow you to take a piece of that magic home with you.
ABBA The Museum
Instead of browsing, you’ll dance and sing through this museum dedicated to one of the world’s most successful bands.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 10 am – 6 pm daily, longer opening hours in summer | Entrance: 249-329 SEK adults, 219-279 SEK students & seniors, 100-120 SEK ages 7-15, free under 7
If Junibacken is a kids’ playground, ABBA The Museum is one for adults. Especially if you’re a major ABBA fan.
The museum not only showcases the band’s original stage costumes, instruments, and gold records, but lets you become part of the band. You can choose to stick to the private karaoke booth or join the band’s holograms on stage for a jaw-dropping performance.
And if you want to extend your ABBA experience into the night, you could stay in the museum’s hotel. The Backstage Hotel keeps you close to the dancefloor and has a great restaurant.
Skansen
Step into a 19th-century Swedish village at the world’s oldest open-air museum.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +46 8 4428200 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 6 pm daily in summer, shorter opening hours other months | Entrance: 240 SEK adults, 200 SEK students & seniors, free under 15
Fearing that the Industrial Revolution would wipe out Sweden’s traditional way of life, Artur Hazelius founded Skansen in 1891. He gathered 150 buildings from around the country, and rebuilt them to form a 19th-century village.
This village became the world’s first open-air museum. Here, craftsmen practice their crafts in traditional clothing, and native animals live in Skansen’s zoo. This special place is not only a must-see for history buffs, but for anyone visiting Stockholm.
Vasamuseum
Discover Sweden’s sea-faring history and original 17th-century warship at this maritime museum.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +46 8 51954880 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 5 pm daily Sept – May, 8:30 am – 6 pm daily June – Aug, Wednesdays until 8 pm | Entrance: 195-240 SEK adults, free under 19
Sweden has a rich maritime history as the country borders the Baltic Sea. The Vasamuseum focuses on the 17th-century, with the original Vasa ship as its center piece.
This 17th-century warship sank immediately after leaving port and rotted in the water for centuries. While it has been restored for some decades, it is still decaying. Visiting the museum thus supports the museum’s research into how to counter the rot and preserve the ship.
A visit to the museum will take you along the ship’s voyage through the centuries and what maritime life was like in the 17th century.
Historiska Museet
From prehistory to the Viking period, this museum covers the entirety of Swedish history before 1500.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +46 8 51955600 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 5 pm daily, Wednesdays until 8 pm, Closed Mondays | Entrance: 180 SEK adults, free under 19, half price Wednesday 5 – 8 pm
Where the Nordiska Museet focuses on Swedish daily life after the 15th century, the Historiska Museet centers the period before 1500. From Roman times to the Vikings, the museum highlights both Swedish culture and pivotal moments in history.
If the Viking Museum sounded interesting to you, but you would like more historical context, then this museum is for you.
Spritmuseum
Learn more about the complicated Swedish drinking culture at this interactive spirit museum.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +46 8 12131300 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 10 pm daily | Entrance: 190 SEK adults, 140 SEK students & seniors, 95 SEK ages 15-18, free under 15
The drinking culture in Sweden is complicated. Costs are high due to mental health issues and higher criminal rates caused by excessive drinking during dark winter days. Still, there are wine bars everywhere in Stockholm and some people make their own alcohol, called Måneskin.
The Spritmuseum covers this complex drinking culture from the 15th century to the present day. Exhibitions cover typical Swedish drinks, the prohibition period, and the Swedes’ relationship to alcohol.
You can visit the museum on your own, or book a guided tour with a complementary drink. For those looking to splurge, there’s the Time Travel Dinner which takes you through three centuries of Swedish food and drink.
Sites & Attractions
Storkyrkan
Stockholm’s oldest church mixes baroque and Medieval elements and has seen many important royal events.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +46 8 7233000 | Hours: 9:30 am – 5 pm daily | Entrance: 120 SEK adults, 95 SEK seniors & students, free under 19
Storkyrkan lies at the heart of Gamla Stan, the Old Town, and is Stockholm’s oldest church. It was built in the 13th century, the age when the city was founded. Its exterior might be baroque, but its interior is classically medieval.
Its proximity to the Kungliga Slottet also means the church has seen many royal weddings and coronations. You can visit the church any day to learn more about its history and see the city’s oldest painting: Vädersolstavlan.
Kungliga Slottet
Visit the Swedish king’s primary residence in the heart of Gamla Stan.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +46 8 4026100 | Website | Hours: 10 am – 4 pm daily | Entrance: 220–240 SEK adults, 110–120 SEK ages 7-17, free under 7
Sweden is one of Europe’s 12 remaining monarchies. Even though its political power lies in the hands of parliament, the king, Carl XVI Gustaf, still carries the title of head of state.
The Kungliga Slottet, or Royal Palace, is the king’s main residence. Similar to Buckingham Palace in London, you can see the daily changing of the guard, and visit the Royal Apartments and Treasury by yourself or with a guide.
The palace also offers some interesting themed tours, like one on the monarchy’s queer history. Check out their website for the latest information.
Centralbadet
Bathe in the atmosphere of the early 20th century at Stockholm’s iconic Art Nouveau spa.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +46 8 218821 | Website | closed for renovations, will reopen autumn 2026
Centralbadet offers a unique bathing experience. This historical spa was built in 1904 in the Art Nouveau style, and is still a popular destination among locals and tourists.
The swimming pool is exceptionally beautiful, but the rest of the facilities are worth a peek, too. Centralbadet offers saunas, light therapy for the darker days, and a rooftop terrace. Its restaurant, Ecobaren, is a healthy lunch and dinner spot, while its Art Nouveau garden is great for a meditation session.
Centralbadet is thus a must-visit both as a sight and a relaxing break after tons of sightseeing. Unfortunately, it is currently closed for renovations, but the restaurant is still open and they offer treatments at Engelbrektsgatan 5.
Gröna Lund
Sweden’s oldest amusement park offers both adrenaline-pumping rides as well as laid-back concerts by the harbor.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +46 10 7089100 | Website | Hours: check their calendar | Entrance: from 445 SEK adults, from 395 SEK ages 4-8, free under 4 and 65+
Those looking for an adrenaline rush, or traveling with kids will want to visit Gröna Lund. Sweden’s oldest amusement park offers thrilling rollercoaster rides as well as slow carousels for the young ones.
Not looking for rollercoasters, but want to listen to some music? With its three stages, Gröna Lund has got something for any music taste. Check their calendar for the latest shows.
Stadshuset
Stockholm’s iconic city hall towers over the city and can’t be missed, even if you tried.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +46 8 50829330 | Website
The Stadshuset is Stockholm’s city hall and the municipality’s current seat. With its tall tower overlooking the water, this impressive building is one of Stockholm’s most popular sights.
Although the building is still in use, several rooms, its tower, and the gardens can be visited by the public. But my favorite way to explore the Stadhuset is from the multiple viewpoints along Lake Malären. Grab a coffee and enjoy the view from here when it’s sunny.
Långholmsparken
Stockholm’s former prison island is now home to one of its lushest and most tranquil parks.
📍 Google Maps | Website
You wouldn’t guess the idyllic Långholmsparken was once Sweden’s version of Alcatraz. But its criminal history is what has transformed this rocky island into something fertile and lush. The park, grown from mud hauled by former prisoners, is now a popular spot for Sunday strolls.
The island also has a couple of historical sights to explore, and has transformed the former prison into a hostel and hotel. Staying here is especially great during summer, as it’s a popular spot for swimming and kayaking.
Tyska Kyrkan
This Neo-Gothic church was built by and for German merchant settlers in the Middle Ages.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +46 8 4111188 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 3 pm Friday to Sunday
Tyska Kyrkan, a medieval church in Gamla Stan, might not be as impressive as Storkyrkan, but it has an interesting history. During the 14th and 15th centuries, international merchants traveled to and settled in Stockholm. And the German merchants particularly grew in size.
Back then, membership in the different branches of Christianity greatly shaped people’s identity and social standing. The Germans, a largely Lutheran group, thus needed their own church. So, together with the Swedish, they built Tyska Kyrkan.
Now, this Neo-Gothic church is also known as the German church and dedicated to Saint Gertrude. It still holds services every Sunday at 11 am and is a must-visit for those interested in Christian history.
Metro Stations
Stockholm does metro stations differently, as artists decorated most of them.
Usually, metro stations are just places of transit. But in Stockholm, they are destinations themselves. Around 80% of the city’s metro stations have been decorated by artists, and each carries a unique identity.
Some of the prettiest metro stations are Kungsträdgården, Rådhuset, T-Centralen, and Thorildsplan. But you’ll encounter plenty of others on your own when navigating through the city by public transport.
Djurgården National Park
Hike, bike, or kayak your way through the world’s first urban national park.
📍 Google Maps | +46 8 6677701 | Website | 👉 Book Stockholm Royal Djurgården Boat Tour on Viator
While reading this guide, you might have noticed Stockholm is great at ‘firsts’. So it’s unsurprising that Djurgården is the world’s first national park within a city.
While the island contains 20 of Stockholm’s museums, it is mostly covered by lush forests and meadows. This green oasis is a haven for outdoorsy travelers. Djurgården offers multiple hiking and biking routes and is a popular spot for kayaking.
Spend a morning hiking along its trails and don’t forget to stop at Rosendals Trädgård along the way.
Food & Drinks
Östermalmshallen
Foodies and architecture fanatics will want to visit Stockholm’s most luxurious food hall.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 9:30 am – 7 pm Mon – Fri, 9:30 am – 5 pm Saturdays, Closed Sundays
The Östermalmshallen is worth a visit just for the architecture. The exterior feels industrial, sporting red bricks and a tower. The interior, though, sports quaint wooden stalls and colorfully decorated walls and pillars.
The central stalls sell fresh produce, like fish, cheese, and vegetables, while the outer walls are dedicated to traditional Swedish restaurants. If you’re a foodie wanting to try some local cuisine in a picturesque setting, you’ll want to get lunch at one of these places.
Unfortunately for budget travelers, the prices at the Östermalmshallen are steep. So, if you’re looking for a cheap bite, head to the Hötorgshallen instead.
Hötorgshallen
While this food hall might not be as photogenic, the food will make any traveler crave to come back.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 10 am – 7 pm Mon – Thu, 10 am – 8 pm Fridays, 10 am – 5 pm Saturdays, Closed Sundays
It might not be as chic as the Östermalmshallen, but the Hötorgshallen does host some scrumptious restaurants and vendors. Located in the mall and office complex Hötorgscity, here, you can eat your way around the world.
But I would recommend grabbing lunch at the fish restaurant Kajsas Fisk. You might have to wait in line for a table, but once you get one, you can try classics like Toast Skagen, fried herring, and their popular fish soup.
Mosebacketerrassen
This is Stockholm’s best rooftop terrace for a summer drink.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: From 12 pm Thu-Sun, when the weather is nice
When the weather is nice, the Mosebacketerrassen is the best place to hang out. The terraces bordering the Sodra Teatern fill up with locals looking for a beer, the sun, and a panoramic view of the city.
And once summer hits, they occasionally throw concerts on the terrace. So, if you’re traveling to Stockholm in July or August, check out their calendar for the latest events.
Hornstulls Strand
This waterfront walkway comes alive in summer, when locals flock to its terraces and market.
Hornstulls Strand is a waterfront walkway on Södermalm, sporting numerous cafés, restaurants, and nightclubs. This street and the nearby park get incredibly busy during the summer, making it the perfect place for a drink and mingling with locals.
Besides the regular cafés, you can find Hornstulls Marknad here every Saturday and Sunday from April to September. This market offers food, antique, literature, fashion, and design stalls.
Restaurant Pelikan
When a restaurant is over three centuries old, it must be good. And it is, as it’s one of the best places to try classic Swedish food.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +46 8 55609090 | Website | Hours: 11:30 am – 1 am daily
The Pelikan is a historical restaurant in Södermalm. While the restaurant itself is a little over a century old, there has been some form of hospitality in the building since the 17th century.
Its classic yet cozy interior reflects that heritage, and makes it the perfect place to spend an evening with friends or a loved one. Additionally, their menu is full of Swedish classics. And I can confirm it is the best place to try Svenska Köttbulla, Swedish meatballs.
Wine Bars
If you’re a wine connoisseur or just love a good glass of red, you must visit one of Stockholm’s many wine bars.
📍 Google Maps Alba vinbar nytorget | Phone: +46 8 369650 | Website | Hours: 4 pm – 11 pm Sun-Thu, 4 pm – 1 am Fri & Sat
Despite the hefty price tag on anything alcoholic, Stockholm is full of trendy wine bars. Wine bars can offer something different and unique in contrast to alcoholic beverages available at government-owned Systembolage.
But their rising popularity also means locals are increasingly interested in wine and prefer to spend their evenings at sophisticated yet cozy bars. So, even though Sweden is not a major wine producer, wine lovers must visit at least one wine bar on their trip.
I can highly recommend Alba, which we visited on our trip, but other great bars are Savant, Tyge & Sessil, and Nektar.
Fika
This is Sweden’s most popular social tradition, and always involves something delicious.
📍 Google Maps Stora bageriet | Phone: +46 8 277272 | Website | Hours: 7:30 am – 6 pm Mon-Fri, 8 am – 6 pm Sat & Sun
While you might think fika stands for coffee and pie, it’s more than that: it’s a social tradition. The term refers to a coffee or tea break, which is often paired with something sweet and done in the morning. The break is generally planned and meant to rekindle connections.
Fika quickly became our favorite moment of the day, and we explored many cafés. Some of our favorites were Fotografiska’s restaurant, the Old Orangery, Mellqvist Café & Bar, and Rosendals Trädgård.
Kanelbullar
Probably Sweden’s most popular pastry, these cinnamon buns are the best you’ll ever have.
📍 Google Maps Mellqvist Café & Bar | Phone: +46 8 7707010 | Website | Hours: 6 am – 10 pm daily, 6 am – 8 pm Sundays
When planning our trip to Stockholm, I was most excited for the kanelbullar, also known as cinnamon buns. But don’t confuse them with American cinnamon rolls! The recipes are very different. The Swedish types include cardamom and exclude eggs, for one, making the dough soft and buttery.
Cardamom buns, or kardemummabullar, are also quite popular. They are similar to kanelbullar, but contain more cardamom and use a different folding technique. You can get both at every bakery, but my favorites were Mellqvist Café & Bar, Stora Bageriet and Fabrique.
Fermented or Fried Herring
Herring is a common fish in Sweden, and is eaten in a variety of ways.
📍 Google Maps Restaurant Kajsas Fisk | Phone: +46 8 207262 | Website | Hours: 11 am – 6 pm Mon-Thu, 11 am – 7 pm Fri, 11 am – 5 pm Sat, Closed Sundays
Like in most other Northern European countries, herring is quite popular in Sweden. But while we Dutch prefer lightly pickled herring with onions and pickles, the Swedes love Surströmming.
Surströmming is canned, fermented herring, and to many non-Swedes, it tastes rotten. Try it if you’re braver than me. But if not, do what we did and order fried herring at Kajsas Fisk in the Hötorgshallen.
Old Orangery
Try some organic pies or lunch at this idyllic former greenhouse.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +46 8 6120010 | Website | Hours: 10:30 am – 4 pm daily
The Old Orangery is located in the Bergianska Trädgården and is the perfect fika and lunch spot. This former greenhouse has a seasonal and organic menu, with most ingredients coming from their own garden.
Start your visit with a cappuccino and one of their scrumptious pies. Then go for a stroll through the surrounding park or the Victoriahuset botanical garden, and return to the orangery for lunch. You won’t regret it.
Svenska Köttbulla
Swedish meatballs are Sweden’s most popular savory dish.
If you’ve visited Ikea once in your life, you probably know of Swedish meatballs. But theirs don’t come close to the proper Svenska köttbulla, which are soft and flavorful.
While every Swedish family has their own favorite recipe, the meatballs are often eaten with gravy and mashed potatoes. The best ones we had during our trip were those at Pelikan Restaurant. Skip the Meatballs for the People, as a friend told us it’s a major tourist trap.
Toast Skagen
This shrimp salad-covered toast is a Swedish staple and a must-try when visiting Stockholm.
I hadn’t heard of toast skagen before coming to Stockholm, but upon arrival, I saw it in nearly every restaurant. This toast, covered with shrimp salad containing dill, onion, cream, mayonnaise, and fish eggs, is a Swedish lunch staple.
We had a delicious one at Kajsas Fisk in the Hötorgshallen, but you can also opt for a fancier one at Östermalmshallen. And if both are off the table for you, just try any odd lunch spot.
Rosendals Trädgård
This biodynamic garden and farm serves a delicious and organic lunch in their cozy greenhouse.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 11 am – 4 pm daily
Rosendals Trädgård is a garden within Djurgården National Park and a foundation dedicated to biodynamic farming. The terrain is largely covered by vegetable, fruit, and flower patches, which are great for a stroll.
But its main attraction is its garden café. Here, they serve a buffet-style fika and lunch, which are mainly made of ingredients from their own farm. You can sit outside with a view of the garden, or inside the large greenhouse.
After lunch, check out their garden and farm shops as well. Even if you’re not able to take anything home, both are too cute to miss.
👉 Pro Tip: In July, you can pick your own flowers. Just check their website in advance to make sure there are still flowers left.
Night Out & Live Music
Kungliga Dramatiska Teatern
Sweden’s national theater stage is the place to see the country’s best performers.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +46 8 6656100 | Website | Hours: depends on show
Theater lovers will need to visit the Kungliga Dramatiska Teatern, as it’s Sweden’s most prestigious theater stage. Showing both classic and modern plays, it has something for everyone.
While most performances will be in Swedish, the theater does provide subtitles. This way, you get to see the crème de la crème of the Swedish theater without having to learn the language.
Even if you’re not into theater, you’ll want to visit the stage on a guided tour. The interior is as luxurious as its golden exterior, with red velvet and extensive murals everywhere.
Södra Teatern
While it’s Stockholm’s oldest theater, Södra Teatern is anything but stuffy.
📍 Google Maps | Website
While the Kungliga Dramatiska Teatern is the most prestigious theater, Södra Teatern is Sweden’s oldest. But it showcases much more than plays. Besides the occasional Swedish drama, they host concerts, club nights, and other forms of entertainment.
Södra Teatern is thus impossible to fit in a box, which means any traveler can find something they like here. But if you’re planning to visit, do check the schedule and book your tickets ahead of time.
Stampen
Located in a former pawn shop, this music café has hosted the world’s best jazz and rhythm-and-blues artists since 1968.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 5 pm – 12 am Sun-Thu, 5 pm – 2 am Fri, 1 pm – 2 am Sat, Closed Mondays
Jazz and rhythm-and-blues lovers will want to spend an evening at Stampen. With concerts every night of the week, this café breathes live music. It opened its doors for the first time in 1968, in the Old Town’s former pawn shop, which still gives it a retro ambiance.
Reserving a table is unfortunately not possible. So, if you want to be assured of a seat, head to Stampen early and grab a light dinner and a drink at the bar.
Fasching
Stockholm’s most prestigious jazz club lets you enjoy your dinner while listening to the best artists of the moment.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +46 8 200066 | Website | Hours: depends on event
Originally a jazz venue, Fasching has become much more since its conception in 1977. Now, it’s a concert venue, club, restaurant, and bar in one. Its restaurant serves fine yet hearty food, while its club nights revolve around soul and disco.
But above all, it is still the best place in Stockholm for a jazz concert. Jazz artists run the place, and its stage has seen some big names. The best way to enjoy the music is to reserve a table and have dinner during the concert.
Lykke Live
From fair-trade coffee corporation to an intimate concert venue, the Lykke café has it all.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: 9 am – 6 pm Sun-Tue, 9 am – 10 pm Wed-Thu, 9 am – 12 am Fri-Sun | Entrance: depends on event
Most of the time, Lykke is a café, restaurant, and coffee corporation. With their own coffee farms around the globe, they’re in complete control of the entire production chain. This way, they aim to create coffee that is good for people and the planet.
I can attest to the quality of their coffee and pastries: we came back for them numerous times. But what made Lykke extra fun were their live music nights on Thursdays and Fridays.
During these two nights, their speakeasy-like basement transforms into a stage, showcasing up-and-coming artists. We saw a hip-hop/funk/r&b band and had the time of our lives! Just come early or buy your tickets in advance, as it can get busy.
Venues in Slakthusområdet
Dive deeper into Stockholm’s alternative music scene at Hus7, Slaktkyrkan or Hosoi.
📍 Google Maps | Hus7 and Slaktkyrkan Website | Hosoi Website
Slakthusområdet might seem like a boring industrial zone, but it harbors three unique music venues. Travelers wishing to go under the radar will find it at Hus7, Slaktkyrkan, and Hosoi.
Hus7 is located in an industrial building and mostly programs post-punk, new wave and alternative, while Slaktkyrkan mainly hosts rock and metal bands. The chill Hosoi is something else entirely, though. This trendy restaurant serves natural wines and well-balanced bites with their frequent live music nights.
Whichever venue you choose, you’ll get a good impression of the Swedish underground music scene.
Stallet
Whether you want to listen to Irish songs or dance to tango music, you can do it all at Stockholm’s folk music venue.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +46 765251773 | Website | Hours: depends on event
If you’re always hunting for new music styles to listen to, you must spend an evening at Stallet. This venue programs folk music from all over the world: from Scottish choirs to Latin-American flamenco.
Besides concerts, Stallet also offers numerous workshops and dance nights. You can learn how to play klezmer on your instrument, or practice your salsa on their dance floor. Check their website for the latest events.
Seasonal Activities
Kayaking Around the Islands
Participate in one of Sweden’s most exciting water sports and experience its natural beauty.
📍 Google Maps | Phone: +46 8 7400505 | Website | Hours: May to September, check website for up-to-date hours | 👉 Book Winter Kayaking, Swedish Fika and hot Sauna Experience on Viator
Due to the amount of water in Sweden, kayaking is a popular outdoor sport among locals and travelers alike. Even its capital lends itself well for this activity. Throughout Stockholm you’ll therefore find multiple kayak rentals and routes.
I’d recommend renting a kayak on Långholmen and picking one of Langholmen Kajak’s routes. If you’re new to kayaking and spooked by the traffic on the water, I recommend doing a tour like this one instead.
While it’s most common to rent a kayak for just a day, you can also opt to do a multi-day tour in the area. These types of tours, where you wild camp along Sweden’s coast, are an incredible way to experience the country’s natural beauty. However, these should always be done with a guide if you’re not an experienced kayaker.
Skiing at Hammarbybacken
Enjoy views of Sweden’s capital instead of mountains while racing down its slopes.
📍 Google Maps | Website | Hours: check website for up-to-date hours
Deciding between a city trip and skiing trip? In Stockholm, you can combine the two! Granted, Hammarbybacken only has three easy slopes, but its location makes it iconic. Skiing with a view of such a gorgeous city is quite extraordinary.
You can buy a ticket and rent skis on the Hammarbybacken website. And if you’re visiting in summer but would still like to do something adventurous, you can go here for summer skiing on artificial grass or climbing.
Swimming at Långholmen
As summer hits and temperatures peak, join the locals at one of Stockholm’s most popular beaches for a refreshing dip.
In late spring and summer, Stockholm transforms into a vacation paradise. Locals flock to the city’s terraces for drinks with friends or head to the numerous beaches for a swim. Whether they’re free or at work, the beach becomes an easy destination on days with over 17 hours of sunlight.
Of these beaches, Långholmen’s is one of the most idyllic and popular. As it’s nestled in the Långholmsparken, its trees offer plenty of shade. And a cold drink is never far away with the quaint Stora Henriksvik café nearby.
Boat Tour
In a city filled with water, doing a boat tour gives you an entirely new perspective.
👉 Book Stockholm Archipelago Tour by Classic Wooden Boat with Guide on Viator
In Stockholm, water is omnipresent: the archipelago alone consists of over 24,000 islands. And while there is a lot to do on land, seeing the city from the water offers travelers a unique perspective.
Hopping on a ferry is a good option when traveling on a budget, but I recommend doing a tour with a classic boat instead. This way, you get to see the city’s major sights while the skipper tells the buildings’ stories.
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With so many things to do in Stockholm, you’ll have plenty to choose from. And once you’ve decided on your itinerary, pick your accommodation after reading my where to stay guide.