9 Amazing Things to Do in Stockholm (includes map)

Last Updated: September 21, 2024

The last stop on our Scandinavia itinerary was Stockholm, the capital of Sweden. We spent 5 nights exploring Stockholm tourist attractions to report back to you with the best of the best. Spoiler alert: The city blew us away.

Stockholm is an archipelago made up of 14 islands surrounded by the Baltic Sea and Lake Malaren. Its modern features are complemented by nature just a stone’s throw away. And although it’s the largest city in all of Scandinavia, there is something comforting about a Stockholm city break. 

We got a taste of Fika in Gothenburg, Sweden, but in Stockholm, we experienced Lagom, another concept in Swedish philosophy. It is the essence of the Swedish lifestyle, promoting moderation, balance, and humility. And that is what we decided to attribute the calmness of Stockholm to.

Since the capital was pretty much unharmed in WWII, we saw architecture that has been preserved. Some of the buildings date back all the way to the 1200s. Exploring the city is like spinning the carousel slide projector loaded with images of unique architecture, beautifully dressed Swedes, and so many boutique shops flaunting Swedish design. It took all of our willpower to resist buying stuff from Swedish designers due to the lack of space in our luggage.

The number of things to do in Stockholm, Sweden is dizzying. We compiled this travel guide plucking the best of the bunch to help you have a wholesome Stockholm visit.

Top Experiences in Stockholm

Stockholm Public Library

Stadsbiblioteket is a pretty intriguing building from the outside, kind of resembling a factory, the inside of which never fails to impress. The 360-degree tower seen from the outside is a large rotunda lined with rows of books from floor to ceiling. You can climb to the upper stacks from where the view over the space is jaw-dropping. Needless to say, the library is a must-visit for photography aficionados and bibliophiles.

Vasa Museum

Back in Sweden’s 17th-century heyday, the world’s greatest ship was commissioned. An ornate and powerful vessel, filled to the brim with weaponry, it was Titanic’s wooden predecessor that, unlike the Titanic, did not make it very far out of Stockholm’s harbor in 1628. Under the weight of all the firepower, the ship capsized and sank only moments after setting sail. It rested at the bottom of Stockholm’s harbor for over 300 years until it was finally pulled out, restored, and housed as the main attraction of Vasa Museum. Now, it is the world’s best preserved 17th-century ship that, with all its stateliness, makes Vasa Museum one of the best museums in Stockholm.

Gamla Stan 

Gamla Stan, otherwise known as Stockholm’s old town, is one of the oldest and best-preserved medieval towns in Europe. We loved walking through the cobblestone alleyways snaking through the town. They are fringed with colorful buildings that would tell fascinating stories if they could talk. By joining a walking tour around Gamla Stan, your guide will tell you all the stories on behalf of the buildings. But the biggest tourist magnet is Stortorget, the oldest square in Sweden, home to stunning buildings, museums, and important landmarks like the Royal Palace.

Royal Palace

The Royal Palace is one of the biggest and most visited Stockholm tourist attractions. We thought it was a stunning 18th-century building made up of over 600 rooms, and although not all of them are open to the public since it’s the current residence of the King of Sweden, it is still incredibly vast. Touring the stately Baroque style palace gives insight into the regal life of Swedish royalty.

Nobel Prize Museum

The Nobel Prize, founded by Alfred Nobel, a Stockholm-born inventor, has a museum dedicated to the history, discoveries, and creativity of the laureates. Visiting the museum is one of the best activities in Stockholm and an extremely interesting one at that. The permanent exhibition allows you to explore the ideas of over 900 minds through short films and artifacts.

Abba Museum

Visiting the Abba Museum was the most fun we’ve had anywhere except for the Happiness Museum in Copenhagen. We sang “Dancing Queen” as we walked through the museum that was dedicated to the biggest pop band in Sweden. It is responsible for tracks that are recognized all over the world, goes to show how proud the Swedes are of ABBA. With its super interactive exhibits, you can sing along with ABBA, dress up in their costumes, quiz your ABBA knowledge, and play games. Just make sure to go early because once the crowds start to form around the best exhibits, the experience turns into a waiting game instead.

Stockholm Metro Art Gallery

Stockholm uniquely combines the functionality of their public transport and visual appeal. They have turned their metro into the world’s longest art gallery. We learned that about 90 of over 100 metro stations in Stockholm are decorated with stunning art installations. Many resemble caves with exposed walls of granite, riding the metro feels like an archeological excursion in search of art. At the price of a train ticket, you could be riding from station to station all day, uncovering what each one has in store. But if you don’t have the luxury of time, here are a few stations that can’t be missed.

Kungstradgarden has to be at the top of the list. It is not only is it the most visually impressive but also the deepest train station. Despite controversial beginnings, this train station is the most remarkable, with stately architecture, striking art, statues, and water features. On the blue line, you’ll find T-Centralen, painted with stunning blue leaf vines that climb the ceiling. And Stadion station is sure to lift the mood of the commuters with its giant rainbow across an archway.

Fotografiska Museum

If you are looking for non touristy things to do in Stockholm, head to Sodermalm. This trendy neighborhood is home to unique boutiques, coffee shops, and Fotografiska, possibly the best museum in Stockholm. It is one of the world’s largest contemporary photography exhibitions. We loved the welcoming atmosphere, and the building is outfitted with lecture halls, gift shops, and a café offering amazing views of Stockholm.

Swedish Cuisine

Stockholm has a vibrant restaurant scene offering foodies local and international fare and options to suit every dietary preference. We learned during our stay in Sweden that the best seafood is sourced on the west coast of the country. Thus, we reserved the other popular gastronomic delight to try in Stockholm – Swedish meatballs. 

Ostermalm Market Hall

Start your gastronomic adventure through Stockholm with a visit to Ostermalm Market Hall. Considered one of the world’s best food halls and a Stockholm institution. This market carries a wide variety of good quality Swedish delicacies for you to sample. We noticed that the market hall opened its doors in 1888 and has since been renovated. It still houses the same family-run venues that have been passed through generations.

When it came to Swedish meatballs, We loved eating at Meatballs for the People. We thought it couldn’t be random and upon tasting their meatballs were absolutely unanimous in deciding that it was worth the hype. These were fine-dining style meatballs that were gourmet yet actually filling. And the flavor combination between meat, mashed potatoes, gravy, and jam is chef’s kiss worthy.

To celebrate the end of our Scandinavia itinerary, we treated ourselves to a delectable dinner experience at Prinsen. It is an iconic Stockholm restaurant that’s been open since 1897. It’s a place to indulge in traditional Swedish cuisine prepared with the finest ingredients and soak in an exquisite atmosphere. To create that Lagom balance even in fine dining, the Prinsen team blends French flair and Swedish humor in every dish. 

With lagom and hygge in tow, we bid Scandinavia a warm farewell, taking in the last views over Stockholm as we departed on the Tallink ferry en route to Helsinki, Finland. We hope our recommendations help you have an unforgettable Stockholm visit. Let us know in the comments what was the highlight of your stay, and happy exploring!

Stockholm Attraction Map