visit stockholm in july

Stockholm   Travel Guide

Courtesy of Domingo Leiva | Getty Images

Best Times To Visit Stockholm

The best time to visit Stockholm is in the summer – albeit the city's priciest season – because the temperatures are warmest and daylight lasts the longest. Average summertime highs range between 68 and 71 degrees Fahrenheit, with the hottest weather occurring in mid-July. It's important to bring layers, however, as temps can sometimes drop by 10 to 20 degrees come nightfall. The fall and spring seasons are chillier, with highs barely reaching 60 degrees, and that's only during September and May. Winters in Stockholm tend to be extremely cold but are ideal for travelers interested in winter sports or a picturesque Christmastime getaway.

Weather in Stockholm

Data sourced from the National Climatic Data Center

Find Flight and Hotel Deals

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Popular Times to Visit Stockholm

Tourism volume is estimated based on in-market destination search query interest from Google and on travel.usnews.com in 2015-2016. Hotel prices are sourced from a sample of U.S. News Best Hotels rates through 2015-2016.

Explore More of Stockholm

Things To Do

Best Hotels

You might also like

# 2 in  Best Day Trips from Florence

# 1 in  Best Places to Visit in July 2024

St. Petersburg

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

Recommended

The 25 Best Beaches on the East Coast for 2024

Timothy J. Forster|Sharael Kolberg April 19, 2024

The 50 Best Hotels in the USA 2024

Christina Maggitas February 6, 2024

The 32 Most Famous Landmarks in the World

Gwen Pratesi|Timothy J. Forster February 1, 2024

9 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in Florida for 2024

Gwen Pratesi|Amanda Norcross January 5, 2024

24 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in the U.S. for 2024

Erin Evans January 4, 2024

26 Top Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resorts for 2024

Zach Watson December 28, 2023

Solo Vacations: The 36 Best Places to Travel Alone in 2024

Lyn Mettler|Erin Vasta December 22, 2023

26 Cheap Beach Vacations for Travelers on a Budget

Kyle McCarthy|Sharael Kolberg December 4, 2023

The 50 Most Beautiful White Sand Beaches in the World

Holly Johnson December 1, 2023

The 26 Best Zoos in the U.S.

Rachael Hood November 16, 2023

Touropia Travel Experts

Discover the World

Best Time to Visit Stockholm: Month-by-Month Guide

Most known for its stunning old town and scenic waterside setting, Stockholm is built atop a sprawling archipelago in the Baltic Sea. Each year, millions visit Sweden’s cool capital to explore its many art galleries, museums and islands.

To make the most of its gorgeous green spaces and sparkling waterways, the vast majority of visitors head here between May and September. This is when the weather is warmest, the days are longest and you can actually see the sun shining! Winter too has its charms as the cold, dark days are brightened up by cosy Christmas markets and the possibility of snowfall over Gamla Stan.

To help you plan your trip to the ‘Venice of Scandinavia’, let’s take a look at what its climate is like each month. We’ll also cover what cultural events are going on and when it is more or less expensive to visit.

What’s the Weather Like in Stockholm?

Lying on the country’s southeast coast, Stockholm has a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons. Despite its northern location, temperatures remain quite mild throughout the year and its low level of precipitation is pretty evenly distributed across the months.

While winters are dark and cold with snow sometimes falling, temperatures average around 20 to 22°C (68 to 71°F) in summer. June and July also have up to 18 hours of daylight for you to stroll about or swim in the sea.

Although the days are shorter and there is less sunshine, both the cooler spring and autumn months are also quite pleasant in Stockholm. This is either when the flowers in its parks are blooming or all the trees’ leaves have a radiant golden hue to them.

Best months to visit Stockholm

As the weather is best, May through September is the peak tourist season in Stockholm. Aside from ambling about the center, you can hike, cycle and sail around the archipelago or enjoy outdoor events and music festivals. While a lot is going on, this is the most expensive and crowded period to visit.

Despite the freezing temperatures and very short days, winter can also be magical as lights and decorations are strung up and there is a very cosy atmosphere everywhere inside. If it snows, Gamla Stan looks even more picturesque if that’s possible! You can also ice skate or sip Glogg wine and buy gifts at Skansen’s cheery Christmas markets.

Stockholm in January

After the Christmas holidays and New Year’s Eve celebrations are over, January is one of the quietest months tourist-wise in Stockholm. With temperatures often dropping below freezing at night and there being just 1 hour of sunshine a day, most people stay away. The holiday lights and decorations usually stay up though for the first couple of weeks with both airfares and hotels also being cheaper.

While conditions aren’t great for wandering around the old town, there are no crowds in any of its museums. Be aware though that many close quite early at 5PM. Aside from warming up over Fika – with a coffee and maybe a cinnamon bun – you can also always ice skate or snap photos of the city in the snow.

Stockholm in February

Although there are now a couple more hours of daylight per day, February is still very much the off-season. It still drizzles quite a bit – for 14 days on average – and its skies are usually grey and overcast. Snow can still fall over the capital but is never as thick as further north in the country. Many Swedes go skiing during their ‘sportlov’ or ‘sports holidays’ in February.

With very few people around, you can visit Stockholm’s Nordic, Viking and Vasa museums to get a better feel for its rich history and culture. If the cold gets too much, you can enjoy hot saunas at Sturebadet or the traditional Satra Brunn spa town. Before Lent begins, bakeries have lots of delicious seasonal treats like cream-filled semlor buns to try.

Stockholm in March

While spring is just around the corner, the days are still very chilly and gloomy in March. On the plus side, it is one of the driest months of the year and there are around 12 hours of daylight each day. You’ll still need to wrap up warm though and spend more time indoors at places like the Royal Palace and Ostermalm Saluhall.

Prices do remain low – like its temperatures – as most tourists are put off by the city’s rather bleak, unwelcoming weather. When the sun is out though, you can take relaxing boat tours around the archipelago or amble about its pretty parks and gardens. You can also catch the end of Djurgardens’ ice hockey season or watch AIK play a thrilling football match.

Stockholm in April

Before the summer crowds arrive and its hotels become more expensive, April is really not a bad time to visit Stockholm. As there is a lot more sunshine and the flowers are blooming, it is a lovely month to stroll about the Bergius Botanic Garden or Kungstradgarden. Many also explore the Skansen Open-Air Museum or take trips to see Drottningholm Palace.

While flights are pricier during the Easter holidays, there are very few crowds at all its main attractions and museums. Many of these stay open late or host special events for Stockholm Culture Night. The last day of the month also has traditional songs and bonfires take place for Walpurgis Night. Also known as Valborg, this wards of evil and celebrates the passing of spring into summer.

Stockholm in May

With average temperatures rising to 15°C (59°F), the sun shining brightly and days lasting longer, May is when tourists finally return to the city. There is a lively yet laidback feel about the old town with more people now spending time outside. Other than exploring its peaceful gardens and green spaces, it’s well worth taking day trips to Uppsala , Sigtuna or Marifred.

As there are now 8 hours of sunshine and 17 of daylight per day, you have loads of time to cruise about its sparkling waterways. While you’ll still need a coat, cycling about Djurgarden or strolling along the Monteliusvagen are also very pleasant pastimes. The downside is that flights and hotels are much more expensive in May and the centre is way more crowded.

Stockholm in June

June is when summer really starts in the city as almost everyday seems to have one festival or another going on. While it still drizzles a bit for around 10 days on average, that doesn’t put a damper on things. Airfares and accommodation prices are higher though and queues do form at some of its main museums.

All its exciting, interesting events more than make up for this however. Besides taking part in its Sweden National Day celebrations, you can run the Stockholm Marathon or enjoy tasty treats at A Taste of Stockholm. Traditional dances, music and food all celebrate the summer solstice with Midsummer being a massive event in this part of the world.

What’s more, the Sweden Rock Festival, Lollapalooza Stockholm and Department Festival all have incredible music acts to listen to. From June through September, dozens of free dance, music and theater shows are also put on for its Parkteatern summer program.

Stockholm in July

While July and August are the peak tourist season when prices are highest, the capital empties out for a month after Midsummer. This is when many Stockholmers head to their summer cottages to relax in the pristine nature. As such, fewer events are held despite the center being packed with people, making the most of the good weather.

With its sunny days seeming almost endless, you can sunbathe on the beach or swim, kayak and sail about its waters. Visiting the Bjorno Nature Reserve or seaside resort of Sandhamn is particularly lovely though they both will be quite busy. As the humidity rises at the end of the month, July actually sees the most amount of rain in the year.

Stockholm in August

With most locals now back from their summer holiday, August is by far the busiest month in Stockholm. Most people spend a lot of time in its picturesque parks or out on its islands and cruising about its countless waterways. All kinds of outdoor concerts, theater performances and film screenings only add to its already lively ambience.

While there is definitely a great vibe about Gamla Stan and Grona Lund, prices remain high with the days also starting to shorten a bit. The humidity also means that rain showers occur maybe 13 days of the month. That doesn’t stop people from partying at Pride or enjoying all the fun events put on for Stockholm’s Culture Festival.

Stockholm in September

As the summer holidays are over and the kids are back in school, September in Stockholm is a much quieter and cheaper time to visit. While averages of 15°C (59°F) are still great for exploring the old town, the sun shines a lot less as autumn sets in. All its parks and gardens look absolutely incredible with their fiery fall colors making for some fantastic photos.

With plenty of daylight hours in which to explore, you can take boat tours of the archipelago or amble around the Skansen Open-Air Museum. There are also both the Stockholm Design and Stockholm Beer & Whisky weeks to attend. The country’s ice hockey league also starts up again while Parkteatern puts on the last of its concerts and plays.

Stockholm in October

With the days shortening and the weather turning colder, fewer people visit Sweden’s capital in October. If you’re looking for some deals, it’s not a bad time to go as accommodation is cheaper and attractions like the Vasa Museum and Royal Palace are less crowded. The parks and gardens at Djurgarden and Drottningholm Palace also look epic thanks to their amazing autumnal foliage.

Other than wandering about Gamla Stan or Millesgarden, you can catch some fabulous acts at the Stockholm Jazz Festival. Its Craft Week also has some interesting exhibitions to check out while the world’s top tennis players all battle it out at the Nordic Open. The Grona Lund amusement park is also delightfully decorated for Halloween with scary parades taking place before its haunted houses.

Stockholm in November

November is even quieter in the city as most tourists are put off by the worsening weather. Temperatures drop to just 5°C (41°F) with it also raining for 17 days on average. Aside from wrapping up warm, you’ll want to spend more time indoors at attractions such as ABBA The Museum or Fotografiska Stockholm. Prices are lower though before the holiday season.

With the sun now peeking through the clouds for just 1 hour a day, November is often quite a bleak month in Stockholm. You can, however, watch an action-packed game of Bandy – a traditional winter sport – or enjoy its International Film Festival. Later on in the month, snow may fall with Skansen’s Christmas markets bringing some much-needed cheer to the capital.

Stockholm in December

The darkest month of the year, December has just 6 hours of faint daylight a day for you to explore the city in. As temperatures also often fall below freezing at night, everyone retreats inside or wears big coats when out and about. It also drizzles a bit for around 18 days with snow sometimes coating the capital too. Many monuments and buildings are magically lit up for its Nobel Week Lights Festival.

Candlelit processions and choir performances also celebrate the ancient mythological figure of Lucia; the bringer of light in the dark Swedish winters. Otherwise there are fun Christmas markets to peruse and, of course, colourful fireworks displays and concerts for New Year’s Eve. While prices do increase a bit, December can be a memorable time to visit if you want to experience a cold but hopefully snowy Christmas in Scandinavia.

Share this post:

8 Best Day Trips from Stockholm

23 Top Tourist Attractions in Stockholm, Sweden

Where to Stay in Stockholm: Best Neighborhoods & Hotels

27 Top Tourist Attractions in Sweden

16 Best Things to do in Gothenburg, Sweden

12 Best Things to Do in Uppsala, Sweden

14 Best Things to Do in Gotland, Sweden

10 Best Places to Visit in Sweden

15 Best Cities to Visit in Sweden

14 Best Things to Do in Malmo, Sweden

Reader interactions, leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

13 BEST Things to do in Stockholm in Summer

This post contains product affiliate links. These are mainly on items/hotels/tours that I personally endorse & love. I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase, but at no extra cost to you.

From exploring palaces and cruising the archipelago to discovering the urban beaches, here are the best things to do in Stockholm in summer!

Spread out over 14 islands where Lake Mälaren meets the sea, the Swedish city of Stockholm is a capital like no other. Streets lined with classic Baroque architecture, incredible museums, and all that water: Stockholm provides incredible intellectual and visual stimulation every time you visit!

I love visiting Stockholm in summer, it is such a different experience than visiting over the winter time . After months of the short dark days, the sun comes back in full force. With up to 18 hours of daylight each day, there is plenty of time to dive into Stockholm summer activities.

Spend your days feasting your eyes on the architecture at Gamla Stan or wandering the graffiti wall of fame. And, make sure to reserve some time to get out on the water, either on a cruise or even diving right in!

Additionally, the Stockholm summer events calendar is packed and ready to please. Spend your summer weekends partying in gardens, catching a movie under the stars, or munching your way across an epic street food celebration.

So if you’re headed to Stockholm this summer, I’ve prepared a list of my favourite activities for you. Read on and find out!

Visiting Stockholm at other times of the year? Check out my guide on visiting Stockholm in winter !

Stockholm summer weather

Summers in Stockholm are delightfully sunny and comfortably warm. Over the summer months you can expect average highs of 20–25°C (68–77°F) during the day, cooling down to around 13°C (55°F) at night.

While the weather is generally warm and sunny, it can still be unpredictable in Sweden . I recommend bringing layers and a light jacket for the cooler evenings. Don’t forget your swimsuit and sunscreen!

Are you planning an amazing weekend in Stockholm? If so, you may want to book your hotels and tours asap to ensure availability. Here are some links to quickly help plan your trip!

Best hotels and apartments in Stockholm:

• Bank Hotel (best rated 5* hotel)
• Hotel Hasselbacken (best rated 4* hotel)
• Mälardrottningen Yacht Hotel (stay on a boat!)

Best activities and tours in Stockholm:

• City Archipelago Sightseeing Cruise (top rated tour!)
• ABBA The Museum Entrance Ticket (great indoor activity)
• Skansen Open-Air Museum Ticket (perfect for families)

Best things to do in Stockholm in summer

Visit stockholm’s old town: gamla stan.

One of the first things to do when you arrive in Stockholm is to get yourself acquainted with Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s Old Town. Founded in 1252, the Old Town is centred around a medieval square, Stortorget.

Comprised of picturesque, brightly painted buildings and cobbled streets, this square is a hubbub of activity with tourists and locals alike. Alongside cafes and shops, here you’ll see the Stockholm Stock Exchange. This is a great place to drink a coffee and observe the city. There are also some great walking tours to help you get acquainted.

Pro tip: come early in the morning if you’re wanting to beat the crowds and get some good pics for your ‘gram.

Cruise the Stockholm archipelago

The city proper is spread out over 14 islands, however, the greater archipelago has around 24,000 islands and islets. Isn’t that incredible!?

If you’re spending summer in Stockholm then I really recommend stepping aboard a historic ship and taking a stylish cruise . Spend 2.5 hours sailing around the archipelago, learning about the history of the sights as you cruise by. This is such a great outing!

If you don’t have time for a full cruise, then hop on one of the public transport ferries which go between the islands. These can be paid for using your SL public transport pass and it’s a great way of getting on the water.

Go for a dip

While beaches may not be your first thought when visiting Nordic countries, Stockholm actually has an abundance of places to swim. And if you’re visiting Stockholm in summer, this is the best time to make the most of them!

For a centrally located swimming area, head to Smedsuddsbadet . This popular spot has both sand and grass to stretch out on, and can become quite lively on summer evenings.

Visit Skansen: the oldest open air museum

When you’re craving a mixture of Swedish culture and history, but with a good dose of nature thrown in, it is time to visit Skansen . Set over a whopping 75 acres, this open air museum showcases the traditional ways of Swedish life. You’ll also encounter a range of Nordic wildlife.

Over the summer months, you’ll be treated to displays of singing and dancing, and there are lots of hands on activities to participate in. This is a great day out, especially if you’re travelling with kids.

Partake in fika

The Swedish tradition of fika is to pause during the day to drink coffee. Now this is something I can get behind!

While this may sound somewhat like your normal schedule, the Swedish have built this into a cultural institution. So much so, it is even built into their work contracts! Over the summer, the best place to partake in this Swedish pass time is in one of the glorious garden cafes, such as the charming Rosendal Trädgårdskafe. Here, over the summer months you can take a seat in the orchard and enjoy the full relaxation effect associated with fika.

Spend a night at the drive in

The Stockholm Film Festival holds an annual summer homage to retro drive in movie theatres. Each June screens pop up across the city, showcasing a line up of classics.

Stockholm’s mild summer evenings are just excellent for enjoying an outdoor movie. Never fear, if you don’t have four wheels to rock up in, you can hire a bicycle and show up on two. Bring a picnic to really make the most of it!

Hallwylska Palazzo

When you’re ready to treat yourself, enjoy a magnificent feast in the stunning courtyard of Hallwylska museet . Not only is the courtyard something of fairy tales, the food here is simply mouthwatering.

Marrying a combination of traditional Swedish cuisine with French and Italian inspiration, the restaurant uses high quality fresh ingredients to create incredible dishes. Sit in the sunshine and enjoy a selection small dishes, paired with one of their signature cocktails. It’s on the pricier side, but well worth it!

Down a tunnbrödsrulle

If sampling street food is more up your alley, make your way down to a late night hot dog stand to try local favourite, tunnbrödsrulle. These Anthony Bourdain approved snacks are what to eat at the end of a big night out.

Tunnbrödsrulle is the wild and glorious combination of mashed potatoes, hot dogs, lettuce, onions, shrimp salad and jalapeños, all wrapped up in flat bread. Trust me, I know how it sounds, but somehow the combination is incredible. Big night or not, you have to try this!

Snösätra Graffiti Wall of Fame

If you’re a fan of street art, an excellent summer activity is taking a sunny stroll along the Snösätra Graffiti Wall of Fame. The wall is located in an abandoned industrial area in Stockholm’s south known as Snösätra. Thanks to local artists, this area has been given a vibrant facelift and has become quite the popular destination.

Each spring artists from across the globe redo all of the artwork, so there will be a fresh gallery each year you visit. So, grab an ice cream and enjoy this open air gallery.

Rosendal Garden Party

Kicking off the Stockholm summer events calendar each year is epic festival, Rosendal Garden Party . Located in the gorgeous Rosendal Trädgård, it’s just a short walk from the centre of town.

Spread over 4 days, this festival attracts many big names. This year’s event is taking place from June 8-11, and the line up includes musical legends including Aphex Twin, and The War on Drugs. You’ll also catch many other local and international favourites. Grab some tickets and get ready to dance!

Attend a street food festival

One of my favourite parties on the Stockholm summer events calendar has to be the Street Food Festival. Featuring a vibrant mix of delicious food, craft beer, DJs and graffiti, you’re bound to leave this event full and smiling. Best of all, entrance is free!

The 2023 event is booked for 28 and 29 July. If you’re in Stockholm for these dates, be sure to check it out!

The most traditional celebration on the Stockholm summer events calendar, and one you should definitely try to catch, is the Midsommar festival . Taking place on the closest Friday to 23 June, Midsommar celebrates the longest day of the year, and the arrival of the summer months.

The occasion is marked by the whimsically donning a flower garland and dancing around a pole, while heartily consuming flavoured schnapps. How magic does that sound?

While many Sweeds have private celebrations with their families, you will find some great public events too. For the most traditional celebration, head to Skansen.

Drottningholm Palace

Spend a day visiting the residence of the royal family of Sweden at Drottningholm Palace. This impressive palace and gardens are open to the public and certainly worth the visit. The palace itself was built in the 1600s and is UNESCO listed.

There are guided tours available if you’d like to dive deep into the palace’s fascinating history. Or you can simply wander the grounds and marvel. If you’re travelling with little ones, there are some super fun activities they can take part in including going on a treasure hunt.

This is included with the Stockholm city pass which gives you access to 45+ different sites and attractions over the city. It’s a great way of saving some money if you’re in Stockholm for a few days!

Where to stay in Stockholm

Luxury: at six.

Sleek modern design, wonderful service and incredibly comfortable beds await you at At Six. This luxury hotel is centrally located and the rooms include excellent features including rainfall showers and deep bath tubs. With both a coffee machine and cocktail making facilities right in your room, you’ll be ready for every occasion.

Mid-range: Hotel With Urban Deli

Looking for a mid-range hotel that is deliciously photo-worthy? Hotel With Urban Deli is for you. The rooms in this trendy hotel feature innovative design and industrial-modern furnishings, creating a striking yet functional effect. Guests here benefit from an excellent complementary breakfast, and there is an epic rooftop space complete with bar.

Budget: Biz Apartment Hammarby Sjöstad

Enjoy the space and comfort of your own apartment during your stay at Biz Apartment Hammarby Sjöstad. Located in the city’s southern Sjöstad district, these clean and stylish apartments have everything you need for a self catered stay. They are also well connected by public transport.

So as you can see, summer is a fantastic time to visit Stockholm as there are so many activities to enjoy. Are your favourites on the list? Let me know in the comments below.

Travelling around? Then find how to get from Stockholm to Copenhagen to visit a very different city in Scandinavia.

Like this blog post? Then Pin it for the future!

About the Author

Chelsey has lived, worked and studied across 9 countries, and has travelled in 40+. When she is not laying on a beach in Thailand or eating her way across India, she can be found discovering hidden corners of London.

View all posts

Leave a comment Cancel reply

Things to do in Stockholm in July

Navigate forward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Navigate backward to interact with the calendar and select a date. Press the question mark key to get the keyboard shortcuts for changing dates.

Looking for a different month?

July is a great time to visit Stockholm . The weather is usually mildly cool with a gentle breeze, with temperatures ranging from 57—72°F (14—22°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Stockholm during this time. Some of our top recommendations: visit the Royal Palace for the changing of the guard ceremony, explore the archipelago by boat, go for a bike ride around Djurgården, and more!

Stockholm has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your July trip to Stockholm. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to July. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in Stockholm in July. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout July, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

Table of contents

• Experiences
• Weather and what to wear
• Attractions

Best events and things to do in Stockholm in July

Top experiences in july, visit the royal palace for the changing of the guard ceremony, explore the archipelago by boat, go for a bike ride around djurgården, take a guided tour of stockholm's historic old town, take a dip in the baltic sea at one of stockholm's beaches, sample traditional swedish cuisine at a summer food market, holidays in stockholm in july.

There are no holidays in Stockholm in July

Other notable holidays

• National day ( June 6 )
• Midsummer Day ( June 22 )
• All Saints' Day ( November 2 )
• Father's Day ( November 10 )
• First Advent Sunday ( December 1 )
• Second Advent Sunday ( December 8 )
• Third Advent Sunday ( December 15 )
• Fourth Advent Sunday ( December 22 )
• Christmas Day ( December 25 )
• Boxing Day ( December 26 )
• New Year's Day ( January 1 )
• Epiphany ( January 6 )
• Valentine's Day ( February 14 )
• Good Friday ( April 18 )
• Easter Sunday ( April 20 )
• Weather in Stockholm in July

Temperatures on an average day in Stockholm in July

The average temperature in Stockholm in July for a typical day ranges from a high of 72°F (22°C) to a low of 57°F (14°C). Some would describe it as mildly cool with a gentle breeze.

For comparison, the hottest month in Stockholm , July, has days with highs of 72°F (22°C) and lows of 57°F (14°C). The coldest month, January has days with highs of 30°F (-1°C) and lows of 23°F (-5°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Stockholm in July based on historical data.

Visiting Stockholm? See our Stockholm Trip Planner.

Historical temperature average in July

General weather summary, what to wear in july, best attractions for stockholm in july.

Top searches in Stockholm

Popular road trips from stockholm, what's the weather like in stockholm.

It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA on what the weather is like in Stockholm for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.

• Weather in Stockholm in January
• Weather in Stockholm in February
• Weather in Stockholm in March
• Weather in Stockholm in April
• Weather in Stockholm in May
• Weather in Stockholm in June
• Weather in Stockholm in August
• Weather in Stockholm in September
• Weather in Stockholm in October
• Weather in Stockholm in November
• Weather in Stockholm in December

All road trips from Stockholm

• Stockholm to London drive
• Stockholm to Paris drive
• Stockholm to Berlin drive
• Stockholm to Rome drive
• Stockholm to Amsterdam drive
• Stockholm to Barcelona drive
• Stockholm to Copenhagen drive
• Stockholm to Prague drive
• Stockholm to St. Petersburg drive
• Stockholm to Oslo drive
• Stockholm to Vienna drive
• Stockholm to Budapest drive
• Stockholm to Florence drive
• Stockholm to Tallinn drive
• Stockholm to Helsinki drive
• Stockholm to Moscow drive
• Stockholm to Edinburgh drive
• Stockholm to Milan drive
• Stockholm to Venice drive
• Stockholm to Dublin drive
• Stockholm to Brussels drive
• Stockholm to Munich drive
• Stockholm to Hamburg drive
• Stockholm to Krakow drive
• Stockholm to Riga drive
• Stockholm to Naples drive
• Stockholm to Turin drive
• Stockholm to Warsaw drive
• Stockholm to Bruges drive

Explore nearby places

• Saltsjo-Duvnas
• Saltsjo-Boo
• Saltsjobaden
• Gustavsberg
• Upplands-Vasby
• Vasterhaninge

All related maps of Stockholm

• Map of Stockholm
• Map of Solna
• Map of Lidingo
• Map of Nacka
• Map of Alvsjo
• Map of Sundbyberg
• Map of Bromma
• Map of Danderyd
• Map of Saltsjo-Duvnas
• Map of Farsta
• Map of Alta
• Map of Skarholmen
• Map of Huddinge
• Map of Sollentuna
• Map of Taby
• Map of Saltsjo-Boo
• Map of Saltsjobaden
• Map of Jarfalla
• Map of Ekero
• Map of Tullinge
• Map of Norsborg
• Map of Tyreso
• Map of Handen
• Map of Vaxholm
• Map of Haninge
• Map of Gustavsberg
• Map of Akersberga
• Map of Upplands-Vasby
• Map of Vallentuna
• Map of Vasterhaninge
• Map of Varmdo

Stockholm throughout the year

• Stockholm in January
• Stockholm in February
• Stockholm in March
• Stockholm in April
• Stockholm in May
• Stockholm in June
• Stockholm in July
• Stockholm in August
• Stockholm in September
• Stockholm in October
• Stockholm in November
• Stockholm in December

Looking for day-by-day itineraries in Stockholm?

Get inspired for your trip to Stockholm with our curated itineraries that are jam-packed with popular attractions everyday! Check them out here:

• 1-Day Stockholm Itinerary
• 2-Day Stockholm Itinerary
• 3-Day Stockholm Itinerary
• 4-Day Stockholm Itinerary
• 5-Day Stockholm Itinerary

• Itinerary + map in one view
• Live collaboration
• Auto-import hotels and reservations
• Optimize your route
• Offline access on mobile
• See time and distance between all your places

• What to do in Stockholm in July 2024

Why you should visit Stockholm in July

Stockholm weather in july, stockholm events in july.

• Stockholm's top places to visit in July

Flights, tours, and hotels in Stockholm

Video guide.

If you’re planning a trip to Stockholm , July is an excellent time to experience the city’s vibrant culture, outdoor activities, and pleasant weather. With longer days and a lively atmosphere, Stockholm in July offers a multitude of events and attractions for travelers to enjoy.

In July, Stockholm experiences mild and comfortable weather with an average temperature ranging from 17°C to 22°C (63°F to 72°F). This makes it perfect for outdoor explorations and enjoying the city’s numerous parks, islands, and waterfront areas.

Stockholm Pride Festival

The Stockholm Pride Festival, held in late July, is one of the city’s most iconic events. It celebrates diversity and equality with a myriad of colorful parades, concerts, and parties, creating a jubilant atmosphere throughout the city.

Midsummer Celebrations

Midsummer is a traditional Swedish festival that takes place in late June or early July. It involves dancing around the maypole, enjoying traditional food and drinks, and participating in various outdoor activities, providing a glimpse into Swedish culture and customs.

Stockholm International Film Festival Junior

This film festival, aimed at children and young adults, fills the city’s theaters with an array of international and domestic movies, creating a fantastic opportunity for families to enjoy quality cinema and engage in cultural experiences together.

Stockholm’s top places to visit in July

Djurgården island.

Djurgården is a picturesque island known for its beautiful parks, museums, and historical sites. In July, it’s an ideal spot for leisurely strolls, picnics, and visits to attractions such as the Vasa Museum and Skansen Open-Air Museum.

Gamla Stan (Old Town)

Exploring the cobblestone streets and medieval architecture of Gamla Stan is a must-do in July. Visitors can wander through charming alleyways, visit royal palaces, and indulge in local cuisine at quaint restaurants and cafes.

Archipelago Boat Tours

Embarking on a boat tour of Stockholm ‘s archipelago is a fantastic way to experience the city’s stunning coastal landscapes and picturesque islands. In July, the extended daylight hours allow for extended excursions and unforgettable views.

Vasastan Neighborhood

Vasastan is a trendy district known for its vibrant atmosphere, colorful buildings, and diverse culinary scene. It’s an excellent place to explore local shops, soak in the neighborhood’s unique charm, and savor delicious meals at cozy eateries.

Don’t forget to pack sunscreen and a water bottle for your outdoor adventures in Stockholm’s July weather.

Tours in Stockholm

On our website you can compare prices at 120 of the most popular travel agencies

Hotels in Stockholm

On our website you can find and book hotels with a discount of up to 60% off

Flights in Stockholm

On our website you can compare prices on 728 airlines to find the most suitable tickets

More articles on this topic

What to do in Marseille in October 2024

Why you should visit Marseille in October October is a fantastic time to visit Marseille, as the summer crowds have dispersed, and the weather is still pleasant. The city's vibrant...

What to do in Lucerne in May 2024

What to do in Bologna in July 2024

Why you should visit Bologna in July July is a fantastic time to explore Bologna, as the city comes alive with vibrant events, pleasant weather, and an energetic atmosphere. The...

The Best Time to Visit Stockholm, Sweden for Weather, Safety, & Tourism

The best times to visit Stockholm for ideal weather are

June 4th to August 26th

based on average temperature and humidity from NOAA (the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration). Read below for more weather and travel details.

Stockholm Travel Guide

Temperature.

• Perceived Temperature
• Rain and snow
• Humidity and wind
• The busiest and least popular months
• Overall travel experience by time of year

Other Stockholm Travel Info

Weather in stockholm.

Average temperatures in Stockholm vary drastically. Considering humidity, temperatures feel cold for most of the year with a fair chance of precipitation about half of the year. The area is less temperate than some — in the 23rd percentile for pleasant weather — compared to tourist destinations worldwide. Weeks with ideal weather are listed above . If you’re looking for the very warmest time to visit Stockholm, the hottest months are July, August, and then June. See average monthly temperatures below. The warmest time of year is generally late July where highs are regularly around 74.4°F (23.6°C) with temperatures rarely dropping below 53.2°F (11.8°C) at night.

Stockholm Temperatures (Fahrenheit)

Stockholm temperatures (celsius), “feels-like” temperatures.

The way we experience weather isn’t all about temperature. Higher temperatures affect us much more at higher humidity, and colder temperatures feel piercing with high winds. Our perceived temperatures factor in humidity and wind chill to better represent how hot or cold the day feels to a person.

Stockholm Perceived Temperature (F)

Stockholm perceived temperature (c), average stockholm temperatures by month.

Daily highs (averaged for the month) usually give the best indication of the weather. A significantly lower mean and low generally just means it gets colder at night.

Show Fahrenheit

Show celsius, precipitation (rain or snow).

If dry weather is what you’re after, the months with the lowest chance of significant precipitation in Stockholm are April, March, and then February. Note that we define “significant precipitation” as .1 inches or more in this section. The lowest chance of rain or snow occurs around late April. For example, on the week of April 23rd there are no days of precipitation on average. By contrast, it’s most likely to rain or snow in early December with an average of 2 days of significant precipitation the week of December 3rd.

Chance of Precipitation

The graph below shows the % chance of rainy and snowy days in Stockholm.

Snow on the Ground

The graph below shows the average snow on the ground in Stockholm (in).

Average Rain and Snow by Month

Show inches, show centimeters, humidity and wind.

Stockholm has some extremely humid months, and above average humidity throughout the year. The least humid month is April (60.7% relative humidity), and the most humid month is November (85.7%).

Wind in Stockholm is usually calm . The windiest month is March, followed by December and May. March’s average wind speed of around 6.3 knots (7.2 MPH or 11.7 KPH) is considered “a light breeze.” Maximum sustained winds (the highest speed for the day lasting more than a few moments) are at their highest in mid March where average top sustained speeds reach 11.8 knots, which is considered a moderate breeze.

Relative Humidity (%)

The graph below shows the average % humidity by month in Stockholm.

The graph below shows wind speed (max and average) in knots.

Average Wind Speeds

Show wind speeds.

All wind speeds are in knots. 1 knot = 1.15 MPH or 1.85 KPH.

Show Relative Humidity by Month

Is it safe to travel to stockholm.

Our best data indicates this area is somewhat safe. As of Dec 04, 2023 there are travel warnings for Sweden; exercise a high degree of caution. Check this page for any recent changes or regions to avoid: Travel Advice and Advisories . This advisory was last updated on Oct 26, 2023.

The Busiest and Least Crowded Months

The busiest month for tourism in Stockholm, Sweden is August, followed by May and June. Prices for hotels and flights will be most expensive during these months, though you can save if you purchase well in advance. Tourists are unlikely to visit Stockholm in December. Those willing to visit at these times will likely find it the least expensive month.

Estimated Tourism by Month

Most popular months to visit, overall stockholm travel experience by season, spring (march through may).

Humidity and temperatures combine to make this season feel moderately cold. Highs range from 64.8°F (18.2°C) and 36.9°F (2.7°C) with warmer temperatures in the later months. Rain is somewhat common with 3 to 5 days of significant precipitation per month. Spring is the second busiest for tourism, which makes it a good time for those looking for things to do.

Summer (June through August)

The middle-year months have comfortably cool weather with high temperatures that are comfortable. These months see moderate precipitation with 5 to 6 days of precipitation per month. June – August is the busiest season for tourism in Stockholm, so lodging and other accommodations may cost more than usual.

Fall (September through November)

Fall daily highs range from 64.4°F (18°C) and 38.1°F (3.4°C), which will feel chilly given the humidity and wind. It rains or snows a significant amount: 5 to 7 days per month. Tourism is fairly slow during these months due to the weather, so hotels may be lower priced.

Winter (December through February)

Weather is far too cold this time of year in Stockholm to be enjoyable for warm weather travelers. The average high during this season is between 37.1°F (2.8°C) and 29.5°F (-1.4°C). On average, it rains or snows a fair amount: 4 to 7 times per month. These times of year are the slowest with tourists.

Best Times to Travel › Sweden › Stockholm, Sweden

Similar Destinations

• Norrmalm, Sweden
• Gamla Stan, Sweden
• Ostermalm, Sweden
• Sodermalm, Sweden
• Vasastan, Sweden
• SoFo, Sweden
• Hornstull, Sweden
• Arsta, Sweden
• Kungsholmen, Sweden
• Johanneshov, Sweden

Popular Destinations

• Koh Phangan, Thailand
• Hua Hin, Thailand
• San Sebastian, Spain

The most unmissable experiences in stunning Stockholm

Aug 27, 2021 • 6 min read

tockholm Stadshuset at morning

Stockholm’s attractions are legion, from abundant waterways and green space to varied neighborhoods brimming with character and enough fascinating museums to keep you busy for a lifetime.

But even if you’ve only got a few days, you can see and do plenty. Whether you’re looking for history, culture or nature, here are our suggestions for places and activities that should be at the top of your list.

Every visitor to Stockholm heads to the Old Town , and for good reason. The cobblestoned streets lined with narrow buildings in warm ochre hues are a delight to wander around, especially once you get away from the touristy main drag, Västerlånggatan.

There are major attractions here, from medieval and Renaissance churches to the huge baroque Royal Palace . Yet much of Gamla Stan’s charm comes from simpler pleasures: a quiet square, a tiny alley, a hidden courtyard, or quirky delights such as Stockholm’s smallest statue, an iron boy just 5.9in (15cm) high, looking at the moon.

Stockholm’s red-brick City Hall topped with three golden crowns has been a symbol of the city since its completion in 1923. Visits are by guided tour only, with highlights including the Blue Hall, where the Nobel Prize banquet is held every year, and the opulent Golden Hall, covered in mosaics depicting key events and people in Swedish history.

Across the courtyard, the 348ft (106m) tower has spectacular 360-degree views of central Stockholm. An elevator takes you halfway up, after which there are stairs and sloping walkways to the cupola.

Strandvägen

Stretching along the Östermalm waterfront from Nybroplan to the Djurgården bridge, Strandvägen is Stockholm’s grandest boulevard. The north side of the street is lined with turreted Art Nouveau buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Along the south side, a waterfront promenade follows a quay dotted with cafés and restaurants.

Passenger ferries and sightseeing boats bound for the archipelago load at the western end. In summer Strandvägen is Stockholm at its liveliest and most beautiful, but it’s well worth a stroll in any season.

Known for its many museums, Djurgården is also a fine destination for nature and outdoor recreation. Once a royal deer park, the island has extensive woodlands and meadows crisscrossed by walking and cycling paths. Bicycles can be rented next to the bridge at the Djurgården Visitor Center and at Sjöcaféet, which also rents kayaks, canoes and pedal boats.

For a beautiful walk or ride, follow the path along the bay and canal on Djurgården’s north side from the blue gate (Blå Porten) near the bridge. It’s a little over 2.5mi (4km) to the island’s easternmost tip. About 20 minutes from the bridge, Rosendals Trädgård makes a delightful stop, with biodynamic gardens, a farm-to-table café, and a stone-oven bakery.

This custom-built museum tells the story of one of Sweden’s greatest failures: the sinking of the warship Vasa , just 20 minutes after setting sail under great fanfare from central Stockholm in 1628. Although built as an expression of Swedish military power, Vasa was fatally unbalanced, and a strong gust of wind was enough to cause her to list. Water flowed in through the open gunports, and down she went, only 0.8mi (1.3km) into her journey and just less than 394 feet (120m) from shore.

For over three centuries Vasa lay beneath the waves before being raised from the seabed in a dramatic salvage operation in 1961. The impressively preserved ship is the museum’s star attraction, but other exhibits provide background and context to this compelling tale of epic failure and amazing recovery.

The world’s oldest open-air museum, Skansen is Sweden in miniature. Since it opened in 1891, more than 150 buildings of cultural significance have been moved here from all over the country. In many of them, you can watch people in period dress making handicrafts or performing other traditional tasks. There are also various gardens representing different regions, as well as a zoo where you can see a variety of Swedish wildlife.

If you happen to be in town for any major holidays such as Walpurgis Night, National Day, Midsummer, St. Lucia Day, or Christmas, head to Skansen to experience traditional Swedish celebrations.

ABBA: The Museum

Four decades after splitting up, ABBA remains a pop music phenomenon and Sweden’s biggest musical export of all time. If you’re a fan, don’t miss this museum packed with memorabilia, from photos and letters to the group’s elaborate stage costumes and a replica of the Polar recording studio with original instruments and equipment.

Most entertaining are the many interactive stations where you can sing with the band on a hologram stage, try your hand at mixing music, dance like your favorite ABBA-avatar, or “try on” costumes in a virtual photo shoot.

Historiska Museet

For anyone interested in Scandinavia’s past, Historiska Museet is a must. Its Viking exhibit, opened in June 2021, showcases more than 2500 artifacts, with interactive stations exploring every aspect of Viking life. Another permanent exhibit picks up where the Viking exhibit leaves off, tracing Swedish history from the year 1000 to the present day, with a timeline on the floor to guide your steps.

Below ground, the glittering Gold Room displays more than 3000 gold and silver treasures, including three 5th-century heavy gold collars and a jewel-studded gold reliquary from the 13th century.

Skeppsholmen and Kastellholmen

A tranquil green oasis in the heart of the city, Skeppsholmen and Kastellholmen are a perfect break from Stockholm’s urban bustle. As you walk around these small islands, beautiful views unfold in all directions, with Strandvägen and Djurgården to the north and east, and Södermalm and Gamla Stan to the south and west. There are also interesting boats to admire, from the full-rigged sailing ship af Chapman (now a hostel) to 19th-century wooden boats and a lightship docked along Östra Brobänken.

For more than 300 years, Skeppsholmen and Kastellholmen were the domain of the Swedish Navy. Though military operations have moved elsewhere, the triple-tailed Swedish naval flag is still flown daily from the roof of the small citadel on Kastellholmen as a symbol that the country is at peace.

The view from Södermalm

With steep cliffs rising straight from the waterfront, Södermalm is the place to go for panoramic views of central Stockholm. One justly popular spot is Monteliusvägen, a clifftop walking path just west of Slussen, opposite Stadshuset and Riddarholmen. A bit further west, central Stockholm’s highest point, Skinnarviksberget, is a good place to soak up some sun or enjoy a picnic while gazing out at Kungsholmen and Lake Mälaren.

Alternatively, head east from Slussen to the clifftop street Fjällgatan for a magnificent view encompassing Djurgården, Kastellholmen, Skeppsholmen, Gamla Stan and beyond.

Stockholm by boat

Stockholm may not be the only city dubbed the Venice of the North, but one thing is certain – you haven’t really seen the city until you’ve seen it from the water. At the very least, hop on the Djurgården passenger ferry for the 7-minute trip between Slussen and Djurgården.

For something more informative, take a Historical Canal Tour  (scheduled to reopen again in 2022) around the islands of Kungsholmen and Långholmen, circle Djurgården on the Royal Canal Tour or travel Under the Bridges of Stockholm to visit both the Baltic and the Lake Mälaren sides of the city. Alternatively, choose one of the hop-on-hop-off boats that travel between key attractions on the Baltic side of Stockholm.

You may also like: Best places to swim in Stockholm The best things you can do for free (and nearly free) in Stockholm How to get around in Stockholm

Explore related stories

Dec 12, 2023 • 7 min read

Get ready to fall in love with incredible unspoiled landscapes and vibrant cities. If you don't know where to start in Sweden, we've got you covered.

Feb 25, 2022 • 10 min read

Jun 18, 2020 • 5 min read

Jun 14, 2019 • 5 min read

Jan 2, 2019 • 7 min read

May 19, 2017 • 5 min read

Mar 30, 2017 • 5 min read

Apr 20, 2015 • 4 min read

Oct 20, 2014 • 5 min read

Sep 8, 2010 • 2 min read

• Travel magazine

What To Do In Stockholm This Summer - Things to do in June, July and August

(0 - 12 years old)

Book a private experience

• guides & tips

May 24, 2021

Stockholm, Sweden is a notoriously chilly destination, with even summer weather struggling to reach above the mid-20s. But Stockholm in summer is a great time to visit, even if the weather isn’t exactly a heat wave. Thanks to the array of outdoor things to do in Stockholm along with the city’s overall increase in energy as the locals celebrate the long days and warm weather, you’ll never be stuck for things to do in Stockholm in summer. Just keep in mind that the average maximum temperature is typically between 20°C and 24°C, and the average minimum can also be as low as 11°, with a chance of up to one week of rain in each of the summer months. Still, with adequate preparation and this reading of what to do in Stockholm this summer (clever you), along with adopting the Swedish passion for warmer weather, there’s every reason you’ll have a remarkable time in the capital.

What Stockholm is like in June

June may officially be the first month of summer in Stockholm, but the temperature struggles to get much higher than 20°C. The lows tend to hover around the 11°C mark too, so you can expect some of the days to be cooler than others. But with adequate layering, there’s no reason why you can’t start taking part in most of the popular Stockholm summer activities! There’s also a notable shift in Stockholm nightlife as the temperatures warm, and it’s unlikely you’ll be at a loss for anything to do once the sun sets just a little bit later than usual.

Photo credit: flickr.com/photos/dtsomp/3656081735

Things to do in Stockholm during June

Early June is a great time to visit Stockholm, particularly if you want to sample some local delicacies . A Taste of Stockholm, an annual food event that attracts some 350,000 people, starts off at the end of May and usually goes until the first few days of June. It’s a great chance to sample some food and drink from some of the country’s best restaurants and producers. If you’re more of a fan of fast cars and coffee, then bookmark Cars and Coffee on June 15th. It’s a day when hundreds of sports car enthusiasts gather in the city to showcase their vehicles. And if you’re more a fan of traditional summer events, you can’t miss Midsummer at Skansen. It features a range of traditional activities like binding birch wreaths and a variety of traditional games. There’s also a showcase of folk music and dance that makes it a regular feature in most Stockholm summer travel guides.

What Stockholm is like in July

July is the hottest month in Stockholm, so if your goal is to visit during the best Stockholm summer weather, then this might be the time to plan your trip. Temperatures in July hover around the 24ºC mark on the warmer days, and at night this can dip back down to 15º. The warmest month of the year also delivers plenty of Stockholm summer events, and as Swedes bask in the hotter weather you can expect an upbeat mood that’s become associated with Stockholm in summer. There’s still a small chance of rain - with an average of eight rainy days during the month - but this seldom gets in the way of visitors looking to visit the city’s major attractions .

Things to do in Stockholm during July

There are two great festivals to earmark during your trip to Stockholm in July, both at either end of the month. On July 2nd is the popular Smash Festival . It’s a two-day festival that takes place at Stockholm Stadion and includes some of the biggest names in local and international pop music. Later in the month is Stockholm Pride, a vibrant and energetic festival that brings the city to life. It takes place from July 27th to August 2nd, and is one of the city’s biggest annual events. If you’re there between these two dates and wondering what to do in Stockholm this summer, the warm weather presents perfect time to tick off the city’s major attractions.

What Stockholm is like in August

Stockholm in summer is, for many, the best time to visit . Although the season is short, with just one month of temperatures around the 24ºC mark, August is still a perfect time to visit with regards to the weather. The average high dips back down to 22ºC, but the average low stays around the 14ºC mark. This means that even though the mornings and evenings are cool, you can still make the most of the things to do in Stockholm during summer. This is also a good time to take day trips from Stockholm, particularly if the city is feeling a bit too crowded.

Things to do in Stockholm in August

With the warm weather still hanging around until August, there are still plenty of opportunities to see the city in its sunlit best. On August 11th is the Stockholm Culture Festival, during which the city’s squares are filled with a variety of intriguing cultural events. This is a great time to visit, particularly if you’re travelling solo and looking for things to do in Stockholm alone . The next day is also Stockholm Oktoberfest, one of the highlights in the Stockholm nightlife calendar. And to round off the summer festivities is the popular Dragon Boat race on August 28th. They take place until the 31st, and are a great way to soak up the last rays of summer.

Hello, curious traveler! Embark on a unique experience with Hello, curious traveler! Embark on a unique experience with City Unscripted Stockholm. Our personalized, private tours, led by local hosts, make you feel like you’re exploring the city with a knowledgeable friend. We’ll take you to well-known sights and reveal Stockholm’s hidden gems, unveiling stories typically missed by traditional tours. So unscript your journey, and see Stockholm through the eyes of our local hosts!

Top private experiences in Stockholm

Kickstart your trip to Stockholm

Half day in Stockholm with a local

Ultimate Stockholm food experience

We’ll pair you with the perfect host

There is no better way to see a city than with a friend who lives there. This is why we carefully match guests with their perfect host based on interested, personality and type of experience so they can discover a city beyond the tourist trail.

Find your perfect host and experience using our nifty little tool

Make your inbox happy with our travel tips and inspiration as well as exclusive offers and first access to new services.

You may also like

15 Last-Minute Gift Ideas Inspired by the World

15 Unique gift ideas for travel lovers

Ultimate gift cards for the travel lover in your life

The Best Things to do in Stockholm in the Fall

10 Hidden Gems In Stockholm – A Local’s Recommendations

Top 10 Things To Do In Stockholm Alone - A Guide For Solo Travellers

Explore our cities in sweden.

Popular destinations

San Francisco

Mexico City

Read more Stockholm articles

Awesome, you're subscribed!

Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon!

The best things in life are free.

Sign up for our email to enjoy your city without spending a thing (as well as some options when you’re feeling flush).

Déjà vu! We already have this email. Try another?

By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions.

Love the mag?

Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox. Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news, events, offers and partner promotions.

• Things to do
• Restaurants
• Los Angeles

Get us in your inbox

🙌 Awesome, you're subscribed!

The 21 best things to do in Stockholm

Want to know what’s cool in Östermalm or Södermalm? Check out our guide to the very best things to do in Stockholm

Welcome to Stockholm , where its terrific ABBA Museum barely scratches the surface of all the incredible things there are to do here (obviously, you should still visit the ABBA Museum. It’s great). This city is full of great shopping opportunities, brunch spots, galleries and more; you just have to know where to look. 

Once you get into what Stockholm’s really about, you’ll find this city’s attractions range from cold water swimming and hidden gardens to lakeside food markets and indie cinemas doing breakfast screenings . You heard us! Whatever you’re into, Stockholm’s got it. Read on for its best things to do right now. 

RECOMMENDED: 🍽️ The best restaurants in Stockholm 🍷 The best bars in Stockholm 🏘️ Where to stay in Stockholm 🏛️ The best museums in Stockholm 🏠 The best Airbnbs in Stockholm

This guide was last updated by Phoebe Egoroff , a writer based in Stockholm. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines . 

An email you’ll actually love

What to do in Stockholm

1.  Djurgården’s world-class museums

• Attractions
• Sightseeing
• price 2 of 4

Stockholmers are obsessed with nature, and nowhere is better than Djurgården’s tranquil waterside and woodland trails. If you’re into your art and history, this island also boasts several of the capital’s most significant museums. At the open-air Skansen , stroll through five centuries of Swedish houses and farmsteads and observe wild Nordic animals. The  Vasa Museum  is home to a giant 17th-century salvaged ship, while  ABBA: The Museum  combines nostalgic memorabilia with quirky interactive exhibits. And choruses, obviously.

Time Out tip:  Food options in Djurgården are pricey, so pack a picnic and tuck in on the waterfront behind the Vasa Museum, or find a spot off one of the grassy trails.

2.  Sail through the 30,000-island archipelago

• price 3 of 4

Stockholm’s city centre consists of 14 islands, but that’s nothing compared with the tens of thousands that make up its sprawling archipelago. The three-hour ferry ride to the last island before Finland, Sandhamn, makes the Swedish capital feel endless. Forest-covered and dotted with brightly coloured cottages, the islands on your way range from the remote and unexplored to pristine tourist spots boasting boutique  hotels , galleries and long stretches of sandy beaches.

Time Out tip:  During the winter season (from September up until the end of April), some of the longer ferry rides are free. Check the Waxholmsbolaget and SL company websites for details and timetables.

3.  Panoramic art gallery Fotografiska

• Specialist interest

In an old waterfront red-brick building that once belonged to the customs department, you’ll find a photography gallery with wall upon wall of striking images. Fotografiska has late-opening hours all week and broad rotating exhibitions on everything from feminism to global politics. You’ll also find one of the sleekest bars and best cafés in the city, with panoramic waterside views across Stockholm’s central islands.

Time Out tip:  If you’re in Stockholm visiting a friend, ask if they have a Fotografiska membership to bag yourself a reduced entry fee.

4.  Challenge yourself at the Swedish History Museum

Among the very best of  Stockholm’s state-owned museums is the Swedish History Museum. From a candid exhibit exploring Sweden’s heinous treatment of its indigenous minorities to another exploring the links between the Vikings and Nazism, this place challenges the very notion of a history museum – and history itself. 

Time Out tip:  Take Tram 7 from Central Station to the museum along opulent Strandvägen. Your ride is included on the metro card, and on national holidays they run vintage carriages with a tearoom on board.

5.  Afternoon tea in SoFo

In Sweden, ‘fika’ (afternoon tea) is a daily ritual. Stockholmers usually seek out coffee, but a few of the capital’s best establishments also have a decent tea menu (see  Il Caffè ,  Pom & Flora ,  Café Pascal  and Socker Sucker ). For the flat white-inclined, SoFo, the area ‘south of Folkungatan’ on Södermalm island, has become a hotbed of trendy coffee shops. The baked goods of choice here include cinnamon and cardamom buns (plus saffron in winter), and if you fancy something savoury, there’ll often be rye open sandwiches or small rolls filled with cheese, egg or avocado.

Time Out tip:  For locals, fika time is strictly post-3pm, when the café-bakeries start to fill up. As a tourist, you can bag a quieter coffee break much earlier.

6.  An apocalyptic underground art tour

Stockholm’s metro network is often dubbed the world’s longest art gallery for a good reason; most stations have art in some form or other. Carved out of rocks, many retain the feel of a newly discovered cave, vividly brought to life through rainbow colours, words (the university stop has the Swedish human rights declaration tiled like a crossword) and futuristic patterns. The blue line hosts some of the most daring designs, including its starting point, Kungsträdgården, which feels like some post-apocalyptic archaeological discovery. 

Time Out tip:  The SL metro card covers a vast public transport network in the Stockholm region, stretching as far as the airport (if you take a bus from Märsta). For the best value for money, buy a 72-hour or 7-day ticket.

7.  Watch the sun set at Monteliusvägen cliff path

• Walks and tours

Be sure to round off your sightseeing by watching the sun go down over the shimmering surface of Lake Mälaren. The best spot to do this would be Norr Mälarstrand, a leafy trail that provides views of the Old Town and its characterful spires. If you are lucky, you might glimpse the Northern Lights.

Time Out tip:  Don’t forget to pack an evening picnic to help you stay warm while sunset-watching. Nearby Slussen boasts many independent coffee shops.

8.  Craft beer at eco-hub Hammarby Sjöstad

• Bars and pubs
• Craft beer pubs

Off the beaten tourist trail, this industrial wasteland-turned-urban eco-district is worth a trip to check out its impressive energy-saving modern architecture (designed to reduce heat consumption) or bike along its pristine waterfront cycle lanes. To quench your thirst, drop by craft beer bar Nya Carnegiebryggeriet. Run by a team trained at the legendary Brooklyn Brewery in New York, it specialises in seasonal releases and limited-edition experiments. 

Time Out tip:  Turn up on a Wednesday, just as they put their latest brew on tap, and try it in 1/3 pint samples.

9.  Hellasgården’s lakeside sauna

• Health and beauty
• Saunas and baths
• price 1 of 4

A bonding ritual and coping mechanism in the long winters, the sauna is an integral part of the Nordic culture – a must-do activity while you’re here. Sweat out your stress at Hellasgården, a recreation area inside Nacka nature reserve, a short bus ride from Stockholm’s Slussen station. Expect to strip off completely in their gender-separated saunas and find locals braving a dip in the icy lake, even when the temperatures are well into the minuses. 

Time Out tip:  It’s worth combining a trip to Hellasgården’s sauna with one of the hiking trails around the lake. Check the giant map at the main entrance for inspiration. There are also plenty of barbecue spots for public use.

10.  Moderna Museet on Skeppsholmen

You can visit Moderna Museet ’s fantastic modern and contemporary art exhibitions any day of the week, but if you’re strapped for cash there’s free entry on Fridays from 6-8pm. It’s also home to a bookshop and café with a terrace overlooking the water across towards Östermalm’s lavish façades. You can reach the museum by footbridge from Kungsträdgården or by commuter ferry with your metro card. 

Time Out tip:  As one of the smallest central islands, Skeppsholmen makes for a beautiful brisk evening walk (with panoramic city-centre views).

11.  Breakfast screenings at Bio Rio

• Independent

One of the best ways to tackle a weekend hangover in Stockholm is to nestle into the soft red velvet seats at the iconic 1940s cinema Bio Rio in Hornstull. On Sundays at 10.30am, it hosts breakfast screenings, where you can catch a retro or newly-released indie film while snacking on a simple smörgåsbord of yoghurt, muesli, fruit and an open Swedish sandwich, knocking back as much coffee as you like. 

Time Out tip:  Many of the films shown are in English or have English subtitles, but check in advance to make sure you don’t end up trying to make sense of an obscure Japanese arthouse offering via a Swedish translation.

12.  Tantolunden’s hidden hillside gardens

• Parks and gardens

More than 100 allotments and brightly painted wooden cottages tucked away on Tantolunden’s hillside make this one of the city’s most colourful parks, and one of the city’s most  Instagram-friendly places . Think perfectly manicured flower beds and terracotta miniature homes you can cook or nap in. Elsewhere in the park, there’s mini-golf, two outdoor gyms and plenty of benches from which to watch passing boats during summer. In winter, it’s a well-trodden spot for a Sunday stroll or even a toboggan ride when the snow is falling.

Time Out tip:  Hike up the mound in the centre of the park to get some fantastic panoramic photos over the water towards Liljeholmen.

13.  Swimming off Långholmen island

Just a 15-minute stroll from urban Hornstull’s bustling coffee shops and bars is Långholmen island, home to a former prison that is now a hotel, restaurant and museum. The island is surrounded by coastal paths and greenery, making this an oasis within the city centre. With its modest sandy front, Långholmen beach is surrounded by flat rocks and a grassy bank where locals flock for picnics. As soon as summer hits, this is one of the Swedish capital’s most frequented swimming spots.

Time Out tip:  Långholmen’s bathing spots offer good-quality cold outdoor showers if you need to freshen up before heading back into the city. 

14.  Light up Telefonplan tower

The tower of the building that houses Konstfack, Sweden’s most significant design school, doubles up as a permanent interactive art installation. Simply step out at Telefonplan metro station after sunset and stand opposite the brutalist structure. On your way there, download the  Colour by Numbers  app, which lets you control the colour of the lights in the windows.

Time Out tip:  If you’re on the other side of the city, you can still watch the kaleidoscopic display on a live stream through the app. 

15.  Sunbathe at Hornstulls Strand

This small stretch of sand on the edge of one of Södermalm’s most popular neighbourhoods becomes the ultimate gathering place when summer hits. There’s a jetty to swim from, mini-golf, ice cream and hot dog stands, plus panoramic views across the water towards the shiny Liljeholmen development. At night, crowds come out to drink, catch some evening sun and compete for blasting the loudest stereo. Floating oasis bar  Loopen  serves drinks until the midnight sun takes its short break.

Time Out tip:  This is a prime swimming spot, but taking a dip here is only for the (extremely!) brave – until June at least. Some warmer water can be found at Brunnsviken, the lake by Stockholm University. 

16.  Subterranean games mecca Ugglan

In the heart of Stockholm’s Brooklyn-inspired SoFo district, Ugglan is where locals seek out fun and games on gloomy winter evenings. An after-work social hotspot, Ugglan is the place to indulge in table football, darts, boules, shuffleboard and air hockey, play with arcade machines, or join in a game of round-the-table ping pong. There’s locally brewed beer on tap and decent street food to soak it all up.

Time Out tip:  If you’re in a big group and keen to stay the whole evening, the food and activity package deals are well worth it, giving you fixed time slots for up to three games and access to an all-you-can-eat buffet.

17.  Street food at Hornstulls Marknad

• Markets and fairs

Every weekend from Easter until the end of summer, Hornstull’s waterfront is home to a flea market of vintage clothing, knick-knacks and local handicrafts. You’ll also find a selection of food trucks serving things like crêpes, Vietnamese sandwiches, vibrant veggie curries and punchy burritos. Tuck into your food on the wooden seating platforms overlooking the water. Mid-afternoon (if the sun is out), you might find local bands setting up for a gig.

Time Out tip:  To avoid the throngs by the food trucks, take your pickings for a picnic in neighbouring  Tantolunden park .

18.  Open-air club Trädgården

No trip to Stockholm between May and September is complete without a visit to the city’s outdoor party spaces. Rooftop bars  Slakthuset , in a former slaughterhouse, and  Tak , on a revamped square in brutalist Norrmalm, are the most talked-about locations. But the epicentre of summer nightlife on Södermalm is Trädgården, a massive courtyard dance area with burger shacks, table tennis and a jigsaw of bars bedecked with fairy lights. 

Time Out tip:  Entry is often free before 8 pm; check Trädgården’s social media for the latest information. The vibe here is very casual, but be aware that temperatures can drop quickly (should you turn up in your favourite summer shorts).

19.  Get a drink in one of the world’s best bars

If you’re in a cocktail mood, look no further than Lucy’s Flower Shop , our favourite bar in Stockholm (it’s previously also found its way onto the World’s 50 Best ). Once you pay a visit you’ll understand why. Tucked away behind a secret door in an abandoned flower shop, what awaits is a colourful oasis with a Scandi-cool edge, boasting a short yet creative menu of exceptionally good cocktails. Lucy’s Flower Shop is open from 5pm – 1am and closed on Mondays. 

Time Out tip: Due to its popularity and small capacity, Lucy’s Flower Shop can often be fully booked weeks in advance; book well ahead to avoid disappointment.

20.  Shop at Södermalm’s second hand stores

If you’re going to hang out in Stockholm’s trendy Södermalm neighbourhood, you may as well embrace the local style and shop for new garms at one of the neighbourhood’s many second-hand stores. All within walking distance from each other, you can spend an afternoon or even a whole day browsing POP Stockholm , Beyond Retro , and HUMANA . It’s not uncommon for certain stores to be closed on a Monday, so make sure you check their opening hours before heading out.

Time Out tip: Head to HUMANA’s  Instagram page to get a first look at the new vintage arrivals in-store; they add around 200-500 pieces to their collection every day.

[image] [title]

Discover Time Out original video

• Press office
• Investor relations
• Work for Time Out
• Editorial guidelines
• Privacy notice
• Do not sell my information
• Cookie policy
• Accessibility statement
• Terms of use
• Modern slavery statement
• Manage cookies
• Advertising
• Time Out Market

Time Out products

• Android app
• Time Out Worldwide

36 Hours in Stockholm

By Ingrid K. Williams Updated Oct. 13, 2022

• Share full article

​​​​Swedes may be missing the long days of summer, but autumn is when Stockholm peaks. Crisp breezes and blazing foliage await visitors, as does the engineering marvel known as Guldbron, or the Gold Bridge, a massive slab of steel that was installed in 2020. Connecting the central islands of Gamla Stan and Södermalm, the bridge is part of an overhaul of the busy Slussen area that won’t be completed until 2026. But the rest of the city is humming with openings, from drinking and dining hotspots to cultural must-sees. And the recent rollout of an e-bike sharing program promises to make this accessible city even more so.

Recommendations

• Liljevalchs Konsthall , a renowned contemporary gallery, has a new bunker-like annex called Liljevalchs+.
• Prospero offers seasonal multicourse meals in minimalistic surroundings.
• Hagaparken is a reserve with 350 acres of wooded trails, grassy slopes and lakefront vistas.
• Eden is an open-air entertainment complex on Smedsudden, a long-forgotten peninsula.
• Nationalmuseum showcases classic art and sculpture on three floors.
• Djurgårdsbrunnsviken , a scenic bay ringed by gravel paths and tranquil parkland, is great for fall foliage.
• Fjärilshuset (the Butterfly House) offers the spectacle of exotic butterflies.
• Arkivet specializes in stylish used clothing from recent seasons.
• Acne Archive sells select pieces from past collections of the Swedish label Acne Studios.
• Björnö is a lesser-known nature reserve with windswept cliffs, pine forests and a long sandy beach.
• Ingrid is known for its apple cake and bargain lunch deal.
• Triple Oh! Ice Cream offers ice cream with Nordic flavors like cucumber-and-aquavit.
• Café Nizza is a corner bistro where locals go for drinks and Mediterranean-inflected food.
• Bar Ninja serves fun, funky wines from small, biodynamic producers.
• Café Pascal is a local favorite for breakfast, lunch and fika, the traditional Swedish coffee break.
• Villa Dagmar has a soaring glass-roofed courtyard that anchors this new boutique hotel in a series of Art Nouveau buildings. There are 70 luxurious rooms and suites (doubles from 3,090 kronor, or about $280).
• The 48-room, family-run Hotel Frantz , on a cobblestone street, opened in 2019 in a building dating to 1647. An ample breakfast is included (from 1,610 kronor).
• Centrally located, City Backpackers Hostel offers accommodations that range from a bunk in a 12-person dorm (from about 200 kronor) to private doubles (from about 740 kronor). There’s a restaurant, common areas, kitchen, free sauna and ice skates to borrow.
• Look for a short-term rental on Södermalm in the SoFo neighborhood, which is packed with restaurants and boutiques, and within walking distance of the subway and buses. One-bedroom apartments, many with balconies, go for around $150 a night.

More From 36 Hours

Have a weekend to explore a destination we’ve got the perfect travel itinerary..

Paris: A different side of the French capital reveals smaller museums, under-the-radar spots in Montmartre and a diverse performance scene .

Montreal : Climb a mountain, wander the waterfront and enjoy a smoked-meat sandwich  in a city with a surprise around every corner.

Cartagena: With a limonada de coco in hand, explore two walkable neighborhoods over a weekend  in this coastal Colombian city.

Glasgow:  Take in Gothic architecture, green riverside walks and a global banquet  in Scotland’s largest city.

Chicago:   ​​ Cycle miles of urban trails, tour a restored Frank Lloyd Wright masterwork and catch golden hour  along Lake Michigan.

Advertisement

The Ultimate 3 to 4 Days in Stockholm Itinerary

Last Updated on January 31, 2024

by Olivia Ellis

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

Planning the perfect 3 or 4 days in Stockholm itinerary can be a bit overwhelming when you consider how much this metropolis has to offer. The city of Stockholm is easily one of the most vibrant and cultured European and Scandinavian capitals.

The city itself boasts a wide array of art, gastronomic delights, green areas, fashion, and some of the friendliest people you’ll meet. The history of the capital goes back to 1252, and on a trip to the city, you’ll take a walk through time beginning in the regal roots of Sweden to bustling, innovative modern-day Stockholm.

Whether you’re visiting for a few days or a long weekend getaway, Stockholm deserves a spot at the top of your travel bucket list.

Table of Contents

How Many Days in Stockholm?

The city of Stockholm is quite large in comparison to neighboring Scandinavian capital cities (such as Copenhagen ). This in itself can make it difficult to decide how long to spend in the Swedish capital.

When planning how many days to spend in Stockholm, it’s important to take note of which aspects of a trip are most important to you as well as your budget.

If you’re hoping to see most of the main sites in the center and are on a budget in Stockholm , 2 days is sufficient but it’ll be more of a rushed stay in comparison with 3 days in Stockholm. An extra day is ideal to visit the main sites and get to know the city better without being in too big of a hurry.

Finally, if you’re hoping to either explore Stockholm more and explore its diverse neighborhoods or head out of the city for a day trip, spending 4 days in the Swedish capital is enough time.

Getting To & Around Stockholm

Arlanda Airport located in the nearby town of Arlanda is Stockholm’s main airport. Arlanda is also a main airport in Scandinavia so there are plenty of flights going in and out of other major European countries as well as internationally.

If you’re flying into the city, your best option to reach the city center is by train. The Arlanda Express is the only train system going to the city center (Stockholm Central Station) from the airport, which is different from other European airports that are connected by metro.

Tickets can be purchased at the airport kiosk outside of the terminal and cost 320 SEK on-way and 600 SEK return per adult and are free for children and reduced for youth. Another option for those not on a budget, is to organise a private transfer from the airport.

If you plan to reach Stockholm by train; either from another city in Sweden or perhaps neighboring Denmark or beyond, you’ll arrive at Stockholm Central Station. The city’s central station is conveniently located, with metro and bus transport available once you reach the station. You can view train schedules here .

The city of Stockholm is composed of an archipelago of islands and is quite a unique layout for a city. This makes the city much larger in comparison to other European capital cities. Although it’s a big city, the central part of the city is quite compact, making it easy and quick to get around.

It’s enjoyable to walk around the city, passing historical monuments as well as modern architecture while taking in everyday life in Stockholm. If you’d like to venture into other neighborhoods in the city, you’ll likely need to take advantage of the city’s brilliant public transportation system.

The city transport consists of bus, tram, metro, and ferry. Stockholm’s public transportation system is also known as one of the greenest in Europe – with many buses running on eco-friendly fuels.

If you’re someone keen on art, mainly eclectic street art, you’ll find the Stockholm metro to be a museum in itself. Many of the stations are art-clad with work by various artists and set the tone for the style and heart of the city. Many visitors say that Stockholm’s metro is one of the most unique in the world!

Tickets for Stockholm’s public transport are all inclusive of one cost, meaning the cost per ticket won’t change depending on your mode of transport. There are various ticket options such as a 75-minute single ticket or day passes from 24 hours to 72 hours.

If you plan on taking public transport multiple times during the day throughout your stay, the passes are certainly worth it and quickly pay for themselves. Tickets and passes must be purchased before embarking and can be purchased through ticket machines at the station, via phone app, or through contactless payment at the turnstiles.

Due to a combination of the size of the city as well as the functionality and efficiency of the city’s public transportation, I’d recommend against renting a car during your stay. Although, if you prefer independence and plan to leave the city for onward travels, renting a car while traveling in Sweden is a great option.

3 to 4 Days in Stockholm Itinerary

Stockholm tends to proudly claim the title of the capital city of Scandinavia, and during your time here, you’ll quickly understand why.

The city itself is the home to the most museums in the world (just under 100), as well as sleek Swedish design, stylish cafes, and rich, important history unknown to a lot of the world.

If you plan on visiting many of the paid attractions listed in this article, then consider purchasing a Stockholm Go City Pass to save money.

Day 1 – Gamla Stan and Royal Stockholm

Breakfast at bröd & salt .

There are few things more synonymous with Sweden than cardamom buns and coffee. Kardemummabullar (cardamom buns) are easily the most popular Swedish pastries and are divine.

Before heading to Gamla Stan to wander around the idyllic old town of Stockholm, I recommend fueling up with pastries and coffee at Bröd & Salt. Although the bakery is a chain, you’ll find splendidly made pastries to savor while you prepare for your day ahead and take in the surroundings.

I suggest heading to the location at the harbor across from Gamla Stan to enjoy stunning and caffeinated Swedish morning views.

Wander Around Old Town

If you’ve ever stumbled across photos of Stockholm in the past, they’re likely those of the picturesque Gamla Stan neighborhood. Although it is now quite a touristy area, it’s still completely worth spending time in.

Gamla Stan goes back to the 13th Century and this part of the city feels like you’ve stepped back into the medieval era. Strolling through the old streets and alleys of this classic and well-maintained area of the city is a true delight.

From the colorful buildings and cobblestoned streets to the all-around pleasant and delicate feel of the area, you’ll feel assured that you’re in for a treat while visiting the Swedish Capital City.

Most of the streets of Gamla Stan lead to/from Stortorget, the main public square, making it a great spot to first explore during your time in Stockholm. Spend a few ours getting lost here, but make sure not to miss sites like the Stockholm Cathedral, which is spectacular.

To learn more about the history of the area, consider booking this walking tour or this bike tour . You can also get a unique vantage point of the city by taking a short archipelago cruise .

Royal Palace

After eating decadent pastries and wandering through Stockholm’s Gamla Stan, head just a few minutes by foot to the Royal Palace, or Stockholm Palace to spend time at one of the largest palaces in Europe.

Today, the palace is home to the King of Sweden, and the palace was built in the 18th century in classic Italian Baroque style after the Tre Koner castle was burned down in 1697 in the same location. Thankfully, the palace is open to public visits and has a wide array of exhibits and rooms to explore during your visit. 

Don’t miss the parade of soldiers and changing of the guard to get an authentic Swedish royal experience every day at 12:15 PM.

Opening hours of the palace vary depending on the day of the week as well as the time of year, so plan before your visit.

Day 2 –  Stockholm’s Diverse Neighborhoods & Museum Visit

Norrmalm neighborhood.

Stockholm has an abundance of unique neighborhoods and throughout this itinerary, you’ll experience quite a few of them. On day 2, I suggest first heading to the Norrmalm neighborhood.

Norrmalm is known to many as the center of the city, and is also a major cultural center for Sweden and the city of Stockholm. In Norrmalm, you’ll find the Stockholm Central Station, the Royal Swedish Opera, art museums, and the Stockholm Concert Hall.

This is also one of the largest commercial centers of the city, with some of the best Scandinavian and Swedish shopping in Sweden.

After wandering around the shops, make your way to the Kungsträdgården Park in Norrmalm to get a nature fix within the city and grab a coffee at one of the lovely cafes nestled within the lush, green park.

Vasa Museum or Nobel Prize Museum

As mentioned previously, Stockholm has the wonderful reputation of being the city in the world with the most museums. With just under 100, there’s something for everyone and still more to visit and see beyond that. After spending time in Norrmalm, I suggest heading to a museum before grabbing dinner.

My recommendations for your first museum visit in Stockholm are the Vasa Museum and/or the Nobel Museum.

Located around 15 minutes from Norrmalm by metro on the island of Djurgården, the Vasa Museum is easily Stockholm’s, Sweden’s, and Scandinavia’s most visited museum. The museum itself is home to the Vasa Ship, a Swedish warship built in the 1600s that sank during its maiden voyage in 1628.

Incredibly, the entire ship was salvaged in 1961 after being located in the 1950s in the harbor of Stockholm. Witnessing the Vasa ship inside the museum is one of the most incredible experiences, taking in the complexity of such an old ship still in prime condition, with almost 98% of the ship in the museum still in its original form.

The Nobel Prize Museum is another superb museum option just a 20-minute walk from Norrmalm in Stortorget Square is the Nobel Prize Museum.

The Nobel museum displays information, history, and knowledge of past Nobel Prize winners, the past 100+ years of the Nobel Prize, and the founder of the Nobel Prize, Swedish chemist, engineer, inventor, businessman, and philanthropist, Alfred Nobel.

The museum is also located a close walk to the Stockholm City Hall where the Nobel Prize ceremony is held each year.

Dinner in Sodermalm  

One of the most densely populated and popular neighborhoods in Stockholm is the Sodermalm neighborhood. Sodermalm is easily one of the trendiest places to visit in the Swedish capital, with stylish restaurants, green parks, art galleries, and the best restaurant scene in the city. Spending some time here is easily one of the best things to do in Stockholm.

Known as “Soder” to locals, Sodermalm is also a great area to stay in if you’re looking for cheaper accommodation than other areas of the city, with still a thriving and pleasant atmosphere. 

Herein lies the best spot to have dinner to close your second day in Stockholm. My recommendation is to head to Restaurant Pelikan to enjoy amped-up versions of classic Swedish comfort foods in an old-school style interior.

If visiting during a busy period (summer, spring, or the weekend), I suggest making a reservation in advance to guarantee a table.

Day 3 – Skansen Open-Air Museum & Swedish Street Food

Skansen museum.

By day 3 you’ll probably have a pretty good feel of the city and will be ready to branch outward and explore beyond. This is the perfect opportunity to head to the world’s oldest open-air museum, Skansen.

Built in 1899, Skansen is an open-air museum located on the Djurgården island of Stockholm and makes for a really fun stop on this itinerary.

The thoughts and inspirations behind the museum were to showcase everyday life in different parts of Sweden before the industrial era. The museum almost feels more like an amusement park without the rides, with exhibits spanning 75 acres.

These include a replica of a 19th-century Swedish small town including workers dressed as different craftsmen or everyday people from the time recreating scenes. You’ll also find a large open-air zoo and homes/farmsteads from all different parts of the country. 

The best way to reach Skansen from the center of the city is by various bus routes, with a journey time of around 20 minutes. Once you arrive, you’re transported back in time.

If for whatever reason, Skansen isn’t in your interest, there are plenty of other museums worth visiting. Maybe head to Fotografiska Photography and Cultural Museum , ABBA the Museum , or the Nationalmuseum. You could even opt to visit some of Stockholm’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Woodland Cemetery or Drottningholm Palace.

Ö stermalm Neighborhood & Food Hall

After spending a day at the Skansen Museum, you’ll likely be hungry and ready to enjoy another delicious meal in the Swedish capital city.

For those seeing Stockholm in 3 days, this is also going to be your last day on the itinerary, so my recommendation is to make your way to the sophisticated Östermalm neighborhood to eat more tasty food at the Ostermalm food hall. Östermalm isn’t too far from the Skansen Museum, making it a great spot to head to close the day.

Spend time in this part of Stockholm with some of the highest property value while browsing the upmarket boutiques, more green parks, and maybe even The Royal Mews to get to know the horses of Royal Sweden. 

Afterwards, head to the Östermalm Food Hall, or Östermalm “Saluhall”. Sweden’s main food hall is easily one of the best in Europe and at the top of the list for best in the world.

Nowadays we’re more used to modern food halls in capital cities, but Stockholm’s goes back to 1888. You’ll find gorgeous Gothic architecture, traditional Swedish foods with exceptional ingredients, and many decadent Swedish foods and snacks to bring home.

Opening hours of the food hall vary depending on the time of year as well as the day of the week, so check the hours before visiting. You can book a food tour of this area as well if you want a guide to take you to some of their best spots!

Day 4 – Uppsala or Fjäderholmarna

After spending 3 days in Stockholm, you may be ready to head out of the city and into a different part of Sweden. Luckily, there are many wonderful day trip options close to Stockholm, and no matter the time of year, you’re bound to enjoy your time exploring other parts of the country.

Day 4 of this Stockholm itinerary highlights two wonderful day trip options from Stockholm, with one summer option and one winter option. 

Winter Day Trip – Uppsala

If you’re visiting Stockholm in the winter and would like to head out on a day trip, a great option is to head to Sweden’s fourth-biggest city, Uppsala .

Just a quick journey by train from Stockholm’s Central Station, Uppsala was first founded in 1164 and is a city full of culture and history as well as the home to Sweden’s oldest university.

Spend your day wandering the medieval streets of this gorgeous university town, visit the Uppsala castle, and enjoy a warm coffee at a cozy cafe away from the cold winter air.

Train journeys from Stockholm Central Station to Uppsala Central Station take between 20-50 minutes.

Summer Day Trip – Fjäderholmarna 

One of the best ways to experience Swedish summer like a local is to head to the water and enjoy the sun and nature.

A convenient way to experience this while visiting Stockholm without having to head too far is to head to the Fjäderholmarna, or “Fjäder”, an island group part of the Stockholm archipelago. You can easily reach Fjäderholmarna by ferry in just under 20 minutes from the Stockholm harbor. 

I suggest visiting Stora Fjäderholmen, the main island in the Fjäderholmarna. Here you’ll find a quaint atmosphere on a small island, with artistic shops and galleries, sweet shops, a brewery, summer restaurants with fresh seafood (I recommend the Skagen sandwich), and a lush green area in the middle.

It’s a tranquil and pleasant summer atmosphere wandering the small streets, eating a wonderful meal, and sitting by the shore enjoying the sea and warm Swedish sun. 

While best experienced in summer, it is possible to take a boat cruise out to the islands in winter as well.

Where to Stay in Stockholm

Scandic No 53 – Well-located close to Stockholm’s top attractions, this hotel is an excellent place to stay. Along with modern rooms, there is a bar, terrace and an exceptional breakfast each morning.

Downtown Camper by Scandic – Those looking for a bit of a luxury escape in Stockholm will love this 4-star hotel. Excellently situated close to the main sites of the Swedish capital, there are 2 on-site restaurants, a swimming pool, breakfast and lovely rooms to choose from.

Gamla Stan Apartments – If you’d like to experience Stockholm like a local or simply love the convenience of having your own space when traveling, these apartments are an excellent choice. There are a number of different-sized flats to choose from equipped with all the esentials.

Castanea Old Town Hostel – Budget and solo travelers will love this highly-rated hostel. It is centrally located within easy reach of all Stockholm has to offer, they have both dorm beds and private rooms available along with good common areas and self-catering facilities.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Stockholm hotels!

Whether you’re someone who’s always wanted to visit Scandinavia or are already well acquainted with the Nordic region, Stockholm is a great place to begin or continue your travels. Whether you’re on a short visit, or your trip consists of visiting Stockholm in 4 days, you’ll easily fall in love with the vibrant Swedish capital, its people, food, culture, and scenery.

Are you planning a trip to Stockholm? Do you have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

Related Posts:

Helsinki vs Stockholm: Which Nordic Capital to Visit?

Is Sweden Expensive? A Sweden Trip Cost Guide

Copenhagen or Stockholm: Which City to Visit?

About Olivia Ellis

Olivia is a writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from Michigan, USA, she is currently living in Athens, Greece exploring Europe and filmmaking. When she’s not travelling or writing, Olivia can be found cooking delicious new recipes from around the world, reading, and spending time outdoors.

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Every item on this page was chosen by a Veranda editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.

How to Spend a Long Weekend in Stockholm, Sweden

Come for the style, but be won over by old world glamour, new world Nordic cuisine, and yes, ABBA.

For museum lovers, Stockholm is heaven, with more than 50 museums and cultural institutions for all tastes, from the Viking Museum to the Swedish Museum of Natural History , to the ABBA museum , or if you’re a shopper, well, make haste to Bibliotekstan , a pedestrian-friendly haven of haute couture. From the elevated hipster cocktail-and-cuisine scene in Sodermalm to Michelin-rated chefs in Ostermalm, the city is a sure palate pleaser, just save room for sweets—the licorice here is next level. To help you make the most of 72 hours in Scandinavia’s cultural capital, here’s our curated guide for where to stay, explore, shop, eat and indulge in Stockholm.

We love a hotel that’s a destination unto itself, and for 150 years, The Grand Hôtel Stockholm has been exactly that—unquestionably grand and THE place to stay for tourists, royalty and visiting politicians, rockstars, Nobel winners and movie stars. It opened in 1874 as Scandinavia’s first international luxury hotel, and has offered its signature high-touch hospitality every day since.

The hotel offers 70 spacious suites, including nine designed by Scandinavian notables including Susanne Josephson and Martin Brudnizki, but the standard rooms are beautifully comfortable too, and service across the board is five star. Honestly, given its century and a half of Stockholm history, you can absorb much of the city’s flavor without ever leaving the hotel, but with the best shopping, sight-seeing and dining all in easy walking distance, why not venture out?

Thursday Afternoon

Drop your bags then stroll across the bridge to Gamla Stan, where the Vikings first set up shop in 1000 CE. Today “Old Town” is Europe’s best preserved medieval city center, thanks to the small island becoming the Baltic shipping and trading hub in the 13th century, and home of the Royal Palace and Royal Chapel. Wander around its enchanting warren of narrow cobbled streets and 16th-century buildings in hues of ochre, rust and weathered green.

Not surprisingly, there’s excellent antiquing— Brinken Antik has a lovely collection of silver, bronze candelabras, plus carved wood toys—and a plethora of gift shops and local craft stores (fabulous yarn/wool at Makeri14 ), especially along Västerlånggatan. Up your IQ with a quick stop at the Nobel Museum , then reward your hard-working brain with licorice tastings at Lakritsroten .

Friday Evening

Before leaving Gamla Stan, savor an apothecary-esque cocktail at the Pharmarium , then head back to the Grand Hôtel for a traditional Swedish smörgåsbord dinner—an elaborate spread of all things pickled herring and smoked fish, boiled potatoes, fresh salads, and traditional meatballs and sweets, at Veranda .

Evidently there’s a science to how one smörgåsbords, and thankfully your server will guide you through, including the traditional shot of Aquavit with lager chaser, which we highly recommend.

Friday Morning

Grab breakfast at the hotel's Veranda restaurant, which will fortify you for a morning of museum-going. Before heading out, ask the concierge if you can peek into the hotel’s regal, Versailles-inspired Hall of Mirrors, site of numerous galas and the first 29 Nobel Ceremonies.

Walk 20 minutes down the Strandvagen to Djurgården , where you can get carried away by museum after museum— the Viking Museum , the Spritmuseum (hello Absolut and spirits galore!), the Nordiska Museet , to name just a few. But if you’re a mere mortal and need to pace yourself, start with ABBA The Museum , because Mama Mia, you’re in Sweden . Even if you’re not a die-hard ABBA fan, you’ll enjoy learning how these four Swedes took the rock world by storm 50 years ago, winning the 1974 Eurovision award with their breakout hit, “Waterloo.” It’s interactive, informative, and a blast. Warning, take the museum’s tagline to heart: “Walk in. Dance out.”

Next, dance on over to the Vasa Museum , where you can time travel from 1970s-era rock stadiums to a 17th-century maritime marvel, and one of the world’s most remarkable discovery stories. Imagine a four-story tall, massive wooden ship—think Titanic, circa 1628—that sank on its maiden voyage right in Stockholm harbor, and sat 100 feet underwater for 333 years. Now here it is, fully restored, including its elaborate carvings. Truly, you have to see it (and smell that old wood smell) to believe it.

Friday Afternoon

For lunch, walk back down the Strandvägen toward Ostermalm’s Saluhall, Stockholm’s historic farmers' market and food hall, where you can find a bit of everything, from healthy wraps and juices to decadent seafood entrees, to smørrebrød, pizza and confectionaries.

Now it’s time for serious Scandi design indulgence, which means one thing: Svenskt Tenn . This mecca for Swedish home interiors is chock-full of furniture, fabrics, jewelry, home accessories and more. The legacy of design pioneers Estrid Ericson and Josef Frank remains vivid as you wander the two-story showroom where tabletop arrangements, classic Frank textile designs and bold new patterns entice. Before you leave, enjoy fika (Swedish custom of sweet treat and warm drink) at the Café Svenskt Tenn , in honor of Ericson, a tea aficionado.

Be sure to return to the hotel in plenty of time to cap your afternoon off with the full Nordic sauna and cold plunge experience in the Grand Hôtel’s luxurious spa.

Begin your evening with cocktails at the hotel's Cadier Bar , where bar manager Anton Windmar’s imaginative menu, created anew each year, distills the essence of Sweden’s unparalleled natural beauty (archipelago, Northern Lights, meadow flowers…) into drink. Everything here is art, from the original watercolors accompanying each concoction, to the custom-created sculptural glassware designed for each drink, to the bar’s see-and-be-seen ambiance.

Then options include checking out what’s on offer at the stunning Kungliga Operan , Stockholm’s performing arts center, a few steps away from the hotel, or enjoying the intrepid culinary offerings at Ekstedt , home of award-winning wood-fired cuisine. If you prefer something more casual, Olli is a spunky neighborhood restaurant equally beloved for its playlists and satisfying Northern Italian food.

Saturday Morning

Today it’s back over to Östermalm and neighboring Norrmalm (both a 15-minute walk) for the ultimate Scandinavian shopping experience. First stop, Acne Studios , where you’ll find tastemaker Jonny Johansson latest men’s and women’s ready-to-wear styles in a showroom that was formerly a bank where a robbery/hostage crisis in 1973 gave rise to the term “Stockholm syndrome.”

Nearby, Rodebjer’s flagship studio offers playfully eccentric fashion for the woman “who wants to get on with her life while still looking and feeling good,” according to designer Carin Rodebjer. All Blues is a must for artisanal jewelry with distinctly Swedish clean lines and shapes. Totême , along Bibliosteksgatan, is sublimely sleek and chic, while Houdini , another Swedish brand, is a go-to for activewear (especially if it’s cold!).

To refuel after all that high fashion, how ‘bout down-to-earth hot dogs at the famed Stockholm Hot Dog Stand ? Alternatively, Restaurant Hantverket has a well-rounded menu for a more upscale midday meal. Or if you power through past lunch and can hold out until the delightful Tyge & Sessil opens at 4 p.m., treat yourself to wine and small plates from celebrity chef Niklas Ekstedt (especially if you didn’t go to Ekstedt for Friday dinner).

Saturday Afternoon

If you’re up for another 30-minute stroll, walk back through Gamla Stan, or take the ferry from the hotel’s waterfront to the near shore of Södermalm, where along the water and looking back to the Grand Hôtel, the Fotografiska is Stockholm’s ode to contemporary photography.

Rotating exhibits feature world-class fine art photography from the likes of Cindy Sherman and Kary Lasch (on view through April 2024). The museum feels like an expansive, edgy gallery—easy to maneuver, with artwork presented in informative, engaging context. Save time for the gift shop, which has great gifts and souvenirs at good prices.

Saturday Evening

For your final night, indulge in either of Michelin-starred chef Mathias Dahlgren’s restaurants, Matbaren or Seafood Gastro, both culinary destinations in and of themselves yet conveniently located within the Grand Hôtel. Matbaren offers a seasonal seafood-forward menu in a modern, casual bistro atmosphere, while Seafood Gastro is a multi-course tasting experience centered around aquatic ingredients, that will, frankly, blow you away.

The custom-crafted plateware from Norway’s Odd Standard is as much a delicacy as the dishes themselves. Add wine pairings and you’ll have an evening beyond compare, not to mention a new-found appreciation for Sweden’s shining culinary moment.

Sunday Morning

After so much shopping, eating, and museum-going, spend your last hours in Stockholm taking in the nearby parks and green spaces, including the Kungsträdgården , also known as Kungsan or Stockholm’s central park. Watch ice skaters if you visit in the winter, or enjoy coffee at an outdoor café on warmer days.

The city’s slightly off-the-beaten path green oasis, Skeppsholmen , is a small islet just to the east of the hotel, where you can meander around the perimeter and take in incredible views of Gamla Stan and Strandvägen across the water. If you’ve got the stamina for one more museum, the contemporary art at Moderna Museet is certainly worth seeing.

Perfect Weekends

How to Spend a Perfect Weekend in Louisville, KY

How to Spend a Perfect Weekend on 30A

How to Spend the Perfect Weekend in Jackson Hole

How to Spend a Perfect Weekend in Phoenix, Arizona

Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Paris’s Left Bank

How to Spend a Perfect Weekend in Nashville

The Chicest Hotel in Every State

The 36 Best Places to Visit in the Winter

How to Spend a Perfect Weekend in New York City

How to Spend a Perfect Weekend in Santa Fe

How to Spend a Perfect Weekend in Palm Beach

Home » Travel Guides » Sweden » 25 Best Things to Do in Stockholm (Sweden)

25 Best Things to Do in Stockholm (Sweden)

The capital of Sweden is a cosmopolitan city with a tangled old town, stylish young districts, a dynamic city centre. Spread across 14 islands on Lake Mälaren, Stockholm’s very environment encourages you to rove and see where you’ll end up. There are around 50 bridges in the centre alone, while ferries are a fun way to get about.

When it comes to fashion, design and music Stockholm is well ahead of the curve, and many of the coolest places to shop and go out are on the island of Södermalm south of the centre. The lion’s share of the museums and family days out are on Djurgården, a wooded island where the city goes for rest, culture and fun.

Let’s explore the best thing to do in Stockholm :

1. Gamla Stan

Begin by going back to Stockholm’s roots at one of Europe’s great medieval centres, spread over three islands.

You’ll be in the midst of a true Hanseatic trading city, where gabled shops and warehouses are painted various shades of gold.

These now host all manner of restaurants, many garnering international awards, as well as museums, studios, bijou boutiques, cafes and bars.

On the eastern side of the old town there’s a long sequence of parallel cobblestone lanes leading in from the water and dipping under passageways.

Come here to squeeze through Mårten Trotzigs Gränd, an alley that tapers to just 90 centimetres across.

The visionary teacher and academic Artur Hazelius founded what was the first ever open-air museum in the world on Royal Djurgården in 1891. The idea was to show future generations what life was like in Sweden before the Industrial Age, and it has been borrowed by hundreds of museums around the world.

More than a century Skansen it’s still the best museum in its class, in 30 hectares and with a large cast recreating rural scenes from all over Sweden down to the finest detail.

A Sami camp from the Arctic circle, a farm from the remote western Härjedalen province and a open-air zoo with wolves, lynxes, otters, grey seals, reindeer and moose are a few of the attractions.

Book online : Skansen Open-Air Museum Admission Ticket

3. Vasa Museum

An awesome relic from the 17th-century reign of the all-conquering King Gustavus Adolphus has been revived at this museum the west shore of Djurgården.

The Vasa was a 64-gun warship that went down on its first voyage in 1628. It remained in the deep until 1961 when it was lifted to the surface and slowly and painstakingly restored.

The vessel has almost all of its original material and is the only 17th-century ship of this scale to make it to the present day.

And with the ship came a payload of artefacts that tell us what it was like to sail on the Vasa.

These are in ten exhibition rooms, and there’s a multilingual movie about the ship and its resurrection.

Get tickets : Vasa Museum Entrance Ticket

4. Modern Art Museum

On the island of Skeppsholmen at the Baltic Sea entrance to the city is the pick of Stockholm’s superb institutions for modern and contemporary art.

The museum started out in the 1950s in a former military building before moving into this Rafael Moneo-designed edifice at the end of the 90s.

Some of the names that even casual dabblers will know are Picasso, Marcel Duschamp, Henri Matisse and Salvador Dalí.

People also come especially for the museum’s restaurant, which looks over to Djurgården.

There’s also a sculpture with works by Picasso, Dan Graham and Alexaner Calder.

5. The Medieval Museum

In the 1970s during the construction of an underground car park builders happened upon some of Stockholm’s medieval city walls.

This is under the Norrbro bridge and measures 55 metres, and is now one of the showpieces of the city’s medieval museum.

Here you can track the history of the city from its foundation in the 13th century to the 16th century at the end of the medieval period.

Kids can dress up in armour, while other pieces of old Stockholm that came to light in the dig are part of the fun, like a 16th-century warship and a medieval graveyard.

These mingle with recreated houses, taverns and workshops.

6. Junibacken

Based on the stories of children’s author Astrid Lindgren, Junibacken is a theme park aimed at young readers.

Lindgren’s contribution to literature is indisputable and is still one of the world’s 20 most translated writers.

Her most beloved character is Pippi Longstocking, whose house, Villa Villekulla, is the final destination of a whimsical train ride through the park.

The park is designed to kindle children’s natural curiosity and abounds with niches, tunnels and miniature houses to adventure through.

Junibacken also has the largest children’s bookshop in the country, and Storybook Square is a kind of hall of fame for Sweden’s long lineup of renowned children’s authors like Elsa Beskow and Sven Nordqvist.

7. Swedish History Museum

The Swedish History Museum is anchored in the art collection of the 16th-century King Gustav Vasa, which grew with subsequent monarchs as the Empire expanded.

Now you’ll get a full chronology of Swedish history from Prehistory to the present day, with special attention on the exploits of the Vikings.

The Gold Room is literally brilliant, with more than 3,000 objects across 3,500 years of Swedish history.

Unforgettable here are the gold collars from 300-500 made from melted down Roman gold coins.

The Viking collection is as rich as you’d hope, and has artefacts from the trading post at Birka and the Mästermyr tool chest.

8. Royal Palace

With more than 600 rooms Stockholm’s Royal Palace is up there with the largest palaces in Europe.

There are five museums in this mostly 18th-century complex, which isn’t just a historical relic: The King of Sweden still lives here, most royal events and receptions happen at the palace and all the various departments associated with the royal family operate in these plush environs.

Just a brief run-down of the must-sees includes the reception rooms, the royal apartments, the Rikssalen (Hall of State) and the Ordenssalarna (Halls of the Orders of Chivalry). Of the five museums, the Treasury is predictably lavish and Gustav III’s Museum of Antiquities has ancient Greek and Roman sculptures bought by the king during his trip to Italy in 1783-84.

Full day trip : 1-day Royal Palace and Castle Tour from Stockholm

9. Fotografiska

By the water on Södermalm is one of the world’s top photography galleries.

The location is the old wharf at Stadsgården, and the attraction is in a repurposed customs building.

There are four high-profile exhibitions staged at Fotografiska per year, along with 20 smaller shows, so no two visits will ever be the same.

Just by way of intro, some of the photographers featured here recently are greats like Robert Mapplethorpe, Guy Bourdin, Irving Penn, and Akseli Vamunen (Young Nordic Photographer of the Year in 2016). The gallery’s restaurant is highly regarded and has started picking up awards, while you can contemplate Djurgården from a table at the top floor cafe.

Book online : Fotografiska Entrance Ticket

10. The City Hall

One of the buildings that makes Stockholm, well, Stockholm is the City Hall, unmistakeable for its 106-metre tower and spire.

Composed of eight million bricks it’s the perfect expression of the Nordic National Romantic style and was inaugurated in June 1923 400 years to the day after Gustav Vasa’s arrival in the city.

The dimensions of the spaces inside are spellbinding, most of all the Blue Hall where the Nobel Banquet is held every December.

After dinner, there’s a dance in the Golden Hall, which is adorned with 18 million gold mosaic tiles.

An integral part of any visit is scaling the tower and gazing over Stockholm.

Recommended tour : Guided City Hall Tour

11. Strandvägen

Beside the water on Östermalm is one of the most exclusive addresses in the city: A boulevard and esplanade with views to Gamla Stan and Skeppsholmen, and tying Djurgården to the centre of the city.

Strandvägen was plotted in the late 19th century and completed in 1897 for the Stockholm World’s Fair.

The long row of palatial apartment buildings is in the Revivalist style, epitomised by Isak Gustaf Clason’s Bünsow Building, which looks like a Loire Valley chateau.

Stockholm’s tour boats and water taxis converge on Strandvägen, and the esplanade has scores of cafes and bars for a quick refreshment before carrying on your way.

Related tour : Stockholm Archipelago Cruise with Guide

12. Prins Eugen Waldemarsudde

There’s a snapshot of turn-of-the-century royal life at Prince Eugen’s estate on Djurgården.

Eugen was a man of leisure who threw himself into the art world.

He was a prominent collector and patron, and in his youth studied fine art in Paris.

Eugen’s collection, as well as his own landscape paintings, decorate his Art Nouveau house on an estate with buildings going back to the 18th century.

This is all on a small peninsula enveloped in mature oak woodland, facing the canal that links Stockholm to the Baltic and with the city’s skyline in the background.

The estate’s flower garden is a joy in early summer, and there’s also a sculpture garden with works by the likes of Auguste Rodin.

13. ABBA: The Museum

Whatever your opinion of Sweden’s biggest pop act there’s no getting away from their cultural impact.

More than three decades after they split up their music still pops up in movies, TV shows and of course their record-breaking musical Mamma Mia.

The museum brims with ABBA memorabilia and clever touches that fans will be wild for.

One is Benny Andersson’s piano, which is connected remotely to the piano in his house and plays whatever he’s playing at home.

There’s also a phone, Ring Ring, that only the four ABBA members know the number to.

At the immersive “Waterloo” exhibit you can step back to 1974 and relive the Eurovision Song Contest that ABBA won with “Waterloo”, to kick-start their career.

Tickets available online : ABBA The Museum – Walk In, Dance Out

14. Gröna Lund

Djurgården is also the scene for Sweden’s oldest amusement park, and although Gröna Lund first opened in 1883 it is very much up to date.

New roller coasters are unveiled every few years, like the state-of-art “Insane” on which you’ll spend half the ride upside down.

Another, “Eclipse” is a swing ride more than 120 metres in height.

Away from the white-knuckle rides the littler visitors will have the time of their lives on tea cups, carousels, bumper cars and romping through fun houses.

There are concerts in the park all summer, and Paul McCartney, Bob Marley and ABBA are a few of the big names to have played here.

15. Monteliusvägen

Before or after a trip to Fotografista, mosey across to the wood and cobblestone path above the north coast of Södermalm.

In a city that has a replete with scenic views, this may be the finest of them all: You’ll get your best shots of the City Hall and Gamla Stan from this 500-metre trail, and the light at sunrise and sunset is dreamy.

Over Lake Mälaren you’ll watch the big ships hoving into view and the smaller launches darting back and forth.

There’s also an old-time feel about this residential neighbourhood, and lots of places close by to grab a cold drink in summer or warm up with “fika” in winter.

16. Nordic Museum

Artur Hazelius, founder of the Skansen Museum, also conceived this ethnographical attraction a few moments away on Djurgården.

The Nordic Museum spells out the cultural history of Sweden from about the 16th century onwards, showcasing its traditional costume and textiles, ceramics, jewellery, furniture and folk art.

You can also get a handle on the Sami, Sweden’s only indigenous culture, and dip into their history, beliefs and way of life.

Isak Gustaf Clason was hired to design the building and came up with an extraordinary Neo-Renaissance palace that was finished in 1907 after a 19-year construction and would be worth the visit alone.

17. Stortorget

A mandatory stop in Gamla Stan is the oldest square in the city at the highest point of the island.

Stockholm’s expansion in the High Middle Ages began at this very point, and you can be sure that Stortorget has seen some drama in its time.

One was the Stockholm Bloodbath of 1520 when up to 90 people were executed in the square by Danish forces.

The cannonball in the wall at the corner where Skomakargatan joins the square is said to go back to this time.

Stortorget’s beauty is in its gabled houses from the 1600s and 1700s, and the Christmas market in December when treats like ginger snaps (pepparkakor) and mulled wine (glögg) bring plenty of cheer.

Included in : Sightseeing Tour by Segway

18. Drottningholm Palace

One of Sweden’s three World Heritage Sites is on the western outskirts of Stockholm.

Drottningholm is in the French style and was conceived in 17th century.

Refinements were made over the next few hundred years when each successive monarch left his or her own mark on the palace.

There are opulent salons from the 1600s, 1700s and 1800s, but one of the remarkable details is the Palace Theatre, which dates to the 1700s and continues to stage performances to this day, unchanged.

The Chinese Pavilion, finished in 1769, is another marvel in an oriental-infused Rococo style and with interiors enriched with decorative works like porcelain and lacquered furniture gathered by the Swedish East India Company in the 18th century.

19. Södermalm

We’ve already taken in the scenery and visited Fotografiska, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg on this island south of the centre.

Södermalm, where Greta Garbo grew up, has a few ultra-cool neighbourhoods with quirky shops and interesting places to go out.

Try SoFo (South of Folkungagatan) for one-of-a-kind designer boutiques, vintage shops and hip restaurants and cafes.

Nytorget Square here is a fun night out in summer.

The same goes for Mosebacke, which had a bohemian reputation for as long as anyone can remember, and is just the place to go for designer shopping, live music and a craft beer or coffee.

The sight of Stockholm from the terrace of the Södra Teatern is not to be missed.

20. Canal Trip

So much of Stockholm’s charm lies in its waterways that you’d be remiss not to see the city from the water.

You could even say it’s the first thing to do in the city, as you’ll get your bearings and see the parts you’d like to explore deeper later on.

A favourite trip is to head east on the Djurgårdsbrunnskanalen, a canal on the side of Djurgården.

This was dug during the reign of Charles XIV in 1825. On the way out there are lush views of palaces and gardens, and as you loop back you’ll see the city in all its majesty.

You could also take a bridges, which takes around two hours if you want to dig a bit deeper.

21. Hallwyl Museum

In the 1890s the aristocratic couple Walther von Hallwyl and his wife Wilhelmina ordered this mansion in the centre of Stockholm facing Berzelii Park.

The architect was Isak Gustaf Clason, responsible for many regal properties around the city like the Nordic Museum.

Hallywyl House is in a faithful Italian Renaissance style and while it might seem historic, the palace was advanced for its day and had phones, plumbing, central heating and electricity.

The countess in particular was a prodigious art collector, and even ten years before she passed away the palace had been donated to the state because of its profusion of fine art, furniture, silver, tableware and expertly crafted fittings.

The drawing room, dining room and billiard room are all very swish, while the courtyard puts on concerts in summer.

22. Stockholm Public Library

A bibliophile’s idea of heaven, the central building for the Stockholm Public Library is one of the world’s most beautiful libraries, and changed the city’s relationship with books when it opened in 1928. That’s down to the monumental rotunda at the top of the building.

This is a gigantic hall encircled with bookshelves, and for the first time readers could seek out the book they needed by themselves without having to consult the librarians.

Gunnar Asplund designed the library, and it’s held as a shining example of the Swedish Classicist movement.

There’s no fee to enter, and many of the titles are in English if you’re in need of a quiet, rainy day activity.

23. Norrmalm

If you’re young and fashion-conscious Stockholm’s revitalised city centre has all the chain stores, malls and old-school department stores to stay on point.

This area of Stockholm, also known simply as “City”, had an iffy reputation up to the 90s when it was brightened up and made pedestrian-friendly.

Now it’s a shopper’s paradise where there are flagships stores for international brands all along Drottninggatan, which is heaving on weekends.

Meanwhile Åhléns and the upmarket Nordiska Kompaniet (NK) are thriving Swedish institutions that have been here for more than a century.

24. Kungsträdgården

Behind the Royal Palace is a park that has something happening in all seasons.

But Kungsträdgården is never more beautiful than in April when its twin avenues of cherry trees are in bloom.

Thousands of people show up for Körsbärsblommans Dag (Cherry Blossom Day) in this month for a walk under those pink canopies.

In winter there’s a skating rink in the part of the park known as the oktogonen (octagon), while if you pass by in summer you’re sure to catch some temporary installation or festival.

And if you just have time to kill you could catch a game of street chess.

25. Go for Fika

If you’re new to the country then Fika is the easiest part of Swedish culture to pick up.

It’s essentially a coffee break, with no set time but is always a social occasion.

People at work “fika” (it’s a verb as well as a noun) to chat for a few minutes over coffee and a snack.

The partner for your cup of coffee can be anything from cookies to an open sandwich (smörgås). But the tried and trusted option is probably cinnamon buns (kanelbullar) or if you want to be a bit more indulgent, a slice of apple cake (äppelkaka).

25 Best Things to Do in Stockholm (Sweden):

• Vasa Museum
• Modern Art Museum
• The Medieval Museum
• Swedish History Museum
• Royal Palace
• Fotografiska
• The City Hall
• Strandvägen
• Prins Eugen Waldemarsudde
• ABBA: The Museum
• Monteliusvägen
• Nordic Museum
• Drottningholm Palace
• Hallwyl Museum
• Stockholm Public Library
• Kungsträdgården
• Go for Fika

Photo: Visit Stockholm

The biggest Stockholm events in 2024

Publish date : 14 March 2024

Grab your calendar! Here are the biggest festivals, concerts, trade fairs, and concerts you don't want to miss.

Whether you're looking for beloved city-spanning festivals or specialized trade fairs, Stockholm has no shortage of large public events. You'll meet innovative filmmakers at the Stockholm International Festival, experience some of the world's biggest artists at STHLM Fields, or challenge yourself at the Adidas Stockholm Marathon or Lidingöloppet.

Here are some of the biggest events, fairs, concerts, exhibitions, and festivals to look forward to during 2024.

This guide is currently under review. More events will be added as soon as exact dates have been announced.

Recurring events in Stockholm

Some events attract attendees year after year and have become a mainstay in annual calendars. Some of the most popular recurring events are:

• Adidas Stockholm Marathon - Adidas has been the main sponsor of the Stockholm Marathon since 2022. But the annual event is much older than that, having been organized for the first time in 1979. It's usually held in late May/early June.
• The Baltic Sea Festival - The Baltic Sea Festival is a music event, that highlights classic and orchestral music from countries around the Baltic Sea. The festival is a collaboration between, amongst others, The Swedish Institute and the Swedish National Radio, and the concerts are held at Berwaldhallen on Gärdet.
• Bauhaus-galan - Formerly known as DN-galan, Bauhaus-galan has been around since 1967. The annual athletics meeting is part of the Diamond League and regularly hosts some of the world's most prominent athletes.
• Kulturnatt Stockholm - Kulturnatt Stockholm is a smorgasbord of Stockholm's cultural scene. During the one-night-only festival in April, many of the city's libraries, theaters, museums, and cultural institutions organize unique events, shows, and exhibitions free of admission.
• Lidingöloppet - With some 15,000 participants every year, Lidingöloppet is the world's largest cross-country running competition in the world. Although the track is "only" 30 kilometers long (18.6 miles), the difficult terrain has made it infamous, considered by some as one of the most challenging races in Sweden.
• Liljevalch's Spring Salon - 2021 marked the 100th anniversary of the Spring Salon at Liljevalch's art museum. Since its inception, the annual exhibition has showcased works from established artists, side-by-side with virtual unknowns and amateurs. Each year's lineup is hand-picked by a jury.
• Stockholm Design Week - Stockholm Design Week is organized by the Stockholm Furniture Fair and is held two times each year; in February and August. It puts the spotlight on Swedish and Scandinavian design with design-focused events at galleries, showrooms, museums, and cultural institutions all over Stockholm. The February edition also coincides with the annual Stockholm Furniture Fair.
• Stockholm International Film Festival - The Stockholm International Film Festival took place for the first time in 1990. Although the program is broad with several categories, the competitive section is only open to young filmmakers.
• Stockholm Jazz Festival - Stockholm Jazz Festival is one of Sweden's oldest music festivals. As the name suggests, the festival focuses on jazz music with concerts by both jazz legends and rising stars.
• Stockholm Kulturfestival - an admission-free festival with various events, concerts, and exhibitions that take place in August, in central Stockholm.
• Stockholm Pride - The largest pride celebration in Northern Europe has been around since 1998. Festivities are spread across Stockholm, during the last week of July/the first week of August. But almost everyone views the Pride Parade, at the end of the week, as the obvious highlight of the celebrations.
• ÖTILLÖ Swimrun - Rumor has it that ÖTILLÖ started as a late-night bet between friends. The idea was to see who could get from Utö in the southern Stockholm archipelago to Sandhamn in the North, by a mix of swimming and running. The race has since become one of the most popular events in the archipelago.

Looking for more?

Be adventurous in the stockholm archipelago.

Categories : Activities

Where I find mindfulness in the city

Local in Stockholm

Experience Stockholm with a personal guide

Guided tours with a twist, vacation on two wheels, kayak adventures in stockholm, have an active vacation, winter activities in stockholm.