When I first visited Stockholm in November 2017, I was captivated by the charm of the capital city. The crisp winter air, the narrow cobblestone streets of Gamla Stan, and the beautiful old buildings made it feel like a real-life fairy tale. I later had the chance to live in this wonderful city for a short time in 2019, which gave me a deeper appreciation for everything Stockholm has to offer.
Even though my move didn’t work out, I love visiting regularly, as it’s only an hour away from Copenhagen, making it quite handy for spontaneous trips. Since then, I’ve been to Stockholm five times and have collected some amazing insider tips and photos along the way. Whether you’re exploring the beautiful streets of Gamla Stan or discovering hidden gems in the city, Stockholm will captivate you with its mix of modern life and history. I’m excited to share my original experiences and the best things to do in this incredible city.
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This guide covers the 16 must-do activities in Stockholm from the perspective of a former local, offering insider tips on the best sights, experiences, and hidden gems in the city. Whether you’re exploring Stockholm for the first time or revisiting, this guide will help you experience the city like a local.
If you’re a fan of Swedish pastries, a stop at St:Paul Bageri is a must. On my December 2021 trip to Stockholm, I discovered this favorite bakery with its three locations in the city. The Södermalm shops are close to each other, but the one on Götgatan is my personal favorite, as it’s bigger and the perfect place to enjoy a traditional fika break. The warm and inviting atmosphere makes it ideal for sampling their famous cinnamon buns.
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Located on Sankt Paulsgatan and Drottningatan, St:Paul Bageri is conveniently placed near Stockholm’s main shopping street, so you can easily pop in while exploring the city. It’s an experience you won’t want to miss!
One of my favorite activities in Stockholm is taking photos in Gamla Stan, the Old Town, which is a perfect spot for first-time visitors. The cobbled side-streets and the beautiful corner feel like stepping back in time, and it’s especially great to explore early in the morning before the crowds, which can get pretty big in the summer.
From there, you can easily walk to Riddarholmen, a small island that has one of the most stunning churches in Stockholm. The layout of Gamla Stan, with its charming grid, makes it a perfect place for capturing the beauty of the city, from the main square to hidden corners. If you’re into photography, it’s an experience you don’t want to miss!
One of the best things to do in Stockholm is to visit the City Hall for a stunning view of the city. My first visit to the tower was in July 2024, and I couldn’t believe I waited so long to see it. It’s open only from May to August, so if you’re in Stockholm during these months, you definitely need to prioritize this experience.
From the tower, you get a fantastic view of the entire city center and a close-up look at Riddarholmen. Expect to see crowds, especially around this side of the city, so it’s a good idea to buy tickets in advance. We paid 90 SEK (about $8.20) each for our tickets during our summer visit. Even if you don’t take the tour, the park downstairs is a lovely, free spot to relax and enjoy the area.
Address: Hantverkargatan 1, 111 52 Stockholm
If you’re in Stockholm, a boat tour is one of the best ways to see the city from the water. Built on 14 islands, Stockholm is often called the “Venice of the North,” and for good reason! Every time I visit, I make sure to get out onto the water at least once, especially around Lake Mälaren, where the views are stunning and offer great photo opportunities.
My personal favorite is the City Bridges Cruise, which I first took in November 2017. It’s a great way to get your bearings and enjoy the iconic skyline. You can also island-hop using the city’s network of ferries. One of the most enjoyable routes is from Gamla Stan to Djurgården, and the best part is, all ferries in the center are included with your SL public transport ticket. It’s an easy and scenic way to explore Stockholm’s waterways.
If you’re visiting Stockholm for the first time, one of the best things to do is to head to the Nordic Museum (Nordiska Museet) on the beautiful island of Djurgården. This museum is inside one of the city’s most beautiful buildings, and it’s a perfect spot to learn about the history of the region.
The Nordic Life permanent exhibition is an absolute must-visit for anyone wanting a comprehensive history of the people who helped make Northern Europe so prosperous. I spent about three hours here, but I could have easily stayed longer, as there’s so much to explore. You can conveniently buy your tickets online before your visit.
Address: Djurgårdsvägen 6-16, 115 93 Stockholm
If you’re looking for a great brunch spot in Stockholm, Pom och Flora is a must-visit. Since it opened in 2013, it has become a core part of the city’s brunch scene. I went there for the first time in 2024, and to embrace the classic travel influencer vibe, I highly recommend their avocado toast and acai bowl.
The cafe has three locations in the city, and we had no trouble getting a table right away, especially since we went midweek in July (a time when most Stockholmers are out of town). It’s the perfect spot to fuel up while enjoying a delicious meal.
Addresses: Odengatan 39, 113 51 Stockholm Bondegatan 64, 116 29 Stockholm Rörstrandsgatan 34, 113 40 Stockholm
One of my favorite things about Stockholm is how close it is to nature, especially the stunning nearby archipelago. I had the chance to explore it in 2019, and it was an unforgettable experience. Taking the ferry to Finland feels like getting a free tour of the beautiful islands that make up this natural wonder.
Many of the islands are easy to access from the city center, with places like Fjäderholmarna just 30 minutes from downtown. The archipelago is best visited in the summer, where you can enjoy great food and unwind, but it’s also magical in winter when the islands are covered in snow. Several ferries and tours connect Stockholm to the archipelago, so be sure to check the times in advance.
One of my favorite spots in Stockholm is Skansen, the world’s oldest open-air museum. It’s one of the most popular attractions in the Nordic region and a perfect place to experience Sweden from yesteryear. If you don’t have time to visit other parts of Sweden, Skansen gives you a great nutshell view of the country.
There are also numerous events throughout the year, including the famous Allsång på Skansen concert in the summer. It’s also a great place to celebrate New Year’s. The opening hours and ticket prices vary depending on when you visit, and all the necessary information is available online. To get there, simply hop on the number 7 tram and get off at the namesake stop.
Address: Djurgårdsslätten 49-51, 115 21 Stockholm
One of my favorite spots in Stockholm for viewing the city is Monteliusvägen, my second favorite viewpoint after the City Hall. This walking path is located in trendy Södermalm and is a popular spot for both locals and tourists. It’s open year-round, and I recommend visiting early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
The view of Stockholm’s skyline is stunning, and it’s also a fantastic place to watch the sunset. On a cloudy day, I love getting moody-style photos. Besides the beautiful scenery, it’s oddly fun to watch Metro trains cross the bridge to Södermalm. Best of all, Monteliusvägen is completely free to visit—just take the Metro to Slussen and walk from there.
Södermalm is one of the most exciting districts in Stockholm, and it’s definitely worth checking out. This area is known for having the trendiest crowd, and there are many hidden corners waiting to be explored. If you’re into art, make sure to visit the Fotografiska photography museum.
You’ll also find plenty of independent stores here, which add to the unique vibe of the neighborhood. Södermalm is also where much of Stockholm’s nightlife happens, making it a lively place to visit. I recommend spending at least a day here, and if you really want to get the full experience, base yourself in this part of the city.
One of the coolest things to do in Stockholm is to watch the changing of the guards at the Royal Palace. If you visit Sweden between late April and August, you can catch this ceremony for free.
The guards change at 12:15 p.m. from Monday to Saturday, and on Sunday, it happens at 1:15 p.m. It’s a great experience, and outside of the summer months, you can also see a handful of parades. If you’re interested, make sure to read more about them when you’re planning your visit.
One of my absolute favorite places in Stockholm is Skeppsholmen, one of the smallest islands in the city. I love the charming yellow houses here, and the island offers the best views of the city center.
When you cross the crown-lined bridge, you can look one way toward Gamla Stan and the other toward Östermalm. Skeppsholmen also has a handful of hotels and museums, including the fun Stockholm Toy Museum. I especially enjoy wandering around in winter, when the island is covered in snow, but it’s lovely to visit any time of the year. You can easily reach Skeppsholmen by foot, and the nearest Metro station is Kungsträdgården.
One of the best things about Stockholm is how the Metro doubles as an art gallery. It’s one of the best ways to get around the city, but it’s also a chance to see impressive art in stations across the city. Stockholmers use it daily, but I recommend taking some time to explore the stations, especially on a cold or rainy afternoon.
The stations are painted or crafted in amazing ways to make them visually stunning. Start at T-Centralen, the main subway station, to get a taste of the creativity. Stadion is my personal favorite, and Mörby Centrum Station is also pleasant. You only need a standard public transport ticket to visit these stations, and you can easily buy a day pass using the SL app.
One of the most impressive museums in Stockholm is the Vasa Museum, where you can see the famous warship that sank on its maiden voyage in 1628. It was a huge moment, as it sank right in front of crowds that had gathered to watch its departure. For over 300 years, the ship lay underwater until the 1950s, when efforts to recover it began.
After years of work, the ship is now proudly displayed in all its glory at the Vasa Museum on the island of Djurgården. The museum is open year-round, except for December 24th and 25th, and it’s worth your time to visit. Since the ship needs to be kept within a specific temperature range for proper maintenance, it can get a bit cold, so bring some extra layers. Tickets can be purchased online or at the museum, but remember that cash payments aren’t accepted, so you’ll need a card. If you’re interested, guided tours are also available.
In December 2021, I decided to do something unique in Stockholm since I had already visited the city numerous times and even had a brief experience living there. I found out that Stockholm is home to the world’s first national urban park, and Ekoparken is a part of it.
Located on the lovely island of Djurgården, Ekoparken was granted its status in 1995. I spent an entire afternoon walking around, enjoying the peaceful vibe. If it hadn’t gotten so dark so early, I would have stayed longer. Despite being in the center of Stockholm, it feels like you’re in the countryside. It’s a great spot for a picture or even a boat ride, especially in winter.
When I think about shopping in Stockholm, it’s hard not to mention how enjoyable the experience can be. The city offers a unique blend of design and function, making it a paradoxical place for those seeking both style and practicality. Whether you’re after high-end clothing brands or looking to explore the city’s vibrant shopping culture, there’s always something that catches your eye. One of the best places to visit is Åhléns, a massive department store that provides an impressive selection of goods.
If you’re after something more exclusive, be sure to check out the flagship stores of Swedish brands like Acne Studios and Filippa K, known for their minimalist and contemporary styles. As a former local, I recommend spending time walking around the city to discover hidden showrooms and boutique shops that might not always make it onto a standard travel guide or map. It’s these gems that truly make Stockholm a must-visit for anyone interested in fashion. If you’re torn between whether to visit Copenhagen vs. Stockholm, I’d say that Stockholm’s shopping scene wins hands down, but that’s just my personal opinion. There’s something for everyone in this beautifully curated city.
In Stockholm, locals often head to Urban Deli in Nytorget for a cozy lunch with delicious Swedish food and fresh flavors. The urban atmosphere and trendy vibe make it the perfect dining spot. Whether you’re after a light bite or a full Swedish meal, it’s a great place to experience the true food culture of the city. After arriving, it’s always a great place to head to for a relaxed, local experience.
In Old Town, you can explore Stockholm’s rich history with landmarks like the Stockholm Palace, Stortorget (Grand Square), and Storkyrkan church. The Nobel Prize Museum and Riddarholmskyrkan are also must-sees. As you walk through Mårten Trotzigs gränd, you’ll step back in time to when Stockholm was founded in 1252. Don’t miss the Gustav III Staty and admire the architecture, monuments, and cultural heritage that make this area so special.
In Stockholm, you can explore Gamla Stan for historical landmarks like the Vasa Museum and Nobel Prize Museum. Enjoy the nature of Royal Djurgården or take a boat through the Stockholm Archipelago. Art lovers should visit Fotografiska, while Skansen offers a deep dive into Swedish culture. Don’t miss the Viking Museum to learn about Viking culture. Whether it’s museum experiences, outdoor activities, or cultural experiences, Stockholm has it all.
The Stockholm City Hall is one of the most famous buildings in Stockholm. It’s a key tourist attraction and home to the Municipal Council with 200 people working there. The food hall offers a good selection of sit-down and kiosk food options, showcasing Swedish food culture. It’s a must-see for anyone visiting the capital.
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