Things to do in Stockholm, Sweden

In the fall of 2022, I spend two and a half months in Sweden. Sick and tired of European airport drama, I decided to go Interrailing. A big advantage of Interrail is that it gives you the freedom to travel whenever and wherever you want, as long as you got enough travel days left. And that’s why I decided on a spontaneous trip to Stockholm. While the city did not impress me as much as Copenhagen, I did not regret it for one second. Read all about my 24 hours in Stockholm down below, or watch the video.

Why visit Stockholm?

First, the basics: Stockholm is the capital of Sweden. If you’re flying into Sweden, you’ll most likely land at one of the four airports surrounding Stockholm. If you’re traveling by train and going north, there is a very good chance you’ll pass through Stockholm given its central location in Sweden.

Situated on 14 islands connected by numerous bridges, Stockholm is characterized by its clean, scenic waterways and charming architecture. The city offers a perfect blend of history and modernity, with its well-preserved medieval old town, Gamla Stan, standing alongside contemporary attractions, world-class museums, and a thriving culinary scene. The city's progressive mindset, high quality of life, and commitment to sustainability make it a highly desirable place to visit and live. All in all, a perfect city trip if you’re in Scandinavia.

Stockholm - A city of islands

Stockholm is situated on the east coast of Sweden, where Lake Mälaren flows out into the Baltic Sea. The city is known as the "Venice of the North" because it is built on 14 islands and connected by more than 50 bridges. The five main islands are Stadsholmen, Djurgården, Södermalm, Kungsholmen, and Östermalm.

Stadsholmen: Home to Gamla Stan, Stockholm's historic Old Town, with its narrow cobblestone streets and well-preserved medieval buildings. The island is rather small, but a great place to stay if you want to be smack down in the middle of Stockholm’s most charming old buildings. However, do keep in mind this area can be very busy during tourist season.

Djurgården: Djurgården is known for its green spaces, parks, and cultural attractions. It is home to several museums, including the Vasa Museum, ABBA: The Museum, Skansen Open-Air Museum, and the Gröna Lund amusement park. I visited the Viking Museum here.

Södermalm: Södermalm is a trendy and vibrant island known for its hipster cafes, boutiques, and nightlife. It offers stunning views of the city and is a popular residential area.

Kungsholmen: Kungsholmen is an island located west of Gamla Stan. It is mainly residential and features beautiful waterfront areas and parks.

Östermalm: Östermalm is an affluent island known for its upscale residential areas, high-end shopping, and fashionable restaurants. It is also home to the popular food market, Östermalms Saluhall.

Gamla Stan

The obvious thing to do in Stockholm is visit Gamla Stan. Gamla Stan is Stockholm’s historic Old Town. It’s that tiny island right in the middle of the city where you’ll also find the Royal Palace (Kungliga Slottet), Stockholm Cathedral (Storkyrkan), and the Nobel Museum. Yes, this is also the place where you can take that Instagram-worthy picture of colorful houses at Stortorget Square.

The true charm of Gamla Stan lies in the narrow streets and alleys. As you wander through the cobblestone pathways, you'll be surrounded by quaint, colorful buildings with facades adorned in vibrant hues. The streets are lined with charming shops, cozy cafes, and restaurants offering traditional Swedish cuisine. The narrow passageways create an intimate and atmospheric ambiance, transporting you back in time and inviting you to explore the hidden corners and unexpected surprises that await around each corner.

Best pro-tip I can give you? Go to Science Fiction Bokhandeln at 48 Västerlånggatan. This shop will surprise you even if you're not a sci-fi fantasy fan. Books, manga, boardgames, Dungeons&Dragons and Warhammer 40.000, and lots of Stars Wars, Lord of the Rings, and Harry Potter stuff.

Visit a museum at Djurgården

Djurgården is located on the eastern side of Stockholm. You can reach the island by ferry, by train, or on foot. It’s only a 20-minute walk from Gamla Stan, during which you’ll get a perfect view of Stockholms harbor. When you enter Djurgården from the north, you’ll also get a glimpse of Blå porten: a beautiful blue gate that serves as the entrance to one of Stockholm’s many parks.

If you’re a museum geek, then you’ll love Djurgården. You can find all the most famous museums right next to each other, such as the ABBA Museum, the Vasa Museum, Skansen Open-Air Museum, Fotografiska, and the Viking Museum. When walking around Djurgården, you’ll definitely notice the Vasa Museum right away with its tall mast poking out of the rooftop.

The ABBA Museum and the Vasa Museum are the obvious choices here, but I like to go against the grain a bit and visited the Viking Museum instead. I mean, if you’re going to Sweden, then you must learn about the Vikings, right? The museum is on the small side, but very charming and it has lots of interactive experiences. I definitely recommend going on the guided tour (available in English and in Swedish). The staff is all dressed in traditional Viking clothes and you can see they truly care about Viking culture and wish to share that passion with other people.

Take a Boat Tour, or enjoy the view from the harbor

I didn’t do this myself, but I saw plenty of people lining up to take one of Stockholm’s boat tours. Given that Stockholm is a collection of islands - an archipelago - it makes sense that the best way to get a full view of the city is by boat.

Not much of a boat person? Plop your ass down in one of the many harbor cafes overlooking the water. These places are especially popular in summer, but also the perfect place to hold Fika during winter.

Gröna Lund

Nestled amidst the enchanting island of Djurgården in Stockholm, a realm of amusement awaits at the illustrious Gröna Lund. Since its inception in 1883, this timeless treasure has captivated generations with its exhilarating rides and enchanting attractions. From breathtaking roller coasters that ignite the senses to whimsical carousels that transport you to a bygone era, Gröna Lund weaves a tapestry of wonder and excitement. As the sun sets, the park transforms into a melodic haven, where live concerts by acclaimed artists cast a spell upon the night, harmonizing with the twinkling lights and joyful laughter.

In the heart of Stockholm, Gröna Lund beckons adventurers of all ages to indulge in a realm of thrilling entertainment and everlasting memories.

Visit IKEA

Yes, you can find an IKEA pretty much anywhere nowadays, but still, this is a unique situation. Stockholm has an IKEA City right on Hamngatan, one of Stockholm’s main streets. I’m not suggesting you go shopping there; that wouldn’t be very practical on your holiday but do take this opportunity to go for the Swedish meatballs.