Overview of Free Activities in Stockholm:
- See the Changing of the Royal Guard
- Take a Walking Tour of Djurgården
- Visit Stockholm’s Beautiful Churches
- Visit the Museums
- Ride Stockholm’s Free and Low-Cost Public Transportation
- Relax at Two Free Beaches
- Go Ice Skating
- Enjoy Free Annual Events
- Peruse Modern Art
- Stroll the Södermalm District
- Wander Through Medieval Old Town
Stockholm, Sweden is known to be an expensive city, but many travelers may not be aware that there are numerous free things to do in Stockholm as well.
Consider a Swedish City Card, a travel discount card that offers travelers in Sweden affordable transportation in Swedish cities, along with various additional discounts.
You can visit beautiful churches and museums, observe the changing of the guard at the King’s residence, and even relax on the beach—all without spending a Krona. As you explore, picking up a few Swedish phrases will help you connect with the locals.
See the Changing of the Royal Guard
The guard of the Swedish royal family consists of 30,000 individual guards. Watching this free 40-minute event in front of the residence of the King of Sweden is a notable attraction in Stockholm.
The Royal Guard ceremony is scheduled differently in the summer than in the winter. From April 23 to August 31, the ceremonial march through central Stockholm is accompanied by a full military band from the Swedish Armed Forces Music Center. On the King’s birthday, April 30, the guards parade to the royal palace on horseback.
No matter the season, the changing of the guard is a ceremony well worth experiencing.
Take a Walking Tour of Djurgården
Address: Djurgården, Östermalm, Stockholm, Sweden
Stockholm’s Djurgården is a nature park located right in the city, known for its beautiful green spaces and various attractions. Although certain significant sites charge entry fees, such as the Vasa Museum, housing a 17th-century warship, walking on the island to enjoy the views is free.
This walking tour takes about 2 to 2.5 hours and showcases the best of Djurgården island.
Visit Stockholm’s Beautiful Churches
Address: Stockholms Domkyrkoförsamling, Trångsund 1, 111 29 Stockholm, Sweden
Step inside the churches of Stockholm to admire the stunning artwork. Notable churches worth visiting with free admission include:
- Royal Cathedral (“Storkyrkan”), built in 1279, located in Gamla Stan.
- Katarina Church at Högbergsgatan 15, a major church in central Stockholm.
- St. Maria Magdalena at St. Paulsgatan 10 on Sodermalm, designed in Baroque architecture.
- Riddarholmen Church, located near the royal palace and the final resting place of many Swedish monarchs.
- Gustav Vasa Church, the largest church in Stockholm, located along Karlbergsvägen.
Visit the Museums
Address: Exercisplan 4, 111 49 Stockholm, Sweden
Phone: +46 8 520 235 00
Moreover, you can enjoy free access to modern art at both the Moderna Museet (modern art and sculptures) and the Arkitekturmuseet (architecture and design), conveniently located next to the National Museum on the island of Skeppsholmen.
Ride Stockholm’s Free and Low-Cost Public Transportation
With the Swedish city card, you gain access to public transportation and countless attractions in Stockholm. The Stockholm Card (Stockholmskortet in Swedish) includes free admission to over 75 museums, boat tours, and discounts at various hotels and restaurants.
Additionally, with the SL Tourist Card, you will enjoy free public transportation throughout Greater Stockholm and admission to the Grona Lund amusement park.
Alternatively, you might consider the “almost-free” option of using Stockholm’s CityBikes, ideal for exploring during good weather.
Relax at Two Free Beaches
Address: Långholmsmuren 21, 117 33 Stockholm, Sweden
Phone: +46 8 508 122 05
Långholmsbadet and Smedsuddsbadet are two convenient swimming beaches in Stockholm, making them perfect for sunbathing, especially among the weekend crowd. Arriving early allows you to secure a good spot.
Go Ice Skating
Address: Jussi Björlings allé, 111 47 Stockholm, Sweden
Phone: +46 8 508 272 00
Kungsträdgården (commonly referred to as Kungsan) is a favorite destination for many, both during the summer and winter months. In winter, it offers a delightful free activity—ice skating. From mid-November to March, you can enjoy skating on the ice, accompanied by live music and warming refreshments. In summer, Kungsan hosts various free outdoor events, including concerts.
Enjoy Free Annual Events
Throughout the year, numerous festivals and events are held, many of which are completely free to attend:
- Midsummer’s Eve celebrations (June)
- The “Taste of Stockholm” Festival (June)
- The Stockholm Pride Festival (July/August)
- Nobel Prize Award lectures (December)
Peruse Modern Art
Moderna Museet (modern art museum) boasts a world-class collection of 20th and 21st-century art and photography, offering free entry on Fridays after 6 p.m. Located on the central island of Skeppsholmen, the museum showcases works by renowned artists like Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí, and Henri Matisse.
After enjoying the art, visitors can unwind at the museum café.
Stroll the Södermalm District
Södermalm, often shortened to Söder, is a vibrant neighborhood located on the island of the same name. It is known for its vintage clothing boutiques, art galleries, bistros, and bars. Visitors can also find parks ideal for strolling and enjoying lovely views. Moreover, the City Museum of Stockholm is situated here, scheduled for reopening in 2019.
Wander Through Medieval Old Town
Stockholm’s Old Town (Gamla Stan) offers a delightful walking experience. It’s the largest and best-preserved medieval city center in Europe, established in 1252. Notable streets such as Västerlånggatan and Stora Nygatan are great for exploration, while the cobblestone streets of Mårten Trotzigs Gränd is the narrowest alley in Stockholm, an excellent spot for shopping for souvenirs and handicrafts.
