Top Free and Affordable Experiences in Stockholm
Although Stockholm has a deserved reputation as one of Europe’s pricier capitals, some of your most magical moments in this green, waterside city will be completely free. Boasting abundant forest paths, clifftop views, and lakeside beaches, it’s a dream destination for nature lovers. Many of its world-class museums and galleries have scrapped admission fees in recent years. Plus, there’s plenty of diverse architecture to admire, from glass-fronted eco-friendly apartments to iconic medieval townhouses. Here’s our pick of Stockholm’s top free and cheap experiences.
Get Lost in the Old Town’s Backstreets
The cobbled streets of Stockholm’s mesmerizing Old Town are begging to get lost in. So once you’ve ticked off the bustling tourist store thoroughfares, Västerlånggatan and Stora Nygatan, stop to catch your breath in the area’s peaceful squares and cute narrow alleys. The sand-and-spice colored buildings look especially spectacular in the evening sun or when they’re lit up by lanterns lined up in the snow. This is one of the best-preserved medieval city centers in Europe, so if you’re keen to explore its history, consider a guided walk.
Watch the Sunset from a Cliff Top
Imagine sipping a cold beverage while watching the sun go down over a shimmering lake. Stockholm’s long summer nights sadly only last for a few short weeks, so if you’re in town in June or July, be sure to find a prime spot to maximize this beautiful experience. Skinnarviksberget, a rocky mountain on Södermalm’s north side and the city’s highest natural viewpoint, is a prime waterfront spot. Alternatively, Monteliusvägen, a wooden walkway slightly further east, offers accessible views of the Old Town’s spires and rooftops.
Explore the Free Museums and Galleries
Art, science, and social challenges meet at Accelerator, the city’s newest free exhibition space, inside a former experimental physics laboratory on Stockholm University’s campus. It joins a roster of museums and art galleries that have eliminated entry fees in recent years. Moderna Museet is a must-see, where you can find works from world-renowned artists, including Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dalí, before relaxing in its shady inner courtyard café. Next door, ArcDes showcases Sweden’s love affair with architecture and design, with rotating exhibitions designed to be both admired and debated.
Circle Kungsholmen Island
Kungsholmen has a reputation as one of Stockholm’s quieter inner-city neighborhoods; however, what it lacks in culinary or cultural riches it more than makes up for with its picturesque coastline. This 6-mile-long (10km) island loop ranges from tranquil rocky trails flanked by sailing boats and kayakers to the tree-lined boulevard Norr Mälarstrand, where you might find locals enjoying picnics as soon as the sun is out. Sporty Swedes will speed past you on this circuit during weekend mornings, and several free wooden outdoor gyms are set along the way.
Hop on a Commuter Ferry
Experiencing Stockholm from the water doesn’t require splashing out on a pricey boat trip to the archipelago; instead, there’s a bounty of beauty to be seen from the breezy top deck of the city’s commuter ferries. Journeys cost the same as a single bus or metro trip, and you can use an SL travel card or pay with a credit card. From Klara Malarstrand, you can take route 89 to Ekerö island, essentially enjoying a 50-minute tour of the Swedish capital’s prime real estate.
Hike and Dip in Hellasgården
A glistening lake, color-coded jogging and hiking trails flanked by pine trees and wildflowers, plus cliff-top lookouts are all available for free at Hellasgården, a recreation area inside Nacka nature reserve. Just a 17-minute bus ride from Stockholm city center, this is an outer-city oasis loved by locals year-round. If you can spare a small fee, don’t miss the traditional Swedish wooden sauna here, where you’re expected to be naked in gender-segregated zones.
Go Window Shopping in SoFo
Abuzz with independent boutiques, contemporary design outlets, and retro record shops, SoFo is an excellent place to get inspired by Stockholmers’ impeccable style, even if you don’t have the budget to take much home. You might find a bargain in secondhand stores, which raise money for vulnerable people in the city by selling off vintage and modern fashion donations dropped off by locals. There are also regular pop-up flea markets and farmers markets during favorable weather.
Bouldering and Climbing
Stockholm’s rugged coastline provides numerous ridges beloved by bouldering enthusiasts. Beginners should head to Rålambhovs Park in Kungsholmen, where there are rock walls with color-coded grips for hands and feet. If you’re looking for a softer landing, several beachside climbing walls dot the city, allowing you to swim up from the shore. The bouldering spots typically encircle beaches popular among young adults.
Watch the Changing of the Guard
Pomp and ceremony enthusiasts won’t want to miss watching the daily Changing of the Guard outside Stockholm’s Royal Palace. While the schedule may vary, it promises an impressive spectacle with military uniforms and brass instruments that accompany this historic tradition. Each ceremony takes around 40 minutes, and it’s a captivating insight into Swedish culture.
Embrace the Snow
While Stockholmers often lament that the capital’s winters are milder than in the past, there’s still a strong chance of snow between November and March, transforming the city into a winter playground. Local families race for the nearest hills to sledge down; many of the city’s lakes freeze enough for ice skating and cross-country skiing. You can join in the fun without your own gear, thanks to local organizations that loan winter sports equipment for free for up to 14 days.
Hike up Hammarbybacken
A five-slope downhill ski center during winter, Hammarbybacken is a Stockholm landmark you can hike for free when the snow melts. It was built on top of a rubbish dump in the 1980s in a former industrial area that’s been transformed into a slick, eco-friendly suburb. From the top of the hill, you’ll earn panoramic views across the waterfront neighborhood and nearby significant sights.
Article first published in October 2016, and last updated in August 2021.
