Top 25 Must-Do Activities in Stockholm, Sweden

The capital of Sweden is a vibrant city characterized by a complex historic district, trendy neighborhoods, and an energetic urban center. Situated across 14 islands on Lake Mälaren, Stockholm’s environment invites exploration and adventure. The city boasts approximately 50 bridges in the center alone, while ferries provide an enjoyable means of transportation.

Tip: Acquire the Stockholm Pass for complimentary access to over 60 attractions, which includes hop-on-hop-off bus and boat tours.

Stockholm leads in fashion, design, and music, with many stylish shopping and entertainment venues located on the island of Södermalm, positioned south of the city center. Most of the museums and family-friendly activities are found on Djurgården, a picturesque park-like island that serves as a cultural and recreational retreat.

Let’s review the top attractions in Stockholm:

1. Gamla Stan

Begin your journey by immersing yourself in Stockholm’s history at one of Europe’s remarkable medieval centers, which spans three islands.

You will find yourself in a genuine Hanseatic trading city, surrounded by gabled shops and warehouses adorned in various hues of gold.

These structures now host a variety of restaurants, many of which have received international accolades, as well as museums, studios, small boutiques, cafes, and bars.

On the eastern side of the old town, a series of cobblestone pathways lead from the water and through archways.

Here, make sure to navigate through Mårten Trotzigs Gränd, an alley that narrows to just 90 centimeters in width.

2. Skansen

Founded in 1891 by the visionary educator and scholar Artur Hazelius, Skansen was the first open-air museum globally. Its purpose was to depict life in Sweden prior to the Industrial Era, a concept that has since been replicated by countless museums globally.

Over a century later, Skansen remains the premier museum of its type, spanning 30 hectares and featuring a diverse array of exhibits that recreate rural life across Sweden in exquisite detail.

Among its attractions are a Sami camp from the Arctic Circle, a farm showcasing the remote western Härjedalen region, and an open-air zoo that is home to wolves, lynxes, otters, grey seals, reindeer, and moose.

3. Vasa Museum

This museum houses a magnificent relic from the 17th-century reign of King Gustavus Adolphus, located on the western shore of Djurgården.

The Vasa was a 64-gun warship that sank on its maiden voyage in 1628. It lay submerged until 1961, when it was raised to the surface and meticulously restored.

The vessel retains nearly all of its original materials and is the only 17th-century ship of this scale still in existence.

In addition to the ship, a wealth of artifacts reveals what life was like on board the Vasa.

Exhibits are arranged across ten exhibition rooms, and there is a multilingual film detailing the ship’s storied past and its restoration.

4. Modern Art Museum

Situated on the island of Skeppsholmen at the Baltic Sea entrance to the city, this museum stands out as one of Stockholm’s premier institutions for modern and contemporary art.

The museum originated in the 1950s within a former military structure and later relocated to a building designed by Rafael Moneo at the end of the 1990s.

Some renowned artists featured include Picasso, Marcel Duchamp, Henri Matisse, and Salvador Dalí.

The museum’s restaurant offers stunning views over Djurgården, making it a popular gathering spot.

5. The Medieval Museum

During the 1970s construction of an underground parking facility, workers uncovered remnants of Stockholm’s medieval city walls.

This historic section, located beneath the Norrbro bridge and measuring 55 meters, is now a highlight of Stockholm’s medieval museum.

Visitors can trace the city’s evolution from its founding in the 13th century up to the conclusion of the medieval period in the 16th century.

Children can dress in armor, while various artifacts unearthed during excavations, including a 16th-century warship and a medieval cemetery, add to the experience.

These are complemented by reconstructed houses, taverns, and workshops.

6. Junibacken

Inspired by the works of renowned children’s author Astrid Lindgren, Junibacken is a theme park designed for young readers.

Lindgren’s literary contributions are significant, as she stands among the world’s 20 most translated authors.

Pippi Longstocking, her most cherished character, can be found in her house, Villa Villekulla, which serves as the enchanting conclusion of a whimsical train journey through the park.

The park aims to spark children’s natural curiosity, filled with nooks, tunnels, and miniature houses to explore.

Junibacken also hosts the largest children’s bookstore in Sweden, along with Storybook Square, celebrating celebrated Swedish children’s authors like Elsa Beskow and Sven Nordqvist.

7. Swedish History Museum

The Swedish History Museum is deeply rooted in the collection started by 16th-century King Gustav Vasa and further enriched by subsequent monarchs as the Empire expanded.

The museum chronicles Swedish history from prehistory to the present, with a particular focus on Viking exploits.

The Gold Room is particularly striking, showcasing over 3,000 artifacts across 3,500 years of history.

Among the treasures are gold collars from the period of 300-500, crafted from melted Roman gold coins.

The Viking collection is extensive and includes artifacts from the trading post at Birka and the Mästermyr tool chest.

8. Royal Palace

With over 600 rooms, Stockholm’s Royal Palace ranks among the largest in Europe.

This 18th-century complex houses five museums and serves as more than a historical site: It continues to be the residence of the King of Sweden, hosting royal events and receptions, while various departments associated with the royal family operate within its elegant spaces.

Essential sites within include the reception rooms, royal apartments, the Rikssalen (Hall of State), and the Ordenssalarna (Halls of the Orders of Chivalry). Among the five museums, the Treasury is unsurprisingly lavish, and Gustav III’s Museum of Antiquities showcases ancient Greek and Roman sculptures procured by the king during his visit to Italy in 1783-84.

9. Fotografiska

Located on Södermalm, Fotografiska is recognized as one of the world’s leading photography galleries.

Situated by the waterside at Stadsgården, this venue occupies a repurposed customs building.

The gallery hosts four major exhibitions each year, alongside 20 smaller showcases, ensuring that each visit offers something new.

Recently featured photographers include renowned figures such as Robert Mapplethorpe, Guy Bourdin, Irving Penn, and Akseli Vamunen (Young Nordic Photographer of the Year 2016). The on-site restaurant has received accolades and provides lovely views of Djurgården from the café located on the upper floor.

10. The City Hall

Iconic to Stockholm, the City Hall is renowned for its 106-meter tower and spire.

Composed of eight million bricks, it epitomizes the Nordic National Romantic style and was inaugurated in June 1923, precisely 400 years after Gustav Vasa’s entrance into the city.

The interior spaces are awe-inspiring, particularly the Blue Hall where the prestigious Nobel Banquet occurs each December.

Following dinner, guests enjoy dancing in the Golden Hall, adorned with 18 million gold mosaic tiles.

A highlight of any visit includes ascending the tower for panoramic views of Stockholm.

11. Strandvägen

Along the waterfront in Östermalm lies one of Stockholm’s most prestigious addresses: a boulevard and esplanade that offers breathtaking views of Gamla Stan and Skeppsholmen while connecting Djurgården to the city center.

Constructed in the late 19th century, Strandvägen was completed in 1897 as part of the Stockholm World’s Fair.

The long row of grand apartment buildings showcases a Revivalist architectural style, exemplified by Isak Gustaf Clason’s Bünsow Building, reminiscent of a Loire Valley chateau.

Stockholm’s tour boats and water taxis frequently gather along Strandvägen, and the esplanade features an array of cafes and bars for a quick refreshment.

12. Prins Eugen Waldemarsudde

Prince Eugen’s estate on Djurgården reflects life at the turn of the century.

As a prominent art collector and enthusiast, Eugen immersed himself in the artistic scene during his youth in Paris.

His collection, alongside his own landscape paintings, adorns his Art Nouveau residence located on an estate with structures dating back to the 18th century.

This picturesque estate nestled within mature oak woodlands overlooks the canal that links Stockholm to the Baltic, framed by the city’s skyline.

The estate’s flower garden is particularly stunning during early summer, complemented by a sculpture garden featuring works by renowned artists such as Auguste Rodin.

13. ABBA: The Museum

Regardless of one’s personal views on Sweden’s most famous pop group, their cultural influence is undeniable.

Decades after their breakup, their music continues to feature in films, television series, and, notably, the record-breaking musical “Mamma Mia.”

The museum is filled with ABBA memorabilia and unique attractions that fans will appreciate.

For example, Benny Andersson’s piano is connected to his home piano, allowing it to play the same notes he is performing at home.

Visitors can discover a phone named “Ring Ring,” whose number is known only to the four members of ABBA.

In the engaging “Waterloo” exhibit, guests can step back to 1974 and experience the Eurovision Song Contest moment when ABBA won with “Waterloo,” which launched their career.

14. Gröna Lund

Djurgården is home to Sweden’s oldest amusement park, Gröna Lund, which opened its doors in 1883 but remains contemporary with new attractions.

Latest roller coasters are introduced every few years, including the thrilling “Insane,” where riders experience upside-down maneuvers.

An additional attraction, “Eclipse,” is a swing ride offering spectacular heights of over 120 meters.

For younger guests, the park offers delightful experiences such as tea cups, carousels, bumper cars, and fun houses.

Throughout the summer, concerts attract notable artists, with Paul McCartney, Bob Marley, and ABBA among those who have performed here.

15. Monteliusvägen

Before or after visiting Fotografiska, take a leisurely stroll along the wooden and cobblestone path that winds above the northern shoreline of Södermalm.

In a city rich in picturesque vistas, this location may offer the most enchanting views: enjoy striking images of the City Hall and Gamla Stan from this 500-meter trail, especially captivating at sunrise and sunset.

Gaze over Lake Mälaren, and appreciate the sight of large ships approaching, alongside smaller vessels scurrying about.

The atmosphere here captures a nostalgic vibe, with numerous nearby spots available for a refreshing drink in summer or “fika” in winter.

16. Nordic Museum

Artur Hazelius, the founder of the Skansen Museum, also established this ethnographic treasure just a short walk away on Djurgården.

The Nordic Museum articulates Sweden’s cultural heritage from approximately the 16th century onward, showcasing traditional costumes, textiles, ceramics, jewelry, furniture, and folk art.

It provides insight into the Sami culture, Sweden’s only indigenous population, delving into their traditions, beliefs, and lifestyle.

Isak Gustaf Clason was commissioned to design the museum, resulting in an extraordinary Neo-Renaissance structure completed in 1907 after a lengthy 19-year construction period, making it worthwhile to visit.

17. Stortorget

A must-visit in Gamla Stan is the oldest square in the city, strategically located at the highest point of the island.

It was at this pivotal juncture that Stockholm began to expand during the High Middle Ages, and Stortorget has witnessed significant historical events.

One such moment was the Stockholm Bloodbath of 1520, where up to 90 individuals were executed in the square by Danish forces.

The cannonball embedded in the wall at the corner where Skomakargatan meets the square is believed to be a remnant from that period.

The allure of Stortorget lies in its beautifully gabled houses dating from the 1600s and 1700s, particularly enchanting during the Christmas market في pattingab. Here, visitors can enjoy traditional treats like ginger snaps (pepparkakor) and mulled wine (glögg).

18. Drottningholm Palace

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

Drottningholm Palace boasts a French-inspired design conceived in the 17th century, with continual refinements made by successive monarchs over the centuries.

Visitors can explore lavish salons from the 1600s, 1700s, and 1800s, and marvel at the remarkable Palace Theatre, which has been staging performances since the 1700s, maintaining its original form.

The Chinese Pavilion, completed in 1769, is another exquisite feature in an exotic Rococo style, adorned with decorative works such as porcelain and lacquered furniture sourced by the Swedish East India Company.

19. Södermalm

Having explored Fotografiska, you’ve just begun to uncover the charm of this island south of the center.

Södermalm, the childhood home of Greta Garbo, is home to vibrant neighborhoods offering unique shops and lively nightlife.

Visit SoFo (South of Folkungagatan) for exclusive designer boutiques, vintage shops, and popular restaurants and cafes.

Nytorget Square is a delightful spot for evening outings in the summer, while Mosebacke, known for its long-standing bohemian atmosphere, is ideal for shopping, live music, and savoring a craft beer or coffee.

The views of Stockholm from the terrace of Södra Teatern are particularly spectacular.

20. Canal Trip

A significant portion of Stockholm’s allure derives from its scenic waterways, making it essential to experience the city from the water.

This is arguably one of the best initial explorations, offering insights that will aid in planning further adventures.

A popular excursion involves heading east along the Djurgårdsbrunnskanalen, a canal adjacent to Djurgården, dug during the reign of Charles XIV in 1825. Along the journey, enjoy lush panoramas of palaces and gardens, while the return trip presents the grandeur of the city.

Alternatively, there are bridge tours lasting around two hours, ideal for deeper immersion in the city’s atmosphere.

21. Hallwyl Museum

In the 1890s, the aristocratic couple Walther von Hallwyl and his wife Wilhelmina commissioned this mansion facing Berzelii Park in the city center.

The architect Isak Gustaf Clason, recognized for designing several royal properties around the city, created this residence in an Italian Renaissance style.

The Hallwyl House is indeed historic, but was remarkably modern for its time, featuring telephones, plumbing, central heating, and electricity.

The Countess was an avid art collector and, even a decade before her passing, the estate was bequeathed to the state due to its rich accumulation of fine art, furnishings, silver, tableware, and exquisitely crafted decor.

Visitors can enjoy the opulent drawing room, dining room, and billiard room, while the courtyard extends an invitation for summer concerts.

22. Stockholm Public Library

For bibliophiles, the central Stockholm Public Library is a dream come true, celebrated as one of the world’s most beautiful libraries, which transformed the city’s literary engagement since its inauguration in 1928.

This structure features an expansive rotunda at its apex, a vast hall encircled by shelves, empowering users to independently locate their required literature for the first time.

Designed by Gunnar Asplund, the library stands as a significant example of the Swedish Classicist architectural movement.

Entrance is free, and a selection of titles is available in English, making it an excellent option for quiet rainy-day activities.

23. Norrmalm

If you are fashion-forward, the revitalized Norrmalm district offers a plethora of chain shops, shopping centers, and classic department stores.

This area, referred to as “City,” had faced challenges up until the 1990s when it underwent significant redevelopment to enhance pedestrian access.

Today, it is a retail haven featuring flagship stores for international brands lining Drottninggatan, which becomes vibrant on weekends.

Simultaneously, Åhléns and the renowned Nordiska Kompaniet (NK) have thrived as vital Swedish institutions for over a century.

24. Kungsträdgården

Located behind the Royal Palace is Kungsträdgården, a park with year-round events.

The park is particularly enchanting in April when its cherry trees bloom, drawing thousands to Kirsbärssblommans Dag (Cherry Blossom Day) to enjoy strolls beneath rosy canopies.

In winter, visitors can enjoy an ice skating rink located in the park’s octagon, while summer months often host temporary installations or festivals.

If time permits, join a game of street chess for a unique experience.

25. Go for Fika

If you are new to Swedish culture, participating in “Fika” is the simplest introduction to local customs.

This coffee break has no specific timing but is always social in nature.

Colleagues and friends engage in “fika” (the term serves as both a verb and a noun) to share conversations over coffee and a light snack.

Your coffee companion can range from cookies to open-faced sandwiches, but a classic option is cinnamon buns (kanelbullar) or, for a richer treat, a slice of apple cake (äppelkaka).