25 Best Things to Do and Places to See in Stockholm

Stockholm, Sweden's vibrant capital, is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a blend of rich history, modern design, and natural beauty. As a city built on 14 islands, Stockholm offers a unique mix of landscapes and culture, from charming cobblestone streets to striking modern architecture.

Whether you're an art enthusiast, history buff, or nature lover, there’s something for everyone in this Scandinavian gem.

Start your adventure at the Gamla Stan (Old Town), a historic neighborhood filled with narrow alleys, colorful buildings, and the iconic Royal Palace of Stockholm. For museum lovers, Skansen offers a fascinating glimpse into Sweden's past, while the Vasa Museum showcases a stunning 17th-century warship. If you prefer outdoor exploration, the archipelago surrounding Stockholm boasts over 30,000 islands, perfect for boating, hiking, and wildlife watching.

Don’t miss out on experiencing Stockholm’s cutting-edge dining scene, featuring both traditional Swedish cuisine and innovative modern gastronomy. The Abba Museum and Moderna Museet are also unmissable for fans of music and contemporary art.

With its seamless blend of history, culture, and nature, Stockholm is a top destination that promises an unforgettable experience. So, whether you're looking to immerse yourself in Swedish culture, explore the city's rich past, or simply enjoy its stunning waterfront views, Stockholm offers endless possibilities for discovery.

The best things to see and do in Stockholm

We're going to take you on a lovely tour of Stockholm, from its beautiful streets in the historic centre to some of the most beautiful metro stations in the world, passing through parks, boat trips and, of course, islands!

what to see in stockholm

But first, we are going to tell you very briefly the history of this Swedish corner: we think it is essential to know the past of the places we visit, so we hope you are one of us 😉

Stockholm was born in the 13th century because someone decided that a city built on 14 islands was a great idea. And, surprisingly, it was.

For centuries, the Swedes traded , waged war , and generally did whatever it took to avoid being invaded by their Danish neighbors (with whom they have a soap opera-worthy rivalry ). In the 17th century, Sweden decided it wanted to be a superpower and conquered several territories in Europe, although the excitement lasted less than a Scandinavian summer.

Today, Stockholm is one of the most beautiful and organized cities in the world, with its picture-postcard old town, its impeccable taste for design and a population that, despite the cold and winter darkness, remains suspiciously happy.

Included in the list of the best plans in Stockholm:

1. Gamla Stan

Gamla Stan is the name given to Stockholm's "old town ", its beautiful old town and the vibrant heart of the city. It is a picturesque place, with narrow cobbled streets and brightly coloured buildings . We find it an ideal neighbourhood to stroll around and enjoy the historic architecture, small shops, cafés, restaurants and art galleries.

⭐ This free tour will take you to the main places in the city centre. The best thing is that you can also take other free tours, such as this one about mysteries and legends or this one, which takes you to discover the hipster neighbourhood of Sodermalm.

2. Royal Palace of Stockholm

Visit the “ Kungliga Slottet ”, the city’s royal palace , one of the largest in Europe. If you decide to visit it, you will see the state apartments, the Gustav III Museum of Antiquities, the treasury, the Royal Armory, and the Tre Kronor Museum. And you might even meet the kings… although the palace is mainly used for official ceremonies and state events, rather than as a residence .

While you're there, make the most of it and watch the changing of the guard ! It's always a fun thing to see 🙂 It lasts about 40 minutes and starts at 12:15 (Mon-Sat) and 13:15 (Sun). Check the schedules before you go as they can change depending on the season.

3. Nobel Museum

Did you know that the Nobel Prizes were born in Stockholm? Their creator was Albert Nobel who, among other things, invented dynamite! And it was precisely this invention that gave birth to one of the most sought-after and well-known prizes in the world.

The story goes that Alfred Nobel was shocked and dismayed to see how dynamite was being widely used for war and destruction, rather than being employed for peaceful and constructive purposes. In his will , he left a significant portion of his vast fortune to establish the Nobel Prizes . Since then, they have been awarded annually in recognition of individuals and institutions that have made outstanding contributions in specific fields, such as Physics, Chemistry, Medicine, Literature, Peace and, later, Economics.

The main idea behind these awards is to honor and promote work that will benefit humanity . Curious, right?

At the Nobel Museum you can learn more about his life and, of course, about the well-known prizes and, of course, about the winners and their significant contributions in their respective fields.

Entry costs 130 kr (11.40 €).

*Getting lost in the streets of the old city is one of the best things to do in Stockholm*

4. Mårten Trotzigs Gränd, the narrowest street

Another thing you can do in Gamla Stan is to walk down the narrowest street in Stockholm: the “ Mårten Trotzigs Gränd ” which is only 90 centimetres wide. It is certainly one of those curious places that is worth visiting and will only take you about 5 minutes.

5. Vasa Museum

One of the city's major attractions is the Vasa Museum , which houses the Vasa warship . Built by order of King Gustav II Adolf of Sweden , the ship was one of the largest and most powerful warships of its time. However, due to design problems, it sank during its maiden voyage in 1628 and remained submerged for over three centuries.

In addition to the ship itself, the museum houses interactive exhibits and galleries that provide a detailed insight into maritime history, life aboard a 17th-century ship, as well as details about the construction, sinking and salvage of the Vasa.

→ Buy your Vasa Museum tickets in advance.

Check out this tourist card that includes the main activities in Stockholm

Tours & Activities

6. Stockholm Bridges

Stockholm, built on an archipelago, has numerous bridges connecting the different islands and parts of the city. So during your trip you will cross several of the city's 57 bridges . Some of the most beautiful ones are:

Norrbro (North Bridge) is the oldest stone bridge in the city.
Djurgårdsbron is one of the most beautiful bridges, distinguished by its decorative arches and steel structure.
Skeppsholmsbron , with an elegant and classic design consisting of a wrought iron structure where the symbol of a crown stands out.

7. Church of St. Nicholas

Although it does not attract much attention from the outside, this church has a lot of symbolic value: it is one of the oldest churches to see in Stockholm (13th century) and its interior, where the vaulted ceiling and brick columns stand out, has been the site of royal weddings and ceremonies.

One of its great treasures is the statue of St. George and the Dragon , on the High Altar. They say it symbolizes bravery and victory over evil.

8. Stockholm City Hall

Check out the Stadshuset – the town hall, a major tourist attraction not only for its impressive architecture but also for its cultural significance: it is here that the banquet following the Nobel Prize award ceremony takes place .

Specifically, it is located in the Blue Room (Blå Hallen) , which despite its name, is decorated in golden tones.

If you want to visit the Town Hall, we recommend signing up for a guided tour on its official website.

9. National Museum, a top stop to see and do in Stockholm

If you love art, head to the National Museum – Stockholm's main museum of fine arts and design on the Blasieholmen peninsula. You can admire thousands of Scandinavian paintings, drawings and sculptures spanning from the Renaissance to the early 1900s.

10. Skansen

Don't miss Skansen , a very peculiar open-air museum founded in 1891, which is considered to be the first open-air museum in the world . It is located on the island of Kungliga Djurgården: when we went there were food markets, people were dressed in traditional costumes and we even got involved in a straw battle! There is also a small area with animals from northern Europe and old houses from different periods and areas of Sweden.

The coolest thing about this museum is that it recreates Swedish life and culture throughout the centuries, with historic buildings such as farms, houses, shops and workshops brought from different parts of Sweden.

→ Here you can buy your ticket for Skansen.

11. Green Lund Tivoli

If you have time (and money) you can also enjoy an amusement park : Gröna Lund Tivoli, which is located next to Skansen. We didn't go but we can see that it is one of the best things to do in Stockholm with children.

At Gröna Lund Tivoli you will find a wide variety of attractions, from thrilling roller coasters to classic carousels, slides and rides for all ages and adrenaline levels.

12. Nordic Museum

If you want to deepen your knowledge of Swedish culture, you can visit the Nordiska Museet (Nordic Culture Museum).

We find it to be a curious thing to do in Stockholm as it focuses on the history and culture of the Swedish people , from the late Middle Ages to contemporary times, and gives a comprehensive overview of the traditions, lifestyle and cultural evolution of Sweden over time.

Things to do

13. ABBA The Museum

Raise your hand if you don't know ABBA . This legendary Swedish pop group filled dance floors in the 70s and 80s and their infectious rhythms and catchy lyrics, songs like " Dancing Queen " and " Mamma Mia " are anthems that still get our hips moving today. And they look so stylish in those bright, colorful outfits.

The name ABBA is an acronym of the names of its members: Agnetha Fältskog, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson and Anni-Frid Lyngstad.

For a few years now, it's been possible to visit an interactive and fun museum dedicated to the group: we think it's a great idea to do in Stockholm . Here you can see iconic pieces of clothing, personal items of the band members, musical instruments and you'll have the opportunity to sing and dance to ABBA songs in a recording studio. Are you going to miss it?

Book your ticket to the Abba Museum !

14. Östermalms Saluhall

Stop by Östermalms Saluhall , a traditional covered market built in the late 19th century, offering a wide range of fresh and gourmet produce , as well as high-quality Swedish and international foods.

It's a good place to get some food souvenirs and take home a little bit of Sweden 🙂 Smoked salmon and jams are our favorites!

15. Katarina Elevator

For stunning views of the city, take the Katarina lift . At the top there is a famous restaurant, the Gondolen, but if you are backpacking like us, don't even bother looking at the menu! However, going up to the viewing platform only costs €2 (although until spring 2024 it is free) 🙂

16. Stockholm Parks

To save money you can replace a restaurant meal with a sandwich in a park, hehe, it's not as glamorous but money is money. Rålambshovs Park is very nice, and in summer there are concerts and shows! Another very famous one is Kungsträdgården .

17. Try the famous Swedish meatballs

One of our favourite Swedish dishes is meatballs with cream sauce, potato and blueberry jam… try them, they are so delicious! Make a note of this restaurant: Meatballs for the People . They say that they serve some of the best meatballs in Stockholm here. Are you going to miss them?

⭐ We recommend 7 restaurants where you can eat in Stockholm (good and cheap)

18. Stockholm Metro Tour

Did you know that Stockholm has a fabulous metro? Yes, yes: here are some of the most beautiful metro stations in the world. You can visit them on your own or by signing up for a guided tour of the Stockholm metro . Our favourite stations are:

Kungsträdgården , which aims to pay homage to the park of the same name with murals in red, white and green tones.
Rådhuset , where the ceiling simulates rock, creating the sensation of being in a cavernous and natural environment.
Thorildsplan, where you will feel like you are inside a video game.
Stadion , decorated with huge rainbows.
T-Centralen , with blue floral motifs.

What to see and do in Stockholm — *You're not falling asleep, are you? You still have 12 other things to see and do in Stockholm!*

19. Cultural Centre

The Kulturhuset is a cultural centre that has been located on Sergelsplatz since 1974. It is a vital meeting point for the cultural community and includes a library, exhibitions, conference rooms, concerts and various events.

The best part? It's completely free.

20. Drottningholm Palace, the best excursion in Stockholm

Did you know that there is a “ Versailles of the North ” in Stockholm? It is the Drottningholm Palace. It is one of the most typical excursions, so if you have at least 3 days of time, do not hesitate to sign up for a tour to Drottningholm Palace like this one (or visit it on your own).

It is basically the Royal Residence of Sweden, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and if you decide to visit it you will be amazed by its majestic architecture with 17th century baroque designs and its gardens, with French and English influences.

More things to see and do in Stockholm

Do you have more time? Here are some extra recommendations:

There is life beyond Gamla Stan, so don't hesitate to visit the Östermalm district , elegant, exclusive but also full of nightclubs and parties.
Obviously we can't recommend you enough to take a boat trip : it will be one of the souvenirs you will take home. There are all kinds, but even if you get on the cheapest and most shabby boat... you will love it.
If you are travelling during the summer and the weather is nice, why not relax for a few hours on the famous Långholmen beach ?
What if you're travelling in winter? You can go ice skating at the Kungsträdgården rink or take a trip to Lake Mälaren . Another great plan is to sign up for a free tour of Stockholm's Christmas markets.
We'll leave you with some ideas for enjoying a getaway near the capital of Sweden. Have you heard of the Viking village of Birka? It was founded by the Vikings back in the 8th century. It's quite interesting. Tour info here. You can also take a trip to the Fjäderholmarna islands.
And if you already have a couple of weeks to spend in the area, take a look at the 10 essential things to do in the Baltic States

⭐ Here we tell you which are the best areas to stay in Stockholm

We have reached the end of the post and we hope you liked it. Have you been to the Swedish capital? Do you know other things to see and do in Stockholm ? And don't forget to take a look at the comments, where more recommendations are given.

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