Things to do in Stockholm – Ultimate Stockholm Guide

Fall in Love with Stockholm: A Local-Style Guide to Sweden’s Stunning Capital

If you’re planning a trip to Stockholm, you’re in for a treat. I’m about to share everything you need to know about this gorgeous city spread across 14 islands, where medieval cobblestones meet sleek Scandinavian design. Grab a coffee (or as Swedes say, grab a “fika”), and let’s dive in!

When Should You Visit?

 Let me be honest with you – Stockholm is magical year-round, but timing matters:

• Summer (June-August): This is when Stockholm truly comes alive. Think long, sunny days (we’re talking sunset at 10 PM!), outdoor cafes buzzing with life, and locals soaking up every ray of sunshine in parks and waterfront spots. Perfect for island hopping!
• Winter (December-February): Sure, it’s cold and dark, but hear me out – the city transforms into this cozy winter wonderland. Christmas markets fill the air with the smell of mulled wine (glögg), and snow-covered rooftops make Gamla Stan (the Old Town) look like a fairytale.
• Spring/Fall: My personal favorite times. Tourist crowds thin out, prices drop, and you get to experience Stockholm like a local. Plus, the changing colors in fall? Absolutely stunning.

Getting Around Like a Pro

Trust me, Stockholm’s public transport is a dream. Here’s the scoop:

• SL Card: Get one! This is your golden ticket to buses, metros, and even some ferries
• Metro Stations: They’re literally underground art galleries. No joke – take some time to explore them
• Walking: The best way to discover hidden gems, especially in Södermalm and Gamla Stan
• Biking: Do as the locals do and grab a city bike (available April-October)

Neighborhoods You Can’t Miss

 Gamla Stan (Old Town)

Picture this: narrow winding streets, ochre-colored buildings, and cafes tucked into medieval cellars. This is Stockholm’s heart and soul. Must-sees:

• Royal Palace (larger than Buckingham Palace!)
• Stockholm Cathedral
• That impossibly narrow street called Mårten Trotzigs gränd (seriously, it’s just 90cm wide at its narrowest)

Södermalm (or “Söder” to friends)

Think Brooklyn meets Scandinavia. This is where the cool kids hang out:

• SoFo area: Vintage shops, indie boutiques, and coffee shops galore
• Monteliusvägen: Best city views, especially at sunset
• Fotografiska: World-class photography museum with an amazing restaurant

Djurgården

The island where museums meet nature:

• Vasa Museum: A 17th-century warship that’s almost perfectly preserved (mind-blowing stuff)
• Skansen: Open-air museum where you can time-travel through Swedish history
• ABBA Museum: Yes, it’s touristy, but come on – it’s ABBA!

Let’s Talk Food

Traditional Swedish Eats

• Östermalms Saluhall: Fancy food hall in a stunning building. Pricey but worth it
• K25: Modern food court with great variety and reasonable prices
• Must-tries:
  • Swedish meatballs (obviously!)
  • Kanelbullar (cinnamon buns – life-changing with coffee)
  • Toast Skagen (shrimp toast that’ll make you weak in the knees)

Fika Culture

Okay, this deserves its own section. Fika isn’t just coffee – it’s a way of life. Best spots:

• Drop Coffee: Award-winning brews
• Vete-Katten: Old-school charm since 1928
• Mr. Cake: Modern twists on Swedish classics

Where to stay in Stockholm

Splurge-Worthy

• Ett Hem: Feels more like your fancy Swedish friend’s home than a hotel

You can look forward to free full breakfast, a garden and a library at Ett Hem. For some rest and relaxation, visit the sauna. The on-site regional cuisine restaurant, Ett Hem, offers breakfast, lunch, dinner and light fare. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi, and guests can find other amenities, such as dry cleaning/laundry services and a fireplace in reception.

• Grand Hôtel: Old-world luxury with waterfront views

Stockholm Palace and Vasa Museum are located near Grand Hôtel Stockholm, which provides a poolside bar, a terrace and shopping on-site. Treat yourself to a massage, a body wrap or a facial at the on-site spa. At the 5 on-site restaurants, enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner and international cuisine. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi, and guests can find other amenities, such as a coffee shop/cafe and a hair salon.

Mid-Range Gems

• Hotel With Urban Deli: Hip combo of hotel, restaurant, and food market

• Story Hotel: Boutique vibes in Södermalm

Located close to Royal Dramatic Theater and Nordiska Kompaniet, Story Hotel Riddargatan, part of JDV by Hyatt provides a free breakfast buffet, dry cleaning/laundry services and a bar. Stay connected with free in-room WiFi, and guests can find other amenities, such as a restaurant.

Budget-Friendly

• Generator Stockholm: Stylish hostel that doesn’t feel like one
• STF AF Chapman: Sleep on a historic ship (how cool is that?)

Hidden Gems Most Tourists Miss

• Hammarby Sjöstad: Modern eco-district showing off Swedish sustainable living
• Hellasgården: Local’s favorite escape for swimming and sauna
• Långholmen: Former prison island turned peaceful retreat
• Rosendals Trädgård: Beautiful garden cafe with farm-to-table food

Money Matters

Let’s be real – Stockholm isn’t cheap, but here’s how to make it work:

Daily Budget Guide

• Budget: 700-900 SEK/day
• Mid-range: 1200-1500 SEK/day
• Living Large: 2000+ SEK/day

Smart Saving Tips

• Get the Stockholm Pass if you’re hitting multiple museums
• Lunch specials (“dagens rätt”) are your friend
• Many museums are free on certain days
• Tap water is free and delicious – ask for “kranvatten”

Local Life Hacks

• Stand on the right on escalators (seriously, this is important)
• Download the SL app for public transport
• Most places are card-only, so don’t worry about cash
• Swedes love to queue – respect the system!

What other things are there to do in Stockholm?

• Midsummer (June): Flower crowns, dancing around maypoles, and endless daylight
• Christmas Markets (December): Pure hygge magic
• Stockholm Culture Night (April): Free cultural events across the city
• Stockholm Pride (July/August): One of Europe’s biggest pride celebrations

Day Trips from Stockholm Worth Your Time

• Uppsala: Historic university town (40 minutes) Together with a professional guide, you will visit the most charming places in the city. What legends are hidden in Uppsala Cathedral? You will have a chance to explore the city, while hearing fascinating facts and legends. This is a perfect trip for those who are visiting the city for the first time and want to get the most of it!

• Vaxholm: Gateway to the archipelago (1 hour)
• Sigtuna: Sweden’s oldest town (1 hour)

Before You Go

• Book restaurants in advance, especially for weekend dinner
• Learn a few Swedish phrases (though everyone speaks perfect English)
• Pack layers – Swedish weather can be… unpredictable
• Don’t plan too much for each day – leave room for spontaneous fika breaks!

Stockholm is one of those rare cities that gets under your skin. Between the beauty, the innovation, and the quality of life, don’t be surprised if you start checking out apartment listings by the end of your trip. Just remember to take it slow, do as the locals do, and don’t forget to fika!

If Stockholm isn’t for you then you should try its neighbour Oslo for a great long weekend!