Stockholm, Sweden

Stockholm, Sweden’s capital, is a city where stunning waterfront views, rich history, cutting-edge design, and vibrant culture blend seamlessly. This 3 to 5-day itinerary will take you through Stockholm’s top attractions, cultural highlights, and culinary gems, allowing you to experience the best the city has to offer.

Day 1: Gamla Stan and the Royal Palace

Morning:

• Begin your trip in Gamla Stan (Old Town), one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval centers. Wander the narrow cobblestone streets, admire the colorful buildings, and visit Stortorget, Stockholm’s oldest square.

• Visit the Royal Palace (Kungliga Slottet), one of the largest in Europe. Explore the Royal Apartments, Treasury, and Museum of Antiquities. Make sure to catch the Changing of the Guard at noon.

Afternoon:

• Head to the Stockholm Cathedral (Storkyrkan), known for its Gothic architecture and the famous St. George and the Dragon sculpture.

• Walk to Riddarholmen Church, the royal burial church, and enjoy panoramic views of the city from Riddarholmen Island.

• Have lunch at Tradition in Gamla Stan, where you can enjoy classic Swedish dishes like köttbullar (meatballs) and raggmunk (potato pancakes).

Evening:

• Stroll along Strömkajen for beautiful views of the waterfront and nearby Skeppsholmen Island. End the day with dinner at Fem Små Hus, a charming historic restaurant serving traditional Swedish cuisine.

  
  

Day 2: Museums and Djurgården

Morning:

• Visit the Vasa Museum on Djurgården island, home to the 17th-century warship Vasa, which sank on its maiden voyage in 1628 and was later salvaged nearly intact.

• Afterward, explore Skansen, the world’s oldest open-air museum, where you can see traditional Swedish homes, workshops, and even meet local wildlife.

Afternoon:

• Stop by the ABBA Museum for a fun and interactive experience that celebrates Sweden’s most famous pop group.

• Have lunch at Oaxen Slip, a bistro on Djurgården offering a modern twist on Swedish cuisine. Afterward, visit the Nordic Museum to learn about Swedish cultural history and traditions.

Evening:

• Take a relaxing boat tour of the Stockholm Archipelago from Nybroviken to see Stockholm’s beautiful islands from the water.

• For dinner, head to Pelikan in Södermalm, a lively beer hall offering traditional Swedish fare.

  
  

Day 3: Södermalm and Modern Stockholm

Morning:

• Explore Södermalm, Stockholm’s trendiest neighborhood, starting with a visit to Mosebacke for stunning views of the city’s skyline.

• Visit Fotografiska, one of the world’s largest photography museums, showcasing rotating exhibits of contemporary photography. Enjoy a coffee at the café with panoramic water views.

Afternoon:

• Head to SoFo (South of Folkungagatan), a hip area in Södermalm filled with vintage shops, boutiques, and quirky cafés. Stop for lunch at Urban Deli, a local favorite.

• Take a walk along Monteliusvägen, a scenic path offering breathtaking views of Gamla Stan and Lake Mälaren.

Evening:

• Dine at Kvarnen, a traditional restaurant in Södermalm that’s been serving Swedish dishes for over a century.

• Enjoy a cocktail at Tjoget, a stylish bar known for its creative drinks and trendy ambiance.

  
  

Day 4: Modern Art and Nature

Morning:

• Visit Moderna Museet on Skeppsholmen, Stockholm’s modern art museum housing works by Picasso, Dalí, Warhol, and contemporary Swedish artists.

• Take a peaceful walk around Skeppsholmen Island, surrounded by beautiful waterfront views.

Afternoon:

• Head to Kungsträdgården Park, a lively city park that’s especially beautiful in spring when the cherry blossoms are in bloom.

• Have lunch at Taverna Brillo, a modern restaurant offering a blend of Italian and Swedish cuisine.

• Visit Stockholm City Hall (Stadshuset), home of the Nobel Prize banquet. Take a guided tour of the Blue Hall and climb the City Hall Tower for panoramic views of the city.

Evening:

• Enjoy a fine dining experience at Operakällaren, one of Stockholm’s most prestigious restaurants located in the Royal Opera House. Savor modern Swedish cuisine in an elegant setting.

  
  

Day 5: Day Trip to Drottningholm or Uppsala

Option 1: Drottningholm Palace

• Morning: Take a boat from Stadshusbron to Drottningholm Palace, the residence of the Swedish royal family. Explore the palace’s magnificent interiors, visit the Chinese Pavilion, and wander through the baroque gardens.

• Afternoon: Have lunch at the Drottningholm Palace Café and continue exploring the palace grounds before returning to Stockholm.

• Evening: Enjoy your final dinner at Lilla Ego, a cozy Michelin-starred restaurant offering modern Swedish cuisine.

Option 2: Uppsala

• Morning: Take a train to Uppsala, about an hour from Stockholm. Visit the Uppsala Cathedral, the largest in Scandinavia, and the Gustavianum, Uppsala University’s museum.

• Afternoon: Explore Uppsala Castle and its gardens, and have lunch at a local restaurant in the city center.

• Evening: Return to Stockholm and dine at Ekstedt, a Michelin-starred restaurant known for its innovative wood-fire cooking.

  
  

Tips:

• Public Transport: Stockholm’s public transport system is efficient and easy to navigate. Consider getting an SL travel card for unlimited travel on buses, trams, and the Tunnelbana (metro).

• Archipelago Day Trips: If you have extra time, take a day trip to one of the nearby islands in the Stockholm Archipelago, such as Vaxholm or Grinda, for a relaxing escape.

• Best Time to Visit: Summer (June to August) is ideal for visiting Stockholm, with warm weather and long daylight hours. Spring and autumn are also pleasant with fewer crowds.

• Fika Tradition: Don’t miss the Swedish tradition of fika, a coffee break paired with pastries. Try a kanelbullar (cinnamon bun) at one of Stockholm’s cozy cafés.