Things to Visit in Stockholm: Islands, Museums, and Fika
Explore Stockholm across its 14 islands. Covers Gamla Stan, world-class museums, waterfront walks, the archipelago, and where to find the best cinnamon buns in Sweden's capital.
Stockholm's medieval old town dates to the 13th century. Stortorget (the main square) is lined with colorful merchant houses and was the site of the 1520 Stockholm Bloodbath. The narrowest alley, Marten Trotzigs Grand, is only 90 cm wide. Visit early morning before cruise ship groups arrive.
Tour the Royal Palace
One of Europe's largest palaces with 608 rooms. The Royal Apartments, Treasury, and Tre Kronor Museum (about the medieval castle that burned down) are separate tickets or buy a combo. The changing of the guard happens daily at 12:15 PM (1:15 PM on Sundays). Free for children under 18.
Watch the changing of the guard
Visit the Treasury and see the crown jewels
Visit the Nobel Prize Museum
Located on Stortorget, this museum covers the history of the Nobel Prize and its laureates. The cafe chairs have Nobel laureates' signatures on the bottom (a tradition where winners sign their chair). Compact enough for 1-1.5 hours.
Enter Storkyrkan (Stockholm Cathedral)
The oldest church in Gamla Stan (consecrated 1306) where royal weddings and coronations happen. The medieval wooden sculpture of St. George and the Dragon is the highlight. Entry costs 60 SEK. Often missed by visitors who walk right past it.
Djurgarden Island Museums
Visit the Vasa Museum
Stockholm's most visited museum houses the Vasa, a 17th-century warship that sank 20 minutes into its maiden voyage in 1628 and was salvaged nearly intact 333 years later. The ship fills the entire building. Allow 1.5-2 hours. Lines are longest 10 AM-1 PM in summer.
Explore Skansen open-air museum
The world's first open-air museum (1891) recreates five centuries of Swedish life across 75 acres. Historic buildings, a zoo with Nordic animals (bears, wolves, moose), and seasonal celebrations. A full visit takes 3-4 hours. Combined well with the Vasa Museum on the same island.
Tour the ABBA Museum
An interactive museum dedicated to the Swedish supergroup. Sing in a virtual ABBA group, try on digital costumes, and see original memorabilia. Tickets are timed-entry and cost around 250 SEK. Book online to guarantee your slot. Even non-fans find it entertaining.
Visit Fotografiska photography museum
World-class photography exhibitions in a former customs building on the waterfront. The top-floor cafe has panoramic views of the harbor. Open late (until 11 PM most nights). Rotating exhibitions mean there is always something new. Entry is 220 SEK.
Walk or bike around Djurgarden island
The entire island is a green oasis with waterfront paths, gardens, and cafes. Rent a bike at the bridge entrance (about 250 SEK/day) or walk the perimeter (7 km). Rosendals Tradgard is a garden cafe serving organic food in a greenhouse setting. Perfect for a half-day between museums.
Sodermalm and Modern Stockholm
Walk the Monteliusvagen viewpoint
A 500-meter clifftop path on northern Sodermalm with the best panoramic view of Stockholm: Gamla Stan, City Hall, Lake Malaren, and Riddarfjarden. Free and accessible 24 hours. Go at sunset when the light hits the old town perfectly.
Explore SoFo (South of Folkungagatan)
Stockholm's trendiest neighborhood has independent boutiques, vintage shops, design stores, and specialty coffee roasters. The vibe is creative and local. Nytorget square is the center of the action with outdoor cafes and restaurants.
Visit Stockholms Stadshus (City Hall)
The 1923 City Hall is where the Nobel Prize banquet is held. Guided tours (every 30 minutes, about 130 SEK) include the Golden Hall with 18 million gold mosaic tiles and the Blue Hall (which is actually red). The tower offers city views in summer (60 SEK extra).
Stockholm's largest outdoor flea market runs along the Hornstull waterfront on weekends. Vintage clothing, vinyl records, furniture, and local food stalls. Free entry. Take the metro to Hornstull station.
Food, Fika, and Nightlife
Have a proper fika (coffee and pastry break)
Fika is Sweden's sacred coffee-and-cake tradition, practiced at least twice daily. Order a kanelbulle (cinnamon bun) or kardemummabulle (cardamom bun) with a filter coffee. Neighborhood bakeries in Sodermalm and Vasastan serve better buns than tourist-area cafes at half the price.
Try Swedish meatballs (kottbullar)
The real deal is served with lingonberry jam, cream sauce, and pickled cucumber. Traditional restaurants in Gamla Stan and Ostermalm serve them for 150-200 SEK. The food halls (Ostermalms Saluhall, Hotorgshallen) have counter-service versions at lower prices.
Visit Ostermalms Saluhall food hall
Stockholm's most famous food hall, recently renovated. High-end Swedish delicacies: smoked salmon, reindeer, cheese, and herring. Prices are steep but the quality is outstanding. The downstairs food court has more affordable lunch options.
Eat a shrimp sandwich (rakmacka) by the water
An open-faced sandwich piled high with cold-water shrimp, mayo, dill, and lemon on white bread. A classic Swedish summer dish. Order one at any waterfront cafe or fish restaurant. Best eaten outdoors with a view of the harbor.
Try herring (sill) in multiple preparations
Pickled herring is a staple of Swedish cuisine with dozens of varieties: mustard, dill, onion, garlic, curry. Order a herring plate (sillbricka) at a traditional restaurant to sample 3-5 types. Pair with crispbread, boiled potatoes, and snaps (aquavit).
Day Trips and Archipelago
Take a boat to the Stockholm Archipelago
Over 30,000 islands stretch from the city into the Baltic Sea. Ferries run year-round to popular islands like Vaxholm (1 hour), Grinda (2 hours), and Sandhamn (3 hours). A day trip to Vaxholm is the easiest: explore the fortress, have lunch, and return by afternoon. Summer sailings are more frequent.
Visit Drottningholm Palace
The permanent residence of the Swedish royal family (UNESCO World Heritage), a 45-minute ferry or metro+bus ride from the center. The palace, Chinese Pavilion, and palace theater are open to visitors. The 18th-century court theater still stages performances with original stage machinery.
Day trip to Sigtuna, Sweden's oldest town
Founded in 980 AD, 45 minutes north of Stockholm by commuter rail + bus. Tiny main street with the smallest city hall in Sweden, runic stones, and church ruins. Easy to cover in 3-4 hours. Stop at the bakery for a Sigtuna bun.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do you need in Stockholm?
3 days covers Gamla Stan, the Djurgarden museums, Sodermalm, and a fika culture crash course. With 4-5 days, add an archipelago day trip and more time in neighborhoods like Vasastan and Ostermalm. Stockholm is spread across islands, so factor in ferry and metro travel time between sights.
Is Stockholm expensive to visit?
Yes, one of Europe's priciest cities. Budget 1,500-2,500 SEK (130-220 EUR) per day for mid-range travel. Coffee is 50-60 SEK, lunch is 120-180 SEK, and museum entry averages 150-250 SEK. Save money with the Stockholm Pass for museum access, free walking tours, and lunch specials (dagens lunch) at restaurants.
When is the best time to visit Stockholm?
June-August has the best weather and nearly 24 hours of daylight (the sun barely sets in midsummer). Stockholm comes alive with outdoor dining, island hopping, and festivals. December has Christmas markets and holiday lights but only 6 hours of daylight. Shoulder months (May, September) balance good weather with fewer crowds.
Can you swim in Stockholm?
Yes. Stockholm has clean, swimmable water throughout the city. Popular spots include Smedsuddsbadet on Kungsholmen, Langholmen island, and the Tantolunden pool in Sodermalm. Water temperatures reach 20-22C in July-August. Locals swim from May to September.