Things to do in Stockholm – 22 attractions and experiences

Writer: Helena Bergström

Updated: October 2026 | What to see and do in Stockholm? Here we have collected 22 of our personal favorites – from classics like the Old Town and the Vasa Museum to the archipelago, parks, art and more unexpected experiences.

Stockholm – our hometown

Stockholm is our hometown, but we have come to know it from slightly different angles. Peter was born here and grew up in Karlberg, while I moved here much later. Today we live on a houseboat in Stockholm and continue to discover new sides of the city. Here are 22 things to do in Stockholm that we personally think are worth experiencing.

1. Stroll through the Old Town – Stockholm's historic heart

Gamla stan is one of those places in Stockholm that we never really get tired of. We've walked through the alleys more times than we can count, but we still manage to discover new details all the time – not least when we leave Västerlånggatan and head into the smaller streets.

Start at Stortorget with the colorful houses and then continue through the cobblestone alleys. Look for Mårten Trotzig's alley, which is only 90 centimeters wide at its narrowest point, say hello to the little Iron Boy and look for the runestone that is built into a house on Prästgatan. It is of course just as enjoyable to peek into the small shops of the Old Town, sit down at an outdoor terrace or find your way down to the restaurants that are located deep in the historic cellars.

If you want to discover classic sights, you shouldn't miss the Royal Palace and the Great Church. We also found it incredibly interesting to visit Riddarholm Church, where most of the Swedish monarchs are buried, and the Knights' House, where the walls are covered in coats of arms.

READ MORE: Things to do in the Old Town – our best tips

2. See the royal ship Vasa at the Vasa Museum

The Vasa Museum is one of Stockholm's most famous attractions – and one that we think lives up to its reputation. At the heart of the museum stands the enormous royal ship Vasa, which sank on its maiden voyage in 1628 and was salvaged in 1961, after more than 300 years at the bottom.

I was fascinated by the Vasa as a child, through a book that told the story of the ship and its salvage. Standing in front of the real ship much later was therefore a special experience. And even without such childhood memories, it is difficult not to be impressed by the size and all the details of the well-preserved ship.

Around Vaasa there are several exhibitions that tell the story of the people on board, life in the 17th century, why the ship sank and the extensive work of salvaging and preserving it. This is a museum that we are happy to take foreign visitors to!

READ MORE: Visiting the Vasa Museum in Stockholm - info and tips

3. Visit Stockholm City Hall – and the Golden Hall

Stockholm City Hall is one of the city's most famous landmarks, beautifully situated on Lake Mälaren on Kungsholmen. Home to the annual Nobel Banquet in the Blue Hall, and another highlight is the Golden Hall with its millions of gold and stained glass mosaic pieces.

We have visited the City Hall several times ourselves, and we think it is nice just to walk around the environment. On one occasion we visited the restaurant Stadshuskällaren where we were able to experience something extra special: a dinner where the food was served on Nobel service. It is the closest we have come to a Nobel dinner!

If you want to see the City Hall from the inside, you can do so on a guided tour. During parts of the year, you can also go up to the City Hall Tower, where you get a fantastic view of Riddarholmen and the Old Town, among other things.

4. Visit the Royal Palace and see the Changing of the Guard

The Royal Palace is located in the middle of the Old Town and is still a functioning royal palace. Here you can visit the magnificent state apartments and several museums, including the Treasury with the Swedish royal regalia. Although the palace is not that spectacular from the outside, it is well worth visiting the inside, filled with both beautiful rooms and interesting stories.

An experience that doesn't cost anything is to see the changing of the guard at the Outer Courtyard. For Peter, it also brings back special memories – during his time as a guard at the castle, he himself stood guard outside the same building that we now visit as regular Stockholm tourists.

READ MORE: Visiting the Royal Palace in Stockholm

5. Walk or cycle on Djurgården

Djurgården is one of our favorite places in Stockholm when we want to combine city with nature. It is home to some of the capital's most famous museums and attractions, but also long walking and cycling paths along the water, lush parks and surprisingly quiet areas.

We have gotten around Djurgården in many different ways over the years – on foot, by bike and once with the whole family on electric scooters. One of our favorite routes is out towards Rosendal, Waldemarsudde and further along the water towards Isbladskärret, where for much of the year you can experience something so unique that looms in the middle of the city center.

If you want more action and people, the Vasa Museum, Skansen, Gröna Lund, Junibacken and ABBA The Museum are located in the more central part of Djurgården.

READ MORE: Djurgården – attractions, museums and our best tips

6. Experience Sweden in miniature at Skansen

Skansen on Djurgården is the world's oldest open-air museum and a true Stockholm classic. It features historic houses and farms from different parts of Sweden, crafts, gardens and Nordic animals – right in the middle of the capital.

For Peter, Skansen visits started as a child, when he accompanied his grandparents here. Later he came back with his own children, and over the years we have visited Skansen together in several different seasons. It is one of those places in Stockholm that actually changes a lot depending on when you come.

In the summer the area is green and full of life, while the Christmas market and winter environments provide a completely different experience. Traditional midsummer celebrations and other events are also held here throughout the year.

READ MORE: Visiting Skansen - an open-air museum in Stockholm

7. Experience Stockholm and the archipelago from the water

Stockholm is built on islands and the water is a big part of the city's charm. That's why we think you should try to get out on the water at least once during your visit to Stockholm. It can be anything from a short ferry ride between the city districts to a longer boat trip out into the archipelago.

For Peter, the Stockholm archipelago has been there since childhood, when the family had a country house on Blidö. For both of us, boating is now a natural part of everyday life, since we live on a houseboat. Maybe we are a little biased – but Stockholm is actually extra beautiful from the lakeside.

If you just want to get a taste of the city from the water, you can take the Djurgårdsferjan ferry between Slussen and Djurgården. If you have more time, a boat trip further out into the Stockholm archipelago is a completely different experience, with islands, cliffs, archipelago houses and narrow straits.

8. See photographic art at Fotografiska

Located on the waterfront in Södermalm, Fotografiska is one of our favorite places for photography and visual art in Stockholm. It hosts large and small exhibitions featuring photographers from Sweden and the rest of the world, and since the exhibitions are rotated, there is almost always something new to see.

Photography is close to our hearts – images are a big part of our work with FREEDOMtravel – and that is why Fotografiska is a museum we love to return to. Over the years, we have seen both exhibitions that have touched us and those that have made us see photography in completely new ways.

A bonus is the location. From Fotografiska you have a nice view over the water towards, among other things, Skeppsholmen and Djurgården, and the visit is easy to combine with a walk on Södermalm.

READ MORE: Fotografiska in Stockholm – photographic art that provokes thought

9. Step into the world of ABBA at ABBA The Museum

ABBA The Museum on Djurgården is much more than a collection of stage clothes and old records. Here you can follow the story of Agnetha, Björn, Benny and Anni-Frid – from the time before ABBA and the big breakthrough to world tours, stage clothes and life after the group.

The museum is also interactive. You can try singing and performing with the four ABBA members in digital form, which makes the visit fun even for those who can't speak. Dancing Queen by heart.

For Peter, the museum brings back a lot of memories. He grew up with ABBA and still remembers how special it was to travel abroad as a young Swede and hear the group's music played everywhere. Even today, we often hear ABBA when we travel, in both Europe and Asia.

READ MORE: The ABBA Museum in Stockholm - lots of nostalgia

10. Discover Södermalm and some of Stockholm's best views

Södermalm is a district to discover on foot, with old quarters, cafés, restaurants, shops and, not least, fantastic views over Stockholm. Here you can easily combine people life with small streets and walks along the heights above Lake Mälaren.

Two viewpoints we would love to return to are: Mountain Street, with a view of Saltsjön and Djurgården, and Montelius Road, where you look out over Riddarfjärden towards the City Hall and the Old Town.

We actually found Monteliusvägen by chance during a walk on Södermalm. We took a detour in a direction we hadn't planned – and ended up on one of the nicest walking paths in all of Stockholm. Discoveries like this are one of the reasons we like Södermalm.

11. Ride carousels and go to a concert at Gröna Lund

Gröna Lund is Stockholm's classic amusement park, with a fantastic location right on the water on Djurgården. It has everything from gentle carousels and pentathlon to roller coasters and other rides for those who want more speed.

For Peter, Gröna Lund is a place that has accompanied him throughout his life – from childhood visits to concerts, company parties and later trips here with his own children. A special memory is that he saw Bob Marley play here, during the artist's last concert in Sweden in 1980.

Gröna Lund is not just a funfair. During the season, many concerts are held in the area, and in the fall the park is usually transformed for Halloween. Personally, since I'm not that fond of carousels, I actually like Gröna Lund best during events such as Halloween.

READ MORE: Halloween at Gröna Lund – horror, spooky fun and tips for your visit

12. Experience Kungsträdgården in the middle of Stockholm

Kungsträdgården, or ”Kungsan”, is one of Stockholm’s most central meeting places. There is almost always something going on here, and the park changes character with the seasons: cherry blossoms in the spring, events and people in the summer, and ice skating in the winter.

We pass Kungsträdgården often and like to stop by even when there is no special event going on. In the spring, the blooming Japanese cherry trees are of course the big attraction, but the place is also interesting for its history. The magnificent Makalös palace was once located here, and in 1971 the famous Elm Fight took place when demonstrators protested against the felling of elm trees in connection with the construction of the metro.

Today, there are restaurants, cafés, statues and fountains around the park, and from here it is close to Hamngatan, NK, Grand Hôtel and Strömkajen, among others. A nice place in the middle of central Stockholm, simply!

READ MORE: Kungsträdgården in Stockholm - and the Makalös Palace

13. Take the boat to Fjäderholmarna

If you want to experience the Stockholm archipelago but are short on time, Fjäderholmarna is a perfect excursion destination. The islands are close to the city, but the boat trip out already gives you the feeling of leaving Stockholm behind and entering the archipelago.

We have been to Fjäderholmarna several times over the years – sometimes to eat or go to events and sometimes just with a picnic and something delicious in a glass. Several times we have brought visitors from other countries or other parts of Sweden. It is precisely the simplicity that we like: you don't have to plan a big archipelago expedition to get rocks, boats and an archipelago feel.

On the islands you can walk along the water, sit on the rocks, visit artisans or eat and drink. But for us, the environment itself and the boat trip are perhaps the best, preferably in nice summer weather of course!

14. Step into the world of fairy tales at Junibacken

Junibacken on Djurgården is an experience center for children with a focus on children's literature and fairy tales. Astrid Lindgren's stories have an obvious place, but here you will also encounter characters and environments from other Swedish children's book authors and illustrators.

The great classic is the Story Train, where you travel through several of Astrid Lindgren's stories and meet Madicken, Emil, Karlsson on the Roof and Ronja the Robber's Daughter, among others. There are also playful exhibitions, a theatre and a large children's bookstore.

For us, who both grew up with Astrid Lindgren's books, and for Peter who later also read them to his own children, it is of course a huge dose of nostalgia. But above all, Junibacken is one of our best Stockholm tips for families with younger children.

15. Step into another time at the Hallwyl Museum

Amidst the shops and city pulse on Hamngatan lies Hallwylska Palatset – one of our favorite museums in Stockholm. Behind the rather anonymous facade hides a magnificent home from the turn of the century, preserved with furniture, art and lots of everyday objects.

The house was built for the wealthy couple Wilhelmina and Walther von Hallwyl, and Wilhelmina in particular had an almost incredible ambition to document her home and collections. The result is that today you can step right into their world and get an unusually detailed picture of what life was like in a well-off home at this time.

This may not be the most famous museum in Stockholm, but it is one of our favorite. As soon as you step inside the gates, it feels like you are taking a fascinating journey back in time.

READ MORE: Hallwyl Museum – private home from the turn of the century

16. Walk around Skeppsholmen

Skeppsholmen is a small and quiet island in the middle of central Stockholm, perfect for a walk when you want to get away from the most intense tourist routes. Here you get water, old buildings, boats, art and nice views of Gamla stan and Djurgården, among other things.

The island has a long maritime history, which is still evident in both the environment and the many ships along the quays. Perhaps that is one reason why we feel so comfortable here – boats and life on the water are very dear to our hearts.

Skeppsholmen also has several exciting museums, including Modern Museum and ArkDes. But you don't have to go anywhere to appreciate the island. The walk around Skeppsholmen is a pleasant experience in itself.

READ MORE: Skeppsholmen in Stockholm – museums, walk and map

17. Discover the art in the Stockholm metro

The Stockholm metro is not just a way to get around the city – it is also a huge art exhibition. At many stations you will encounter paintings, mosaics, sculptures, installations and dramatic rock caves, created by various artists over the decades.

The first time I visited Stockholm as a child, my parents asked me what was the best part of the trip. The answer came quickly: ”The subway!” Many years later, I can defend the answer a little better – the Stockholm subway is actually an experience in itself.

Some of the stations we think are the most fun to discover are Kungsträdgården, which almost feels like an archaeological excavation, Solna city center, with its dramatic red rock wall, and Tensta, with its imaginative animal motifs.

READ MORE: Art in the Stockholm metro – stations to discover

18. Dive among the wrecks of the Baltic Sea at Vrak

The Baltic Sea hides thousands of shipwrecks, and at Vrak på Djurgården you can discover some of their stories, without having to put on scuba gear. The museum tells the story of ships that sank over the centuries and the people who traveled on board.

We visited Vrak for the first time shortly after the museum opened and were particularly captivated by the stories about how marine archaeologists find, examine and identify ancient wrecks. An exciting example is Traveller Man, which sank in 1660 on its way to Poland and was only found several hundred years later.

Unlike the Vasa Museum, where the enormous ship stands right in front of you, Vrak bases much of the experience on digital technology, finds and stories. This is a slightly different museum that we highly recommend.

READ MORE: Wrecks - Museum of Wrecks on Djurgården in Stockholm.

19. Experience the Viking Age at The Viking Museum

The Viking Museum on Djurgården tells the story of the Viking Age and the people who lived in the Nordic countries around a thousand years ago. It's not just about warriors and raiding parties, but also about everyday life, trade, travel, faith and how society functioned.

We are both fascinated by the Viking Age and have visited many Viking sites on our travels, both in Sweden and abroad. I have also read Icelandic, which makes the old Norse sagas and language extra exciting for us. That's why this is a museum we personally find really fun.

One of the experiences is the ride "Ragnfrid's saga", where you follow a family and their fate during the Viking Age. The museum also has objects, reconstructions and stories that give a picture of life during the period. A museum that is exciting for both adults and children!

READ MORE: The Viking Museum in Stockholm

20. Take a trip to Drottningholm Palace

Drottningholm Palace is located on the shores of Lake Mälaren on the island of Lovön and is one of the finest excursions you can take from central Stockholm. The palace is the permanent residence of the royal family, but parts of it are open to visitors and the entire area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

We have been here several times and think that it is the whole that makes Drottningholm so worth seeing. In addition to the palace itself, there is the large palace park, the exotic China Palace and Drottningholm Palace Theatre from the 18th century, where the historical stage equipment is still preserved.

We think it's interesting to take a guided tour of the castle – that way you can learn a little more about the history and the unique rooms. It's also nice to just stroll around the beautiful park.

READ MORE: Drottningholm Palace in Stockholm - guide for your visit

21. Stroll in Haga Park

Hagaparken is one of Stockholm's finest parks and a perfect excursion destination when you want nature, history and beautiful surroundings without leaving the city. The large English park spreads along Brunnsviken and offers walking paths, lawns, old buildings and plenty of space for picnics.

We live not far from here and have walked in Hagaparken many times over the years. One of our favorite places is the large Copper Tents, which despite the name are not tents but colorful buildings from the time of Gustav III. The area also includes Haga Palace, where the Crown Princess family lives, and several other historical buildings and remains.

If you want to do more than just walk, you can visit Butterfly House Haga Ocean, where tropical butterflies fly freely in the warm environment. Besides the fact that it is interesting to learn more about the different species, we like to step in here during the cold season – as if by magic, it feels like you have ended up in a warm, humid and exotic part of the planet.

READ MORE: Hagaparken in Solna - castles, gazebos and pavilions

22. Combine art and nature at Artipelag

Artipelag is located on Värmdö and is one of our favorite excursion destinations in the Stockholm area. Here, art, architecture and archipelago nature meet in a way that makes the place itself at least as much a part of the experience as the exhibitions.

You might go to Artipelag primarily to see the art. We have seen an immersive exhibition with works by Alfons Mucha, where the art was displayed using light, projections and music. This was a really cool exhibition that made a big impression on us! It's also nice to walk along the water among the rocks and pine trees, and to see the artworks that are outdoors.

The exhibitions on display change, of course, but the building and the surrounding nature make Artipelag worth a trip in itself.

Where to stay in Stockholm?

For a first visit to Stockholm, it's convenient to stay centrally, so you can walk to many attractions and easily take the metro, bus or boat to the rest.

• Norrmalm is practical if you want to stay in the city center and near the Central Station.
• Old Town Suitable for those who want a historical environment and lots of atmosphere.
• Södermalm has a wide range of restaurants, cafes and bars and a more local feel.
• Östermalm or Vasastan are also good options, especially if you prefer a quieter neighborhood but still want to be close to the city center.

Our tip: It's better to put a little extra emphasis on location than on exactly which hotel you choose. Stockholm is easy to get around, but staying near the metro or other good transportation makes your visit much smoother.

More tips about Stockholm

• Museums in Stockholm
• Different things to do in Stockholm
• Excursions in Stockholm