Stockholm Travel Guide

Learn all about Stockholm with this comprehensive travel guide. Discover the best places to visit, where to stay, what to eat, and the local culture and customs of Stockholm.


Introduction to Stockholm

Stockholm is the capital of Sweden and is often referred to as the Venice of the North due to its unique waterfront location. The city is located on 14 different islands, making it a beautiful and diverse location to visit. Visitors to Stockholm can expect to find a mix of history, culture, and natural beauty.

List of Places to Visit in Stockholm

There are many things to do in Stockholm, and it can be overwhelming to prioritize what to see first. Here is a list of the most popular places to visit in Stockholm.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Stockholm has a rich history and culture, and there are many museums and historical landmarks to visit.

  • The Vasa Museum – This museum houses a 17th-century warship, and it is one of the most popular attractions in Stockholm.
  • The Royal Palace – The Royal Palace offers visitors a glimpse into the life of the Swedish royal family.
  • Skansen – Skansen is an open-air museum filled with traditional Swedish buildings and exhibitions.
  • The Nobel Museum – The Nobel Museum is dedicated to the Nobel Prize and its laureates.

Natural Attractions of Stockholm: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Stockholm is known for its natural beauty, and there are many outdoor activities to enjoy.

  • The Stockholm Archipelago – The Stockholm Archipelago is made up of over 30,000 islands and islets. Visitors can take a boat tour or rent a kayak to explore the area.
  • Djurgården – Djurgården is a large park known for its scenic walking trails and beautiful landscapes.
  • Monteliusvägen – Monteliusvägen is a popular walking trail that offers stunning views of the city.
  • Royal National City Park – The Royal National City Park is a massive park that stretches over six miles and offers a variety of walking and cycling trails.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Stockholm

Stockholm is surrounded by beautiful nature, and there are many hiking and biking trails to explore.

  • The Sörmlandsleden Trail – This trail is over 600 miles long and takes hikers through forests, lakes, and historical landmarks.
  • The Roslagsleden Trail – The Roslagsleden trail is 186 miles long and takes hikers through the beautiful Roslagen archipelago.
  • The Tiveden National Park – The Tiveden National Park is located two hours outside of Stockholm and offers visitors challenging hiking trails through unique natural landscapes.

Best Things to Do in Stockholm: Activities and Tours

Here are some of the best activities and tours to do in Stockholm.

  • ABBA The Museum – Fans of the iconic 70s band ABBA will love this museum dedicated to their music and memorabilia.
  • Stockholm Ghost Walk – This spooky guided tour will take visitors through the dark alleys of Stockholm to hear about the city’s haunted history.
  • The Icebar – The Icebar is a unique ice palace that is kept at a frigid 23 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • The Stockholm Food Tour – The Stockholm Food Tour is a guided tour that explores the city’s food culture.

Week-Long Itinerary for Stockholm

Here is a one-week itinerary for visitors who want to see the best of Stockholm.

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit the Vasa Museum and explore the Djurgården park
Day 2 Take a boat tour of the Stockholm Archipelago
Day 3 Visit the Royal Palace and Pop into the Nobel Museum
Day 4 Visit the Skansen open-air museum and check out the ABBA Museum
Day 5 Explore the Royal National City Park and Monteliusvägen walking trail
Day 6 Take the Stockholm Food Tour to try traditional Swedish cuisine
Day 7 Spend the day hiking the Sörmlandsleden or Roslagsleden trail

Food and Drink Scene of Stockholm

Swedish cuisine is known for being hearty and flavorful, and Stockholm has some fantastic dining options. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages in Stockholm.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Swedish meatballs – This classic dish is typically made with ground pork and beef and is served with mashed potatoes, lingonberry jam, and gravy.
  • Gravlax – Gravlax is a cold-cured salmon that is typically served with a mustard sauce and dill.
  • Toast Skagen – Toast Skagen is a traditional Swedish appetizer made with shrimp, mayo, dill, and lemon juice.

Local Beverages

  • Absolut Vodka – Absolut vodka is produced in Sweden and is world-renowned for its quality and taste.
  • Julmust – Julmust is a traditional Swedish soft drink that is typically consumed during the Christmas season.
  • Swedish beer – Swedish beer is often light and refreshing and is a perfect complement to classic Swedish dishes.

Where to Stay in Stockholm: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Stockholm offers a range of options for visitors looking for a place to stay. Here are some of the best places to stay in Stockholm.

  • Grand Hotel Stockholm – The Grand Hotel Stockholm is a luxurious hotel located right on the water with beautiful views of the city.
  • Generator Hostel – Generator Hostel is a trendy hostel located in the heart of Stockholm’s city center.
  • Hotel Kungsträdgården – Hotel Kungsträdgården is a stylish and modern hotel located just a few minutes from many of Stockholm’s top attractions.

What to Buy in Stockholm: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Stockholm is known for its unique souvenirs, and there are many local products that visitors can bring home.

  • Swedish candy – Swedish candy is world-famous for being delicious and unique. Lösgodis is a popular treat that includes a mix of various candies.
  • Viking souvenirs – Viking souvenirs are a popular choice for visitors to Stockholm, and there are many shops that sell items such as Viking helmets and shields.
  • Swedish Design – Sweden is known for its excellent design, and there are many shops in Stockholm that sell beautiful home goods and accessories.

Local Culture and Customs of Stockholm

Sweden has a unique and fascinating culture, and visitors to Stockholm can experience it in many ways. Here are some things to keep in mind when visiting Stockholm.

  • Respect personal space – Swedes are known for valuing their personal space, and visitors should avoid standing too close to others or initiating physical contact.
  • Use public transportation – Swedes are environmentally conscious, and using public transportation is highly encouraged.
  • Practice Fika – Fika is a Swedish tradition of taking a break in the day to enjoy coffee and a baked good. Visitors should make sure to participate in this cultural experience.

Best Time to Visit Stockholm

The best time to visit Stockholm is in the summer when the weather is mild, and there are many outdoor activities to enjoy. However, visitors should keep in mind that Stockholm can be busy during this time.

Do’s and Don’ts of Stockholm

Do:

  • Explore the city’s many museums and cultural landmarks.
  • Try traditional Swedish food and drinks.
  • Take advantage of outdoor activities and beautiful natural landscapes.

Don’t:

  • Forget to respect personal space and follow social norms.
  • Expect to find cheap or budget-friendly options for food and accommodations.
  • Ignore the city’s rich history and culture.

Safety and Health

Safety in Stockholm

Stockholm is known for being a safe city, and travelers should not encounter any significant safety issues. However, visitors should still be aware of their surroundings and keep valuables secure.

Health in Stockholm

Medical care in Stockholm is top-notch, and visitors should not encounter any significant health issues. However, travelers should still be aware of any allergies or medical conditions and bring the necessary medication.

Getting to Stockholm: Transportation Options and Logistics

Stockholm is an easily accessible city, and there are many transportation options for visitors.

Airports Near Stockholm

  • Stockholm Arlanda Airport – Stockholm Arlanda Airport is located 25 miles outside of Stockholm and offers both domestic and international flights.
  • Bromma Stockholm Airport – Bromma Stockholm Airport is a smaller airport located only five miles from Stockholm city center.

Bus Stations Near Stockholm

  • Cityterminalen – Cityterminalen is Stockholm’s central bus station and offers both domestic and international bus connections.

Other Options

  • Train – Stockholm’s Central Station is located in the heart of the city and offers both domestic and international train connections.
  • Ferry – Visitors can arrive in Stockholm by ferry from other nearby cities such as Helsinki, Finland, and Tallinn, Estonia.

How to Get Around in Stockholm

Stockholm is an incredibly walkable city, and visitors can easily explore many of the top attractions on foot. However, there are also many transportation options.

  • Metro – Stockholm has an efficient and extensive metro system that serves most areas of the city.
  • Bus – Stockholms bus system is connected to the metro system and can take visitors to areas not serviced by the metro.
  • Bike rental – Visitors can rent bikes to explore the city on two wheels.
  • Ferry – Visitors can take a ferry to explore different parts of the city or to visit nearby islands.

Where to Go Next from Stockholm: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Stockholm is located in the heart of Scandinavia and is a great starting point for exploring nearby destinations.

  • Copenhagen, Denmark – Copenhagen is only a short flight or train ride from Stockholm and is known for its excellent food and unique culture.
  • Oslo, Norway – Oslo is also a short flight or train ride away and is known for its incredible natural landscapes and the famous Viking Ship Museum.
  • Helsinki, Finland – Helsinki is only a ferry or flight from Stockholm and is known for its beautiful architecture and excellent coffee culture.

Conclusion

Stockholm is a beautiful and unique city that offers visitors a mix of history, culture, and natural beauty. From outdoor adventures to world-class museums, Stockholm has something for everyone to enjoy. Visitors should take advantage of the city’s excellent cuisine and drink scene and spend time exploring the local culture and customs. Overall, Stockholm is a fantastic destination for travelers looking to experience the best of Scandinavia.

The Royal Guard on parade at the Royal Palace The Royal Guard on parade at the Royal Palace With the simple decor, geometric shape, generous use of wood and glass and a slightly last-century style, Arlanda welcomes you with everything you would expect of Stockholm With the simple decor, geometric shape, generous use of wood and glass and a slightly last-century style, Arlanda welcomes you with everything you would expect of Stockholm Arlanda Express is by far the fastest transfer to central Stockholm, though airport coaches and regular trains are cheaper. Arlanda Express is by far the fastest transfer to central Stockholm, though airport coaches and regular trains are cheaper. In operation since 1936, Bromma is a very small airport by today's standards In operation since 1936, Bromma is a very small airport by today's standards Expect no-frills conditions at Skavsta Expect no-frills conditions at Skavsta Stockholm Central Station Stockholm Central Station When entering Stockholm from the south, by road or rail, be sure to enjoy the view from the bridges. When entering Stockholm from the south, by road or rail, be sure to enjoy the view from the bridges. Kornhamnstorg, a waterfront square in the Old Town Kornhamnstorg, a waterfront square in the Old Town Platform ticket machines accept credit cards, and are the best way to pay for single trips. Platform ticket machines accept credit cards, and are the best way to pay for single trips. Artwork at the Tekniska Högskolan metro station. Artwork at the Tekniska Högskolan metro station. Nockebybanan at Alvik Station Nockebybanan at Alvik Station '''Warning: Never''' step into a taxi without checking the yellow price sign on the rear window first! Taxi drivers are legally allowed to charge rip-off prices as long as they are stated clearly on the sign. The taxi to the left is twice as expensive as the one to the right. The price tag should say around 300 kr for a Stockholm cab. '''Warning: Never''' step into a taxi without checking the yellow price sign on the rear window first! Taxi drivers are legally allowed to charge rip-off prices as long as they are stated clearly on the sign. The taxi to the left is twice as expensive as the one to the right. The price tag should say around 300 kr for a Stockholm cab. Congestion fee sign Congestion fee sign The Royal Palace, ''Stockholms slott'', in Stockholm/Gamla Stan The Royal Palace, ''Stockholms slott'', in Stockholm/Gamla Stan Stockholm's Old Town with the Tyska Kyrkan (German church) Stockholm's Old Town with the Tyska Kyrkan (German church) The Vasa Museum. The Vasa Museum. Nordic Museum Nordic Museum The The "Sun Dog Painting", the oldest depiction of Stockholm, can be seen in the Stockholm/Gamla Stan Restaurant Gondolen at Katarinahissen Restaurant Gondolen at Katarinahissen Flottsbrobadet (Södertörn), one of several public beaches in the area. Flottsbrobadet (Södertörn), one of several public beaches in the area.


    Djurgården
    Gamla stan
    Kungsholmen
    Södermalm
    Söderort
    Vasastan and Hagastaden