Discover unforgettable experiences in beautiful Stockholm

The delights of Stockholm are countless, from its picturesque waterways and lush parks to vibrant neighborhoods filled with charm, along with intriguing museums that showcase art, history, and Sweden's rich culture.

Even with just a few days to spare, you can enjoy a wealth of activities. Whether you're seeking history, culture, or nature (or a blend of all three), here are our top recommendations for must-visit spots and experiences.

1. Experience the majesty of Stadshuset

Crowned with three golden crowns, Stockholm’s iconic City Hall has represented the city since its inauguration in 1923. Guided tours showcase highlights such as the Blue Hall, home to the annual Nobel Prize banquet, and the luxurious Golden Hall, adorned with mosaics that narrate significant moments and figures from Swedish history.

Across the courtyard, the tower rises 348 feet (106 meters), offering breathtaking 360-degree vistas of central Stockholm. An elevator takes visitors halfway, followed by stairs and sloping walkways leading to the cupola.

2. Take a leisurely walk along Strandvägen

Extending from Nybroplan to the Djurgården bridge, Strandvägen is Stockholm’s most splendid avenue. The northern side features turreted apartment buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, while the southern side boasts a lovely waterfront promenade lined with cafés and restaurants along the quay.

At the western end of the avenue, passenger ferries and sightseeing boats set off for the archipelago. During summer, when crowds enjoy the long, bright evenings, Strandvägen comes alive, showcasing Stockholm at its most vibrant and picturesque.

3. Explore Stockholm from the water

Many visitors are surprised to learn that Stockholm is made up of islands and canals—meaning you haven't truly experienced the city until you've seen it from the water (or even taken a plunge!). At the very least, catch the Djurgården passenger ferry for a quick 7-minute ride from Slussen to Djurgården.

For a more enlightening experience, consider taking a Harbor Boat Tour around the islands of Kungsholmen and Långholmen, circling Djurgården on the Royal Canal Tour, or exploring Under the Bridges of Stockholm to see both the Baltic Sea and Lake Mälaren sides of the city. Alternatively, opt for one of the hop-on-hop-off boats that connect key attractions along Stockholm’s Baltic coastline.

4. Embrace nature on Djurgården

Famous for its numerous museums, the island of Djurgården is also a perfect spot for nature lovers and outdoor activities. Once a royal hunting ground, this 689-acre haven on the city's eastern edge features expansive woodlands and meadows crisscrossed by scenic walking and biking paths. You can rent bicycles next to the bridge at the Djurgården Visitor Center, as well as kayaks, canoes, and pedal boats at Sjöcaféet.

For a scenic stroll or bike ride, follow the pathway along the bay and canal on the northern side of Djurgården, starting at the blue gate (Blå Porten) near the bridge. It's just over 2.5 miles (4 km) to the island's eastern tip. About 20 minutes from the bridge, Rosendals Trädgård offers a charming stop, featuring biodynamic gardens, a farm-to-table café, and a stone-oven bakery.

5. Experience Swedish culture at Skansen

As the world’s oldest open-air museum, Skansen presents Sweden’s cultural history within one large, accessible site. Since its opening in 1891, over 150 culturally significant buildings have been relocated here from across the country. Visitors can see people in traditional dress crafting items or engaging in age-old tasks. Various gardens reflect different regions, and a zoo allows you to discover diverse Swedish wildlife.

If you're in town during major holidays like Walpurgis Night, National Day, Midsummer, St Lucia Day, or Christmas, make your way to Skansen to enjoy traditional Swedish festivities.

6. Explore the cobblestone lanes of Gamla Stan

Every traveler to Stockholm visits the Old Town – and for good reason. With its cobblestone streets and narrow buildings in warm ochre tones, it's a joy to explore, especially when you venture away from the bustling main thoroughfare of Västerlånggatan.

This area boasts major attractions, from medieval and Renaissance churches to the grand baroque Royal Palace. However, much of Gamla Stan’s allure lies in its simpler pleasures: a serene square, a narrow alley, a secluded courtyard, or unique finds like Stockholm’s smallest statue, a 5.9-inch (15 cm) iron boy gazing up at the moon.

7. Revel in the magic of Sweden’s legendary super troupers at ABBA: The Museum

Four decades after their breakup (holograms don’t count), ABBA continues to be a pop sensation and Sweden’s most significant musical export. If you're a fan, this irresistibly camp museum is a must-see, featuring a treasure trove of memorabilia, from photographs and letters to extravagant stage costumes and a replica of the Polar recording studio, complete with original instruments and equipment.

The most enjoyable features are the numerous interactive stations where you can perform with the band on a hologram stage, mix music, dance like your favorite ABBA avatar, or ‘try on’ costumes for a virtual photoshoot.

8. Dive into Swedish history at Historiska Museet

For anyone fascinated by Scandinavia’s history, Historiska Museet is essential. Its Viking exhibit showcases over 2,500 artifacts, with interactive stations exploring every facet of Viking life. Another permanent display continues from the Viking exhibit, detailing Swedish history from the year 1000 to today, featuring a timeline on the floor to guide your exploration.

Underground, the dazzling Gold Room features more than 3,000 gold and silver treasures, including three substantial gold collars from the 5th century CE and a jewel-encrusted gold reliquary from the 13th century.

9. Step aboard a 17th-century ship at Vasamuseet

This custom-designed museum commemorates one of Sweden’s most significant failures: the sinking of the warship Vasa, which went down just 20 minutes after its grand departure from central Stockholm in 1628. Originally built to showcase Swedish military strength, Vasa was dangerously unbalanced; a strong gust of wind caused her to tip, and water rushed in through the open gunports—sinking just 0.8 miles (1.3 km) into her maiden voyage and less than 394 feet (120 m) from shore.

For over three centuries, Vasa rested at the bottom of Stockholm harbor until a dramatic recovery operation in 1961 brought her back to the surface. Now displayed in a hangar-like space adjacent to the water, this remarkably preserved ship is the centerpiece of the museum. Additional exhibits offer context and background to this fascinating story of monumental failure and incredible restoration.

10. Discover Skeppsholmen and Kastellholmen

Nestled in the heart of Stockholm’s harbor, the lush islands of Skeppsholmen and Kastellholmen offer a refreshing escape from the city’s hustle and bustle. As you stroll around the islets, captivating views open up in every direction, with Strandvägen and Djurgården to the north and east, and Södermalm and Gamla Stan to the south and west. You’ll encounter fascinating vessels, including the fully-rigged sailing ship af Chapman (now a hostel), alongside 19th-century wooden boats and a lightship moored at Östra Brobänken.

For over 300 years, Skeppsholmen and Kastellholmen served as the territory of the Swedish Navy. Although military activities have relocated, the triple-tailed Swedish naval flag is still proudly flown each day from the roof of the small fortress on Kastellholmen, symbolizing the nation's peace.

11. Enjoy the views from Södermalm

With steep cliffs rising dramatically from the waterfront, Södermalm offers breathtaking panoramic views of central Stockholm. A favored location is Monteliusvägen, a scenic walking path on the cliff just west of Slussen, facing Stadshuset and Riddarholmen. Further west, Skinnarviksberget, the highest point in central Stockholm, is perfect for sunbathing or picnicking while taking in sights of Kungsholmen and Lake Mälaren.

Alternatively, head east from Slussen to the clifftop road Fjällgatan for an outstanding view that spans Djurgården, Kastellholmen, Skeppsholmen, Gamla Stan, and beyond.