Stockholm County, east coast · Sweden
A capital built on fourteen islands, with a medieval old town, royal palaces and great museums.
Photo: Julian Herzog (Website) · CC BY 4.0
Stockholm is built across fourteen islands where Lake Malaren meets the Baltic Sea, and water is part of nearly every view. The medieval old town of Gamla Stan sits at its heart, with cobbled lanes, colourful buildings and the Royal Palace, while modern neighbourhoods such as Sodermalm and Ostermalm offer design shops, cafes and nightlife.
The museums are among Europe's best. The Vasa Museum houses a preserved 17th-century warship that sank on its maiden voyage, Skansen is the world's oldest open-air museum, and the ABBA Museum, the Nordic Museum and the Fotografiska photography museum draw crowds. City Hall, where the Nobel banquet is held, has a beautiful Golden Hall and tower views.
The city is clean, safe and easy to get around by metro, ferry and on foot. Summer brings long days and outdoor life, winter is dark and cosy with Christmas markets, and the archipelago offers island escapes all year. Plan three days to see the highlights.
Why visit
Stockholm is one of Europe's most beautiful capitals.
Islands, bridges and ferries.
A perfectly preserved medieval core.
Vasa, Skansen and more.
Fika, craft and new Nordic.
Thousands of islands nearby.
Main attractions
Most sights are on or near the central islands.
The old town with its lanes and squares.
Tip Visit early to avoid crowds.
A 17th-century warship, raised from the sea.
Tip Allow two hours.
One of Europe's largest palaces.
Tip Watch the changing of the guard.
An open-air museum and zoo on Djurgarden.
Tip Go in summer or at Christmas.
The Nobel banquet venue.
Tip Climb the tower.
A hip district of cafes and viewpoints.
Tip Visit Monteliusvagen for the view.
Things to do
Mix museums with time on the water.
See the islands from the water.
Tip Go at sunset.
Coffee and a cinnamon bun.
Tip Do it daily.
The best museum.
Tip Join a guided tour.
To Djurgarden.
Tip Included in the transport pass.
Pop heritage.
Tip Book tickets.
Boutiques and bars.
Tip Walk at dusk.
Local food
Swedish food is simple, seasonal and increasingly inventive.
With lingonberries and mashed potato.
Where to try it Traditional restaurants.
Cinnamon bun.
Where to try it Every cafe.
Cured salmon with dill.
Where to try it Restaurants.
A buffet of cold and hot dishes.
Where to try it Traditional venues.
Green marzipan cake.
Where to try it Bakeries.
Accommodation
Choose the old town for atmosphere or Sodermalm for value.
Transport
Stockholm Arlanda is the main gateway.
The metro, buses and ferries cover the city.
When to go
Late spring to early autumn is warm and bright, with very long days around midsummer.
Long days and fresh greenery.
Warm, busy and lively.
Mild, golden autumn.
Cold, dark and cosy.
Worth planning around: November to February if you dislike cold and darkness.
Itinerary
Old town, museums and water.
Medieval centre
Museums
Views
Travel tips
Tips for Stockholm.
FAQ
Three days.
Yes, but manageable.
Cards are standard.
May to September.
Very.
Widely.
Keep exploring
Places that pair well with Stockholm, whether you have a few spare days or are building a longer route.
Stockholm County, Baltic Sea, Sweden
A vast archipelago of around 30,000 islands with Vaxholm, Sandhamn, Grinda and Fjaderholmarna, perfect for sailing, kayaking and island hopping.
Don't miss Jumping off a warm granite rock into the Baltic, then fika on the pier.
Explore Destination — Stockholm ArchipelagoUppsala County, east-central Sweden, Sweden
A historic cathedral and university city 40 minutes from Stockholm, with the Royal Mounds of Gamla Uppsala, botanical gardens and a lively river.
Don't miss Looking up at the towers of Scandinavia's largest cathedral.
Explore Destination — UppsalaVastra Gotaland County, west coast, Sweden
Sweden's second city: Haga, Feskekorka fish market, Slottsskogen, Liseberg, the southern archipelago and some of the best seafood in the country.
Don't miss Eating fresh shrimp by the harbour, then a ferry to a car-free island.
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