Things To Do In Stockholm, Sweden, If You’re Visiting For The First Time
What are the best things to do in Stockholm, Sweden? If you’re planning to visit the Swedish capital for the first time, I want to spark some interest and propose some places and activities to include on your itinerary.
Table of Contents
Stockholm Museum pass
Most of the top things to do in Stockholm are museums or have an entrance fee. And Sweden isn’t a cheap place.
So, if you are interested in local culture, it might be worth considering the Stockholm city pass, which grants entrance to many of these places. The only catch is that you have to plan your visits in a short timeframe.
The pass can be bought for either 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 days, and the price increases as you get it for more days. Basically, the best way to save money is to visit more in a short timeframe.
I didn’t get this pass when I was in Stockholm because I stayed for two months in and around Stockholm, and I wanted to visit everything at my own pace.
But I do realise this isn’t a reality for a lot of travellers, so if you’re only staying in Stockholm for a short while, then this Stockholm city pass might be a great way to save money, and it also includes some of the best things to do in Stockholm.
If you’re in Sweden for a longer time, then it might be worth looking into the Cultural Heritage Card, which offers a 50% discount at over 300 cultural sites in Sweden.
This card can be bought in a physical format from the Central metro station in Stockholm and the Tourist information in Djurgården, the Museum Island in Stockholm.
How to get around Stockholm?
Stockholm is a big city, and you can either drive or use public transport. If you arrive in Stockholm by plane, then there’s no need to rent a car if you’re going to spend all your time in Stockholm. The public transport is very efficient and overall cheaper than any other type of transportation.
And if you’re seeking culture and museums, most of them are located on and around the Djurgården Island, in the centre of Stockholm, so you won’t need to walk too much from one attraction to another.
So to cut down on transportation costs and time, it would be a good idea to group attractions in Stockholm that are located close to each other, and visit them on the same day.
SL day pass
The most efficient way to get around Stockholm is to use public transport. From my personal experience, all the buses, trams, metro and ferries work great in Stockholm, and you can reach almost any attraction in and around the city using just public transport.
I used the SL pass for my first month in Stockholm, and I loved it. As with everything else in Scandinavia, this pass can be bought and used through a mobile app called SL (SL Journey Planner and Tickets).
Firstly, install the app on your phone, and then you can purchase your tickets or pass from within the app. Then, when you use public transport, open the app and scan the QR code, and that’s it. It’s very easy to use, and you just need to make sure you never run out of battery on your mobile device.
The weird thing about Swedes and public transport is that they never sit next to each other, so if there are free seats, don’t sit next to somebody who’s already sitting.
Driving in Stockholm
Stockholm, like many other places in Scandinavia, has road fees for cars driving in the city. The system is designed to limit traffic during rush hours, and it is called a congestion tax. So it will charge you more if you want to drive during mornings or afternoons, when everyone goes to work or gets back home.
The toll system is very efficient and is implemented via road cameras, which read your licence plate and automatically charge you depending on the date and time.
The app you need to activate before driving into Stockholm is ePass24. After you set it up, with your car’s licence plate and card bank details, you’re good to go. No need to worry about anything else. Note that you will not be charged immediately. The app waits for a while to add up all the charges and will charge you a big chunk after a month or so. For me, it was after 2 months, but it was because I kept driving around and adding new charges.
Gröna Lund
Gröna Lund is the most magical place in Stockholm, a place you can visit with your family, including small children.
In one of my Stockholm YouTube videos, I said that this is a lovely amusement park in Sweden, but someone said that Liseberg, an amusement park from Gothenburg, the second largest city in Sweden, is actually better.
So keep this in mind if you’re doing a road trip around Sweden.
One thing I find quite nice about all these cities in Scandinavia is that they all seem to have one amusement park in or around the city. I guess rollercoasters are a big thing in this part of the world.
The Gröna Lund park offers several packages; you can get daily or season tickets, or you can get a concert pass, as the park is also used as a concert venue during the summer months.
This isn’t a super huge park, but it is packed with all kinds of attractions and rides, and you will find several for each age group.
The park is open from May to September, and the concert schedule is quite busy, as there can be two or even three concerts in a given week.
If you purchase a concert pass, you will be granted entrance every day, but make sure to arrive early on concert days, as they might limit access once the place gets full.
You can also purchase separate tickets for a specific ride once you are inside.
However, I find that it’s best to get a day pass and enjoy the rides in the park when there’s no concert (to avoid extra crowds). You can also eat inside, as there is a variety of snack bars and restaurants.
Overall, Gröna Lund is a gorgeous amusement park with great aesthetics and amazing views over Stockholm, as the park is located on one side of the Djurgården island.
Stockholm National Museum
The National Museum used to have free admission, but now you have to get a ticket. However, if you manage to plan your visit, you can still get free admission on Thursdays (from 5 PM to 8 PM).
The building itself is stunning, and the iconic staircase is not to be missed. The permanent exhibition is huge, and it offers paintings and pieces from the Middle Ages up to the 20th century. If you have the time, you can easily spend at least half a day.
ABBA the Museum
The ABBA museum is one of the main attractions in Stockholm, and fans from all over the world queue daily in front of it.
I wrote a detailed guide about visiting the ABBA Museum, which you should check out to see if this museum is a must-see for you in Stockholm.
Die-hard ABBA fans will probably love it, but it’s on the pricey side of things, and the entire exhibition tends to be a commercial event.
Even so, I loved it, and it offered plenty of enjoyable and interactive corners, and I felt that overall it lived up to the hype.
Vasa Museum
Get tickets here.
The Vasa Museum is built around one well-preserved, 17th-century warship, Vasa, that sank on her maiden voyage in 1628.
What’s truly outstanding is that the ship stayed in the same spot where it sank for over 3 centuries and was salvaged almost completely intact in 1961. That’s why many refer to the Vasa museum as one of Sweden’s most fascinating and unique attractions.
The Vasa sank just minutes after setting sail due to design flaws, making it one of the biggest engineering failures in history. The museum tells the story of how the ship was built, why it sank, and how it was recovered centuries later.
With over one million visitors per year, the Vasa Museum is Stockholm’s most popular museum, making it a must-see for history buffs, maritime enthusiasts, and casual tourists alike.
You can get a combo ticket that includes the nearby Vrak – Museum of Wrecks, which is also nice if you are very into sailing and boats.
Skansen Museum
Founded in 1891, Skansen is the oldest open-air museum in the world. This is the place to visit if you want to observe Sweden’s traditions and rural life across different historical periods.
Throughout the museum, you can walk through authentic historical buildings, including farmhouses, manors, and a 19th-century town. The entire place feels real as the entire staff is in traditional costumes, and offers a demonstration of traditional crafts like glassblowing and baking.
Skansen is also a zoo featuring Nordic animals like moose, reindeer, wolves, and brown bears.
Throughout the year, Skansen hosts traditional Swedish celebrations like Midsummer, Lucia (Saint Lucy’s Day), and Christmas markets, offering tourists a taste of local customs.
It’s a perfect mix of history, culture, and nature, making it one of Stockholm’s top attractions.
Gamla Stan
The old centre of Stockholm is packed with attractions, and you cannot miss it. It’s free to visit it and walk around it. Since Stockholm is located on an archipelago, this part of the city is actually a separate island located just in the middle of it.
Don’t worry, you can easily reach it by metro and then explore it on foot.
Some of the main attractions here are:
- The Royal Palace
- Nobel Prize Museum
- Riddarholmen Church
- Storkyrkan
- St. George & The Dragon Statue
- Stortorget square
- Brantingtorget Square
- Iron Boy – “Boy watching the moon” statue
- Stockholm’s narrowest street (Mårten Trotzigs gränd)
The cobblestone streets offer all sorts of restaurants and bars, but if you want to try an affordable and authentic snack, go to Strömmingsvagnen (a small street food van in Gamla Stan) and get the fried herring.
Natural History Museum
The Swedish Museum of Natural History in Stockholm was one of my favourite museums in the entire city. If you have time for only one museum, then go to see it. I was pleasantly surprised to see a complex museum that encompasses a mix of science, history, and interactive exhibits.
The museum features permanent exhibitions on dinosaurs, the human body, space, and Swedish wildlife. The museum is perfect for families with small children, and it’s the right place to learn all about everything from the Arctic to deep-sea creatures.
The Cosmonova is Sweden’s largest IMAX dome and planetarium, offering breathtaking 3D space and nature films on a massive screen. It’s a must-see experience for science and astronomy lovers.
One of the best places to learn about Swedish nature, including its rich biodiversity, glaciers, and prehistoric life. It’s a great way to understand Sweden’s natural landscape before heading out on outdoor adventures.
Concert at Avicii Arena
You might be aware of this, but Stockholm is one of the hot spots for world-famous artists and bands and that’s why each summer Stockholm is where you can see concerts that are part of super popular world tours.
If there’s a band or an artist on a world tour, then it will include Stockholm on the itinerary. When I was in Stockholm, I went to a Queen concert (with Adam Lambert) at the Avicii Arena. This is a popular spot for concerts, and the organisation and everything were flawless.
You can easily check out all the concerts on their website for your travel dates to Stockholm. Note that concerts are often sold out, and you should purchase your tickets in advance. Since I didn’t look into this too much in advance, I ended up purchasing my tickets from a ticket resale website, and ended up paying more than triple for one ticket.
It was worth it, because I’m a huge Queen fan, but take this as a sign to do some research before you get there, as a lot happens in Stockholm during summer, and everyone is spending money and going out like crazy.
Royal Palace of Stockholm
The Royal Palace of Stockholm (Kungliga Slottet) is one of the top attractions in the city, offering a mix of history, grandeur, and royal tradition.
With over 600 rooms, the Royal Palace is one of the largest working palaces in Europe and serves as the official residence of the Swedish monarch.
One of the highlights is the daily Changing of the Guard ceremony, a tradition that dates back to the 16th century and includes military music and a formal parade.
The tour of the lavish State Apartments, decorated with exquisite baroque and rococo interiors, is used for royal receptions and ceremonies, and it gave me a perfect glimpse into the life of Swedish royals.
Inside, you will find the Treasury, which is home to the Swedish Crown Jewels, including royal crowns and ceremonial regalia, the Royal Armoury (Livrustkammaren), and the Tre Kronor Museum, which explores the history of the original medieval castle, which burned down in 1697.
Unlike some historic castles, this is an active royal palace, where official state functions and ceremonies still take place, offering a real glimpse into Sweden’s monarchy.
You can buy a combo ticket to include the palace and the Riddarholmen Church.
Riddalholmen Church
Riddarholmen Church is the burial site of Swedish monarchs from the 17th century to 1950. Inside, you will admire the beautifully decorated tombs of famous rulers like Gustav II Adolf and Karl XII. This is one of the best places in Stockholm to learn about Sweden’s royal history.
But the building itself is a monument to the Swedish capital. Built in the late 1200s as a medieval monastery, Riddarholmen Church is one of the oldest buildings in Stockholm. Its red brick Gothic architecture and intricate iron spire make it a striking landmark in the city’s skyline.
Unlike the bustling Gamla Stan (Old Town), Riddarholmen is quieter. I recommend checking this place out if you want to escape the crowds in the old town.
I also enjoyed the views around this area. Riddarholmen is located right by the water, offering stunning views of Stockholm’s city hall and Lake Mälaren. It’s a great spot for photography, especially at sunset.
The church is close to other royal landmarks, such as the Royal Palace and Storkyrkan, so you can plan to visit them all on the same day.
Drottningholm Palace
The Drottningholm Palace is one of the most beautiful and historically rich sites in Sweden.
Drottningholm is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Sweden’s best-preserved royal residence, showcasing stunning 17th-century architecture and interiors.
Unlike the Royal Palace in Stockholm, which is mainly used for official ceremonies, Drottningholm is where the Swedish royal family actually lives. While some areas remain private, most of the palace is open to visitors.
The palace grounds feature beautifully designed gardens, including a formal French-style baroque garden and an English landscape park with scenic walking paths and sculptures.
Built in 1766, this is one of the oldest still-operating theatres in Europe, with original 18th-century stage machinery still in use today.
Drottningholm is just 40 minutes from Stockholm by public transport or boat, making it an easy and scenic getaway from the city.
Lidingö island
One of the largest islands near Stockholm is a perfect serene backdrop for a longer stay in Stockholm. This is where I stayed during my first month in Stockholm, and it was an absolute dream.
The island is well connected to the main part of Stockholm via public transport, but you can also drive around it to discover its many cute beaches and relaxation areas.
I believe this is a great spot to visit during summer, as this is when you can enjoy the gorgeous free beaches around the island. During weekends, it can get quite busy. Well, as busy as it can get for the Swedish capital, which only has about 2.5 million (the entire metropolitan area).
Lidingö is often referred to as a suburb preferred by richer residents of the Swedish capital. And that became evident as I started exploring the hilly streets with rows of houses and villas.
Use the ferry system to commute in Stockholm
Stockholm is famous for being located on an actual archipelago. In fact, one of the top things to do around is to visit the Stockholm archipelago.
That means to visit the various islands around, and the best way to do that is by boat. If you’re not friends with a Swedish boat-owner, you can either rent a boat or take one of the many ferries to enjoy the views.
Some of these ferries are part of the city’s public transportation system, and you can use them for free if you already have an SL pass. You will find multiple ferries departing from the Nybroviken central bay if you want to explore different parts of the Stockholm archipelago.
In the end, it depends on your accommodation’s location, but for some locals, these ferries are indeed the best way to get around the city, as the system is efficient and offers great views.
Some ferries are from private companies, and you’ll need to purchase a different ticket for that, depending on the trip. For instance, you can go on a half-day trip to Vaxholm from the centre of Stockholm, or you can book an entire day trip, with a guided tour to Birka Viking island.
Go on a day trip from Stockholm
Personally, I always look for locations and spots that are less crowded and less impacted by mass tourism, even if I’m visiting a major city.
So if you too like to escape the crowds in Stockholm, then I recommend looking into these day trip options from Stockholm. These places will most definitely offer you a more authentic and relaxed experience.
And the best part is that none of these places is too far away. All destinations are within a 2-hour drive from Stockholm by train, bus, or boat.
Sigtuna day trip
Sigtuna was founded in 980 AD, making it Sweden’s first town, filled with Viking-era ruins, medieval churches, and charming wooden houses.
The first stop should be on Stora Gatan, the oldest main street in Sweden, lined with cosy cafés and boutique shops. At the end of the street, you will stumble upon the Sigtuna Museum.
There is a Runestone just in front of the museum, one of the many you’ll discover sprinkled in Sigtuna. The museum dives into Viking history. At the end of the visit, relax by Lake Mälaren or at one of the cafes around.
How to Get There?
🚆 Train: Stockholm to Märsta (30 min) + bus to Sigtuna (15 min)
🚌 Bus: Direct from Stockholm (approx. 1 hour)
🚗 Car: 45-minute drive
Uppsala day trip
Start with a visit to the Uppsala castle, which is on a small hill that gives you a great panoramic view over the entire area.
Uppsala is the town with the oldest university in Scandinavia. The Uppsala University (founded in 1477), has the free-to-visit University’s library (Carolina Rediviva Library), where you will find the Codex Argenteus (also known as the Silver Bible).
Then visit Uppsala Cathedral, the largest church in Sweden, where famous figures like King Gustav Vasa and Carl Linnaeus are buried.
The entire town is charming, so you can also add to your itinerary the Gustavianum museum, for more Viking artefacts and Linnaeus’ Garden, the botanical garden of Sweden’s most famous botanist.
End your visit with a stroll along Fyrisån River. You’ll notice the laid-back atmosphere and many cool places along the way. Uppsala is famous for its student vibes.
Visit the University’s library (Carolina Rediviva Library), where you will find the Codex Argenteus (also known as the Silver Bible).
Why is the Codex Argenteus so important?
- The Silver Bible is a 6th-century manuscript, making it one of the oldest surviving texts written in the Gothic language (a now-extinct Germanic language).
- It is believed that is was created in Ravenna, Italy, under Theodoric the Great, and later ended up in Sweden. The name “Silver Bible” was given to it because it’s written in silver and gold ink on purple-dyed vellum — ultra-luxurious for its time. It’s an important Christian scripture because it contains parts of the four Gospels, translated by Bishop Ulfilas, who played a major role in converting the Goths to Christianity.
It’s an absolute must-see if you’re into linguistics, religious history, or beautifully preserved ancient manuscripts.
How to Get There?
🚆 Train: Stockholm to Uppsala (40 min)
🚗 Car: 1-hour drive
Birka day trip
Dating back to the 8th century, Birka was Sweden’s first Viking settlement. Today, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a great option for a day trip from Stockholm. On the island, I found a cute museum, a few Viking-era ruins, and the Viking village, which consists of a bunch of reconstructed houses and boats.
I did a day trip to Birka that included the boat ride from Stockholm and the guided tour of the island. I actually loved the tour because it provided a lot of insights about Viking trade routes, warriors, and daily life. The tour ends at Ansgar’s Cross, which is a great viewpoint on the island, overlooking Lake Mälaren.
How to Get There?
🚢 Boat Tour: 2-hour ferry ride from Stockholm (available from May to September)
Vaxholm half-a-day trip
I visited Vaxholm by myself, and you can easily organise this day trip by yourself – no need for a tour agency. I later found out that Vaxholm is called the “Capital of the Stockholm Archipelago”, but it’s easy to understand why they call it that.
The ferry trip is an attraction in itself, and if you are blessed with a sunny day, then this is the bout trip not to miss in Stockholm. This is the trip you need to take if you want to see for yourself all those Swedish landscapes and houses that you see in all the pictures.
Once you get to Vaxholm island, you can visit the fortress, eat at one of the cafes or walk to a nearby beach and go swimming.
The 7th-century Vaxholm fortress is located on a small island of its own, but it’s very close to the island where the ferry drops you off. The fort is open for visits, and it’s a great example of Sweden’s coastal defences. Note that the fortress can only be accessed by boat, but the service can be paid for on the spot, as it’s only a few meters away.
Overall, Vaxholm is a perfect option for a day trip from Stockholm. But you can also make it a half-day trip, as it’s not that far away and there are regular ferries arriving and departing from the island.
How to get to Vaxholm island?
🚢 Boat: 1-hour ferry ride from Stockholm (recommended route)
🚌 Bus: 50 minutes from Stockholm
Is Stockholm boring?
No, it isn’t a boring capital. I listed Stockholm as one of the best European cities, and I stand by my decision to this day.
Stockholm is packed with tourist attractions, museums, palaces and gorgeous architecture. I loved spending my summer in Stockholm, and I never got bored.
I get why some travellers might call it a boring capital, as it seems more stuck-up than other capitals in Europe. But that is simply a trademark of the Swedish culture.
Once you take the time to look beyond that, you will discover the fascinating history behind the Swedish Empire, the architecture, and lots of interesting quirks of the locals.
You might call Stockholm a different place, definitely a colder place in terms of weather and locals’ friendliness, but I would never call it a boring place, given the many things to do in Stockholm, Sweden.
Check out my dedicated guide on how to plan your Europe trip (if you need more help).
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