Stockholm blends medieval alleys, cutting-edge design and tranquil waters into an effortlessly modern city spread across 14 islands, connected by more than 50 bridges. From royal palaces and world-class museums to hidden cocktail bars and island-hopping adventures, the Swedish capital rewards travellers who delve beneath the surface. Here are our top 10 picks to experience Stockholm’s distinctive mix of history, style, and understated Nordic charm.
1. Wander the medieval streets of Gamla Stan
Stockholm's quaint old town, Gamla Stan
Immerse yourself in the layered history of Sweden's capital as you wander Gamla Stan’s cobbled lanes lined with ochre townhouses, hidden galleries, and elegant cafés. Start at Stortorget, the storybook square framed by 17th and 18th century merchant houses. Just steps away, explore the Royal Palace and Royal Chapel, where gilded halls and the daily changing of the guard reveal Sweden’s regal past. Pause at Storkyrkan Cathedral to admire its Gothic grandeur before slipping into a discreet cocktail bar tucked behind centuries-old walls.
2. Spend a day at Djurgården
Biking along the Djurgården canal - Credits: Tina Axelsson/imagebank.sweden.se
Venture to Djurgården, the greenest of Stockholm’s islands and part of the Royal National City Park, a six-mile stretch of forests teeming with deer, moose, and wild birds. Explore by bicycle or glide along the shoreline by canoe, both easy to rent on the island. Djurgården is also home to some of the city’s most celebrated attractions, from the iconic Vasa Museum and Viking Museum to Skansen’s open-air heritage park and the playful ABBA Museum.
3. Join a boat tour of Stockholm’s archipelago
Remote islands of the Stockholm archipelago
Stockholm’s archipelago is a sprawl of some 30,000 islands, islets, and rocky outcrops, best explored by boat. You’ll find everything from sleek private charters and historic steamships to guided rib boat adventures and full-day ferry tours. Many tours depart straight from central Stockholm, gliding past Gamla Stan’s pastel facades before weaving into narrow straits dotted with red wooden cottages and pine forests. Classic routes often include stops at Vaxholm, the archipelago’s “capital,” or the artist’s island of Sandhamn, known for its sailing culture and laid-back cafés. Longer cruises might stretch as far as the outer islands where the Baltic feels wild and wide. Choose from sunset dinner cruises, custom yacht tours, or public hop-on-hop-off ferries for a chance to experience Stockholm’s picturesque waterways. Our Baltic Voyage is an excellent way to combine Stockholm, Åland Islands and Helsinki
4. Immerse yourself in contemporary photography at Fotografiska
Award winning, sustainable food served at Fotografiska restaurant - Credits: Anna Hållams/imagebank.sweden.se
Set in a grand former customs house overlooking the water, this contemporary photography museum curates cutting-edge exhibitions from icons and emerging talents alike. After exploring the galleries, head upstairs to the acclaimed restaurant where seasonal Nordic dishes are plated against sweeping city views. Finish with a craft cocktail on the veranda or browse the museum shop for limited-edition prints and design pieces.
5. Step inside the Vasa Museum
The Ship of Vasa - Credits: Ola Ericson/imagebank.sweden.se
At the Vasa Museum you’ll come face-to-face with a genuine 17th-century warship, stunningly preserved after three centuries on the seabed. Housed in an architecturally striking space on Djurgården, the Vasa’s towering masts and hundreds of intricate carvings have been painstakingly preserved to showcase the exquisite craftsmanship. Private guided tours unlock deeper stories behind the ship’s ill-fated maiden voyage in 1628, while exclusive evening viewings can be arranged for those seeking a quieter, more intimate encounter.
6. Taste your way around Östermalms Saluhall
Fresh produce at Östermalms Saluhall - Credits: Tuukka Ervasti/imagebank.sweden.se
Step into Östermalms Saluhall, Stockholm’s grand 19th-century food hall for a sensory journey into the city’s heritage and culinary craft. Beneath soaring brick arches and ornate ironwork, you’ll find artisanal stalls offering everything from hand-carved charcuterie and Baltic seafood to truffle cheeses and delicate pastries. Savour fresh oysters at an elegant marble counter, taste the famous Toast Skagen or settle into one of the hall’s classic restaurants for well-aged meats and Swedish delicacies paired with fine Swedish aquavit and wines.
7. Admire the grandeur of Stockholm’s city hall
City Hall - Credits: Peter Lydén/Johnér/imagebank.sweden.se
Rising above the waterfront with its iconic brick tower crowned by golden spires, Stockholm City Hall is more than a landmark, it’s a showcase of Swedish craftsmanship, offering a rare glimpse into Stockholm’s civic pride and architectural finesse. Guided tours reveal its richly decorated halls, from the mosaic-clad Golden Hall where Nobel Prize guests dance in candlelit splendour, to the grand Blue Hall that hosts the banquet itself under sweeping arches. Climb the tower for exclusive panoramic views across the city and archipelago, or arrange a behind-the-scenes visit to discover details hidden from the public eye.
8. Delve into Sweden’s cultural heritage at Skansen open-air museum
Skansen open-air museum in winter - Credits: Tuukka Ervasti/imagebank.sweden.se
Perched on Djurgården island, Skansen isn’t just the world’s oldest open-air museum, it’s an immersive way to experience Sweden’s rural past and folkloric traditions without leaving the heart of Stockholm. Wander through historic wooden farmsteads and manor houses transported from across the country, each meticulously restored and staffed by guides in period dress. Watch artisans handcraft glassware and textiles using centuries-old techniques, or step inside the charming 19th-century town quarter lined with traditional shops and cafés. Skansen also houses a small Nordic Zoo where you can glimpse reindeer, lynx, and bears in naturalistic enclosures.
9. Discover Stockholm's unique subway art
T-Centralen subway station
Stockholm’s subway system is regarded as the longest art gallery in the world, stretching over 100 kilometres, with 90 of the 100 stations adorned with unique murals and art installations – the oldest of which date back to the 1950s. Travelling along the city’s underground network is a captivating experience, not just a means of transport. Some of the most striking pieces of Stockholm’s subway art can be seen at Solna Centrum, T-Centralen, Tekniska Högskolan, Stadion and Kungsträdgården stations.
10. Explore Kungsträdgården park
Cherry blossoms in Kungsträdgården - Credits: Credits: Cecilia Larsson Lantz/Imagebank.sweden.se
Kungsträdgården, “The King’s Garden”, framed by grand buildings and cultural landmarks, offers a peaceful retreat in the heart of Stockholm. Once reserved for royalty, this elegant green oasis is now a favourite for leisurely strolls among marble statues, manicured flower beds, and ornate fountains. In spring, cherry blossoms transform the central avenue into a soft pink canopy, summer brings open-air cafés, art installations and a lively atmosphere; and in winter, the park oozes seasonal charm with festive markets and ice-skating.
