A Complete Stockholm 3-Day Itinerary (Written by a Former Local)

Stockholm is a city that you could visit time and time again, and never tire of its beauty. How do I know this? Because that’s precisely what I’ve done. 

Ever since I first found a cheap flight to visit Stockholm in 2017, I’ve been captivated by the Swedish capital’s ability to blend timeless charm and technological innovation. So much so, in fact, that I spent some time living there before later moving to Copenhagen. 

The answer to whether Stockholm is worth visiting is simple: It’s a resounding yes. As you wander Gamla Stan’s cobblestone streets, glide along its waterways on a boat (it’s known as the Venice of the North), and browse the city’s famed fashion and design brands, this will become evident to you. 

Since planning a trip anywhere new is always challenging, I’ve put together this full Stockholm weekend itinerary for you. Everything here is based on my experiences visiting the city 5+ times, along with spending significant time exploring while I lived there. You’ll discover fun experiences, cool places to eat, and all the practical information you need to plan your trip. 

How Many Days Do I *Actually* Need in Stockholm?

In my opinion, you should spend at least three days in Stockholm. If you only have three days, don’t worry—you can still see a lot of the city and most of the main highlights. Many of the city’s main attractions are within easy reach of one another, and the Swedish capital has an efficient public transport network. 

If you have some extra time to spare, I definitely recommend spending a fourth day in Stockholm. With that additional day, you can get out and see the vast, beautiful Stockholm archipelago. Having done so myself in the past, I strongly recommend doing so.

With an extra day in Stockholm, you could also take a day trip to nearby Uppsala. Though I’d suggest staying overnight, you can still see much of this pretty university city in a single day. Plus, it’s less than an hour from Stockholm by train. 

If you can only allocate three days to Stockholm, you should focus your attention on the city itself; there’s plenty to keep you entertained, as you’ll discover today. 

Where to Stay in Stockholm: My Top Recommendations

I’ve stayed in more types of accommodation than I can count in Stockholm, from pleasant hotels to social hostels and budget stays that were so bad I’ve done everything to erase them from my memory. I’ve written a super-detailed guide on where to stay in Stockholm (both in terms of accommodation *and* neighborhoods), but if you’re short on time, I have summarized your key options below.

Based on my several trips to Stockholm, my top recommendation is Backstage Hotel Stockholm. First and foremost, the breakfast is one of the best I’ve ever had at a hotel. You can choose from a menu, and there’s also a decent-sized buffet with high-quality options. 

The beds were very comfortable, and it’s also right next to the ABBA Museum in peaceful Djurgården. One morning, I pressed the wrong elevator button and ended up hearing pop classics instead of finding the exit. 🙂 

You’re right next to tram, ferry, and bus connections into Stockholm, alongside other attractions like the Skansen Open Air Museum and Nordiska Museet.

Some of my other top picks for a stay in Stockholm are: 

• Clarion Hotel Amaranten: Close to the City Hall, with a nice breakfast and pleasant rooms. 
• City Backpackers Hostel: One of the best hostels in Scandinavia. Affordable and social. I stayed here for New Year’s once, and it was one of my favorite trips to Stockholm; I met lots of super cool people.
• Generator Stockholm: Another hostel; I stayed here on my first trip and have been back a few times since. It’s less social than City Backpackers, but the beds are more comfortable.

When Should I Visit Stockholm?

Having said that, Stockholm is very much a year-round city. Let’s quickly discuss what it’s like to visit in each season, and the pros and cons.

Spring

Like the rest of Scandinavia, springtime arrives relatively late in Sweden. Temperatures slowly rise in April and May as the winter thaws away. Expect chilly mornings and mild days; you’ll still need gloves and sweaters at the beginning of spring. 

Cherry trees tend to blossom in Stockholm toward the end of April. 

Pros:

Summer

Summer in Stockholm is the peak tourist season. It’s also my least favorite time to visit, but at the same time, you’ll still have a great trip if you see the Swedish capital during the warmer months. 

Daytime temperatures are normally between 20ºC and 25ºC (68-77ºF). Evenings usually range from 12ºC to 17ºC (53.6-62.6ºF). Daylight hours are very long; the sun rises before 04:00 and sets after 22:00 on the longest day of the year. 

Stockholmers go on holiday for most of July, and the city is also largely empty during Midsummer. 

Autumn

Few places are as beautiful as Stockholm in autumn. This season is typically short; it starts to feel like winter around the start of November. 

Autumn in Stockholm is usually a quiet period, and besides Gamla Stan, I think that crowds are pretty manageable around this time. Mornings are cold; you may need gloves. 

Winter

I love visiting Stockholm when the city is draped in a layer of snow, and while it can get cold, winter is a lovely time to visit. Daylight hours are very short; the sun sets before 15:00 in December. 

Temperatures usually range from -5ºC to 5ºC (23-41ºF). It can sometimes get even colder, to the point that the water freezes over. This is also a budget-friendly time to visit. And just to note, you can’t usually see the Northern Lights in Stockholm; you need to go above the Arctic Circle for a better chance.

Your Complete 3-Day Stockholm Itinerary

I spent a fair amount of time reflecting on past trips to develop this itinerary, and I’ve tried everything out myself. It’s doable year-round, though you may slightly tweak your schedule based on daylight hours and the like. 

Let’s now get into the complete three-day Stockholm itinerary. 

Day 1: Stockholm’s Highlights

On your first day in Stockholm, you’ll take in the city’s main highlights. Many of them are within walking distance of each other, with simple Metro connections if needed. 

Starting Your Trip With a Boat Tour

On my first trip to Stockholm, I started my adventure with a boat tour. I did the same thing on one of my most recent returns to the city, too. Since the Swedish capital is spread out across 14 islands, this is an ideal way to get your bearings. 

The boat tour will take up most of your morning; you can choose different durations. You’ll see the city’s main icons, such as the City Hall, from the water. On top of that, you will learn more about Stockholm’s rich history as part of these tours. 

You’ll start and finish the tour in the city center. From here, it’s easy to then branch out and explore more of Stockholm. The tour runs throughout the year, except for the winter; you can join this winter boat tour if you’re visiting Stockholm between the end of December and late March.

Good to Know: You can join a boat tour as part of GoCity’s Stockholm passes. If you plan to visit other museums and attractions as well, I strongly recommend getting one. Buy a GoCity Stockholm Pass

Exploring Gamla Stan (Including Lunch)

Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s Old Town, is one of the first places that many people visit when they’re in the city. I recommend doing the same if this is your first time in Sweden’s capital. It’s one of Stockholm’s prettiest districts, with cobblestone streets and architecture that can make you feel like you’re in Italy. 

The main enjoyment in Gamla Stan is to simply wander and let yourself get lost. Beyond the shiny souvenir shops, Gamla Stan has several interesting backstreets and still works its timeless charm. Be sure to stop by St. Getrude’s Church and Storkyrkan, two of Stockholm’s most beautiful churches. 

The Swedish Royal Palace is also located on the island of Gamla Stan. Here, you can watch the Changing of the Guard at 12:15 on weekdays and 13:15 on Sundays. 

I normally don’t eat at restaurants in touristy areas, but Under Kastanjen is one place worth making an exception for. Located in Gamla Stan, you can try Swedish meatballs here—and they’re pretty good, I can confirm. When you’re feeling hungry, you should go here to eat. You can also book a table on the website.

Afternoon: Riddarholmen & Stockholm City Hall

Riddarholmen is a small island right next to Gamla Stan. It won’t take you too long to explore; you can walk over, and the church is lovely. The island is a nice spot for photography, too. 

After quickly checking out Riddarholmen, head over to Stockholm’s City Hall. In the summer, you can buy tickets to the tower. Even if you visit at another time, the free garden is worth exploring. You can get some great views of Södermalm and Riddarholmen from here, too. 

Evening: Visit Fotografiska

The world-famous Fotografiska photography museum is open until 23:00 daily. We visited the one in Stockholm during the evening, which was a good time to do so. It’s not so busy and a nice way to finish your first day in the city. 

Fotografiska is small, but the emphasis is on quality rather than quantity. Each exhibition is well-curated and interesting, and you’ll definitely feel your creative sparks fly. There’s also a restaurant here with nice views of Stockholm. 

You can book tickets for Fotografiska in advance; it’s included in the GoCity pass, too. 

If you don’t eat dinner at Fotografiska, you can head into Södermalm; here, there are several restaurants.

Day 2: Södermalm

You might have seen parts of trendy Södermalm on your first day if you went there for dinner, but we’ll explore the district in more detail today. It’s one of my favorite districts in Stockholm, and I’m certain you will also fall in love with it. 

Morning: Views of Stockholm & Exploring the Neighborhood

Start your second day in Stockholm with some of the best views of the city. The Monteliusvägen pathway and Mariaberget observation platform are a great place to see Stockholm’s City Hall from a higher viewpoint, along with Gamla Stan and other parts of the city. 

Get to Monteliusvägen and Mariaberget early, as it can get quite crowded here. If you can visit for sunrise, that’s even better. It’s completely free to visit this viewpoint.

You should also allocate some time to Skinnarviksberget, Stockholm’s highest natural point. While a popular evening hangout spot, it’s also worth visiting during the day. This viewpoint is particularly great for views of the Kungsholmen neighborhood. 

The order in which you do Monteliusvägen and Mariaberget depends on which Metro station you arrive at. If you take the Metro to Mariatorget, walk to Skinnarviksberget first. From Slussen, Monteliusvägen is a better starting point. 

After visiting the two viewpoints, have a wander around Södermalm. Consider stopping at one of the many cool coffee shops for some caffeine; I personally like Drop Coffee. Eventually, you’ll get hungry; when you do, I recommend having lunch at Kapibara Ramen. 

Afternoon: More of Södermalm

After having some food, browse Södermalm’s various stores. Then, stop for a fika break at St:Paul Bageri. Fika is perhaps the most famous Swedish word; it effectively means taking a break, usually with coffee, and also often with something sweet. 

St:Paul Bageri has some great pastries, along with nice coffee and a cozy atmosphere. I’ve been to the one on Götgatan and the other on Sankt Paulsgatan; both are good, and they’re very close to each other, too. 

Evening

Södermalm is abundant in restaurant options, and its nightlife scene is also lively. If you want some drinks with nice views, go to Freyja & Söder—a rooftop bar where you can look out to Stockholm’s city center.

For drinks, Stigbergets Fot is popular (and it gets VERY crowded on a Saturday night). Blå Dörren, meanwhile, offers various drinks and the option to get food. 

Day 3: Djurgården, Skeppsholmen, and Kastellholmen

On your third day in Stockholm, I recommend spending the bulk of your time on the island of Djurgården. You won’t see all of it in one day (it’s huge), but you can still explore a decent amount. Skeppsholmen and Kastellholmen, meanwhile, are both pretty small and connected to each other. 

Djurgården

Leafy Djurgården is where you’ll find a large concentration of Stockholm’s museums and attractions. You should definitely allocate a few hours to the Skansen Open Air Museum, which was the first major open air museum in the world. Here, you’ll see small examples of different parts of Sweden. It’s a fantastic place if you’re visiting Stockholm with kids, too. 

Skansen is included in the GoCity Stockholm Pass. However, you can also buy tickets individually. You can find some nice views toward Gröna Lund and other parts of Stockholm from here, too. 

While you’re on Djurgården, you should also explore the streets next to the Gröna Lund amusement park. Here, you’ll find some hidden corners with cute wooden houses. I recommend visiting tiny Beckholmen, too—a small island connected to Djurgården via a footbridge. 

Djurgården is home to the ABBA Museum, Nordiska Museet, and Vasa Museum, too. At the very least, you should visit one of these. I really like Nordiska Museet, which has in-depth exhibitions showcasing the history of the Nordic region. The Vasa Museum is also pretty cool; you can see the huge Vasa ship, which sank on its maiden voyage in 1628.

Skeppsholmen & Kastellholmen

From Djurgården, you can take the short ferry journey to Skeppsholmen. The island is pretty small, and it’s a nice place to mainly walk around. You can see views toward Gröna Lund, in addition to Nacka, Södermalm, Östermalm, and Gamla Stan. 

Skeppsholmen has a couple of museums if you have some spare time, such as the Stockholm Toy Museum. But even without visiting these, it’s still worth coming here. 

While on Skeppsholmen, take the footbridge to tiny Kastellholmen. At the top, next to the castle, you’ll have some more nice views. It’s a nice extra bonus to add to your trip, since you’re here anyway. 

More Useful Information for Your Stockholm Trip

In addition to providing you with a comprehensive three-day itinerary for your Stockholm trip, I also felt it was wise to offer some more useful tips for your adventure. 

How to Get to Stockholm

Stockholm is easy to reach by air, road, rail, and sea. I’ll go through all of your options below.

By Air

If you’re flying to Stockholm, look for flights to Arlanda Airport. It’s by far the most convenient international airport; Skavsta is over 100 kilometers away, and… let’s just say that I’ve made that mistake before 🙃. 

Arlanda has five terminals. It’s undergoing renovation right now, and while it’s my least favorite large Scandinavian airport, it’s not the worst place in the world. The airport is well-connected to Europe, with flights to North America, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, too.  

The Arlanda Express is by far the fastest way to get into Stockholm’s city center from the airport. It takes 18 minutes, and you can buy your tickets here. If you want a more budget-friendly option, Flygbussarna takes around 45 minutes; you can get your tickets here. 

Road & Rail

You can reach Stockholm from both Copenhagen and Oslo without flying. The train from Copenhagen takes 5.5 hours (if you visit both cities, be sure to check out my guide on the best things to do in Copenhagen).

It’s also possible to get from Oslo to Stockholm by train (I also have a guide on the best things to do in Oslo if you want to visit both cities). Direct journeys take around six hours, while connecting ones may take longer. Buses, meanwhile, take roughly seven-and-a-half hours.

Direct trains also run between Stockholm and Berlin; the journey takes around 17 hours. 

You can search for buses, trains, and flights to Stockholm via the widget below. 

Arriving in Stockholm by Sea

Stockholm’s strategic location around Lake Mälaren and the Baltic Sea has meant it has always been an important maritime destination. Today, you can easily travel to Finland and Estonia by sea. I sailed from Sweden to Finland in this way before, and it was really nice. 

Overnight ferries operate between Stockholm and Helsinki. The journey takes roughly 17 hours, but it can take longer. Helsinki itself is well worth exploring, so I recommend considering this option if you have some more time. You can book tickets here. 

You can also take the ferry to Tallinn. Estonia’s capital city is lovely; I’ve had the privilege to visit multiple times. It’s possible to book one-way journeys, along with return trips and mini-cruises. The journey is around 16 hours. 

Getting Around Stockholm

While it may seem confusing at first, navigating Stockholm is actually quite easy. The public transport system is excellent, and the city is pretty walkable, too. 

Walking

Stockholm is so beautiful that I recommend walking as your number one mode of transport. You’ll see much more of the city if you head out on foot, and you will quickly understand where each neighborhood is. 

Walking is especially a good idea if you’re staying in Gamla Stan, Södermalm, Östermalm, Kungsholmen, or Djurgården. Much of Stockholm is flat, but Södermalm and Gamla Stan are quite hilly—so keep this in mind. 

Metro

Stockholm’s Metro is efficient and punctual, and it’ll get you almost everywhere you need to go. The city has 100 Metro stations, and all lines feed into T-Centralen—the main station. 

While in Stockholm, you will probably use Slussen and T-Centralen more than any other station. Gamla Stan and Kungsträdgården are also useful. 

You should take some time to explore the beautiful subway art; many of the stations have been beautifully designed. My personal favorites are Stadion, Mörby Centrum, and Odenplan. 

The Metro runs 24/7 on Friday and Saturday, and from 5 am to 1 am on weekdays. To buy Metro tickets, you can tap your card at the turnstiles. Alternatively, download the SL app (available on iOS and Android). 

Buses & Trams

Stockholm has a solid network of buses, and these can be useful for getting to Djurgården and Östermalm, in particular. The same goes for the city’s trams. 

I recommend staying centrally as Stockholm is quite spread out. However, you can use the bus to get to some of the city’s outskirts if your accommodation is there. Like the Metro, you can buy bus and tram tickets via your contactless card or in the SL app. 

Ferries

Stockholm has a comprehensive ferry network, and in my opinion, this is the most scenic form of public transport. You will mainly use the ferry to travel between Skeppsholmen and Djurgården, along with Djurgården and Gamla Stan. 

Ferries will connect you to some of Stockholm’s other districts, too, such as Nacka and Hammarby Sjöstad. Tickets cost the same as other forms of public transport, and you can buy them in the same ways. If in doubt, enter your start and finish stops to the SL app to get accurate prices and route information.

Where to Eat in Stockholm: My Top Recommendations

Money & Paying for Things in Stockholm

Stockholm is effectively cashless; I don’t think I have ever used physical money here. Card and contactless payments are universal, and you should have no issues using Visa or MasterCard. To avoid significant foreign exchange fees to get a fair rate, I recommend signing up for a Wise account.  

While Sweden is in the EU, it uses the Swedish Krona (SEK) and not the Euro. Exchange rates fluctuate regularly; you can check the latest rates here.

Stockholm is an expensive city, but less so than Copenhagen and Oslo. I also think it’s cheaper than London. Expect to pay $30 or so for a meal and roughly $100 per night for a hotel room. Alcohol is pricey due to high taxes.

Wi-Fi and eSIMs When Traveling in Stockholm

Wi-Fi is widespread in Stockholm, and your hotel will almost certainly offer it for free. If you’re ever lost, look for Espresso House, Max Burgers, or shopping malls; these tend to have Wi-Fi.

If you’re traveling from another EU/EEA country, Sweden will be included in your data roaming. From other countries, check with your mobile network provider to see if it is. If not, you can get affordable eSIMs with Saily. 

Final Thoughts

Three days in Stockholm is ideal for seeing the best of the Swedish capital, and if you have some extra time, you can visit the nearby archipelago or go to some more of its many excellent museums. With efficient public transport and plenty of fun things to do, it’s the perfect place for a weekend trip.

You can do many of the main highlights in Stockholm year-round; when you visit will largely depend on your tolerance to the cold and when you have time. Each season has its own charm, so there isn’t really a bad time to visit.