My 34 Favorite Things to Do in Stockholm (as a Former Local)

I’ve discovered numerous fun things to do in Stockholm since I first visited on a chilly weekend in November 2017. Sweden’s capital city has a special place in my heart, and I lived here briefly in 2019. While that move didn’t work out, I still love visiting Stockholm regularly (the fact it’s only an hour from Copenhagen is very handy!). 

To be honest, I’ve wanted to write this artibcle for a while. Before doing so, I had visited Stockholm five times in addition to my experiences living there. Since posting the original, I have returned to the city once again to make this piece even better and give you even more ideas for fun things to do.

You’ll find original tips, complete with my own photos and insider tips from someone who used to call this beautiful city home. I’m certain that the Swedish capital will captivate you, and without further ado, let’s explore the best things to do in Stockholm. 

1. Visit St:Paul Bageri

You will quickly discover that Stockholm is blessed with an abundance of amazing bakeries. Honestly, you could spend an entire weekend hopping around these. St:Paul Bageri is one of my favorites; I visited for the first time on a December 2021 trip. 

St:Paul Bageri has three locations in the city. Two are close to each other in Södermalm, and the other is on Drottningatan, Stockholm’s main shopping street. Both of the ones in Södermalm (on Sankt Paulsgatan and Götgatan, respectively) are good.

Like always, I recommend starting with the cinnamon buns. The sandwiches here are pretty good as well, though.

Addresses: 

• Sankt Paulsgatan 24, 118 47 Stockholm 
• Götgatan 42, 118 26 Stockholm
• Drottningatan 73 C, 111 36 Stockholm

Social Media: Instagram

2. Photography in Gamla Stan and Riddarholmen

Gamla Stan (the Old Town) is the logical starting point for many first-time visitors. It’s one of the first places I recommend checking out on a weekend trip to Stockholm for two good reasons. Firstly, getting here early in the morning means avoiding most of the crowds (particularly big in the summer). Secondly, let’s be honest—it’s the city’s most beautiful corner. 

Stockholm’s Old Town often reminds me of many Italian cities with its grid of cobbled side-streets, and exploring these is where you’ll really appreciate its beauty. All roads lead to the main square.

From Gamla Stan, it’s very easy to reach nearby Riddarholmen. This island is pretty small, and it has one of Stockholm’s most beautiful churches.

How to Get Here: Take the Metro to Gamla Stan. Alternatively, you can get the ferry to Slussen. To buy public transport tickets in Stockholm, download the SL app (iOS and Android).

3. Take in the Best View of Stockholm at the City Hall (Summer Only)

Stockholm has several amazing views, but my favorite is the one at the City Hall. I cannot believe it took me so long to come here; my first visit to the tower was in July 2024. It’s only open from May to August, but if you’re in Stockholm during these months, prioritize this experience.

You’ll get a fantastic view across most of Stockholm’s city center, and the view of Riddarholmen in particular cannot be missed. Unsurprisingly, many of the crowds also gravitate toward this side. 

You must buy tickets in advance; more information is available here. You can also take a guided tour of the City Hall. Even if you do neither, the park downstairs is lovely (and free to visit). 

Address: Hantverkargatan 1, 111 52 Stockholm

How to Get Here: Take the Metro to Rådhuset. The City Hall is a short walk away. Alternatively, you can walk from Stockholm Central Station/T-Centralen.

4. Join a Boat Tour and Explore Stockholm’s Waterways

Built on 14 islands, it’s no surprise that Stockholm is sometimes called the “Venice of the North”. I try to get out onto the water each time I visit at least once; besides the excellent photo opportunities, it’s also nice to glide along Lake Mälaren and take in just how beautiful the Swedish capital is. 

This boat tour is my personal favorite. I have done it multiple times, and it’s a great way to see Stockholm’s iconic skyline. Besides seeing the likes of the City Hall from a unique angle, you’ll see many other parts of Stockholm that tourists often don’t get to. It runs year-round except for the winter. If you’re visiting between late December and the end of March, you can join Stromma’s winter boat tour or combine winter kayaking and a sauna experience in the Stockholm Archipelago.

On the Stockholm Highlights boat tour, you will learn more about the Swedish capital’s rich maritime history. You can buy food and drinks if you want, too. Regardless of when you visit, I strongly recommend doing this as one of your first activities. 

One very important point: This boat tour is very busy, especially during the peak season. I strongly recommend showing up to the meeting point at least 20 minutes in advance to ensure that you get a good seat. Reserving your spot in advance is also a good way to save time. 

In addition to buying tickets just for the boat tour, you can join one if you buy either of GoCity’s Explore or All Inclusive Stockholm Passes. If you’re planning to visit some of the other nearby attractions, such as Fotografiska, Nordiska Museet, and the Vasa Museum, combining them with a GoCity pass may offer better value for money.

5. Visit Nordiska Museet

Stockholm is one the best cities in Northern Europe for museum offerings. If you’re visiting this region for the first time, I recommend starting at the Nordic Museum (Nordiska Museet). 

Nordiska Museet is on the island of Djurgården and inside one of the city’s most beautiful buildings. The Nordic Life permanent exhibition is an absolute must-visit for a comprehensive history of the people who’ve helped make this region prosperous. 

I spent about three hours here, and I could easily have spent longer. You can buy your tickets online. 

Address: Djurgårdsvägen 6-16, 115 93 Stockholm

Website: https://www.nordiskamuseet.se/en/ 

How to Get Here: Take the no. 7 tram to Nordiska Museet/Vasamuseet.

6. Brunch at Pom och Flora

Since opening in 2013, Pom och Flora has been a core part of Stockholm’s brunch scene. I went here for the first time in 2024, and to really fuel the “travel influencer” stereotype, I recommend the avocado toast and acai bowl. 

Pom och Flora has three locations in the city. We showed up and had no problems getting a table straight away, though we did go at lunchtime in midweek (plus it was July, and every Stockholmer leaves town for that month). 

Addresses: 

Odengatan 39, 113 51 Stockholm 

Bondegatan 64, 116 29 Stockholm 

Rörstrandsgatan 34, 113 40 Stockholm 

Website: https://www.pomochflora.se/ 

Social Media: Instagram

7. Explore the Stockholm Archipelago

One of the things I love most about Stockholm is how close it is to nature. Its nearby archipelago is one of the most beautiful in Sweden, and I had the pleasure of exploring it in 2019. Taking the ferry to Finland effectively gives you a free tour. 

Many of the islands in Stockholm’s archipelago are surprisingly easy to access from the city center. For example, the islands that form Fjäderholmarna are within 30 minutes of the downtown area. 

The archipelago is best visited in the summer when you can enjoy great food and take things very easy. However, you should also see them when they’re caked in snow during the winter. Several ferries and tours connect Stockholm to its archipelago; check ferry times in advance. 

8. Skansen Open Air Museum

Skansen was the world’s first major open-air museum, and it’s one of the best attractions I’ve been to anywhere in Sweden—let alone Stockholm. The museum showcases several parts of Sweden in miniature, and you’ll get an idea of just how different the country is when you visit. 

The open-air museum is pretty big, and you should spend at least 2-3 hours here. Sunday mornings are the best time to go, in my opinion, as it isn’t too crowded. My personal favorite thing to do here is to go and pet the goats 🙂. 

You’ll see animals from across Sweden in the park, and it’s a good place to get some nice views of Stockholm, too. Skansen is an absolute must-visit if you’re in Stockholm with kids, but even if you aren’t, it’s still worth going to. 

While at Skansen, you can see the insides of homes and buildings that resemble Sweden of previous centuries. It’s super interesting to see how people used to live. There’s also a traditional-style bakery, where you can buy cinnamon buns. Because let’s be honest—you didn’t really visit Sweden unless you also got a cinnamon bun. 

Address: Djurgårdsslätten 49-51, 115 21 Stockholm

How to Get Here: Take the ferry to Djurgården. Alternatively, you can take the bus or the no. 7 tram from the city center and get off at the namesake stop. 

Website: https://skansen.se/en/

9. Check Out Stockholm’s Skyline From Monteliusvägen

Monteliusvägen is my second favorite viewpoint in Stockholm, behind the City Hall. It’s open year-round. This walking path is in trendy Södermalm and is very popular with locals and tourists. 

I recommend coming here early in the morning to avoid the crowds, but it’s also a lovely place to watch the sunset. I also love coming here on a cloudy day and getting some moody-style photos. Besides admiring Stockholm’s skyline, watching the Metro trains cross the bridge to Södermalm is also oddly fun. 

Monteliusvägen is completely free; take the Metro to Slussen and walk from there. I’ve written a full guide on visiting Monteliusvägen and the Mariaberget observation platform if you want to do some more research before your Stockholm trip.

Map:

10. Warm Up at Drop Coffee

Given its fika tradition and the cold, dark winters, it’s unsurprising that the Swedes have mastered the art of coffee making. Stockholm is home to several hip cafés, one of which is Drop Coffee. You also know that it’s trendy because Monocle Magazine recommended it. 

Drop Coffee is an independent roastery that has won several awards since its founding in 2009. I visited on a chilly December afternoon and enjoyed my time there; while small, it’s certainly cozy. 

Address: Wollmar Yxkullsgatan 10, 118 50 Stockholm

Website: https://www.dropcoffee.com/

Map:

11. Get Swedish Meatballs in the Center of Town

I am normally very wary of visiting restaurants in touristy areas. Still, on one of my most recent trips to Stockholm, I found a pretty good place selling Swedish meatballs in Gamla Stan. It’s called Under Kastanjen, and besides serving great food, it has arguably the city’s most beautiful setting for dining. 

Though unsurprisingly busy, Under Kastanjen has plenty of seating. Besides meatballs, you can get several baked treats and numerous other lunch dishes. While you don’t need to book in advance, you can do so online if you wish. 

Address: Brända Tomten, 111 31 Stockholm

Website (in Swedish): https://www.underkastanjen.se/ 

Map:

12. Spend a Day Exploring Södermalm

I’ve already mentioned a lot of places in Södermalm throughout this article, but I think this district is worth checking out even without going to them. Södermalm is where you’ll find Stockholm’s trendiest crowd, and it has several hidden corners begging you to explore them. The neighborhood is also one of the best places to stay in the Swedish capital.

Södermalm is where you’ll find the impressive Fotografiska photography museum, and it’s also home to several independent stores. As you might expect, much of Stockholm’s nightlife also centers around this district. Stigbergets Fot is a popular place for craft beer, for example.

I suggest spending at least a day exploring Södermalm. There are a number of hotels here, too, so you may want to consider basing yourself in this part of town. To get here, your best option is to take the Metro to Slussen; Mariatorget is also centrally-located.

13. Watch the Changing of the Guards at the Royal Palace

I have to say that Sweden probably wins the award for having the coolest guard uniforms, and if you visit between late April and the end of August, you can watch the changing of the guards at the Royal Palace for free.

The changing of the guards is free and takes place at 12:15 p.m. Monday through Saturday. On Sundays, it takes place at 1:15 p.m. 

Outside of the summer months, you’ll find a handful of parades; read more about them here. To get to the Royal Palace, taking the ferry to Slussen is your best option.

14. Wander Around Skeppsholmen

Skeppsholmen is one of the smallest islands in Stockholm, but it’s my absolute favorite. I love the yellow houses here, and you’ll also get the best views of the city center. This is clear to see when crossing the crown-lined bridge, where you can see Stockholm’s Royal Palace across the water.. Once on the island, you can see toward Gamla Stan and Södermalm on one side and Östermalm on the other. 

Skeppsholmen also has a handful of hotels and museums, such as the Stockholm Toy Museum. I particularly enjoy visiting in the winter when covered in snow, but it’s also nice throughout the rest of the year. 

Skeppsholmen’s closest Metro station is Kungsträdgården, which is a short walk away. Alternatively, you can take the ferry from Djurgården; it’s a relatively short ride and very scenic.

15. Marvel at Stockholm’s Subway Art

Stockholm’s Metro is highly efficient and one of the best ways to get around the city. But besides helping Stockholmers go about their daily tasks, it’s also an impressive art gallery. Most of Stockholm’s Metro stations have been painted or crafted in some other way to make them look impressive; checking them out is a fantastic way to spend a cold or rainy afternoon. 

You’ll get a taste of what to expect at T-Centralen, Stockholm’s main subway station. Stadion, pictured below, is my personal favorite. 

Mörby Centrum Station is cool, too, and I also recommend Solna and Kungsträdgården. You only need a standard public transport ticket to visit each station; consider buying a day pass. You can get your ticket using the SL app. 

16. Visit the Vasa Museum

The Vasa Museum was the second museum I visited in Stockholm, and it’s also well worth your time. This huge warship famously sank on its maiden voyage in 1628 without even leaving the city, and it did so in front of crowds that had come to watch its departure. 

For over 300 years, the ship remained underwater. However, in the 1950s, the process of recovering it began. This took multiple years, and now, you can see the ship in all its glory at the Vasa Museum. Trust me—it’s very impressive in person. 

The museum is on the island of Djurgården and is open year-round except for December 24th and 25th. Since the boat needs to be within a certain temperature range for maintenance, you should bring some extra layers if you’re prone to getting cold. 

Tickets can be purchased online or at the museum. Cash payments are not accepted, so make sure you bring your card. Guided tours are also available, and the museum is included in GoCity’s Stockholm Pass as well. 

Note:

You’re not allowed to bring large bags into the museum. 

Address: Galärvarvsvägen 14, 115 21 Stockholm

Website: https://www.vasamuseet.se/en 

How to Get Here: Like Nordiska Museet, you can take the no. 7 tram to Nordiska Museet/Vasamuseet.

17. Enjoy Another View of Stockholm From Skinnarviksberget

Skinnarviksberget is one of the most popular spots for Stockholmers to congregate on a warm summer evening. However, I’ve also visited in the winter, and I can confidently say that it’s worth coming here year-round. Like Monteliusvägen and Mariaberget, it offers an impressive view of the city.

Skinnarviksberget is Stockholm’s highest natural point, and it is completely free to visit. However, it gets quite crowded during the summer, so I suggest visiting early in the morning if you visit around this time. You can combine it with Monteliusvägen, as it’s not too far away. Note that the path to Skinnarviksberget can get slippery in the winter. 

How to Get Here: Take the Metro to Mariatorget. From here, the viewpoint is a 15-minute walk away.

Map:

18. Spend an Afternoon in The Royal National City Park

On one previous December trip, I was thinking of what to do in Stockholm that would be a little unique. By this point, I had already visited numerous times—alongside my brief stint living here. It turned out that the Swedish capital is home to the world’s first national urban park—known as the Royal National City Park—which I think classes as something quite unique. 

The Royal National City Park is on the lovely island of Djurgården and obtained its current status in 1995. I spent an entire afternoon walking around here, and if it hadn’t gotten dark so early, I’d have happily stayed for longer. While right in the center of town, you’ll almost instantly feel like you’re in the countryside.  

The park is pretty big, so you should allocate at least half a day to see a good chunk of it.

Map:

19. Shopping in Stockholm

This feels kind of paradoxical to include because I normally hate shopping. But in Stockholm, it’s… dare I say… somewhat enjoyable?

Sweden has given the world several great design and clothing brands, and it’s unsurprising that you’ll find many of them in Stockholm. The Åhléns department store has a huge selection of things to buy, and you’ll also find numerous showrooms and flagship stores dotted throughout the city. Examples include Acne Studios and Filippa K. 

You will also find a number of independent stores in the Södermalm district, along with second-hand shops in Vasastan and other parts of the city.

20. Grab Some Food at Blå Dörren

I visited Blå Dörren in December 2018, and it’s a great place to grab some food while you’re visiting Stockholm. The lunch menu is pretty comprehensive, and you’ll also find pretty comprehensive Á La Carte options. 

Blå Dörren is also a sizable beer hall with its own lager. Beyond that, you’ll find ales, ciders, sour beers, and more. Besides getting dinner, it’s a good place to start a night out in Stockholm.

Address: Södermalmstorg 6, 116 45 Stockholm

Website: https://bla-dorren.se/home/

How to Get Here: Take the Metro to Slussen and walk from there. It’s a 10-minute walk.

21. Take a Day Trip to Uppsala

I had heard of Uppsala numerous times before visiting in 2024 because I know multiple people who’ve studied there. They all spoke highly of the city, and after seeing it for myself, I can see why. We actually spent a few days in Uppsala, but being 40 minutes from Stockholm, it’s a very easy day trip.

The center of Uppsala is compact, picturesque, and easy to explore. Be sure to visit the castle for a great view of its iconic cathedral; the botanical gardens are also really pleasant. 

While in Uppsala, we had some excellent pastries and coffee at Güntherska. This patisserie has a large selection of ice creams, too. I also recommend grabbing some Mexican food at Tapicante, which is close to the cathedral. 

How to Get to Uppsala

Several trains operate between Uppsala and Stockholm daily. The Mälartåg is the most comfortable option, and you can purchase tickets by downloading the official app (iOS and Android). The Commuter Train (Pendeltåg) also runs to Uppsala, and you can buy tickets for this in the SL app by going to Other Tickets > Travel to/from Uppsala. 

Uppsala is also served by multiple trains running to and from Stockholm and other parts of Sweden. For example, we traveled from Sundsvall to Uppsala in the summer of 2024. You can get tickets using the SJ app (iOS and Android). 

I have to say that I found Uppsala Central Station a bit confusing at times; if you’re in doubt about which ticket to buy (and departure times), it’s best to speak to a staff member there.

22. Get Some Sweet Treats at Stora Bageriet

Stora Bageriet is a frontrunner for Stockholm’s most “Instagram influencer”-style bakery, and it’s rightly very popular. My girlfriend, her family, and I visited the Östermalm bakery in 2024; as is a customary tradition when visiting Sweden, we of course bought a cinnamon bun. Unsurprisingly, it was really good (I’m genuinely curious to know if there’s such a thing as a bad cinnamon bun in Sweden). 

I also recommend the open-top sandwiches with salmon on rye bread. If you can tolerate the birds, there is plenty of outdoor seating. There’s also a Stora Bageriet in Vasastan. 

Addresses:

Östermalm: Sibyllegatan 2, 114 51 Stockholm

Vasastan: Sankt Eriksgatan 88, 113 62 Stockholm

Website: https://storabageriet.com/ 

23. Kungsträdgården in Spring and Winter

Kungsträdgården is one of Stockholm’s most central parks and squares and one of the city’s liveliest public spaces. It’s particularly pleasant in the spring and winter. If you visit during the colder months, you can enjoy some ice skating; in the spring, be sure to come for the cherry blossoms in mid-April. 

The park also has a central stage, which hosts various concerts throughout the year. The schedule is available here (in Swedish). To get here, simply take the Metro to Kungsträdgården.

24. Gröna Lund

In the same way that Tivoli is one of Copenhagen’s big icons, Gröna Lund is loved by Stockholmers and tourists alike. Founded in 1883, it is the oldest amusement park in Sweden. 

You can choose from 30+ rides at Gröna Lund (or try all of them if you wish). You’ll also find a handful of restaurants here and various other ways to entertain you and your family. The Grönan Live music festival also takes place here each year. 

Gröna Lund is an easy 10-minute ferry ride from Skeppsholmen. The amusement park closes intermittently throughout the year; check if it’s open before booking your tickets and visiting. It’s included in the GoCity All-Inclusive Pass, but you can buy individual tickets if you’d rather do so.

Address: Lilla Allmänna Gränd 9, 115 21 Stockholm

Website: https://www.gronalund.com/en 

How to Get Here: Take the ferry to Djurgården; the amusement park is right outside the station.

25. Visit Sofiakyrkan and Its Nearby Wooden Houses

I first visited Sofiakyrkan and its surrounding areas after moving to Stockholm in 2019. I was visiting someone I knew for coffee and wandered around. Since I didn’t take any pictures then, I knew I had to revisit later—and I suggest you do the same. 

You’ll find a cluster of beautiful wooden houses close to Sofiakyrkan, many of which are painted in that distinct red that you’ll find dotted throughout the Swedish, Finnish, and Norwegian countryside. Nearby Vitabergsparken is also a nice place to walk your dog, go for a run, or simply enjoy some fresh air. 

Sofiakyrkan is also one of Stockholm’s most picturesque churches. To reach it, walk up the winding Klefbecks Backe. 

How to Get Here: Take the Bus to Åsögatan. Alternatively, you can take the Metro to Medborgarplatsen; it’s a longer walk if you do.

Map:

26. Visit Lärkstaden in Östermalm

Stockholm has beautiful architecture aplenty, but I’m surprised that Lärkstaden in Östermalm doesn’t get more recognition. I think that this area is just as beautiful as Gamla Stan, and it’s also much less crowded. 

Lärkstaden is one of Stockholm’s most upscale neighborhoods. The area is largely residential, with many embassies nearby. The main enjoyment is wandering around and admiring the homes. 

You’ll also find Englbrektskyrkan—another of Stockholm’s most beautiful churches—here.  

How to Get Here: Take the Metro to Tekniska Högskolan.

Map:

27. Enjoy the Best Ramen in Stockholm

Stockholm probably isn’t the first city you think of when good ramen comes to mind, but Kapibara might just change your mind. There are two restaurants in the city; we went to the one in Södermalm for dinner in July 2024. It was one of those places where the ramen is so good that you regret wearing a white or beige shirt (definitely not talking about myself here, I swear 🤭). 

The menu features numerous ramen dishes and a number of smaller dishes. Everything we had was excellent, and I don’t think you can go wrong, regardless of your choice. 

We were lucky to get a table because we went early, but Kapibara gets very busy, especially on the weekend. If you plan to visit the restaurant in Södermalm, you should book a table in advance; do this online by choosing your preferred restaurant and selecting “Boka Bord” (“book table” in English). The Östermalm one, doesn’t accept advance reservations.

Addresses: 

Södermalm: ​Hökensgata 8, 116 46 Stockholm 

Östermalm: Riddargatan 20, 114 51 Stockholm 

Website (in Swedish): https://www.kapibara.se/ 

28. Visit Kastellholm

Kastellholm is a tiny islet in the center of town, and you can walk here from Skeppsholmen. The small castle here dates back to the 19th century and is recognizable when gliding along Stockholm’s inner harbor on a ferry. 

You get an excellent view of Gröna Lund from the top of the hill, and watching the boats pass you along the water is very satisfying. You’ll also be able to look toward Södermalm from here. Since you can reach Kastellholm via a bridge from Skeppsholmen, I recommend visiting both in one go. 

29. Go to Östermalms Saluhall

I’m a huge fan of food halls (well, food in general), and Östermalms Saluhall is Stockholm’s best. If you’re self-catering (or you live in Stockholm) and want to cook a nice meal, consider coming here to pick up some fresh ingredients. These include fish, vegetables, cheese, and more. 

You can also buy numerous sweet treats here, including Swedish delicacies like princesstårta (princess cake; you’ll notice it by the green icing). 

The food hall also has restaurants serving numerous cuisines, including Lebanese and Danish. 

Address:  Östermalmstorg, 114 39 Stockholm 

Website: https://en.ostermalmshallen.se/ 

How to Get Here: Take the Metro to Östermalmstorg; it’s a seven-minute walk from there. Otherwise, you can take the no. 7 tram to Nybroplan; it’s also a seven-minute walk.

Map:

30. Walk Around Oxenstiernska Malmgården

Stockholm is blessed with numerous lovely gardens and hidden areas, and Oxenstiernska Malmgården is one of my favorites. The Swedish capital has several “malmgårdar” (ore farms), which the city’s wealthier residents built in the 17th century. These are handy indicators of where Stockholm’s perimeters used to be, as they were typically built on the outskirts of town. 

The yard is free to explore​​ and is a popular recreational spot for Stockholmers. You can also visit the restaurant here, which has an Á La Carte menu featuring the finest local ingredients, can be visited. You can also book a table online beforehand. 

How to Get Here: Take the bus to Historiska Museet; it’s a five-minute walk from there.

Map:

31. Visit Fotografiska

After visiting one of Fotografiska’s museums on a trip to Tallinn a few months earlier, I wanted to see the original one in Stockholm. Since opening in 2010, it’s become one of Scandinavia’s most popular museums. If you’re into photography (as you can probably tell I am by now 😄), you should allocate some time to Fotografiska within your Stockholm itinerary.

Once you visit a few Fotografiska museums, you’ll notice that they focus on a smaller number of exhibitions but go into more detail. The museum in Stockholm is no different. You’ll find a variety of artists from Sweden and abroad, and it’s interesting to see other people’s creativity in action. 

Fotografiska is open until 23:00 daily, and I recommend visiting in the evening. It’s included in GoCity’s Stockholm passes, but you can also buy individual tickets. 

Besides its exhibitions, you’ll find a bar and restaurant at Fotografiska. Here, you’ll get lovely views toward Djurgården and the city center. It’s a nice place to have some food or drinks once you’ve seen the whole museum. 

Address: Stadsgårdshamnen 22, 116 45 Stockholm

How to Get Here: Take the bus to Ersta Sjukhus or Mälartorget. Alternatively, take the Metro to Slussen and walk from there. 

32. Check Out Östra Varvsgatan & Breda Gatan: Two of Stockholm’s Hidden Gems

Despite visiting Stockholm multiple times and previously living there, I always discover something new each time I return. On one of my most recent trips, I stayed at the Backstage Hotel on Djurgården. The location was, naturally, perfect for exploring the areas nearby. 

As I was aimlessly wandering one morning, I found some cute little street called Östra Varvsgatan and Breda Gatan. The former of these is one of Stockholm’s best-preserved corners of wooden houses, and it feels like its own little village. Breda Gatan is lovely, too.

The streets are right next to the Gröna Lund amusement park, but super easy to miss; the fact that it took me seven years of frequent trips to Stockholm to find it says a lot. 

Both are worth a quick stop if you’re visiting any of the museums on Djurgården, such as the ABBA Museum. It’s close to the ferry stop where you can then go to Skeppsholmen, too. 

33. Visit Tiny Beckholmen

While you’ll spend the bulk of your time on Stockholm’s bigger islands, it’s very easy to visit some of the smaller central ones without even realizing you’ve done so. Beckholmen, next to Djurgården, is one such example. 

I actually first visited Beckholmen when living in Stockholm without noticing it was separate. It’s connected to Djurgården via a footbridge, and I thought it was just an extension of the aforementioned island. Then, on a future trip, I came back. 

Beckholmenn has historically been an important area for shipping in Stockholm. While parts of it are still closed to the public, you can wander along a couple of the streets here. Besides seeing pleasant wooden houses, you can get some nice views toward Djurgården and other parts of Stockholm. 

I recommend visiting Beckholmen when you more widely explore Djurgården. It’s a nice place to spend 15-20 minutes. 

34. Lillebrors Bageri

You’ve probably gathered by now that Stockholmers are pretty good at combining sugar, butter, and flour into delicious baked goods. And so, for good measure, I’m adding yet another bakery to this list. Lillebrors Bageri in Östermalm is one of the places that ended my cynicism toward cardamom buns.  

This small bakery reminds me a lot of what we have in Copenhagen, and as an adopted Copenhagener, I’m going to be slightly controversial… Lillebrors Bageri would probably be in the top three bakeries if it were in Copenhagen 🤭. 

Besides cardamom buns, you can get cinnamon buns and plenty more. While you will probably have to deal with a queue outside, it moves quite fast. Plus, the wait is worthwhile—and if you’re lucky, you may also see some nice dogs waiting for their owners 🙂. 

Since the bakery is small, I recommend taking your pastries to nearby Vasaparken and eating them on one of the benches there. 

Address: Rörstrandsgatan 10, 113 40 Stockholm

How to Get Here: Take the Metro to St:Eriksplan. The bakery is a five-minute walk from there. 

Summary: All the Best Things to Do in Stockholm in One Place

Stockholm is a superb weekend destination, and I recommend spending at least 3-4 days there. It’s the type of place you’ll want to revisit numerous times, and the Swedish capital accommodates all interests. I’ve spent years conducting first-hand research through numerous adventures (and also briefly living here), and I hope these tips will help you plan the most memorable trip. 

Whether you want to get into nature, explore Nordic history, or grab excellent food, Stockholm is waiting for you to explore. So, isn’t it time you booked those flight tickets?

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