21 Really Good Reasons to Visit Stockholm, Sweden

It’s no secret that Stockholm is one of my favorite cities, so much so that I even made the decision to move there for a while before later relocating. Besides living in the Swedish capital, I have also visited the city over five times. Each time I’m here, I always discover something new; it’s a city that’s always evolving. 

Since I think that Stockholm is one of the easiest cities to fall in love with, I wanted to share some of my top reasons in this guide. I guess it’s partly a love letter to the Swedish capital, but it’s also meant to inspire you to visit. I am certain you will not regret doing so. 

To be honest, I actually had to narrow down this list. There are countless reasons why Stockholm is worth visiting, and today, I’ll try to convince you to do precisely that. 

1. Stockholm Is Really, Really Picturesque

Let’s start with perhaps the biggest reason to make Stockholm your next weekend trip: The city is really, really beautiful. While it’s mainly known as the Venice of the North for being built across multiple islands with countless bridges, it’s also—like its Italian counterpart—very pleasing on the eye. 

Stockholm’s beauty is obvious when you walk the cobblestone streets of Riddarholmen and Gamla Stan, along with strolling around trendy Södermalm. All of its main districts are worth visiting in their own right, and many of the city’s streets are lined with art nouveau architecture.

Besides the pretty buildings everywhere you look, Stockholm’s location on Lake Mälaren means that water is everywhere you look. It’s one of the easiest places to go for a gentle stroll along the waterfront and stop to take photos every few minutes. In fact, that’s one of the many simple joys of being in Stockholm. 

2. Swedish Pastries Are Some of the Best in the World

As an adopted Copenhagener, you could say that I know a thing or two about pastries. You would be right in saying that, too. So, when I tell you that Stockholm is an amazing city for anyone with a sweet tooth, you can trust me and treat that as a fact rather than an opinion. 

Cardamom buns are popular throughout Sweden, and various bakeries in Stockholm do an excellent job at mastering these. Look no further than Lillebrors Bageri in Östermalm for an example of what I’m talking about. 

You should also try cinnamon buns while you’re in Stockholm; you’re not short on places to find these. If you visit the city in February, the Semla bun—usually filled with *a lot* of cream—is a much-loved local delicacy. Honestly, I’d say that Stockholm is worth visiting in February for these alone. 

3. Stockholm Is Home to the World’s First Major Open-Air Museum

Sweden has a lot of cool inventions you might not know were Swedish, such as the zipper—as I learned from a Scandinavian Airlines ad I saw in Copenhagen once. It’s also home to the world’s first major open-air museum: Skansen. 

Visiting Skansen is one of my favorite things to do in Stockholm. You can pet goats, eat food, and see different parts of Sweden in miniature—plus much more. It’s a hugely popular place with families, and the museum is just as fun for adults as it is for kids. 

With a tram and bus stop right outside, Skansen is very easy to reach from everywhere in Stockholm. You can buy single tickets, which are relatively affordable. If you plan to visit multiple attractions, it’s also possible to visit Skansen as part of GoCity’s Stockholm passes. 

4. You’re Never Far Away From Nature in Stockholm

One of my favorite things about visiting Stockholm, and the main reason I wanted to move there, is because of how close the city is to nature. The fact that you don’t need to even leave the city boundaries to find space for yourself is, as someone who grew up in a huge city and felt overwhelmed, refreshing. 

In less than an hour, you can find yourself in the vast Stockholm archipelago. The archipelago has roughly 30,000 skerries, islets, and islands, many of which are inhabited. My dream at one point was to own a house in the archipelago and commute into Stockholm 😄. 

Seeing the archipelago for yourself is very easy. You can join an archipelago boat tour, for example. 

Even in Stockholm, you can enjoy nature. The island of Djurgården is abundant; it’s also home to Kungliga Djurgården, which was the world’s first urban national park. Parts of Södermalm are also close to the water, so you’ll always find a place for some peace and quiet. 

You could easily spend a week in Stockholm, without visiting anywhere else in Sweden, if you just want to be in nature. The Swedes are outside year-round, too, regardless of the weather. 

5. Swedish Meatballs Taste Better Than IKEA Here

You know how people say that Guinness tastes better in Ireland and Carlsberg tastes better in Denmark? Well, Swedish meatballs taste better in Sweden. I can confirm this, having tried them on a small island in the north of the country and also in Stockholm. 

Of course, Swedish meatballs aren’t called that in Stockholm. They’re just called meatballs. Most of the time, they’re served with mashed potatoes and lingonberry jam. You can find a number of places in the capital to try them, including Under Kastanjen in Gamla Stan and Svenska Gårdskök in Östermalm. 

Swedish meatballs are no-fuss, and the portion sizes are generous. They’re perfect for powering your adventures around Stockholm. 

6. You Don’t Need to Worry About a Language Barrier if You Speak English

Okay, sure—the official language in Stockholm is Swedish. But as a tourist, you don’t need to worry about that. Most people in the city speak fluent English, so you don’t have to deal with a language barrier. 

Swedes rank as some of the best non-native English speakers in the world, and Stockholm itself is an international city. Many signs are bilingual, too, and apps you might need—such as the SL app for public transport—are available in both Swedish and English.

Of course, learning some Swedish is always nice. The easiest two words are “hej” (pronounced and meaning “hey”), and “tack så mycket” (thanks so much). 

Other useful words and phrases are…

• Kan jag få…? = Can I have…?
• Tunnelbana = Metro
• Färja = Ferry
• Öl = Beer
• Vad är…? = Where is…? 

7. Stockholm Is Very Laid-Back

As someone who doesn’t deal well with chaotic cities, I always enjoy visiting Stockholm because it feels very peaceful while I’m there. Despite the metropolitan area being home to over 2 million people, Stockholm doesn’t feel like a big city. 

A weekend in Stockholm is perfect if you’re feeling stressed. You won’t hear car horns honking all over the place, nor are there many aggressions or microaggressions. Things move at a relaxed pace, even though Stockholmers have busy schedules. 

Swedes also place a big emphasis on personal space and not disturbing strangers, so the majority of people are respectful. It’s even more chilled during the winter when the streets are emptier. 

8. Stockholm Has Lots of History

I’m quite a big fan of history, and I enjoy finding a good museum. Stockholm happens to have lots of history and good museums. You can probably tell why I enjoy visiting so much, and if you’re anything like me, I’m certain you will think the same. 

Close to Stockholm, you can actually visit the oldest town in Sweden: Sigtuna. It’s very close to Arlanda Airport and an easy day trip from the capital. However, you don’t need to travel far to learn more about Stockholm and Sweden’s history. 

For example, you can visit Nordiska Museet—also known as the Nordic Museum—to learn more about the people of this region. This is one of my favorite museums in the city, and the building itself is also beautiful. 

Right next to Nordiska Museet, meanwhile, is the Vasa Museum. Here, you’ll find the Vasa ship; in 1628, it sank on its maiden voyage, not far from where the museum is today. The shores were lined with huge crowds when it went under.

Elsewhere in Stockholm, you can visit the Swedish History Museum and Stockholm City Museum. It’s very easy to spend a weekend just learning about history while you’re here. 

9. You Can Stay in Some Really Cool Hotels Here, Too

Each time I visit Stockholm, I try to stay in a new hotel. The main reason is that there are so many cool places to stay here. 

My current favorite is Backstage Hotel Stockholm, which is right next to the ABBA Museum. The breakfast alone makes it worth staying here. Clarion Amaranten is another of my favorites.

Stockholm has a number of luxury hotels, too, such as Hotel Diplomat and the Grand Hôtel (which you know is fancy because it has a French accent in the name). 

10. It’s Not as Expensive as You Might Think

Stockholm has a reputation for being an expensive city. And I have to say that it certainly felt like that when I first visited in 2017. Nowadays, however, I don’t think it’s *that* pricey. Maybe this is because Copenhagen’s prices have desensitized me, but I believe Stockholm represents good value for money. 

I would say that Stockholm is less expensive than the likes of London and Copenhagen, and it’s also the least pricey Nordic capital. It’s on par with Amsterdam, in my opinion, though hotels are less expensive. 

You can get good value for money when eating out if you know where to look. Moreover, public transport is very affordable (and honestly, you can walk most places anyway). Stockholm has lots of budget accommodation, too, such as the City Backpackers Hostel.

While not a budget destination by any means, you don’t need to spend a huge amount of money in Stockholm to enjoy yourself. 

11. Stockholm Is a Very Clean City

I personally cannot stand seeing trash everywhere when I visit somewhere, and Stockholm, thankfully, is very clean. I sometimes feel like the floor is so clean that you could lick it, though I admittedly have not and will not try this. 

While some parts are dirtier than others, Stockholm overall does very well with waste management. The air is super clean, too; it’s quite nice to walk around and not feel like you’re inhaling fuel on every street corner. 

The Metro is well-kept, too. Some may say the cleanliness makes Stockholm sterile, but I personally think it just makes the Swedish capital a pleasant place to be. 

12. … So Clean, in Fact, That You Can Swim in the Water

I am yet to get into winter bathing after 5+ years living in Scandinavia, but I do feel good whenever I do it. Well, once I get out of the water, anyway. It’s possible to swim in the water in Stockholm year-round thanks to its cleanliness.

You can swim in Stockholm if you stick to the designated bathing zones. There are a number of these throughout the city, along with some small beaches. Swedes also like to swim in lakes when they go to their summerhouses, too, so you can get into the spirit by doing the same. Definitely pack your swimwear when you visit Stockholm.

13. Getting Around Stockholm Couldn’t be Easier

Stockholm isn’t the most compact city, but it’s also not difficult to travel around. The public transport network is excellent and will get you pretty much everywhere you need to go. 

The Metro is ideal for getting around Stockholm’s city center. It’s efficient and punctual, with stations close to most of the main tourist attractions. 

Stockholm has an efficient tram network, too. Number 7 will be the most important line for you; it goes to Djurgården and can also connect you to Östermalm and the Åhléns department store.

With comprehensive bus and ferry routes, Stockholm has one of the world’s best public transport systems. 

14. … and the City Has Some of Europe’s Most Beautiful Metro Stations

Besides the fact that it’s easy to use, the Stockholm Metro is well-known for its subway art. Many of the stations have been decorated with lots of interesting paintings and patterns, making it a joy rather than an annoyance to commute around the city. 

When I lived here, I would often aimlessly take the Metro to explore the city’s subway stations. You’ll see art at T-Centralen, along with the likes of Stadion, Tekniska Högskolan, and Mörby Centrum. 

All you need is a public transport ticket to see Stockholm’s subway art. Allocate at least an afternoon to explore these stations, because they’re super intriguing. 

15. Stockholm Will Inspire Your Creativity

As you might have guessed from the Metro art, Stockholm is a very creative city. Every time I’m here, I feel like I get a million and one new ideas for photos and blog posts. I’m certain it has something to do with living somewhere so beautiful, but also that it feels like Stockholm regulates your nervous system. 

Stockholm has a strong creative legacy and thriving community. It has given the world some of the best musicians and artists, and you can see the city’s creative spirit at museums like Fotografiska. 

While maybe not as grand as the likes of Florence, Stockholm—in true Swedish fashion—understates its creative prowess. But as you explore the studios and design stores, you’ll almost certainly start thinking that maybe you *should* start that creative project you’re thinking of. 

16. You’ll Learn Some Useful Life Concepts

Sweden has a lot of useful concepts that have shaped my quest for a well-rounded life. It’s a work in progress, admittedly, but I think my countless trips to Stockholm have certainly helped me move forward.

“Lagom”, the act of “just the right amount”, is one of the most fundamental aspects of Swedish culture and society. You will see it everywhere in Stockholm, too. People tend to have a good work-life balance, and nothing is overly flashy (well, unless you go to Stureplan). You can even see “lagom” in the food. 

Fika is another concept you’ll learn in Stockholm, and it’s one of the key social fabrics here. I’ll be honest—I had a dream in my head of fika breaks every day when I lived here. It’s very simple; you have a break, usually with some coffee, and often with a sweet treat. Now it makes sense why Stockholm has so many good bakeries, I guess 😅. 

Another concept I’ve learned from Stockholm primarily (though this is also prevalent across the Nordics) is that “there’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes”. This was certainly helpful when going back to London and not wanting to be stuck inside all day. All of these concepts are things you can add to your life after seeing them in person.

17.  There Are Lots of Things to Do Year-Round

One of the most common misconceptions is that you can only visit Stockholm during the summer. As someone who’s been here in all kinds of weather and seasons, I can say with confidence that there is no bad time to visit Stockholm. 

Sweden’s capital has plenty of things to do year-round. For example, the Christmas Market in Gamla Stan is lovely if you visit in the lead-up to Christmas. Winter offers plenty of experiences, too, such as kayaking in the archipelago and going to the sauna. 

In the summer, you can enjoy the long days outside; it doesn’t get fully dark in June, so you have plenty of time to explore. Stockholm offers something different each time you visit, so I’d argue that you should come back multiple times. 

18. Stockholm Has Lots of Interesting Architecture

Although Stockholm’s older architecture dominates the skyline, the city has a broad variety of architectural types from newer eras, too. Sergels Torg is one example of this; besides the square itself, Kulturhuset is a cool modern building right next to it.

Not far from Sergels Torg, you’ll also find the five polarizing towers known as Fem Tornen. These are examples of functional mid-20th-century architecture. Some people think they’re cool; others think they’re just generic office blocks.

Stockholm has some even more modern buildings elsewhere, too, such as Karolinska Institutet’s Solna campus. If you’re a fan of architecture, Stockholm is an excellent weekend destination. 

19. Stockholm Is Less Touristy Than Other European Cities

While Stockholm certainly still gets tourists, it’s nowhere near as touristy as many cities in Europe. Even in the summer, it still feels very manageable—especially when you leave Gamla Stan. 

Many of the popular things to do in Stockholm are things that locals also enjoy doing, so there’s a good crossover that means you won’t feel like you’re in Disneyland. Moreover, people still live in many of the central districts, which makes them feel more authentic. 

Yes, you will find the standard souvenir shops. This is true. But you don’t need to go too far away to avoid most of the crowds. 

20. Getting to Stockholm Isn’t Difficult

I’ve been very vocal about my opinions on Arlanda Airport. It’s fine, but it’s not my favorite place in the world. At the same time, though, you can fly here from multiple destinations—so Stockholm is very easy to get to. 

You can fly to Stockholm from several European cities, including London, Amsterdam, and Oslo. Direct flights also connect the Swedish capital to New York City.  

Besides flying, you can also reach Stockholm by bus, train, and ferry. Direct ferries run between Stockholm and Finland, Latvia, and Estonia. You can also get buses and trains from Oslo and Copenhagen, along with other parts of Sweden. 

If you want a stress-free weekend trip, Stockholm is much easier to reach than many other cities. 

21. You’ll Find Lots of Cool Viewpoints in Stockholm

As a photographer, I’m always on the lookout for cool viewpoints. Few things can compare with seeing a city from above, and in Stockholm, this is not difficult at all. 

You will find several cool viewpoints in Stockholm, such as the Monteliusvägen pathway and Mariaberget observation platform. In the summer, you can also visit the City Hall for a birds-eye view of Riddarholmen and Gamla Stan. 

Södermalm has other viewpoints, too, such as Katarina Hissen. Stockholm is blessed with various rooftop bars as well, so you can see the city from countless perspectives. You could easily fill your camera’s SD card with just pictures of Stockholm from above.

Final Thoughts

Stockholm is well worth visiting, whether you’re looking for a weekend trip idea or planning a broader trip through Sweden. The city is incredibly beautiful, and it’s a great place for outdoor activities and culture lovers. Moreover, Stockholm is very child-friendly and a good place to visit if you’re a solo traveler as well. 

Contrary to popular belief, Stockholm is worth visiting year-round—whether you’re visiting in December or June. You will have no issues whatsoever keeping yourself entertained. I’m pretty sure I’ve convinced you to travel here now, so why not book your flights?

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