Experience Stockholm in one day

How many days do you need in Stockholm?

A perfect day in Stockholm? You need more time to see the capital Sweden and really get to know its surroundings. Stockholm is not only the seat of the Swedish government. The royal family lives here. Maybe you'll be lucky like us and see members of the royal family during your visit. But even if you don't experience a major event involving the king's family during your visit, the city is extremely interesting. 1 day in Stockholm is not enough. If you were asked how many days you need for Stockholm, I would answer: "Definitely more than one day." If you don't just want to take a quick stroll through the city, you should plan at least three to four days. If you also want to take trips to the surrounding area, then a week is better.

 

 

A day in Stockholm

We reach Stockholm from a Journey on the Göta Canal. On the Juno we were traveling on one of the oldest passenger ships in the world. This took us from Gothenburg across Sweden to Stockholm. The capital of Sweden should be seen by anyone who is interested in the cities on the outskirts of the Baltic Sea.

 

 

On Gamla Stan you can see the king's palace and the parliament as well as alleys where you can stroll around. Stockholm is the city where the Nobel Prize is awarded every year. A visit to the town hall is also worthwhile. It's nice to take a stroll along the promenade that runs along the water. There you will quickly get an impression of how important the proximity to the sea is in Stockholm. This is also one of the reasons why we recommend more time than one day for Stockholm. The archipelago outside Stockholm is worth a stay of several days. We exclude this island world and the surroundings of Stockholm on Lake Mälaren from our recommendations for a short trip to Stockholm because the time is too short. Before your trip, consider whether you can extend your stay in Stockholm. The city and its surroundings are worth it.

 

 

Stockholm in one day

What can you do in one day in Stockholm? First of all: one day is far too little time to really get to know this interesting city. We were there for three days and there is still so much to discover. Nevertheless, not everyone has the time for a long stay in Stockholm. So here are some tips on how 24 hours are enough to get an overview of the city and its sights.

Stockholm in one day? No problem!

• We can visit the Vasa Museum to experience a piece of history.
• Afterwards we explore the old town Gamla Stan and enjoy the picturesque streets.
• In between we can are going on a boat trip to see the city from the water.
• Afterwards we have lunch in one of the cozy cafés.
• Then we go up to the Skinnarviksberget viewpoint to enjoy the view of Stockholm.
• Finally, we experience the modern side of the city in the Södermalm district.

One day, many impressions!

 

 

 

 

What must you see in Stockholm?

Stockholm's core is Gamla Stan, the Old Town, from which the city has spread over the centuries in all directions and over several islands. Many parts of the city can be reached by boat quicker than by road. Therefore, I think that a city tour by boat is essential for a stay in Stockholm.

 

 

 

 

Stockholm Sights in 1 Day

Stockholm lies on one side of the Baltic Sea and on the other side is bordered by Lake Mälaren. The city is also spread over several islands. So water is something that you come across again and again in Stockholm. Therefore, you should definitely see Stockholm from the water to discover this proximity to the sea and the lake itself. 24 hours in Stockholm allow you the city tour by boat. This tour takes you to the city's top attractions, only discovering them from the water. The nice thing about this boat tour: you can get out again and again along the way to take a closer look at certain attractions.

In order to see as much of the city as possible in 24 hours, we recommend these tours because they take you directly to the highlights and save time that would otherwise be spent traveling on public transport, which makes more frequent stops and requires valuable time. We did the boat trip without stopping. We describe what we saw in the article, which you can access via this link.

 

 

 

 

Vasa Museum

You shouldn't miss the Vasa Museum, probably the most famous museum that Stockholm has to offer. In it, you can see the almost completely preserved ship Vasa from the 17th century. Nowhere else in the world is there such a well-preserved ship from that time. The ship sank shortly after its launch in the harbor and was rediscovered in 1956 and salvaged. How you can discover the Vasa Museum in one hour the museum's specialists recommend (in English) at this link. Whether and how long you have to wait at the entrance to the museum depends on the number of visitors on the day of your visit.

Other museums worth visiting:

• ABBA Museum: For music lovers, the ABBA Museum is a highlight. More information.
• Vrak – The Wreck Museum: A new highlight on Djurgården is the Vrak Museum, which opened in 2021 and is dedicated to underwater archaeology. Information on the website.
• Junibacken: Junibacken is a museum dedicated to Swedish children's literature, especially the works of Astrid Lindgren. Further information.
• Skansen: Skansen is an open-air museum on Djurgården that displays historical buildings from all over Sweden and houses a zoo with Nordic animals. More information.
• Technical Museum: The Technical Museum in Stockholm presents exhibitions in the fields of science and technology. Further information.

 

 

Discover Stockholm actively

If you want your Stockholm tour to be more active, you can get to know Stockholm by bike. There are various tours of different lengths and at different times of the day.

The activities on offer in Stockholm are certainly exciting. You will get to know Sweden's capital in a varied and sometimes unusual way. Some of these adventures allow you to experience the city in typical Swedish experiences. What do you think of a kayak tour or a wildlife safari? Or from camping on an island of the archipelago?

Tips for activities in Stockholm:

• Gamla Stan: The old town of Stockholm, Gamla Stan, is known for its narrow streets, historic buildings, and landmarks such as the Royal Palace. A stroll through this district is a must for every visitor.
• Green Lund: The amusement park Green Lund offers numerous rides, concerts and events and is a popular destination for families and adrenaline junkies, especially in the summer months.
• Boat tour through the archipelagoA boat tour through the archipelago off Stockholm allows visitors to experience the impressive island world and nature of Sweden from the water.
• Stadshuset (Town Hall): The Stockholm City Hall is an architectural masterpiece and is known for the annual Nobel Peace Prize Banquet. A guided tour of the building offers insights into its history and architecture.

 

 

Culinary Highlights in Stockholm – These Restaurants You Must Try

Stockholm is a paradise for foodies! Whether traditional Swedish cuisine, modern Michelin-starred restaurants, or cozy cafés – you'll find it all here. Here are my top recommendations for your culinary city trip.

Östermalms Saluhall – delicatessen market with tradition

📍 Humlegårdsgatan 5, 114 46 Stockholm
🔗 Website

This historic market is a must-visit for foodies! Here you can sample fresh seafood, handmade cheeses, and typical Swedish delicacies.

Frantzén – Michelin-starred cuisine at its finest

📍 Klara Norra kyrkogata 26, 111 22 Stockholm
🔗 Website

Sweden's first three-star restaurant! An exclusive tasting menu featuring Nordic ingredients and innovative creations awaits you.

Vete-Katten – Coffee and Swedish baking

📍 Kungsgatan 55, 111 22 Stockholm
🔗 Website

A charming café, perfect for a fika break! Be sure to try the cinnamon rolls and princess cake.

Pelikan – Traditional Swedish cuisine

📍 Blekingegatan 40, 116 62 Stockholm
🔗 Website

A rustic restaurant that has been serving classics like meatballs with lingonberries for over 100 years.

Nystekt Strömming – Street food for fish lovers

📍 Södermalmstorg, Stockholm

Here you can get crispy fried herring – fresh, delicious and perfect for on the go!

Feeling hungry? Then head to Stockholm and sample the city!

 

 

We decided to see Gamla Stan on our own. You can follow in our footsteps on the suggested walk.

Let yourself drift through the modern city center north of Gamla Stan and look at the great buildings that are here. There is always impressive architecture to discover here. Cross the bridge from Nörrbro in the direction of the opera or the Riksbron coming from Riksdag to the north and you are right in the middle of modern Stockholm.

 

 

Insider tip for a perfect day in Stockholm

Do you want to know more about the city's history and culture? Perhaps you're interested in the story of ABBA. Or do you want to learn more about the Vikings? What role does murder and manslaughter play in the city? In Sigtuna Village you can find out more about Sweden's oldest city. In Markim-Orkest you can even go back to the Bronze Age. Churches from the Middle Ages are also fascinating. Or do you want to know more about Swedish beer? There is so much more to discover in and around Sweden's capital.

 

 

Travel costs and budget tips for a perfect day in Stockholm

A day in Stockholm doesn't have to be expensive if you plan wisely. Start your day with breakfast in one of the city's many cafés. For around 10 euros, you can get a decent breakfast. Afterward, you can, for example, use the subway to explore the city. A day ticket costs around 13 euros and is a cost-effective option for getting from A to B.

If you visit the old town Gamla Stan, save yourself the money for expensive souvenirs. Instead, enjoy a stroll through the narrow streets. Lunch in Stockholm can be expensive, but there are also cheaper alternatives. Food courts and street stalls often offer delicious meals for under 15 euros.

Museums and attractions can be expensive, but if you buy the Stockholm Pass for around 80 euros, you get free entry to more than 50 attractions. This is a real money saver if you want to see a lot.

 

If you book through this offer, we will receive a commission which we use to run this blog.

For the evening I recommend eating in one of the less touristy areas. In Södermalm you will find numerous restaurants that offer inexpensive dinners for around 20 euros. At the end of the day you can take a walk by the water, which is free and always relaxing.

With a budget of around 100 to 120 euros, you can spend a fulfilling day in Stockholm without having to make any compromises.

Questions and answers for a city trip to Stockholm

How much time should I plan for the main attractions?

There are many highlights in Stockholm that you can do in a day if you plan your time well. For example, you should allow around two hours for the Vasa Museum as there is a lot to see. An hour and a half is ideal for the Royal Palace and the Changing of the Guard, while a walking tour of Gamla Stan, the old town, takes around an hour depending on your pace. Boat tours also often last around an hour and are a relaxing way to see Stockholm from the water.

Are there any special events or seasonal festivals that are worth attending?

Stockholm offers special events all year round. In summer, the Midsummer celebration is an absolute highlight, with traditional dances and music taking place outdoors. In winter, Christmas markets transform the city into a sea of ​​lights, and the market in Gamla Stan is particularly worth seeing. The city's cultural calendar varies greatly, with exhibitions, concerts and festivals that can be tailored to your visit. It's always worth taking a look at the events calendar to ensure you have special experiences.

Which culinary specialties should I try in one day in Stockholm?

In Stockholm, you can expect a mix of classic Swedish and modern Nordic cuisine. You must try Kanelbullar, the famous Swedish cinnamon rolls, which are ideal for a coffee break. If you like something savory, meatballs (Köttbullar) with lingonberries or a smörgåsbord - a kind of seafood buffet - are perfect options. "Sill" (pickled herring) is also a specialty that many locals love. Many restaurants now offer creative, seasonal menus that combine traditional and modern influences.

What is the best way to get around Stockholm to explore the city efficiently?

Stockholm has a well-developed public transport network with subway, trams, buses and ferries. The subway is particularly practical and offers small attractions in itself with its artistically designed stations. If you want to see a lot, a 24-hour ticket is worth it. In the old town and on the central islands, you can reach many sights on foot, which gives you flexibility and great photo opportunities. Bicycles or e-scooters are also good alternatives to experience Stockholm like the locals.

Which lesser-known sights are also worth seeing?

In addition to the classic attractions, Stockholm also has insider tips. For example, visit the Fotografiska Museum, which shows modern photography in a charming setting right on the water. The trendy Södermalm district is also worth a visit with its small boutiques, cafés and street art spots. Another special recommendation is Monteliusvägen, a scenic path with breathtaking views of the old town and the town hall, especially at sunset. These places offer you an authentic side of the city away from the typical tourist trails.

Travel tips for Stockholm

• The official website of the city Stockholm with comprehensive information on sights as well as events
• General Information and tips about Sweden and Stockholm
• During our stay there was no time for one Excursion to the Stockholm archipelago, Andrea von Levartblog was there and wrote an interesting blog post about it. Check it out!
• More great tips for Stockholm there's MS Welltravel.
• Lisa from Travel Life has 19 free things to do in Stockholm (in English) collected.

 

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Source A perfect day in Stockholm: research on site. We financed this perfect day in Stockholm ourselves. Our opinions remain our own.

Text A perfect day in Stockholm: © Copyright Monika Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
Photos: © Copyright Monika Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
Videos A perfect day in Stockholm: © Copyright Petar Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline