How Many Days to Spend in Stockholm? Tips from a Local

July 5, 2024

Planning a trip to Stockholm and wondering how many days to spend here? As a local, I’m here to offer you a well-rounded perspective on how to make the most of your visit.

Spending 3 days is ideal when visiting only the city center of Stockholm. However, if you have more time it is worth spending 5 days in total in Stockholm in order to explore the many wonderful day trip alternatives there are. Adding a day trip or two will give a more complete understanding of Stockholm and its surroundings and what makes the capital of Sweden so special.

Continue reading to learn about the main attractions, different regions, and some great day trip alternatives around Stockholm.

Main Attractions in Stockholm’s City Center

Below I have listed the main attractions and must-visit sights in Stockholm that I believe are sort of obligatory if you are visiting Stockholm for the first time. To get through these at a comfortable pace takes about 1.5 to 2 days at a comfortable pace.

Vasa Museum

The Vasa Museum is the first must-see in Stockholm, housing a well-preserved 17th-century ship. This museum is not only for history buffs but also for anyone who appreciates a good story of maritime adventure. Even as someone who typically doesn’t frequent museums, I find the Vasa Museum fascinating and consider it essential for visitors. Allocate 2-3 hours to explore and appreciate the exhibits fully.

Gamla Stan (Old Town)

Gamla Stan is Stockholm’s historic heart, filled with narrow cobblestone streets, vibrant buildings, and unique shops. Despite being a popular spot for tourists year-round, no visit to Stockholm is complete without wandering through Gamla Stan. Its medieval architecture, colorful facades, and quaint atmosphere are simply enchanting.

Stortorget

Stortorget is the oldest square in Stockholm, located in Gamla Stan. It is surrounded by colorful 17th- and 18th-century buildings and is home to the Nobel Museum, which celebrates the Nobel Prize and its laureates. The square is a picturesque spot, perfect for a coffee break or simply soaking in the atmosphere.

The Royal Palace

Located in Gamla Stan, the Royal Palace is one of the largest palaces in Europe. It is the official residence of the Swedish royal family, although they do not actually live there. The palace has over 600 rooms and several museums, including the Royal Armory. Also, don’t miss the daily changing of the guard ceremony, which starts at 12:15 pm on weekdays and at 1:15 pm on Sundays.

Skeppsbro Bageri

Make sure to enjoy a traditional Swedish fika at Skeppsbro Bageri, where the cardamom buns are exceptional. For a taste of local cuisine, try the fried herring at Strömmingsvagnen.

Stockholm summer morning — **`Gamla stan in Stockholm`**

Skansen

Skansen is the world’s first open-air museum and zoo, showcasing Sweden’s rural history with historic buildings, traditional crafts, and native Scandinavian animals. It’s a great place to visit any time of the year, with a Christmas market in winter and numerous cafes open in the summer. Dedicate at least half a day to wander through the various exhibits and experience the local culture.

Strolling Around the City: Explore the Different Areas

When you are done with the must-visits and tourist hotspots in Stockholm, the best thing to do in Stockholm is simply to stroll around the city and enjoy the different vibes that each area has to offer. Below you will find a description of each area in Stockholm and their different characteristics. If you are wondering what area is best to stay in, be sure to check out my blog post about it here.

Östermalm

Known for its upscale atmosphere, Östermalm is home to elegant architecture, high-end shopping, and fine dining. Stroll down Strandvägen, a picturesque boulevard along the waterfront (this can be done on your way to Skansen), or visit the Östermalmshallen, a historic food hall offering a variety of gourmet foods and local delicacies. The area is also home to Karlavägen, a beautiful street with classy shops and restaurants on each side of the road.

Södermalm

Södermalm, often referred to as “Söder,” is Stockholm’s trendiest district. It’s known for its bohemian vibe, vibrant arts scene, and eclectic mix of shops, cafes, and bars. Popular streets include Götgatan and Hornsgatan, where you’ll find an array of boutiques and vintage stores. Don’t miss SoFo (South of Folkungagatan) and the area around Nytorget, a subarea brimming with creativity and hipster hangouts.

Norrmalm

Norrmalm is the not-so-beautiful center of Stockholm, mostly known as a shopping streets and for having the central train station. Don’t spend too much here since you will get the wrong idea of Stockholm. However, the shopping street of Drottninggatan can be worth visiting if shopping is your thing.

Kungsholmen

Kungsholmen offers a more relaxed atmosphere with its waterfront promenades and green spaces. Take a walk along Norr Mälarstrand for stunning views of the city and enjoy a picnic at Rålambshovsparken. Kungsholmen is also home to the Stockholm City Hall, where the annual Nobel Prize banquet is held.

Djurgården

Djurgården is an island in central Stockholm known for its green spaces and attractions. It’s home to several museums, including the Vasa Museum, ABBA The Museum, and the Nordic Museum. Explore Djurgården, while visiting Skansen and the Vasa Museum. It also houses Gröna Lund, an amusement park with rides and entertainment. You can rent a bike or take a leisurely walk through the parklands.

Vasastan

Vasastan is a vibrant and trendy neighborhood, known for its cozy cafes, unique shops, and beautiful parks. Odenplan is a central hub in Vasastan, offering a variety of dining options and shopping. Vasaparken is a lovely green space perfect for picnics and relaxation. The area is also home to the Stockholm Public Library, an architectural marvel designed by Gunnar Asplund.

Gröna Lund in Stockholm — **`Gröna Lund on Djurgården`**

How Many Days for Stockholm’s City Center?

The main attractions can be visited in 1-2 days, depending on your pace. After seeing the key sights, set aside 1 to 2 days to stroll around the different areas mentioned above. Each area has its own unique vibe, and it’s the best way to get a feel for the city in my opinion. After exploring the city center of Stockholm for roughly 3 days, it is a good idea to add in a day trip to any of the nearby places. Stockholm has loads of great day trip alternatives that are unique.

Day Trips from Stockholm

For those with more time, incorporating day trips into your itinerary will enrich your Stockholm experience. Here are some day trip alternatives that I recommend:

Uppsala

Just a 40-minute train ride from Stockholm, Uppsala is a city of contrasts with its historic university, magnificent cathedral, and serene atmosphere. As Sweden’s fourth largest city, it offers a quieter pace than Stockholm but is rich in history. Key attractions include the Uppsala Cathedral, the largest in Scandinavia, and Uppsala Castle. Spend your day exploring the riverfront cafes, historic sites, and enjoying the unique charm of this university town.

Sigtuna

Known as Sweden’s oldest town, Sigtuna offers a glimpse into the country’s early history. Located about an hour from Stockholm, this picturesque town is filled with charming streets, cafes, and Viking ruins. It’s an ideal day trip for those interested in history and the tranquil beauty of small-town Sweden.

Trosa

Trosa is a scenic town about an hour’s drive from Stockholm, perfect for a summer visit. Its charming streets, riverside cafes, and wooden houses provide a peaceful contrast to the hustle and bustle of Stockholm. The Trosa River is particularly picturesque, making it a lovely spot for a leisurely day trip.

The Stockholm Archipelago

Sweden has over 200,000 islands, making it the country in the world with the most island! Cool right? 30 000 of those islands are located in the Stockholm Archipelago, which is a place that locals flock to during the summer months. Below you will find a short description of a few of those islands that are worth a visit. For a more complete list make sure to read my blog post about the Top 10 islands to visit in the Stockholm Archipelago.

Sandhamn

Sandhamn is an island located a two-hour boat ride from central Stockholm. It’s bustling during the summer with cafes, restaurants, shops, and charming houses. Sandhamn offers numerous spots for swimming, such as Fläskberget, making it a popular destination for a summer excursion.

Utö

Utö is a more relaxed island and is not as developed as Sandhamn. It’s perfect for those who want to experience nature and tranquility. Renting a bike to explore the island and visiting the Utö Storsand beach is highly recommended.

Fjäderholmarna

If you’re short on time but still want to experience the archipelago, Fjäderholmarna is ideal. Just a 30-minute boat ride from central Stockholm, these islands offer numerous restaurants, shops, and swimming spots. A late afternoon trip followed by dinner on the island makes for a perfect short getaway.

Traditional Swedish clothes — `Stockholm Archipelago`

Conclusion

In conclusion, while 2-3 days are sufficient to cover the main attractions of central Stockholm, a 5-day trip allows for a more varied and fulfilling experience in Stockholm. By adding day trip to a nearby town or the stunning Stockholm Archipelago, you will enjoy a well-rounded visit and experience more than 90% of the tourists that visit Stockholm do (most of them don’t make it outside the old town). In summer, I would recommend heading out into the Stockholm archipelago, while in the off-season, I would choose one of the charming cities smaller cities mentioned above.