Is 5 Days Too Long In Stockholm? A Local’s Opinion.

If you’re planning a trip to Stockholm, you may be wondering, “Is 5 days too long to spend in Stockholm?” or “How many days are ideal for a visit?” These are questions I often hear, and as a Stockholm local, I’m perfectly placed to help you find the answers you’re looking for.

A 5-day stay can feel too long if you’re focusing only on central Stockholm, but it becomes well worth it when you include day trips to nearby cities or the archipelago. 

In this blog post, I’ll break down how much time you need in order to visit the main attractions in Stockholm City Center and what day trips are best suited if you decide to stay for 5 days. 

Main Attractions in Stockholm’s City Center

When it comes to the heart of Stockholm, there are a few key attractions you shouldn’t miss:

Vasa Museum

• This museum houses a well-preserved 17th-century ship and is one of the most visited spots in Scandinavia. I, personally, am no museum kind of guy but even I find the Vasa museum to be really impressive and I consider it too a must-see sight for any tourist. 
  
  
• You’ll need around 2-3 hours to see all the exhibits and soak in the history.

Gamla Stan (Old Town)

• The city’s historical center is filled with narrow streets, colorful buildings, and quaint shops. Even though Gamla Stan is packed with tourists all year round, a visit to Stockholm would not be complete if you did not pay a visit to it. Still, though, the Gamla Stan is beautiful with colorful buildings and medieval architecture. Also, do not miss out on visiting the Royal Castle which is located in Gamla Stan.
  
  If you are looking for a place to enjoy a Swedish fika (translated: coffee and a sweet pastry) I recommend checking Skeppsbro Bageri located on the shore of Gamla Stan. Their cardamom buns are to die for. Looking for something proper eat? Then grab a plate of fried herring (a Swedish classic) at the local food stand in Gamla Stan called Strömmingsvagnen. You’ll find the location here. 
  
  
• Plan for a full day to walk around, enjoy a Swedish fika, and perhaps visit the Royal Castle.

Skansen

• Skansen is an outdoor museum in Sweden that displays historic buildings and farms from various regions. It also has a zoo featuring animals native to Scandinavia. A Christmas market is held in December, and many cafes are open during the summer. It’s a must-visit for first-time tourists.
  
  
• Dedicate at least a half-day to walk through various historical buildings, meet the animals, and maybe catch a craft demonstration.

How Many Days Are Ideal for Stockholm’s City Center?

If you’re looking to explore just the main attractions in the heart of the city, 2-3 days will suffice. Covering them all in only one day would make the whole experience too stressful and not enjoyable. 

So, is 5 days too much for just central Stockholm? Based on these attractions alone, the answer would be yes. However, by only visiting the main attractions you are only scratching the surface of what Stockholms has to offer. If you are considering staying longer than 2-3 days, my recommendation would be to include a day trip on your agenda.

Day Trips from Stockholm

If you’re considering a 5-day stay in Stockholm, expanding your itinerary to include day trips to nearby cities can make your experience more varied and enriching.

Uppsala

Located just a short 40-minute train ride away lies Uppsala which offers a contrast to Stockholm with its historic university, cathedral, and quieter atmosphere. Uppsala is Sweden’s fourth largest city with a population of around 180,000 people and is known for its university which was founded in 1477. The main attractions include the Uppsala Cathedral, which is also the largest cathedral in Scandinavia, and the Uppsala Castle constructed in 1549. Through the city runs the river Frysån and along it lies many cafes where you can grab a coffee or something to eat. 

Sigtuna

Known as Sweden’s oldest town founded around the year 980 during the Viking era, Sigtuna is a small picturesque town located only about an hour (by public transportation or car) from the city center of Stockholm and provides a glimpse into Sweden´s early history. Sigtuna has an abundance of charming streets, cafes, and Viking ruins making it easy for you to fill your day with things to do. 

Trosa

Trosa is a scenic small town about an hour’s drive from central Stockholm. Like Sigtuna, it offers charming streets and local cafes, providing a peaceful contrast to Stockholm’s busy center. The Trosa River runs through the town, lined with beautiful wooden houses. Trosa is a summer haven, best visited when most shops and restaurants are open.

My Recommendation 

Including day trips like these will give you a broader view of Sweden and make your 5-day stay feel well-rounded rather than stretched thin by a quick visit around the main tourist attractions. 

Choosing between a three-day trip to Trosa, Sigtuna, or Uppsala depends on when you’re visiting Stockholm. For summer visits, Trosa or Sigtuna are better options than Uppsala. Being a larger city, Uppsala is good to visit any time of the year, but it’s my top pick for winter. If you’re visiting in spring or fall, I recommend Sigtuna over Trosa, as Trosa is most lively during the summer months (June-August).

The Stockholm Archipelago

Sweden has over 200,000 islands, making it the country in the world with the most islands. Would you have guessed it? I didn’t know it until two years ago. Over 30,000 of these islands are located in the Stockholm Archipelago, many of which are in close proximity to the city center of Stockholm, making them great places for a day or two-day trip. Below are my top recommendations:

Sandhamn

Sandhamn is an island located a two-hour boat ride from the city center of Stockholm. Active during the summer months, this island is almost like a small city with many cafes, restaurants, and shops. Streets are filled with charming houses, and there are also many good spots to go for a swim, for example, Fläskberget.

Utö

Utö is a calm island with only a handful of restaurants, stores, and guesthouses. This island is more relaxed than Sandhamn, and I recommend renting a bike and exploring the island’s nature and beaches. Utö Storsand beach is one I highly recommend.

Fjäderholmarna 

If you are short on time but still want to experience the Stockholm Archipelago and you only have an afternoon to spare, my suggestion is to visit Fjäderholmarna. Located a 30-minute boat ride from the city center of Stockholm are the islands of Fjäderholmarna. Here, there are many restaurants, stores, and places where you can go for a swim. My recommendation would be to take the boat out early in the afternoon, around 3 pm, and later have dinner at one of the restaurants before taking the boat back.

My Recommendation

When choosing whether to visit the Stockholm archipelago, I recommend visiting it only if you are visiting Stockholm during the summer months. If you are on a tight schedule, I recommend Fjäderholmarna. If you have more time and don’t mind a two-hour boat ride, then Sandhamn is a good option. If you want to experience nature and have an overall calm day at a beach, I recommend you visit Utö.

Including the archipelago in your 5-day itinerary not only diversifies your experience but also makes the extended stay more fulfilling. You’ll come away with a richer, more varied impression of what Stockholm and its surrounding areas have to offer.

Balancing Time in Stockholm

So far, we’ve seen that while 2-3 days are sufficient for covering central Stockholm’s main attractions, expanding your itinerary with day trips and a visit to the archipelago can make a 5-day stay more fulfilling.

Staying Flexible

• It’s a good idea to keep one day open for spontaneous activities, whether that’s revisiting a favorite area in Stockholm or discovering something new.

Mix and Match

• You can blend your itinerary to include a balance of history, culture, and nature. For example, spend 2 days in the city center, one day for a city day trip like Uppsala, and another for the archipelago.

By taking this balanced approach, you can enjoy the cosmopolitan flair of Stockholm along with the historical and natural beauty of nearby areas.

How Many Days Are Ideal for Stockholm?

Based on all the aspects discussed, if you’re only focusing on central Stockholm, a 2-3 day trip is ideal. However, if you expand your horizons to include day trips to cities like Uppsala or Sigtuna and perhaps an excursion to the archipelago, a 5-day trip provides a well-rounded experience and you will leave Stockholm with a solid understanding of the capital and its surroundings.

Conclusion

To sum it up, spending 5 days in Stockholm can feel too long if you limit yourself to just the city center. However, when you include day trips to nearby cities and natural attractions like the Stockholm Archipelago, those 5 days become a diverse and enriching experience.

Additional Tips

• Plan your itinerary in advance, but leave room for spontaneity.
  
• Check local event calendars; you might stumble upon a festival or event that interests you.

By taking this approach, you’ll have a fulfilling and diverse 5-day trip that offers a comprehensive taste of Stockholm and its surrounding areas.