Unravel Stockholm in 3 days

16 June 2021

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We want to be as accurate as possible, but given these challenging times, we urge you to recheck that the venues are open when you decide to visit.

Stretched across fourteen islands, the Swedish capital was founded over a thousand years ago by the Vikings of Scandinavia. Today, Stockholm is one of the most economically and culturally prosperous cities in the world and the largest city in Scandinavia. Explore Stockholm’s history, medieval culture and the Swedish monarchy in Gamla Stan, the old town of the city. Discover the tranquil nature of Sweden in the archipelagos of Stockholm and Royal Djurgården. Relish trending Nordic food, drinks and events at Södermalm. 

 

Take in the past, present and future of Stockholm, the ‘Venice of the North’, through this 3-day itinerary of Stockholm.  

Stockholm 3-day itinerary at a glance

Day 1- Gamla Stan

 

Begin your day at Stortorget Square in the city’s Old Town, Gamla Stan. There you can find the historic Nobel Prize Museum. Proceed to Slottsbacken Square and spot the Obelisk dedicated to the guardians of Stockholm from the 18th century. The Stockholm Cathedral and the Royal Palace of Stockholm, arguably the two most important buildings in the city, are a stone’s throw away from Slottsbacken. Next, visit the Museum of Medieval Stockholm, situated on an actual excavation site, it offers insights into the medieval history of the city. Spend the rest of your day strolling around Drottninggatan.

 

  • Stroll around Stortorget
  • Browse the collections of the Nobel Prize Museum
  • View the Slottsbacken Obelisk
  • Explore the Stockholm Cathedral
  • Stroll through the Royal Palace
  • Visit the Museum of Medieval Stockholm
  • Shop, eat and relax at Drottninggatan

 

 

Day 2- Archipelago Cruise and Djurgården

 

Start the day with a tour of the islands of the Stockholm archipelago. Explore the Vasa Museum, Viking Museum and, later on, Skansen, to learn in detail about the history and culture of Scandinavia. Spend your evening enjoying breathtaking rides of Gröna Lund. Sample some amazing snacks and drinks there. Catch the sunset at the Royal Djurgården Park.

 

  • Cruise the archipelagos of Stockholm
  • Visit the Vasa Museum
  • Explore the Heritage of the Vikings at the Viking Museum
  • Browse Swedish culture and history at Skansen
  • Enjoy the thrills at Gröna Lund
  • Catch the sunset at Royal Djurgården Park

 

 

Day 3- Östermalmstorg, City Hall and Södermalm

 

Your final day in Stockholm begins at the world-famous Östermalms saluhall, where you can pick up some delicious food for your picnic later in the day. Head over to a coffee house to enjoy typical Swedish Fika, after which you can visit the Stockholm City Hall. Spend your afternoon at Fotografiska, a photography museum and walk to the hipster SoFo neighbourhood, where you can people-watch. Picnic and enjoy some relaxing live music. 

 

  • Östermalms saluhall
  • Swedish Fika
  • Stockholm City Hall
  • Fotografiska
  • SoFo

 

Detailed 3 day Stockholm itinerary

Day 1

Stortorget

stortorget stockholm
By Julian Herzog/WikiCommons

Stortorget, meaning “Big Square”, is the main square in Gamla Stan, which is the Old Town area of Stockholm. It is widely considered to be the cultural hub of Stockholm as it is situated close to prominent buildings in the city such as the Royal Palace of Stockholm, Stockholm Cathedral and numerous museums. 

 

Things to do:

  • Explore Schantza Huset and the 82 white stones that are said to be a symbol of the heads that the king had decapitated during the Swedish bloodbath of 1520, which occurred at Stortorget
  • In the centre of the square is the Stortorgsbrunnen, a monument from the 18th century that was once a well
  • Shop at the upmarket boutiques for interesting souvenirs and gifts.

 

Useful Information:

  • Timings: Always open.
  • Cost: Free entry.
  • How to reach:
    • Bus: Riddarhustorget (line 3, 53); Slottsbacken (line 2, 57, 76, 96, 191, 192, 193, 194, 195).
    • Metro: Gamla Stan (line 13- red line, 14- red line, 17- green line, 18- green line, 19- green line).

Nobel Prize Museum

Nobel Prize Museum stockholm
By randreu/WikiCommons

Situated in the famous Stock Exchange Building in Stortorget, the Nobel Prize Museum elaborates on important issues of our time and the lives of great writers, freedom fighters and scientists whose contributions to society are unparalleled. For this purpose, the museum puts up comprehensive exhibits and offers detailed videos, guided tours and lectures.

 

Useful Information:

  • Timings: 
      • Thursday- Sunday: 11:00 am- 5:00 pm.
      • Closed on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
  • Cost:
      • Regular rate: 130 SEK
      • Reduced rate (for students and seniors aged 65+): 90 SEK
      • Free entry for children aged 0-17 and holders of Stockholm Pass.
  • How to reach:
    • Bus: Riddarhustorget (line 3, 53); Slottsbacken (line 2, 57, 76, 96, 191, 192, 193, 194, 195).
    • Metro: Gamla Stan (line 13- red line, 14- red line, 17- green line, 18- green line, 19- green line).

Obelisk at Slottsbacken (Castle Hill)

Obelisk at Slottsbacken stockholm
By Jorge Láscar/WikiCommons

Situated next to the Royal Palace, the stone obelisk at Slottsbacken reaches a height of 30 metres. The original obelisk was commissioned by Gustav III in the late 18th century to thank the guardians of Stockholm for defending the city while the king was fighting in the Russian War. The original obelisk, made with stone drums, weakened with age and was rebuilt with solid stone in 2020. 

 

Useful Information:

  • Timings: Always open.
  • Cost: Free entry. 
  • How to reach:
    • Bus: Slottsbacken (line 2, 57, 76, 96, 191, 192, 193, 194, 195); Riddarhustorget (line 3, 53).
    • Metro: Gamla Stan (line 13- red line, 14- red line, 17- green line, 18- green line, 19- green line).

Stockholm Cathedral

Located in the heart of the Swedish capital in Gamla Stan, the Cathedral of Stockholm (Storkyrkan or formally known as the Church of Saint Nicholas) is the oldest church in Stockholm. Storkyrkan has witnessed the coronations, marriages and funerals of members of the Swedish Royal family since the middle ages and is one of the most prominent buildings in the country. 

 

Things to do:

  • Browse the spectacular works of art in the church, such as Bernt Notke’s Saint George and the Dragon and Vädersolstavlan, both of which blend religious art with the city’s rich history.
  • Spot the French Baroque pulpit constructed in the late 17th century by Burchard Precht, adorned with Christ’s head and crowned by a statue of hope on either side. 

 

Useful Information:

  • Timings: Daily, 10:00 am- 6:00 pm.
  • Cost:
      • Regular rate: 60 SEK
      • Seniors: 50 SEK
      • Free entry for children aged 0-17.
  • How to reach:
    • Bus: Slottsbacken (line 2, 57, 76, 96, 191, 192, 193, 194, 195); Riddarhustorget (line 3, 53).
    • Metro: Gamla Stan (line 13- red line, 14- red line, 17- green line, 18- green line, 19- green line).

Royal Palace

Royal Palace Stockholm
By Giraffew/Pixabay

Built in the 13th century in the north of Gamla Stan, the Royal Palace of Stockholm (Kungliga slottet) is the official representative premises of the Swedish monarchy (not to be confused with the actual residence of the Swedish royal family, which is the Drottningholm Palace). Built by architect Nicodemis Tessin, the palace was designed as a Roman palace in the Baroque style and has over 600 rooms including the Treasury, the Tre Kronor Museum and a Museum of Antiquities. 

 

Things to do:

  • In the Northern wing, you can explore the Bernadotte Apartments and State Apartments, the former apartments of the Sovereign, and the Tre Kroner Museum to learn more about the original Tre Kroner palace and the various artefacts that have survived through hundreds of years
  • The Royal Armory in the Eastern wing has an unending collection of armours, jewellery, artworks and clothing to explore
  • The Bernadotte Library and Gustav III’s Museum of Antiquities are treasures to find in the Northeast Wing
  • In the South Wing, tour the Hall of State, the Royal Chapel (open during summer) and the Treasury of the Royal Palace.

 

Useful Information:

  • Timings: Varies depending on the season. For more information, check the official website.
  • Cost: 
      • Regular rate: 140 SEK.
      • Reduced rate (for students and children aged 7-17): 70 SEK.
      • Free entry for children aged 0-6 and holders of Stockholm Pass.
  • How to reach:
    • Bus: Slottsbacken (line 2, 57, 76, 96, 191, 192, 193, 194, 195); Riddarhustorget (line 3, 53).
    • Metro: Gamla Stan (line 13- red line, 14- red line, 17- green line, 18- green line, 19- green line).

Museum of Medieval Stockholm

Built around the largest excavation site in Stockholm, the Museum of Medieval Stockholm features Stockholm’s legacies from its past, such as the 16th-century town hall, a warship and an actual medieval burial yard. Explore the rise of Stockholm to prominence through the daily lives of its people in the medieval period.

 

Useful Information:

  • Timings: 
      • July- August: Tuesday- Sunday, 10:00 am- 5:00 pm. 
      • September-June: Tuesday- Sunday: 12:00 pm- 5:00 pm. Wednesday: 12:00 pm- 8:00 pm.
      • Closed on Mondays. 
  • Cost: Free entry.
  • How to reach:
    • Bus: Gustav Adolfs torg (line 57, 65); Kungsträdgården (line 2, 76, 96, 191, 192, 193, 194, 195, 491).
    • Metro: Kungsträdgården (line 10- blue line, 11- blue line).

Drottninggatan

Drottninggatan stockholm
By Gunilla Salo/Pixabay

Drottninggatan (“Queen Street”) is a popular pedestrian shopping street that is the perfect place to spend your first evening in Stockholm. Explore popular brands and unique boutiques that line the streets and relish some Swedish street food in bustling Drottninggatan.

 

Things to do:

  • At the north end, spend time at the popular Centralbadet, a spa that also offers pool and sauna facilities among others
  • Explore the Åhléns Department Store, popular for selling everything from fashion apparel to books
  • Spend your evening at Sergelstorg, where you can find Stockholm’s iconic diagonal tilings. At the square, have a look at Kulturhuset Stadsteatern, the city’s culture house and theatre. 

 

Useful Information:

  • Timings: Always open.
  • Cost: Free entry.
  • How to reach:
    • Bus: Stockholm Cityterminalen; Centralen.
    • Metro: T-Centralen (line 10- blue line, 11- blue line, 13- red line, 14- red line, 17- green line, 18- green line, 19- green line). 

Day 2

Archipelago Cruise

archipelagos cruise Stockholm
By JaakL/Pixabay

Start your day with a 3-hour cruise of the Swedish archipelagos with its tranquil waters and get closer to nature. You can consider cruises such as those offered by Get Your Guide and Stromma. Learn more about the different islands of the Stockholm Archipelago here.

Vasa Museum

Vasa Museum Stockholm
By JavierKohen/WikiCommons

One of the most popular museums of Stockholm, the Vasa Museum explores the history of the Swedish warship “Vasa”, which was rediscovered under the Stockholm bay after more than three centuries since its wreck. The Museum traces the history and the life of people during the functioning of the ancient warship and the preservation of the wreckage in the present. 

 

Useful Information:

  • Timings: Daily, 10:00 am-5:00 pm.
  • Cost: 
    • Regular rate:
      • June- August: 190 SEK.
      • September- May: 170 kronor.
    • Free entry for children aged 0-18.
  • How to reach:
    • Bus: Nordiska Museet/Vasamuseet .
    • Tram: Nordiska Museet/Vasamuseet (line 7).
    • Ferry: Nordiska Museet/Vasamuseet (line 5).

Viking Museum

Vasa Museum Stockholm
By Holger.Ellgaard/WikiCommons

The Viking Museum showcases a brilliant exhibition that introduces visitors to the history and culture of the Vikings through interactive audiovisual presentations and guides in actual Viking gear. Learn more about the Nordic myths and how they connect with real life in the Viking culture, with their practices, ingenious shipbuilding, exploration and naval conquests. 

 

Things to do:

  • Browse the interactive collections of the museum
  • Ride the Ragnfrid’s Saga, a journey through the Viking age
  • Enjoy lunch at Restaurant Glöd, which, among other authentic Nordic dishes, offers Viking cuisine, such as the Viking pan and even mead!
  • Take home some Viking-inspired souvenirs at the Museum’s shop.

 

Unravelog Tip: If you have extra time and are a fan of the Swedish pop group ABBA, check out the ABBA Museum, which is located very close to the Viking Museum.

 

Useful Information:

  • Timings: Daily, 10:00 am- 4:00 pm.
  • Cost: 
      • Regular rate: 179 SEK.
      • Reduced rate (for students and seniors): 155 SEK.
      • Children of ages 7-15: 139 SEK.
      • Family rate (for 2 adults and 2 children): 495 SEK.
      • Free entry for children aged 0-6. 
  • How to reach:
    • Bus: Nordiska Museet/Vasamuseet, Liljevalchs/Gröna Lund.
    • Tram: Nordiska Museet/Vasamuseet (line 7), Liljevalchs/Gröna Lund (line 7).
    • Ferry: Nordiska Museet/Vasamuseet (line 5).

Skansen

Discover the life, culture and history of Sweden by visiting the world’s oldest open-air museum, Skansen, which elaborates on the traditions, day-to-day practices, work and community celebrations in accordance with the different seasons. You can also spot actual Nordic wild animals and exotic creatures, which makes Skansen the only open-air museum in the world with wild animals.

 

Useful Information:

  • Timings: Entrance: 10:00 am- 4:00 pm. 
  • Cost: 
      • Regular rate: 220 SEK.
      • Reduced rate (for students and seniors): 200 SEK.
      • Children aged 4-15: 70 SEK.
      • Free entry for children aged 0-3.
  • How to reach:
    • Bus: Skansen.
    • Tram: Skansen (line 7).

Gröna Lund

By Arild Vågen/WikiCommons
By Arild Vågen/WikiCommons

Spend your evening in Sweden’s oldest amusement park, Gröna Lund. It offers 30 thrilling rides as well as many restaurants and snack stands. Some of the most popular attractions in Gröna Lund include their roller coasters, a tunnel of love and music concerts. 

 

Useful Information:

  • Timings: Daily, 10:30 am- 11:00 pm.
  • Cost: Varies depending on the type of ticket chosen. For more information, check the official website
  • How to reach:
    • Bus: Liljevalchs/Gröna Lund.
    • Tram: Liljevalchs/Gröna Lund (line 7).

Catch the sunset at Royal Djurgården Park

Royal Djurgarden Park
By Javier mart/WikiCommons

Have a late evening stroll at the beautiful Royal Djurgården park, where, when the sun sets, the soft rays of shimmering sunlight fall on the manicured garden, swaying to the light breeze that sets in. Walk around what used to be once the hunting grounds of royalty and discover the canals and a harbour that borders the park. 

 

Useful Information:

  • Timings: Always open.
  • Cost: Free entry.
  • How to reach:
    • Bus: Bellmansro (line 67).
    • Tram: Bellmansro (line 7).

Day 3

Östermalms saluhall

Östermalms saluhall stockholm
By Gerd Eichmann/WikiCommons

Östermalms saluhall was founded in 1888 and has been serving the people of Stockholm the highest quality of food ever since. Arrive here half-past nine in the morning to the smell of freshly baked bread. You’ll also find some amazing cuts of meat, fresh produce, seafood and confectionery. An unmissable interaction here is with the people behind the counters – they will be happy to share their knowledge, especially recipes and tips, even if you aren’t buying anything.

 

Useful Information:

  • Timings:
      • Monday- Friday:  09:30 am- 7:00 pm.  
      • Saturday: 09:30 am- 5:00 pm. 
  • Cost: Free entry.
  • How to reach:
    • Bus: Östermalmstorg (line 54), Nybroplan (line 54, 69, 76).
    • Metro: Östermalmstorg (line 13- red line, 14- red line).
    • Tram: Nybroplan (line 7).

Swedish Fika

Swedish Fika
By molly steenson/Flikr

A celebrated practice of the Swedish culture, fika, or “coffee break”, is hands down one of the best coffee-culture experiences you can savour in your life. Enjoy the taste of steaming, aromatic coffee (or tea/sodas if you don’t prefer coffee) with cinnamon buns, cookies, cakes, chocolates and more at Green Rabbit, Café Pascal or Johan & Nyström.

Stockholm City Hall

Stockholm City Hall
By Lipton sale/WikiCommons

The City Hall of Stockholm is one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions. With its one-of-a-kind works of art and large ceremonial halls, the City Hall is a sight to behold. It is also where the Nobel Prize banquet is hosted every year. 

 

Things to do:

  • Avail a public tour of the city hall to browse the magnificent halls of the building.
  • Visit the City Hall Tower for a panoramic view of Stockholm and the Tower Museum that is midway in the Tower. 
  • One can also enjoy a picnic at City Hall Park.

 

Useful Information:

  • Timings: 
      • Public tours: daily at 10:00 am, 11:00 am, 12:00 pm, 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm.
      • Park: June- September: 8:00 am- 8:00 pm. October- May: 8:00 am- 6:00 pm.
  • Cost: 
      • Regular rate: 130 SEK
      • Students and seniors: 110 SEK
      • Children aged 7-19: 50 SEK
      • Free entry for Children aged 0-6.
  • How to reach:
    • Bus: Stadshuset (line 3, 53).
    • Metro: T-Centralen (line 10- blue line, 11- blue line, 13- red line, 14- red line, 17- green line, 18- green line, 19- green line), Rådhuset (line 10- blue line, 11- blue line).

Fotografiska

Fotografiska Stockholm
By Julian Herzog/WikiCommons

Fotografiska is the world’s largest photography museum and showcases not its own collection, but great photographs of famous and emerging artists. Listen to concerts, meet other visitors and artists and grab some food and drinks at this international hub of photography. 

 

Useful Information:

  • Timings: Daily, 10:00 am- 10:00 pm.
  • Cost: Varies depending on the time and date of visiting. For more information, check the official website
  • How to reach:
    • Bus: Fjällgatan, Slussen.
    • Metro: Slussen (line 13- red line, 14- red line, 17- green line, 18- green line, 19- green line).

SoFo

SoFo Stockholm
By IK's World Trip/Flikr

SoFo is an up-and-coming, laid back neighbourhood of Stockholm. It is the perfect place to relax, go shopping and grab some fun snacks and drinks for the evening. You can also visit Katarina Kyrka and the peaceful Vita Bergen, where you can find free theatre in the evening during summers. If you’re interested, you can also visit some live music venues later in the evening.

 

Things to do:

  • Go shopping for trendy boutique fashion or second-hand finds.
  • Visit the newly renovated Katarina Kyrka, complete with a beautiful garden and graveyard.
  • Lay down a blanket in the parks of Vita Bergen, have a picnic and indulge in people-watching.
  • Try some sumptuous food and drinks in restaurants such as Urban Deli and Meatballs for the People.
  • Visit some of the laid back music venues in the neighbourhood like Lilla Baren.

 

Useful Information:

  • Timings: Always open.
  • Cost: Free entry.
  • How to reach: 
    • Bus: Medborgarplatsen (line 423, 442, 446, 449, 791, 794, 796).
    • Metro: Medborgarplatsen (line 17- green line, 18- green line, 19- green line).

Indulge in the city’s unique thrifting culture and go on a shopping spree without burning a hole in your pocket at our custom picked list of thrift stores in Stockholm.

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