40+ Fun Things to Do (as a Tourist) in Stockholm

The island of Södermalm is a low-key part of Stockholm. Shop and dine in Stockholm like a local in this shopper’s paradise with many cafés, restaurants, and bars to keep their partners occupied!

Watch the Sun Set at Monteliusvägen

Catch a beautiful sunset or early sunrise along with an equally stunning view of the Stockholm skyline and landmarks (including the iconic structure, Stockholm City Hall) along the quarter-mile path named Monteliusvägen in the northern part of Södermalm. You won’t be alone if the weather is right, which makes it a fun social event as well.

Skeppsholmen, a small island to the east of Stadsholmen, offers some cultural attractions and an opportunity to stretch your legs on the picturesque walkway around the island.

Immerse Yourself in Modern Art, Architecture and Design

Contemporary art lovers are encouraged to visit these two adjoined modern art and design museums. The works of modern artists are on display in the Moderna Museet. The Modern Museum and the national center for architecture and design, ArkDes, are located in the same complex.

East of Skeppsholmen, Djurgården is known for a variety of museums and recreational areas with beautiful nature.

Skansen: Living Scandinavian History

Established before the turn of the century, Skansen is Stockholm’s quintessential experience for tourists who want to get a glimpse into the Swedish rural way of life before the industrial era.

The open-air, working museum and nature park is a collection of nearly 150 restored and reconstructed historic buildings, with live demonstrations by farmers and skilled laborer craftsmen traditional of the period.

Historic farmsteads house live farm animals typical of the era with more Scandinavian animals and fish at the zoo, children’s zoo, and aquarium on site.

To round out your day, there are plenty of options for shoppers and foodies. Plan to spend the majority of the day here, but if you’re pressed for time, Skansen suggests some highlights on their 1- or 2-hour self-tour guides.

North of Skeppsholmen and Djurgården, posh Östermalm is home to exclusive residences, five-star restaurants, high-end shops, and beautiful parks.

Stroll Along Strandvägen

This waterfront boulevard is a charming setting for a stroll through the most prestigious areas in the city. Debuted at the World’s Fair in 1897, Strandvägen is home to plenty of shops and restaurants in architecturally magnificent buildings. Public transportation is accessible here, especially Hop On Hop Off ferries and tourist boats at water’s edge.

Pause for a classic afternoon fika (‘afternoon tea‘) with your travel companions and a gorgeous view at The Hotel Diplomat at the west end of the boulevard. (Reservations are recommended.)

At the east end of Strandvägen, extend your walk through Nobelparken, where specimens of most of the native Swedish trees can be found.

Brunch While Cruising the Archipelago

The City of Stockholm consists of a collection of fourteen islands on the archipelago where Lake Mälaren meets the Baltic Sea. If you’re visiting in the summertime, you’ll treasure exploring this unique geography from the vantage point of a guided tour boat.

Strömma offers several boat excursion options, one of which is their weekend-only Brunch Cruise. Relax and enjoy selections from the elegant brunch buffet while cruising through the beautiful archipelago vistas during this three-hour cruise to Vaxholm and back.

Scenic canal tours by double-decker bus or boat are other sightseeing opportunities to explore Stockholm’s waterways and learn about the Swedish culture.

During the summer months, Bergius Botanic Garden’s view of the Baltic Sea and the diverse collection of surrounding plants can provide some calm to your itinerary. Admission to the outside garden is free, with a small fee for the conservatory and historic Victoria House. Both the café and restaurant on-site are open year-round.

The southern part of the Norrmalm district is a shopping and cultural hub where you’ll find iconic Stockholm city squares Hötorget and nearby Sergels Torg. Ice skating at Kungsträdgården is very popular in the winter months.

Mid-Century Metro

When traveling under Stockholm, you’re bound to discover the variety of “underground art” in Stockholm’s metro stations. To the delight of modern design lovers, the Hötorget Metro Station (near the intersection of Kungsgatan and Sveavägen) is an exception and has preserved its blue-tiled vintage 1950s decor.

Operagoer or opera neophyte, a live evening or lunch matinee performance is in order at the spectacular Royal Swedish Opera House. Just be sure to check the calendar of events and book your seats well in advance of your scheduled visit to Stockholm.

Not your thing? Well, this national opera house is so rich with history and luxurious architecture and interior decor, we still recommend a guided tour on a Saturday afternoon or plan a fine dining experience in Sweden’s most opulent restaurant, Operakällaren.

Kungsholmen is one of Stockholm’s largest islands, formerly an industrial district but now is primarily a residential area with a few tourist attractions. Immerse yourself into the Swedish culture in the parks, shops, restaurants, and historical museums here.

Swim at Råmlambshov Park

Rålambshovsparken (‘Råmlambshov Park’) is a beautiful inner-city park with views of the Stockholm City Hall and Gamla Stan across the water. It’s a popular outdoor spot for locals and tourists who want to play outside and get some fresh air, swim in Lake Mälaren, have fun at the playground, or picnic with their families. More fun playgrounds for your kids can be found in our guide on the best playgrounds in Stockholm.

The private permanent residence of the Swedish royal family, The Royal Palace of Drottningholm was built in the 17th century and is a UNESCO World Heritage site and often referred to as the Versailles Palace of Sweden. Most of this well-maintained prodigious royal castle and gardens are open to the public.

This setting provides a unique opportunity to enjoy the quiet of the outskirts of Stockholm while touring the opulent palace and the 18th-century Chinese Pavilion on the massive grounds. Check posted times for guided tours.

Take time to ramble through the massive gardens and footpaths on the grounds or find a bench to sit and enjoy your surroundings. When you get hungry, grab a bite at the café near the Chinese Pavilion.

Build Your Stockholm Itinerary

Stockholm’s rich culture and history, in tandem with its diverse selection of outdoor activities, provide plenty of options for those visiting this city. Once you’ve built your personal itinerary of the best things to do in Stockholm, check out additional Stockholm Tourist Information for tips on how to get around the city, recommended restaurants, and other travel particulars.

Enjoy your Stockholm vacation!