Discover the charm and beauty of Stockholm in just one day with our carefully curated itinerary. This guide will take you through the must-see sights and hidden gems of the Swedish capital, ensuring you experience the best the city has to offer.
Morning: Start your day in Östermalm
Begin your day in the Stockholm district of Östermalm, a stylish and vibrant area known for its chic boutiques and historic architecture. There are plenty of breakfast options here to suit different tastes:
- Villa Dagmar (Nybrogatan 25-27) offers a luxurious hotel breakfast. Even if you’re not staying at the hotel, you can still enjoy their breakfast on weekdays for 385 SEK. It’s recommended to book a table in advance via their website.
- Stora Bageriet (Sibyllegatan 2) is a cozy bakery where you can choose between a Danish or French breakfast. This is a perfect spot to experience a Scandinavian morning treat. Visit their website for more details.
- Bodybuddy (Jungfrugatan 8 and Smålandsgatan 24) specializes in whole-food breakfasts, offering a health-conscious start to your day. For more information, visit their website.
After breakfast, take a leisurely walk through Östermalmshallen, an iconic food hall filled with Swedish delicacies. Continue down Nybrogatan towards Strandvägen, a picturesque waterfront boulevard. Here, you can admire elegant buildings and the boats docked along the way as you head towards the bridge leading to Djurgården island.
Mid-morning: Explore Djurgården and its museums
Djurgården is home to some of Stockholm’s most famous museums, each offering a unique glimpse into Swedish culture and history. Depending on your interests, choose one of the following:
- Vasa Museum (Vasamuseet): Discover the world’s only preserved 17th-century ship, the Vasa. This museum tells the story of the ship’s tragic maiden voyage and its incredible recovery from the sea floor.
- Nordic Museum (Nordiska museet): Learn about Swedish cultural history, from fashion to traditions, in this stunning building that resembles a Gothic castle.
- ABBA The Museum: For music lovers, this interactive museum offers a fun dive into the history of ABBA, one of the world’s most famous pop groups.
- Skansen: An open-air museum showcasing Sweden’s history through traditional houses, farms, and live performances. It’s also home to a zoo featuring Nordic animals.
As you stroll through Djurgården, take in the lush greenery, tranquil waters, and charming architecture that make this area a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
Lunchtime: Discover Norrmalm and Gamla stan
After your museum visit, hop on a tram to the Norrmalm district and get off at the stop Kungsträdgården. This is a central area with the Kungsträdgården park, and the upscale NK department store. Make your way through the park, and cross the bridge into Gamla Stan (The Old Town), one of the most well-preserved medieval city centers in Europe.
Choose one of the following options for lunch:
- Tradition or Gyldene Freden in Gamla Stan offer classic Swedish dishes in a historic setting.
- Alternatively, stop at Operakällaren Bakfickan in Kungsträdgården for a refined lunch experience with traditional Swedish cuisine.
As you enter Gamla Stan, you’ll pass by the Royal Palace. Take a moment to admire its grandeur before exploring the cobblestone streets of the Old Town. Be sure to visit Stortorget, the oldest square in Stockholm, and the nearby Storkyrkan, the city’s cathedral.
Afternoon: Visit Stockholm City Hall
Once you’ve explored the vibe of the old Stockholm, head to the northeast end of Gamla Stan to the bus stop Riddarhustorget. Take bus line 3 towards Karolinska sjukhuset and get off at the stop Stadshuset to visit the iconic Stockholm City Hall. It’s known for its impressive architecture and the annual Nobel Prize banquet, City Hall offers guided tours where you can learn about its history and significance. It’s advisable to book your tour in advance or purchase a ticket at the ticket office.
After the tour, take a break with a traditional Swedish fika (coffee break) in Kungsholmen. Some great spots near City Hall are Komet Café, Konditori Genuin, Volca Coffee Roaster, and Johan & Nyström Hantverkargatan. Enjoy a coffee or tea accompanied by delicious pastries while you rest your feet.
Late afternoon: Explore Södermalm
From Kungsholmen, make your way to Norr Mälarstrand waterfront, where you can catch a ferry to the island of Södermalm. The ferry departs every 20 minutes and provides a scenic route across the water. You can buy tickets online on their website or by credit or debit card before going onboard. Once on Södermalm, take a stroll up the hills to Monteliusvägen, a walking path that offers some of the best panoramic views of Stockholm.
Evening: Dine and unwind in Södermalm
End your day with a delightful dinner in Södermalm, a district known for its vibrant dining scene. Some recommended restaurants around Mariatorget are Freyja, Bistro Süd, and Racamaca. Alternatively, explore the SOFO area, where you’ll find popular spots like Bleck, Lykke Nytorget, and Meatballs for the People.
If you still have energy left after dinner, check out the local bar scene on Hornsgatan or near Slussen. Options like Freyja+Söder, Brännerian, and Hernö Gin Bar are excellent choices. For a cultural nightcap, visit Fotografiska, the renowned photography museum, which stays open late into the evening.