There are plenty of things to do and see in Stockholm during two days. With its blend of history, culture, and modernity, Stockholm offers a treasure trove of experiences in just a short span. From wandering through the cobblestone streets of Gamla Stan to immersing yourself in the city’s innovative design scene, this itinerary is curated to ensure you savor every moment. Whether you’re drawn to its royal palace, captivating museums, or picturesque waterfronts, these two days promise an unforgettable glimpse into the heart of the Capital of Scandinavia. This itinerary is the way for you to do the most of two days in Stockholm.
Itinerary summary
In just two days, you’ll traverse key districts of Stockholm, embarking on a guided journey through the historic Gamla Stan (Old Town), selected areas of Östermalm, and the captivating landscapes of Djurgården and Södermalm.
Two of the activities need to be booked in advance, the guided tour at the City Hall, and the rooftop spa, the Nest, at Downtown Camper.
Day 1: Gamla stan, Djurgården and Östermalm
Morning: Gamla stan, Nobel Prize Museum & Royal Palace
9:00 am: Gamla Stan (The Old Town)
Take the metro to the metro station Gamla Stan (red or green line). Take the exit towards Mälartorget, which will take you right into the Old Town. Most of the shops and coffee shops open at 10 am, so this is a good time to take a stroll through the old town, before everything opens up. Take your time and explore the buildings, squares and alleys. Don’t forget to visit the sculpture Järnpojke, which is the smallest statue in Stockholm, merely 15 cm (6 inches) tall, as well as the alley Mårten Trotzig gränd, which is Stockholms narrowest alley, only 90 cm (3 feet) wide.
10:00 am: The Royal Palace
After exploring the Old Town, exit to the Royal Palace. There are three different museums to choose from: the Treasury with the regalia, the Tre Kronor Museum that portrays the palace’s medieval history and Gustav III’s Museum of Antiquities, which is open during the summer months (June-August).
12:00 pm: Metro to Östermalmstorg
Head towards Östermalmstorg. You can either take the metro from Gamla stan, or walk approximately 25 minutes if you are up for a walk.
Noon: Lunch at Östermalm
There are several options for lunch at Östermalm. Choose either Östermalms saluhall, at Östermalmstorg 31, or Hantverket, at Sturegatan 15, for a good lunch option.
Afternoon and evening: Djurgården & Vasa museum
1:15 pm: Walk along Strandvägen waterfront
After having enjoyed the lunch, head towards Strandvägen and continue along the waterfront towards Djurgården.
2:00 pm: The Vasa Museum
The Vasa Museum is one of the most popular museums in Stockholm. The museum is dedicated to the Vasa warship, which sank on its maiden voyage in 1628 and was salvaged in the 1960s. The main attraction is, of course, the Vasa itself. The nearly fully intact ship is housed in a specially designed building. Visitors can see the impressive 17th-century warship up close and learn about its history, construction, and the circumstances surrounding its sinking. There are also exhibitions that provide historical context about the Vasa and its era. You can explore displays that showcase artifacts from the ship, detailing aspects of life on board, the crew, and the naval warfare of the time. This museum is fun and interesting both for kids and adults.
3:30 pm: Afternoon Break at Djurgården
Stroll down the gravel paths at Djurgården, and enjoy the surrounding nature. If you are up for a fika, take a fika break at one of the cafés at Djurdgården. A nice café in a historical building is café Flickorna Helin, at Rosendalsvägn 14.
5:30 pm: Tram to Nybroplan
Take the tram and hop off at Nybroplan. Nybroplan is just in the junction between the district Norrmalm and Östermalm. Get off right in front of the theater Dramatan, and turn north towards the street Nybrogatan. From here there is a short walk to Östermalmstorg.
6:30 pm: Dinner at Östermalm
There are plenty of places to choose for dinner at Östermalm. To go for some great restaurants with a modern take on Swedish food try Knut, at Regeringsgatan 77, or DoMa at Nybrogatan 48.
Nightlife or relaxation: Nightlife at Östermalm
If you are not feeling like heading back to the hotel just yet, you can go for drinks and a great view of Stockholm at the rooftop, outdoor bar Stockholm under stjärnorna or the neighboring Tak rooftop bar, both at Brunkebergstorg 2.
If you feel like doing something relaxing visit the spa, the Nest, on the roof at the hotel Downtown Camper. The last scheduled time slots for the evening are from 8pm to 10:15pm. This option requires some planning in advance, since you have to book a prior appointment at the time you want to visit.
Walk through the park Humlegården, a central park spanning approximately 10 acres. The park exudes tranquility with its tree-lined paths, vibrant flowerbeds, and open spaces or perfect for leisurely strolls. The park’s central location near Östermalm also makes it a favored spot for locals to relax, socialize, or enjoy outdoor activities.
Once through the park, continue along Karlavägen.
Day 2: Norrmalm and Södermalm
Morning: The City Hall
9:00 am: Take the metro to the Central station
Make your way from your hotel to the nearest metro station, and take the metro to the Central station. The station is called T-centralen on the metro map. All the metro lines stop at the Central Station so you should be able to get here easily no matter where your hotel is located.
10:00 am: Tour the City Hall
Pre-book a guided tour of the City Hall. There is one guided tour in English every full hour, between 10am and 3pm, in peak season (June-August), and usually two tours in Swedish. See their website for the full schedule and for making an appointment on the day you choose. You can also buy a same day ticket at the ticker register. A full price ticket costs 150 SEK, and there are discounted tickets for seniors, students and youth.
11:30 am: Walk to Södermalm
Walk towards Riksdagshuset and continue south towards Södermalm. After Riksdagshuset you are in the Old Town and from here you can either walk or take the metro from Gamla Stan to Medborgarplatsen (green line).
Noon: Lunch at Södermalm
Södermalm has plenty of options for lunch. Several of the restaurants have lunch specials, with one or a selection of a few dishes, with a cheaper price than the evening menu. We recommend to try a restaurant that serves traditional Swedish cuisine for lunch. The restaurants Pelikan or Kvarnen are both good choices for some Swedish traditional food, at Södermalm.
Afternoon and evening: Södermalm & Fotografiska
1:00 pm Take a walk along Monetliusvägen
Monteliusvägen is an excellent choice for some of the best views of Stockholm.
2:00 pm Fika at Drop Coffee
After the walk you are probably up for a fika break. Stockholm has some of the best coffee establishments in the country. Drop Coffee, at Wollmar Yxkullsgatan 10, has been roasting their own coffee since 2009 and they have one of the best coffees in the city. For the most Swedish experience choose one of the brewed coffees (bryggkaffe in Swedish). They have a variety of different coffee flavors to choose from.
3:00 pm Fotografiska
Fotografiska is one of the most interesting museums in Stockholm. The museum is dedicated to photography, and continuously updates their exhibitions. When you are done with the exhibitions head up towards the café at the top floor. The panoramic windows face the Saltlake and on the other side you can see Djurgården and the amusement park Gröna Lund.
5:00 pm: Drinks before dinner or a break at the hotel
By now you surely will need to recharge your energy before dinner. If you are up for a break at the hotel and your hotel is close enough head back to your hotel for a break, before continuing out to dinner. If you still feel like doing something relaxing out and about, this would be a good time to grab some pre-dinner at drinks at a bar in Södermalm. There are plenty of bars to choose from in the area called SoFo, which is short for South of Folkungagatan. Take the metro to the station Medborgarplatsen and make your way to Skånegatan, which has plenty of bars to choose from.
6:30 pm: Dinner at Södermalm
Try the area around Mariatorget, where there are plenty of restaurants to choose from. A great choice is Kryp In, at the street Timmermansgatan, which mixes Swedish cuisine with European influences. During the summer, the restaurant Måsen, down by the waterfront at Södermälarstrand, is a great place to enjoy some grilled dishes. The restaurant only has outdoor seatings and is open during the summer months. During the rest of the year, or during those days that the weather is just too capricious for dining outdoors, head over to their sister restaurant A Bowl and Plates, just nearby. Their food is just as good and they have indoor seating.
Nightlife or relaxation: A night out, at Södermalm
9:00 pm Drinks at Freya or Café Klotet
There are plenty of bars to choose from at Södermalm, if you are up for a night out. For a bar with great drinks and and both with an amazing view of Stockholm, choose the rooftop bar at the restaurant Freyja or the bar Café Klotet (although it is called café, this is actually a bar right next to the restaurant Gondolen), above the harbor at Slussen.
For relaxation take an evening stroll along Fjällgatan. Once you reach Slussen you have the option to turn right (north), and continue along the waterfront at Skeppsbron. You can also turn left (south) and continue along Hornsgatan, which is a more lively street with several bars along and late night cafés.