Exploring a new city often involves ticking off the classic tourist attractions – visiting renowned museums, iconic landmarks, and activities tailored for visitors. While these are always worthwhile, you might also want to step away from the typical tourist trail and experience the city from a local’s perspective. If you’re seeking less touristy things to do in Stockholm, here are some ideas inspired by what locals enjoy in their spare time – whether it’s to relax, have fun, or stay active.
1. Explore Tyresta National Park
Located about 25 km (15.5 miles) south of Stockholm, Tyresta National Park offers an accessible escape into nature, perfect for hiking, berry-picking, and mushroom foraging in the autumn.
The park has ancient pine trees over 300 years old, billion-year-old rocks, and pristine virgin forest. With 55 km (34 miles) of well marked walking trails spread across 5,000 hectares (12,355 acres), there’s plenty to explore here. The area is easy to reach by public transport or car, and makes for a convenient getaway from the city. By the park’s south entrance is the Tyresta village with a café, resting places, and fire places where you can light a fire and do some barbecue.
Tyresta is popular among locals year-round, and offers a chance to experience Sweden’s natural beauty and tranquility in every season.
2. Visit a niche cinema: Zita or Bio Rio
For arthouse, independent films, and reruns of old classics, head to Zita or Bio Rio, two cinemas offering a curated selection of movies beyond the usual blockbusters. Both venues cater to cinephiles and those seeking unique film experiences not typically found in commercial theaters.
Zita is located at Birger Jarlsgatan 37, on the border between the Norrmalm and Östermalm districts. And Bio Rio can be found at Hornstull strand 3, in the Södermalm district’s southwest corner. Both cinemas provide a welcoming atmosphere for those interested in thought-provoking and alternative films.
3. Take a walk at Långholmen
Långholmen is a small, green island northwest of Södermalm district, easily accessible by foot via a bridge connecting the two islands. For detailed directions and tips on exploring Långholmen, check out our guide: 10 scenic walks around Stockholm.
The island is surrounded by a walking path that offers lovely views of the water and city skyline. Once a prison island, Långholmen housed a prison until 1975. Today, the historic buildings have been transformed into a museum, hotel, hostel, inn, and more.
This small but charming island is an ideal spot for a peaceful stroll, immersing yourself in nature, and enjoying the serene atmosphere. You’ll also find a beach where many locals come to swim during the summer and a kayak rental for those looking to explore the water. Open year-round, Långholmen is a popular retreat for Stockholmers seeking a break from the city’s hustle and bustle.
4. Go kayaking
Kayaking is a popular activity among many of the Stockholm locals, both as recreation and exercise. With its many waterways, the city offers plenty of opportunities for day rentals and scenic paddling. While kayaking can be enjoyed year-round, it’s especially popular during the warmer months (May–August). If you don’t fear the cold, winter kayaking is also a growing trend.
Some places where you can find kayaks to rent are:
- Långholmen Kajak (Södermalm district)
- Lek Mer (Kungsholmen district)
- Djurgårdsbron (Djurgården)
5. Enjoy the view at Skinnarviksberget
For one of the best views in Stockholm, head to Skinnarviksberget, the highest natural point in the city center. While nearby Monteliusvägen attracts many tourists, Skinnarviksberget has a more local and laid-back vibe. It’s a favorite spot for picnics and casual drinks, offering an authentic glimpse into Stockholm life.
At 53 meters (173 feet) above sea level, this lookout provides stunning views of Kungsholmen, Gamla Stan, and Stockholm City Hall. In the summer, locals gather on the smooth rock surfaces to relax, socialize, and soak in the panoramic cityscape. Once part of a working-class neighborhood, Skinnarviksberget’s rich history and status as a beloved local hangout is a unique alternative to more crowded viewpoints.
6. Take a jog
Jogging is a popular activity in Stockholm, especially as the weather warms up. Starting in mid to late spring, typically around April or May, you’ll notice more joggers out enjoying the longer and milder days.
Stockholmers are passionate about running and take full advantage of the city’s scenic paths that weave through lush greenery and urban landscapes.
To find inspiration for where to run, check out our walking guides. These routes work just as well for jogging as they do for walking:
7. Participate in a public race
The city hosts several exciting annual races that draw many locals as well as many participants from around the world. The Stockholm Marathon, held between May and June, is the city’s premier running event. It attracts thousands of runners and spectators, making it a highlight of the season.
In addition to the Stockholm Marathon, the city offers a variety of annual public races catering to different skill levels and interests. Popular events include, to name a few, the Stockholm Half Marathon (Halvmaran), Lidingöloppet, Midnattsloppet (a nightly run through central Stockholm, that livens up a summer night with both runners and spectators), Blodomloppet, Tjurruset (a challenging terrain run that will guarantee both mud and a burning sensation in your legs from the lactic acid build-up ), and Tjejmilen (a cross country run event exclusively for women).
8. Visit an outdoor gym (utegym)
Stockholm has several outdoor gyms that are popular and frequently used by locals. These gyms are free and accessible to everyone, offering a great way to enjoy fresh air while getting your heart rate up. An outdoor gym is an excellent alternative to running, if you want to get some fresh air while you workout, but prefer strength training over cardio. While these gyms are most popular during the summer, they are always open and many are used year-round.
Most outdoor gyms are equipped for bodyweight exercises (calisthenics) and include some basic, mechanical equipment for exercises like bench press, shoulder press, squats, lunges, and core training. Typically located in parks and green spaces, here are a few notable locations to check out (all links will open Google Maps):
9. Relax or go swimming at Tantolunden park
Tantolunden is a large park in the Södermalm district. On warm days, especially during the weekends, many locals will come here for picnics, sunbathing, or relaxing with a book. Here you’ll also find one of the city’s many outdoor gyms, an outdoor sauna, and you can also take a promenade along the water way towards Skanstull. During hot summer days the sandy beach and the adjacent grass field will be full of locals getting out for a swim and hangout by the water.
10. Visit the Stockholm Public Library
The Stockholm Public Library is a must-visit, even for short-term travelers. Designed by renowned architect Gunnar Asplund, this architectural masterpiece is famous for its striking circular rotunda, which spans three floors and houses a large part of the library’s roughly 400,000 books. With a soaring 24-meter-high ceiling, the rotunda offers a unique 360-degree view of its impressive book collection.
Located in the Vasastan district, the library is easily accessible via the metro (Rådmansgatan and Odenplan stations). Even if you’re not an avid reader, its extraordinary design and cultural significance make it a fascinating stop for anyone exploring Stockholm.
The library is also popular among locals. It offers free access to an extensive collection of resources and provides a welcoming community space for studying, working, and reading. During Stockholm’s harsh winters, it serves as a cozy inner-city refuge. While the library primarily serves residents of Stockholm, it does accommodate visitors, allowing them to access its extensive collection and resources.