.webp)
.webp)
Often referred to as the “Capital of Scandinavia,” Stockholm is the region’s largest city, a place where 14 islands stitch together a landscape of shimmering waterways and lively neighborhoods. Despite its size, nature is never out of reach, from kayaking and swimming in the summer to skiing and other winter activities in the colder months.
At the heart of it all sits Gamla Stan, the storybook old town and one of the world’s best-preserved medieval quarters. Its narrow cobblestone alleys, saffron-colored facades, cozy cafes, and boutique shops make it endlessly inviting, especially if you’re squeezing Stockholm into a single day.
If you want to hit the highlights, this guide walks you through the best things to do in Stockholm, the perfect way to experience Sweden’s capital city in just 24 hours.
.jpg)
Planning a Last Minute Trip to Stockholm?
Booking hotels in Stockholm: Booking.com is our go-to platform to search for amazing hotels. Here are the top hotels in Stockholm.
Booking tours in Stockholm: Viator and GetYourGuide offer great tours that make exploring easy, from guided walks to boat tours. Here are the top experiences you can book today.
- Old Town Walking Tour (Highly Rated)
- City Archipelago Sightseeing Cruise (Best Seller)
- Swedish Food Guided Walking Tour (Most Popular)
Discover Stockholm stress-free with the Go City Pass – unlimited access to top attractions in one day!
.webp)
Stockholm Itinerary at a Glance
To truly get a feel for Stockholm, 2 to 3 full days is ideal, giving you time to explore its islands, museums and neighborhoods at a relaxed pace. But if your schedule or budget is tight, don’t worry: a well-planned day can still make your visit to the Swedish capital a memorable one. The city is large and undeniably pricey, so a single day won't cover everything, but it will give you a small taste of what it has to offer.
To help you make the most of your trip, our 1-day Stockholm itinerary focuses on the city’s top highlights. You’ll wander the cobbled streets of Gamla Stan, admire its colorful medieval architecture, dip into museums and galleries, and pause for a fika (a Swedish coffee-break) in one of the city’s trendy cafes. The day wraps up with dinner at a world-class restaurant.
Map of Stockholm
How to Spend a Day in Stockholm
Start your day with a Fika
Begin your morning with coffee and a warm kanelbullar (Swedish cinnamon bun) at Fabrique, or head to the nearby Kladdkakan Cafe for grilled sandwiches and pancakes. Both are conveniently located in the southern part of Gamla Stan and make a delicious start to your day.
Ready to explore Stockholm? Stay connected with Airalo’s affordable eSIMs and avoid roaming charges—get yours today!
A Morning in Gamla Stan
Start your walk along Vasterlanggatan, Gamla Stan’s main pedestrian street, lined with shops, restaurants, and cozy cafes. At the intersection of Tyska Brinken and Vasterlanggatan, pause at the viewpoint framing the historic buildings of Sodermalm, Stockholm’s southern district, through a narrow alleyway.
Just one street over is Prastgatan, or Priest Street, named after the many priests who lived here during the 16th and 17th centuries. Keep an eye out for the Viking runestone set into one of the walls, a carved stone with ancient runic inscriptions believed to date back to the 11th century.
Continue to Branda Tomten, a small triangular square that feels like a quiet oasis amid the Old Town. Relax on a bench under the chestnut tree or grab a coffee at Under Kastanjen Cafe.
Looking for the best places to stay in Stockholm? Explore all hotels and hostels here.
.webp)
Nearby are two of Stockholm’s most famous sculptures: the dramatic St. George and the Dragon statue, and Jarnpojke, the tiny bronze “Boy Looking at the Moon.”
From here, make your way to Stortorget, Gamla Stan’s main square, and the perfect spot for a fika break. Chokladkoppen has a lovely terrace overlooking the colorful facades that frame the square.
On the north side of Stortorget stands the Nobel Prize Museum, housed in a grand 18th-century building that once served as the Stock Exchange (Borshuset). Inside, exhibits showcase the legacy of Alfred Nobel, the laureates, and the world-changing ideas honored by the prize.
Book Your Nobel Prize Museum Entry Today!
.webp)
A short walk away is Storkyrkan, Stockholm’s Medieval Cathedral, founded in 1279. Step inside to see the original 1489 St. George and the Dragon sculpture and Vadersoltavlan (1535), the oldest known painting of Stockholm. For one of the best exterior views of the cathedral’s tower, head to Stora Gramunkegrand.
End your morning at the Kungliga Slottet, the Royal Palace, one of Europe’s largest royal residences. Inside, its ornate halls and crown jewels impress at every turn. Don’t miss the traditional Changing of the Guard in the outer courtyard, starting at 12:15 pm on weekdays and 1:15 pm on Sundays.
Book Your Private Royal Palace Guide Today!
Tip: If you visit between May and August, the ceremonial march winds through central Stockholm with a full military band before ending in the palace courtyard.
.webp)
Swedish Home Cooking
For comforting Swedish home cooking, try Restaurant Tradition, a local favorite famous for its classic meatballs and cozy atmosphere. If you prefer something more casual, Barrels serves some of the city’s best burgers, while Hermitage offers a great selection of vegan and vegetarian dishes just around the corner.
.webp)
Afternoon at the Waterfront
Head to the waterfront of Kungsholmen to visit the Stockholm City Hall, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Its grand ceremonial halls are open through guided tours, and it also serves as a government building and the venue for the annual Nobel Prize banquet.
Note: Visits are only possible via daily guided tours in Swedish and English, each lasting around 45 minutes. Tickets can sell out quickly, especially in summer, so it’s best to book in advance.
For panoramic views over the city, climb the 365 steps to the top of the City Hall’s tower (open May to September).
Pause for a coffee at Cafe Eldkvarn, with its terrace overlooking Riddarfjarden bay, or try Volca Coffee Roaster for their acclaimed Argentinian pastries.
.webp)
Art lovers may want to stop by the National Museum—one of Europe’s oldest fine art institutions—before heading to Monteliusvagen for sunset. This scenic 500-meter path offers some of the most spectacular views of Stockholm.
.webp)
Bao Buns or Tradional Swedish Cuisine
For a relaxed evening bite, Barobao serves excellent bao buns with fillings ranging from tender pork to vegetarian options.
For a more classic experience, head back into Gamla Stan and choose between Ristorante Paganini, serving comforting Italian dishes since 1995, or Den Gyldene Freden, Stockholm’s oldest restaurant, offering traditional Swedish cuisine since 1722.
.webp)
Culture and Evening Drinks
If you’re in the mood for more culture, Fotografiska displays world-class contemporary photography exhibitions. End your night with a drink at its top-floor bar overlooking the waterfront, or visit the nearby Brannerian for cocktails crafted with gin from their own distillery.
Book Your Fotografiska Ticket Now!
Alternatively, spend the evening wandering the cobblestone streets of Gamla Stan. Whiskey lovers can settle in at Ardbeg Embassy, home to over 500 single malts, while cocktail fans will enjoy the creative cocktails at Pharmarium.
.webp)
More Things to Do in Stockholm
Stockholm Metro Art
Explore Stockholm’s metro system—often called the world’s longest art gallery— with more than 90 artist-designed stations spread across roughly 110km. Here are some of the most impressive stations we’ve visited along the Blue Line:
1. T-Centralen
Location: 111 20 Stockholm, Sweden
Artist: Per Olof Ultvedt, 1975
The station’s whitewashed ceilings and blue-painted vines, flowers, and worker silhouettes pay tribute to those who helped build the metro.
.webp)
2. Solna Centrum
Location: 171 45 Solna, Sweden
Artists: Anders Aberg & Karl-Olov Bjork, 1975
Carved like a glowing red cave, the station features wall illustrations and peephole displays depicting political and environmental issues from 1970s Sweden.
.webp)
3. Kungstradgarden
Location: 111 47 Stockholm, Sweden
Artist: Ulrik Samuelson, 1977
Also known as King’s Garden, this is the deepest metro station in Stockholm, sitting about 40 meters underground. Expect exposed bedrock, green-sprayed concrete, mosaic floors, cast sculptures from the former Makalos Palace, and a dramatic harlequin-painted ceiling.
.webp)
4. Radhuset
Location: 112 31 Stockholm, Sweden
Artist: Sigvard Olsson, 1975
Radhuset resembles a sandstone grotto, decorated with imaginative “architectural finds” inspired by Kungsholmen’s layered history, the district where the station is located. Look for the baskets carved deep into the walls, which were once used at local markets in the 1700s and 1800s.
Get Heymondo travel insurance and explore Stockholm confidently—sign up today!
.webp)
Vasa Museum and Vrak Museum of Wrecks
Visit the world’s only preserved 17th-century warship at the Vasa Museum on Djurgarden island, where the vessel has been remarkably restored after sinking in 1628. Just 400m away, the Vrak Museum of Wrecks showcases well-preserved wooden wrecks discovered in the Baltic Sea.
Get Combo Entry to Vasa and Vrak Museums!
Day Trips from Stockholm
How to Get to Stockholm
Plane: Arlanda Airport (ARN), about 40km north of the Old Town, is Stockholm’s main airport and the most convenient way to reach the city.
From the airport, you can reach the city center via the high-speed Arlanda Express or the Flygbussarna airport coaches.
Reserve your train or bus from the airport!
.webp)
Train: Direct trains connect Stockholm to nearby capitals like Oslo and Copenhagen, offering a comfortable and scenic journey into the city.
.webp)
Car: Driving to Stockholm is straightforward thanks to excellent highways, but parking can be challenging and congestion taxes apply.
Get the best car rental deals here!
Where to Stay
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Stockholm is June to August, when warm weather and long daylight hours are perfect for walking around Gamla Stan and enjoying outdoor activities. This is the peak summer season, so expect higher prices and larger crowds.
If you travel in winter (November to March), be prepared for cold days, with average lows around-3°C. December has its charm though, with festive Christmas markets lighting up the city.
For fewer tourists and pleasant weather, consider the shoulder seasons—September to October and April to May—when hotel rates are often better and the city feels more relaxed.
.webp)
Go City: Stockholm All-inclusive Pass
See Stockholm hassle-free with the Go City all-inclusive pass! Enjoy unlimited attractions in a single day, skip multiple ticket lines, and explore the city entirely at your own pace.
.webp)
And that’s how you spend your day exploring the very best of Stockholm!
If you’re looking to swap the city buzz for dramatic nature, consider continuing your journey to Norway. From serene lakes and fjords to world-class hiking trails, it’s the perfect escape and one of Europe’s most breathtaking destinations.
Let us know if you have any questions in the meantime.
Some links in this Stockholm Travel Guide may be affiliate links.
This means that if you make a purchase after clicking on one of our links, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please know that by doing so, you are supporting Colorful Journeys in continuing to provide free high quality content to help you in your travels!
.webp)
.jpg)
.webp)
