Things to Do in Stockholm

Stockholm’s ABBA: The Museum is an interactive space for ABBA fans to learn about the legendary Swedish band’s history and trivia. Housing plenty of the band’s costumes, gold records, and memorabilia, the museum invites visitors to experience the feeling of being “the fifth member of ABBA.”

 

Fully dedicated to the biggest pop group ever to come out of Sweden, the ABBA Museum allows visitors to try on some of the band’s stage costumes, sing with them in the recording studio, interact with holograms, and even go on stage with the band. Interactive exhibits include Waterloo, where you’ll be transported back to 1974 Brighton; the Polar Studio, where you can get hands-on with the mixing board; and Benny’s Piano, the self-playing piano that has some special tricks in store for you. The original members of ABBA speak directly to you through the audio guide, sharing stories and memories from their careers. The audio guide was specially written for the museum by the screenwriter for Mamma Mia! 

 

Most hop-on hop-off bus or boat tours of Stockholm stop at the ABBA Museum, which allows unlimited time to explore the museum at your leisure.

 

To get to the ABBA Museum by public transit, take either tram nr 7 and stop at Liljevalchs/Gröna Lund or take bus nr 67 and stop at Liljevalchs/Gröna Lund. A ferry also runs to Djurgården; stop at Allmänna Gränd. Parking on Djurgården is limited, so driving is not recommended. 

 

The ABBA Museum is open daily, with later hours in the summer when travelers flock to Stockholm to explore during the longer daylight hours.

 

The island of Djurgården is also home to several other popular attractions, such as the maritime Vasa Museum, Skansen (open-air museum and zoo), Gröna Lund theme park, and Junibacken children’s park. Just a short hop from the city center and Old Town (Gamla Stan), you could easily spend an entire day exploring the island.

Sprawled across the Stockholm archipelago, the Swedish capital of Stockholm is a popular port of call for north European cruises. It’s also the starting point for many Baltic cruises, with easy links to Helsinki in Finland, St. Petersburg in Russia, and Baltic countries such as Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia. 

With so much to see and do in Stockholm, most cruise visitors opt to spend their time discovering the city. On a Stockholm city tour, canal cruise, or hop-on hop-off bus tour, check off Stockholm highlights such as the Royal Palace, the Vasa Museum, City Hall, and the Nobel Museum. Or get to know the atmospheric old town of Gamla Stan on a walking tour. Another popular shore excursion is a Viking history tour, including the nearby towns of Sigtuna and Uppsala, and the archeological site of Täby. 

While some smaller ships dock right in the heart of Gamla Stan, most cruise ships dock at Stadsgården on the island of Södermalm, a 30-minute walk away and located on the hop-on hop-off boat and bus routes. Alternatively, some ships arrive at Frihamnen and Värtahamnen, just north of downtown Stockholm, from where it’s a 30-minute bus ride into the city. Bigger cruise ships sometimes dock at Nynäshamn, 36 miles (58 kilometers) south of Stockholm, or around one hour by train.

The currency used in Stockholm and all of Sweden is the Swedish krona (SEK), but some larger hotels and tourist attractions accept euros and US dollars. Swedish is the official language here, but English is also widely spoken. There are many ATMs and currency exchange offices in Gamla Stan.

With its tangle of cobblestone streets, brightly painted buildings, and bustling squares, Gamla Stan is one of Stockholm’s most photogenic districts. The historic center also boats the city’s oldest quarter, dating back to 1252, and home to some remarkably preserved medieval monuments.

The many historic landmarks of Gamla Stan are easily explored on foot, starting with the Royal Palace, Storkyrkan (Stockholm Cathedral), and the Riksdagshuset (Swedish parliament building). Other highlights include the central square of Stortorget, the main streets of Vasterlanggatan and Osterlanggatan, the Nobel Museum at Borshuset, and Riddarholmen Church.

Stockholm sightseeing tours and hop-on hop-off bus or boat tours typically stop at Gamla Stan, but the best way to explore the Old Town is by foot. Opt for a guided walking tour or biking tour; discover Stockholm’s dark history on an after-hours ghost tour; or maximize your chances of capturing the perfect snapshots on a photography tour.  

Gamla Stan comprises the main island of Stadsholmen and the smaller islands of Riddarholmen, Helgeandsholmen, and Stromsborg. The pedestrianized district can be reached on foot from Norrmalm or by taking the Tunnelbana (subway) to Gamla Stan station.

Gamla Stan is atmospheric both by day and night, but many visitors opt to time their sightseeing for midday, to coincide with the changing of the guards at Stockholm Royal Palace. The district is at its busiest during the peak summer season, but it’s also a popular destination during the holidays, when it hosts one of Stockholm’s most popular Christmas markets.

Stockholm City Hall (Stadshuset) looms over the Kungsholmen waterfront and is one of the capital’s most impressive landmarks, with a redbrick façade and 328-foot (100-meter) tower topped with the Three Crowns of Sweden. Dating back to 1923, the hall contains elaborate ceremonial chambers which are open to visitors via guided tours. 

Stockholm City Hall is the masterpiece of architect Ragnar Ostberg and a celebrated example of Swedish National Romanticism. It now houses the city council and municipal council offices, as well as grand ceremonial halls such as the famous Blue Hall, venue of the annual Nobel Prize ceremony and banquet. The Council Chamber is designed to mimic a Viking longship and is decked out with Carl Malmsten furnishings and unique art pieces, while the Golden Hall features elaborate wall mosaics that shimmer with more than 18 million pieces of gold leaf and colored glass.

Whether you want to explore by bus, bike, or segway, most Stockholm city tours include a visit to City Hall along with Old Town (Gamla Stan), the Royal Palace, and other top attractions. It’s also possible to visit on a hop-on, hop-off bus or boat tour to explore City Hall on your own schedule.  

City Hall is located on Stockholm's central island of Kungsholmen, just across Riddarholmen and Sodermalm. Buses 3 and 50 stop right in front of City Hall; look for the Stadshuset stop. The closest metro station is Radhuset (the blue line). It takes about eight minutes to walk to City Hall from Central Station and five minutes to walk from the Radhuset stop. 

Tickets for City Hall tours are available year-round. Official tours are limited on Saturday afternoons, as it is a popular day for local weddings and the Oval Room is typically off-limits. Visit early in the day to secure tickets to the City Hall Tower. 

The City Hall Tower is open May through September, and tickets can only be purchased on the day of your visit. To get to the tower, take the elevator to the halfway point at the Tower Museum and then climb a set of steep stairs to the top. Viewing times are strictly regulated, and tickets for the tower often sell out on sunny days.

The private residence of Sweden’s royal family, Drottningholm Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the country’s best-preserved 17th-century castles. Over the years successive royal residents have renovated the palace, which is inspired by French and Dutch styles and features lush rococo interiors and multiple baroque gardens.

Today you can explore much of Drottningholm’s interior and stroll through its extensive gardens, including the French formal garden and English Park. It’s also possible to explore the Court Theatre, the Castle Church, and the ornate Chinese Pavilion. The royal family resides in the southern wing of palace, but the rest of the complex is open to the public for tours and independent exploration.

Some Stockholm city tours include a visit to Drottningholm Palace, and options are available for both private and group tours. It’s also possible to visit the palace on a boat trip from Stockholm, or visit independently with a Stockholm Pass. 

Drottningholm Palace is located roughly seven miles (11 kilometers) west of Stockholm via Route 275. Travelers can also take the subway (T-bana) to Brommaplan, then change to the bus for Drottningholm. Bus and boat tours from Stockholm are a convenient option and allow you to avoid the hassle of navigation and parking. 

Palace hours vary by season, but the grounds tend to be most crowded in summer when Sweden’s weather is typically sunny and warm. During this season, arrive early or visit on a weekday to avoid crowds. 

Families with kids can enjoy child-focused events held at the royal palace throughout the year. Children aged seven and under get free admission to the palace and can partake in activities such as a scavenger hunt for specific animals and plants featured in the palace’s interior rococo decorations.

Stockholm’s Parliament House is the seat of parliament in Sweden, better known as the Riksdag. Built between 1897 and 1905, the building was designed in a neoclassical style, with a Baroque Revival style façade. Today, it consists of two wings. The east wing is the original House of Parliament, while the west wing used to be the head office of the national bank. Occupying nearly half of the island of Helgeandsholmen in Stockholm’s Old Town, Parliament House also houses the Riksdag Library, which holds a variety of parliamentary documents and international legislation and is open to the public.

Visitors to Parliament House are welcome to observe everything that takes place in the parliamentary chamber, whether it is listening to debates and votes or attending public hearings or seminars. The public gallery to the Chamber holds 500 visitors, while the public gallery of the former first chamber holds 150 visitors and the gallery of the former second chamber holds 200 visitors. The latter two chambers are open for public hearings. Tours of the building are also available.

The Stockholm Archipelago is a trove of natural wonders, with miles of glittering ocean dotted with thousands of islands, rocky coves, and sandy beaches. Extending roughly 37 miles (60 kilometers) east of Stockholm, the vast archipelago offers ample opportunities for scenic cruises, day tours, and multi-day island-hopping tours. 

The archipelago’s main towns—Nynashamn, Gustavsberg, and Vaxholm—can all be explored on a day trip from Stockholm. Guided boat cruises and passenger ferries run between the mainland and the islands, providing easy access. Treat yourself to spectacular views and soar overhead on a helicopter tour, set sail on a sunset sightseeing cruise, or glide around the beaches and bays on a kayaking excursion.

While coastal towns like Vaxholm, Norrtälje, Nynäshamn, and Gustavsberg can be reached by bus or train, the most popular way to explore the archipelago is by boat. Ferries, guided cruises, and water taxis run year-round (weather permitting) from central Stockholm. You can reach the closest islands in about an hour, and the outer islands in several hours.

It’s possible to visit most islands year-round, but boat services may be limited during winter and can be canceled when the weather gets rough. April through September is the most popular time for island-hopping cruises, when the longer days and warmer weather are ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Head to Varmdo island for scenic coastal walks and forest hikes, discover the Viking history of Vaxholm on Bodesun Island, get hands-on experience at Gustavsberg’s porcelain museum, or explore the abandoned silver mine on Uto Island.

The Nordic Museum (Nordiska Museet) is an institution dedicated to Swedish cultural heritage, ethnography, and folk art. Situated on the island of Djurgården in Stockholm, the museum’s collection includes textiles, clothes, dollhouses, and other objects spanning a 500-year period that illustrate Swedish life, culture, and traditions.

 

Swedish teacher and folklore expert Artur Hazelius founded the Nordic Museum in the late 19th century. The vast collection gives a comprehensive survey of Sweden’s cultural history from the 16th century onwards. The massive building, the design of Isak Gustaf Clason, was originally intended to be a national monument housing the nation’s material inheritance. The grand main hall is dominated by an enormous sculpture of King Gustav Vasa, the founder of Sweden. 

 

The Nordic Museum is a stop on many Stockholm city tours, and is often combined with other attractions in Djurgården and the surrounding area. A Stockholm red bus hop-on hop-off ticket or a boat tour frequently includes the Nordic Museum along with other Stockholm sights such as Old Town, the Royal Palace, Gröna Lund Tivoli, the open-air museum and zoo Skansen, the maritime Vasa Museum, and more.

 

 

You can reach the Nordic Museum by buses 67, 69 and 76. If arriving by Tunnelbana, get off at the Karlaplan stop. Ferry service is to Allmänna Gränd from Slussen, and in the summer there is a ferry stop at Nybroplan.

 

The museum is open daily 10am to 5pm Thursday to Tuesday and until 6pm on Wednesday. In summer, when most travelers visit Stockholm, it is open from 9am to 8pm. If visiting Stockholm in the winter, a day at the Nordic Museum could provide a welcome respite from the bitter Scandinavian weather. Summertime takes most area residents out of doors, and a visit to the museum could easily be combined with other Djurgården sights in walking distance.

 

The Nordic Museum has a rotating roster of special exhibitions on different time periods in Scandinavian life. Check the museum’s calendar for dates of exhibitions focusing on Sweden in the 1950s, Swedish holiday traditions, Sami (Sweden’s native population) life, and other special topics.

One of the largest and least touristic of Stockholm’s many islands, Kungsholmen is a popular retreat for locals during the summer months, when its scenic walkways and waterfront restaurants offer a tranquil alternative to the lively shopping and nightlife districts of Södermalm or Gamla Stan.

 

The star attraction of Kungsholmen is the grand Stockholm City Hall, which famously hosts the annual Nobel Prize ceremony, and visitors can not only tour the legendary building, but take in the views from its 100-meter tall bell tower. Other highlights include the scenic waterfront promenade of Norr Mälarstand, which stretches all the way to Rålambshovs Park, the central Scheelegatan, crammed with bars and restaurants, and the harbor by City Hall, from where boat cruises head out to explore the islands of the Stockholm archipelago.

One of the largest of the Stockholm Archipelago’s 24,000 islets and skerries, Skeppsholmen is close to the channel leading out into the Baltic Sea and historically had great tactical significance to Sweden’s capital city. However, although its 18th-century Bergrummet complex originally played a military role, now it has been transformed into museums and cultural emporiums including the Museum of Modern Art (Moderna Museet), the East-Asian Museum (Ostasiatiska Museet) and the avant-garde Theatre Galeasen. Other sights on this peaceful backwater island include a 19th-century fortress; the elegant Neoclassical church of Skeppsholmskyrkan, which is now a concert venue; an historic shipyard where wooden boats are still made; and open-air installations of unique sculpture by Niki de Saint Phalle and her partner Jean Tinguely.

Accessible from mainland Stockholm by road bridge, Skeppsholmen is also connected to the neighboring islets of Blasieholmen and Kastellholmen by foot bridges. The island’s leisure facilities include restaurants and an upmarket hotel as well as a floating youth hostel on the yacht Chapman. The week-long Stockholm Jazz Festival also takes place on the island every July. These days Skeppsholmen is on the itinerary for Segway tours of Stockholm as well as hop-on, hop-off boat tours of the city.

With a stream of new bars, restaurants and nightclubs springing up along the waterfront, the island of Södermalm, or ‘Söder’ as it’s known to locals, is quickly earning a reputation as one of Stockholm’s hippest districts, popular among the city’s younger residents. Entering Södermalm from Gamla Stan, the lively areas of Slussen and nearby Medborgarplatsen are the center of island life, interlinked by the principal shopping boulevard of Götgatan, and further south the affectionately nicknamed ‘SoFo’ district is know for its fashion boutiques, vintage stores and atmospheric cafés.  

Although home to a cluster of museums, including the Stockholm City Museum, Södermalm has comparatively few tourist attractions and the scenic island is best known for its cliff-top lookouts and seafront promenades which offer dramatic views over the neighboring islands. Additional areas of interest include the charming coastal area of Fjällgatan, dotted with 16th-century wooden buildings, the 17th-century Katarina Kyrka church and the beaches of Tantolunden.

The island of Djurgården is one of the Stockholm archipelago’s most visited islands, dominated by scenic parklands and former royal hunting grounds stretching along the picturesque Djurgården Canal. A haven for walkers, cyclists, and picnickers, Djurgården is also home to some of Stockholm’s top museums and cultural attractions.

 

One of the highlights of Djurgården is Skansen, an open-air museum and zoo devoted to preserving Sweden’s native wildlife and traditional craftsmanship, with over 150 reconstructed 19th-century buildings displaying everything from baking to glass-blowing. Another popular draw is the neighboring Vasa Museum—an impressive naval museum that houses the world’s only intact 17th-century warship, Vasa, which famously sank on her maiden voyage. Additional highlights include Gröna Lund Tivoli (Sweden’s oldest amusement park), the Nordic Museum (Nordiska Museet), and the Rosendal Palace, all supported by a variety of atmospheric waterfront cafés and restaurants.

 

Djurgården is a stop on most Stockholm city sightseeing tours, boat tours, and bus or bike tours. The Royal Canal Tour focuses on the city’s bridges and canals that connect the different islands in the Stockholm archipelago, including Djurgården. 

 

 

Djurgården is best accessed by ferry, subway, or bus. Parking is not widely available, so driving is not recommended. The Tunnelbana from central Stockholm stops in Karlaplan, on the island.

 

Djurgården certainly comes alive in the summer, when the greenery is in full force and the locals are soaking up the sun. Skansen and Gröna Lund, two of the island’s top attractions, are most active during this time, with longer hours and lots of special events. But Djurgården’s array of museums stay open year-round, offering lots of activities and a respite from the bitter Scandinavian winter. 

 

Originally named Kungliga Djurgården, or the Royal Game Park, the island was a game park and hunting ground for King John III in the 16th century. Over the years it has seen different additions and iterations, such as yacht harbors, a naval shipyard, and the 1897 World’s Fair site. Today Djurgården is one of Stockholm’s most popular leisure destinations, hosting 10 million visitors per year.

As the opulent home of the Royal Swedish Opera and the Royal Swedish Ballet, the Royal Swedish Opera House (or Stockholm Opera House) has come a long way since its former incarnation as a tennis court. It was Swedish King Gustav III who founded the opera house in 1782, but just 10 years later the King was assassinated at a masquerade ball on-site, forcing the closure of the venue. 

Fortunately, the historic Opera House was restored and reopened, with the present day building designed by architect Axel Anderberg in the late 19th century. Boasting a dramatic waterfront location opposite the Royal Palace (Kungliga Slottet), the striking neoclassical façade and spectacular Golden Foyer, make this one of Stockholm’s most celebrated designs, decorated with gold Carl Larsson stuccos, Vicke Andrén ceiling paintings, gigantic crystal chandeliers and a grandiose marble staircase.

The Stockholm Concert Hall opened in 1926 to house the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra. Built in the neoclassical style of the 1920s, the blue building is reminiscent of a classical Greek temple and is considered a Swedish architectural masterpiece. The interior of the building is softly lit, transitioning from dark to light, and features grand staircases lit by impressive crystal chandeliers. The walls and ceilings of the minor hall known as Grunewald Hall were painted by Isaac Grunewald. The main hall’s interior was reconstructed in the 1980s, adding a new organ, which is now used for organ recitals at lunch on Thursdays. Standing outside of the concert hall is a statue of Orpheus by Swedish artist Carl Milles. In addition to more than 200 orchestra concerts held annually at the Concert Hall, it hosts the annual Nobel Prize Award Ceremony, as well as two annual festivals: the Stockholm International Composer Festival in the fall and Composer Weekend in the spring.

Located on Djurgården island in Stockholm, Gröna Lund Tivoli is Sweden’s oldest amusement park. Most of its structures are old commercial and residential buildings dating from the 19th century, giving it a uniquely historic look and feel. From roller coasters to rock concerts, Gröna Lund entertains visitors of all ages.

 

Gröna Lund’s attractions, although compact in size, are varied—the theme park includes roller coasters, a haunted house, a fun house (Lustiga Huset), a Tunnel of Love, a spooky train ride (Blå Tåget), and nearly a dozen children’s rides. Gröna Lund also plays hosts to various events, including popular summer concerts. Bob Marley set the capacity record in 1980 when he attracted 32,000 people to the venue. Other notable performers have included Kiss, Damian Marley, Ella Fitzgerald, Paul McCartney, Jimi Hendrix, and Lady Gaga. The park has three different entertainment venues: Dansbanan (Lilla Scenen), Gröna Lundsteatern, and Stora Scenen.

 

Gröna Lund is a stop on many bus and boat tours from Stockholm, including some hop-on hop-off sightseeing tours that allow you to spend as much time as you like at the theme park before moving on. Gröna Lund’s admission is also included as part of the popular Stockholm Pass.

 

 

You can access Gröna Lund by boat from the central Stockholm islands Slussen, Nybroplan, and Skeppsholmen. Take tram #7, bus #44, or the ferry.

 

Gröna Lund is open May through September with varying hours; check the park’s website for hours and concert schedules. 

Originally a city park, Gröna Lund was rented out by Jacob Schultheiss to install carousels and other amusement rides in 1883. The park was operated by Schultheiss' descendants until 2001. The park’s longest-operating ride is the Blue Train (Blå Tåget), running the tracks since 1935.

How to Get to Nynashamn
Travelers issuing from Stockholm can access Nynashamn via the Pendeltåg, a commuter rail line, as well several bus lines. Many area residents make the approximately hour-long trip by car via Route 73.

One Day in Nynashamn 
Many travelers on cruise ships bound for points beyond are loath to discover that they are in fact stopping in what amounts to a relatively small (with a population of a little more than 10,000), industrial town with little to offer in the way of entertainment. However, the surrounding natural landscape offers many opportunities for picturesque views and recreation. One of the most popular is the island of Gotland, which is accessible via a short ferry ride from Nynashamn. The island is home to more than 90 medieval churches, beautiful rock formations, and the UNESCO-listed town of Visby.

The history of the world’s most distinguished awards ceremony is the subject of Stockholm’s ever-evolving Nobel Museum, with fascinating exhibitions chartering some of history’s biggest milestones.  Located in the Old Town of Gamla Stan, the museum opened in 2001 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the prestigious Nobel Prize, which has been awarded to pioneers in the fields of physics, chemistry, medicine, literature and peace since 1901.

Visitors can’t help but be inspired by the exhibitions on award recipients and Stockholm-born inventor Alfred Nobel, whose unique vision led to the foundation of the prize, along with multi-media presentations of the Nobel Laureates’ achievements. Gain a deeper insight into famous honorees like Winston Churchill, Nelson Mandela, Marie Curie, Niels Bohr and Henri Dunant, then go behind-the-scenes during the candidate selection process and the annual Nobel Banquet held across the water in the Stockholm City Hall each December 10th (the anniversary of Alfred Nobel's death). Finally, pay a visit to the on-site cafe and be sure to check the underneath of your chair - Nobel Laureates visiting the museum are asked to sign the bottom of their chairs before leaving, so you might find you’re sat in the seat of one of the greats.

One of the oldest buildings in Stockholm, Riddarholm Church is the traditional burial church for Swedish royalty. Originally built as a monastery, parts of the church date back to the late 13th century. It was transformed into a Protestant church after the Reformation and the congregation was eventually dissolved at the start of the 19th century. Today, it is used only for burial and commemorative purposes. Nearly every Swedish ruler from Gustavus Adolphus (1632) to Gustav V (1950) has been buried in the Riddarholm Church, as well as Magnus III (1290) and Charles VIII (1470).

The interior of the church features dozens of coats of arms of the knights of the Order of Seraphim, a tradition that dates back to the middle of the 18th century. When a knight dies, his coat of arms is hung inside the church.

Skansen is the world’s oldest open-air museum and zoo. Located in Stockholm, the museum was founded in the late 19th century by Artur Hazelius, originally as a branch of the Nordic Museum (Nordiska Museet). Today it illustrates the different ways of life prevalent in old-time, pre-industrialized Sweden.

Hazelius originally built Skansen from 150 reconstructed historical buildings. Since then the museum has expanded dramatically, featuring houses and workshops where you can experience the making of traditional Swedish crafts such as butter-churning, weaving, shoemaking, and glassblowing. There is also a children’s zoo containing a wide range of Nordic animals such as bison, brown bears, moose, reindeer, and wolverines. 

The museum is one of Stockholm’s top cultural attractions, and many city tours include a visit to Skansen. A Stockholm Pass provides free entrance to the museum, and cruise ship passengers can visit on a shore excursion from Nynashamn port. Hop-on, hop-off bus tours are also a good option for travelers who want to see the museum at their own pace. 

Skansen is located on the island of Djurgården outside the city center, and is accessible by public transportation. While parking for private vehicles is not available, guided tours typically provide round-trip transportation. 

Skansen is open year-round, but hours vary seasonally. In the winter, the site’s central Bollnäs square is home to a popular Christmas market. Spring brings the Walpurgis bonfire and egg decorating, and in the summer Skansen plays host to folk dancing and concerts. Autumn features the celebration of harvest time and linen-making demonstrations.

Many of Skansen’s activities are specifically catered to children. There is a popular children’s zoo, where guests can ride ponies and even help out with farm tasks during the summer. Kids can also play with old-fashioned Swedish toys, go on fair rides, navigate a classic car track, or participate in summertime sing-alongs.