In This Post:
25 Spectacular Stockholm Bucket List Things to Do
Stockholm is an enchanting city with so much to see and do. If you’re planning a visit, add these 25 things to your Stockholm bucket list!
If you’re lucky enough to visit Stockholm, you’re in for a real treat. There’s something for everyone in this charming city, from historic buildings and lush parks to trendy shops and vibrant nightlife.
Don’t miss out – add these items to your Stockholm bucket list and enjoy your trip!
What Is Stockholm Best Known For?
From Nobel Prize ceremonies to friendly locals, there are many things for which Stockholm is known.
It’s the capital city of Sweden and its largest population center, with around 2 million residents.
Additionally, Stockholm became an important stop on over-water trade routes during the 12th century due to its strategic location along a strait that connects Lake Mälaren to the Baltic Sea.
Stockholm is also best known for its picturesque waterfront, vibrant cultural life, beautiful architecture, and wealth of tourist attractions.
People love visiting Stockholm because it offers something for everyone: plenty to do indoors, beautiful nature and scenery, and energetic city life.
One of the most unique things about Stockholm is that it’s surrounded by water and is built on fourteen islands.
Fifty-seven bridges connect these islands over the Baltic Sea and Lake Mälaren.
What Should You Experience in Stockholm?
There are so many amazing experiences to add to your Stockholm bucket list
Stockholm is one of the most underrated cities in Europe, and you’ll be amazed by what you discover.
Stockholm is one of those cities where you should just get lost in the streets.
You’ll discover cute shops, amazing art galleries, museums, cozy cafes, stylish restaurants, outdoor markets, hip clubs, and more.
There’s never a dull moment in Stockholm.
How Many Days Should You Spend in Stockholm?
Two to three days is the perfect time to tackle this Stockholm bucket list. You’ll be able to see the city’s best attractions and sites within this time frame.
Of course, if your plans don’t allow for that much time, one day is better than none! Even if you have only one day, you’ll still be able to do plenty of sightseeing.
How to Get Around Stockholm
Public transportation is a great way to get around Stockholm
I recommend taking public transportation (buses, metros, and ferries). Stockholm’s public transportation system is quite efficient and impressive.
You can easily walk around the old city, but you’ll need transportation to get to other parts of the city since it’s spread out.
If you’re there when the weather is good, biking is another great option.
Alternatively, you can catch an Uber for your journey.
Best Places to Stay in Stockholm
Stockholm is a large and vibrant city, and it can be quite confusing to figure out which area to stay in, especially if it’s your first time visiting.
Here are some of the best neighborhoods to stay in Stockholm:
Gamla Stan (Old Town) – This neighborhood is the oldest area in Stockholm and is known for its charming streets, historic buildings, and vibrant atmosphere.
Östermalm – This upscale neighborhood is home to luxury hotels, designer boutiques, and high-end restaurants.
Södermalm – This trendy neighborhood is known for its hip cafes, lively nightlife, and stylish shops.
Kungsholmen – This district is located on an island in the center of Stockholm, and it’s laid-back. It has beautiful greenery, which makes it the perfect escape from the big city.
The Ultimate Stockholm Bucket List
As you can see, Stockholm has so many amazing things to offer! I’ve created the perfect Stockholm bucket list so that all you need to do is follow it.
With my help, your visit to the Swedish capital city will be easy and hassle-free, allowing you to focus on having a wonderful time. You’ll see why it’s one of the best cities to visit in Europe.
Wander Around Gamla Stan
Start your whirlwind tour of Stockholm at Gamla Stan. It can be translated as “old town” in Swedish, and it’s a fitting name for what is one of Sweden’s most historic sites.
Gamla Stan is the oldest part of Stockholm and is home to some of its most important attractions. You’ll feel like you’re wandering around a small town rather than a city.
The Old Town has been occupied since the 13th century and has played an integral role in Swedish culture and history.
It was here that King Gustav Vasa was elected king in 1523, and it’s where he introduced Lutheranism to Sweden in 1527.
Gamla Stan – one of the prettiest places on this Stockholm bucket list!
Best Things to Do in Gamla Stan
In the Old Town, you’ll find many old churches dating back hundreds of years ago, such as Riddarholmskyrkan (the Church on Riddarholmen Island). The Royal Palace stands out among the other buildings in Gamla Stan.
Attractions in the Old Town are not only confined to churches, though. The Stockholm Cathedral is also here, along with museums like Nobelmuseet (the Nobel Museum) and Historiska Museet (the Historical Museum).
Gamla Stan is also home to several galleries like the Royal Armory and Skokloster Slott (Castle). You’ll find old streets with restaurants, shops, and cafes to explore as you walk around this historical site.
Gamla Stan has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is visited by over 10 million people annually.
Learn About Swedish Culture and Traditions at the Nordic Museum
Located at Djurgården, the Nordic Museum has both permanent and temporary exhibits.
The permanent exhibit shows how the Nordic countries were formed from a cultural standpoint. In addition to that, you’ll find thousands of historical artifacts here.
There are also temporary exhibits to view contemporary Nordic art, textiles, jewelry, furniture, and more.
Get Your Groove on at the ABBA Museum
When “Mamma Mia!” was released in 2008, ABBA and its music gained a new generation of fans.
The ABBA Museum is situated at Djurgården and features more than 300 items that were used by the band!
You can see stage costumes, handwritten lyrics, instruments, awards, and much more.
Watch a Hockey Game at the Avicii Arena
Avicii Arena
The Avicii Arena, or Ericsson Globe as it’s more commonly known, is one of the city’s most popular venues for events and concerts.
It’s named after Avicii, the famous Swedish DJ who unfortunately passed away in 2018.
It’s home to Sweden’s national hockey team, and it’s Sweden’s largest hemispherical building, and Europe’s largest spherical building.
Admire the Architecture at City Hall
Stockholm City Hall
I know, I know. Visiting a city hall doesn’t sound like much fun. But, hear me out. The unique architecture at Stockholm’s City Hall will be enough to wow you.
Stockholm’s City Hall is constructed of eight million bricks and is a beautiful example of Art Nouveau and Nordic National Romantic Style architecture.
Completed in 1923, the Stockholm City Hall hosts the Nobel Banquet every year. It’s one of Sweden’s most popular tourist attractions and offers excellent views of Stockholm and its waterfront.
Learn About the Swedish Royals at the Royal Palace
You can’t complete your Stockholm bucket list without visiting the Royal Palace
The Royal Palace is the official residence of the Swedish Royal Family, but it’s also open to visitors.
If you arrive at the right time of day, you’ll be able to watch the Changing of the Guard.
You can also admire priceless works of art in one of three museums located within its walls.
This palace was constructed sometime during the 18th century and boasts over 600 bedrooms.
Get Your Adrenaline Pumping at Gröna Lund
One of Stockholm’s most popular amusement parks, Gröna Lund, is located on Djurgården Island.
This theme park has roller coasters, carnival games, food stalls, restaurants, audios in different languages, and cinema guides.
See Drottningholm Palace (Another Royal Destination)
Drottningholm Palace
Drottningholm Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a beautiful Baroque palace located on Lovön, an island in Lake Mälaren.
It was built for Queen Hedvig Eleonora in the late 16th century using French and Italian architects. Today, it serves as an additional residence for the Swedish royal family.
There are many opulent rooms within the palace, but the Palace Theatre is perhaps the most striking.
Be sure to walk around the park and visit the Chinese Pavilion.
Have Fun at the Night Clubs and Bars
You can’t visit Stockholm without checking out the nightlife. Stockholm has excellent nightlife! From sports pubs to swanky bars, there’s undoubtedly something for everyone.
Nightclubs and bars in Stockholm, Sweden come in all shapes and sizes, from exclusive lounge spaces to small hole-in-the-wall joints.
You can find pop culture places as well as underground music venues. Don’t be intimidated by all the choices – head out on the town and explore Stockholm nightlife!
Spend a Few Hours at the Vasa Museum
The mighty Vasa at the Vasa Museum – another must for your Stockholm bucket list
If you’re a history buff, Stockholm’s Vasa Museum is one of the best things to add to your Stockholm bucket list.
The museum holds the only well-preserved 17th-century warship left in the world. Sadly, the ship went down on its maiden voyage but was salvaged 333 years later!
It now rests at the site where it sank and is a reminder of the power of Sweden during the early modern period.
The Vasa is one of Sweden’s Seven Wonders and is one of the finest Scandinavian museums.
Stop by Skansen (The Oldest Open Air Museum in the World)!
Skansen
Located on Djurgården Island, Skansen is not only Stockholm’s first open-air museum but the world’s oldest as well!
Skansen open air museum showcases Scandinavian history and culture through costumed characters performing daily routines from yesteryear.
It opened in 1891 and now features around 150 buildings from different eras of Swedish history.
You can stroll along 75+ acres of scenic walking paths and visit a zoo to see over 30 species of animals.
Visit Stokyrkan
The Stokyrkan Church, Stockholm’s first church, was built in the early 14th century and is a prime example of Old Swedish architecture.
Currently the oldest building in the area around where modern-day Stockholm stands, it’s filled with historical treasures and interesting artifacts.
Hang Out at Norrmalm
Norrmalm
Stockholm’s Norrmalmstorg is called the “main square of the city,” and it’s a pedestrian-friendly, lively area.
You can find cafés, stores, and bars here. It’s a great area to shop, eat and people-watch!
Drottninggatan Street is dotted with stores. It’s fun to pop in and out of the stores and see the trending fashion of Nordic countries.
Experience Fika
Fika – Yum!
What’s Fika? It’s a Swedish tradition which means to have coffee and sweets. As a bonus, you can enjoy Fika in the company of friends!
Fika is also an excellent way for Swedes to slow down and relax. The ritual consists of having coffee, pastries, or cake with friends.
You can go to any café or bakery and order a good cup of coffee and a pastry to enjoy during your day!
See the Gilded Crown at Skeppsholmsbron Bridge
Gilded Crown
Skeppsholmsbron Bridge is home to the Gilded Crown sculpture. It’s a beautiful piece of art with stunning gold leaves.
The bridge itself is also worth checking out – it offers great views of the surrounding area!
Take a Boat Tour Around Djurgården Island
Since Stockholm is a port city, many people go around the city’s waterways via boat.
Experience Stockholm by water with one of the many canal tours or private boat rentals available.
You can marvel at the views of Djurgården Island and Vasa Museum and all of Stockholm’s history and its better-known attractions.
Take a Walk Around Kungsträdgården
Kungsträdgården
Kungsträdgården is an idyllic place to walk around with long stretches of grass and trees.
You can also enjoy live music performances at Kungsträdgården, one of the most popular places in Stockholm.
Kungsträdgården is even more beautiful during April because the cherry blossoms are in bloom.
Explore The Nobel Prize Museum
The Nobel Prize Museum also displays information about Alfred Nobel himself, including his writings, photographs, and other related objects.
You can learn more about the Nobel Prize and its history, including some biographies of notable Nobel laureates.
See the Skogskyrkogården Cemetery Sculptures
The Skogskyrkogården cemetery is home to more than 200 sculptures by famous artists like Carl Milles and Bror Marklund.
Take the time to admire the art on display here. These modern pieces are aesthetically beautiful!
This cemetery also has glass mosaics, an outdoor chapel, and a crematorium to complete the experience.
Peruse Through the Books at Stadsbiblioteket Library
The Stockholm Public Library, or Stadsbiblioteket in Swedish, is the largest public library in Sweden.
This beautiful building located on Sveavägen Street houses more than two million items – this includes literature, magazines, movies, and music.
The main lobby of the interior is impressive and has a grand chandelier and a high ceiling.
You’ll want to spend the whole day here!
Walk Through the Moderna Museet (Modern Art Museum)
Moderna Museet
Not only is Stockholm is filled with gorgeous historical architecture, but it also has modern buildings that are worth seeing.
The Modern Art Museum contains art pieces from the 16th century to present-day artists.
You can learn about Swedish abstract artist Hilma af Klint and her contemporaries like Carl and Karin Larsson.
Indulge in the Local Cuisine
Of course, trying local dishes made it on this Stockholm bucket list!
You haven’t experienced Stockholm if you haven’t tried a handful of local dishes.
The food in Stockholm is as diverse as its residents. You can find everything from traditional Swedish dishes to Asian and Middle Eastern cuisine. Some popular local dishes include:
- Swedish meatballs with lingonberry sauce
- Fried herring
- Köttbullar (meatballs) with mashed potatoes
- Jansson’s temptation (a potato dish with anchovies)
- Smörgåsbord (a variety of Swedish cold meats, fish, salads, and cheeses)
Stockholm also has an incredible craft beer scene. I recommend asking a local where they think the best beer is. Then, make a list and go bar hopping!
The best way to try several Swedish delicacies is by taking a food tour. This tour is four hours long and you’ll stop at seven different restaurants.
Taste and Explore Swedish Wines
If you’re all about sampling wines, then Stockholm is the perfect place. Unfortunately, climate change in Sweden has been known to produce superior grapes.
According to experts, Sweden could eventually produce wines that rival French, Spanish, and Italian wines.
Stockholm has so many wine bars. Grab a glass or bottle at one of these places:
- Brasserie Astoria
- Blanche & Hierta
- Dryck Vinbar
- Tyge & Sessil
Eat a Cinnamon Roll or Cardamom Bun for Breakfast
Another food item item on this Stockholm bucket list – cardamom buns!
Sweets for breakfast? Yes, please!
One of the staple pastries in Sweden is kanelbulle, which is a cinnamon roll. The best part about this? It’s topped with pearl sugar!
Kanelbulle is popular year-round but especially during Christmas.
In addition to kanelbulle, another delicious pastry you shouldn’t miss is the cardamom bun.
This delicacy has a sweet taste of cardamom and a savory yeast dough, making it irresistible.
Visit Fotografiska Museum and Get Inspired By Photography
As its name suggests, Fotografiska is a museum about photography, and it has a photography exhibit for every season.
The museum is housed in a beautiful 19th-century building, and it has an award-winning restaurant on the ground floor called Fotografiska Kök och Bar.
Here, you can sample modern interpretations of traditional Swedish dishes using seasonal ingredients with a twist.
After admiring these beautiful photos, you’ll be inspired to take your own photos.
Tours to Add to Your Stockholm Bucket List
Stockholm has a wide range of tours that will let you get to know the city and its history better.
Here are the best tours to take in Stockholm, Sweden:
Stockholm Bucket List Summary
As you can see, Stockholm is a city with a lot to offer tourists. From its beautiful historical architecture to its modern buildings and diverse cuisine, there is something for everyone in this city.
In a nutshell, the best things to see and do on this Stockholm bucket list are:
- Gamla Stan (Old Town)
- Avicii Arena
- City Hall
- The Royal Palace
- Drottningholm Palace
- Hit the nightclubs and bars
- Vasa Museum
- Skansen Open Air Museum
- Stokyrkan
- Norrmalm
- Experience Fika
- Skeppsholmsbron Bridge
- Djurgården Island
- ABBA Museum
- Kungsträdgården
- Nobel Prize Museum
- Gröna Lund
- Skogskyrkogården Cemetery
- Stadsbiblioteket
- Moderna Museet
- Try the local cuisine
- Sample local wines
- Eat a cinnamon roll/cardamom bun for breakfast
- Fotografiska Museum
- Nordic Museum
Final Thoughts About This Stockholm Bucket List
So there you have it – the ultimate Stockholm bucket list! I hope this gives you some great ideas and helps you plan your perfect trip to Sweden’s capital city.
I know for sure that you’ll never get bored while visiting this Scandinavian jewel.
What’s on your Stockholm bucket list? Let me know in the comments below!
Ultimate Stockholm Bucket List Related Posts
- 21 Underrated Cities in Europe That Are Worth a Visit
- 27 Best Cities to Visit in Europe (That You’ll Fall in Love With!)
- 16 Most Romantic Cities in Europe
Mega Stockholm Bucket List for Your Upcoming Trips to Sweden
Disha Smith is the founder of Disha Discovers. She quit her job in 2017 to travel the world to explore new cultures and experience new adventures. She has since been to 95+ countries and counting and has lived in South Africa, Thailand, Croatia, and Australia. She has done all kinds of travel ranging from luxury to budget backpacking, and her mission is to inspire others to discover their own sense of adventure and to help them plan a life full of meaningful experiences through travel.