Stockholm is the capital of Sweden. It stretches across 14 islands, connected by over 50 bridges – water is everywhere you look. It is clean, stylish, and full of life. The city was founded in the 13th century. It started as a small fortress and grew into a major center for trade. Over time, it became a royal city, rich in history and culture. Today, Stockholm blends old charm with modern design.

Everywhere you go, there’s something to explore. Medieval streets lead to sleek museums while Royal palaces sit beside trendy cafés. It’s a place where history and progress live side by side. Although the city is large, it feels compact, calm and welcoming. People speak English well, and most signs are easy to follow, making it perfect for first-time visitors.
Whether you’re seeking music, food, or museums, Stockholm has something for you. Our trip was full of surprises – and beautiful views at every turn.

Getting to Stockholm & When to Visit
We flew to Stockholm from Norway, after spending time in Oslo. The direct flight was short and smooth which took about an hour. Stockholm is well connected to many major cities across Europe. Whether you’re flying from London, Paris, Berlin, or Oslo, travel is easy and quick. Several budget airlines also make it affordable to get there. In addition, there are many direct flights from major cities in the United States.
Once we landed, we opened the Bolt app and booked a ride to our hotel. The airport is modern, clean, and easy to navigate. Our ride into the city took about 40 minutes.

When is the Best Time to Visit Stockholm?
The answer depends on your travel style. Late spring – especially May and June – is perfect. Flowers bloom, the air feels fresh, and the daylight stretches late. September is another great choice, when the weather cools down, but the crowds are gone.
If you love festivals and energy, July and August are fun. However, that’s peak tourist season, so prices can go up. Winter has a charm of its own. Stockholm glows with lights and cozy cafés, though the days are short and very cold.
No matter the season, Stockholm offers a mix of nature, history, and city life. You’ll find beauty year-round.

Getting Around Stockholm
Stockholm is easy to explore. Most major sights in the historic district are close together, so walking is a great way to get around.
We walked through neighborhoods, crossed scenic bridges, and discovered hidden spots. Even casual strolls led to new views and local charm. For longer trips, we used Bolt and Uber. Both ride-share apps worked well and were available almost everywhere. They came in handy after dinner or during light rain.

Stockholm’s public transportation system is also excellent. Trains, buses, and ferries are reliable and easy to use. Stations were well marked, and most signs were in both Swedish and English. We found it simple to buy tickets using machines or mobile apps. Everything seemed to run on time and locals were helpful if we had questions or needed directions.
No matter how you move around, Stockholm makes it stress-free. Walking, ride-share, or public transit – each way gave us a fresh view of the city.
Our Lodging in Stockholm
We stayed at the stylish At Six Hotel, located in the heart of Stockholm’s city center. The location made it easy to walk to shops, restaurants, and major sights. This hotel had a clean, modern, elegant design with thoughtful touches everywhere. Our room was spacious, quiet, and full of natural light. Big windows offered views of the city skyline.

Each morning, we enjoyed the hotel’s breakfast buffet. There were fresh fruits, Swedish breads and pastries, eggs, cheeses, and more. It was a great way to fuel up before exploring.
The staff was friendly and helpful. They gave tips on nearby places and helped us with reservations. We also loved that the hotel was connected to the Gallerian Mall – perfect for a quick coffee or snack.

If you’re visiting Stockholm and want comfort with convenience, At Six Hotel is a solid choice. We would stay there again.
Stockholm’s Museums & Cultural Sites
Stockholm is full of museums, and each one offers something unique. Whether you like history, art, or music, there’s something for you.
Vasa Museum (Vasa Museet)

The Vasa Museum was one of our favorite stops in Stockholm. It’s built around the 17th-century warship Vasa, which sank on its first voyage in 1628. The ship was recovered over 300 years later, beautifully restored, and now stands inside the museum.
Visitors can explore the museum with an audio guide, streamed on their own devices at their own pace. It’s available in many different languages, which makes it easy for travelers from anywhere to enjoy. The guide helps bring the ship’s story to life, from its construction to its dramatic sinking.


You can walk around the ship and see it from different levels. The details are stunning – carvings, cannons, ropes, and more. It’s hard to believe how well it’s been preserved. Tickets cost 195 SEK, and it’s absolutely worth it.
Nordic Museum (Nordiska Museet)

The Nordic Museum (Nordiska Museet) is one of Stockholm’s most iconic cultural institutions. Founded in 1873, the museum was created to preserve and showcase the everyday life and traditions of the Nordic people. The building itself is a striking sight – grand and castle-like, with a dramatic interior hall crowned by a huge statue of King Gustav Vasa. Inside, the exhibits span over five centuries, covering everything from fashion, furniture, and folk art to Swedish holidays and home life. It’s a fascinating look into how Nordic culture has evolved while holding onto its roots. If you’re curious about Swedish traditions and how people really lived, the Nordiska Museet is worth a stop.
ABBA Museum

I have never met anyone who doesn’t like ABBA’s music. Even if you’re not a huge fan, this museum is so much fun. It’s bright, interactive, and full of music – their motto is “Walk in, Dance out.” You can sing, dance, and even record your own performance during your visit. It felt more like a playful experience than a typical museum. Even though we didn’t dance our way out, we left smiling and humming songs. Adult tickets cost 299 SEK and senior tickets cost 260 SEK.


The Fotografiska

Fotografiska is Stockholm’s Contemporary Museum of Photography, Art & Culture. It features bold, creative work by artists from around the world. When we visited, there was an incredible exhibit by Shepard Fairey. Every photo and piece had a strong message, and the whole space felt modern, edgy, and full of energy.



Upstairs, there’s a café and restaurant with large windows and sweeping city views. It’s the perfect place for a relaxing fika – a Swedish tradition of taking a coffee break with a pastry or snack. It’s more than just food; fika is about slowing down and enjoying the moment. With great coffee and an unbeatable view, it was a great way to end our visit. Adult tickets cost 200 SEK and Senior tickets cost 125 SEK.

Royal Palace (De Kungliga Slotten)
The Royal Palace in Stockholm is a massive baroque-style building overlooking the water in Gamla Stan (Old Town). It’s a working palace, combining a royal residence, office space, and historical museum. Best of all, it’s open to visitors year-round.

We toured several areas, starting with the Royal Apartments. These state rooms are used for official events like gala dinners, cabinet meetings, and parliamentary evenings. They also host foreign guests, including presidents and royalty. Walking through the grand halls gave us a real glimpse into royal life.
We also visited the Hall of State and the Apartments of the Orders of Chivalry. Both were filled with gold details, velvet chairs, and historic paintings. Every room had something impressive to see.




Next, we explored the Treasury, tucked away in dark cellar vaults. This space holds the Regalia – crowns, scepters, and symbolic items given to the King and Queen on coronation day. The setting made it feel dramatic and powerful.

Last, we toured the Museum Three Crowns (Tre Kronor). It’s dedicated to the original Tre Kronor Palace, which was destroyed by a massive fire in 1697. The museum showed what life was like in the old palace and how the fire changed everything.



Tickets cost 200 SEK, and the visit was one of the highlights of our time in Stockholm.
Nobel Prize Museum

The Nobel Prize Museum is in Stockholm’s Gamla Stan, right on the main square. It celebrates the Nobel Prize, which was founded by Alfred Nobel, a Swedish inventor and entrepreneur. The museum opened in 2001, one hundred years after the first Nobel Prizes were awarded.
Inside, the museum tells the stories of past Nobel Prize winners and their groundbreaking work. It covers categories like peace, literature, science, and medicine. There are short films, personal items, and hands-on displays that help explain each achievement. We especially liked the mix of history and inspiration. On display is a fascinating array of objects that each Nobel Prize recipient donates to the museum. The exhibits showed not just what the winners accomplished, but why their ideas matter. It was easy to move at our own pace and take everything in.

The museum is not large, but it’s full of thought-provoking content. Tickets cost 140 SEK for adults and 100 SEK for seniors. It’s a great stop for anyone interested in ideas that have changed the world.
Storkyrkan (Stockholm Cathedral)

Storkyrkan is the oldest church in Stockholm. This medieval cathedral was built in 1279 and sits just beside the Royal Palace in Gamla Stan. It has played an important role in Swedish royal ceremonies for centuries. Inside, the church is both peaceful and grand. Vaulted ceilings stretch high above, supported by tall brick pillars. The space feels open but still full of history.
The cathedral holds many important works of art and elaborate furnishings. One of the most famous is the large wooden sculpture of Saint George and the Dragon. It’s dramatic and beautifully carved. Another standout piece is Vädersolstavlan, a painting that shows one of the earliest known images of Stockholm.



Though not as massive as other cathedrals in Europe, this one is rich in detail and atmosphere. Tickets cost 120 SEK for adults and 90 SEK for seniors. It’s a meaningful stop for both history and art lovers.
Stockholm City Hall (Stadshuset)

With its tall red-brick tower, Stockholm City Hall is one of the city’s most famous landmarks. The tower is topped with a golden spire that features three royal crowns, the heraldic symbol of Swedish power. The building opened in 1923 and stands proudly on the waterfront of Lake Mälaren.
Inside, the City Hall holds the stunning Golden Hall, covered in mosaics made with real gold. Visitors can also see frescoes by Prins Eugen and learn about the building’s architecture and history. Each year, the Nobel Prize banquet is held in the Blue Hall, adding extra fame to the site.



Outside, we walked through the peaceful City Hall Park. It’s filled with sculptures by Swedish artists and has lovely lake views. Admission to the building is by guided tour only. Tickets cost 100 SEK for adults, and access to the tower is an extra 50 SEK. Access to the park is free.
Stockholm’s Streets, Neighborhoods & Views
Walking is one of the best ways to explore Stockholm. The city is full of charming neighborhoods, scenic streets, and beautiful views.
Gamla Stan

We spent a lot of time in Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s Old Town. It dates to the 13th century, though most buildings are from the 1600s and 1700s. The area feels like a labyrinth of cobbled streets and narrow alleyways. Mustard and rust-colored tones cover many of the building façades.
One highlight was Stortorget, The Grand Square. This cobblestone plaza is Stockholm’s oldest square and dates to the Middle Ages. Historic buildings surround it, each with unique character and charm. We lingered here, as there are always tons of activities going on at the square. The Nobel Prize Museum is located here, and the Royal Palace is just around the corner.


We also walked over to Riddarholmskyrkan, a beautiful church on the islet of Riddarholmen. Built by monks in the late 13th century, it’s one of Stockholm’s oldest buildings. Although we didn’t go inside, we learned there is an English guided tour at noon, included with admission.

While exploring Gamla Stan, we also found the Alley of Mårten Trotzig. It’s the narrowest street in Sweden, with just 90 centimeters between its walls at the narrowest point. It’s easy to miss, but worth a stop and a photo if you’re nearby.

Gamla Stan felt like a storybook. Around every corner, there was something new, old, or unexpected waiting to be discovered.
Drottninggatan and Parliament House

Drottninggatan is one of Stockholm’s main shopping streets. It stretches through the city center and is perfect for walking. The street is lined with shops, restaurants, cafés, and a steady stream of people. We strolled it a few times and always found something new to check out.
Near one end of Drottninggatan, we saw the impressive Parliament House. It’s located on Riksgatan and connected to Drottninggatan by the elegant Riksbros Bridge. The building was designed in the Neoclassical style with Baroque Revival elements. It takes up nearly half of Helgeandsholmen Island, and its main façade faces Riksplan Square.



The architecture stood out right away – solid, grand, and full of history. The location made it easy to admire during our walk and added to the beauty of the area. Between shopping, sightseeing, and snacks, Drottninggatan became one of our favorite routes in Stockholm.
Södermalm & Monteliusvägen

One evening, we walked from Gamla Stan into Södermalm, one of Stockholm’s trendiest neighborhoods. Along the way, we stopped at Monteliusvägen, a short walking path with one of the best panoramic views of the city. From there, we watched the sun begin to set behind the skyline. It was calm, quiet, and totally unforgettable.


Södermalm itself had a more local, artsy feel. We saw vintage shops, street art, and stylish locals heading out to dinner. It’s a fun area to explore, especially if you want something different from the tourist spots.
The Norrmalm District

Norrmalm is the central heart of Stockholm. This city district is where modern life and historic charm blend together. It’s home to major shopping areas, busy streets, business buildings, and cultural spots. We stayed near this area and loved how easy it was to get around.
The area includes Sergels Torg, a large public square with a glass obelisk at its center. It’s always buzzing with people and events. Nearby, we found department stores, metro stations, and the Kulturhuset, which hosts exhibitions, concerts, and cafés. Even though it’s busy, you can still find quiet corners. Small parks and fountains are tucked between buildings, and beautiful architecture surrounds you.
Strandvägen

Strandvägen is one of the most elegant boulevards in Stockholm. Its construction was ordered by the king and completed in 1897, just in time for the Stockholm World’s Fair. The street was designed to impress – and it still does.
Lined with palace-like buildings, many were designed by the top architects of the era. Their ornate façades and grand entrances make it one of the most prestigious addresses in the city.

We enjoyed a slow walk along the water, passing piers filled with boats and cafés. The wide promenade offers stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere. Whether you’re admiring the architecture or taking in the harbor breeze, Strandvägen is a lovely area to explore.
Stockholm’s Unique Subway Art Tour
Stockholm’s subway system doubles as the world’s longest art gallery. With over 90 decorated stations, it’s a creative and fun way to explore the city. A single ticket costs 42 SEK (or 26 SEK for seniors) and is valid for 75 minutes, even if you exit and re-enter the stations.
We visited several of the most striking ones – and each had its own personality:
Rådhuset Station


This station looks like it was carved deep underground. Its walls are painted in rich red and orange tones. You feel like you’re standing in the bowels of the earth.
T-Centralen Station

With white-washed walls and soft blue vines, this station feels calm and cool. The design gives off a distinctly Scandinavian vibe, perfect for the city’s main hub.
Stadion Station

This one was our favorite. The vivid blue walls and bright rainbow ceiling instantly made us smile. It’s colorful, uplifting, and hard to forget.
Kungsträdgården Station


This station feels like an underground ruin. It blends bold patterned floors, ceiling graphics, and broken columns to create a mysterious, historic setting.
Solna Centrum Station

The glowing red ceiling is dramatic, like a sunset caught underground. Incorporated in the design is a dark green forest scene that tells a story.
Tekniska Högskolan Station

A true celebration of science and knowledge. Geometric shapes represent the five classical elements—fire, water, earth, air, and ether—floating above the platform.
Whether you’re into art, photography, or just looking for something different, this subway tour is a must-do in Stockholm.
Stockholm Stole the Show

Our time in Stockholm was unforgettable. The city blends rich history with modern design in a way few places do. From medieval streets and royal palaces to bold subway art and waterfront views, there’s something here for every traveler.
The food was comforting and full of flavor, and the neighborhoods were easy to explore on foot or by ride-share. We left feeling inspired, well-fed, and already dreaming about a return trip.
If you’re looking for a city that’s charming, creative, and full of culture – Stockholm should be at the top of your list.

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