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Home/Travel/Europe/Sweden/Stockholm Unlocked: A Royal City with Soul
A calm river flows between historic buildings under a blue sky in Stockholm, with trees, green lawns, and a stone bridge crossing the water.

Stockholm Unlocked: A Royal City with Soul

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.

A picturesque Stockholm waterfront scene with colorful historic buildings, a stone embankment, a dock dotted with lily pads, and people strolling along the promenade under a bright blue sky with wispy clouds.
The city is built over 14 Islands – water is everywhere you look.

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.

A tall blue illuminated glass tower stands in the center of a round fountain at dusk in Stockholm, surrounded by city buildings, streetlights, and sparse evening traffic in an urban square.
Sergels Torg – a Square in the Norrmalm District
Table of Contents
  • Getting to Stockholm & When to Visit
  • When is the Best Time to Visit Stockholm?
  • Getting Around Stockholm
  • Our Lodging in Stockholm
  • Stockholm’s Museums & Cultural Sites
    • Vasa Museum (Vasa Museet)
    • Nordic Museum (Nordiska Museet)
    • ABBA Museum
    • The Fotografiska
    • Royal Palace (De Kungliga Slotten)
    • Nobel Prize Museum
    • Storkyrkan (Stockholm Cathedral)
    • Stockholm City Hall (Stadshuset)
  • Stockholm’s Streets, Neighborhoods & Views
    • Gamla Stan
    • Drottninggatan and Parliament House
    • Södermalm & Monteliusvägen
    • The Norrmalm District
    • Strandvägen
  • Stockholm’s Unique Subway Art Tour
    • Rådhuset Station
    • T-Centralen Station
    • Stadion Station
    • Kungsträdgården Station
    • Solna Centrum Station
    • Tekniska Högskolan Station
  • Stockholm Stole the Show

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.

A city waterfront in Stockholm with docked white boats, grand historic buildings with ornate facades, and a tree-lined promenade under a partly cloudy sky. Traffic lights and street signs are visible in the foreground.
Ferries along the Norrström Waterway

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.

A cobblestone street lined with colorful historic buildings, outdoor café seating, and people walking or sitting under a blue sky with scattered clouds.
Shops and Cafés in Gamla Stan

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.

A blue and yellow tram travels down a city street lined with historic European buildings, cars, and trees. Pedestrians walk on the sidewalk under a clear blue sky.
Public Transportation System is Great

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.

A modern, multi-story hotel in Stockholm with large windows and street-level shops, including a restaurant named "At Six"; people are walking and gathering in the wide, paved plaza with benches and greenery.
At Six Hotel

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.

A view from above of a Stockholm city street with crosswalks, a circular fountain, trees, parked cars, and multi-story buildings. Several people walk on the sidewalks in bright daylight.
View From Our Room

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)

A large, well-preserved old wooden ship displayed indoors at a museum, with visitors standing and observing the vessel from behind a railing. The area is illuminated with overhead lights.
Restored 17th Century Warship Vasa

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.

A large, well-preserved wooden warship with intricate carvings and tall masts is displayed indoors at a museum, with viewing platforms and lighting highlighting its historic details.
Incredible Carvings Embelish the Vasa
A large, well-preserved wooden ship with tall masts and rigging is displayed indoors at a museum. People stand on a platform beside the ship, highlighting its impressive size.
Vasa’s Top Deck

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 in Stockholm is a grand stone building with ornate towers and arched windows, two banners, a central staircase, and a green equestrian statue in front, all under a clear blue sky.
Nordiska Museet (Nordic Museum)

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

Entrance to ABBA The Museum in Stockholm with a purple carpet, glass entryway, and a large outdoor mural of ABBA members in colorful outfits on the right. Some visitors are seen entering the 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.

A bald man stands at a microphone, looking at a screen with lyrics in a music studio. Musical instruments and equipment are visible through a window in the background.
Recording at the Studio
A glass display case showcases numerous framed gold and platinum records, awards, and plaques, mounted on a curved wall in a dimly lit music museum or exhibit.
Hit Songs by ABBA

The Fotografiska

A red brick building with a tall chimney, home to Fotografiska Museum in Stockholm, displays a black sign with a white starburst symbol. The entrance is lined with plants, and colorful graffiti art brightens adjacent walls beneath the overcast sky.
Stockholm’s Contemporary Museum of Photography, Art & Culture

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.

A stylized, colorful portrait of a woman in a cap with a feminist symbol, surrounded by symbols of justice, equality, and the words "The Future is Equal." Posters and newspaper clippings appear in the background.
A gallery wall displays nine framed posters, each featuring bold, graphic portraits and designs in vibrant red, black, blue, and beige tones, with themes of activism, empowerment, and pop culture.
A colorful, stylized portrait of a young man with light hair, painted over a patterned background with red, blue, and yellow geometric shapes, displayed in a white frame on a dark wall.

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.

A spacious, modern restaurant with wooden beams, round tables, black chairs, and hanging pendant lights. Several people are seated and dining on the left, while a bar area lines the right side. Natural light fills the room.
Restaurant at Fotografiska

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.

The Royal Palace at Stockholm, a large, rectangular stone palace with many windows, sits beside a river under a partly cloudy blue sky. People can be seen near the building, and a stone bridge crosses the water in the foreground.
De Kungliga Slotten – The Royal Palace

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.

A person stands on a grand marble staircase in the Royal Palace in Stockholm, an ornate historic building with large columns, elaborate ceiling details, and decorative lamps. The setting is elegant and richly adorned.
Palace Grand Staircase
A grand throne room in the Royal Palace in Stockholm featuring a silver throne, ornate columns, marble statues, blue platforms, and a decorative canopy with a crest, surrounded by elegant chandeliers and tall windows.
The Hall of State

A grand, ornate hallway in the Royal Palace in Stockholm features gilded walls, intricate gold details, chandeliers, and a painted ceiling. A few people walk along the carpeted floor, admiring the opulent decor.
Karl XI’s Gallery
A lavish, ornate room in the Royal Palace at Stockholm with high painted ceilings, gilded columns, chandeliers, red velvet furniture, parquet floors, and a decorative folding screen adorned with colorful artwork on the right.
The Palace’s Ballroom – The White Sea

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.

A gold and silver crown adorned with pearls, emeralds, and intricate details rests on display. The blue fabric cap is topped with small embroidered gold crowns, set against a dark, blurred background.
Crown Display at The Treasury

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.

A dimly lit underground museum with arched brick ceilings, historic stone walls, wooden walkways, railing, and display cases illuminated by spotlights, creating a warm, atmospheric space.
Museum Three Crowns
A grand, historic European palace with ornate stone carvings, arched windows and doors, and a spacious cobblestone courtyard under a clear blue sky. This scene could be at the Royal Palace in Stockholm, with a few people walking near the entrance.
Royal Palace’s Western Facade
A grand, symmetrical palace with ornate windows and stone detailing, fronted by manicured hedges, statues, and a gravel pathway under a bright blue sky.
Royal Palace’s Eastern Facade

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

Nobel Prize Museum

The Nobel Prize Museum in Stockholm, Sweden, features a grand historic building with tall columns and large windows. People are gathered near the entrance under a blue sky.

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.

A museum exhibit displays scientific models, including a DNA double helix structure, informational plaques, and various objects encased in glass on a well-lit tabletop.
Exhibits at the Nobel Prize Museum

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)

Front entrance of the Stockholm Cathedral, surrounded by colorful buildings. People walk along the street under a blue sky with scattered clouds.
Main Facade of Storkyrkan

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.

The interior of grand Stockholm Cathedral features vaulted ceilings, ornate chandeliers, wooden pews, and a detailed altar in the distance. A person stands near the center aisle, adding scale to the spacious, historic space.
Interior of Stockholm Cathedral with tall brick columns, chandeliers, wooden pews, and an ornate pipe organ above an arched doorway at the far end.
Interior of historic Stockholm Cathedral with vaulted, decorated ceilings, arched columns, and an ornate pipe organ in the background. Intricate patterns adorn the ceiling, and gold details accent the balcony.

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)

Stockholm City Hall, a striking brick building with a tall tower, rises beside the water under a cloudy sky; pink flowers are visible in the foreground.
Stadshuset – Stockholm City Hall

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.

A stone courtyard with tall arches and columns, decorated ceiling panels, and a patterned stone floor. Stairs lead up to a large black door at the end, echoing the architectural grandeur of Stockholm City Hall visible beyond the arches.
City Hall Arcade
A large brick building with arched windows and a green clock tower, resembling Stockholm City Hall, stands behind a lawn with stone pathways. People are walking and sitting near the arched colonnade under a partly cloudy sky.
City Hall Park

A scenic riverside lawn with stone pathways, benches, and a statue on a tall column in Stockholm City Hall Park; people sit and walk as historic buildings and a church spire rise across the water under a cloudy sky.
View of Lake Mälaren Towards the Old Town

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

Colorful historic buildings with ornate facades line a busy cobblestone square in Stockholm, filled with people walking, sitting, and socializing under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.
Stortorget – The Grand Square

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.

People walk along a cobblestone street in Stockholm, lined with colorful historic buildings under a blue sky. A tall church tower rises in the background, and street lamps hang from the buildings.
Exploring Gamla Stan’s Charming Cobbled Streets
A narrow cobblestone street lined with old yellow buildings, black iron gates, and hanging café signs. One person is seated in the distance. The scene appears quiet and historic.
Typical Alleyway with Rust-Colored Tones

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.

A cloudy sky hangs over Stockholm’s Riddarholmen Church, its tall, pointed spire rising above historic buildings and a nearly empty street intersection in the foreground.
View of Riddarholmskyrkan (Riddarholmen Church)

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.

A cobblestone square in Stockholm with a statue on a pedestal at its center, surrounded by colorful historic buildings under a clear blue sky. Several parked cars and bright sunlight cast long shadows.
Historic Buildings in Riddarholmen

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

Drottninggatan and Parliament House

A lively Stockholm city street with people walking, lined with colorful buildings and shops. Large planters with greenery sit on the sidewalk beneath awnings over storefronts, all under a cloudy sky.
Shopping at Drottninggatan

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.

A grand stone building with ornate details, Stockholm's Parliament House stands by a river, with a stone bridge leading to an arched entrance. Green lawns and trees surround the building under a lightly clouded sky.
Bridge Leading to Parliament House
People walk under a large stone archway with ornate carvings and statues on top at Stockholm's Parliament House, surrounded by historic buildings with detailed facades on either side.
Public Route Between Parliament House Buildings

A grand neoclassical building with ornate carvings and sculptures, Stockholm's Parliament House features a central arched doorway and a manicured lawn with trees in front under a clear blue sky.
Parliament House Main Facade

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

People relax on wooden docks with yellow and white umbrellas by the water in Stockholm, with historic buildings and greenery on a hill in the background under a clear blue sky.
View Towards Södermalm and 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.

Panoramic view of a European city skyline with historic buildings, church spires, and a bridge over calm water at sunset, under a clear sky with soft pink clouds.
Sunset View from Monteliusvägen
A city street in Stockholm at dusk with people walking and cycling, historic buildings on both sides, bright pink lights in a shop window, and EU flags hanging above the street.
Walking in the Södermalm

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

People sit on colorful steps overlooking an outdoor plaza with a black and white geometric pattern in Stockholm. A band performs on a central stage as modern buildings and crowds surround the lively urban scene.
Sergels Torg Square in Norrmalm

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

A scenic Stockholm waterfront with boats docked along the quay, historic colorful buildings with ornate rooftops lining the street, and a bright blue sky with scattered clouds overhead.
View of Strandvägen Along the Waterfront

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.

A sunny Stockholm city street with cars driving past historic, ornate buildings on the left and a row of trees with green leaves on the right. Tram tracks run along the road under a clear blue sky.
The Most Elegant Boulevard in Stockholm – Strandvägen

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

An underground Stockholm subway station with escalators leading upward, surrounded by walls that resemble natural reddish-brown rock or a cave. The rough, organic ceiling and surroundings give the station a unique, striking look.
A blue Stockholm subway train is stopped at an underground station with reddish-brown rock walls. Several people walk along the platform, and a sign reads "Rådhuset." Bright lighting illuminates the scene.

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

A well-lit Stockholm subway station with blue and white cave-like walls, decorated with large leaf patterns, featuring escalators leading upwards and a few people standing and walking.

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

A brightly colored rainbow is painted on a rocky, cave-like ceiling above a Stockholm subway platform where people wait near a white and blue train. The well-lit station features shiny, reflective floors.

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

A Stockholm subway station with cave-like rock walls and ceiling, decorated with colorful geometric patterns, checkered tiles on the floor, and modern lighting fixtures. A spiral column stands on the right.
A dimly lit cave filled with broken columns, ancient stone fragments, and statues evokes the mysterious atmosphere of the Stockholm subway, as a blue lamp on a tall stand illuminates the rocky walls and scattered ruins.

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

An underground Stockholm subway station with a red, cave-like ceiling, green mural walls, and a glass display case containing miniature buildings, including a white mansion, on the right side.

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 modern, cave-like Stockholm subway station with textured gray walls, a reflective floor, blue and white painted ceiling, and a large geometric metal light fixture hanging from above. No people are present.

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

A large, historic building with a peach-colored facade and green domes sits by the water in Stockholm under a blue sky; people relax at yellow umbrellas on the promenade, and a tall, pointed church spire rises behind.
View towards the Islet of Riddarholmen

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.

A grand, illuminated brick building with arched windows and towers stands on a nighttime Stockholm city street. Storefronts including “marimekko” are visible at street level, with trees and bicycles lining the sidewalk.
Buildings Around Norrmalmstorg, in central Stockholm

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Written by:
Pedro Nunez
Published on:
April 24, 2025
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Categories: Europe, Sweden, TravelTags: Churches, Culture, Europe, Historic Sites, History, Museums, Nature, Religious Sites, Royal Palaces, Scenic Views, Sweden, Sweden Travel, Temples, Travel Adventures

About Pedro Nunez

After a successful career designing corporate interiors, I decided to retire early and pursue my love of travel. My goal is to travel the world, learn from other cultures, taste unusual foods and meet interesting people along the way. I hope that my travel stories inspire you to plan your own world adventures.

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