Updated 23/01/2025
Stockholm isn’t just a city; it’s a vibe. Picture dreamy islands, incredible food and a history-soaked Old Town. Ready for an unforgettable escape? Stockholm’s got you covered.
Getting to Stockholm
Stockholm has three main airports:
Arlanda Airport (ARN) – The largest and most popular, located 40 minutes from the city centre. Trains, buses and taxis make getting into the city hassle-free.
Bromma Airport (BMA) – The closest to the city centre, just 20 minutes away, but with fewer international connections.
Skavsta Airport (NYO) – About 90 minutes from Stockholm, often serving budget airlines. There are direct buses to the city.
From all three airports, public transport is efficient, but if times of the essence, hop in a taxi or book a transfer in advance. Arlanda airport-City Centre Transfer, GetYourGuide
Where to Stay:
We would recommend booking a package holiday through TUI or OnTheBeach for financial peace of mind as they are both ATOL protected.
Package Holidays to Stockholm with TUI
Stockholm Holidays, OnTheBeach
Freys Hotel: This cosy, boutique-style hotel is located right in the heart of Stockholm, making it a great base for exploring the city’s top attractions. Freys Hotel offers warm, welcoming rooms and a super friendly atmosphere. Freys Hotel, OnTheBeach
Scandic Park Stockholm: Scandic Park is a fantastic mid-range hotel set right by Humlegården Park. The hotel offers modern Scandinavian design, spacious rooms and a great breakfast buffet. Scandic Park Stockholm with TUI
Downtown Camper by Scandic: This hotel is perfect for the adventurous traveller. Located near Sergels Torg, Downtown Camper has a chilled vibe with communal spaces like rooftop pools and saunas. They even offer bikes and kayaks for guests to explore the city. Downtown Camper by Scandic with TUI
Top Things to Do:
Wander through Gamla Stan (Old Town)
This charming medieval district is the heart of Stockholm. With colourful 17th-century buildings, cobblestone streets and cosy cafés, Gamla Stan is the perfect place to start exploring. Don’t miss Stortorget Square, home to Stockholm’s oldest houses, or the stunning Royal Palace. The narrow alleys here feel straight out of a fairy tale. Old Town Tour on Viator
Visit the Vasa Museum
One of Stockholm’s top attractions, the Vasa Museum houses a nearly intact 17th-century warship that sank on its maiden voyage. It’s an impressive sight, and the story of its recovery after 333 years underwater is just as fascinating! Royal Wreck: The Vasa Museum: Private Tour on Viator
Skansen Open-Air Museum
This living history museum brings Sweden’s past to life, with traditional houses, costumed interpreters and Nordic animals. Skansen is great for families and during winter, it transforms into a magical Christmas market. Skansen Open-Air Museum Admission Ticket, GetYourGuide
ABBA The Museum
Love Swedish pop? This museum is an interactive celebration of one of the world’s most famous bands, ABBA! Sing along to your favourite tunes, try on their costumes virtually and learn the story behind their rise to stardom. ABBA The Museum Entrance Ticket, GetYourGuide
Djurgården Island
This tranquil island is a local favourite, home to some of Stockholm’s best attractions like Gröna Lund amusement park and Rosendal’s Garden. It’s a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle, great for picnics, biking or taking a leisurely walk along the water.
Stockholm Ghost Walk and Historical Tour
Fancy getting spooked? This ghost walk takes you through the shadowy alleys of Gamla Stan as your guide shares stories of Stockholm’s darker past. From Viking hauntings to medieval slaughters, it’s an eerie, yet entertaining way to explore the city. Stockholm Ghost Walk and Historical Tour on Viator
Winter Archipelago Kayaking
The Stockholm Archipelago is made up of a bunch of islands, and kayaking through these icy waters is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Paddle past snow-covered islands, spot wildlife and warm up with a hot drink mid-adventure. It’s a peaceful, beautiful way to see Sweden’s natural wonders in winter! Winter kayaking and fika tour – islands of Stockholm Archipelago on Viator
Wooden Bicycle Tour
Discover Stockholm from a whole new perspective—on a handcrafted wooden bicycle! This eco-friendly tour takes you through Stockholm’s parks, neighbourhoods and hidden gems. It’s a fun and unique way to explore the city, plus, riding a wooden bike just feels kind of cool! The Wooden Bicycle Tour in Stockholm on Viator
Day Trip to Drottningholm Palace
Take a boat from the city to this stunning royal residence, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Drottningholm Palace is Sweden’s best-preserved palace, and its beautiful gardens and regal interiors make it well worth the short journey.
Uppsala
Looking for a trip out of the city? Uppsala, just 45 minutes away by train, is perfect for history buffs. Visit the magnificent Uppsala Cathedral, the largest in Scandinavia, or explore the ancient Viking burial mounds at Gamla Uppsala. Viking History Tour to Sigtuna and Uppsala, GetYourGuide
Ice Skating Adventure: Glide across Stockholm’s stunning natural ice with expert guidance on this all-inclusive ice skating adventure. Perfect for beginners, it includes equipment, lessons and lunch. Just bring your enthusiasm (and warm socks)! Skating on Natural Ice Tour, GetYourGuide
Sauna & Sea Dip: Unwind in a cozy wood-fired sauna, then take a refreshing dip in the Baltic Sea. Perfectly located by the waterfront, this traditional Swedish experience combines relaxation and adventure in one unforgettable experience. Traditional Sauna with Polar Plunge in Baltic Sea, GetYourGuide
Practical Tips for Stockholm
Public Transport: Stockholm’s public transport is top-notch, with buses, trams and ferries connecting all the major sights. Grab an SL Travel Card to get unlimited rides on all modes of transport. It’s convenient and cheaper than buying single tickets.
Currency: Sweden uses the Swedish Krona (SEK), but most places accept card payments, and many are completely cash-free.
Fika: Make sure to enjoy fika, the Swedish tradition of taking a coffee break with a pastry. Try cinnamon buns (kanelbullar) at any of the city’s many cosy cafes.
Best Time to Visit: Summer is the most popular time to visit, but winter offers a magical experience with snowy landscapes and the chance to see the Northern Lights.
Go City Pass: Consider getting an all inclusive digital pass that gets you entry into select musuems, discounts on attractions & cruises and a hop on hop off tour bus! Go City Pass on Viator
One trip to Stockholm and you’re hooked. The island-hopping, the history, the Swedish charm—it’s all too good to miss. Pack your bags – you’ll thank me later!
