Stockholm Sweden: 2 - 3 Day Itinerary in Scandinavia
Our 2 - 3 day itinerary of Stockholm, Sweden in Scandinavia is the focus of this article.
Stockholm, the beautiful capital city of Sweden, encompasses 14 islands and over 50 bridges on the Baltic Sea. If you see only one city in Scandinavia, Stockholm should arguably be that must-see city. There has been a historic French influence in Stockholm and indeed it reminds Bubbly Tourist in many ways of Paris with its grand architecture. But what makes this city so special is its relationship with the sea - it has been called "Venice of the North" - and the Stockholm Archipelago which surrounds it. The archipelago is vast with over 20,000 islands and it covers an area of more than 650 square miles (1700 square kms). No trip to Sweden should miss the opportunity to see Stockholm by sea and thus we make sure to include this as well in our itinerary below.
The Must-See Sights of Stockholm
1. Gamla Stan
The Old Town of Stockholm, called Gamla Stan, is our top recommendation of places to visit in Stockholm. The ochre-colored buildings and cobblestone streets give the old town its charm. We did a walking tour that introduced Bubbly Tourist to the sites of this gorgeous charming area. As a result, there are many things to see in Gamla Stan that we have noted so read on to find out our recommendations here.
Bubbly Note: Gamla Stan is made up of four islands: Stadsholmen, Riddarholmen, Helgeandsholmen, and Strömsborg. However, when some people refer to Gamla Stan, they usually think of Stadsholmen, which is the largest of these four islands. We use it in the broader definition.
Gamla Stan Square (Stortorget)
Stortorget, the heart of Gamla Stan, is Stockholm's oldest and most charming square since the thirteenth century. It is lined with beautiful multi-colored historic houses and the Stock Exchange Building. It is traditionally renowned for its annual Christmas market which offers traditional handicrafts and food and is occasionally the scene for demonstrations and performances. You'll also find an old well and several restaurants and benches to do some excellent people watching.
Stockholm Royal Palace (Kungliga Slottet)
The Royal Palace (Kungliga Slottet in Swedish) in Gamla Stan is the official Royal residence but no longer the private residence (Drottningholm Palace since 1981) of King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia. It is the location of the monarchy's official receptions and has plenty to see inside and is therefore a must-see. Begin with the Palace Treasury right next to the ticket entrance before making your way to the rest of the palace. Allow at least two hours to see the entire palace.
Bubbly Tip: There is a savings if you buy a combined ticket for both the Royal Palace and the Riddarholmen Church.
The Riddarholmen Church
The Riddarholmen Church is a museum, a royal burial church, and the church of the Order of the Seraphim. The church is the oldest preserved building in the city and Stockholm's only surviving mediaeval monastery church. It was built by the Franciscans around the time of the death of King Magnus Ladulas in 1290 who was the first to be buried here. The church became a royal burial church again with the funeral of Gustav II Adolf in 1634. Since then, all monarchs, with the exception of Queen Kristina (St. Peters Basilica in Rome), were buried here until Gustav V (1950). The church has since run out of space for future monarchs' tombs.
Bubbly Tip: There is a savings if you buy a combined ticket for both the Royal Palace and the Riddarholmen Church.
Nobel Prize Museum
Located on the north side of Stortorget is the old Swedish Stock Exchange building which is now home to the Nobel Prize Museum. Whereas the Stockholm Sweden Concert Hall is where the Nobel Prizes in physics, chemistry, physiology or medicine and literature are actually awarded, the Nobel Prize Museum contains all essential information about Alfred Nobel and the Nobel Laureates, and it "aims to inspire, awaken curiosity, and help bring about exciting encounters between culture and science". Although Science and Literature is awarded in Stockholm, it is Oslo where the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony is conducted annually and museum (Nobel Peace Center) is located.
The Great Church (Storkyrkan)
The Great Church, also known as Storkyrkan, is Stockholm's oldest church and cathedral. Construction began in the 13th century and the church was consecrated in 1306. The church houses many important works of art, including a late medieval wooden sculpture of Saint George and the Dragon, and Vädersolstavlan, a painting that shows an early image of Stockholm. It also features a painted galleon that hangs from the ceiling, which is one of the oldest votive ships in the world. The church has been the site of many historical events, including royal weddings, military victories, and national tragedies. It is still used for funerals of public figures.
Shopping on Västerlånggatan
Västerlånggatan is a street in Gamla stan that stretches southward between the squares Mynttorget and Järntorget, and follows the course of the city's now demolished 13th-century defensive wall. You can take in a bit of history with some of the old doors and buildings. This area is also Gamla Stan's largest shopping and tourist street where you can buy books, ice cream, viking items, Pippi Långstramp (Longstocking) candy, clothes, tourist trinkets, and more if you don't mind braving the crowded street.
Nearby in Gamla Stan
Just wander around Gamla Stan and take in whatever sites you may stumble across. It's fairly large which means there's plenty to investigate along the leafy cobblestone streets with interesting architecture everywhere. There is beauty around every corner including...
Iron Boy (Järnpojken)
Järnpojke or Iron Boy is a sculpture by Liss Eriksson which is only 15 centimeters high and therefore is the smallest public monument of Stockholm. Created in 1954, it was inaugurated at this location by the Finnish Church in 1967.
Viking Runestone
If you're not careful, you'll miss this small viking runestone at a nondescript corner of the streets Prästgatan and Kåkbrinken. It is believed to be from around 1000, making it about 200 years older than Stockholm. The body of the dragon in the runestone still carries fragments of the commemorative message: "Torsten and Frögunn had the stone erected after their son". Note: the metal post you see on the left side of the photo is one of many that was placed throughout Stockholm at street corners to prevent carriages from accidentally ripping out pieces of the corner foundations while turning.
Swedish Parliament (Riksdag)
The Riksdag, or Swedish Parliament, is located on Helgeandsholmen island in the Gamla Stan district. The Parliament House, also known as the Riksdagshuset, occupies almost half of the island. The Riksdag is the legislature and the supreme decision-making body of the Kingdom of Sweden. The Riksdag is open for anyone wishing to attend a debate or public hearing, take part in a guided tour, or participate in a study visit.
Strömparterren Park
The semi-circular park, Strömparterren, was built in 1830 and was recently renovated. It is located on Helgeandsholmen island directly across the street from the Riksdag. In the park, you will find the Solsångaren sculpture, which was erected in 1926 in memory of Esaias Tegnér. The statue depicts Tegnér's poem "Sång till Solen" ("Song to the Sun"). Also on the Strömparterren is another sculpture, Dimman, a female figure in bronze by Gusten Lindberg, erected in 1910. From the Strömparterren you can also reach the Medieval Museum, which is underground.
Saint George and the Dragon
The Saint George and the Dragon sculpture is located in Merchant's Square (Köpmantorget) in Gamla Stan. It is a bronze replica of the wooden statue of the same name found in the Great Church (Storkyrkan) also in Gamla Stan. It commemorates the Swedish victory over the Danish army in the Battle of Brunkeberg of 1471. Not so fun fact: Sweden and Denmark have had the most wars between two countries ever.
Slussen Ferry on Skeppsbron
Skeppsbron is both a street and a quay in Gamla stan, stretching from the Strömbron bridge in front of the Royal Palace southward to Slussen. It is at Slussen that you can catch the ferry to multiple locations. Bubbly Tourist used the Slussen - Skeppsholmen - Djurgården boat (line 82) to get to the island of Djurgården (brief stop at Skeppsholmen) where the majority of the museums are located. On Djurgården, the boat stops at Allmänna gränd. You can buy your tickets at the gate (look for the blue flags) just prior to entry at any of these stops.
2. Södermalm
While on our walking tour of Gamla Stan, our young tour guide who was a local, pointed across the bay, Riddarfjärden, and said if you want cheap beer, trendy shops and bustling nightlife, then head to the island district of Södermalm. He also said if you want the best panoramic views over Stockholm and Gamla Stan then head up to Monteliusvagen. He was right. Head to Södermalm, our 2nd recommended spot, for the best views of the city.
Ivar Lo's Park
Monteliusvägen is a scenic road in Södermalm that's part of the route to Ivar Lo's Park. Ivar Lo's Park is a hidden gem and is one of Stockholm's most beloved public parks. It overlooks Södermalm's northern shore and has spectacular views over Stockholm and Gamla Stan and is also a perfect spot for a summer picnic. Highly Recommended.
3. Djurgården
Djurgården is an island in center Stockholm best known for the Vasa Museum, featuring a 17th-century warship; the Skansen open-air museum, which has craftspeople and reconstructed homes depicting Swedish life through the decades; ABBA: The Museum, where fans of the Swedish pop band browse memorabilia, old records and costumes; and Gröna Lund amusement park, known for its thrill rides and summer concerts.
Vasa Museum (Vasamuseet)
The Vasa Museum, dedicated to a fully intact 17th-century warship, the Vasa, is the must-see thing on Djurgården. Sadly, the Vasa capsized and sunk on its maiden voyage in 1628 due to poorly constructed weight distribution. It was to be the most powerful warship on the Baltic Sea and sank just minutes into its voyage in front of large crowds who were there to see its inauguration. Salvaged in 1961, this ship is absolutely spectacular and is worth seeing. The museum is 6 floors and allows you to see and learn about the ship from multiple angles at each level. Highly Recommended.
Skansen Open-Air Museum
Skansen is the oldest open-air museum in the world and it also houses the Stockholm zoo, with animals native to Scandinavia, a children's petting zoo, and two indoor aquariums: Skansen's Aquarium and the Baltic Sea Science Center. You can stroll through five centuries of living Swedish history with a real sense of the past in over 150 historical buildings and dwellings, characterized by people in period dress.
Abba: The Museum
ABBA The Museum is a Swedish interactive exhibition about the pop band ABBA that opened in May 2013. ABBA's collected works are showcased in a contemporary, interactive setting. Go only if you are a huge ABBA fan. The history, their childhood, and their career path to becoming world famous are all documented in the museum in a way that is engaging. Since the band does its own narrative, it is said to be more personal.
Gröna Lund Amusement Park
The Gröna Lund amusement park has over 30 attractions and is also a popular venue for concerts in the summer. Though it's not something Bubbly Tourist would recommend spending valuable vacation time doing, it is something to offer the kids if you're looking for a break from the routine tourist stuff.
4. Östermalm
With its high-end shopping facilities and Michelin-starred restaurants, Östermalm is definitely the poshest part of central Stockholm. Here you will find Stockholm’s most majestic residential buildings and awe-inspiring architecture.
Strandvägen Street
Strandvägen begins at Berzelii Park and runs on the north side of Nybroviken Bay to Nobelparken in Diplomastaden. In one direction it faces the water that separates it from Djurgarden island, and in the other direction it borders the façades of the mansions that line the street built from the late 1800's. Today, some of these homes are embassies and the embassies continue into an exclusive residential area, Diplomastaden, composed of a group of brick villas built mostly in the 1910s and 1920s.
Kungsträdgården (King's Garden)
Kungsträdgården (the King's Garden), known as Kungsan, is a park just north of the Strömgatan quay and the Strömbron bridge that crosses over the Norrström bay to Gamla Stan. There are also a number of cafés, art galleries and restaurants around it. In the summer, it hosts open-air concerts and events while offering an ice rink during the winter. North of the park is Hamngatan street with the department stores facing the park. On the park's eastern side, stretching along Kungsträdgårdsgatan street are a series of prominent buildings built in the mid to late 1800's including the Stockholm Synagogue (1867–70) and the Kungsträdgården Stockholm metro station. On the western side you'll find the Royal Swedish Opera with the Opera Bar, Saint James's church, Ivar Kreuger's Matchstick Palace, and Sverigehuset which is home to a tourist information center.
Frihamnen Cruise Ship Port
Although not a sight-seeing destination, Bubbly Tourist lists the Frihamnen cruise ship port here as a key departure point from the city. It is located on the far eastern side of Östermalm and is not within walking distance of central city (one hour walk from the Royal Palace). Take a 15 minute taxi or 30 minute bus (with walking) to the port. The Frihamnen is port of call for half the cruise ships in Stockholm. Bubbly Tourist left from here on our overnight cruise to Helsinki, Finland.
5. Norrmalm
Stockholm City Hall (Stockholms Stadshus)
Stadshus stands on the eastern tip of Kungsholmen island and is made from red brick with a lantern-topped tower. It is the venue of the Nobel Prize banquet. The only way to see the inside is with a guided tour. Bubbly Tourist really enjoyed the small park between City Hall and Lake Mälaren's shore. It is adorned with several sculptures, among them Carl Eldh's bronze sculptures "Sången" and "Dansen" ("The Song" and "The Dance") and his ensemble representing the artists August Strindberg, Gustaf Fröding and Ernst Josephson. To the south-east of the city hall, facing Riddarholmen, is a pillar topped with a statue of Engelbrekt Engelbrektsson. And of course the views across the lake are magnificent.
Queen Street (Drottninggatan)
Drottninggatan is a major pedestrian street in Norrmalm that runs from Observatorielunden (an elevated green space in central city) all the way to Helgeandsholmen island where the Riksdag (Parliament) is located. Drottninggatan is known as "Queen Street" and is named after Queen Christina who ruled from 1632–1654. The street is lined with local shops, international chains, and department stores. The architecture is most interesting as you approach Helgeandsholmen, especially with views of the churches on Gamla Stan.
Gustav Adolfs Torg (Public Sqaure)
The public square of Gustav Adolf was named after King Gustav II Adolf who was king of Sweden from 1611 to 1632 and was credited for Sweden's rise to a great European power. The square is home to the Royal Opera, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Defense. Just south of the square are the Riksdag Building on Helgeandsholmen and the Royal Palace on Gamla Stan.
6. Sail the Stockholm Archipelago
As mentioned, the archipelago of Stockholm is vast with over 20,000 islands and it covers an area of more than 650 square miles (1700 square kms). With this much water surrounding it, one needs to experience in and around Stockholm on water ike a local. A ferry ride between islands may whet your appetite, but do yourself a favor, if you can, and go on a day cruise or sail to explore more of the islands around Stockholm. Bubbly Tourist is lucky enough to have Swedish friends with a sailboat and sailed the Baltic Sea north of Stockholm. Bubbly on the water, anyone?
In Search of Bubbles and Bites in Stockholm
In an ongoing segment by Bubbly Tourist, we always search for a location - if not the best location - to have some champagne wherever we go.
Tak
Located on a rooftop in Norrmalm, Tak is a nice outdoor venue with incredible views where you can find bubbly and drink champagne. In fact, when you enter the building lobby and take the elevator (lift) to the top, you'll immediately find the Aperol campaign advertising the Prosecco or Cava / Aperol mix. Indulge in an Aperol spritz if you like, but also use this occasion to have some Champagne and toast to the views over the Harbor!
Röda Huset (Red House)
As one of the "World's Top 50 bars", the Röda Huset (Red House) is worth the go for some highly inventive and mind-blowingly amazing tastes in a cocktail. The Jalapeño & Shiso and the Tomato & Celery were surprisingly exceptional! You will not be disappointed. The bar is literally in a red building with views over "the Node" in Norrmalm. Highly recommended.
Kryp In
If you're looking for an excellent restaurant with great prices in Gamla Stan, then look no further than Kryp In. They have two locations, so Bubbly Tourist can only speak to the restaurant in Gamla Stan where we dined. It's an intimate warm setting both indoors and out and a staff that is highly attentive, relaxed and unpretentious. The food and wine selections were delicious. Highly Recommended.
Where to Stay in Stockholm
Bubbly Tourist recommends staying in Norrmalm or Gamla Stan (Old Town) in Stockholm. Regardless of our destination, we always recommend staying closest to the locations you'll be visiting most. In Stockholm, Gamla Stan is central to most of the sights, however you may end up with a noisy hotel with small rooms like friends of Bubbly Tourist with whom we were traveling. We chose our hotel in Norrmalm. Having said that, we understand that choosing a hotel is a very personalized process that varies by individual. Use the Bubbly Tourist process in finding a hotel to help narrow down the lodging that best fits your needs.
Hotel At Six Stockholm
Conveniently located in Central Stockholm (Norrmalm) and only 10 minutes on foot from Stockholm Central Station or 6 minutes by foot from the Central Metro Station (T-Centralen) is the Hotel At Six Stockholm. This hotel has big rooms, comfortable beds, several restaurants, and an excellent breakfast (included). The pricing is on the higher end but not outrageous. Compared to the hotel in Gamla Stan where our friends stayed, this hotel was far better and almost as centrally located. Recommended. As a reminder, Bubbly Tourist is not compensated in any way by any of our recommended vendors.
Getting In and Out of Stockholm
To and From the Airport
Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN) is 24 miles (40 km) north of city center and is the city's main international airport. Skavsta airport (STO) is located 60 miles (100 km) south and is far outside Stockholm Municipality and Stockholm County but is named Stockholm for marketing purposes. From Arlanda Airport, take the Arlanda Express train from the airport into Stockholm Central Station. It only takes 18 minutes and is convenient and comfortable.
Bubbly Tip: Buy your train tickets for the Arlanda Express in a group rather than singly. You will receive group discounts.
Stockholm Central Station
The central train station of Stockholm is located in Norrmalm. From Stockholm Central Station it's a 15 minute walk to the Royal Palace on Gamla Stan or a 2 minute metro ride from T-Centralen station which is just across Vasagasan street from Stockholm Central Station plus an 8 minute walk from the Gamla Stan metro stop to the Royal Palace. If you do walk, make your way 5 minutes on foot to Drottninggatan and then take this pedestrian street all the way to Gamla Stan if you so desire.
Transportation while in Stockholm
You won't need a car in Stockholm. You should try and use the public transport ferries, like the one at Gamla Stan, to travel between islands rather than walk all the way around and across bridges. At the very least, this gives you the chance to see Stockholm by water.
Also, unlike Norway and Finland which is minimumly regulated, you can use taxis without paying an arm and a leg. Work with your hotel to arrange service appropriately.
Leaving Stockholm for Helsinki
For the final segment of our perfect 10 - 14 day Scandinavian itinerary, head first to Frihamnen Cruise Ship Port. Here you will catch an overnight cruise ship that will take you directly to Helsinki, Finland. Although not technically Scandinavian, Finland is still Nordic so we use the word loosely. Bubbly Tourist took the Tallink Silja Line ferry and was pleasantly surprised at its affordability. It's a massive cruise ship with numerous restaurants and bars on board as well as typical entertainment and gambling venues that you'd find on most cruise ships. The accommodations were average, but we were okay with that given the savings on an overnight hotel and flight to otherwise get to Helsinki. Plus it gives you another opportunity to see the Stockholm Archipelago and more.
Bubbly Tip: Another option is to stop first in Tallinn, Estonia. Given an extra day, Bubbly Tourist might have opted for this.
Bubbly Bon Voyage!