Explore the Best of Stockholm: A Comprehensive Guide for Your City Trip

Ah, Stockholm – the capital city of Sweden and the ultimate destination for a city trip. With its stunning architecture, charming streets, and rich history, there’s no shortage of things to see and do in this beautiful city. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a lover of art and architecture, or simply seeking a memorable city trip, Stockholm has something to offer for everyone. In this article, we’ll be taking you on a journey through the city, exploring the most famous sights and giving you insider tips on how to get around and make the most of your trip. So grab your bags, hop on a plane, and let’s dive right into the heart of Stockholm!

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A couple sits on a bench in front of the famous houses in Gamla Stan, Stockholm, Sweden

1. How to Get to Stockholm

Stockholm is a well-connected city and can be easily reached by plane, train, or ferry. The main airport is Stockholm Arlanda Airport, which serves both international and domestic flights. From there, you can take the Arlanda Express train, which will take you directly to the city center in just 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or bus to reach your accommodation.

If you’re traveling from other parts of Sweden or nearby countries, you can also take a train to Stockholm Central Station. The station is well-connected and has regular trains from major cities such as Gothenburg, Malmö, and Copenhagen.

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2. How to Get Around

Stockholm has a comprehensive public transport system that includes buses, metro, and trams. The metro is the most convenient way to get around the city, with trains running regularly and covering most of the popular tourist areas. You can buy a travel card that can be used on all forms of public transport, including the ferry, which is a fun way to explore the city’s waterways.

If you prefer to explore the city on foot, Stockholm is a pedestrian-friendly city with plenty of walking paths and sidewalks. You can also rent a bike or take a bike tour to cover more ground. This includes e-scooter rental with Tier or other known companies. 

3. Best Time to Travel

To make the most of your city trip to Stockholm, it’s essential to choose the right time to visit. Stockholm experiences four distinct seasons, each offering a unique atmosphere and set of activities. The best time to travel to Stockholm is during the summer months, from June to August.

The city comes alive with outdoor festivals, cultural events, and long sunny days. The average temperature during this time ranges from 20 to 25 degrees Celsius (68 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit), making it pleasant for exploring the city on foot. We went there in July and loved exploring the city in summer, but when we return we would love to see it around Christmas.

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4. Price Level in General

Stockholm is known to be an expensive city, but there are plenty of ways to save money and still enjoy your trip. Accommodation prices can vary depending on the season, but there are many options available for budget travelers, such as hostels and guesthouses.

Food prices can also be high, but you can find affordable options by eating at local cafes and food trucks. Also, most of the restaurants offer Lunch deals to save you some money. And they have 7-Eleven, which is always a good idea for a quick snack, including hotdogs or the delicious cinnamon rolls with a coffee = best deal for breakfast! Public transport prices are reasonable, and buying a travel card comes in handy if you plan to use it frequently. Overall, Stockholm can be pricey, but with a little planning, you can make the most of your trip without breaking the bank.

We didn’t have a hotel as we were traveling with our camper. We probably have one of the best insider tips for you when coming to Stockholm with your campervan: Do you want to park right in the front row only 10 minutes walking to Gamla Stan? Then go to the parking lot near Orangeriet (Norr Mälarstrand, Kajplats 464 112 20 Stockholm). The parking fee is only 15€ for 24 hours, we don’t think you’ll get it cheaper and more central. Of course, don’t put out your chairs and table. Behave reasonably and only sleep in the car. 

Kevin’s mum stayed at Best Western Hotel at 108 which is located north of the center. We can recommend this hotel as well. Other good options include the Scandic GO, Upplandsgatan 4 (within a 10-minute walk from the center), Mälardrottningen Yacht Hotel & Restaurant (a unique hotel on a yacht in Gamla Stan), or Ersta Hotell & Konferens (in Södermalm a short walk South of the center). 

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4. Our Favorite Sights in Stockholm

Stockholm consists of 14 islands so you will be most likely always somewhere close to the water. We loved that about the city. And now we will tell you our favorite selection of Stockholm’s sights. We had the best weather, so we decided to skip some of the indoor museums. 

4.1 Gamla Stan - The Old Town

No trip to Stockholm is complete without a visit to Gamla Stan, the charming old town that dates back to the 13th century. With its colorful buildings, narrow streets, and beautiful squares, Gamla Stan is a must-visit for anyone who wants to experience Stockholm’s rich history and culture. You can wander around the town’s winding alleys, visit the Royal Palace, and admire the Stortorget square, the oldest square in Stockholm.
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4.2 City Hall

The City Hall of Stockholm is one of the city’s most iconic buildings and a masterpiece of Swedish architecture. It is located on the island of Kungsholmen and is famous for its impressive tower, the Golden Hall, and the Blue Hall, which is used for the annual Nobel Prize banquet.

4.3 The Royal Palace

The Royal Palace, situated in the heart of Stockholm, is an impressive architectural marvel. It’s the official residence of the Swedish royal family and offers guided tours for visitors to explore its opulent interiors, royal chambers, and the grand Royal Chapel. Witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony, which takes place outside the palace and is a fascinating tradition to observe. 

4.3 Sunset at Skinnarviksberget

Skinnarviksberget is located on an island of the city called Södermalm. Bring a beer or wine and just enjoy a beautiful sunset over Stockholm. It’s one of the best things we did in Stockholm. It’s free and a perfect way to end your day of sightseeing. 

Plus: After (or before) sunset, walk the Monteliusvägen, a 500m long walkway to the Mariaberget viewpoint to get a stunning view over Gamla Stan. Another spot for sunset would be Katharinahissen.

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4.4 Daytrip to Archipelago of Stockholm

The Stockholm Archipelago is the biggest group of islands in Sweden and stretches across approximately 30,000 islands, islets, and rocks. It’s covering an area of over 1,500 square kilometers. Take a boat tour or hop on a ferry to discover the stunning landscapes, picturesque villages, and tranquil beaches. Each island has its own unique charm, making it a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

The archipelago is easily accessible from Stockholm. Regular ferry services operate from the city, allowing visitors to hop on a boat and embark on an island-hopping adventure. Alternatively, you can also charter a private boat or join a guided tour to explore the archipelago. Just go to Strandvägskajen and you will get all the information from the different operators.

On our third day in the city we took a boat to Sandhamm. You can decide which boat you take and when you come back. That will depend how much time you have on the island. We had 4 hours and next time we would bring lunch, so we could spent more time exploring or chilling at the famous sand beach in the south of the island.

We were very lucky with the weather and could even jump into the water. If you don’t want to swim, the lush forests of the Archipelago are also a paradise for hikers. On the small islands it feels like time stopped and you’re in the middle of an Astrid Lindgren movie. So don’t miss this little travel in time.

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5. What we missed but you shouldn't

The Vasa Museum is one of Stockholm’s most popular attractions and the most visited museum in whole Scandinavia. It is home to the world’s only preserved 17th-century ship. The museum tells the story of the Vasa ship and its fascinating history. It’s a must-visit for history buffs and maritime enthusiasts.

Skansen is the world’s oldest open-air museum and a living showcase of Swedish history and culture. It is located on the island of Djurgården and is home to historic buildings, a zoo, and a botanical garden. The museum is a great place to learn about Swedish customs, traditions, and rural life. When you walk there you will cross the famous Skeppsholmsbron, a bridge with a golden crown in the middle.

The ABBA Museum is a must-visit for fans of the iconic Swedish pop group. The museum is located on the island of Djurgården and is filled with ABBA memorabilia, interactive exhibits, and even a recording studio where visitors can sing along to their favorite ABBA songs.

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6. Conclusion

Stockholm is a beautiful and historic city that’s worth visiting for anyone traveling to Scandinavia. With its rich history, stunning architecture, and impressive museums and attractions, there’s something for everyone in Stockholm. Just be sure to plan ahead, budget accordingly, and explore all the city has to offer on your city trip in Stockholm!

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