Stockholm Sweden 2 Day Itinerary

July 13, 2024

Two Days in Stockholm: A Whirlwind Tour

This itinerary assumes you arrive in the morning and depart in the evening on day 2.

Day 1: Exploring Old Town & Museums

Morning: Start your day in Gamla Stan (Old Town), a charming maze of cobblestone streets and historic buildings.
- Things to do:
  - Wander through the narrow alleys and discover hidden courtyards and squares.
  - Visit the Royal Palace, the official residence of the Swedish monarch, and explore its opulent rooms and grand history.
  - Explore the cobbled alleys of Stortorget, Stockholm’s oldest square, and admire the colorful architecture.
Lunch: Enjoy a traditional Swedish fika (coffee and pastry break) at Café Saturn. Their cinnamon buns are legendary!
- Tip: Try their saffron buns (saffransbullar) - a true Swedish delight.
Afternoon: Immerse yourself in history at the Vasa Museum, home to a remarkably preserved 17th-century warship.
Evening: Stroll through the charming streets of Södermalm and enjoy dinner with a view at Restaurang Eriks Gondolen.

Day 2: Modern Stockholm & Parks

Morning: Discover the modern side of Stockholm in Norrmalm, the city center. Explore the bustling Stureplan shopping district, visit the Nobel Museum for a glimpse into history’s most prestigious awards, or take a scenic ferry ride to one of the nearby islands.
- Tip: Visit Kungsträdgården (King’s Garden) on your way to the museum for some open-air fun.
Lunch: Indulge in a delicious Swedish lunch buffet at Restaurang Riche.
Afternoon: Enjoy a leisurely afternoon exploring one of Stockholm’s many parks.
- Kungsträdgården (King’s Garden): A central park with beautiful gardens, fountains, and sculptures. Great for people-watching and enjoying the fresh air.
- Djurgården: A green oasis with historical attractions, museums, and scenic trails.
- Dinner & Evening Drinks: Head to Meatballs for the People in the city center for a fun and tasty dinner experience.
- Tip: Try the traditional Swedish meatballs with lingonberry jam. Afterwards, enjoy a drink at the rooftop bar at the Clarion Hotel, a great place to see the city skyline.

Things to know:

Stockholm Card: Consider purchasing a Stockholm Pass for free entry to many museums and attractions.
Currency: The currency in Sweden is the Swedish krona (SEK).

Transportation:

Public Transportation: Stockholm has an excellent public transportation system, including the metro, bus, tram, and ferry.
Metro: Purchase a single ticket or use your Stockholm Card for free travel on the Stockholm metro. The artwork in many stations is worth seeing.
Ferry: The ferry (färja) is a great way to see the city from a different perspective. You can purchase a ticket with your Stockholm Card and take a ferry to one of the islands.
Boat Tours: For those who want to experience a classic Stockholm activity, take a boat tour through the archipelago.
Public Transportation: Stockholm’s public transportation is efficient and reliable. You can purchase single tickets for the metro, bus, and tram at any station or on board.

Other things of interest:

Vasa Museum: Explore the history of the 17th-century warship Vasa that sank on its maiden voyage.
Skansen: Visit this open-air museum dedicated to showcasing Swedish history and culture through traditional buildings, crafts demonstrations, and animal exhibits.
Gamla Stan: Wander through the historic streets and discover charming shops, cafes, restaurants, and museums.

Where to stay:

Hotel Skeppsholmen (recommended for its location): Offers stunning views of the harbor and is within walking distance of many attractions.

Other things to do:

Vaxholm Fortress: Take a boat ride to Vaxholm and explore its historical fortress.
Enjoy a Fika: Indulge in the Swedish tradition of “fika” - a coffee break with pastries.
Visit the Royal Palace: Wander through the Royal Palace’s courtyards and gardens, admiring the architecture and history.

Things to consider:

Accommodation: Stockholm can be expensive for accommodation. Book in advance if possible and consider staying outside the city center for better value.
Weather: Be prepared for any weather as it can change quickly. Pack layers!
Language: Swedish is the official language, but most people in Stockholm speak English.

Other tips:

Stockholm Card: Consider purchasing a Stockholm Card for free entry to many museums and attractions.
Public transportation: Purchase a single ticket or use a travel card for discounts on public transport.
Currency: You’ll need Swedish Krona (SEK) for purchases outside the scope of the “fika” experience.
Cash: While most places in Stockholm accept credit cards, it’s still a good idea to have some cash on hand.
Cashless Society: Sweden is largely a cashless society.
Currency: The currency is the Swedish krona (SEK), so make sure you can use your card for purchases or that you have access to cash via ATMs, etc.
Currency exchange: If necessary, currency exchange services are readily available in Stockholm.

Remember to:

Bring a reusable water bottle: Stockholm tap water is clean and safe to drink.
Pack comfortable shoes: You’ll be doing a lot of walking, so make sure you have shoes that can handle it.
Try the Swedish Smörgåsbord: This traditional buffet-style meal allows you to sample a variety of Swedish dishes and delicacies.
Explore the archipelago:

For a more detailed itinerary, consider:

Choosing specific islands to visit. The Stockholm Archipelago is vast with over 30,000 islands. Some popular choices for a day trip include Vaxholm (with its charming fortress), Grötö (known for its stunning nature and beaches), and Fjäderholmarna (where you can find the famous “Fjäderholmen” pottery).
Researching island-specific activities. Many islands offer unique experiences, such as historical tours of the archipelago, kayaking excursions, boat rentals, or even visiting a lighthouse.
Consider the time of year for your visit. The summer months are ideal for exploring the city and enjoying the outdoor spaces.
Plan for meals.

Remember to be respectful of local customs and enjoy the beauty and history of Stockholm!