Stockholm Sweden 7 Day Itinerary

7-Day Stockholm Itinerary: A City Break for Every Traveler

This itinerary offers a flexible framework for exploring Stockholm’s highlights. Feel free to adjust it based on your interests!

Day 1: Arrival & Old Town Charm

  • Morning: Arrive at Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN), take the Arlanda Express train to reach the city center quickly (around 20 minutes from the airport to Stockholm Central Station). Check into your hotel in Gamla Stan (Old Town).
  • Afternoon: Explore the cobblestone streets of Gamla Stan, visit the Royal Palace and the Nobel Museum.

Things to Eat:

  • Lunch: Enjoy a traditional Swedish lunch at Den Gyldene Freden, Stockholm’s oldest restaurant, known for its hearty dishes and historic atmosphere.
  • Dinner: Indulge in a modern culinary experience at Frantzén, one of the city’s Michelin-starred restaurants.

Accommodation:

  • Luxury: Hotel Riddarsparken (historic charm, waterfront views)
  • Mid-Range: The Grand Hôtel Stockholm (classic elegance)
  • Budget: Generator Stockholm (trendy hostel with private rooms)

Things to Know:

  • Currency: Swedish Krona (SEK).
  • Language: Swedish is the official language, but English is widely spoken.
  • Getting Around: Stockholm is easily navigable by foot, bike, or public transportation. A “Stockholm Pass” can offer good value for money if you plan to visit many attractions and museums.

Transportation:

  • Consider taking the Stockholm Card, which offers free public transport within the city.
  • Use the Stockholm Metro (T-bana) - it’s clean, efficient, and even features some art installations in its stations!

Day 2: Royal History & Island Hopping

  • Morning: Explore the historical Gamla Stan further, visiting Stortorget Square, the Nobel Museum, and the Stockholm Cathedral (Storkyrkan).

  • Afternoon: Take a ferry tour to experience the beauty of Stockholm’s archipelago. Enjoy “fika” (coffee and pastry break) at a cafe on one of the islands.

  • Things to do:

    • Visit Gamla Stan in the morning, a charming island with medieval buildings, narrow cobblestone streets, and a rich history.

    • Tips for visiting Gamla Stan:

      • Arrive early to avoid crowds on the ferry.
      • Pack snacks and drinks for your island hopping adventure.

Things to do:

  • Visit the Royal Palace: Explore the opulent rooms of the royal residence, including the Royal Apartments, the Tre Kronor Museum, and the Nobel Banquet Hall.

  • Enjoy a “fika” break at a cafe: “Fika” is a beloved Swedish tradition, so join in! Enjoy coffee and pastries like cinnamon buns (kanelbullar) or cardamom buns (kardemummabullar).

Day 3: Modern Art & Design

  • Activity: Head to the Moderna Museet on the island of Skeppsholmen for a dose of modern art and Swedish design.
  • Getting Around: Explore the Djurgårdens IF Fotboll stadium or the Tele2 Arena.

Things to see:

  • The Moderna Museet: This museum showcases modern and contemporary art with a focus on Scandinavian artists.
  • The Vasa Museum: Explore this museum dedicated to the 17th-century warship Vasa, which sank on its maiden voyage and was salvaged in 1961.

Day 4: History & Culture:

  • Activity: Visit the Skansen, an open-air museum showcasing traditional Swedish life and architecture.
  • Evening: Enjoy a delicious meal at one of Stockholm’s many restaurants, perhaps sampling some Swedish meatballs (köttbullar) or exploring the local culinary scene in a vibrant neighborhood like Södermalm.

Things to see:

  • The Royal Palace: Explore the history of the Swedish monarchy and witness the grandeur of the building.
  • Gamla Stan: Stroll through the historic streets and learn about the history of this charming district.

Where to Stay:

  • Hostel: For a budget-friendly experience, consider staying in one of Stockholm’s trendy hostels like The Hostel World or City Backpackers.
  • Budget Hotel: Enjoy a comfortable stay at a well-regarded budget hotel like the Generator Stockholm (also offers hostel-style rooms).

Other Ideas:

  • Explore the Royal Palace gardens, enjoy a picnic and stunning views of the city.
  • Visit the Vasa Museum to see how this historical ship was preserved for centuries.

Accommodation:

  • Hotel Diplomat: This luxurious hotel overlooks the harbor, offering elegant rooms and an upscale ambiance.
  • Generator Stockholm: Enjoy the modern design and communal spaces of this popular hostel.

Other Activities:

  • Enjoy “fika”: Indulge in a traditional Swedish coffee and pastry break.
  • Visit the ABBA Museum: A must-visit for fans of the iconic band.
  • Explore Gamla Stan: Enjoy the charm and history of Stockholm’s Old Town.
  • Take a walk through the Royal National Park: Enjoy nature, hiking trails and beaches.

Day 5:

  • Visit:

    • The Fotografiska Museum: Discover contemporary photography exhibitions with breathtaking views of the city.

Other Activities:

  • Enjoy a boat tour: Explore the beauty of Stockholm’s canals and waterways.
  • Visit an amusement park: Spend a day at Gröna Lund enjoying the rides and attractions.

Day 6: Nature & Entertainment:

  • Explore the archipelago: Take a ferry to one of the many islands in the Stockholm archipelago for a scenic escape.

    • Other Options:
      • Visit the Vasa Museum, which houses a remarkably preserved 17th-century ship.
      • Explore the city’s parks and gardens. The Kungsträdgården is a great place to start.

  • Enjoy the “Tele2 Arena”: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of this multi-purpose stadium.

Getting Around:

  • The Stockholm Metro (T-bana): Take a ride on the metro, which is an experience in itself, and enjoy its unique art and architecture.

  • Boat tours: Consider purchasing a ticket for a boat tour, which offers a beautiful perspective of Stockholm’s islands and archipelago.

Day 7: Farewell to Stockholm:

  • Enjoy:

    • Visit the Vasa Museum: Take a final “fika” break in the museum, taking in the sights and history around you.

    • Explore:

      • The Royal National Park: Enjoy the natural beauty of the island city.
      • The Stockholm Archipelago: Take a ferry to a nearby island or explore other parts of Stockholm for a final taste of the Swedish experience.

Things to Do:

  • Enjoy a traditional “fika” at a cafe in Gamla Stan.

  • Explore Stockholm’s numerous museums, like the Museum of Modern Art, the National Museum of Sweden, or the ABBA museum:

  • Explore the island city: Visit the surrounding islands by boat and explore their unique charm.

  • Enjoy a traditional “fika”: Indulge in a coffee and pastry break while on a walk through Stockholm’s picturesque streets.

Tips for Enjoying your Trip:

  • Pick up a travel guide: Invest in a good travel guide to help you plan your itinerary and discover hidden gems.

  • Learn basic Swedish phrases: It can be helpful for navigating local interactions.

  • Get a “Stockholm Pass”: This will allow you access to many attractions, museums and tours with the added bonus of free public transport.

  • Embrace the “fika” culture: Enjoy coffee and pastries in a traditional cafe setting.

  • Explore the city’s parks and gardens: Take advantage of the numerous outdoor cafes and bakeries for a delicious break and soak up the fresh air.

  • Purchase a “fika” kit: These kits are available at many stores and online, and they often include things like coffee, tea, pastries, and even a small thermos to enjoy your drink while exploring.

Other Activities:

  • Pick up a copy of “The Stockholm Pass”: This will give you access to a variety of museums and attractions.

  • Enjoy the local experience: Visit a traditional Swedish cafe and sample their delicious pastries.

  • Consider a boat tour: Explore the beauty of the archipelago and its history.

  • Explore Gamla Stan’s cobblestone streets: Immerse yourself in the charming atmosphere and visit the historical sites.

Where to Stay:

  • The Grand Hôtel Stockholm: Enjoy the luxurious ambiance, but remember that “T-bana” is the Swedish term for “metro”.

  • Other Hotels:

    • ABBA Museum: Learn about the history of the iconic Swedish band and their influence on music and culture.

Food & Drink:

  • Swedish food: Try a “smörgåsbord”, a traditional buffet featuring a variety of hot and cold dishes, including Swedish meatballs (köttbullar)
  • Coffee shops & cafes: Enjoy the delicious coffee and pastries at a cafe in Stockholm’s Gamla Stan.

Transportation:

  • Public transportation: The “Stockholm Pass” is your ticket to exploring the city like a local. Use it for unlimited travel on buses, trams, and trains within Stockholm’s public transportation network.

  • Ferry tours: Enjoy the unique experience of seeing the city from the water.

  • Travel Guide:

  • Public Transportation: The “Stockholm Pass” includes access to many museums and attractions in Stockholm.

Things to Know:

  • Transportation options: A “Stockholm Card” gives you access to a variety of museums, including the “Vasa Museum”.

  • Public transport is efficient: Use your “Stockholm Card” for public transportation within the city.

  • Stockholm’s Public Transport System:

  • The Stockholm Metro:

    • Consider a day ticket for unlimited travel.
    • Be aware that some stations are accessible by train only, so plan accordingly.

Getting Around:

  • Public transport options: The “Tele2” transportation card is a great option for exploring Stockholm’s public transport system, including the “metro”, buses, and ferries.

  • Enjoy delicious Swedish food: Try traditional dishes like “Smörgåsbord” (a buffet) or “fika” (coffee and pastry break) in one of the city’s many restaurants.

  • Other things to know:

    • Stockholm is a safe city with a low crime rate.
    • The city has a strong public transportation system, but you can also get around on foot, by bike, or using ride-sharing apps.