Boat trip in front of Old Town

Stockholm Attractions: 22 Places Worth Your Time

12 min read| Updated: August 2026| by Rasmus Bodholdt

Discover the best attractions and activities in Stockholm with our comprehensive guide. From historic landmarks to scenic views, explore the city’s iconic sights and hidden gems. Some of these attractions can be seen from our famous boat tour, offering a unique perspective of Stockholm’s beauty.

Whether you’re interested in history, culture, or nature, this guide will help you plan an unforgettable trip to the Swedish capital. And to experience the city from the water, our Stockholm archipelago tour is one of the best ways to see the sights up close.

Gamla Stan in Stockholm

Gamla Stan - A Living Museum in Stockholm

Prevailing since the 1200s and filled with several must-see tourist attractions, which include restaurants that serve authentic taste, boutique shops, etc. This place is a living museum of Stockholm. Gamla Stan is a perfect place to get around the old town of Stockholm. The place is well-known for its antique gift and souvenir shops that you can buy and take with you as a keepsake. However, once you start wandering around the tiny maze of winding streets, it feels like you are in a memory lane to medieval times. Stockholm Cathedral, Royal Palace, etc., are some places that must be on your site-seeing itinerary. If you have a hobby of getting deep into the culture of the place you traveled, Gamla Stan, also called Old Town, is a must-visit place. Here for a short stay? See how to plan one day in Stockholm.

Good to know

Allow two to three hours to wander. The old town begins two minutes from Gamla Stan metro station, and the lanes are cobbled, so wear shoes you can walk in.

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The Royal Palace in Stockholm

The Royal Palace

The Stockholm Royal Palace, adorned with jewel-encrusted swords, crystal chandeliers, and gold-embellished coronation carriages, has been the residence of Swedish sovereigns since 1700. With 600 rooms, some open to tourists, visitors can explore its grandeur on a 45-minute guided tour. Regular military parades and the changing of the guard are ideal times to experience the palace’s regal atmosphere. Offering the splendor of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, this historic landmark is a must-visit for anyone with a passion for history and royal heritage.

Good to know

Guided tours in English run around 10.30 and 14.30, and the changing of the guard draws a crowd, so come early if you want a clear view. Allow about 90 minutes for the palace and its museums.

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Storkyrkan in Stockholm

Storkyrkan - The Great Church

The Great Church, also known as Stockholms domkyrka, was built in the 13th century and is one of the oldest churches in Stockholm, offering an opportunity to explore medieval architecture. The church hall features a vaulted ceiling supported by brick pillars, with Baroque flourishes from the 1700s that add to its charm. The church serves as the venue for important national events, such as royal weddings and coronations. It is a must-visit destination for those interested in both medieval architecture and historical artifacts from that period.

Good to know

Five minutes on foot from the Royal Palace, so the two go together naturally. Twenty minutes is enough unless a service is on.

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Vasa Museum in Stockholm

Vasa-Museum

Designated as the most visited tourist attraction in Stockholm, the Vasa Museum is home to a 17th-century warship that many may not be familiar with. This 69-meter-long wooden vessel, adorned with intricate carvings, sank on its maiden voyage and was rediscovered 333 years later. The museum not only offers a chance to view this remarkable ship but also provides insight into the lives of the passengers who traveled aboard it and the rescue operation that followed. For a deeper understanding of Swedish history, a guided 30-minute tour is highly recommended to enrich the experience.

Good to know

Adult admission is 240 SEK from May to September and 195 SEK the rest of the year, and everyone aged 18 and under goes free. Open daily 08.30 to 18.00 in summer. Allow two hours, and come early or late to miss the coach groups.

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Skansen Museum in Stockholm

Skansen Museum

Skansen is one of the largest open-air museums and a must-visit for history buffs who enjoy interactive experiences. This unique destination offers a glimpse into historic wooden homes and provides opportunities to meet artisans such as weavers and bakers, bringing history to life. Animal lovers will also delight in the chance to observe Nordic animals up close, making it an ideal spot for visitors of all interests. Whether you're seeking cultural immersion or simply looking to enjoy seasonal Swedish festivities, Skansen promises a memorable experience for everyone.

Good to know

Children aged 0 to 15 go free. Open daily 10.00 to 18.00 until 30 August, then 10.00 to 17.00 into late September. Allow half a day, it is far bigger than it looks from the entrance.

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ABBA-Museum in Stockholm

ABBA - The Museum

Gold discs, chunky platforms, and quirky memorabilia best describe the ABBA Museum, a fascinating tribute to the glitziest band in Swedish history. If you're an extrovert who loves to sing and dance, this place is perfect for you. Interactive exhibits let you perform alongside ABBA on stage and dress up as virtual versions of the band’s iconic sparkly outfits. Even if you're not a die-hard music fan, you can still enjoy spending a few hours here and leave as a humming, dancing enthusiast.

Good to know

Adult tickets run 249 to 329 SEK depending on the date, children aged 7 to 15 pay 100 to 120 SEK and under sevens go free. Entry is by 30 minute time slot, so book ahead. The museum suggests one and a half to two hours inside.

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Grona Lund amusement park on the waterfront at Djurgarden in Stockholm

Grona Lund - Amusement Park on Djurgarden

Grona Lund is Sweden's oldest amusement park and sits right on the water on Djurgarden, next door to Skansen. Wooden roller coasters and old fairground rides stand among listed timber buildings, and on summer evenings the park doubles as a concert venue where well known bands play after the rides close. It is compact enough to do in an afternoon rather than a full day.

Good to know

Next door to Skansen on Djurgarden, so the two combine easily in one day. Open through the summer season, and ride passes are bought separately from the entrance ticket.

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Nordic Museum in Stockholm

Djurgarden´s World-class Museums

The people of Stockholm are true nature lovers, and Djurgården, with its peaceful waterside and woodland trails, is a testament to this. This island boasts some of the most famous museums in the capital and offers a serene escape for those who appreciate art, history, and nature. While buying food here can be pricey, packing a picnic basket to enjoy among the woodland trails is a delightful alternative. The open-air Skansen museum provides a fascinating glimpse into five centuries of Swedish houses, farmsteads, and wild Nordic animals, making it a must-visit destination for anyone seeking culture and tranquility. Read more about the island in our guide to things to do on Djurgården.

Good to know

Djurgarden is walkable end to end in about half an hour, and the ferry from Slussen puts you down beside the museums for the price of an ordinary transport ticket.

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Spirit Museum in Stockholm

Spirit Museum

While some might assume this is a ghost house, it is, in fact, a museum dedicated to alcohol. Located in beautiful 18th-century naval buildings in Stockholm, the museum explores Sweden's complex history with booze. It houses well-known artworks from vodka makers, sponsored by Absolut. Not surprisingly, the museum also features a bar and a restaurant where visitors can enjoy drinks and have a good time.

Good to know

A short walk from the Vasa Museum, so it slots neatly into a museum morning. Allow an hour.

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Royal National City Park

Royal National City Park

The Royal National City Park is a six-mile long, 26 square-kilometer stretch that surrounds Stockholm, extending across the three municipalities of Stockholm, Solna, and Lidingö. As the world’s first National Urban Park, it offers a unique space for both tourists and locals to unwind and enjoy nature. The park is home to moose, foxes, deer, and many rare birds, including winged butterflies. For nature lovers, it’s a paradise, with wilderness areas featuring centuries-old oak trees, lakes, marshes, and craggy hilltops. If you're seeking adventure, the park also offers sports facilities for outdoor activities. The park is free to visit, like many other free things to do in Stockholm.

Good to know

Free and open at all hours. The stretch behind Djurgarden is the quietest part and the easiest to reach on foot.

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Stadshuset in Stockholm

Stockholm City Hall (Stadshuset)

Counted among the city’s most impressive landmarks, it dominates the skyline of Stockholm. Built with dusk-red bricks and gold spires of Stadshuset, this place is more popular for its Golden Hall, which is covered by 80 million gold mosaic tiles. With 200 politicians and officials working here, the Golden Hall is where Nobel Prize award ceremony guests dine. Unlike other sports, you cannot move freely here and need a guided tour inside. This political building can be your favorite tourist destination if you are interested in world politics.

Good to know

The interior can only be seen on a guided tour, which run in English through the day, and the tower has its own separate ticket. Allow an hour, or 90 minutes with the tower.

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Nationalmuseum in STockholm

The National Museum of Fine Arts

Also known as the Nationalmuseum, this art museum is a must-visit for art lovers. Established in 1792 as Sweden's National Gallery and originally called the Royal Museum, it was renamed Nationalmuseum after moving to its current location in 1866. The museum underwent a full redevelopment and renovation in 2018, making it even more breathtaking. The massive central staircase and large galleries are stunning, and the architecture of the building itself is worth admiring. Additionally, the museum boasts the most extensive collection of portrait miniatures in the world. Visitors can also enjoy restaurants and gift shops on-site, making it an essential stop for both art and culture enthusiasts in Stockholm.

Good to know

It sits on the waterfront at Blasieholmen, five minutes from Kungstradgarden. Allow two hours.

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Moderna Museet in Stockholm

Moderna Museum

The art at the Moderna Museet spans from the 20th century to the present, offering a rich collection of modern classics and contemporary art. This museum features a wide range of artworks, including films, photography, drawings, whimsical outdoor sculptures, and prints, providing something for every art lover to enjoy. Designed by Spanish architect Rafael Moneo, the museum is located on the picturesque Skeppsholmen island. It’s a perfect destination for true art enthusiasts, as it also hosts temporary exhibitions of world-class programs, a library, and a children’s workshop. Visitors can also take in the mesmerizing views of Djurgarden and Strandvagen while exploring the museum.

Good to know

On Skeppsholmen, a short walk over the bridge from Blasieholmen. Allow two hours, and the outdoor sculptures are free to walk past.

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Stadsbibliotek in Stockholm

Stadsbibliotek

If you have a passion for bibliophiles and architecture, you’ll easily spend hours at the Stockholm Public Library, which houses an impressive collection of 400,000 poems, novels, plays, and reference materials in multiple languages. The library is renowned for its iconic cylindrical tower, where books are stacked from floor to ceiling. Designed by Swedish architect Gunnar Asplund, the unique three-level structure was created to allow visitors to browse the shelves independently without needing assistance from librarians. If you're a bookworm, this place is a must-visit, and don't hesitate to snap some photos as the readers here are accustomed to tourists passing by.

Good to know

Free to enter, and ten minutes on foot from Odenplan. Twenty minutes is enough unless you plan to sit and read.

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Östermalm in Stockholm

Östermalm

Shopping enthusiasts who love branded outfits and luxury items will not regret visiting this area, one of Stockholm's most lavish districts. The streets are lined with various international luxury labels offering extravagant Scandinavian designs. As you reach Biblioteksgatan, you'll come across numerous flagship shops, designer boutiques, and upscale stores in the Stureplan neighborhood. If you're interested in art and interior design, you can explore Svenskt Tenn and Malmstenbutiken near Nybroviken. After your shopping spree, you can enjoy fresh Swedish food at Östermalmshallen.

Good to know

The food hall at Ostermalmstorg is the reason to come, and it is busiest at lunch. Allow an hour or two with shopping.

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The brick building of Fotografiska on the waterfront at Stadsgarden in Stockholm

Fotografiska

Fotografiska occupies a 1906 brick customs building on the Stadsgarden waterfront on the Sodermalm side, and shows contemporary photography in large exhibitions that change several times a year. There is no permanent collection, so it looks different every time you come. The top floor is a restaurant and bar with one of the best views in the city, out over the water towards Gamla Stan, and it is worth the lift ride even if you skip the exhibition.

Good to know

General admission is 225 SEK, and 195 SEK for students and over 65s. Children up to 12 go free with an adult, and 13 to 16 year olds are always free. Open every day from 10.00 to 23.00, which makes it one of the few museums you can still do after dinner. The address is Stadsgardshamnen 22.

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Art decorated metro station with exposed rock wall in Stockholm

Art in the Metro

The Stockholm metro is often called the world's longest art gallery. More than ninety of its hundred stations have been decorated by artists, and several are blasted straight out of the bedrock so the rock face is left exposed and painted. The blue line has the most dramatic ones: the blue vines of T-Centralen, the red sky over a green forest at Solna Centrum, and the ruins and Roman statues underground at Kungstradgarden. You do not need a guided tour, only a ticket and the patience to get on and off.

Good to know

Covered by an ordinary public transport ticket, so it costs nothing extra if you are riding the metro anyway. Allow an hour for the four or five best known stations on the blue line. Go in the middle of the day, a station is hard to look at when it is full of people.

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Open electric sightseeing boat moored in central Stockholm

Seeing Stockholm From the Water

Stockholm sits on fourteen islands, and the facades along Gamla Stan, the City Hall and Riddarholmen were built to be seen from the water rather than from the street. That is why a boat appears on almost every list of what to do here. The cheapest way out is the Djurgarden ferry from Slussen, which is part of the public transport network and costs no more than an ordinary ticket. For the full route with a guide on board, our one hour open electric boat tour covers the city centre, and the archipelago tour runs 2.5 hours out into the inner archipelago. Our guide to Stockholm from the water goes through what you actually see along the way.

Good to know

The city tour takes an hour and leaves from central Stockholm, so it fits between two museums.

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Schloss Drottningholm in Stockholm

Drottningholm Palace

The royal family of Sweden resides in Drottningholm Palace, located on Lovön Island. Built in the 16th century, the palace’s name translates to queen’s islet. It was originally used as a summer residence by a royal couple, but in 1661, it was burned and left in decay. In the 19th century, it was rebuilt with a touch of modernization. The palace grounds also feature a church, constructed in 1736, which you can visit on the last Sunday of the month. Additionally, the gardens offer a beautiful sightseeing experience. There are many more stunning places to explore in Stockholm, so be sure not to miss out on any of these incredible destinations.

Good to know

About an hour from the centre by boat in summer, or the metro to Brommaplan and then a bus. Allow half a day including the journey.

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Artipelag in Stockholm

Artipelag

Situated within a pine forest on Värmdö island, Artipelag is a stunning combination of Swedish design and nature. This art gallery features rotating international art and photography exhibitions, including collections from renowned figures like Andy Warhol and Swedish fashion designer Lars Wallin. Visitors can enjoy a lavish restaurant offering weekday lunches and weekend brunches, or opt for the pastry shop or café. Artipelag offers a unique opportunity to experience art surrounded by natural beauty, making it a must-visit during your trip to Stockholm. For more places to stop for coffee, see our guide to the best cafés in Stockholm.

Good to know

Roughly half an hour from the centre by car, or a bus from Slussen out to Varmdo. Allow half a day including the journey.

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Millesgården in Stockholm

Millesgården

Presently an art museum and sculpture garden, Millesgarden is a true gem in Stockholm. It was created by the artistic couple, painter Olga Milles and her sculptor husband Carl Milles. Unsurprisingly, the place is filled with stunning paintings and beautiful sculptures. The home itself is a magnificent work of art, surrounded by terraces, fountains, stairways, and lush gardens. If you have a passion for beauty and artwork, you won’t want to miss a visit to this place, located just 20 minutes from Stockholm.

Good to know

On Lidingo, about 25 minutes out on the metro to Ropsten and then a bus. Allow two hours.

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Ericsson Globe Skyview in Stockholm

Ericsson Globe Skyview

Offering a mesmerizing view from great heights, this attraction takes visitors to the top floor of the world’s largest spherical building, the Ericsson Globe, located on the southern edge of Stockholm. Situated 130 meters above sea level, the panoramic view of Stockholm city is unforgettable. The place is usually busy during peak hours, and you can expect long queues at these times. After enjoying the spectacular view, you can dine at the restaurant and pick up souvenirs from nearby shops.

Good to know

The ride up and back takes about 20 minutes, from Globen on the green metro line south of the centre. Save it for a clear day or the view is wasted.

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Frequently asked questions about Stockholm attractions

Answers to the most common questions about attractions and things to do in Stockholm.

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Sightseeing boat during sunset at Old Town

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