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Looking for the best activities to fill your Stockholm itinerary? You’re in the right place!
Stockholm is a stunning city, surrounded by natural beauty, tons of history, and modern charm. I have to admit – when we first visited I didn’t know much about Stockholm, but that quickly changed! We dove into the city and were captivated, there’s more to Stockholm than meets the eye!
If you’re as lost as we were, just follow our list of the top things to do in Stockholm. These will give you a great overview!
Quick Pick: Our Favorite Activity
Don’t have time to read the full article?
Our personal FAVORITE thing we did in Stockholm was this Viking history tour. We visited ancient Viking ruins, saw Old Norse runestones, and got to explore the Swedish countryside!
Check out the 100+ 5-star reviews and book this tour here!
Tip: This tour is likely to sell out, so book it now and get FREE cancellation 24 hours before it takes off.
- Quick Pick: Our Favorite Activity
- Things to do in Stockholm, Sweden
- 1. Explore Stockholm with a local
- 2. Learn about Viking history in the Swedish countryside
- 3. Eat your way through the city
- 4. Go on a ghost tour of Stockholm
- 5. Visit the Vasa and Skansen Museums
- 6. Explore the Stockholm Archipelago by kayak
- 7. Spot wildlife in Tyresta National Park
- 8. Explore Old Town Stockholm
- 9. Cycle your way through Stockholm’s top highlights
- Where to Stay in Stockholm, Sweden
- Thanks for reading!
- Stay safe in Europe & avoid scams!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Renting a Car in Europe
- Don't Forget Travel Insurance!
Things to do in Stockholm, Sweden
1. Explore Stockholm with a local
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 10 am, 2 pm, 6 pm
- Highlights: Learning about Stockholm’s history and culture from a local guide, seeing important landmarks and buildings, a great introduction to the city
- Inclusions: Local guide, small group tour
- Rating: 5 stars (check 370+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Whenever we are in a new city, our first go-to activity is taking a walking tour. It is the easiest way to immerse in the culture and navigate the winding city streets. While we’ve been on dozens of city tours, this walking tour of Stockholm was one of the best we’ve ever experienced – yes really!
Our guide, August, truly made this tour stand out from others. He had a deep knowledge of Stockholm’s culture and we could tell he truly loves living here, and it made us even more excited to explore.
August took us by the typical tourist sights, like Old Town, the Riddarholmen Church, and the Royal Swedish Opera House. Even though there were a few other people on the tour, he was able to accommodate our requests and customize the schedule. He even let us in on where the locals hang out and his favorite restaurant, which we definitely went back to a few times!
This three-hour tour was a great experience all around. It gave us a taste of the city, helped us get our bearings, and ticked off some of the can’t-miss sights. If you only have a short stay in Stockholm, this is the best way to get immersed and make the most of your time!
Book this top-rated walking tour here and get FREE cancellation before you go!
2. Learn about Viking history in the Swedish countryside
- Duration: 9 hours
- Time: 9 am
- Highlights: Visiting the Viking parliament and graveyard, seeing ancient runestones and the old village of Sigtuna, exploring the Swedish countryside, private or shared tour options
- Inclusions: Expert historian tour guide, hotel pickup/drop off and transport from Stockholm, traditional Swedish Fika (coffee/tea)
- Rating: 4.6 stars (check 180+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Did you even visit Scandinavia if you didn’t learn about the Viking Age? I don’t think so! We felt that learning about the 1,000+ year-old history was essential to our Swedish explorations, so we joined this Viking history tour out of Stockholm.
We loved going with our guide, Gabriel, because I honestly didn’t know much about Viking history! The sites are pretty close, and the 30-minute drive out of Stockholm was gorgeous so it was a nice escape from the city.
We first stopped to see ancient runestones, that were written in Old Norse and date back to the 11th century! There were other structures here, such as the old parliament assembly. It’s pretty crazy to think that their government structure was relatively similar to what we have today!
After, our group traveled a bit further to see ancient villages, burial sights, and the Uppsala Castle. We had some time to explore on our own and stop for lunch (at our own expense, but we loved the recommendations from Gabriel). Overall, this was a comprehensive tour and well worth the time and money, especially if you’re a history buff!
You can choose to book a shared or private tour. We went for the shared tour and were lucky to have a small group, but if you want a more personalized experience, the private tour is a great option too.
Check availability and book this Viking tour here, before dates fill up.
3. Eat your way through the city
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 11:30 am
- Highlights: Learning about Stockholm on a walking tour, eating lots of local and traditional Swedish foods
- Inclusions: Six unique food tastings and one secret dish, local guide, walking tour
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 75+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
What’s better than a walking tour? A food and walking tour! We love experiencing a new place through its local cuisine, so we joined this food tour through Stockholm to see the authentic side of the city.
You don’t come across Swedish cuisine often, so I wasn’t sure what to expect other than the meatballs from my Ikea trips. I was happy to find out that there is much more to Swedish food and it was all delicious (but don’t worry – there are still meatballs too)!
We took the small group tour, although there is a private tour option that can often be a better deal if you’re traveling with a big group. However, we were happy to make some friends as we tried local dishes that we were a bit unsure of at first – like golden-fried herring and prawn toast with roe. They tasted better than they sounded, but definitely be prepared to eat fish while in Stockholm!
Our local guide took us all around the city, trying candies in Old Town, the trendy restaurants of Drottninggatan Street, and the local vendors at Hotorget. He explained fika, which technically means “coffee and cake break” but it has become a pinnacle in Swedish culture and is a way to slow down throughout the day.
You really can’t go wrong with a food tour, and this one was a great intro to the city!
Reserve this tour now and pay later when you book it in advance here!
4. Go on a ghost tour of Stockholm
- Duration: 1.5 hours
- Time: 5 pm, 7 pm, 9 pm
- Highlights: Learning Stockholms grizzly history from a theatrical guide, exploring the oldest part of the city after dark, optional dinner included
- Inclusions: Local guide, dinner if selected
- Rating: 4.7 stars (check 950+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
You bet there’s some shady history in a city as old as Stockholm! If you love hearing the tales of murders, unsolved mysteries, ghost stories, and other legends, you’ll really enjoy this ghost and history tour.
We got to see a side of Stockholm that isn’t necessarily on the main tourist track, and it was really fun exploring the cobblestone streets after dark, led by a lantern light. Our guide took us through the oldest neighborhood in the city and explained all of medieval history. Let’s just say I am happy that I wasn’t alive during this time!
You’ll spend 1.5 hours exploring Stockholm’s haunted and historic sights, led by your local guide. I love ghost tours like this one because they are entertaining and full of theatrics! It’s meant to be a good time, not the spookiest experience you’ve ever been on. However, some of the stories certainly had my skin crawling!
Children 8 and up are welcome on the tour, and I think some of the kiddos were more brave than I was! We were fortunate to have good weather, but this tour does run all year so be sure to dress accordingly if you’re visiting during the winter.
Dates are limited – book this tour in advance to secure your spot!
5. Visit the Vasa and Skansen Museums
- Duration: 4-5 hours
- Time: Departure times are available hourly from 9 am to 1 pm.
- Highlights: Personalized and private tour of Stockholm, focus on the Vasa and Skansen Museums, seeing other city sights as you want
- Inclusions: Transportation and hotel pickup/drop off, private guide, snacks
- Rating: 4.5 stars (check 50+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Stockholm is known for two outstanding museums: the Vasa and the Skansen. The Vasa Museum focuses on maritime history, which has obviously been a large part of Sweden’s past. The Skansen Museum is unique because it’s the oldest open-air museum in the country, and it even has a zoo!
This private tour takes you to both museums and a few other city sights along the way. We lucked out and got the best guide, Kate, who was fun to hang out with and like a walking encyclopedia. She drove us all around the city, making stops at the Royal Palace as per our request, and then to the museums.
While you can certainly wander around museums on your own, we’ve found having guides makes the experience much more immersive. This was especially useful at the Vasa Museum, where we saw full-sized ships dating back to the 17th century! We learned that this museum was built specifically for these massive ships, can you imagine the construction of this project!?
The Skansen Museum was completely different and made up of renovated homes and shops to create a life-size village. There was a lot of history here too, so thanks for all the info, Kate!
This tour was an overall great way to learn about Stockholm. I think it’s ideal for those on a tight timeline, or those who have limited mobility and don’t want to take a walking tour. It’s important to note that entrance fees to any of the museums are not included, nor is lunch, so be sure to budget for that!
Book this tour here to access FREE cancellation options before you go!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
6. Explore the Stockholm Archipelago by kayak
- Duration: 3 – 4.5 hours
- Time: 10:30 am, 11:30 am
- Highlights: Kayaking around Stockholm Archipelago’s historic sights, fika coffee break, options sauna after
- Inclusions: Kayak equipment, dry suit and bag, guide, warm drinks, and snacks
- Rating: 5 stars (check 80+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Our favorite type of city is one where we can get outside and explore easily! Luckily, Stockholm is ideal to explore via water. This kayak tour took care of all the logistics for us, so we could simply enjoy the great outdoors – Swedish style!
We met our guide, Max, a little outside of town so we could quickly get onto the water. He provided all the equipment we needed to stay dry, but be sure to wear warm clothes no matter what time of year you go! We already had some kayaking experience, but a few others in our group were pretty new so Max gave a tutorial and made sure we all felt comfortable before we set off.
He had us weaving all around islands, through narrow passages, and passing by little towns – we really saw a different side of Stockholm! We even saw the historic Vaxholm Fortress, which was simply stunning. But the most memorable part was how beautiful the landscape was, and I loved that we had a full three hours of kayaking to enjoy it.
Although, three hours of paddling can be pretty tiring, so Max had us stop for fika – that lovely coffee and relaxing tradition I keep mentioning!
This tour is a great way to relax and escape the bustling city life. You can upgrade your relaxation by adding a 1.5-hour sauna after the kayaking tour if you’d like! We didn’t do this, but how luxurious does it sound?
Don’t miss out on this unique tour – check dates and secure your spot here!
7. Spot wildlife in Tyresta National Park
- Duration: 4 hours
- Time: Every hour from 1 pm to 7 pm (excluding 4 pm)
- Highlights: Hiking through Tyresta National Park, spotting wildlife with an expert guide, having a campfire and dinner in the national park
- Inclusions: Transportation from Stockholm, guide, dinner
- Rating: 4.7 stars (check 130+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Sweden has a wildly beautiful landscape, and if you’re short on time, you can experience it on a day trip from Stockholm! Tyresta National Park is only about 30 minutes from Stockholm. We couldn’t wait to explore it, so we joined this sunset hiking and wildlife safari and had a blast!
We loved the relaxed pace of this tour, and that everyone in the group was truly interested in the wildlife. The tour took off a little before sunset, so we had time to get to the park, start hiking, and enjoy the forest. During the twilight hour, so many animals came out, like deer, foxes, rabbits, and even a wild boar and a moose in the distance.
Our guide, Daniel, spent a good amount of the drive explaining what type of wildlife we’d see, and I think we checked off most of them! He knew exactly where to go to see the animals and was keenly aware of their behaviors and patterns – it’s like he’s an expert or something!
The sunset was gorgeous and really highlighted Sweden’s natural beauty. After plenty of time scouting for animals, we stopped for dinner and a campfire, which definitely hit the spot and made for a memorable way to round out the hike.
This is a popular tour, and the departure times tend to fill up quickly, so don’t hesitate to reserve your date in advance!
Check availability and book this tour in advance here.
8. Explore Old Town Stockholm
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 9 am, 10 am, 1 pm, 2 pm
- Highlights: Private tour of Gamla Stan and other top sights, customizable itinerary, visiting the Vasa Museum
- Inclusions: Local guide, private tour, ferry tickets, entrance to the Vasa Museum
- Rating: 4.7 stars (check reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
While we were in Stockholm, we passed by the Old Town many times before we dove into its rich history – don’t make the same mistake!
Gamla Stan (the oldest part of the city) ended up being my favorite part of Stockholm. Maybe it was the cobblestone streets and the old architecture that charmed me, but learning all about it on this private tour really took my experience to the next level.
We met our guide in Stortorget, which is Stockholm’s oldest town square. And when I say old, I mean old – we learned that this part of the city was founded in the 1200s! Our guide, Joel, went slowly and frequently stopped to point out unique points of architecture or a random street corner with a fascinating story. If you’re looking for a deep dive into history – this tour is it!
Joel took us by the stunning Royal Palace and Stockholm Cathedral, before hopping on the ferry to visit the Vasa Museum. The public transportation is very good in Stockholm, but if you aren’t used to navigating it on your own, having the help of a guide will make your experience much easier – trust me!
Admission tickets to the Vasa were included and they even let us skip the long line that was beginning to queue. This is where our tour technically ended, but Joel hung out with us longer as we wanted to linger at the museum, which we felt was a nice touch.
Check availability and book this private tour here, before it sells out!
9. Cycle your way through Stockholm’s top highlights
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 9:30 am, 10:00 am, 2:30 am
- Highlights: Enjoy a relaxed, eco-friendly way to see the Swedish capital, cycle through scenic neighborhoods and waterfront paths, learn about the city’s history from a local guide
- Inclusions: Your professional guide, an easy-to-ride bike, helmet, rain poncho
- Rating: 4.6 stars (check 450+ glowing reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Biking through Stockholm was one of the most fun and relaxed ways we explored the city, and this guided tour made it incredibly easy to see the highlights while learning a ton along the way. It’s the perfect mix of fresh air, beautiful views, and local insight.
The ride starts in central Stockholm and follows a thoughtfully planned route that loops through key neighborhoods and landmarks. You’ll pedal past the Royal Palace, City Hall, Gamla Stan (the Old Town), and scenic stretches of waterfront that are absolutely postcard-worthy. It’s a great balance of historic sites and peaceful parks, and the pace is easy enough for most fitness levels.
What really made the tour shine was our guide, Stephen, who was friendly, knowledgeable, and full of great stories that brought the city’s history and culture to life. We learned about Sweden’s royal past, everyday life in Stockholm, and even a few quirky local legends we wouldn’t have heard on our own.
Bikes and helmets are provided, and the group size stays small, which keeps things relaxed and personal. If you want to cover a lot of ground without feeling rushed, and enjoy some of Stockholm’s best views along the way, this tour is a fantastic way to do it. Bonus: it’s also a fun and eco-friendly break from more traditional sightseeing!
Where to Stay in Stockholm, Sweden
Now that you have the perfect Stockholm itinerary, you need the perfect place to stay! You have lots of options, as there are tons of fun pockets of the city and a range of price points. To help narrow it down, I’ve picked out three excellent hotels for a luxury, mid-range, and budget stay.
Luxury – $$$
Bank Hotel is a unique but luxurious hotel in a former bank building! The rooms are top quality and have a modern design, with all the amenities you could wish for – it really feels like this hotel belongs in a film. There’s a lovely cocktail and terrace on the top floor, or if you feel like leaving the hotel, the Royal Palace and top sights are just meters away.
Rooms range in size and luxury level, and prices go from €250 to €1,000+. Check availability and book this stay on Booking.com.
Mid-range – $$
Lady Hamilton Hotel is a historic and charming hotel, in fact the building dates back to the 15th century! But, they’ve kept up with the times and offer comfortable rooms with an antique yet stylish design. It’s located near Old Town and Gamla Stan Metro Station, or you can enjoy the onsite sauna and bistro.
Prices can range from €150 – €400 depending on the time of year and which room you select. Check dates and book your stay on Booking.com.
Budget – $
Queen’s Hotel is a high-quality stay at an affordable price – my favorite combo! They offer single up to quadruple rooms, so it’s great if you’re traveling with a family or small group. All the rooms are comfortable and simple, have a desk, and a well-kept bathroom. It’s conveniently located just a 10-minute walk from Stockholm Central Station so you can get around the city easily.
Prices range from €90 to €140 and can be reserved on Booking.com.
Renting a Car in Europe
Exploring Europe by car is a fantastic way to uncover hidden gems—think charming villages, scenic countryside, and off-the-beaten-path spots that trains and buses might miss. Driving here is generally straightforward, but it’s good to be prepared for some regional quirks.
We always use Discover Cars to book our rentals and can’t recommend them enough. It’s super easy to compare prices, check company ratings, find automatic cars (which can be tricky in Europe!), and add affordable full coverage insurance. If you want a full breakdown, check out our Discover Cars review here.
Tips for Renting a Car in Europe
- Know the local rules: Most countries drive on the right, except the UK, Ireland, Cyprus, and Malta. Road signs and driving laws can vary, so do a quick check before you go.
- Practice defensive driving: In parts of Europe, especially in the south, driving can feel fast-paced and a little unpredictable. Make sure you stay alert and keep a safe following distance.
- Insurance is essential: I highly recommend adding full coverage insurance to your rental. Whether it’s a parking lot ding or a chipped windshield on a mountain road, full protection gives you peace of mind. Plus, it’s super affordable through Discover Cars!
- Pick the right vehicle: Most rentals in Europe are manual, and automatic cars are limited, so book early if that’s what you need. A compact car is also ideal for narrow roads and tight parking. On Discover Cars, you can easily filter for everything you need.
- Watch for restricted zones: Many cities have low-emission or restricted traffic zones. Driving into these without a permit can result in fines, so always check local rules if you’re heading into a city center.
- Be prepared for border crossings: While crossing borders is usually easy within the Schengen Zone, some rental companies require you to declare your travel plans in advance. Always check with Discover Cars if you’re planning to drive into another country.
What You Need to Rent a Car in Europe
- A valid driver’s license from your home country.
- If you’re from outside the EU, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended—and in some countries, it’s legally required.
- A credit card in the driver’s name is typically needed for the security deposit.
- Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. If you’re under 25, expect a young driver surcharge—and in some countries, the minimum age may be higher.
Ready to hit the road? Book your car with Discover Cars here and discover the freedom of exploring Europe on your own terms!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
Visiting Stockholm was an all-around magical experience, from the charming old architecture to the snow-covered forest. No matter what you end up doing, I know you’ll have a fantastic time exploring Stockholm – we sure did!
Be sure to check out some of our other travel guides if you found this blog helpful! We’ve traveled all over the world and love sharing our favorite places and experiences. I’ll leave a few related posts here to help further your research and inspire your travels. Cheers!
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