3 days in Stockholm

I’ve always heard great things about Sweden’s capital, but somehow, I was never drawn to actually explore it. Or maybe it was the price tag that kept me away. Yet, a few months ago, on a whim, I decided to buy a plane ticket and spend 3 days in Stockholm.

I have only two regrets: that I waited so long to go and that I spent only 3 days in Stockholm.

Having this in mind, I’ll share my experience so you can plan your perfect trip to this underrated destination.

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3 Days in Stockholm
My Stockholm 3-day itinerary
Other City Break Options

The best place to stay in Stockholm

First, you’ll need a good place to stay.

In my opinion, the best place to stay in any city should tick the following boxes:

I want to be close to the tourist attractions or at least really close to a metro/bus stop so that I won’t have to spend a lot of time commuting.
Great service from the moment of the booking up until the checkout.
Good facilities. Depending on the destination, I always try to choose hotels that offer access to SPA, a gym, or a great rooftop bar/restaurant.
Beautiful views from the room. If you have read other posts of mine, you are not surprised by this criterion.
Delicious breakfast and food options for dinner in case I’m too tired to spend the evening out.
The fair price, given the quality and all the facilities available.

The Birger Jarl Hotel, where I spent my 3 days in Stockholm, fit all my expectations.

Check out their availability and reviews here!

There are several other good accommodation options in the city, all you need to do is browse until you find the one to your liking.

Booking.com

Getting around during your 3 days in Stockholm

How to get to the city from the airport

We landed at Skavsta Airport and took the Flygbussarna bus to town, which took circa 45 minutes.

The city’s largest airport is Arlanda Airport, and it is also connected to the center by bus. Alternatively, if you land here, you have the option of taking the Arlanda Express train. The trip is shorter, but the price is higher.

Of course, you can always rent a car, although I wouldn’t recommend it for such a short trip. It will take half a day to figure out where to fill up your tank and where to park.

If you prefer comfort and efficiency, I suggest you book a private transfer.

Getting around town

Stockholm Pass – go or no go?

I would say that if you plan to visit many museums (the card offers free entrance to over 60 of Stockholm’s most popular attractions, including all the ones recommended by me in this article) and take a boat tour or hop-on, hop-off bus, it is definitely worth it since you will be saving quite a lot.

Book your Stockholm Card online before you go!

If you choose to add the Travelcard, exploring the city will be even easier and cheaper. So, I would buy the card for my 3 days in Stockholm.

Please note that prices for public transportation vary depending on where and when you buy the ticket. Tickets can be bought at ticket machines at metro and train stations, ticket agents, ticket offices, or online at the webshop on the Swedish section of sl.se.

However, since we stayed really close to the city center and also went on different tours, we saw most everything on foot. For us, taking tours or a hop-on, hop-off bus was more useful.

Best time to visit Stockholm

Being relatively close to the Arctic Polar Circle, summer days are very long, and winter days are very short. It is an important thing to keep in mind when planning your trip to Stockholm.

For seconds, temperatures are low in winter, especially if you are used to milder climates like I am.

We visited Stockholm in May, and I think that’s the best time to visit. The temperatures were just right, the days were long (it gets dark at around 11, and at 4 AM, you will have light), and cherry trees were in bloom. What else could you want?

Summer is also great, except for the throng of tourists descending on the city. Still, even then, it is less crowded than the southern European destinations such as Italy, Spain or Greece.

My Stockholm 3-day itinerary

Day 1 of our 3 days in Stockholm

The Royal Palace

As you might know, Sweden is a constitutional monarchy like the UK. Thus, there are plenty of palaces to visit, the main one being the Royal Palace in the center of Stockholm, the official residence of the reigning monarch.

It’s hard to miss since it is one of the largest palaces in Europe – not a small feat on the continent of palaces.

The Palace is open to visitors year-round and has over 600 rooms. My heart goes out to the cleaning staff.

We spent half a day exploring the imposing architecture and sumptuous rooms.

There is a ticket that allows you to visit the Royal Apartments, the Treasury, the Kronor Museum, the Royal Chapel, the Royal Guard, and the Royal Armoury.

Alternatively, you can choose to visit only the Royal Palace (you can buy your ticket online or access it with the Stockholm Pass).

Also, since you’re there, why not see the changing of the guard? It lasts around 40 minutes and starts at 12:15 p.m. on weekdays and at 1:15 p.m. on Sundays in the Palace’s outer courtyard.

Gamla Stan

The beautiful Old Town could easily top my list of things to visit in Stockholm.

Perhaps the fact that we got there relatively early in the morning and got to explore the streets while they were still not crowded played a major role.

But walking around the narrow streets in the gentle morning light, admiring the colorful walls and the old buildings, made my heart sing with joy.

There’s no doubt about it: Gamla Stan is charming and a must-visit part of Stockholm.

I’ve noticed that starting at 10 AM, crowds and groups of tourists flood the streets. So start your exploration earlier if you prefer peace and quiet.

Also, if you plan to enjoy a coffee at one of the cafes in the central square (Stortorget), make sure you have your wallet with you. They are quite expensive.

We sat at this cute little table at one of the Italian places out there, and when I saw the menu, I could not find the exit faster. I used to live in some of the most expensive cities in the world (e.g., Hong Kong was THE most expensive city to live in during our time there), and I was still reluctant to pay half a kidney for a cup of coffee. 🙂 So make sure you check the menu before ordering. I am sure some of the places are quite affordable.

We explored on our own this time, but a great way to see Gamla Stan and learn about the city is by taking a walking tour.

Stockholm Parliament

Riksdagshuset—the Parliament house—is open to anyone wishing to attend a debate, public hearing, or study visit. And here you were, thinking your country is a true democracy.

If you are visiting Stockholm between September and June, stop by the Parliament for a guided tour.

Tours are free of charge but need to be booked in advance here.

Skansen Museum

Open since 1891, Skansen is known as the “World’s oldest open-air museum.” It is another place where you will want to spend plenty of time since it offers all kinds of cool and interesting activities and sights.

We arrived late in the day and only had a few hours to explore. We did not have the chance to visit many of the houses exhibiting the local customs and traditions.

If you are passionate about folklore, crafts, or the traditional Nordic lifestyle in general, Skansen is the place for you.

Traditional house at Skansen Museum / Ingrid

Walking on these streets will make you feel like you have turned back in time and are living in an old Nordic village, which, in my opinion, is a great way of learning about the locals.

Carriages on the stone-paved streets, old gas pumps, an old pharmacy with paper wrappings, and an old bakery are only a few of the places that will charm you.

Another thing we liked a lot and that made the place even more interesting and unique was the area where they have both Nordic and domesticated animals. Bears, wolves, mooses, cats, rabbits, sheep, and piglets—they have them all.

Book your ticket online ahead of time here!

Fika Time

What is Fika Time, you might wonder? I was clueless, too, before my visit.

Once you experience it in Stockholm, your reaction will be something like, “Aww, yeah, I totally fika!”

Fika is considered an institution in Sweden; it means having a break, most often a coffee break, with one’s colleagues, friends, date, or family. The word fika can be used as both a verb and a noun.

I have fully embraced fika since. Even after our baby girl upended our previous routines, Alex is pushing me to fika and disconnect from the day-to-day worries from time to time.

Go on a Guided Fika tour and discover more!

Day 2 of our 3 days in Stockholm

Stockholm City Hall

One of the most famous tourist attractions in Stockholm and maybe one of the most beautiful buildings in the old Swedish capital, the City Hall is a must-see.

We took the boat towards Drottningholm Palace early in the morning from near the City Hall and admired it from a distance.

Once we came back, we decided to step inside. Needless to say, it was packed with tourists, and not only that but also because some weddings were taking place.

I suggest you plan your trip to the Stockholm City Hall and get all your information from here.

Take a boat tour to Drottningholm Palace

If you are looking for a relaxing day, take the boat trip to Drottningholm Palace. Departing from the City Hall, the trip will offer you some memorable nature views.

Please note that the tour is included with the Stockholm Pass. Buy your pass online here and forget about looking for it when you visit.

Or, you can book a stand-alone tour here.

Upon arrival, I was swept away by its beauty. Since we took the first boat in the morning (10 AM), we had some time to enjoy the palace’s surroundings without being bothered by the crowds of tourists. This place is by far one of the best things to see in Sweden.

A UNESCO World Heritage, I think the trip to Drottningholm Palace is totally worth it even if you are only spending 3 days in Stockholm. The architecture and its gardens, fountains, and labyrinths are a sight to behold.

I have to admit that we did not visit the interior, but you can do it by acquiring a ticket that includes access to the Palace and the Chinese Pavilion.

If, like us, you prefer only to walk in the large palace gardens, have a picnic by the lake, climb the hill, and see the palace from above, you won’t regret it.

Make sure to stop by Karamellan Café & Restaurang på Drottningholm for a delicious coffee and piece of cake.

Walk around and drink something on Strandvägen Avenue

Translated as “Beach Road,” here is where you will see the most expensive buildings in the Scandinavian capital, patiently overlooking the water over one kilometer.

Thus, if you are looking to spend some chill time, sit back and relax over a cup of wine or coffee at one of the many restaurants that you will see all around (also on boats).

The boulevard is one of the most pleasant in Stockholm. It is definitely the best area to stay in Stockholm, and you won’t regret the time spent here, even if you don’t choose to stay on a terrace (understandable if you are on a tight budget). Instead, buy a bottle of something and chill on one of the quays.

Vasa Museum

One of Scandinavia’s most visited museums, the Vasa Museum is a must-stop during your 3 days in Stockholm.

The most important attraction in the museum is the well-preserved warship, Vasa from 1628, embellished with hundreds of wooden sculptures. The ship was found after 333 years at the bottom of Stockholm Bay and has become a popular attraction ever since.

You can buy tickets online and enjoy a 2-hour guided tour where you will learn all about the famous ship.

Djurgården – the Museum Island of Stockholm

It is where the Vasa Museum is. Since you are already there, you might want to visit some of the other popular museums around (Gröna Lund or the Abba museum).

Consider having some fun at the Grona Lund Amusement Park if you like such things. Alex loves them, but I am not a big fan.

Day 3 of our 3 days in Stockholm

Under the Bridges boat tour

If you don’t mind spending more time on the water, take the Under the Bridges boat tour. It will offer you a view of the most important sights in Stockholm.

Throughout 2h30 hours, we’ve seen the inner city, the Old Town, the islands Södermalm, Lilla and Stora Essingen, Hammarby Sjöstad, and the green areas of Djurgården while listening to many cool and interesting facts about Sweden.

Metro stations

Unfortunately, we did not have the time to see this. Since Birger Jarl Hotel was perfectly located, we had no need to use the metro.

It is a pity, really, since Stockholm’s metro system is said to be the world’s longest art exhibit.

If you want to choose the best of the best, I recommend this comprehensive article about the 14 most beautiful metro stations.

Some of the must-see metro stations:

Stadio – on the Redline, the rainbow station
T-Centralen – on the Blueline, the white and blue station
Solna Centrum – on the Blueline, the red, almost lava-like station

Fotografiska Museum and Cafe

I find this museum to be one of the coolest in town.

One thing is sure: it is where you will find the best coffee in town!

So, if you are passionate about contemporary photography or just looking for one of the best views in town, the best restaurant, or the best cafes, look no further.

Book your ticket ahead of time online!

What else to see when you have more time in Stockholm

Stockholm is an amazing town which deserves to be visited, and when you have more time, I suggest you should allocate more time to seeing it all.

When you have more time in Stockholm or even more but choose to spend it at a slower pace, make sure not to miss the attractions below.

The Natural History Museum
Modern Art Museum
Go for cocktails in Vasastan
Stockholms Medeltidsmuseum – the Medieval Museum
Nobel Museum
House of Nobility

Day trips from Stockholm

Whether you have 3 days in Stockholm or more, you must consider spending more time in nature or exploring castles.

One thing is sure when it comes to the Scandinavian countries, they are a true nature lover’s heaven. Also, if you’ve liked Drottningholm Palace or want to see something else, there are options for that.

Here are some other day trips you might want to look into for your Stockholm itinerary:

Other useful info for your trip

Shops and supermarkets opening hours.

Having grown accustomed to the tight opening hours in Germany and Italy, I was surprised to see that supermarkets are open from 7 AM to 11 PM. Also, stores are open on Sundays, although with a shorter work day.

I know it is unfair to the retail workers; my husband used to work in retail for several years. But when you are on such a tight schedule, it is hard to balance your itinerary with the opening hours of many other European countries.

Other City Break Options

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One day in Nuremberg
One day in Frankfurt
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One day in Bruge
2 days in Lisbon
Unusual things to do in Amsterdam
Things to do in Barcelona
One Day in Bologna
3 days in Thessaloniki
Your perfect 2 days in Rome
2 days in Athens

Love at first sight – 3 days in Stockholm

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