Fanning across an archipelago where the freshwater Lake Mälaren bumps up against the salty Baltic Sea, Stockholm is a watery wonder and one of Europe's most beautiful capitals. Pristine nature is always within arm's reach in Stockholm, but the city is also a delightfully dynamic metropolis home to thrilling art, design, and culinary scenes. From strolling the cobblestone streets of the colorful Old Town to exploring the Nobel Prize Museum and island-hopping around the archipelago, there is no shortage of things to do in Stockholm.
Summer in Stockholm is often glorious: The temperatures are balmy, the islands and coasts of the archipelago beckon, and daylight hours are long, allowing for days filled with outdoor adventures. Average summertime highs range between 68°F (20°C) and 72°F (22°C), with the hottest conditions typically occurring in mid-July. Winters in Stockholm are cold and dark, but the Old Town’s Christmas market brings a festive mood to the city.
Clean, efficient, and reliable, Stockholm’s public transportation system is the best way to get around the city, with a network of buses, subways, commuter rails, trams, and ferries. Biking is another option as the city has numerous well-marked bike lanes and paths. The city is too spread out to fully cover on foot, but central neighborhoods such as the Old Town (Gamla Stan) and Södermalm are walkable. Taxis are typically expensive.
When arriving in Stockholm, don’t bother exchanging or withdrawing lots of cash. Stockholm is working toward becoming a cash-free city within the next few years, and many cafés, restaurants, and hotels already refuse to accept notes or coins. Be prepared by packing your bank card and credit card. Tipping is welcome but not expected. If you’ve received good service, you can choose to round up the check or leave a 10 percent tip.
Local Currency Swedish Krona (SEK) | Time Zone CEST (UTC +1) | Country Code +46 | Language(s) Northern Sami | Attractions 28 | Tours 432 | Reviews 9,237 |
Stockholm, which encompasses 14 islands connected by bridges, is famous as the gateway to the Stockholm archipelago and for the Stockholm Old Town of Gamla Stan with its cobblestone streets and medieval buildings. Stockholm is also home of the Royal Palace, Vasa Museum, and Royal Djurgarden.
...MoreDon’t miss taking a wander through Gamla Stan’s cobblestone streets and past its brightly painted medieval buildings. Other top attractions are Vasa Museum, home of the mighty Vasa warship; Tivoli Gröna Lund amusement park; open-air Skansen Museum; Stockholm Royal Palace; ABBA The Museum; and Nobel Prize Museum.
...MoreStockholm truly comes alive in summer. With so many green spaces and waterfront walkways and docks to enjoy, there are ample opportunities for walking, cycling, swimming, and island-hopping around the archipelago by boat. It’s also a great time to explore the outdoor museum at Skansen and stroll around leafy Djurgarden.
...MoreYes. Stockholm lives up to its reputation as an expensive city to visit. Prices for hotels, food, and drink are noticeably higher than in other major European cities. However, some of Stockholm’s best experiences, such as exploring Gamla Stan and wandering along forested trails, are completely free.
...MoreSome of Stockholm’s museums are free to visit, including the well-regarded Moderna Museet modern art museum and the National Museum of Sweden. You can also watch the daily changing of the guard outside the Royal Palace and wander around Djurgarden, Langholmen, and Gärdet parks at no cost.
...MoreYes. With its canals and islands, colorful buildings, and cobblestone streets, Stockholm is a beautiful city that blends big city thrills with easy access to the great outdoors. The Swedish capital is also rich in history and culture and home to several impressive museums and a well preserved historic center.
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