Dylan and Maddy
3 Days in Stockholm, Sweden: The Perfect Stockholm Itinerary
Stockholm surprised us in all the best ways—think vibrant old town alleys, endless stretches of water, and a city that feels both laid-back and full of life. We spent 3 days in Stockholm in July, soaking up the long summer days and discovering just how much you can see without ever feeling too rushed.
If you love a mix of iconic sights, local neighborhoods, and a few hidden gems, this itinerary is for you. Here’s exactly how we spent our 3 days in Stockholm—realistic, honest, and with all our personal tips.
Table of Contents
Quick Tips for Visiting Stockholm
Best Time to Visit Stockholm:
If you’re deciding when to visit Stockholm, July is hard to beat. The city comes alive in summer, with daylight stretching late into the evening (seriously—sunset after 10pm!). The weather is warm but rarely too hot, making it perfect for exploring on foot or by bike. If you love long days, a lively atmosphere, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy Stockholm’s natural beauty, aim for late spring through early autumn. Winter has its own magic with holiday lights and cozy vibes, but expect shorter days and chilly temperatures.
Currency:
Swedish Krona (SEK) is the official currency. Some places are cashless, so you’ll be using your card a lot! We brought some cash and often had trouble finding places that would even take it, which was shocking!
Language:
Swedish is the official language, but honestly, everyone speaks English. Menus, signs, and public transport info are all easy to navigate for English speakers.
Getting Around:
Getting around Stockholm is ridiculously easy. The city is super walkable, and when you need to go farther, the public transport system (metro, buses, and ferries) is efficient, clean, and always on time. We loved that you can simply tap in and out using Apple Pay on your phone—no need to buy tickets in advance or worry about exact change. If you’re staying a few days, you can also grab an SL card for unlimited rides. Honestly, it made exploring every corner of the city feel effortless and cost-effective.
Budget:
Stockholm sometimes gets a reputation for being expensive, but honestly, we found prices to be pretty average compared to the rest of Europe. Sit-down dinners and certain attractions can add up, but overall, we thought the value matched what you get. Water is always free and safe to drink, so bring a refillable bottle—another easy way to keep costs down.
Pro Tip:
Stockholm is spread across 14 islands. To save time and avoid backtracking, plan your days by neighborhood or island—grouping sights together makes exploring way more efficient (and chill). Our itinerary will make it easy for you to plan out each day.
Day 1 – Old Town & Sunset Views
Gamla Stan (Old Town)
Start your trip in Stockholm’s Old Town, known as Gamla Stan. This is one of the best-preserved medieval centers in Europe, and it truly feels like stepping into a storybook. The cobblestone alleys are lined with pastel-colored buildings, cozy cafés, and small shops selling everything from handmade crafts to traditional Swedish candy. You’ll also find a million souvenir stores. The main square, Stortorget, is especially photogenic with its colorful townhouses—you’ve probably seen it on Instagram a hundred times, but trust us, it’s even more charming in person.
And while you’re wandering around, do yourself a favor and grab a scoop from Letiz Gelato. All of their flavors are gluten-free, and it was so good we ended up getting it every single day we were in Stockholm. Definitely one of our favorite foodie finds in the city!
Stortoget Square, while beautiful, felt a little different than most famous European squares. It was less populated and not made to be THE main attraction. It was just a part of a bigger old town area that was steeped in so much history and things to do.
While you’re here, make sure to stop at Stockholm Cathedral (Storkyrkan), the city’s oldest church (built in 1279). Inside, you’ll find impressive vaulted ceilings and the famous wooden sculpture of St. George and the Dragon, which symbolizes Sweden’s fight for independence. Just around the corner, the German Church (Tyska Kyrkan) is another gem that you’ll need to stop to take photos at.
If you’re into photography, mornings are the best time to visit before the crowds arrive, and if you can, pop back at night when the lantern-lit streets feel extra atmospheric. It was honestly one of our favorite places in Stockholm, not only because it’s gorgeous, but also because it’s surprisingly well-preserved and clean compared to other historic city centers we’ve visited.
Traveler Tip: Wear comfy shoes and watch where you step! The cobblestone streets look cute in photos, but we mildly rolled our ankles a few times by not watching our steps.
Nobel Prize Museum
While you’re in Stortorget Square, you’ll come across the Nobel Prize Museum, which is dedicated to the world’s most prestigious award. The exhibits rotate often, so you never know what you’ll get—but it’s an easy stop while you’re already in Gamla Stan.
Parliament House & Swedish House of Nobility
From Old Town, cross toward Riddarholmen and you’ll pass the Swedish Parliament (Riksdag) and the House of Nobility. Both are striking buildings and worth a quick pause for photos.
Stockholm City Hall
One of the city’s most famous landmarks, Stockholm City Hall is instantly recognizable with its tall brick tower and golden spire. Inside, you can take a guided tour to see the Blue Hall, where the Nobel banquet is held every year. You’re also allowed to climb up the tower to get panoramic views of the city! Even if you don’t go inside, the waterfront location makes it a really scenic stop.
Riddarholmen Church
Just a short walk from central Gamla Stan, you’ll find Riddarholmen Church—one of the oldest buildings in Stockholm and the final resting place of many Swedish monarchs. Its tall, cast-iron spire is easy to spot across the skyline, but the real reward comes from going inside. The interior is stunning, with elaborate coats of arms lining the walls, intricate wooden details, and royal tombs dating back centuries. We spent about an hour here, and it ended up being one of the most memorable parts of our day.
Traveler Tip: Entry is about 60 SEK (around $6 USD), and it’s worth every penny. Plan to spend at least 30–60 minutes if you really want to appreciate the artwork and history inside.
The Royal Palace
No trip to Stockholm is complete without visiting the Royal Palace, and honestly, it might just be the most incredible royal residence we’ve ever toured. With over 600 rooms, it’s one of the largest palaces in Europe and still serves as the official residence of the King of Sweden.
From the outside, the palace is fairly understated compared to some other European landmarks—it’s big, but the façade isn’t the showstopper. Step inside, though, and it’s a whole different story. The interior is jaw-dropping, with grand staircases, ornate ceilings, glittering chandeliers, and room after room of lavish décor. We’ve been inside Buckingham Palace, and we both agreed the Stockholm Royal Palace might actually top it. It even reminded us of the Palace of Versailles in its scale and detail, which is saying a lot!
Highlights include the State Apartments, the Treasury, where Sweden’s crown jewels are displayed, and the Royal Armoury, which showcases centuries of royal costumes, armor, and carriages. It’s the kind of place where you keep thinking you’ve seen the best room… until you step into the next one.
If your timing works out, don’t miss the Changing of the Guard ceremony outside!
Traveler Tip: Entry is 180 SEK (about $17 USD), and it’s worth every bit. Plan to spend at least 1.5–2 hours here, because the palace is massive and there’s so much to see.
Kungsträdgården
Kungsträdgården is a lovely park right in the city center and a great spot to take a break while exploring Stockholm. In the summer, it’s especially nice for a walk under the tree-lined paths or to sit by the fountains with an ice cream. It’s not the most “must-see” attraction, but it’s a really pleasant place to slow down, people-watch, and enjoy the city atmosphere.
Views of Gamla Stan from Norrmalm (Riksgatan)
End your day with one of the prettiest perspectives in Stockholm. From Riksgatan, you get postcard-worthy views of Gamla Stan across the water, with its colorful facades and church spires standing out against the skyline. Stockholm has to be one of the most scenic cities we’ve ever seen at night, so make sure to go somewhere with a waterfront view at night!
Day 2 – Palaces, Museums & More Views
Drottningholm Palace
If you’ve got time to venture just outside the city, Drottningholm Palace is a must. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the official residence of the Swedish royal family and is often compared to a “mini Versailles.” While it’s not as massive as the Royal Palace, it’s still stunning inside, with richly decorated rooms and centuries of history. Built in the 1600s, it’s one of the best-preserved palaces in Sweden and gives you a real sense of royal life through the ages.
The gardens are just as impressive, with long pathways, fountains, and plenty of space to wander. One of the highlights for us was the Chinese Pavilion, a colorful 18th-century addition tucked into the park. Its Asian-inspired architecture and elegant interiors feel completely unique — almost like stepping into a different world in the middle of Sweden.
We thought the visit was well worth it. Entry is about 220 SEK (around $22 USD) for the palace and gardens, and the Chinese Pavilion. We grabbed an Uber from the city, which made it super easy, but you can also reach it by boat or metro + bus.
Traveler Tip: Plan to spend at least a few hours here — the palace, gardens, and pavilion together make for a perfect half-day trip from Stockholm.
Norrmalm
Back in the city center, Norrmalm is where modern Stockholm comes to life. You’ll find busy shopping streets, plenty of cafés, and lively squares. This area of Stockholm is a stark contrast to Old Town, but it’s still cool to walk around and get that classic city energy. We love the Old Towns in Europe, so we obviously spent a little more time in Gamla Stan.
Skansen Open-Air Museum
We loved Skansen — it turned out to be way more than we expected. While it’s famous as the world’s first open-air museum, with historic houses, farms, and demonstrations of traditional crafts, it’s also a full-on zoo. You’ll find animals like wolves, bears, monkeys, reindeer, and even bison (our personal favorite). It’s the perfect mix of history, culture, and wildlife all in one spot. You can easily spend an entire day here because it’s gigantic, but make sure to at least designate 3-4 hours.
Vasa Museum
We thoroughly enjoyed the Vasa Museum — it absolutely blew us away! The ship itself is massive, way bigger than we ever imagined, and the museum has multiple viewing platforms so you can take in every angle. What makes it so fascinating is the story: the Vasa sank on its maiden voyage in 1628 (after sailing less than a mile) and sat underwater for over 300 years before being salvaged and preserved. Reading about the history while standing in front of the real thing makes it even cooler — it’s easily one of Stockholm’s must-see spots.
Nordic Museum or ABBA Museum
Two very different but equally fun options! The Nordic Museum dives deep into Swedish culture and traditions, with exhibits on everything from folk art and fashion to home life and celebrations throughout history. It’s a great way to get a feel for Sweden beyond just Stockholm. On the other hand, the ABBA Museum is pure fun — super interactive with costumes, memorabilia, and karaoke booths where you can sing along to the band’s greatest hits.
Royal National City Park
Stretching for miles right through the heart of Stockholm, the Royal National City Park is the first national city park in the world. It’s a blend of peaceful walking trails, historic palaces, and even some wildlife. It’s the perfect escape from the city without ever leaving it. We loved strolling here after sightseeing, grabbing some fresh air, and just slowing down a bit.
Monteliusvägen
Another sunset stunner, this cliffside walking path offers some of the best views over Gamla Stan and Lake Mälaren.
Day 3 – Ocean Bus & A Peaceful Night in Gamla Stan
Ocean Bus
We kicked off the morning with the Ocean Bus, and it was one of the coolest things we did in Stockholm. The tour starts out like a regular city bus ride but then — plot twist — the bus drives straight into the water and turns into a boat! It’s such a fun way to see Stockholm both on land and from the water without ever leaving your seat. Definitely worth it if you want something a little different from your standard sightseeing tour.
Royal Dramatic Theater
Afterwards, we walked by the Royal Dramatic Theater. Even though we didn’t catch a show, the building itself is gorgeous and worth stopping by if you’re in the area.
Kastellet & Gröna Lund Views
Next up was Kastellet, a small fortress that makes for a quick but worthwhile stop. From here, we had a great view of Gröna Lund Amusement Park over on Djurgården. We didn’t go inside, but if you’re into rides and roller coasters, it looked like a super fun spot.
Avicii Arena & SkyView (Optional)
If you have extra time in your day, consider heading to the Avicii Arena. Aside from being a concert venue, it’s also home to the SkyView, where you ride a glass gondola up the side of the arena for sweeping views of Stockholm.
Gamla Stan at Night
To close out our trip, we went back to Gamla Stan in the evening. While Stockholm isn’t the liveliest city at night, it was beautiful and peaceful! Walking the cobblestone streets with the historic buildings lit up and seeing the reflections on the water was the perfect way to say goodbye to the city.
Day Trips from Stockholm (If You Have More Time)
Uppsala
Just 40 minutes north of Stockholm by train, Uppsala is the ultimate mix of history and charm. The city is home to Scandinavia’s largest cathedral, Uppsala Domkyrka, which towers over the old town and is absolutely stunning inside. You’ll also find ancient Viking burial mounds at Gamla Uppsala, where you can literally walk through centuries of Swedish history.
Sigtuna
Known as Sweden’s oldest town, Sigtuna is straight out of a storybook. Founded in the 10th century, it’s full of cobbled streets, wooden houses, and runestones scattered throughout town. It’s small enough to explore in just a few hours, making it the perfect relaxed escape from Stockholm. Grab a fika at one of the cute cafés and soak in the slow pace of this historic little town.
Final Thoughts on 3 Days in Stockholm, Sweden
Overall, we absolutely LOVED Stockholm — way more than we even expected to. Visiting in summer felt perfect: the weather was gorgeous, the days seemed endless, and the whole city had this easygoing, vibrant energy. The fact that Stockholm is spread across so many islands, surrounded by water at every turn, makes it feel extra special compared to other European cities.
Our favorite spot was definitely Gamla Stan — we’re total suckers for charming Old Towns, and this one instantly won us over. Outside of that, Skansen and the Vasa Museum stood out as must-sees, and we’d recommend them to anyone planning a trip here.
Stockholm also left us wanting more — it gave us such a strong taste of Sweden that we found ourselves wishing we had more time to explore the rest of the country. From what we experienced, Sweden has so much to offer, and we’re already excited to come back someday and see more.
Honestly, we don’t have anything negative to say about Stockholm. It’s clean, beautiful, easy to get around, and packed with both history and modern charm. By the end of our trip, it had easily made its way into our list of top 10 favorite cities in the world — and we’re already daydreaming about going back.
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