If you’re planning to visit Stockholm on a budget, this list of the best absolutely FREE things to do in Stockholm will help you make the most of your trip, without spending a fortune! (along with some sneaky suggestions of activities that are worth the splurge!)
Although it’s perhaps not AS expensive as Scandinavian counterparts of Copenhagen, Helsinki and Oslo, Stockholm has a reputation for being a little on the pricey side. This list will help you keep spending down, while still enjoying this charming, friendly city and all it has to offer!
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Looking for more ideas for your Stockholm trip? This two-day Stockholm itinerary shows off all the highlights – including plenty of the free Stockholm activities in this post!
Free things to do in Stockholm
Check out some of the best free things to do in Stockholm:
Wander the streets of Gamla Stan
Colourful facades of 17th- and 18th-century buildings line the cobbled streets of Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s old town. Gamla Stan is home to the expansive Royal Palace and towering Riddarholmen Church, and the Evert Taubes Terrass offers sweeping views across the city’s waterways. Stortorget, the old town square, is a prime spot for people-watching and checking out Storkyrkan, Stockholm’s oldest church.
Got some cash to splash? Take a guided walking tour of Stockholm’s Old Town to learn more of Gamla Stan’s history, stories and secrets.
See the changing of the guard
The Royal Guard have been a constant presence at Stockholm’s Royal Palace since 1523, and can be seen outside the palace keeping watch. During the summer, a daily procession rides to the palace for the changing of the guard ceremony, one of the most popular free things to see in Stockholm.
The ceremony takes place daily from the end of April until the end of August at 12.15pm (1.15pm on Sundays), often accompanied by music and commentary. On certain days of the year, special parades take place – find more information about these on the Swedish Armed Forces website.
Tour the Riksdag (Swedish Parliament) for free
Parliament House is the seat of Swedish government, taking up around half of the Gamla Stan islet of Helgeandsholmen. On a tour of the Riksdag, you’ll learn about how parliament and democracy in Sweden works, as well as seeing some of the artwork on display in the building.
Tours of the Riksdag are free and there are various slots throughout the day – check the calendar for exact dates and times). However, each tour has limited space and you can’t pre-book, so make sure you arrive in plenty of time.
September-June: Tours take place on Saturdays and Sundays
July-August: Tours take place Monday – Friday
Take a stroll around Kungsträdgården (The King’s Garden)
The King’s Garden is a long rectangular public park in the Norrmalm district, close to Gamla Stan and the city’s main attractions. A popular hangout spot with locals, it hosts open-air concerts in summer and an ice rink in winter.
Split into four sections, you’ll find two squares named after Kings Charles XII and Charles XIII, marked with statues of their namesakes. The Fountain of Molin is a detailed sculpture featuring mythological characters, and during the spring, enjoy a burst of vibrant colour as the park’s cherry blossom trees come into bloom.
Explore Djurgården
Djurgården is an island oasis in the Stockholm archipelago, filled with tranquil green space, charming gardens and fascinating museums. Part of the Royal National City Park, it’s the perfect place to enjoy a walk in nature, close yet removed from the buzz of the city.
Djurgården is home to Skansen, the world’s largest open air museum, but there’s plenty you can enjoy for free here, including sculpture parks, historical landmarks and walking trails.
Got some cash to splash? Check out some of Djurgården’s museums, including the ABBA Museum and Nordic Museum.
Ride the Katarina Elevator
The Katarina Elevator was originally built in 1881, with the current structure dating back to 1936, to connect the low streets of Slussen to the high up district of Södermalm. After closing in 2010 for extensive renovation, the lift re-opened in 2023, and although not a major tourist attraction, it offers great views of the surrounding area.
Walk the Monteliusvagen Cliff Path
This 500m cliff path in the Södermalm district offers impressive views of the city and Lake Mälaren. At the eastern end of the path, there’s an observation deck, Mariaberget, a perfect place to take some photos and soak up the skyline!
Want more views? Head to Skinnarviksberget
The highest natural point in Stockholm, Skinnarviksberget is a rocky hilltop spot with magnificent panoramic views over the city. Perfect for sunset, or for bringing a picnic for a budget lunch against a stunning backdrop!
Visit the graves of Skogskyrkogården
A tranquil and beautiful final resting place for notable Stockholm residents, the UNESCO-listed Skogskyrkogården cemetery reflects Nordic outdoor architecture. Simple, striking headstones and sculptures are dotted amongst towering pine trees, with design that complements the natural landscape.
Go swimming at a city beach
For a bracing, refreshing, summer activity, make like the locals and head for one of the city beaches. Långsholmsbadet, Smedsundsbadet and Oxhålsbadet are all popular options!
Check out the architecture of Katarina Kyrka
Katarina Kyrka is one of Stockholm’s most important churches. Originally constructed between 1656–1695, the church has been reconstructed twice due to fire – most recently, in the 1990s. Entry is free, and Katarina Kyrka hosts free musical concerts and organ performances throughout the year.
Free public art in Stockholm
Stockholm has a thriving art scene, but it’s not just behind gallery doors. In 1963, the government decreed that a minumum of 1% of the city’s building projects should be allocated to public artworks. As a result, Stockholm has a wealth of public art to enjoy for free – these are some of the most popular works:
- PREKS Sculpture Park in Djurgården features artworks inspired by nature, in the tranquil settings of the park.
- The Margareta Krook Statue can be seen outside the Royal Dramatic Theatre, where the Swedish actress used to take her cigarette breakds.
- Art Made This is a project showcasing street on facades and doorways across the city, exclusively by female artists.
- ‘Boy Looking at the Moon’ is a 15cm tall statue in the Stockholm Cathedral courtyard.
- Check out Stockholm’s best street art, with colourful murals splashed across the city.
Free museums in Stockholm
Although most museums and attractions in Stockholm charge an entry fee (see below for museums with free entry on specific days), there are some museums in Stockholm that are completely free of charge:
The City Museum
Journey through 500 years of Stockholm’s history, through 300,000 objects housed in a 17th-century palace building. Exhibits display how the city has developed from a small town to a Scandinavian metropolis, sharing stories and important moments from the city’s growth.
Opening Times: 11am-5pm (closed Mondays, open until 8pm on Wednesdays)
The National Sports Museum
Explore interactive exhibitions and try Swedish sports at The National Sports Museum. Covering national sporting activity from the 1912 Olympic Games to modern sports celebrities, relive the excitement of tournaments past through video, photo and radio commentary.
Opening Times: 11am-4pm (closed Mondays)
Accelerator
Accelerator is Stockholm’s newest space for contemporary art exhibitions. Part of Stockholm University, the purpose of Accelerator is to bring together art, science and social issues.
Opening Times: Wed 11am-8pm, Thu & Fri 11am-5pm, Sat & Sun 12-4pm
The Living History Forum
The Living History Forum is a government agency, serving as a national forum for promoting democracy, tolerance and human rights. Their office and gallery space hosts exhibitions and events – find out what’s on via their website.
Opening Times: Mon-Fri 12-5pm; Sat 12-4pm
Free museum days in Stockholm
As previously mentioned, most of Stockholm’s museums do charge an entry fee. However, certain museums offer free entry on certain days and at certain times throughout the week:
Liljevalchs
Located on Djurgården island, Liljevalchs opened in 1916 as Stockholm’s first public, independent gallery for contemporary art. Exhibits span three floors, presenting a diverse collection from Stockholm’s global art scene.
Free entry on Mondays from 11am-7pm
Swedish Army Museum
Journey through war and peace in Sweden from 1500 to the present day, exploring Sweden’s military history. Exhibits showcase daily living for soldiers, as well as an impressive collection of artefacts including uniforms, weapons and flags.
Free entry on Tuesdays from 5-8pm
Moderna Museet
Modern art takes centre stage at one of Europe’s finest contemporary collections, the Moderna Museet. The museum houses around 6000 paintings and sculptures by prominent 20th and 21st century Swedish artists, alongside watercolours, drawings, videos and photographs.
Free entry on Fridays from 6pm-8pm
Bonniers Konsthall
Bonniers Konsthall exhibits Swedish and international contemporary art in central Stockholm, in a striking, glass-fronted building.
Free entry on Fridays
The Jewish Museum
Sweden’s oldest synagogue in Gamla Stan houses Stockholm’s Jewish Museum. The exhibits on display explore the history of Swedish-Jewish communities.
Free entry on Saturdays between 11am-12pm