Planning a weekend in Stockholm? This two day Stockholm itinerary shares everything you need to know, including the best things to see, museums to visit and places to eat!
Sweden’s capital city is a marvel of engineering and architecture, spread across an archipelago of islands on the Baltic Sea, with more than 50 bridges linking the city’s distinctive districts together. It’s home to the world’s first City National Park, over 100 museums, and plenty of churches and impressive buildings to stroll by.
I first visited Stockholm in 2018, as part of my challenge to visit as many cities as possible for a weekend break on a budget. I fell in love with the charming burnt hues of Gamla Stan, and found myself lost in Viking history at the Swedish History and Medieval museums. Exploring by riverboat was a highlight, as was gorging myself on Swedish meatballs.
In this guide to spending a weekend in Stockholm, you’ll find some of my top recommendations of the must-see things to do in the city (including some of the best free things to do in Stockholm), plus lots of suggestions for additional activities to mould your two-day Stockholm itinerary based on your interests.
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Stockholm Weekend Travel Guide
Language: Swedish, with English widely spoken well in tourist areas
Currency: Swedish krona. Most places accept cards (and they’re often the preferred payment method), and ATMs are easy to come by
Time Zone: GMT+2
Emergency number: 112
Is two days in Stockholm enough?
I’d say that two days in Stockholm is a good enough amount of time to get to know the city centre, wander around Gamla Stan (the old town) and visit some fun attractions. The city itself is relatively compact, however, if you’re looking to extend your weekend in Stockholm, there are plenty of areas in the wider Stockholm archipelago to explore!
How to get to Stockholm
Stockholm Arlanda is the city’s main airport, located around 40km from the airport. A large airport with five terminals, most airlines operate flights from around the world to Arlanda Airport.
The Arlanda Express train from the airport to the city centre depart every 10-15 minutes, and the journey takes 18 minutes. However, it’s not cheap – an adult return ticket costs 495 SEK – around €44. If you’re under 25, though, this train costs just 150 SEK (€13) each way, and group discounts for 2+ travellers are available.
Regional trains are cheaper, from 220 SEK (€20) one-way, with a similar journey time. Local trains are cheaper still at 177 SEK (€15) one-way, but the journey time doubles. If you’re looking for a much more budget friendly option, Flixbus operates a service from Arlanda Airport to the city centre, taking around 40mins but costing as little as 80 SEK (€7).
Other airports in Stockholm
Some budget airlines will also fly to Skavska and Vasteras airports. Both are further out, around 100km from the city, so if you fly to these, factor in your travel time.
Buses from Skavska and Vasteras Airports run based on flight schedules, departing 30-45 minutes after flight arrival. The journey takes around 80 minutes.
Search flights to Stockholm
Getting around Stockholm
During my weekend in Stockholm, I walked between all the major sights. The city centre is compact enough that walking around is pretty easy, and a great way to take in the city.
Stockholm also has a reliable underground metro service that covers the whole city across three lines. A single journey ticket costs 42 SEK (€3.70) – with this ticket, you can travel as much as you like for 75 minutes.
Where to stay for a weekend in Stockholm
If you’re looking to stay somewhere unusual in Stockholm on a budget, check out Den Röda Båten – a hotel aboard an actual boat! I stayed here on a solo trip to Stockholm and it met my needs perfectly. The rooms are basic, but they’re clean, comfortable, and most importantly, affordable!
Hotels and Hostels in Stockholm
STF Långholmen Hostel (€) – cool contemporary hostel in a converted 1800s prison
Generator Hostel Stockholm (€) – I always rate Generator Hostels around the world for their cool vibe and reliability.
Birka Hotel (€€) – simple private rooms in a former brewery
Castle House Inn (€€) – one of the more affordable hotel options in Gamla Stan (shared bathrooms)
Elite Eden Park (€€€) – well-presented hotel in affluent and stylish Östermalm neighbourhood, overlooking a park
Hotel Diplomat (€€€-€) – an early 1900s art deco building with a modern, fresh interior & river views
Bank Hotel (€€€€) – elegant and stylish hotel in a former bank building
What to eat and drink in Stockholm
Discover traditional and modern Swedish cuisine in Stockholm, with these delicious dishes:
- Köttbullar: the classic Swedish meatballs, traditionally served with lingonberry jam and mashed potato. Try them at Meatballs For The People (vegan option available).
- Knäckebröd: rye bread with roots in Viking history. Can be topped with various ingredients including picked fish as an ‘open sandwich’
- Raggmunk: potato pancakes, fried until crispy.
- Kanelbullar: soft, fluffy cinnamon buns
- Semla: soft, sweet buns filled with almond paste and whipped cream
- Kroppkakor: potato dumplings filled with pork or bacon
- Pytt i Panna: pan-fried potato, onion and meat hash – a traditional Swedish comfort food
Foodie experiences in Stockholm
Two Days in Stockholm Itinerary: Day 1
One of the first things you’ll notice on your weekend in Stockholm is that the city is spread across an archipelago of islands and islets. (The city itself covers 14 of them, but the entire Stockholm archipelago comprises some 30,000 landmasses!)
Morning & Early Afternoon: Gamla Stan
The perfect place to start your weekend in Stockholm is right at the centre, in Stockholm’s ‘Gamla Stan’ (old town). The area of Gamla Stan is made up of Stadsholmen island, as well as the islets of Riddarholmen, Helgeandsholmen and Strömsborg.
With medieval streets and buildings that primarily date back to the 1600s & 1700s, it’s a bustling, lively spot with plenty of history to explore. It’s easy to spend a fair chunk of your day here, firstly exploring the streets, cafes and boutiques; then checking out attractions including The Royal Palace and Riddarholmen Church.
You can take a guided tour of the Old Town, or if you prefer to do it yourself, these are the spots not to miss:
Stortorget
Stortorget is the main square in Gamla Stan, and was built gradually, resulting in a hodge-podge of differently styled buildings housing cafes, restaurants and shops. At one end sits the grand Stock Exchange Building, which now houses the Swedish Academy, Nobel Library and the Nobel Museum.
Storkyrkan
With a name that translates to ‘The Great Church’, it’s unsurprising that Storkyrkan is one of the city’s two best-known religious buildings. Also known as Stockholm Cathedral, Storkyrkan sits between Stortorget and the Royal Palace. The distinctive baroque facade contrasts with the medieval style interior, and the cathedral is decorated with several important works of art, including a statue of St George and the Dragon.
Stockholm’s narrowest street
Barely 90cm wide at its narrowest point, Mårten Trotzigs Gränd is officially Stockholm’s narrowest street! Actually a pedestrian alleyway rather than a full street, it’s a squeeze for two people to pass by each other from opposite ends.
The Royal Palace
The official royal residence of the Swedish monarchy has been located in the same spot since the 13th century, with the initial construction of the current palace dating back to 1697. The palace has 1400 rooms, including apartments for the Royal Family and visitors, the offices of the Royal Court of Sweden, the Hall of State and Royal Chapel.
It’s a fascinating place to visit, with loads to see and do – including multiple museums – for a reasonable entry fee. In the dark vaults of The Treasury, witness some of Sweden’s most important artefacts, including crowns, ceremonial swords and other state regalia. In the Tre Kronor Museum, learn more about the original palace that was destroyed in a devastating fire in 1697. (Both are included in the Royal Palace admission fee)
Opening Times: 10am-5pm
Admission Fee: 200 SEK (€18), includes The Royal Apartments, The Treasury and The Tre Kronor Museum. A combi ticket that also includes access to Riddarholmen church is 230 SEK (€20).
Riddarholmen Church
A former Medieval monastery and one of Stockholm’s oldest buildings, Riddarholmen Church is the final resting place for Swedish monarchy. Parts of the building date back to the 13th century, mostly built in a Northern European Gothic style with elements of Baroque.
Opening Times: 10am-5pm in May-September only (outside of this time, the church is only accessible to the public for special events and private tours)
Admission Fee: 65 SEK (€5.70) – a combi ticket that also includes access to The Royal Palace costs 230 SEK (€20).
Birger Jarls Statue
Birger Jarl was a Swedish statesman who played a key role in Sweden’s consolidation, and you’ll find traces of his presence across the old town. On the islet of Riddarholmen within Gamla Stan, Birger Jarls Square features a statue of the man himself, erected in 1854.
Birger Jarl’s Tower
A defensive structure built in 1530, throughout the years, Birger Jarl’s Tower has been altered and combined into surrounding structures.
Evert Taubes Terrass
Evert Taubes was a beloved Swedish musician, author and artist of the 20th century, and this scenic viewpoint on Riddarholmen bears his namesake.
Parliament House
On the small Gamla Stan islet of Helgeandsholmen, Parliament House is the seat of Swedish government. Visitors can take free guided tours of the Parliament, but this is only available on-site – limited spaces are available and you can’t pre-book.
Optional: Museums in Gamla Stan
Gamla Stan has a few other museums beyond the Royal Palace that you may want to check out!
Afternoon: Canal Boat Ride
Stockholm’s waterways are fascinating, with loads of interesting things to spot along the way. A canal boat tour of Stockholm is the perfect way to explore the archipelago of Stockholm’s islands and islets. With limited time available, I took a one hour Stockholm City Center Cruise, but if you want to see more, you could take a 1.5-2.5hr Stockholm Archipelago Tour.
Stockholm Metro Art Tour
Once the city’s main attractions are closing for the day, it’s the perfect time to explore an unusual art gallery in the form of Stockholm’s Metro stations! Since 1957, artists have played a pivotal role in developing the network’s 100 stations, each with it’s own unique artwork to marvel at.
Taking a self-guided tour of Stockholm’s metro art is super easy – here are the key highlight stations not to miss:
- Begin your tour at T-Centralen, where blue and white leaf motifs stretch their way up the high walls.
- Take the red line all the way North for colourful pastels at Morby Centrum
- Head three stops south to Univeritetet, where tiles depict educational maps and drawings based on the work of Swedish botanist and zoologist Carl Linnaeus.
- One stop south, and impressive artwork celebrating science and technology dominates Tekniska Hogskolan.
- Another stop south to Stadion, where a giant rainbow has been painted across the station’s cave walls.
- Head back to T-Centralen and take the blue line to Kungsträdgarden, where ruined columns, statues, gargoyles and parquet flooring invoke Nordic fantasy.
- Take the blue line six stops on the 11 (Akalla) branch to reach Solna Centrum, with its iconic deep red escalator entrance.
- You can easily head back to T-Centralen from here, but if you have a bit more time, check out Thorildsplan‘s homage to retro video gaming, the flourescent tubes at Citybanan, and the childlike wonder of Hallonbergen.
A 75-minute ticket to ride the metro costs 42 SEK (€3.70). You could visit most of these stations in this time limit, although I did end up buying two single tickets so I could spend a little more time exploring and appreciating each station.
Where to eat in Gamla Stan, Östermalm & Norrmalm
Both Gamla Stan and the neighbouring districts of Östermalm and Norrmalm have a wealth of foodie spots for lunch and dinner.
- Stockholm’s Gästabud (Gamla Stan) – locally sourced ingredients used in traditional hearty Swedish dishes.
- Den Gyldene Freden (Gamla Stan) – Stockholm’s oldest restaurant – some dishes are on the pricey side, but if you fancy treating yourself, it’s a great place to do it.
- Tradition (Gamla Stan) – homely Swedish dishes in an unfussy Nordic-style dining room.
- Mom’s Kitchen Nybrogatan (Östermalm) – traditional Swedish comfort food for lunch and dinner.
- Le Östermalm (Östermalm) – sleek Scandi-looking brunch spot with classic toasts, pancakes and salads.
- Restaurant Kajsas Fisk (Norrmalm) – fresh, affordable fish and seafood dishes in the Hötorgshallen fish market, open for lunches until 6/7pm Monday-Saturday.
- Flippin Burgers (Norrmalm) – one of my favourite affordable finds from my weekend in Stockholm! Lively atmosphere, great burgers, reasonable prices (a basic burger + fries comes in under €15)
If you’re visiting Stockholm on a budget, street food is a great way to keep dining out costs down (especially for lunch). Try epic sausages at Ostermalms Korvspecialist, traditional fried herring at Strömmingsvagnen in Gamla Stan, or check out the street eats stalls at Sthlm City Food Hall in Norrmalm.
Evening activities in Stockholm
- Grab some drinks in traditional Swedish drinking holes in Gamla Stan or the upmarket bars of Östermalm.
- Take a Gamla Stan ghost tour to learn about murder, magic and medieval mystery.
- Enjoy an after-hours museum visit – many of Stockholm’s museums have extended opening hours at least one evening a week.
- Take a Swedish craft beer tasting tour to try local ales and cheeses.
- Enjoy a show at the Royal Swedish Opera
Two Days in Stockholm Itinerary: Day 2
Your second day in Stockholm is all about museums and nature!
Stockholm is possibly one of my favourite museum cities I’ve been to, with exhibition centres across a huge variety of interests, from history and art, to music and photography.
When you’re planning out the second of your two days in Stockholm, I’d recommend choosing 2-3 of the below museums to check out, and spending some time exploring Djurgarden.
Stockholm’s Best Museums
Looking to save money on attractions on your trip to Stockholm? The GoCity Stockholm City Card includes admission to over 50 attractions, including river cruises, museums and palaces.
Djurgarden
The Royal Island of Djurgarden is actually owned by the King of Sweden, however, it’s open for the public to explore. The island makes up part of the Royal National City Park, an expansive national park uniquely situated in the centre of a modern city, with vast areas of ancient forest and lush, calming open spaces.
Home to multiple museums (as mentioned above), there’s loads to see and do here. Even if you’re visiting Stockholm on a budget, it’s a great place to simply stroll around and soak up the beauty of nature.
(Fun fact: The entire area of the park covers 27 km², which is more than 8x the size of Central Park!)
An evening in Södermalm
For a lively, hip place to spend the end of your weekend in Stockholm, check out the Södermalm district.
Resturants in Södermalm
- Den Gyldene Freden is one of the world’s oldest restaurants, serving legendary traditional Swedish cuisine.
- Meatballs For The People is all about one thing – Stockholm’s best Swedish meatballs! (vegan option available)
- Harvest Home – a cosy, unpretentions pub serving resonably priced meals – including great veggie options.
- Pastell – pasta, pinsa and salads in a cool, aesthetic dining room.
- Kvarnen – legendary spot that features in Stieg Larsson’s Millenium Trilogy
- Hermans serves a daily vegan buffet for lunch and dinner.
Bars in Södermalm
- Akkurat – well-renowned with local beer lovers, a rotating selection of 28 beers are available on tap.
- Mikkeller Södermalm – an outpost of the beloved Mikkeller craft brewery in Södermalm.
- Mofar Ginko – industrial-chic bar serving drinks, pizza and vibes.
- Snotty Sound – cosy bar with indie rock soundtrack and reasonably priced drinks.
Continuing your night out in Södermalm? Check out some live rock music at Debaser or party under the night sky at Trädgården.
