STOCKHOLM CITY
Stockholm is a city built on 14 islands, a stunning blend of historic cobblestone alleys and cutting-edge modern design. Often called the “Venice of the North,” it offers a unique connection to water, linking Lake Mälaren with the Baltic Sea.
This vibrant, cosmopolitan capital is the cultural and economic heart of Sweden. It’s a place where you can step from the Middle Ages in the Old Town directly into a world-class modern museum or the wild beauty of the archipelago.
Most Popular Attractions
The Historic Core: Palaces, Squares & Old Town
Gamla Stan (Old Town): A maze of narrow, cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and medieval architecture. Home to the city’s main public square, Stortorget.
The Royal Palace (Kungliga Slottet): The official residence of the Swedish monarch, featuring over 600 rooms, the Royal Armoury, and daily Changing of the Guard ceremony.
Stockholm City Hall (Stadshuset): An impressive red-brick building famous for hosting the annual Nobel Prize banquet in its “Blue Hall” and offering a tower for panoramic views.
Storkyrkan (Stockholm Cathedral): The city’s medieval cathedral and coronation church, located in Gamla Stan, notable for its stunning architecture.
Riddarholmen Church: A beautiful church on the island of Riddarholmen, serving as the burial church of the Swedish monarchs.
Parliament House (Riksdagshuset): The seat of the Swedish Parliament, offering guided tours to see the inner workings of the government.
Nobel Prize Museum: Located in Stortorget, this museum celebrates the history of the Nobel Prize and its laureates.
Monteliusvägen: A scenic walking path on the Södermalm island, offering one of the best sunset views over Lake Mälaren and City Hall.
World-Class Museums & Culture
Vasa Museum (Vasamuseet): Home to the perfectly preserved 17th-century warship, the Vasa, which sank on its maiden voyage. A must-see attraction.
Skansen: The world’s oldest open-air museum and zoo, showcasing traditional Swedish life, architecture, and native Nordic animals.
ABBA The Museum: An interactive museum dedicated to the famous Swedish pop group, with costumes, exhibits, and a chance to perform.
Fotografiska: A leading center for contemporary photography, housed in a beautiful Art Nouveau building on the waterfront.
Nordiska Museet (Nordic Museum): Dedicated to the cultural history and ethnography of Sweden from the 16th century onward.
Moderna Museet (Modern Art Museum): Features a prominent collection of modern and contemporary art, including works by Picasso and Dali.
Gröna Lund: A historic and popular amusement park located on the island of Djurgården.
The Swedish History Museum (Historiska museet): Chronicles Sweden’s past, including a major Viking collection.
Vrak – Museum of Wrecks: A new maritime museum dedicated to the underwater cultural heritage of the Baltic Sea, famous for its preserved shipwrecks.
Nature & Island Life
Djurgården: A beautiful green island that forms part of the Royal National City Park, home to several major museums, parks, and walking trails.
Stockholm Archipelago: A vast collection of over 30,000 islands, easily accessible by ferry for day trips to islands like Fjäderholmarna or Vaxholm.
Drottningholm Palace: A UNESCO World Heritage site and the private residence of the royal family, featuring a beautiful palace theatre and grounds.
Royal National City Park (Ekoparken): The world’s first national urban park, stretching across several islands and offering vast green spaces for recreation.
Boat Tours & Waterways: Essential for seeing the city’s 14 islands, with tours like the Royal Canal Tour or Under the Bridges of Stockholm cruise.
Skogskyrkogården (The Woodland Cemetery): A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its beautiful, nature-integrated architecture and peaceful atmosphere.
Activities & Experiences
Visit the Vasa Museum: Marvel at the world’s only nearly fully intact 17th-century ship, which sank on its maiden voyage in 1628. It’s one of Scandinavia’s most visited museums.
Stroll through Gamla Stan (Old Town): Wander the cobblestone streets, admire the colorful, iconic buildings of Stortorget square, and explore the small shops and cafés of the medieval center.
Explore the Stockholm Archipelago: Take a boat trip to one of the 30,000 islands of the archipelago for a day of swimming, nature walks, or a traditional Swedish lunch.
Experience Fika: Participate in the quintessential Swedish coffee break—a social institution. Pair your coffee with a classic cinnamon bun (kanelbulle) at a cozy café.
Go Museum Hopping on Djurgården: Spend a day on this island, home to many top attractions, including the Vasa Museum, Skansen, and the ABBA Museum.
Tour the City Hall (Stadshuset): Visit the majestic building where the Nobel Banquet is held every December. Climb the tower for one of the best panoramic views of the city (seasonal).
Discover the “World’s Longest Art Gallery”: Ride the Tunnelbana (subway) and check out the unique and colorful artwork in many of its 100 stations, especially the Blue Line stations like T-Centralen and Kungsträdgården.
Visit Skansen Open-Air Museum: Step back in time at the world’s oldest open-air museum, featuring historical Swedish houses, a traditional zoo with Nordic animals, and exhibits on cultural history.
Witness the Changing of the Guard: Attend the daily military ceremony at the Royal Palace (Kungliga Slottet), the official residence of the Swedish monarch.
Take a City Waterways Boat Tour: As a city built on water, a cruise along the canals and under the bridges offers a unique perspective on Stockholm’s different islands.
Indulge at Östermalms Saluhall: Explore this beautiful historic food market (since the 1880s) for high-quality Swedish and international delicacies, from fresh seafood to baked goods.
Find a View from Södermalm: Walk along Monteliusvägen or the higher parts of the Södermalm island for stunning vistas of Gamla Stan, Kungsholmen, and the City Hall, particularly beautiful at sunset.
Local Tips & Transport
Public Transport (SL) is King: Stockholm’s public transport system (SL) is highly efficient, comprising the Tunnelbana (subway), commuter trains, buses, and even some ferries.
SL Access Card/App: The most cost-effective and convenient way to travel is to buy a 24-hour, 72-hour, or 7-day travel card, or use the SL mobile app to purchase digital tickets. Single tickets are also available.
Ferries are Commuter Lines: For a scenic ride, use the public ferries (like Djurgårdsfärjan) which are included in the regular SL ticket and connect the city center to islands like Djurgården.
Airport Transfer: The Arlanda Express train is the fastest way from Arlanda Airport (ARN) to Stockholm Central Station, but the Flygbussarna (Airport Coaches) or the SL Commuter Train (which requires a small passage supplement fee or is included with a pass of 30 days or more) are more budget-friendly alternatives.
Walking & Cycling: The city center and its islands are very compact and walkable. Stockholm is very bike-friendly, with many rental options and app-based electric scooters available.
Embrace Fika: This is more than just a coffee break; it’s a social institution. It involves taking time with friends, family, or colleagues for coffee (often filter) and a sweet treat, typically in the late morning or mid-afternoon.
Cashless Society: Sweden is rapidly becoming a cashless society. Many places, including museums, attractions, and even some cafes, do not accept cash. It’s best to rely on your credit or debit card.
Dining Times: Swedes typically eat dinner relatively early, often between 6:00 PM and 7:00 PM. If you are looking for dinner at 9:00 PM, you may find the atmosphere quieter, though some international restaurants cater to later diners.
The Right to Roam (Allemansrätten): This law gives everyone the freedom to roam the countryside, walk, cycle, ride, ski, and camp (for a night or two) virtually anywhere, provided you “do not disturb, do not destroy.” The parks and nature areas in and around Stockholm are accessible because of this.
Tipping: Tipping is not mandatory as service charges are included in the prices. However, it is common to round up the bill or leave 5-10% for excellent table service.
The Concept of Lagom: This Swedish word means “just the right amount,” “in moderation,” or “not too much, not too little.” It reflects a cultural value of balance, consensus, and modesty. You’ll observe it in everything from décor to social interaction.
Hidden Gems:
- The Stockholm Public Library (Stadsbiblioteket): A gorgeous, iconic circular rotunda designed by Gunnar Asplund, perfect for book lovers and architecture enthusiasts.
- Stortorget Christmas Market: If visiting in December, this is a charming, traditional market located in Gamla Stan’s main square.
- Skogskyrkogården (The Woodland Cemetery): A serene and beautiful UNESCO World Heritage site featuring stunning nature and architecture.
- Skeppsholmen and Kastellholmen: Quiet, picturesque islands near the city center, offering great photo opportunities and home to the Moderna Museet (Modern Art Museum).
Top Restaurants
Den Gyldene Freden [$50-$80] – One of the world’s oldest restaurants (since 1722) located in Gamla Stan, offering classic, traditional Swedish comfort food in a historic setting.
Tennstopet [$40-$70] – A legendary establishment since 1867 with a cozy, English pub-like interior, known for strictly classic Swedish dishes following a seasonal calendar (e.g., fermented herring, crayfish party).
Restaurang Tradition [$30-$50] – A cozy and unpretentious spot specializing in well-prepared Swedish classics and Nordic comfort food with a homey environment.
Pelikan [$30-$50] – A sprawling, historic beer hall on Södermalm serving up generous portions of traditional husmanskost (homestyle Swedish food) in a lively atmosphere.
Kvarnen [$30-$50] – Another large, classic Södermalm beer hall with a menu of traditional Swedish dishes, popular with locals for its genuine feel.
Tranan [$40-$70] – An enduring, classic bistro-style restaurant known for its timeless Swedish dishes, including its famous “half-portion” fried herring served under the floorboards (an unlisted menu item locals know to ask for).
Sturehof [$50-$90] – A sophisticated, traditional Stockholm brasserie focused on high-quality seafood and classic Swedish and French cuisine, popular with the city’s elite.
Meatballs For The People [$25-$40] – An edgy yet homey restaurant on Södermalm dedicated entirely to meatballs, with options ranging from classic beef to moose, reindeer, and even bear.
Höglandsköket [$20-$35] – A less-touristy neighborhood spot offering traditional Swedish food with a focus on good value and quality ingredients.
Gästabud [$25-$45] – A small, popular restaurant in Gamla Stan that offers high-quality Swedish classics, including great meatballs and herring, in a cozy setting.
Stockholms Gastabud [$20-$35] – Known for serving up hearty, classic Swedish dishes, including the essential meatballs and herring, at reasonable prices in a simple, friendly environment.
Kaffegillet [$25-$45] – A Scandinavian spot in Gamla Stan with a good rating for traditional food, often described as a charming and classic stop.
Lilla Ego [$60-$100] – A highly-acclaimed, rustic-chic spot with an open kitchen, known for innovative and unpretentious Nordic dishes using seasonal ingredients. Reservations are highly sought after.
Ekstedt [$150-$250] – A Michelin-starred, pioneering restaurant where all food is cooked using only fire, soot, ash, and smoke (no gas/electricity), focusing on ancient Scandinavian techniques and modern presentation.
Oaxen Slip [$60-$100] – The more casual, but still high-end, sister bistro to the now-closed Oaxen Krog, set in a former boat house on Djurgården with a focus on modern Nordic cuisine.
Bord [$80-$130] – An intimate restaurant with a wood-fired oven, led by an ex-Fäviken chef, offering a seasonal, immmaculately presented set menu.
Prospero [$50-$90] – A subterranean restaurant that has set the tone for Stockholm’s new dining scene with its well-priced, progressive set menu and innovative approach.
Bacchanale [$40-$70] – A lively neighborhood spot on Södermalm where young chefs frequently change the creative menu based on seasonal ingredients.
Volt [$100-$160] – A Michelin-starred restaurant known for its focus on sustainable and locally sourced Nordic ingredients, presented with a modern, refined touch.
Rutabaga [$100-$160] – Chef Mathias Dahlgren’s high-end vegetarian restaurant, located at the Grand Hôtel, offering exclusive and inventive plant-based dishes.
Imouto [$100-$180] – An intimate and highly regarded Japanese restaurant (Omakase style) that blends Nordic ingredients and sensibilities with traditional Japanese techniques.
Triton [$50-$80] – A homely space on Södermalm focusing on a well-priced set menu of excellent seasonal ingredients, with a playfully mismatched design aesthetic.
Tjoget (Linje 10) [$40-$70] – Located in a former pharmacy, this acclaimed bar/restaurant has an international, yet locally-loved, feel, with a menu featuring diverse cuisine in a trendy, historic setting.
Frantzén [$400+] – Sweden’s only three-Michelin-starred restaurant, offering an immersive, theatrical, and intimate dining experience across three penthouse floors, blending Nordic and Asian influences.
Operakällaren [$150-$250] – An opulent, historic fine-dining institution (Purveyor to H.M. the King) with a Michelin star, known for its sumptuous interiors and sophisticated traditional tasting menus.
AIRA [$250-$400] – A two-Michelin-starred restaurant on Djurgården, led by chef Frantzén’s former executive chef, specializing in Nordic ingredients and contemporary cooking in a stunning waterfront setting.
Sushi Sho [$100-$180] – A Michelin-starred sushi restaurant offering an Edomae-style omakase menu in a small, intimate setting, known for its extremely high-quality fish and unique preparations.
Aloë [$200-$350] – A two-Michelin-starred, intimate restaurant known for its ambitious and creative tasting menu that changes often, blending global influences with impeccable technique.
Gastrologik [$150-$250] – A former two-Michelin-starred restaurant (now closed, but its spirit lives on in spin-off concepts) known for its focus on extreme seasonality and an ever-changing menu based only on what Swedish producers deliver that day.
Agrikultur [$100-$180] – A Michelin-starred restaurant with a cozy atmosphere, focusing on rustic, honest, and innovative food made from hyper-seasonal and locally sourced produce.
Etoile [$150-$250] – A Michelin-starred spot offering a meticulously prepared, modern, and inventive tasting menu with a high degree of technical precision and global flavors.
Portal Restaurant & Bar [$80-$140] – Known for high-quality, contemporary cuisine in a friendly setting, it offers refined dishes with a focus on flavor and excellent ingredients.
Shibumi [$40-$70] – A Swedish twist on a Japanese izakaya (bar/tapas) in a basement speakeasy setting, specializing in higher-end Japanese bar and street food.
Djuret [$70-$120] – “The Animal” is known for its extreme “nose-to-tail” concept where the menu celebrates a different whole animal (land or sea) each week, changing completely.
Tak [$50-$90] – Located on a rooftop, this dining destination combines a modern Scandinavian brasserie with Japanese influences and a raw bar, boasting breathtaking city views. (Tak is Swedish for ‘roof’).
Woodstockholm [$40-$70] – A blend of a wood craft store and a bistro, offering a frequently-changing, diverse menu in a small dining room that celebrates wood craftsmanship.
Solen [$30-$60] – Located in the trendy Slakthuset district, its menu is inspired by the ‘food of the sun,’ featuring flavors and dishes from the Mediterranean, South America, and the Middle East.
Duvan Pub [$25-$45] – A boutique pub on Södermalm that channels England with hearty, saucy food, but retains a distinct Swedish soul.
800 Grader [$20-$40] – Known for perfecting Roman-style pizza dough with an astonishing level of hydration, offering creative toppings like colatura butter, lemon, and zucchini.
Reggev Hummus [$15-$30] – Highly recommended by locals for authentic Israeli hummus and Middle Eastern vegetarian food.
Ai Ramen [$15-$30] – A local favorite for authentic and high-quality ramen, with a few locations around the city.
La Neta [$15-$30] – A popular, no-frills spot known for excellent, authentic tacos.
Giro [$25-$45] – An excellent choice for Neapolitan-style pizza, known for high-quality ingredients and traditional preparation.
Farang [$50-$80] – A highly-regarded Thai restaurant offering contemporary Southeast Asian cuisine in a stylish setting.
Indio Kitchen [$30-$60] – Serves excellent Peruvian-Japanese (Nikkei) fusion cuisine, a unique and delicious blend of flavors.
Punk Royale [$100-$180] – Known for a decadent, globally-inspired tasting menu served in a challenging, anti-fine-dining atmosphere with crumbling walls and playful antics—a truly unique experience.
Östermalms Saluhall (Market Hall) [$15-$50] – Not a single restaurant, but a beautiful, historic market hall brimming with various high-quality food stalls, fish counters, and small restaurants perfect for an upscale, diverse lunch or snack.
Flippin’ Burgers [$15-$30] – A local favorite in Vasastaden for high-quality, handcrafted burgers with a focus on organic and local ingredients.
Babette [$35-$60] – Primarily a wine bar, but highly regarded for its excellent food, including very good, unique pizzas.
Stiernan [$30-$50] – A classic, simple fish market restaurant known for its incredibly fresh seafood and traditional Swedish dishes in a no-fuss environment.
Gojo [$20-$40] – Offers great Ethiopian food with generous portions, a local gem for a unique, shareable dining experience.
Eatery Social (at the Clarion Hotel Skanstull) [$35-$60] – Focuses on vibrant Latin American flavors, including tacos and ceviche, in a stylish, energetic setting with great cocktails.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Tjoget: A renowned, award-winning bar in the trendy Södermalm district, housed in a former public bath. It’s famous for its elegant, globally inspired cocktails and sleek interior.
Lucy’s Flower Shop: A highly praised speakeasy-style cocktail bar hidden away near Stureplan, known for its creative drinks, intimate setting, and knowledgeable bartenders.
A Bar Called Gemma: Located in Vasastan, this bar offers a vibrant, neon-lit atmosphere and a meticulously crafted menu of modern and classic cocktails, focusing on high-quality ingredients.
Pharmarium: A unique, popular cocktail spot found in Gamla Stan (Old Town). It occupies a former 19th-century pharmacy and features inventive drinks inspired by the apothecary’s trade.
Cadierbaren: Situated in the luxurious Grand Hôtel near the Royal Palace in Norrmalm, this sophisticated bar offers a timeless, grand setting for classic cocktails and fine champagne with views of the waterfront.
Häktet: Found in Södermalm, this multi-room venue is housed in a former jail and features a cocktail bar known for its strong, classic drinks and a generally lively, casual vibe.
20hundra5: An intimate and cozy cocktail bar in Vasastan, offering a selection of expertly made drinks in a relaxed atmosphere, making it a great neighborhood spot.
Brännerian: Located in the city center (Norrmalm), this bar, often found next to a restaurant, emphasizes seasonal ingredients and high-quality spirits in its refined cocktail list.
The Icebar by Icehotel: A wholly unique experience located in the central Vasagatan area. The bar, including the glasses, is carved from ice from the Torne River and is kept at a constant -5º C.
Tak: A popular and modern rooftop bar in Brunkebergstorg (Norrmalm), offering spectacular panoramic views over Stockholm and a menu of carefully selected cocktails and Japanese-inspired snacks.
Le Hibou: An exclusive and elegant rooftop terrace and cocktail bar at the Lydmar Hotel, offering Parisian-inspired luxury and stunning views of Gamla Stan and the water from its central location.
SUS (Stockholm Under Stjärnorna): A massive, lively rooftop bar and terrace complex on the taket (roof) of a central hotel in Norrmalm, featuring multiple bars, DJs, and food stalls.
Bistro Bananas: A casual, fun bar and restaurant hybrid located in Södermalm, popular with locals for its American-inspired food, lively atmosphere, and straightforward, tasty cocktails.
Mikkeller Stockholm: Found in the central area of Vasastan, this bar is primarily a craft beer destination but also offers a curated selection of spirits and a laid-back, modern Scandinavian design.
Himlen: A bar and restaurant located on the 25th and 26th floors of the Skrapan building in Södermalm, offering impressive views and classic cocktails in a chic setting.
Sturecompagniet: One of Stockholm’s most legendary and exclusive nightclubs, situated in the high-end Stureplan district (Östermalm). It spans multiple dance floors and bars, attracting a chic, upscale crowd.
Spy Bar: An iconic, exclusive, and often celebrity-frequented club in Stureplan, known for its late hours, diverse music selection, and slightly chaotic, yet always buzzing, atmosphere.
Trädgården: A huge, multi-area summer club located under the Skanstullsbron bridge in Södermalm. It’s famous for its sprawling outdoor space, diverse music (from techno to hip-hop), and alternative, festival-like vibe. Note: Primarily a summer venue, converting to Under Bron for the colder months.
Under Bron: The indoor winter iteration of Trädgården, located under the same bridge in Södermalm, focusing on electronic music, dark lighting, and a vibrant, unpretentious dance scene.
Berns: Housed in a spectacular 19th-century entertainment palace in Berzelii Park (Östermalm/Norrmalm), this venue hosts a grand club in its gilded main hall, known for its elegant setting and house/commercial music.
Klubb Kungen: A popular, high-energy nightclub located in the central Stureplan area (Östermalm), known for its commercial music and vibrant dance floors, attracting a younger crowd.
Fou: A stylish and modern club located near Stureplan, offering a trendy spot for dancing with popular DJs and a focus on house and commercial hits.
Slakthuset: A massive club and event space located in the “Slaughterhouse Area” (Söderort/Globen), known for hosting large-scale parties, electronic music events, and a raw, industrial aesthetic.
Marie Laveau: Located in Södermalm, this multi-level venue offers a restaurant and bar, with the lower floor transforming into a lively club with a mix of soul, R&B, and hip-hop.
Theatro: A large club near Stureplan known for its state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems, often featuring international DJs and high-production parties.
Nalen: A historic venue in Norrmalm that often hosts concerts, but also transforms into a stylish nightclub, known for its beautiful ballroom and a mixed music policy.
Debaser Strand: A major music venue on Södermalm’s waterfront, which, after live shows, often transitions into a popular club night with a focus on indie, rock, and diverse music genres.