Stockholm
Visited in 2011 and 2016
At a glance
- Country
- Sweden
- Region
- Stockholm Municipality
- Population
- 984,748
- Best time to go
- May to September
- Main airport
- Stockholm Arlanda (ARN)
- Coordinates
- 59.33°N, 18.04°E
Country visited City visited Still to go Click a pin or country to read more. Zoom with + and −, a double-click or a pinch.
Overview
Stockholm is built across fourteen islands where Lake Mälaren meets the Baltic, so water and light are never far away. The medieval lanes of Gamla stan, grand waterfront palaces and green island parks sit within easy walking distance of each other.
It is a city of excellent museums, design shops and long summer evenings. Make time for a boat trip into the archipelago and for fika, the Swedish coffee break.
Things to see
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Photo: Arild Vågen, CC BY-SA 4.0 Gamla stan
The old town of narrow cobbled lanes and ochre houses, centred on the square of Stortorget.
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Photo: Ad Meskens, CC BY-SA 4.0 Vasa Museum
A seventeenth-century warship that sank on its maiden voyage, raised almost intact and now displayed in a vast hall.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Holger.Ellgaard, CC BY-SA 3.0 Skansen
The world's oldest open-air museum, with historic buildings from across Sweden and Nordic animals.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Magnus Johansson, CC BY-SA 2.0 Royal Palace
One of Europe's largest palaces, with state apartments, the treasury and a daily changing of the guard.
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Photo: ArildV, CC BY-SA 4.0 Stockholm City Hall
Climb the tower for views, and see the gilded hall where the Nobel banquet is held.
Tickets and tours
Things to do
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Photo: Arild Vågen, CC BY-SA 4.0 Archipelago boat trip
Ferries thread between thousands of islands; Vaxholm and Grinda make easy day trips.
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Fika
Stop for coffee and a cardamom or cinnamon bun in a traditional café, a daily Swedish ritual.
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Photo: AleWi, CC BY-SA 4.0 Metro art tour
Many tunnelbana stations are painted and sculpted caves; T-Centralen and Solna Centrum are highlights.
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Photo: Brian Dooley, CC0 Explore Södermalm
Wander vintage shops and cafés, then walk the Monteliusvägen clifftop path for views at sunset.
Where to stay
Norrmalm
Central and close to the main station, shops and transport.
Hotels in NorrmalmGamla stan
Atmospheric and historic, right among the main sights.
Hotels in Gamla stanSödermalm
Creative and relaxed, with independent shops, bars and restaurants.
Hotels in SödermalmÖstermalm
Elegant and upmarket, with a famous food hall and smart boutiques.
Hotels in Östermalm
Getting around
The metro, trams, buses and many ferries share one SL ticket system; tap a contactless card to pay. The centre is easy to walk.
The Arlanda Express train reaches Stockholm Central in about 20 minutes, and airport buses are a cheaper alternative.
When to go
May to September brings long, bright days, with midsummer celebrations in June. Autumn is crisp and colourful, while winters are dark and cold, softened by Christmas markets.
Plan your trip to Stockholm
- HotelsBooking.com
- Tours and ticketsGetYourGuide
- FlightsKiwi.com
- Attraction ticketsTiqets
- Airport parking, lounges and transfersHoliday Extras
- Car hireAuto Europe
- Mobile data (eSIM)AiraloCode DAN9406 for money off
- GuidebooksAmazon
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Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.