Explore Stockholm: The Ultimate 5-Day Travel Plan

Discover history, culture, and natural beauty in Stockholm, the city built on water.

22 April 2023

As a tourist in Stockholm, you can explore the city's historical landmarks like the Royal Palace and Gamla Stan (Old Town) filled with medieval architecture. The city is filled with museums like ABBA Museum, Vasa Museum, and Moderna Museet that will take you through a journey of Swedish art, music, and culture. You can also experience the city's cuisine by indulging in traditional Swedish meatballs, pickled herring, and delicious pastries like kanelbullar.

Travel plan

Getting latest place information
Day 1

A Stroll Through Gamla Stan

  • Check-in at the charming Old Town Lodge hotel
  • Take a morning walk through the picturesque streets of Gamla Stan
  • Step into Stortorget Square, surrounded by colorful buildings
  • Visit the Royal Palace, home to over 600 rooms
  • Grab lunch at Kaffekoppen, a cozy café known for its cinnamon buns
  • Stop by the Nobel Museum for a dose of science and history
Day 2

Exploring Djurgården Island

  • Hop on a ferry to the leafy Djurgården Island
  • Get a glimpse of Nordic art at the iconic Vasa Museum
  • Have lunch at Rosendals Trädgård – a restaurant situated in a greenhouse
  • Take a stroll through the relaxing Djurgårdsbrunn canal park
  • End the day at Grona Lund – an amusement park with rides and funfair games
Day 3

A Themed Tour of Stockholm

  • Take a themed walking tour in the city
  • Follow the steps of fictional characters created by Stieg Larsson
  • Visit famous film locations from the ‘Millennium’ trilogy in the neighborhood of Södermalm
  • Stop to enjoy Swedish meatballs with lingonberry jam at Nystekt Stromming
  • Wear your best outfit and dine at the elegant Ekstedt for dinner
Day 4

Discovering Stockholm from Above

  • Start the day with a traditional Swedish breakfast at Vete-Katten
  • Climb the hills of Södermalm to admire the panorama from Mosebacke terrass
  • Explore the trendy neighborhood of SoFo with its boutiques, vintage stores and second-hand shops
  • Eat lunch and enjoy a latte at Urban Deli – known for its homemade bread
  • Take in the view from Gondolen – a glass walled restaurant hanging over Lake Malaren
Day 5

A Day Trip to Stockholm Archipelago

  • Take a one-hour ferry ride to Utö – the southernmost inhabited island in the Stockholm Archipelago
  • Take a scenic walk on the island’s nature reserve
  • Visit Utö Värdshus – a traditional inn for lunch
  • Take a dip in the Baltic Sea or rent a kayak
  • Return to Stockholm at sunset for a candlelit dinner at Fem Små Hus, a charming restaurant with vintage decor.

How to get there

Plane

The best way to get to Stockholm, Sweden by plane is to fly into Stockholm Arlanda Airport, which is the largest airport in Sweden and is located about 40 km north of Stockholm city center. There are direct flights available from major European cities and other international destinations.

Car

If you prefer to drive to Stockholm, the best way is to take the E4 highway from southern Sweden, which leads directly to Stockholm city center. The drive takes around 5-6 hours depending on traffic conditions and offers a scenic route through the Swedish countryside.

Train

There are several train stations in Stockholm, but the best way to get to the city by train is to take the SJ high-speed train from Copenhagen, which takes around 5 hours and arrives at Stockholm Central Station. The train ride offers beautiful views of the Swedish countryside.

Boat

There are several ferry services that operate between neighboring countries and Stockholm, but the best way to get there by boat is to take the Tallink Silja Line ferry from Helsinki, Finland. The ferry arrives at the Stockholm Värtahamnen port, which is located about 4 km northeast of Stockholm city center and offers beautiful views of the archipelago.

Bus

The easiest and most affordable way to get to Stockholm by bus is to take the Flixbus from major European cities such as Berlin or Warsaw, which arrives at Stockholm Cityterminalen bus station located in the heart of the city. The bus ride offers comfortable seats and free Wi-Fi.

More travel plans

Escape for a Long Weekend of Romance in Stockholm

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Scandinavian Romance: 4 Days in Stockholm

A trip to Stockholm, Sweden offers a perfect romantic getaway in the heart of Scandinavia. Begin by exploring the Old Town (Gamla Stan) with its narrow cobblestone alleys, quaint cafés, and colorful buildings. Then, take a romantic boat trip through the archipelago and experience the stunning natural beauty of the Stockholm archipelago.

Explore Stockholm: The Ultimate 5-Day Travel Plan

As a tourist in Stockholm, you can explore the city's historical landmarks like the Royal Palace and Gamla Stan (Old Town) filled with medieval architecture. The city is filled with museums like ABBA Museum, Vasa Museum, and Moderna Museet that will take you through a journey of Swedish art, music, and culture. You can also experience the city's cuisine by indulging in traditional Swedish meatballs, pickled herring, and delicious pastries like kanelbullar.

Stockholm in 3 - Budget, Bites & ABBA

Visiting Stockholm on a budget is an easy experience since there are many free museums, public parks, and scenic tourist attractions. A budget trip to Stockholm can include walking around the vibrant Old Town, exploring the local cafes, and taking a boat tour to see the beautiful islands surrounding the city. With affordable transportation options like bikes and public transit, as well as budget-friendly hostels and Airbnbs, a trip to Stockholm can easily be enjoyed without breaking the bank.