Itineraries for Your Trip to Stockholm
2 Days in Stockholm for First Timers
I love Stockholm. I love it in the summer, when the skies barely darken, even after midnight; I love it in the winter, when the snow piles high. Really, there’s no time of year that doesn’t flatter Sweden’s capital. It helps that water is always close at hand in this archipelago of a city (Stockholm is scattered across 14 islands) or that its peach-hued historic buildings lend it a cozy charm.
With its world-beating coffee and café culture, its beautiful Old Town (Gamla Stan), its wealth of museums, and its pretty places, Stockholm has a lot to explore. If you have just one weekend in the city, this 2-day itinerary will ensure you make the most of it.
Stockholm gets frosty in the winter, of course, but prepare for cool and variable weather at other times of year, too—layers are always a good idea.
If you only have time for one thing, make it a boat tour of Stockholm (and the surrounding Stockholm Archipelago, or Stockholms Skärgård).
To kick off your getaway, start where it all began—in Gamla Stan. Stockholm’s medieval Old Town, Gamla Stan dates to the 13th century and contains a wealth of historic attractions, from the Stortorget public square and the Royal Palace to the Nobel Prize Museum and Riddarholm Church. A walking tour is the best way to get up close to the sights and really soak up the area’s charms.
You’ve seen one Royal Palace already, now it’s time to visit another. Drottningholm Palace (Drottningholms Slott), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the Swedish Royal Family’s official residence. Considered one of Sweden’s best-preserved 17th-century castles, it also boasts lavish formal gardens. Booking a tour with round-trip transit from the city center is one of the easiest ways to explore.
You’re likely to be hungry by the time you return to central Stockholm, and there’s no better way to sate your appetite (and immerse yourself in Swedish cuisine) than taking an evening food crawl. From meatballs and traditional cheeses to game meat and indulgent desserts, you’ll sample an array of authentic bites—and wash it all down with a local brew.
Start your second day of Stockholm sightseeing with a visit to one of the city’s most remarkable attractions: the Vasa Museum. Named for the stunningly well-preserved 17th-century warship it displays—which sank in 1628 and was exhumed in 1961—it offers a glimpse back into Sweden’s era as a major naval power. Book a guided tour to really delve into the history of this singular vessel.
No trip to Stockholm is complete without a fika experience. Roughly translating to “sitting down with a coffee and a sweet treat, preferably with friends,” fika is a cultural cornerstone here—and there’s no better way to get acquainted than during a tasting tour. Set off on a fika-themed excursion to visit local bakeries, indulge in traditional treats (think cinnamon buns, or kanelbullar, and cardamom buns, or kardemummabullar), and unwind in uniquely Swedish fashion.
There’s no better way to cap off your Stockholm getaway—and enjoy a new perspective on the Swedish capital—than an early-evening boat tour of the city and the surrounding Stockholm Archipelago, or Stockholms Skärgård). Cruise along the city’s many waterways while your guide shares insider stories about the landmarks you pass. If you can, aim for a sunset tour to really make the experience even more memorable.
