3 Days In Stockholm: The Ultimate Stockholm Itinerary

Stockholm is the capital of Sweden and one of the most beautiful cities in Scandinavia. Stretching across fourteen islands, this incredible destination lies on the scenic Lake Mälaren which flows into the Baltic Sea.

Known for its incredible architecture, culture, and history, Stockholm has so much to offer. You’ll find an endless amount of attractions here ranging from historical museums to the beautiful archipelago, so there’s something for everyone.

If you’ve only got 3 days in Stockholm but still want to see the best sights, we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll take you through the very best things to do, how to get around, and other helpful information!

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The Cheapest Way to See Stockholm’s Top Sights 

Some of Stockholm’s attractions are relatively expensive, but luckily there’s a cheaper way to see the city.  If you’re looking to save some cash, we’d recommend getting the all-inclusive city pass.

It covers over 45 attractions and experiences and can save you up to 55% off standard ticket prices.  Depending on the duration of your trip, you can purchase a Stockholm pass that lasts between 1 – 5 days. 

Here are just a couple of attractions/activities the pass covers: 

• Archipelago tour
• Royal Canal tour
• Vasa Museum
• The Nobel Prize Museum
• Fotografiska
• The Viking Museum
• Drottningholm Palace boat tour

So, for example, if you were planning to visit the Vasa Museum and Haga Ocean, as well as go on an archipelago tour, you’d usually pay around 755 SEK (£60) in fees alone. That’s without visiting any of the other fantastic attractions included with the pass.

If you’re travelling to Stockholm between April and October, the city pass also covers the hop-on hop-off bus tour. This is a great way to get around the city and means you’ll save money on public transport too.

Also, Stockholm is primarily a cashless city, so many of the attractions won’t take cash. As such, a pre-paid pass is a good way to go! However, it’s important to check which attractions are included during your trip, as some are only covered during the summer months.

A Quick Overview of Your 3 Days in Stockholm

Day 1:

Gamla Stan, the Nobel Prize Museum, Riddarholmen Church, Stockholm Cathedral, the Royal Palace, the Underground Metro System, Skinnarviksberget

Day 2:

Skansen Open Air Museum, the Vasa Museum, the Nordic Museum, the ABBA Museum, Royal National City Park, Grona Lund

Day 3:

Astra Lake, the National or Medieval Museum, Archipelago tour, Fotografiska, Strandvägen, Vitabergsparken, the Monteliusvagen Cliff Path

Visit the Nobel Prize Museum

The Nobel Prize Museum is found within Gamla Stan and is a must-visit for any Stockholm itinerary. Located just off Stortorget Square, this museum is one of the city’s top attractions!

The Nobel Prize is considered to be the most prestigious prize in the world and is a celebration of excellence. At this museum, you’ll find a ton of exhibits about it including the permanent ‘Cultures of Creativity’ exhibition.

However, one of the coolest exhibits at the Museum is the Nobel Prize Banquet where you’ll get a sense of what it’s like to attend the iconic gala. This includes the clothing, food, and even the decorations! 

Take your time to wander around the museum as you’ll get to learn about the ideas of 900 geniuses through modern technology, short films, and artefacts.

Opening hours vary depending on the time of year, so please check this in advance!

Admire Riddarholmen Church

Heading to Riddarholmen Church is a must during your 3 days in Stockholm. The church has been around since the late 1200s and is the city’s only surviving medieval Abbey.

Except for one Monarch, all kings and queens of Sweden from the 1630s onwards are buried in Riddarholmen Church. You’ll also find that some kings from the Middle Ages are buried here, so it’s got an important place in Sweden’s history books.

The design of Riddarholmen Church is simply incredible and will take your breath away.

It’s the perfect place to catch some awesome shots of Stockholm’s architecture, but you’ll want to head there early. This way you can get some great photographs without people in!

If you head to Stockholm during the summer months, you can explore the interior of Riddarholmen Church. Concerts are also held here throughout the year if you’re lucky enough to time your visit right.

Visit Stockholm Cathedral

Stockholm Cathedral was built in 1279 and has been used for royal weddings and coronations since the 14th century. 

Located in the city’s old town, the cathedral is home to an array of unique objects. This includes the Parhelion Painting and a wooden sculpture of St George and the Dragon. 

The sculpture ‘Joseph and Mary’ by Lena Lervik is also here, as well as the esteemed Vädersoltavlan which is one of the oldest paintings in Stockholm. It’s been around since 1535 and is an impressive sight! 

If you’re a fan of unique architecture and historical artefacts, this is a must-visit during your stay in the city. To understand more about the cathedral, you can take a guided tour, although these need to be pre-booked in advance. 

The opening hours of the cathedral are 10 am – 6 pm, but this differs during the summertime. So just double-check the opening times before you plan your 3 days in Stockholm!

The Royal Palace

The Royal Palace is one of the largest palaces in Europe and is the King of Sweden’s official residence. With over 600 rooms and 11 floors, this palace is enormous and there’s plenty to see!

The Royal Palace is open to the public all year round and there are five different museums within. These include the Treasury, Museum Three Crowns, Gustav III’s Museum of Antiquities, and the Royal Chapel.

However, one of the highlights has to be the Royal Apartments! Here you’ll be able to explore gorgeous staterooms that were once home to former members of the Swedish Royal Family.

The furniture dates back to the 18th and 19th centuries, and you’ll find fascinating items including Queen Christina’s silver throne. 

If you want to learn more about the Royal Palace then it’s best to go on a guided tour! This way you’ll get to learn about its history from a knowledgeable tour guide.

Marvel at Stockholms Underground Art

Stockholm’s metro system covers a total length of 110 km (68 miles) and is one of a kind. There are 100 subway stations within the city, and each one is home to some kind of art – whether that be installations, murals, or statues.

Considered to be the ‘world’s longest art exhibit’, this is one of the coolest things to see in Stockholm. Here are a couple of metro stations you’ll want to put at the top of your list:

• T-Centralen Station: One of Stockholm’s busiest metro stations, and one of the most beautiful. It’s located along the Blue Line and is covered in blue leaves. 
• Stadion Station: Located along the Red Line, and just a few stops from T-Centralen. This metro station is located near the main festival area for pride, so you’ll find beautiful coloured rainbows painted on the walls. 
• Solna Centrum Station: Solna Centrum is found along the Blue Line and is painted red for the evening sky and green for the treetops. Small details are continuously being added to the artwork too. 
• Kungsträdgården Station: This is one of Stockholm’s most stunning metro stations and one of the most popular. Its colour scheme (green, red and white) is designed after the Old French Garden that can be found above.
• Tekniska Högskolan Station: Found along the Red Line, this metro station celebrates scientific advances and discoveries. This is seen in its artwork and installations.

Head up to Skinnarviksberget for Sunset

Walking up to Skinnarviksberget for sunset is the perfect way to end your first day in Stockholm! 

Skinnarviksberget is the highest natural point in the city and is a must for any Stockholm itinerary. From the top, you’ll get panoramic views of Gamla Stan, Kungsholmen, Stockholm City Hall, and Lake Mälaran. 

It’s the perfect spot to take a picnic or a takeaway, enjoy the scenery, and watch the sunset over this beautiful city. 

This spot is incredibly scenic at any time of year – whether you’re visiting during summer or the height of winter. However, during the peak season, this place gets pretty busy, so you might want to get there early and secure yourself a good spot! 

Skinnarviksberget is a 30-minute walk from Gamla Stan, or you can take the metro to Zinkensdamm stadium. From there it’s just a 5-minute walk to the top! 

Your 3 Days in Stockholm: Day Two 

Day two of this Itinerary focuses on the popular island of Djurgården. If you’re looking to see the best of Stockholm in three days, you’ll want to visit these attractions! We’ve included several museums below, but you may only have time to visit one or two, depending on how long you spend at Skansen.

Visit Skansen Open Air Museum

If you’ve only got 3 days in Stockholm then make the Skansen Open Air Museum a priority! It’s the oldest open-air museum in the world and is home to historic farmsteads, manors, and miniature historic villages. 

However, the most popular attractions include the Skansen Aquarium, Stockholm Zoo, and the Baltic Science Centre. The latter will teach you all about the Baltic Sea, the marine life that lives here, and the threats to its ecosystems.

As you can see, there’s lots to do so you’ll want to allow at least a couple of hours to explore. You can also download a map for when you get into Skansen, which will show you where you are. This open-air museum is HUGE so having the map on you is incredibly handy! 

Skansen is open daily, all year round, although opening hours may differ depending on the time of year.

Explore the Vasa Museum

The Vasa Museum is one of the most popular attractions in Stockholm. It’s home to the best-preserved 17th-century ship in the world – the famous ‘Vasa’.

Although Vasa was the most powerful warship in the Baltic Sea, it unfortunately sank on its maiden voyage in 1628. The ship was then left underwater until 1961 and has been painstakingly restored ever since. Today, you’ll get to see Vasa in its former glory as over 98% of the ship is still original. 

Not only will you get to see this impressive warship for yourself, but there are plenty of exhibits to explore. Some of the most popular exhibitions at the Vasa Museum include ‘the Salvaging’, ‘Life on Board’, and ‘the Stockholm Shipyard’. 

It’s one of the more expensive attractions in Stockholm, but if you purchase the city pass you’ll be able to save plenty of money on the entrance fee.

Head to the Nordic Museum

If you’re wondering what to do in Stockholm then make sure you head to the Nordic Museum. The Museum or ‘Nordiska Museet’ as it’s known, is the largest Museum of Cultural History in Sweden. 

It’s one of the city’s most iconic landmarks and is the best place to visit if you want to learn about Stockholm’s history. Around 500 years of events are depicted in this museum, as it showcases Sweden’s history from the Early modern age to the contemporary period.

You’ll find tons of exhibits at the museum ranging from traditional celebrations to Nordic fashion, so there’s something for everyone. The Nordic Museum also has an exhibition dedicated to the Sami; the only indigenous people in Sweden. 

Not only are the exhibits incredible, but the building itself is pretty spectacular too! When it comes to visiting, the museum is open from 10 am to 6 pm every day, including Christmas Eve.

The Royal National City Park is the best place to take a stroll, have a picnic, and take some time out from your action-packed 3 days in Stockholm.

It’s the first national urban park in the world and stretches for over 9.6 km (6 miles) throughout the city. 

Extending from Djurgården and Fjäderholmarna in the south to Sörentorp and Ulriksdal in the North of the city, there’s plenty of green space to explore. In fact, visiting here is one of the best free things to do in Stockholm!

If you’re lucky you might even get to spot some wildlife including deer, hare, foxes, and rare birds. Not only that, but the scenery is beautiful ranging from stunning lakes to lush forests. 

You could easily spend a couple of hours wandering around the Royal National City Park, so make sure you allow yourself some extra time to relax and do just that.

Have some fun at Gröna Lund (if visiting during the summer)

Gröna Lund is the perfect family day out, especially if you love rides. It’s the oldest amusement park in Sweden and offers 30 rides ranging from the carousel to adrenalin-pumping rides like the Monster. If you’re a thrill-seeker, you’ll also want to go on Jetline, Insane, and Fritt Fall. 

After you’ve spent a couple of hours taking on the rides, head to one of the theme parks’ bars and restaurants. There are also some great fast food options.

Visiting Gröna Lund will depend on the time of year you head to Stockholm as the amusement park is only open between spring and September. However, it does open again during Autumn break and on Halloween. This amusement park also runs concerts throughout the summer.

Whether you’re looking to tackle some of the extreme rides or take a ride on the ghost train – this place is a must-visit during your 3 days in Stockholm.

Your 3 Days in Stockholm: Day Three

Day three of this Stockholm Itinerary primarily focuses on the island of Södermalm, and you’ll also be heading out on a cruise of the archipelago too.

Head to Arsta Lake (Arstaviken) in search of beavers

If you’re a fan of wildlife like us, then Stockholm is one of the best European cities to visit. Not only do you have the opportunity to spot deer, eagles, and foxes, but beavers also call this city home!

They were thought to be extinct here just 100 years ago, but have since been sighted at Karlbergskanalen and Arsta Lake among other locations within the city.

After doing some research on beavers in Stockholm, we decided to head to Arsta Lake which is found on the island of Södermalm. There’s a path that runs right by the lake shore which gives you the best chance of spotting these elusive creatures, although they’re notoriously difficult to find.

We figured heading down there at sunrise would give us the best chance but unfortunately, we didn’t get to spot any. Hopefully, you’ll have better luck than us!

Explore the National Museum or the Medieval Museum

Although 3 days in Stockholm sounds like plenty of time, you’ll still need to prioritise some sites. That’s why we’ve given you a choice here, as you may not have time to visit both museums.

The National Museum and the Medieval Museum both offer something unique, and it’s personal preference which one you head to. Of course, you can always visit both if you have the time.

The National Museum reopened its doors in 2018 after years of renovations and is now one of the best museums in the city. Focusing primarily on art and design, this museum has a ton of exhibits on offer and the majority of them are FREE to enter! 

If you decide to visit the Medieval Museum instead, you’ll get to learn all about Stockholm during the 16th century. There’s even a part of the city wall still preserved in the museum that’s thought to be from the 1520s.

Go on a cruise of the archipelago

If you’re spending a weekend in Stockholm – don’t miss out on an archipelago cruise. 

The Stockholm archipelago is made up of nearly 30,000 islands and islets, so there’s plenty to see. This makes it one of the top attractions in the city, and is an experience not to be missed – trust us! 

We chose this cruise and couldn’t have been happier with the experience! We were out on the water for between 2.5-3 hours and got to see plenty of fantastic sights along the way. This included Vaxholms Fortress, the Fjäderholmarna Islands, and Tynningö.

Not only that, but as you cruise along the Baltic Sea you’ll head past private islands, lush forests, and sandy beaches so keep your eyes peeled.  If you’re lucky, you might even spot eagles – we did! 

There’s an onboard cafeteria on the cruise offering pies, sandwiches, salads, and beverages, and there’s also commentary running throughout the tour in both English and Swedish.

Head to Fotografiska

Fotografiska is located on the island of Södermalm, just 2.3 km (1.4 miles) from Slussen Metro Station. It’s not your usual gallery, but instead is an important centre for contemporary photography. 

There can be up to four large exhibitions, and 20 smaller exhibits at any given time here, so there are plenty of interesting pieces to look at.

There’s also a bistro and bar on-site that offers stunning views of the city, so take a breather and grab a drink! If you’re looking for a souvenir then head to the gift shop as they sell fantastic replica posters and photo books among other items.

Fotofrafiska is one of the more unique places to visit in Stockholm, but it’s definitely worth the trip. So, grab yourself a ticket and prepare to witness some awesome photographs.

However, you won’t need much time here as the gallery isn’t very big so you’ll have plenty of time to fit in more destinations. 

Admire the beauty of Strandvägen

Strandvägen is a boulevard located on the island of Östermalm. The Boulevard stretches for 1 km (0.6 miles), and is a great place to take a stroll – especially on a sunny day! 

Strandvägen is one of the most beautiful (and exclusive) areas in Stockholm and is full of incredible architecture and luxury boats. 

There are plenty of charming cafes and restaurants found along the boulevard too, making it the perfect place to relax and admire the city. You’ll also find some benches along Strandvägen, so make sure you take some time to sit down and simply enjoy the views.

If it’s a nice day, you’ll get fantastic views of Gamla Stan, Skeppsholmen, and Djurgården, so we’d recommend bringing your camera along. This is generally the place you’ll head to for boat tours and water taxis too.

Visit Vitabergsparken

Vitabergsparken is one of the most scenic parks in Stockholm. It’s the perfect place to relax and have a picnic, so make sure you spend some time here during your trip.

Vitabergsparken also offers stunning city views and there’s a church located within the park called Sofia Kyrka. This church is located on top of a hill within the park, and you’ll also see traditional Swedish houses here, so take some time to wander around.

There’s even a restaurant and bar where you can grab something to eat and drink. Throughout the summer months, Vitabergsparken also hosts free concerts and there’s an open-air theatre too. 

Despite not being one of the most popular spots in the city, it’s a great place for some downtime.

Walk the Monteliusvagen Cliff Path at sunset 

Heading up Monteliusvagen Cliff Path for sunset is a must for any Stockholm 3-day itinerary! 

Located on the island of Södermalm, this cliff path offers stunning views of the city skyline including Stockholm City Hall and Riddarholmen. You’ll also get breathtaking views of Laka Mälaren.

Although the path is only 500 metres (1,640 feet) long, it’s undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Stockholm. However, the walk up to Monteliusvagen is pretty steep and can be slippery during the winter so mind your footing.

During your time walking this cliff path, make sure you take plenty of photographs as this is an experience you’ll want to remember. There are also benches located here, where you can sit back and watch the sun go down.

Honestly, don’t miss out on Monteliusvagen Cliff Path during your 3 days in Stockholm! The closest metro station is Slussen and it’s just a 12-minute walk away.

Helpful Information for Your 3 Days in Stockholm

How to get to Stockholm

Stockholm Arlanda Airport is just 39 km (24 miles) away from the city centre and is the entry point for all international flights. There is another smaller airport just 9 km (5.5 miles) outside of Stockholm called Bromma Stockholm Airport but that’s mainly used for domestic flights. 

There are several ways you can get to the city from Arlanda Airport. The quickest way is by catching the Arlanda Express as the journey only takes around 18 minutes. You can also catch a commuter train to Stockholm city centre, or take the airport coach which takes around 45 minutes.

Two companies operate these coaches; Flygbussarna Airport Coaches and Flixbus. If you purchase tickets in advance through the apps, you’ll also get a discount. 

If you’re not catching a flight to Stockholm, you can travel overland or by ferry. Ferries run from Estonia, Finland, Latvia, and Poland, and will arrive at the ports in and around Stockholm. Bus and train services also run from Norway, Denmark, and other destinations within Europe.

How to get around Stockholm

There are plenty of transport options within the city centre so you’ll have no problem getting around.

Here is a quick rundown of the most popular ways to get around:

Metro: The city’s metro system is the BEST way to get around Stockholm. There are over 100 stations and the majority of the metro lines operate between 5 am to 1 am. 

Bus: There are several bus routes across the city, and many of them head to areas that the metro can’t reach. You’ll also find that most of the bus lines run through the night when other modes of public transport have already shut down.

Tram: Stockholm has several tram lines that connect the city centre with the outer suburbs. The most popular line is generally Line 7 as it stops on the island of Djurgården.

Ferry: As the city is made up of so many islands, there are various ferry routes throughout Stockholm. Many of them are included on the SL card too which is a great way to save money. 

Electric Scooters & E-Bikes: As you wander around Stockholm you’ll see that this is one of the most popular ways to get around. They are located all around the city, and you can just hop on and hop off whenever you feel like it.

Hop-on Hop-off bus & boat: This combined bus and boat ticket will allow you to easily travel around Stockholm. You can purchase a 24-hour ticket or a 72-hour ticket that will give you full access to the boat and bus tours throughout the city. 

The SL Travel Card

If you’re looking to save money on transport costs then your best bet is to get the SL Travel Card. There are 24-hour, 72-hour, and 30-day travel tickets so it all depends on the duration of your trip. 

Or if not, you can purchase a single ticket. Buses, metro trains, commuter trains, trams, and certain ferry lines are all covered by Stockholms’ transportation network. 

You can get a single ticket on any of these forms of transport (although only specific ferry lines are covered). It covers a journey of up to 75 minutes and can be purchased at the turnstiles, through the app, or on a ticket machine.

Looking for another awesome way to get around Stockholm?

This tour will allow you to explore Stockholm’s islands and waters by Amphibious Bus.

Before starting your cruise on the water, you’ll first drive through the city centre and see some popular attractions including the Royal Palace, the Royal Theatre, and the Old Town. 

Then, you’ll head along Lake Mälaren for a close-up view of the city’s many islands including Djurgården and Södermalm.

The best time to visit Stockholm

Stockholm is a city that you can visit during any time of year – it all depends on what you’re after! 

The city’s peak season is between June and August. Temperatures during this period range from 11°C (52°F)  to 22°C (71°F) so the weather is very pleasant. This is also when you get the longest hours of daylight. 

However, this is the priciest time to visit Stockholm and you’ll be paying over the odds for accommodation. 

If you’re looking to save some cash, you can travel to Stockholm in the shoulder season instead. This is between April to May and September to October. Although be prepared for temperatures to be a bit chillier. 

You can also head to Stockholm during December for the Christmas markets, but temperatures can drop as low as -3°C (27°F). The city doesn’t see much daylight during this time of year either with the sun setting as early as 3 pm.

Where to stay in Stockholm 

There’s no denying that Stockholm is an expensive city, however, you can still find some great deals.

Here are a couple of our recommendations!

Luxury: Grand Hôtel Stockholm

Grand Hôtel Stockholm is situated right by the waterfront and is opposite the Royal Palace and Gamla Stan. There are a variety of gorgeous suites to choose from, some of which overlook the waterfront.

The hotel is the definition of luxury with a Michelin-star restaurant, luxury spa, an indoor pool, and chauffeur-driven limousine transfers. The rooms are also beautifully designed with plenty of amenities. 

Mid-range: Victory Hotel

Victory Hotel is located in Stockholm’s Old Town and is just a 2-minute walk from Gamla Stan metro station. All the rooms at this hotel are navy-themed and generally sleep 1-2 people.

There’s an on-site restaurant that serves seafood and other tasty dishes and you’ll have breakfast included in your stay. Guests will also have access to a sauna and plunge pool.

Budget: STF Rygerfjord Hotel & Hostel 

This is where we stayed during our 3 days in Stockholm and it’s the perfect option if you’re travelling on a budget. The hotel consists of three ships docked on Lake Mälaren, and you’ll be staying in a cabin.

Guests also have access to a lounge area, shared kitchen facilities, and the onboard restaurant. You’ll be in a great location for exploring the city too!

Frequently Asked Questions about Stockholm

How many days do You need in Stockholm?

You could spend endless days exploring this city, but luckily 3 days in Stockholm is enough time to see the top attractions. Any less, and you’ll likely find yourself rushing around.

However, if you’ve only got one day in Stockholm, then you’ll need to prioritise the places you want to visit.  The city is spread across thousands of islands so you need to allow plenty of travel time too.

Is Stockholm Cheap To Visit?

Unfortunately, Stockholm isn’t cheap. In fact, it’s ranked as one of the most expensive cities in Europe and you’ll be paying over the odds for pretty much everything. 

However, there are ways to cut your costs and you shouldn’t skip out on visiting this amazing city just because you’re travelling on a budget. We had an amazing time and didn’t spend too much!

Is Stockholm a walkable city?

We found Stockholm to be extremely walkable, so you’ll have no issues getting around the city. Many of the attractions are located close together, near the Old Town too which is super handy.

If you’re not a keen walker, then you can always take advantage of Stockholm’s fantastic public transportation system. The metro is extremely popular, but there are also buses, trams, and ferries.

Is Stockholm a good city break?

Stockholm makes for a fantastic city break! There are plenty of things to do here, as well as endless tourist amenities including hotels, restaurants, bars, and shops.

However, when planning an itinerary for Stockholm, it’s important to prioritise your top attractions. You won’t be able to see everything this city has to offer in just a few days so keep that in mind.

Final thoughts on your 3 days in Stockholm, Sweden

Stockholm is an incredible city and one that we’d 100% recommend! 

There are plenty of incredible sites to see, and you’ll find yourself spoilt for choice. However, if you’ve only got 3 days in Stockholm, these are the places you want to visit! 

In this Stockholm itinerary, we’ve grouped together the attractions in the best way we can. That means you can truly make the most out of your stay in the city, and leave with memories to last a lifetime. 

If you have further questions about where to visit in Stockholm then don’t hesitate to contact us via Instagram, Facebook, or in the comments below! 

Here are some other Europe guides you may find helpful:

• How To Spend 3 Days In Oslo
• The Best Fjord Tours From Oslo
• What Is Oslo Famous For?

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