One Day In Stockholm: How To Spend 24 Hours In The City

Last Updated: September 26 2024

Stockholm is a fascinating city and as Sweden’s Capital, you’ll find a wealth of things to do here. If you’ve only got one day in Stockholm, then you’ll need to plan your trip carefully, to ensure you make the most of your visit.

If it’s your first time in the city, then it can be hard to decide what to do. There are so many amazing places to visit that it often feels overwhelming when you’re trying to put together an itinerary.

Don’t worry though – we’re here to help! This guide is going to cover everything you need to know when it comes to spending a day in Stockholm. This includes the top attractions, where to stay, and how to get around.

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The Cheapest Way to Visit Stockholm’s Most Popular Attractions

To make the most of this itinerary, you’ll want to check out the Stockholm city pass. Although some of the attractions here are quite expensive, this pass allows you to make the most of your money.

The all-inclusive city pass covers more than 40 attractions and saves you more than 50% on standard ticket prices. A pass can last for 1-5 days and you can choose the duration depending on how long your trip is.

Below are some of the activities/attractions the pass covers:

• A guided tour of the archipelago

• The Vasa Museum

• Fotografiska

• The Nobel Prize Museum

• The Viking Museum

A Quick Overview of Your One Day in Stockholm, Sweden

• Explore Gamla Stan (Stortorget, Stockholm Cathedral, Riddarholmen Church, The Royal Palace)

• Archipelago Cruise

• The Nordic Museum

• The Vasa Museum

• Royal National City Park

• Monteliusvagen Cliff Path

• Skinnarviksberget

Your One Day In Stockholm – Morning

Wander around Gamla Stan

To start your 24 hours in Stockholm, head to the old town of Gamla Stan. This area of the city was built in the 13th century, while some of the buildings were built in the 16th century too. In fact, it’s one of Europe’s most well-preserved medieval cities so it’s not a place you want to miss.

Millions of tourists come to Gamla Stan every year to explore its charming cobblestone alleyways and admire its incredible buildings. You’ll find endless places to visit in this part of Stockholm including the Nobel Prize Museum, the Royal Chapel, and the Royal Palace.

If you’ve only got a day in Stockholm, you won’t have time to visit all that Gamla Stan has to offer. However, just make sure you wander down Mårten Trotzigs Gränd which is Stockholm’s narrowest street.

Below are some of the other places you’ll want to prioritise when exploring Gamla Stan!

Stortorget

Stortorget is the primary (and oldest) square in Gamla Stan as it dates back to the 1400s. Boasting beautiful coloured houses, charming eateries, and plenty of attractions, this has to be one of the city’s most picturesque areas.

The colourful buildings in Stortorget are the most photographed spot here. In fact, these buildings are one of the most photographed locations in Stockholm and it’s not hard to see why. To avoid the crowds, you’ll want to get here relatively early.

Lining this square, you’ll find notable attractions including the Nobel Prize Museum and Svenska Akademien. There are also plenty of authentic restaurants in this area if you’re looking to grab breakfast.

Stockholm Cathedral

As you explore the Old Town make sure you wander past Stockholm Cathedral. Constructed in 1279, the cathedral has hosted coronation ceremonies and royal weddings for more than 500 years.

Within the Cathedral, you’ll find the esteemed Vädersoltavla; one of Stockholm’s oldest paintings as it dates back to around 1535. Lena Lervik’s ‘Joseph and Mary’ sculpture is also found here.

For this itinerary, it may be best to simply admire the architecture from the outside as you’re quite short on time. However, if you’ve got the time, you can always check out the guided tours that are available. Just keep in mind you will need to buy tickets beforehand.

Riddarholmen Church

Riddarholmen Church is another place you’ll want to visit as the architecture is extremely impressive. It dates back to the late 1200s and is the only surviving medieval Abbey in the city.

What’s interesting about this church is that all the kings and queens of Sweden since 1630 (apart from one) have been buried here. Some of the kings from the middle ages are even buried here!

The interior of Riddarholmen Church is open during the summer months, or you can simply admire the building’s exterior. Just make sure you take some photographs before you leave.

The Royal Palace

Stockholm’s Royal Palace is a must for any Stockholm itinerary as it’s one of Europe’s largest palaces. Boasting a whopping 600 individual rooms across 11 floors, the palace is huge and it’s the King of Sweden’s official residence.

It’s open all year and there are more than five different museums to explore within; Museum Three Crowns, the Royal Chapel, the Treasury, the Royal Apartments, and Gustav III’s Museum of Antiquities.

The best way to appreciate the Royal Palace is by going on a guided tour. If you’ve only got one day in Stockholm then you may not have the time to do this. However, make sure you at least appreciate the building’s splendour from the outside!

Head out on an archipelago cruise

If you’ve only got a day in Stockholm then you need to prioritize going on an archipelago tour. They tend to depart at 10:30 am or 2:00 pm, but with this itinerary, you’ll want to head out in the morning.

Stockholm’s archipelago is made up of nearly 30,000 islands and is one of the most popular attractions in the city if not Sweden in general. This is the sightseeing cruise we opted for, and we couldn’t have been happier with the experience!

For around 2.5 hours, our boat cruised along the Baltic Sea, and we got to see striking landmarks such as the Fjäderholmarna Islands, Vaxholms Fortress, and Tynningö. You’ll get to admire stunning beaches, gorgeous forests, and private islands too.

Honestly, going on this cruise is one of the top things to do in Stockholm! While you’re out on the water, don’t forget to look out for eagles! We were lucky enough to spot them, so keep your eyes peeled.

Your One Day In Stockholm – Afternoon

Have lunch on the island of Djurgården

Djurgården is one of the most popular islands in the city. Not only is it beautiful, but it’s home to plenty of popular attractions including the Skansen Open Air Museum, The Nordic Museum, and the Vasa Museum.

After you’ve departed the archipelago cruise, it’s time to grab some lunch. Djurgården is the perfect spot for this as there are lots of eateries to choose from, and this is where your next attractions are located.

Here are some of the most popular restaurant options on the island:

• Villa Godthem – This restaurant is located within a 19th-century wooden building and is known for its Swedish cuisine. The service is excellent and there’s a charming outdoor terrace too.

• Djurgårdsbron – This gorgeous waterfront restaurant offers stunning views and a relaxed atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to grab some seafood, grilled meat, and even pizzas.

• Wärdshuset Ulla Winbladh AB – Another great option if you’re after authentic Swedish food. The dishes here are mouth-watering and you’ll be in a great location to explore the nearby museums.

The Nordic Museum

If you’re looking to see the best of Stockholm in a day then you can’t miss out on The Nordic Museum. Also known as ‘Nordiska Museet’, this is the largest Museum of Cultural History in Sweden.

The Nordic Museum is one of the city’s most popular attractions and it’s not hard to see why. It documents the country’s history from the Early modern age to the contemporary period – that’s a time span of around 500 years in total.

One of the most interesting exhibits at the Nordic Museum is dedicated to the Sami; Sweden’s only indigenous people. However, there are a ton of other exhibitions to see as well so don’t rush your time here.

Allow around 1.5 hours for your visit if you’ve got the time. This will allow you to have a good wander around, and visit any temporary exhibitions that are on too.

The Vasa Museum

Stockholm’s Vasa Museum has to be included in any one-day Stockholm itinerary! The reason why? Well, it’s home to ‘Vasa’ – the best preserved 17th-century ship in the whole world.

Despite being considered the Baltic Sea’s strongest warship, it ironically sank in 1628 on its maiden voyage. There it stayed until 1961 when it was later retrieved, and then painstakingly restored.

If you head to the Vasa Museum, you’ll see the striking warship in all its glory. In fact, more than 98% of Vasa is original which is pretty impressive.

Aside from the ship itself, you’ll want to spend some time exploring the exhibits. There are loads of these to see including ‘The Stockholm Shipyard’, ‘The Salvaging’, and ‘Life on Board’. For the best experience, allow at least 1.5 hours for your visit so you’re not rushing around.

Although this museum is pretty expensive, you can save some pennies on entrance fees if you purchase the Stockholm city pass.

Royal National City Park

If you’ve only got a day in Stockholm then allow some time to wander around Royal National City Park. Stretching from Djurgården and Fjäderholmarna to Sörentorp and Ulriksdal, this impressive park covers over six miles (9.6 km).

Whether you’re looking to have a stroll, relax with a picnic, or simply admire the views, this park is the perfect place to visit. What’s interesting about Royal National City Park is that it was actually the world’s first national urban park.

As you’ve only got 24 hours in Stockholm you won’t be able to spend hours here which you’d otherwise want to. However, make sure you give yourself at least some time to relax.

Another great reason to visit Royal National City Park is the wildlife. While here, you’ve got a chance of spotting rare birds, deer, foxes, and hares so keep your eyes peeled.

Your One Day In Stockholm – Evening

Grab dinner in the Old Town

After a full day of exploring, it’s time to grab something to eat. So you’re in a central location, you’ll want to check out the restaurants in Stockholm Old Town (Gamla Stan). Just keep in mind that many of them cater to tourists, so prices may be higher here than elsewhere.

Here are some popular restaurant options in Gamla Stan:

• Stockholms Gästabud – This traditional restaurant is famous for its hearty home-cooked meals. One of the highlights of this place has to be the Swedish meatballs so make sure you give them a try!

• Aifur – For a unique experience, check out this Viking-themed restaurant. Boasting authentic food, a fantastic atmosphere, and the chance to learn about Viking stories, this place is a must-visit.

• Ardbeg Embassy – This is another popular eatery! Both the restaurant and bar offer extensive options and the staff here are extremely friendly. There’s an impressive whisky collection too.

Monteliusvagen Cliff Path

If you’ve still got some life left in you then head to the Monteliusvagen Cliff Path. It’s located on Södermalm Island and is a short 500 metre (1640 feet) path.

From the top, you’ll be treated to epic vistas of Stockholm’s city skyline and Lake Mälaren. Don’t forget to appreciate the views of Riddarholmen and Stockholm City Hall. To make the most of this place, take a seat on one of the benches and just relax.

Even if you’ve only got 1 day in Stockholm then you’ll want to include this hike on your itinerary. Make sure you take plenty of photographs but just mind your footing. The Monteliusvagen Cliff Path can be slippery when wet.

To reach the cliff path, it’s just a 20-minute walk from Gamla Stan. This is what we did, or you can just catch the metro to Slussen which is just 12 minutes away.

Watch the sunset from Skinnarviksberget

From the Monteliusvagen Cliff Path, it’s just a 10-minute walk to Skinnarviksberget. This was honestly, one of our favourite places in all of Stockholm and we highly recommend you make it here.

As the city’s highest natural point, the views from here are breathtaking. From the top, you’ll be treated to fantastic vistas of Lake Mälaran, Gamla Stan, and Kungsholmen. As such, there’s no better place in Stockholm to watch the sun go down.

No matter what time of year you visit, this place is unbelievably scenic. Just keep in mind that it gets really busy during the peak season, especially if the weather is pleasant. To ensure you get a good spot, try to get here at least 30 minutes before sunset.

For the best experience, why not pick up a drink or tasty treat to enjoy while up here? That’s the perfect way to finish off your time in this incredible city!

Have More Than One Day in Stockholm?

If you find yourself with some extra time, then there are plenty of other fantastic places to visit. For those with only one day in Stockholm, we’d recommend sticking to the above itinerary and not stretching yourself. Otherwise, you may find yourself rushing your time in the city.

If you’ve got longer than 24 hours in Stockholm, then here are some other popular tourist attractions! We’re not going to lie, 5 out of 6 of them are museums but there’s a reason for this – each of them is simply amazing and a must-visit! So let’s take a look at some other options.

Skansen Open Air Museum

Skansen was honestly one of our favourite places in Stockholm! So why have we not included it in this itinerary? Well, in all honesty, you need at least 3-4 hours (preferably more) to fully make the most of this place as there’s so much to see.

Not only is Skansen the world’s oldest open-air museum, but it’s home to a ton of awesome attractions. This includes Stockholm Zoo, Skansen Aquarium, and the Baltic Science Centre.

Stockholm Zoo is one of the best places to visit, as you’ll get to learn all about Sweden’s native wildlife. Don’t miss out on the aquarium either, as there’s a rainforest exhibit that allows you to wander through a fantastic lemur enclosure.

Another place to prioritise is The Baltic Science Centre as you’ll get to learn about the marine life that calls the Baltic Sea home. However, the miniature historic buildings, impressive manors, and historic farmsteads are not to be missed either.

The Abba Museum

If you’ve got more than one night in Stockholm then don’t miss out on the ABBA Museum! If you’re a big music fan (or specifically an ABBA fan), then this is one place you won’t want to leave off your itinerary.

No doubt you’ve all heard of the most successful music group in Sweden! If you’ve not, then please at least tell me you’ve watched the Mamma Mia films! For those who haven’t, ABBA rose to fame in 1974 after winning Eurovision with their hit ‘Waterloo’.

This interactive museum allows you to celebrate the band by bringing together a variety of memorabilia including gold records, stage outfits, and instruments among others. While here, you can try on virtual outfits, mix music, and record your own performances (whether that be dancing or singing).

Abba is one of the world’s most famous bands, and to make the most of this museum, you’ll want to spend at least 1-2 hours here. Be prepared to have plenty of fun!

The Nobel Prize Museum

If you’ve got at least two days in Stockholm then squeeze in a visit to the Nobel Prize Museum. It’s shut on Mondays, so just keep that in mind when planning your trip.

This iconic museum is located in Gamla Stan and is one of Stockholm’s most popular attractions. Here, you’ll get to learn all about the Nobel Prize – the world’s most prestigious prize which is only given to those who have offered the greatest benefit to humankind.

The Nobel Prize Museum has a variety of exhibits to explore including the ‘Cultures of Creativity’ exhibition. However, the one you don’t want to miss has to be the Nobel Prize Banquet as you’ll get an idea of what it’s like to attend the Nobel Prize Gala.

Daily guided tours are included in your admission ticket and these last for around 30 minutes. You’ll also want to spend a good hour or two, learning about the over 900 people who have won one of these awards.

Gröna Lund

For those with some extra time, check out the popular theme park of Gröna Lund. Situated on Djurgården island, Gröna is Sweden’s oldest amusement park as it dates back to the 18th century.

Gröna Lund is open between spring and September, although it does re-open on Halloween and during Autumn break. As such, whether or not you can visit will all depend on what time of year you head to Stockholm.

There are 30 awesome rides in total making this one of the most fun places to visit in Stockholm. If you’re after some adrenaline, then check out the Monster, Jetline, Fritt Fall, and Insane. There are also more leisurely rides at this theme park if you’re not too much of a thrill-seeker (we also aren’t big fans of rides!).

What’s great about Gröna Lund is that there are several restaurants here and lots of fast food options.

The National Museum

With over 45 museums, it can be difficult to decide where to visit if you’ve got a bit of extra time. However, the Nationalmuseum is a great option as it’s now one of Stockholm’s best attractions thanks to years of renovations.

The Nationalmuseum primarily focuses on art and design. In fact, it’s the country’s premier museum of art, so this place has a lot to offer. You’ll get to appreciate a variety of mediums including paintings, sculptures, and drawings, and some of these date back to the 16th century.

There are around 5,000 incredible objects in the Nationalmuseum and plenty of fantastic exhibitions. Some of these are permanent, while others change throughout the year, so you’ll want to see what’s on during your visit.

As there’s so much to see, allow at least 2 hours for your trip here. Even better, admission for under 20-year-olds is free.

The Medieval Museum

Another fantastic place to visit in the city is the Medieval Museum! Also known as Medeltidsmuseet, it’s free to visit and is the place to be if you want to learn about Stockholm’s history.

Through multimedia elements and hands-on exhibitions, you’ll get to learn about this interesting city’s past. Thanks to its location, you’ll also get to admire a part of the city wall that dates back to 1520. This wall can be seen in the underground exhibit and is an impressive 55 meters (180 feet) long.

While at Medeltidsmuseet, you’ll even get to appreciate a medieval graveyard and warship. Not to mention, the entrance to Norrbro is found here which is Stockholm’s oldest stone bridge. Better yet, the museum offers reconstructions of what life would have been like during medieval Stockholm.

Allow at least an hour to explore the Medieval Museum as there’s a lot to see!

Helpful Information for Your One Day in Stockholm

How to get to Stockholm

Stockholm Arlanda Airport is just 39 km (24 miles) from the city centre and is where all international flights will land. From the airport, you can take the Arlanda Express into Stockholm which takes just under 20 minutes.

If you’d prefer a cheaper option, then commuter trains run into the city centre as well. However, we’d recommend taking the airport coach as it’s the cheapest option. Booking a ticket is hassle-free, it will cost you around 50% less, and you can admire the views on the 45-minute journey.

For those already in Europe and wanting to travel overland, then you’ve got the option of a ferry, train, or bus. Of course, if you’re road tripping then you can simply head across the border in your car or rental.

You can catch a ferry from Finland, Estonia, Poland, and Latvia, or you can travel overland. Several European countries including Denmark and Norway offer train and bus services to Stockholm.

How to get around Stockholm

To make the most of your Stockholm 1 day itinerary, you’ll want to spend the least amount of time travelling around. Luckily, the city has an efficient public transport system, with the most popular option being the metro system.

There are over 100 subway stations in Stockholm, and many of the lines operate from 5 am in the morning until the early hours of the next day. If you’re getting around this way, then don’t forget to appreciate Stockholm’s underground art.

The city also has several bus and tram routes, and these tend to reach areas that the metro can’t. As there are so many islands in Stockholm, there are plenty of awesome ferry services that can get you from A to B as well.

Although you’re only spending one day in Stockholm, it may be a good idea to check out the SL Travel Card. Several forms of transport are included in this pass such as the metro, buses, ferry routes, trams, and commuter trains.

The best time to visit Stockholm

Honestly, there’s no perfect time to visit Stockholm as it’s an all-year-round destination. Every season has something different to offer, whether that be the cherry blossom in spring or the Christmas markets in November/December.

June-August is the city’s peak season and temperatures usually sit somewhere between 11°C (52°F) to 22°C (71°F) during this time. This is when you’ll encounter the longest daylight hours so you’ll have more time to explore.

Unfortunately, this is the most costly time to visit the city so you’ll find hotels to be more expensive. To save money, travel during the peak season instead which falls between April-May and September-October.

December is another popular time to visit as you’ll get to explore the city’s Christmas markets. Just keep in mind that temperatures occasionally fall to -3°C (27°F). Sometimes, the sun might set just after 3 pm too so you won’t have much daylight.

Exploring Stockholm by tour

If you’ve only got one day in Stockholm then you’ll need to be wise when it comes to picking tours. You don’t want to opt for something that’s going to take up half your day, as you’ll then be rushing to see some of the city’s other highlights.

Here are some popular (yet short) tour options:

• Stockholm: Land and Water Tour by Amphibious Bus – This 1-hour tour will allow you to explore Stockholm from a different perspective. Along the way, your guide will teach you all about the city and its iconic landmarks.

• Stockholm: 1.5-Hour Ghost Walk and Historical Tour – This 1.5-hour tour starts in the evening, so you’ll have the whole day to explore first. On this guided walking tour, you’ll get to learn all about Stockholm’s grisly tails of murders, its myths, and the diseases that have plagued it.

• Stockholm: Old Town Walking Tour – This 1.5-hour tour will allow you to appreciate the city’s Old Town. You’ll get to wander past several landmarks including Riddarholmen Church and Riddarholmskyrkan, and learn the city’s stories as you go.

 

Where to Stay in Stockholm, Sweden

To make the most of your one day in Stockholm, you’ll want to stay in a relatively central location. If you stay too far out, you’ll waste a lot of valuable time travelling around the city.

Here are our best recommendations to help you plan!

Luxury: Grand Hôtel Stockholm

If you’re after a luxurious getaway then make sure you check out Grand Hôtel Stockholm. It sits on the waterfront, and you’ll be close to Gamla Stan and the Royal Palace.

Boasting a high-quality restaurant, an indoor pool, chauffeur-driven transfers, and a spa, this place has a lot to offer. The rooms here are absolutely gorgeous too!

Mid-range: Victory Hotel

If you go for Victory Hotel you’ll be staying right in the city’s Old Town. Not only that, but you’ll be a couple of minutes’ walk away from the metro station in Gamla Stan. This puts you in a great location to explore Stockholm.

With a sauna, plunge pool, six restaurants, and a wine bar, the facilities at this hotel are incredible. Not to mention the rooms are beautifully decorated.

Budget: STF Rygerfjord Hotel & Hostel

If you’re looking for a budget hotel then make sure you check out this place. STF Rygerfjord Hotel & Hostel is the accommodation we chose, and we couldn’t recommend it enough.

Made up of three docked ships on Lake Mälaren, this hotel offers shared kitchen facilities, a lounge area, and an onboard restaurant. The latter is a fantastic place to grab a drink after the sun’s gone down.

Booking.com

Frequently Asked Questions about Spending 24 Hours in Stockholm

Is one day enough in Stockholm?

In all honesty, no. You need at least 3 days in Stockholm to really make the most of your trip. However, if you’ve only got one day, then you’ll just have to action-pack your visit!

Having more than 24 hours in Stockholm allows you to take your time, rather than rush around. You’ll also be able to visit areas that are located further out of the city, and even take a tour or two.

How do I spend a day in Stockholm?

If you’ve only got one day in Stockholm then there are certain attractions and area’s that you’ll want to prioritise. For starters, the Old Town of Gamla Stan and the Island of Djurgården should be where you focus your visit.

There are endless places to visit in and around these areas, especially if you’re interested in museums. Notable attractions include Stortorget, The Nordic Museum, Skinnarviksberget, and The Vasa Museum.

Is Stockholm a walkable city?

Although Stockholm is a relatively large city, it’s very walkable in our opinion. You’ll find that most people walk between destinations, and some even hire a bike or use an electric scooter.

During your time in Stockholm, you’ll likely have to use a ferry or the metro to get around at some point. However, that’s typically standard for any European city break.

What is a good budget for Stockholm?

Unfortunately, Stockholm is a pretty expensive city. Even though there are plenty of free things to do in Stockholm, you’ll still need to pay for accommodation, food, and the attractions noted in this itinerary.

If you’re on a tight budget then allow at least £40-£60 per person. If you’d rather stay in a hotel rather than a cheap hostel, then up your daily budget to around £70-£90.

Final Thoughts on Your One Day in Stockholm

If it’s your first time in Stockholm then you’ll want to plan your trip carefully. There are so many incredible things to do in this city, so you’ll certainly want to make the most of your trip, even if you’re limited on time.

Whether you’re looking to explore museums, take a cruise around the archipelago, or try local cuisine, this city has something for everyone. For the best experience, prioritise the attractions you’d like to visit and make sure you head to them first.

If you have other questions about Stockholm, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us via our Instagram, Facebook, or in the comments below!

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