The Perfect 3 Days in Stockholm Itinerary: What to See and Do
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Planning your first visit and looking for the best 3 days in Stockholm itinerary? This guide is for you!
As a Stockholm local, I’ve personally used and refined this guide whenever friends and family visit.
Stockholm, known for its relaxed pace and picturesque landscapes, is an ideal destination for travelers seeking a more laid-back trip.
3 days in Stockholm may seem short, but it’s the perfect amount of time to experience the best of what the city has to offer. From the historic alleys of Gamla Stan to the serene waters of the archipelago, this guide ensures that your stay is well-spent, regardless of the season.
Whether you’re wrapped up against the crisp winter air or basking in the mild summer sun, this itinerary for 3 days in Stockholm is the ultimate guide for your first visit.
Archipelago Sightseeing Tour
Discover Stockholm’s archipelago on a scenic tour. Cruise through charming islands and enjoy Sweden’s coastal beauty.
Check it out >
Stockholm Essentials
- Airport Transfer: Arlanda Express or Flygbussarna.
- Accommodation: Generator Stockholm or Downtown Camper by Scandic.
- Top Activities: Vasa Museum, ABBA Museum, City Archipelago Sightseeing Tour.
- Get insured for your trip to Stockholm with SafetyWing.
- Insure your flights for peace of mind with AirHelp.
- Stay connected in Stockholm with affordable data from Airalo.
3 Days in Stockholm Itinerary
Spending at least 3 days in Stockholm gives you the perfect amount of time to see the best this city has to offer and get a real taste of Swedish culture. With three days, you can cover all the major sights in this city.
Even though Stockholm is pretty big, it’s laid out in a way that makes it easy to see everything you want without feeling rushed.
Also, remember to arrange travel insurance before your trip to Stockholm. It’s better to be prepared for any unexpected situations. Having travel insurance gives you an extra layer of security, allowing you to enjoy your Stockholm trip with greater peace of mind.
Day 1 Stockholm Itinerary: Gamla Stan, Royal Palace, and Stockholm City Hall
Day 1 of 3 Days in Stockholm Itinerary
Stockholm City Hall
Your first day of the 3 days in Stockholm itinerary starts with Stockholm City Hall. Enjoy a leisurely walk by the waterfront to appreciate its architecture. For a deeper insight, you can take a guided tour of the interior or climb up to the City Hall tower for a view of central Stockholm.
![Stockholm City Hall - Karen Roldan3 Days in Stockholm Itinerary](https://karenroldan.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/stockholm-city-hall-summer-scaled-1-1024x683.jpg)
Stockholm City Hall holds a special place in my heart as it’s where my husband and I got married!
I highly recommend visiting Stockholm City Hall, especially during spring, and summer, or to see the autumn foliage.
Explore Gamla Stan (Old Town)
![How to Apply for a Schengen Visa](https://karenroldan.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Gamla-Stan-Stockholm-scaled-1-768x1024.jpg)
After checking out Stockholm City Hall, consider a stroll along Vasabron, a bridge that links Norrmalm to Gamla Stan, the old city. Gamla Stan is a must-see with its medieval roots and is one of Europe’s largest and best-preserved medieval city centers.
Here, you’ll find plenty of souvenir shops. To avoid the crowds, a morning visit is best. This area is filled with historic streets and classic restaurants.
Your first stop in Gamla Stan should be the House of Nobility, known for its grand 17th-century architecture and numerous coats of arms. Although it’s closed for renovation in 2024, the building’s exterior is still worth a look.
Next, head to the Riddarholmen islet to see the Riddarholmen Church, famous for its historical significance and royal burials. Don’t forget to snap a photo in front of Stenbock’s Palace, easily recognizable by its pink facade.
![Stenbock's Palace - Karen Roldan](https://karenroldan.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Advantages-of-Living-Abroad-scaled-1-1024x683.jpg)
After the islet, make your way to Storkyrkan, Stockholm’s oldest church. Its stunning architecture and rich history make it a key attraction in the Old Town.
Visit the Royal Palace
When visiting Stockholm, make sure to stop by the Royal Palace, the official residence and primary royal palace of the Swedish monarch. Much of the palace is open to the public year-round, and it’s one of the largest palaces in Europe.
Lunch at Restaurang Tradition or Stockholms Gästabud
For lunch, you’ll find many restaurant options within Gamla Stan. When in Sweden, trying a Swedish restaurant is a must. I recommend making a reservation at Restaurang Tradition for its well-crafted traditional dishes or at Stockholms Gästabud for its homestyle Swedish cooking. Both offer a cozy atmosphere and serve authentic Swedish cuisine.
Explore More of Gamla Stan and Have a Fika
After lunch, continue exploring Gamla Stan and take a break for a fika, a Swedish tradition involving coffee and a pastry, like the beloved cinnamon bun (kanelbulle).
You can stroll to Merchant’s Square to see the St George and the Dragon sculpture. Nearby, visit the tiny Iron Boy statue, which is Stockholm’s smallest piece of public art.
If you’re interested in museums, consider the Nobel Prize Museum in Stortorget, Stockholm’s oldest square, where you’ll see the iconic red and orange buildings.
Further down the street, check out the Runestone in Prästgatan, an ancient rune stone embedded in a wall. Then, visit Saint Gertrude, the German Church, admired for its stunning interiors.
Don’t miss walking through Mårten Trotzigs Gränd, the narrowest street in Stockholm at just 90 cm wide.
Free Walking Tour in Gamla Stan
Gamla Stan offers a variety of free walking tours, making it easy for you to explore this old town without breaking the bank.
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Dinner at Aifur, the Viking-themed Restaurant
![Aifur - Karen Roldan](https://karenroldan.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Aifur-Karen-Roldan-768x1024.jpg)
For dinner, head to Aifur for its unique Viking-themed ambiance and delicious meals. This restaurant offers a distinct dining experience in Stockholm’s culinary scene, including a fun announcement of your arrival to other diners, which you can choose to skip if preferred.
Day 2 Stockholm Itinerary: Subway Art Tour, Drottningholm Palace, Östermalm Food Hall
On the second day of your 3 days in Stockholm itinerary, start with a subway art tour as you travel to Drottningolm Palace, and end the day exploring Östermalm. Here, you can enjoy shopping and have dinner at Östermalm Food Hall.
Day 2 of 3 Days in Stockholm Itinerary
Subway Art Tour
To reach Drottningholm Palace, you’ll need to take the metro (green line) followed by a bus. The trip doesn’t have to be boring – you can stop along the way to enjoy the Stockholm Subway Art. Known as the world’s longest art exhibit, Stockholm’s subway system spans 110 kilometers, and you’ll have the chance to see some of its most impressive artworks along the way.
Here are the stops on the green line where the art is particularly worth seeing:
- T-Centralen
- Hötorget
- Odenplan. Don’t miss the nearby Stockholm Public Library, a notable structure created by the world-famous architect Gunnar Asplund.
- Thorildsplan
- Fridhemsplan
If you have time and wish to continue exploring the subway’s art, consider taking the Red Line after your palace visit:
- T-Centralen
- Stadion
- Tekniska Högskolan
- Universitetet
You could finish your art tour at Östermalmstorg, another stop on the red line.
Exploring the Stockholm Subway Art was the easiest tour I experienced in Stockholm, and it’s perfect for a winter visit as well. If you prefer a more organized experience, you can join SL’s Art Walks, which are offered for free.
Drottningholm Palace
![Drottningholm Palace - Karen Roldan3 Days in Stockholm Itinerary](https://karenroldan.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Drottningholm-Palace-1024x801.jpg)
Drottningholm Palace is a must-visit on your 3 days in Stockholm itinerary. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s the best-preserved royal castle from the 1600s in Sweden and makes for one of the easiest day trips from the city.
At Drottningholm Palace, there’s plenty to see. You can spend around 3 hours touring the palace and its gardens. If you plan to include the Court Theater and the Chinese Pavilion, it might take a bit longer.
For lunch, the restaurant in the Karamellan building is a great spot to try.
Östermalm Food Hall
After your trip to Drottningholm Palace, take a stroll around the Östermalm area, where you can find designer boutiques. Östermalm is the most affluent part of Stockholm, famous for its nightclubs, designer shops, and fine dining.
Your final stop for the day should be dinner at Östermalm Saluhall, also known as Östermalm Food Hall. This popular market, dating back to 1888, offers an exceptional food experience that’s definitely worth checking out.
Day 3 Stockholm Itinerary: Archipelago Tour, Vasa Museum, Skansen, ABBA Museum
The last day of your 3 days in Stockholm itinerary will be spent exploring Djurgården Island. This island is ideal for both fun and relaxation, featuring a variety of Stockholm’s well-loved attractions and museums.
There are more than 50 museums in Stockholm, and at least 20 of them offer free admission. In this itinerary, I’ll highlight the top museums that are must-visits and worth paying for during your trip to Stockholm.
Day 3 of 3 Days in Stockholm Itinerary
Stockholm City Archipelago Sightseeing Cruise
You can start your day with a 2.5-hour archipelago cruise, complete with an onboard guide to learn about the history of the sights you pass by.
If that feels too long for you, consider taking the #80 boat from Nybroplan to Djurgården, which also stops at Gröna Lund. This boat ride is only 10 minutes, offering a quick glimpse of Stockholm’s waters
Vasa Museum
The Vasa Museum is home to the preserved 17th-century Vasa ship, which sank on its maiden voyage. The museum not only showcases the ship itself but also offers various exhibitions that delve into its history and restoration.
Each visit to the Vasa Museum has been a unique experience for me. Seeing the Vasa ship up close really brings history to life.
Skansen Open-Air Museum
Skansen Open-Air Museum is the world’s first open-air museum and it uniquely combines historical buildings, native wildlife, and traditional crafts. The highlight for me has always been the variety of animals, especially the Nordic animals, which are hard to find elsewhere.
Skansen’s setting, with beautiful views over Stockholm, also adds to its charm, making it a memorable part of any visit to the city.
Skansen is one of my favorite museums, and I’ve had the annual pass for two years now. I often bring my guests here, but I also enjoy seeing and learning about the animals myself. Despite my numerous visits, I still haven’t seen all the animals.
ABBA Museum
The ABBA Museum is a celebration of one of Sweden’s greatest musical exports. If you’re not familiar, then maybe the song ‘Mamma Mia’ rings a bell! The ABBA Museum is more than just a museum; it offers an interactive experience where you can sing, dance, mix music, and much more. It’s a unique and fun way to engage with the music and legacy of this iconic band.
Best Time to Visit Stockholm
While Stockholm is a year-round destination, the best time to visit is during the summer months (June – August) when the weather is warmest, and the city is full of life. During these months, Stockholm experiences long days and short nights, offering ample daylight for sightseeing.
You can read more to find out about activities you can enjoy in each season and for additional information on the best times to visit Stockholm.
Where to Stay in Stockholm
If you’re unsure where to stay in Stockholm, I’ve categorized the best neighborhoods and options based on your budget.
Luxury ($$$)
- Hotel Reisen (Gamla Stan)
- Hotel Diplomat Stockholm (Östermalm)
- NOFO Hotel (Södermalm)
Mid-range ($$)
- Downtown Camper by Scandic (Norrmalm)
- Hotel Gamla Stan (Gamla Stan)
- Sky Hotel Apartments (Kungsholmen)
Budget ($)
- Castle House Inn (Gamla Stan)
- Generator Stockholm (Norrmalm)
- Rex Petit (Vasastan)
Explore a range of accommodation options in Stockholm, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly stays, and find your perfect place to stay.
Getting Around Stockholm
When you arrive in Stockholm by airplane, you’ll land at either Arlanda Airport, Bromma Airport, or Skavsta Airport.
To reach Stockholm from Arlanda Airport, you can use the Arlanda Express, the fastest option that gets you to the city center in just 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can opt for the airport bus, Flygbussarna, which is a more budget-friendly choice, taking you to the city in approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour.
If you’re arriving via Bromma or Skavsta Airport, you can also take the airport bus, Flygbussarna, to reach the city.
For those arriving by train or bus, you’ll likely find yourself at the Cityterminalen.
Once you’re in Stockholm, navigating the city becomes easy with the SL app, the official public transport app for Stockholm. If you plan to do many paid activities, you might find that the Stockholm Pass offers more savings. For a more in-depth look at how to get around Stockholm, check out my guide.
FAQs About Visiting Stockholm
How many days in Stockholm?
The ideal number of days to spend depends on your interests, but 3 days in Stockholm is often recommended to explore the city’s main attractions and get a feel for its culture.
Is 3 days in Stockholm enough?
Yes, 3 days in Stockholm is usually enough to see the city’s top attractions, experience its culture, and enjoy a visit.
How much money do I need for 3 days in Stockholm?
The budget for a 3-day stay in Stockholm can vary widely depending on your preferences. On average, a moderate budget for accommodation, dining, and activities can range from $150 to $250 per day.
What to see in Stockholm for 3 days?
During your 3 days in Stockholm, don’t miss the historic Gamla Stan (Old Town), the Vasa Museum, the Royal Palace, Drottningholm Palace, and a relaxing visit to Drjurgården Island. You’ll also have time for an archipelago cruise and exploring various neighborhoods.
Is Stockholm walkable?
Yes, Stockholm is a walkable city, especially in its central areas like Gamla Stan and Norrmalm. Also, the city has an efficient public transportation system that makes it easy to get around Stockholm and explore even further.
Archipelago Sightseeing Tour
Discover Stockholm’s archipelago on a scenic tour. Cruise through charming islands and enjoy Sweden’s coastal beauty.
Check it out >
Final Thoughts: 3 Days in Stockholm Itinerary
As a local, I’ve curated this 3 days in Stockholm itinerary to ensure that you get the best of what this city has to offer. From the historic streets of Gamla Stan to the cultural wonders of the Vasa Museum, and the scenic beauty of the archipelago, each day in Stockholm brings a new experience.