Take a ghost walk through Stockholm's winding alleys
See a live performance at the Royal Swedish Opera
Discover ancient Viking sites and runes
Sample the best of Swedish cuisine
Brief Itinerary
Day
Highlights
Overnight
Day 1
Arrive in Stockholm, Explore & Ghost Walk
Stockholm
Day 2
Guided Tour of Stockholm
Stockholm
Day 3
Viking History Day Tour, Sigtuna & Uppsala
Stockholm
Day 4
Nordic Food Walk & Royal Swedish Opera
Stockholm
Day 5
Depart Stockholm
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Stockholm, Explore & Ghost Walk
Welcome to Stockholm! Known for its cutting-edge modern technology and design, Sweden is also a country of rich history and heritage, and you'll find this exemplified in Stockholm. Known alternately as the "Venice of the North" for its idyllic site on a 14-island archipelago and as a European rival to Silicon Valley for its tech start-ups, this city of contrasts will provide you with history, culture, cuisine, and natural beauty wherever you turn. Take the Arlanda Express for an efficient trip from the airport and get settled in your hotel before heading out to explore.
Easily reached on foot or by public transport, breathe in the distinct atmosphere of each district. Stroll through creative Södermalm and elegant Östermalm―between them, you'll find Gamla Stan (Old Town)and the bustling downtown area, Norrmalm. For a fun introduction to the more colorful (read: gruesome) aspects of the city's past, take a 90-minute tour through Old Town. Your guide will lead you through the district's winding streets and alleys, recounting the notorious tales of murder and mayhem that have taken place there.
Day 2: Guided Tour of Stockholm
If you want to see the city's top attractions in just one day, a guided tour is the way to do it. Limited to a maximum of seven people, an all-inclusive tour will pick you up from your doorstep and return you at the end of the day replete with the city's finest sights and cuisine. Your first stop is the Kungliga Slottet (Royal Palace of Stockholm)—marvel at the stunning architecture and the Swedish crown jewels while you learn the history and role of the royal family. Next, head to the Vasa Museum, which houses an incredible 17th-century warship of the same name. Take a break for lunch in the best seats of a top-quality restaurant.
Afterward, you'll continue through Old Town, where you'll also see the Stockholm Cathedral and the Nobel Museum, dedicated to the recipients of the Nobel Prize. Your final stop is a visit to Skansen, the world's oldest open-air museum. Learn about traditional life and culture from all around the country as you walk through historic houses, gardens, and farmsteads. Popular with locals and tourists alike, this extraordinary museum is also home to an aquarium and zoo. If you time it right, you'll catch one of the seasonal festivals or concerts. Afterward, your driver will drop you back at your hotel for the evening.
Day 3: Viking History Day Tour, Sigtuna & Uppsala
Head out of town today for a guided tour through Viking history, including some of Sweden's most historic towns and ruins. Your guide will pick you up from your accommodation and take you to all the best spots to learn about the Vikings. See where they held their parliament, and learn about the critical decisions made there. Explore Jarlabanke's Bridge, built by an important Viking leader, and learn all about the Old Norse language, runes, and burial customs. Be prepared for some surprises as you hear about Estrid, the Viking woman who traveled to Jerusalem, among other interesting tales.
Along the way, you'll visit Sigtuna, Sweden's oldest town, founded in 980 CE. Home to the most runestones on the planet, you'll also find castles, churches, and an abundance of other ruins. The street plan has barely changed in 1,000 years! You'll also spend time in Uppsala, another of Sweden's oldest settlements. Here you can find ancient burial mounds, castles, and cathedrals―or spend time in its modern center: Uppsala is now one of Sweden's four major cities. Afterward, your guide will drop you back at your accommodation.
Plan your trip to Sweden Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
The focus changes to current Swedish culture today as you embark on a Nordic Food Walk. Beginning in Östermalm, the stomping ground of the rich and famous, you'll learn about local ways of preparing cheese, game meat, and "The Gold of the North," Sweden's most celebrated beer. Visit the Market Hall next for high-end food sampling.
Lunch will take place in the heart of the city with a traditional meal of meatballs and potatoes. This might sound simple, but be prepared to learn about the different types of potatoes and the jams that are served with them―you'll come away with a new appreciation for an old favorite. After lunch, stretch your legs in the beautiful King's Garden, and finish up in the Old Town with a feast of traditional candy and sweets.
With your tour finished, it's time to head to the Royal Swedish Opera, the city's center of culture and art since its opening in 1782. Attend a play, ballet, or opera, and you'll experience the magic of live performance. There's also plenty of time to explore the Opera House itself, which is one of the world's oldest and most prestigious. A superior example of neoclassical architecture, marvel at the stunning marble staircase and chandeliers, as well as the intricate frescoes. Afterward, the evening is yours to enjoy a delicious dinner and explore Stockholm's nightlife.
Day 5: Depart Stockholm
Sadly, it's your last day in Stockholm. If you have a little time before your flight, take a last stroll through town. Look for some souvenirs, or, for more serious shopping, hit Drottninggatan, the main shopping street. Be sure to stop off at one of the many cafés to savor a fika,or coffee break, before you go. Do it right, and make sure there's a cinnamon bun or slice of princess cake involved! When it's time, collect your luggage and catch the Arland Express back out to the airport. Safe travels!
More Great Sweden Itineraries
Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Sweden? Check out these other Sweden itineraries, explore different ways to spend five days in Sweden, or discover the best time to visit Sweden.
Three days is a perfect amount of time to visit the Swedish capital, because it gives you a chance to explore the center and its closest islands as well as taking a day trip somewhere further out. Our 3-day Stockholm itinerary takes in: Gamla Stan. The Royal Palace.
Three days is a perfect amount of time to visit the Swedish capital, because it gives you a chance to explore the center and its closest islands as well as taking a day trip somewhere further out. Our 3-day Stockholm itinerary takes in: Gamla Stan. The Royal Palace.
Stockholm was officially founded in 1252 by the Swedish statesman Birger Jarl. By the end of the 13th century, it had grown to become Sweden's biggest city, serving as the country's political centre and royal residence – facing several sieges over the centuries.
The city is sometimes referred to as 'Venice of the North', thanks to its beautiful buildings and exquisite architecture, abundant open water and numerous parks. 9. The total absence of heavy industry makes Stockholm one of the world's cleanest metropolises.
It may be small but it's compact, and there's plenty to do – from museums and palaces to cruises and island escapes. With a whole week you can take your time and really get to know this city – so grab some sturdy walking shoes and a good waterproof jacket and let's explore: Gamla Stan and the Royal Palace.
If you want to enjoy the countryside on the doorstep, the best time to visit Stockholm is May-Sept. From mid July-Aug you'll meet Swedes on vacation, too, but overcrowding is rarely an issue. Want the place to yourself? Go May-mid July, when the landscape is green and the weather warm, at 15-20°C.
Internationally, the most renowned Swedish culinary tradition is the smörgåsbord and, at Christmas, the julbord, including well-known Swedish dishes such as gravlax and meatballs. In Sweden, traditionally, Thursday has been "soup day" because the maids had half the day off and soup was easy to prepare in advance.
Even though it is quite far south compared to Swedish Lapland, it is not unheard of to be able to spot the auroras in Stockholm. So, in a broad manner, yes, it is possible. However, if you want to visit Sweden for the purpose of viewing the northern lights, we do recommend putting all the odds on your side.
It's Stockholm's oldest settlement with many historical buildings and attractions. But it's also an area known for gastronomic innovation and unique shopping. Gamla Stan, or Old Town, is as the name suggests Stockholm's oldest district.
The country is famous for its innovative design, picturesque landscapes and rich history. The country has the highest number of non-religious population. It has clean streets and a successful welfare program. Sweden is recognised for having an abundance of clean air, given its high tree cover percentage.
The city is surrounded by more than 24,000 small rocky islands that form an archipelago and consists of fourteen islands located between Lake Mälaren and the Baltic Sea. For this reason, Stockholm is also called 'Venice of the North'.
3 days in Stockholm is the perfect amount of time to see the highlights of the city. You'll have time to visit some of the city's best museums, wander around medieval Gamla Stan and hipster Södermalm, explore the Royal Palace, taste some Swedish food, enjoy a fika, and even experience the archipelago via boat or kayak.
Between late May and mid-July, the northerly reaches above the Arctic Circle experience the midnight sun, while more southerly cities enjoy long twilights. The weather is warm, around 70°F, and the ample sun attracts visitors through until the end of August.
For budget travelers, it's reasonable to expect to spend around $80 to $100 per day in Sweden, including accommodation, transportation, meals, and some activities. On the other hand, mid-range travelers can expect to spend approximately $150 to $200 per day.
Five days is the perfect amount of time in Stockholm, as many visitors prefer to spend two to seven days here. You'll be able to explore the major attractions and take part in the city's most popular things to do such as the historic old town, the beautiful scenery, the live music scene, and the museums and landmarks.
Two days in Stockholm allow you time to thoroughly explore the city—from the cobblestoned streets of Gamla Stan to stately Drottningholm Palace—and to get out onto the water that surrounds the city. Here's how to spend two days in the Swedish capital, one of Europe's most beautiful cities.
Is 4 days in Stockholm too many days to see the city? Four full days is a lot of time if you only want to see the city, but if you want to get a feel for what's it like to live in the city it's a good length.
Stockholm is better known for its music, historical sights, and big city activities, while Copenhagen is more popular for its food, nightlife, and shopping. Stockholm is more touristy than Copenhagen and is popular for its many bridges and water culture, its open air museum, and its colorful old town.
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