How to Spend 3 Days in Stockholm: The Ultimate Itinerary

Whether you are visiting in winter, spring, autumn, or summer, you are bound to love Sweden’s capital city, Stockholm. This city along the Baltic is home to 14 islands and over 50 bridges.  History lovers will enjoy the historic charm and cobblestone streets of Gamla Stan, the old town, as well as the plethora of world-class museums this city has to offer. Not a history buff? No problem! Stockholm is teeming with modern architecture, contemporary cafes, trendy restaurants, and waterfront walkways perfect for strolling.

While I don’t believe winter the best time to visit Stockholm, I immensely enjoyed my 3 day visit this past winter. (As someone who hates winter, that truly is the mark of a great city!) While a few of the outdoor activities were off the table due to the cold temperatures, there was still so much to do and see, making Stockholm a perfect city break destination! Don’t worry though, I’ve included plenty of great outdoor activities on this itinerary for those of you who are planning a visit when the weather is nicer and days are longer!

What are you waiting for? Grab your passport and let’s dive in!

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Stockholm 3 Day Itinerary

About this itinerary…

To follow the map, simply follow the pins in rainbow order!

• Red pins: Day 1
• Orange pins: Day 2
• Yellow pins: Day 3
• Grey pins: Museum suggestions if you have more time in Stockholm
• Brown pins: Restaurant recommendations
• Black: Additional points of interest if you have more time in Stockholm

Keep in mind that this itinerary is simply a suggestion! Feel free to add, subtract, or rearrange activities based on your interests, schedule, and season of the year! You’ll also want to be sure to coordinate your visit with museum hours, which also change seasonally.

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Stockholm Day 1: Gamla Stan (Old Town)

Your first day in Stockholm will be spent getting to know the history of the city, so you’ll be starting off your trip with a day spent in Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s Old Town. Walking along the cobblestone streets of Gamla Stan will take you back in time to the 13th century, and the colorful medieval buildings will have you feeling as though you’re walking in a living museum!

Gamla Stan is extremely walkable, so once you arrive you won’t have to worry about any public transit, as most sights are just a few minutes walk away!

Free Walking Tour

If you are interested in learning more about the details of Stockholm’s founding and of this historic district, then consider hopping on a free walking tour. While there are several companies offering tours, I hopped on a 10 AM Old Town tour with Free Tour Stockholm. The tour was a great way to learn all about the city’s medieval history and see Gamla Stan’s main sites in a relatively short amount of time. We also got some great dining recommendations and other tips for visiting Stockholm. Just don’t forget to tip your guide!

If you don’t like group tours, fear not! Below you’ll find most of the points of interest we visited during the tour!

Royal Palace

Begin exploring Gamla Stan with a visit to the Royal Palace. The Royal Palace of Stockholm is the official residence of the Swedish monarch and dates to the 17th century. If you are anything like me, the ornate furniture, incredible artwork, and stately Italian Baroque architecture is sure to impress. I visited during the evening, but recommend starting your day off here, as the lighting during the day is much better if you like taking photographs. You can also try to time your visit to coincide with the changing of the guards (hours listed here).  Learn more about prices and hours for your visit to the Royal Palace here.

Storkyrkan, Stockholm Cathedral

Your next stop of the day is Storkyrkan, or Stockholm Cathedral. This 13th-century medieval cathedral is the oldest in Gamla Stan, and is absolutely worth a visit, even if churches aren’t exactly your thing. The cathedral is home to a truly iconic St. George and the Dragon sculpture dating back to 1489, which has become a symbol of the city.

You’ll also find the Vädersolstavlan, an oil painting depicting Gamla Stan from a bird’s-eye view on April 20, 1535. On this day, an atmospheric phenomenon known as a halo display was observed throughout Stockholm, and later recorded in this work of art. You’ll find this fascinating object to the right of the cathedral shortly after you enter. (I would’ve probably overlooked it, had our walking tour guide not pointed it out!).

Järnpojke, Iron Boy

After seeing the impressive St. George and the Dragon sculpture in the cathedral, it’s time to take a detour and see Stockholm’s smallest statue, Järnpojke or Iron Boy. This boy looking at the moon stands just 5.9 inches (15 cm) high, and has become something of a Stockholm legend. This 1967 statue was made by artist Liss Eriksson, and is easy to overlook if you aren’t searching for it. Be sure to rub the statue’s head so you will someday return to Stockholm, or leave behind a coin or two for good luck!

The Hairy Pig Deli

Just steps away from Iron Boy you’ll find the Hairy Pig Deli, an excellent lunch spot which I highly recommend! I rarely make food recommendations on this blog, as it is often difficult to find the best spots in a city with just a few days. That being said, The Hairy Pig Deli was truly incredible and is not to be missed!

Their hunting lodge atmosphere is lovely and the tapas-style menu is completely delicious and offers a wide variety. My boyfriend and I tried some of the more exotic foods on the menu, such as reindeer and moose, and loved everything we had! (I believe the menu changes, so these items may or may not be on the menu during your visit). You can make reservations, and find their hours, menu, and prices here!

Stortorget, Stockholm’s Oldest Square

Next up on the itinerary is Stortorget, the oldest square in Stockholm. This famous square is home to the 18th century Stock Exchange building, the Nobel Prize Museum, and is also known for its bright and colorful facades. Unfortunately, several of these oh-so-instagrammable buildings were being restored during my visit, so I almost didn’t recognize the square when I came upon it! Nevertheless, I enjoyed my visit. During Christmastime, there is a lovely market with Glögg (Swedish mulled wine), and plenty of stalls selling Christmas crafts and goods! (I must admit I am obsessed with Christmas markets and may or may not have made a visit to this one a priority!)

As I learned during the walking tour, this picturesque square also holds historical significance. It was the site of the Stockholm Bloodbath of 1520, and 90 people were killed in this square by the Danish-Swedish king Christian II.

If you are a fan of the Swedish pop group ABBA, you may recognize this square, as the “Mamma Mia” singing group was once photographed there! (I personally loved this detail-I actually spent 1 month living on Skopelos, a Greek island where parts of the movie Mamma Mia! was filmed!)

Runestone

Uppland Runic Inscription 53 is a Viking runestone quietly embedded into the corner of Prästgatan and Kåkbrinke streets in the heart of Gamla Stan. While the exact date and origin of the runestone is unknown, it is believed to have been created in the 11th century, and is even older than the city of Stockholm! The inscription, in part, translates to “Torsten and Frögunn had the stone erected after their son.” This hidden in plain sight gem is easy to miss, so be sure to find it with the map!

Stockholm’s Smallest Street: Mårten Trotzigs Gränd

While exploring Gamla Stan’s winding historic cobblestone roads, you will have to pass Mårten Trotzigs Gränd, the narrowest street in Stockholm. Measuring just 35.5 inches (90 centimeters) at its narrowest point, this quirky walkway is worth dropping by as you stroll!

Wander Gamla Stan

Now that you’ve seen many of Gamla Stan’s main points of interest, its time to simply wander around. Take some time to stroll, shop, and enjoy the atmosphere of Stockholm’s historic center. Västerlånggatan and Österlånggatan are some of the area’s main streets, but you should also take some time to stroll along the waterfront, particularly if the weather is nice!

Fika time!

What exactly is fika? Fika is the Swedish tradition of an afternoon coffee break, which is often accompanied by a sweet treat or pastry. After walking around the charming (yet rather cold) streets of Gamla Stan this winter, I quickly saw why the Swedes love fika! Pop into one of the delicious and trendy cafes that pepper the area. I dropped into Café Kladdkakan and warmed up with a delicious coffee and quite possibly the best cheesecake I’ve ever had (peanut butter chocolate!). Café Schweizer and Caffellini are other popular coffee…hot spots. (Sorry, I couldn’t help myself with the pun!)

Wherever you go, make sure to embrace Swedish culture and spend a few minutes enjoying a fika break in one of Gamla Stan’s cafes!

Riddarholmen

Riddarholmen is an islet connected to Gamla Stan that is home to several prominent homes and palaces from the 17th century. Here, you will discover the Stenbock Palaces, Svea Court of Appeals, and the Riddarholmen Church, which is the burial site of many of Sweden’s monarchs. You’ll also want to take some time to walk along the waterfront-there are particularly amazing views of Stockholm’s city hall from Riddarholmen!

Dine in Old Town

After a long day exploring Stockholm’s Old Town, reward yourself with a delicious meal! It is important to note that many of Gamla Stan’s most popular restaurants tend to fill up, so you will probably want to make a reservation in advance-my boyfriend and I learned this the hard way as we tried to find a great place to eat on a Friday night!

Kryp In is a restaurant that was recommended to us by our walking tour guide for having excellent atmosphere and local fare such as reindeer.

If you are looking for a more fun, touristy dining adventure, consider heading to Aifur Krog and Bar, a popular Viking-themed restaurant. You’ll find live music, Viking lore, traditional foods and mead, and a unique and fun dining experience. I won’t lie, I was pretty bummed we missed out on this one, as I love quirky tourist locations like this!

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Day 2: City Hall and Museums

Stockholm City Hall

Situated prominently on Kungsholmen island, Stockholm’s City Hall overlooks Riddarholmen and Södermalm islands. This 20th-century brick beauty is impossible to miss when in Stockholm, thanks to the 106-meter Three Crown Tower which is a focal point of Stockholm’s skyline. Not only is the City Hall home to municipal offices, but it is also the location where the annual Nobel Prize banquet is held. The building houses offices, grand ceremonial halls, and stunning artwork. I was most impressed by the “Golden Hall”, which features 18 million gold mosaic tiles. If you happen to be visiting during the summer, be sure to climb up the tower to enjoy an incredible view of the city!

Visitors must join a guided tour (which is a great way to learn more about the City Hall), so be sure to check here for tour times and prices.

Lunch at Hötorgshallen Market

After touring the City Hall, stop for lunch at the nearby Hötorgshallen Market. This market features a variety of cuisines from around the world, and truly has something to offer everyone. It is the perfect spot to grab a quick (and decently budget-friendly) lunch before continuing your day touring the city. I personally recommend checking out Kajsas Fisk, a restaurant known especially for its fish soup and seafood. Everything we tried there was delicious! After eating, take some time to enjoy the lively square just outside and the fruit, vegetable, and flower vendors you’ll find there. On Sundays, there is also a flea market in this spot! Just be sure to visit the Hötorgshallen Market during lunch, as it is not open during the evening!

Take the Ferry (or tram) to Djurgården

During the summer, there are many companies that offer boat tours of Stockholm. However, if you are visiting during the winter, or don’t have room in your budget for a boat tour, then here is your chance to see Stockholm by boat. Simply hop on a ferry from Gamla Stan and be sure to get off at Djurgården. If ferries aren’t your thing, it is also possible to walk, take the tram, or even a bus to our next stop, the Vasa museum. (More direction info here!) From Hötorgshallen Market, the tram is your most direct route, and should take about 20 minutes.

Vasa Museum

The Vasa Museum is the most visited museum in Scandinavia and is a must-see when in Stockholm. So what about this maritime museum makes it worth visiting? On her maiden voyage in 1628, the 64-gun Vasa warship sank after sailing a mere 1,300 meters. The location of the ship was eventually lost, until the 1960s when the ship was rediscovered and recovery efforts began.  Thanks to the cold, salty waters of the Baltic, over 95% of the ship has been restored, even after spending 333 years submerged. Today, visitors to the Vasa museum can view the warship, learn about its sinking, see exhibits detailing its recovery, and view a film centered around the doomed Vasa. I was completely fascinated by this piece of Swedish history and absolutely astounded by the condition of the ship. You won’t want to miss this museum, so be sure to check out the hours and prices so you can plan your visit!

Skansen

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After visiting the Vasa museum, pop over to Skansen, the world’s oldest open-air museum and zoo, also located on Djurgården. Unfortunately, when I visited Stockholm it was quite cold and I was running low on time, so I didn’t have the opportunity to visit. Skansen receives over 1.3 million visitors annually and is a perfect museum for those who are interested in Swedish culture. The museum features 150 traditional homes, businesses, and dwellings from different parts of Sweden, and is a fascinating, interactive peek into Swedish history! Learn more about visiting here.

Icebar

I have to confess, one of my bucket list items is to spend a night in Sweden’s Icehotel. However, after seeing how far the hotel is from Stockholm (and how expensive it is to stay!), I quickly realized this was not to be, at least not on this trip! For those of you who also have fantasized about Sweden’s Icehotel, but don’t have the time or funds to visit, consider making a stop at Stockholm’s Icebar, which is operated by the Icehotel. Just be sure to book in advance on their website!

Note: If you are on a budget, this may be a stop you want to skip-prices when I visited were around $20, and include 1 drink. 

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Day 3: Drottningholm Palace Day Trip

Drottningholm Palace

During my short visit to Stockholm, I, unfortunately, didn’t time to fit in a visit to Drottningholm Palace. (I only had 2.5 days total in the city!) This 17th-century palace is the residence of the Swedish royal family, and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The palace makes for an excellent day trip, as it is located 10 km (~6.5 miles) outside of the city. During the summertime, regular boat services depart for the palace, which is such a fun way to arrive! You can also get there by using the underground and bus, or even bike! I would love to re-visit Stockholm again during the summertime so I could experience the palace and its gardens in their full glory. For more information on getting there, visiting hours, and prices,  check out the official Drottningholm Palace website.

Skinnarviksberget

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Looking for the best photo op in Stockholm? Pop on over to Skinnarviksberget, the city’s highest natural point. Bring some snacks for a picnic if the weather is nice, and take in the views of the city and water beyond. A sunset here would be the perfect end to any visit to Stockholm!

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If you have more time in Stockholm…

There are so many things to see and do it would be impossible to fit them all into one weekend (as I learned during my own visit to Sweden’s capital city!). Here are some additional ideas if you happen to have more time on your Stockholm visit.

Museums:

There are so many museums in Stockholm I couldn’t list them all in this post! Here are some of the most popular for those who love museum hopping!

What are you most interested in seeing in Stockholm? Let me know in the comments below!

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