What to do in Stockholm

Stockholm is bursting with culture. You can easily fill three to four days here. These are the highlights you absolutely should not miss:

1. Gamla Stan (The Old Town)

This is where Stockholm began in 1252. It is one of the best-preserved medieval city centers in Europe. Wander through narrow, cobbled streets with ochre-colored buildings. Be sure to visit Stortorget (the oldest square) and the narrowest street in the city: Mårten Trotzigs Gränd (only 90 cm wide).

2. Vasa Museum

This is the most visited museum in Scandinavia, and for good reason. It houses the ‘Vasa’, a warship that sank in 1628 on its maiden voyage. The ship lay on the seabed for 333 years and is 98% original. It is incredibly large and detailed.

3. Skansen

The oldest open-air museum in the world. Here you literally walk through the history of Sweden. More than 150 historic houses and farms from across the country have been rebuilt here. You will also find Scandinavian animals such as moose, bears, and wolves.

4. The Royal Palace (Kungliga Slottet)

With more than 600 rooms, this is one of the largest palaces in Europe. It is the official residence of the King. You can visit the Royal Apartments and view the treasury. Much like in Copenhagen, the changing of the guard is a spectacular sight.

5. ABBA The Museum

“Walk in, dance out.” For music lovers, this is a must. It is an interactive museum where you can virtually perform with Agnetha, Björn, Benny, and Anni-Frid.

6. Djurgården

The city’s green island. The Vasa Museum, Skansen, and ABBA The Museum are all located here. It is a wonderful place to walk or cycle along the water.

7. The Stockholm Metro (Tunnelbana)

This might sound strange as an attraction, but it is called the ‘longest art gallery in the world.’ Many stations are carved into the rock and beautifully painted. The most stunning stations are T-Centralen (blue line), Solna Centrum (red/green), and Kungsträdgården.

8. Fotografiska

One of the world’s largest gathering places for contemporary photography. It is located in an old customs building by the water and has a fantastic restaurant on the top floor with views over the city.

9. Boat trip through the Archipelago (Skärgården)

Stockholm is the gateway to an archipelago of 30,000 islands. Take a ferry from the center (e.g., to Fjäderholmarna, only a 20-minute ride) to experience the true island feeling.

10. Södermalm (SoFo)

The hippest district in the city. Here you will find vintage shops, trendy coffee bars, and relaxed parks. The area south of Folkungagatan (SoFo) is the creative heart.

Practical information for drivers in Stockholm

Driving into Stockholm requires some preparation. The city aims to limit car traffic in the center and has specific rules in place.

Congestion Tax (Trängselskatt)

Stockholm has a ‘congestion charge’ (spitsheffing) for cars, including those with foreign license plates.

• How it works: There are no barriers. Cameras register your license plate as you enter or exit the zone.
• Payment: You will receive the bill (usually via Epass24) at home afterward, or you can register in advance. Rates vary depending on the time (peak hours are more expensive) and the season. It is often free on weekends and during July (check current rules).

Parking

Street parking is very expensive and complicated due to the many different zones.

• Tip: Use a P-hus (multi-storey car park). This is safer and often easier.
• Park & Ride: Want to save costs? Park at a P+R on the edge of the metro network (e.g., at Globen station or Wenner-Gren Center) and take public transport into the center.
• Apps: Download the ‘Betala P’ or ‘EasyPark’ app to pay easily.

P-hus locations in Stockholm: