3 Days in Stockholm: The Ultimate Stockholm Itinerary

Considering a Scandinavian city break? Spending 3 days in Stockholm is always a good idea!

This beautiful (and highly underrated!) seaside city spans fourteen islands and overflows with medieval architecture and history, cool café culture, amazing restaurants and bars, world-class museums, and chic Scandinavian boutiques. 

After multiple trips to Stockholm, I’ve created the ultimate 3-day Stockholm itinerary just for you! It offers the perfect combination of must-see attractions and hidden gems that only locals know about.

Whether you want to wander the cobblestone streets of Old Town, visit opulent palaces, try traditional Swedish food, or explore the archipelago, you’re in the right place.

In this 3-day Stockholm itinerary, you’ll find the best things to do in Stockholm, can’t-miss bars, fantastic restaurants, the best neighborhoods to explore, and other must-know tips. As always on Maddy’s Avenue, we’ll focus on amazing food and drink, culture and history, and nature!

Explore Gamla Stan (Old Town)

Gamla Stan is Stockholm’s Old Town, which is one of the best-preserved medieval city centers in Europe. Stockholm was founded in Gamla Stan in 1252!

It should go without saying, but Gamla Stan is incredibly charming… if you can look past the countless souvenir shops!

In Gamla Stan, spend some time wandering the narrow, winding streets lined by old and colorful buildings. The amount of history preserved in Gamla Stan’s walls will blow you away.

Stop by Stortorget

Stortorget is Stockholm’s oldest square, first mentioned in historical documents in 1420!

There, you’ll see colorful medieval houses towering above the square, an 18th-century water well, people enjoying rich hot chocolates at Chokladkoppen, and benches to enjoy the atmosphere (when the weather’s nice, that is!).

Visiting in November or December? You’ll find a magical Christmas market here, complete with more than 40 stalls selling treats, gifts, and of course, glögg!

Enjoy a Fika

One quintessential experience you can’t skip in Stockholm? Fika. Both a noun and a verb, it’s the Swedish way to take a break: to enjoy a coffee and a pastry or sweet treat (like kanelbullar, a Swedish cinnamon bun, or kardemummabullar, a Swedish cardamom bun).

FIKA & WINE is the best spot in Gamla Stan! 

Tour the Royal Palace

During 3 days in Stockholm, one of my favorite museums is the imposing Royal Palace, located in Gamla Stan.

The is the official residence of the Royal Family. With more than 600 lavish rooms across eleven stories, it’s one of Europe’s largest palaces!

The opulent decor and priceless antiques inside the Royal Apartments are mind-blowing. In the dark vaults of the Treasury, you’ll see the Regalia – or the crowns presented to the King, Queen, Prince, and Princess on coronation day.

In the Tre Kronor Museum, you’ll discover the history of the old palace (which burnt down in 1697). And finally, in King Gustav III’s Museum of Antiquities, you can see the king’s collection of impressive sculptures. 

The Royal Palace adult ticket costs 180-200 SEK (about $17-19 USD), depending on the month of your visit. Tickets include entry to all four museums I mentioned above! Or, get in “free” with your Stockholm Pass.

Visit the Royal Armory

After you visit the Royal Palace, travel back in time at the Royal Armory. 

Incredibly preserved royal carriages and sleds, armor and weapons, coronation robes and wedding gowns, and other precious artifacts depict how Sweden’s political ties, costumes, and customs have evolved through the centuries.

I really enjoyed this museum and think it’s well worth a visit!

The Royal Armory is included in the Stockholm Pass, otherwise it’s 180 SEK (about $19 USD) per adult.

Watch the Royal Guards Ceremony

If (and only if!) you’re near the palace around 12:15 PM on a weekday, or 1:15 PM on Sunday, stop by to watch the Royal Guards Ceremony (A.K.A. the changing of the guards).

The ceremony lasts about 40 minutes. And yes, it’s incredibly touristy… But also, it’s an interesting process to watch for a few minutes. Plus, it’s free!

Have Lunch in Gamla Stan

While I’d generally stray away from dining in Gamla Stan (it’s a bit too touristy!), there are a few worthy restaurants to consider for lunch!

For traditional Swedish food, I recommend Restaurang Tradition, Kryp In, or Slingerbulten in that order. 

See the Golden Hall at Stockholm City Hall

While you wouldn’t expect Stockholm City Hall to be one of the most spectacular places to visit in Stockholm… it is!

Entry is permitted via a guided 45-minute tour that shows you through the Blue Hall, Council Chamber, and Gallery of the Prince. Along the way, you’ll learn about Stockholm’, its politics, and its history’s history and political system. 

My favorite part is the dazzling Golden Hall, covered in more than 18 million gold mosaic tiles.

Tickets cost 150 SEK (about $14 USD). Plan your City Hall visit here.

MADDY’S TIP: The City Hall’s courtyard and peaceful waterfront garden, Stadshusparken, are free to visit and offer beautiful views across the bay. A must-see even if you don’t want to do the tour! 

Go on a Swedish Food Tour

Other than Swedish meatballs, what do you know about Swedish food? My guess is, not much! In that case, I highly recommend booking this Nordic Food Walk of Stockholm.

I love Swedish cuisine – and the feeling has only grown stronger since going on this tour.

I learned a ton about Swedish culture and history through food! We visited six different foodie establishments across three different neighborhoods (Östermalm, Norrmalm, and Gamla Stan) and tried around sixteen different delicacies.

So what did I eat during my Nordic Food Walk of Stockholm?

• Swedish meatballs, mashed potatoes, pickled cucumbers, and lingonberry sauce
• A variety of delicious artisanal cheeses (including a Christmastime one infused with cumin and cloves); 
• Wild game meats like smoked moose, bear jerky, and cured reindeer;
• The city’s most iconic bowl of fish soup;
• Västerbottenpaj, which is like a savory cheese quiche; 
• And so many more truly delicious delicacies – but I’ll leave the rest a surprise!

Kayak Stockholm’s Waterways (May to September)

As you explore the bustling city streets, you can easily ignore the fact that Stockholm is part of an archipelago of more than 30,000 islands! But if you’re into active city breaks and nature, then why not paddle around the islands of the Baltic Sea and get a new perspective of the city?

Cruise the Canals on a Boat Tour

If you want to see Stockholm from the water (without paddling!), go on this royal canal boat ride instead.

You’ll float along the canals, past many historical buildings and museums, cute old houses, and beautiful green parks, while learning more about Stockholm’s history.

Yes, this boat tour is touristy. But if it’s raining, or your feet are tired from walking all day on Day 1, it’s a good option. Plus, it’s only 50 minutes long!

Click here to book your Royal Canal Boat Cruise.

Visit the Vasa Museum

The Vasa Museum is the most-visited museum in all of Scandinavia for a reason; I’ve been twice and love it! This incredible Viking ship museum houses King Gustav II Adolf’s beloved Vasa, who sank on her maiden voyage in 1628.

333 years later, in 1961, she was pulled from the depths of the sea to be restored. Now, you can see her with your own eyes. How amazing is that?

Tickets cost 230 SEK ($24 USD). Ages 0-18 enter free. The Vasa Museum is included in the Stockholm Pass.

Stop by the Nordic Museum

The Nordic Museum (Nordiska Museet) traces Nordic culture, traditions, and history from the 16th century to the present day through fascinating historical objects (over 1.5 million artifacts!).

I left with a deeper understanding of Nordic culture – how these peoples were shaped through the centuries and why they think, believe, pray, celebrate, eat, and live the way they do. I love the permanent Nordic Life, Tradition, and Table Settings exhibitions – so interesting.

Tickets cost 170 SEK ($16 USD) per adult while ages 0-18 enter free. Entry is also included in the Stockholm Pass.

Experience Swedish Culture at Skansen

Skansen is the world’s oldest open-air museum. On a sunny morning, there’s no better place to learn about Swedish history, culture, and food, indigenous Sami culture, and Swedish wildlife. Especially with kids!

It features houses and farmsteads from every part of Sweden – most of which are original and were transported there whole, or piece by piece. Plus, Scandinavian wildlife – including reindeer and bears, wolverines and lynx, and owls and rabbits – lives here!

The Stockholm Pass is valid here. Otherwise, tickets vary from 200-285 SEK (about $18-30 USD), depending on the season.

Farm-to-Fork Lunch at Trädgårdskafé

After visiting a museum or two, stroll along Djurgården’s leafy walking trails until you reach Rosendals Trädgårdskafé (my all-time favorite café in Stockholm!) inside Rosendals Garden. 

Surrounded by biodynamic grapevines, flower beds, orchards, vegetable gardens, and glasshouses, enjoy a fabulous farm-to-fork lunch in the most soul-nourishing natural atmosphere.

The menu changes seasonally, but you can count on delicious sandwiches, soups, sweet and savory pastries, woodfired sourdough goods, craft beer, biodynamic wine, homemade ciders, and more. Everything is certified organic.

Open daily from 11 AM to 3 PM.

Explore Norrmalm & Östermalm on Foot

After lunch, stroll around Stockholm’s bustling hubs of modern culture and city life: Norrmalm and Östermalm.

From the restaurants, bars, and Swedish design and fashion shops that line bustling streets like Kungsgatan, Nybrogatan, Birger Jarlsgatan, and Drottninggatan to the Royal Swedish Opera, the Medelhavsmuseet (Museum of Mediterranean and Near-Eastern Antiquities), and the cherry blossom trees of Kungsträdgården Park – you can’t miss these neighborhoods!

Dinner & Drinks in Östermalm

There are too many incredible restaurants and bars in Östermalm to list them all. However, these are my favorite spots!

• Sturehof: A white-tablecloth Stockholm institution serving up classic Swedish seafood dishes alongside Sturehof’s own creative takes. 
• Sturehof Matbaren: Sturehof’s casual and cozy tapas-style bar where you can watch the chefs prepare your food (with seasonal ingredients only) as you sip fine wine. 
• Tyge & Sessil: Natural wine and scrumptious Scandi-Med tapas. Love!
• Babette: After authentic Italian food done to perfection? Ciao, Babette.
• OMAKA: Stockholm’s best craft beer brewery. The food and the stylish setting are equally fab. 
• A Bar Called Gemma: Welcome to the best craft cocktail bar in Stockholm in a welcoming and relaxed space! Enough said.

Day 3 in Stockholm

Visit Drottningholm Palace

How about a little more palace action on the peaceful island of Lovön?

Drottningholm Palace is worth visiting for its unrivaled royal opulence and well-preserved architecture that dates back to the 1600s. 

The palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the permanent residence of the Swedish Royal Family. It’s also home to a Chinese Pavilion pleasure palace, a theater, and fabulous gardens (perfect for a picnic on a sunny day!).

There are many ways to get to the palace, but the best is via a lovely boat cruise departing from City Hall Quay in the summertime. Otherwise, you can take SL public transportation there with your SL 3-day ticket. 

Entry is included in the Stockholm Pass, otherwise, it costs 160 SEK (about $15 USD) for adults.

Explore Södermalm

Södermalm is Stockholm’s trendiest neighborhood, known for its hipster vibes and cool Scandinavian style. I saved the best for last!

This is the neighborhood to come to shop for vintage finds; have a fika (at Drop Coffee!); eat at trendy internationally-inspired restaurants; drink some local craft beer (at Stigbergets Fot or Udda!); browse cool and local boutiques; and simply wander around, taking in the sights and sounds of Stockholm.

Visit the Fotografiska Museum

Love photography and contemporary art? Don’t miss Fotografiska, Stockholm’s photography museum, located on the waterfront in Södermalm.

The experience is interesting, passionate, emotional, and disturbing at times. I highly recommend you visit.

Open until 11 PM every night, you can easily squeeze Fotografiska into your Stockholm itinerary. Adult tickets cost 179–19 SEK (about $16-18 USD) based on the date/time of your visit. Entry is included in the Stockholm Pass.

Cocktails at Hernö Gin Bar

In Södermalm, you’ll find the world’s best gin distillery’s flagship bar: Hernö Gin Bar.

And yes, I truly mean the best gin. Hernö has won just about every gin award possible – from World’s Best Gin in 2017 to Distillery of the Year in 2024.

I love a creative, carefully crafted cocktail… And these are some of the best I’ve ever had!

We ordered the “Smoke” (with pink gin, coconut, shiso, gooseberry, and lime leaf), “Spice” (with navy gin, honey, gooseberry, habanero, and ancho), and a classic negroni. They were all winners!

Enjoy Swedish Fare at Freyja + Söder

A few locals recommended we have dinner at Freyja + Söder – an artsy rooftop bar and restaurant in Södermalm – and it didn’t disappoint!

Between the panoramic views of the city at sunset, the seasonal veggie-forward menu focusing on Swedish ingredients, the great service, and the warm, moody vibe, we loved Freyja + Söder!

Our slow-cooked lamb stew with roasted tomatoes, white beans, potatoes, and roasted garlic mayonnaise (for two people) was perfection.

Make a reservation!

How to Get to Stockholm

Let’s quickly cover how to get to downtown Stockholm, whether you’re flying, bussing, or taking the train.

Arriving via Airplane

From Stockholm Arlanda Airport, you have three easy ways to reach the central metro station (T-Centralen):

1. Arlanda Express: The quickest (and most expensive) way to reach the city center is via the Arlanda Express; the train departs every 10 or 15 minutes and takes less than 20 minutes to reach central Stockholm. A one-way adult ticket costs 340 SEK (about $32 USD). This is a great option if your hotel is within walking distance of the central metro station (T-Centralen). 
2. Flygbussarna: The airport bus, Flygbussarna, departs every 15 minutes and takes about 40 minutes to reach the central bus station (Cityterminalen). It costs just 129 SEK ($12 USD).
3. Uber: An Uber from the airport to the city center usually costs 400-600 SEK ($37-56 USD), depending on the time of day. The journey takes about 30 minutes without traffic.

If you choose option 1 or 2, upon arrival at the central bus or metro station, you can either walk, use the SL public transportation network, or hail an Uber/taxi to reach your hotel.

Arriving via Train or Bus

If you’re taking a long-haul bus or train to central Stockholm (maybe after spending 2 days in Oslo or 3 days in Bergen?), then you’ll arrive at T-Centralen (the metro station) or Cityterminalen (the bus station). They’re located right next to each other, in the heart of Norrmalm.