Start your trip in Gamla Stan, the Old Town of Stockholm. This picturesque area is filled with colourful buildings, cobblestone streets, and numerous cafes and restaurants. Here, you can visit the Royal Palace and the Nobel Museum to learn more about the traditions and culture of Sweden.
Spend a day in Djurgarden, an island filled with green spaces, museums, and popular attractions. Here, you can visit the Vasa Museum to see an impressive 17th-century ship, or the ABBA Museum to learn more about the popular Swedish pop group. If you are traveling with children, make sure to visit the amusement park Grona Lund.
Explore one of the trendiest neighborhoods in Stockholm, Sodermalm. This area is filled with vintage stores, independent boutiques, and numerous cafes and bars. Here, you can visit the Fotografiska Museum to see contemporary photography exhibitions, or the Katarina Hissen elevator to get a panoramic view of the city.
Take a day trip to Stockholm's Archipelago, a cluster of islands scattered around the city. Here, you can hike, swim, or simply enjoy the picturesque scenery. Make sure to visit Vaxholm, the capital of the archipelago, and try some traditional Swedish seafood at one of the local restaurants. You can also take a guided tour to learn more about the history and culture of the islands.
Shop like a local in Ostermalm, a luxurious neighborhood filled with high-end boutiques, design stores, and gourmet food markets. Here, you can visit the food hall Ostermalms Saluhall to try some traditional Swedish delicacies, or the Strandvagen Boulevard to see some stunning examples of Jugendstil architecture.
Discover the Swedish countryside without leaving Stockholm by visiting the Skansen Open-Air Museum. Here, you can walk through different historical Swedish buildings and gardens, see various Nordic animals, and learn more about Swedish folklore and traditions. Make sure to also visit the nearby Grona Lund, a popular amusement park with plenty of rides and attractions.
End your trip with a visit to the Stockholm City Hall, a unique example of Swedish National Romanticism architecture. Here, you can join a guided tour to see the various halls and rooms, including the famous Blue Hall where the Nobel Banquet takes place. Make sure to also visit the City Hall Tower to get a panoramic view of the city.
Stockholm has an efficient public transportation system that consists of buses, trains, and subways. The most convenient way to get around is by purchasing a SL Access Card, which can be loaded with travel credit and used to pay for trips in all modes of transportation. A 7-day card costs SEK 405 and provides unlimited travel for a week. Taxis and Uber are also available, but they tend to be expensive compared to public transportation.
If you have more time, make sure to visit the Fotografiska Museum or the ABBA Museum on Djurgarden, or take a boat tour around Stockholm's waterways. If you have less time, consider skipping the Skansen Open-Air Museum or the Stockholm Archipelago. To save money, consider purchasing a Stockholm Pass, which provides free admission to various attractions and museums, as well as access to public transportation.
Stockholm is served by two international airports: Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN) and Stockholm Bromma Airport (BMA). ARN is located 40 kilometres north of Stockholm and is the largest airport in Sweden, serving numerous international airlines. BMA is located 8 kilometres west of Stockholm and serves mainly domestic flights and some low-cost carriers. Both airports are connected to the city center by bus, train, and taxi.