Begin your journey with a visit to the Royal Palace of Stockholm, home to the Swedish Royal family. Marvel at the architecture and learn about the country's history in the museums located within the Palace walls. After the Palace head to the Vasa Museum, one of the most visited museums in Scandinavia, that houses a salvaged 17th-century warship that sank on her maiden voyage. Wrap up your day at Gamla Stan, Stockholm's lovely old town area, which is known for its picturesque cobbled streets, historic buildings, and souvenir shopping options.
Visit the scenic Nacka Reserve, a large protected green space, which provides a serene escape from the bustling city. Don't miss the opportunity to hike through the trails and enjoy the views from Nacka Viewpoint. In the afternoon, take a scenic drive to the Gamla Uppsala Grave Fields, where you will find a set of ancient Nordic burial sites dating back to the Iron Age.
The next stop on your itinerary is the charming city of Göteborg (Gothenburg), which offers plenty of exciting things to see and do. Start your day with a visit to the Feskekôrka Fish Market, and sample some of the freshest seafood in the region. Next, make your way to the Liseberg Amusement Park, which offers exciting roller coaster rides and other thrilling attractions.
Experience the beauty of Gothenburg from the water with a scenic Canal Boat Tour of the City. See the architectural wonders lining the canals, and enjoy excellent photo opportunities. Afterward, head to Hagaparken , a peaceful urban park located in the city center but with a country feel. It's also home to a miniature golf course and the picturesque Haga Pond.
Visit Malmo, a charming Swedish city known for its beautiful architecture and cultural offerings. Start by visiting the Turning Torso, a landmark skyscraper with a unique twisted design. Head over to the Malmo Castle, a 16th-century fortress, to learn about the city's history. Take a stroll through the Slottstradgarden Park to enjoy beautiful views of the castle and the surrounding landscape.
Enjoy the beautiful beaches of the Swedish coast with a visit to Skanör Beach, an unspoiled beach just outside of Malmo, and walk along the pier at Hastings Pier. Then visit the Oresund Bridge, one of the world's largest and longest bridge-tunnel combo, that offers stunning views of the strait where the Baltic Sea and North Sea meet.
Step back in time with a visit to Visby on Gotland Island, a UNESCO world heritage site that's home to a well-preserved medieval wall that once guarded the city. Take a walking tour of the town, starting with the landmark Visby Cathedral and ending at the Museum of Gotland, which houses numerous artifacts from the region's rich cultural history.
Spend a day enjoying the rural beauty of Gotland Island by sampling its excellent locally-sourced products in the quaint cafes and farms. Make time for a visit to the Langhammars Sea Stack Forest Reserve, a stunning natural setting of huge rock formations that sit in a forest that slopes toward the sea.
Head back to Stockholm for a day of revisiting the city's top attractions. Start by taking in the beautiful views from Stockholm City Hall's Tower before heading to the Skansen Open-Air Museum, an extensive museum with exhibitions based on the way of life across Sweden. Then head to the The ABBA Museum of Music (Juniors dance hall) to have fun grooving as you explore the extensive exhibitions of the pop sensation ABBA.
End your adventure with some shopping and leisure time in Stockholm. Start with a trip to the trendy Södermalm district, where you can peruse vintage stores, funky boutiques and enjoy the street food stalls hidden in its alleyways. Afterward, head to the Nordic Museum, which provides insight into Sweden's cultural practices via its interior designs and furniture. For some relaxation, spend the afternoon exploring the beautiful Woodland Cemetery, a stunning natural wonder with beautiful gravesites and impeccable landscape architecture.
Transportation options in Sweden are plentiful, and it's relatively easy to get around whether you choose to rent a car, use public transportation, bike, or walk. Rental cars are readily available at most airports and major cities, and public transportation, such as trains and buses, is efficient and affordable. Expect to spend around $50 per day on average for transportation during your travels in Sweden.
If you have more than 10 days, consider extending your stay in Stockholm to explore the beautiful Archipelago Islands surrounding it that offer breathtaking sceneries and hiking opportunities. If you have less than 10 days, remove some of the suggested destinations from the itinerary, Göteborg may be missed anytime to help reduce pressure while still thoroughly enjoying the beautiful country.
Sweden has several international airports, with the most notable one being Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN), which is Sweden's largest and busiest airport, located approximately 25 miles north of Stockholm city center. Malmo Airport (MMX), located 20 miles east of Malmo, is another popular airport for international travelers. Gothenburg-Landvetter Airport (GOT) is the third largest airport in Sweden, located 15 miles east of the city center of Gothenburg.