Small StepsIn September of 2023 I decided on a whim to visit Stockholm. I was meeting my Aunts in Amalfi a week later and it was actually cheaper to fly to Stockholm and then Naples rather than a direct flight to Naples. So I did some quick research on the capital city of Sweden, but I didn’t find too many recommendations. It seems to be a less popular travel destination – but with all the amazing options in Europe, I understand.
Although, after my visit I actually think it’s an underrated travel destination and I really enjoyed my time there. If you’re looking for a slow-paced, safe and clean city then I highly recommend giving it a shot. There is plenty to see, eat, and experience without a huge amount of tourists and without so much to do that you experience FOMO or feel overwhelmed. If you’re interested in art, I especially recommend a visit!
As always – this is only a few recommendations from my short time there. You should adjust your list to what suits your interests and take your time to enjoy the city for what it is, rather than a list of things to do and check off. Your vacation is a break – enjoy it!!
If you do experience trip anxiety, check out my article about my experience with it here.
Visit Djurgården
Djurgården is an island that is connected by bridge to central Stockholm. There is plenty to do and see and it’s perfect for nature lovers. There are also multiple museums to visit, for example: The Vasa Museum, Skansen, and the Viking Museum. I visited Skansen and the Vasa Museum, of the two I really enjoyed the Vasa Museum. But people with families would really enjoy Skansen – it’s huge!
Vasa Museum
The Vasa museum is one of the most visited museums in Scandinavia. It showcases the world’s only preserved 17th century ship, the Vasa, which capsized and sank in 1628. The ship was recovered from the harbor and restored before showcasing in the museum. There is a short video at the beginning of the museum that goes into detail. The ship is absolutely massive. It was so cool to see in person and one of the most unique museums I’ve been to. The amount of detail was incredible and the sheer scale was amazing. I highly recommend it!
Skansen
Skansen is the world’s first open-air museum, founded in 1891. It is located on Djurgården and has 150+ buildings to explore over five centuries of Swedish history. The buildings house people dressed as period characters and portraying life in those days. It feels like you are traveling back in time. On summer evenings you can watch traditional Swedish folk dancing. There is also the Skansen Zoo and Children’s Zoo tucked away in the back of the property which features both domestic and wild Nordic animals such as reindeer, bears, and wolves! There are restaurants and cafes throughout where you can stop to take a much needed break after walking through the grounds. It also has a beautiful view overlooking the city.
Personally, I wouldn’t visit Skansen again – but I was on a solo trip and it was definitely a more family-focused attraction. It was still an enjoyable experience to see historical Swedish buildings so for history buffs I think it would still be worth the visit.
Walk Around Stockholm’s Old Town
The bustling, compact island of Gamla Stan is the city’s old town, with cobbled streets, narrow alleyways, and colorful 17th- and 18th-century buildings. It’s home to the Swedish Royal Palace and Storkyrkan cathedral. It is one of the biggest and best-preserved medieval city centres. This is definitely the most crowded area in the city for tourists but it isn’t so congested that it takes away from the enjoyment of the area. Conveniently compact you can enjoy the area leisurely in just a few hours. To learn more about its history I’d recommend joining a walking tour.
Embrace Fika
Take advantage of a slower pace of life and indulge in fika. Fika (pronounced “fee-ka”) is a Swedish custom for taking a coffee break, most often accompanied by a cinnamon bun (‘kanelbulle’) and some friends. Take a seat and relax at a cafe while you plan your next steps, people watch, or simply enjoy the scenery Stockholm has to offer.
Marvel at the Artistic Subway Stations
The subway stations in Stockholm are next level. I have never seen such unique and captivating designs at stations throughout my travels. Pictures don’t do them justice and I wish I spent more time exploring them. Here is a great tour recommended by “Happiest Outdoors” you can take to enjoy the views.
Take a Day Trip to Uppsala
If you’re looking for a quick break from the city you can take the train for 1 hour to the quaint college town of Uppsala. It’s known for Uppsala University, founded in the 15th century, one of the oldest in Sweden. You only need 3-4 hours here for a quick trip, but you could take your time and enjoy a full day here as well. The atmosphere is charming and bustling with university students throughout the city. I really enjoyed how relaxed it was. If I were to visit again a bike rental could be a lot of fun! I’d recommend checking out Ski Total for a bike rental in Uppsala.
