Home » Destinations » Europe » Sweden » Stockholm » Stockholm Itinerary: 2 Days
- Last Updated on February 27, 2024
Stockholm is a beautiful mix of old and new, and a great introduction to Swedish culture. With its broad boulevards, pretty waterways, interesting museums, and Scandinavian style, there’s something for everyone here. This Stockholm itinerary is meant for sightseeing at a leisurely pace. Do the activities in the order listed to optimize your time. If you are a power sightseer, add the most interesting sights from the If You Have Time section to the end of each day.
Table of Contents - Stockholm Itinerary
STAR RATING KEY:
★★★ Top priority
★★ Highly recommended
★ Worthwhile
No Star – Skippable if not interested
Stockholm Itinerary
Day 1
Walking Tour
The single most important thing to do in any European destination is walk around and get a feel for the city. You can accomplish this in many ways. The easiest way is by joining a historical walking tour, like this one that takes you through the old town. Check times and book here. If you’re not much for group tours, meander along the old town’s narrow lanes and the modern city’s broad boulevards on your own to take it all in.
Changing Of The Guard
Stockholm’s changing of the guard ceremony is probably the most extensive of its kind that we have ever seen. It takes place in the Palace Outer Courtyard May-August at 12:15pm Mon-Sat (1:15pm Sun). It involves not only a parade of guards, but also a full military band performance lasting about 40 minutes. Get there 30 minutes early to get a decent spot. If you can snag a bench along the wall with a view of the center of the courtyard, that is ideal. That way, you’ll have a place to sit while you wait, and later you can stand on the bench to see over the crowds that have accumulated in front of you.
Cost and Hours: Free. May-August at 12:15pm Mon-Sat, 1:15pm Sun
Address: Kungliga slottet, Storkyrkobrinken, 111 30 Stockholm, Sweden
Website: www.kungligaslotten.se
City Hall
City Hall is perhaps the most important building in Stockholm, as it holds the city council chambers, and hosts the annual Nobel Prize banquet. In addition to its historic significance, it is simply an impressive structure to behold. The star attraction is its Golden Hall, which is a giant ballroom covered top to bottom in gold mosaic. Climbing the city tower costs extra, but is worth it for the stunning views from the top.
City Hall is accessible only by 45-minute guided tour. Times are listed on the website, but you can’t book in advance. Just show up 15 minutes before the next tour and buy your ticket at the counter.
Cost and Hours: SEK 130. Tours are generally offered between 10:00am-3:00pm.
Address: Hantverkargatan 1, 111 52 Stockholm, Sweden
Website: cityhall.stockholm
Day 2
Vasa Museum
This museum was literally built around the Vasa warship. This ship actually didn’t see much action; she sank within an hour after setting sail. However, she is by far the best-preserved ship from the 1600s, and gives visitors a sense of how grand seafaring could be in that time.
Make sure you watch the movie about the ship’s resurrection and try to catch a guided tour of the ship as well. Both run at least every hour. Stop by the information desk after entering the museum to get times for both. There is a decent cafe to enjoy while you wait.
Cost and Hours: May-Sept SEK 190, Oct-April SEK 170. Open June-August 8:30am-6:00pm, September-May 10:00am-5:00pm.
Address: Galärvarvsvägen 14, 115 21 Stockholm, Sweden
Website: www.vasamuseet.se
Skansen
This delightful open-air history museum is the best of its kind. This giant park holds over 100 historic buildings and allows visitors of all ages to experience Sweden’s past in a fun, interactive way. The buildings range from old-timey farmsteads to 18th century restaurants, and even a 20th century butcher shop. The park also boasts a zoo and aquarium for the kids (skip these if there are no children in your party).
Cost and Hours: SEK 220 per adult. Open 10:00am-10:00pm, cost.
Address: Djurgårdsslätten 49-51, 115 21 Stockholm, Sweden
Website: www.skansen.se
Sightseeing Cruise
One of the best ways to see Stockholm is by boat. This is a relaxing activity to do at the end of the day, after the museums have closed. There are many options of cruises, but we recommend one of the following three, depending on your time and interests.
Royal Canal Tour
This is a 50-minute tour that will give you an informative introduction to Stockholm by water.
Check times and book here.
Under the Bridges Tour
This is a 2-hour tour that will take you inside the city, under bridges and through locks, to see major landmarks. Check times and book here.
Stockholm Archipelago Cruise
This is a 2.5-hour tour that will take you around the Stockholm archipelago to see the surrounding area, including the more rural side of Sweden.
Check times and book here.
If You Have Time, Add To Your Stockholm Itinerary
Nobel Prize Museum
This small museum tells the story of the Nobel Prize, from inception to modern day. This sight is interesting to pop into, and won’t take up a lot of your day. Use the free audio guide to inform what you see.
Cost and Hours: SEK 130 per adult. Open Tuesday-Sunday 10:00am-5:00pm.
Address: Stortorget 2, 103 16 Stockholm, Sweden
Website: nobelprizemuseum.se
Royal Armory
This museum displays the historic collection of official royal clothing, from battle armor to general royal fashion.
Cost and Hours: Free. Open daily 10:00am-5:00pm (closed Mondays September-April).
Address: Slottsbacken 3, 111 30 Stockholm, Sweden
Website: www.livrustkammaren.se
Swedish History Museum
This museum covers the entirety of Swedish history. When you get inside, pick the areas that sound most interesting to you, and dive in. Viking World is particularly popular.
Cost and Hours: Admission is free. Open Tuesday-Sunday 10:00am-5:00pm.
Address: Narvavägen 13-17, 114 84 Stockholm, Sweden
Website: www.historiska.se
Practical Info
Getting Around Stockholm
Everything you want to see in Stockholm is reachable on foot. You don’t need a car here. There is a train from the airport to get you to the center of the city, just follow the signs, and buy your ticket at the vending machines you find on the way.
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