Ana Pinho has a real love for Scandi culture and interior design, so Stockholm has been somewhere she’s wanted to visit for a long time. Exclusively for Travelista, she shares the her tried-and-tested 3 day guide to Stockholm. Perfect for first timers in the Swedish capital…
Stockholm had been on my bucket list for quite some time. I have always been a fan of the Scandinavian culture and design and after seeing pictures of the city’s pretty buildings and pastry selection, it was an easy decision to make. I travelled there in early September and the weather was absolutely perfect, with sunshine every single day. Visiting Stockholm ended up being part of a bigger trip to Sweden and with only 3 days to explore the capital, I knew it would be a challenge to see everything, so I handpicked a few places for this visit.
A 3 Day Guide to Stockholm, Sweden
Jump Menu
- Stockholm at a Glance
- A 3 Day Stockholm Itinerary
- Best Places to Eat in Stockholm
- Best Places to Drink in Stockholm
- Best Places to Stay in Stockholm – Hotel Recommendations
- Ana’s Top Tips for Visiting Stockholm
Stockholm at a Glance
Stockholm is the largest city in Scandinavia and is built on 14 islands, connected by 57 bridges. The city is home to the King’s official residence, the Royal Palace, which the public can visit, as well as the longest art gallery in the world. Ninety out of the 100 metro stations in the city display incredible artwork; the first one appeared in the 1950’s. Stockholm is a diverse city with something for everyone to enjoy and see, from historical buildings, green areas, trendy cafes and neighbourhoods to modern architecture and museums.
If you only have 48 hours in the city, I recommend researching attractions and activities and selecting the ones you are most interested in. I knew I wanted to see the old town, experience fika and explore the metro art so that is what I prioritised as my top 3 must see / do.
A 3 Day Stockholm Itinerary
Day 1 – Saturday
I arrived in Stockholm by train from Gothenburg in the evening. If you are flying in, Arlanda Airport is the closest international airport to the city centre. From the airport, you can take a bus or the Arlanda Express train to Stockholm central station. The Arlanda Express is only a short 20 minute ride.
From the central station to the old town, take the metro which is only a few steps away from the main streets and attractions.
I stayed at Lord Nelson Hotel, a nautical themed hotel right in the heart of the old town. The staff were very friendly and helpful, and the room was perfect for 1 person for a couple of nights.
After I checked in, I still had a few hours left in the evening, so I decided to explore the area surrounding the hotel. The streets were bustling with people and music from the busy restaurants and street performers.
And since you can’t visit Stockholm (or anywhere in Sweden) without trying the famous meatballs, that was the dinner choice for my first meal in the city. The ones at Café Cronan in Gamla Stan were lovely but if you want a more traditional experience, head to the Södermalm district instead and checking out Meatballs for the People, a highly rated restaurant with over 20 kinds of meatballs.
Day 2 – Sunday
I started my first (and only) full day in Stockholm by exploring Gamla Stan (old town). Gamla Stan is Stockholm’s oldest district and is where most of the historical buildings are located. Sundays can be busy with tourists so if you want to take pictures with less crowds, I recommend starting your day early. I headed over to Stortorget at 8am and it was the perfect time to capture the colourful buildings with the sunlight peeking through.
From there, walk over to Stockholm Cathedral (Storkyrkan) and admire its beautiful pastel pink Gothic features, a few steps from Stortorget. I didn’t visit the cathedral this time, but you can enter for a fee.
I spent another hour wandering the cobbled streets around Stortorget, including the picturesque Prästgatan with its pastel-coloured facades. This street is known as the Priest’ Street as this is where priests and other ecclesial figures lived during the 16th century. The street also has a Viking runestone on the corner where it meets Kakbrinken street. With such history, this street is a must see!
Around 10am it was time for a coffee and be truly emerged in the Swedish culture with a fika moment. Fika means having a coffee break, with friends or on your own and typically with a pastry. It is all about enjoying the moment.
My spot of choice was Under Kastanjen, a cosy café nestled under a large chestnut tree. I tried their cinnamon bun (kanelbulle) which as delicious. They also serve brunch, lunch and dinner.
In the afternoon, I took a stroll around the Royal Palace. If you have time during your visit to Stockholm, take a palace tour. Sadly, I lost track of time and missed the Change of the Guards which takes place at 13.15 on Sundays. Instead, I walk through Kungsträdgården and towards Hötorget.
On Sundays, there is a flea market with stalls selling vintage kitchenware, second hand clothes, CDs, books, jewellery and so much more! Second hand shopping and sustainability is rooted in Swedish culture so I recommend you visit a flea market or one of their many second-hand shops.
For an amazing sunset view to end the evening and do as the Swedes do, head over to the Skinnarviksparken viewpoint on Södermalm island. This is the highest natural point you can climb in central Stockholm, at 53 metres high. The spot is very popular among the locals to watch the sunset or have a picnic and drinks in the summer.
Day 3 – Monday
My last day in Stockholm started in the island of Södermalm. As I was there early, a lot of the cafes and shops were not yet open so to make the most of the time I had left, I decided to see the Katarina cathedral and explore the Mäster Mikaels gata (street).
The Katarina kyrka (or church) that you see today is actually not the original building. The church burnt down twice and rebuilt each time. The second time, the fire consumed most of the church. Katarina church was named after Princess Catherine and is one of the most important churches in Stockholm.
Opposite the church and its garden, you can find the Mäster Mikaels gata, a protected area in Stockholm. I love the typical wooden like and colourful houses you see in Scandinavian countries so this was a must see for me in Södermalm. This is one of a few streets that still has these types of houses. Walk down the street admiring the buildings and take in the view of Stockholm at the viewpoint at the end of the street.
The last on my must-see list before heading to the airport, was Stockholm’s metro art. Stockholm has 100 metro stations and 90 of them have unique artwork. I managed to squeeze in 9 stops with my favourites being:
- Stadion – This is a red line station and as soon as you get off the train, you are welcomed with an exposed rock ceiling painted in light blue with a rainbow in the middle. You can’t miss it!
- T-Centralen – This is one of the busiest, if not the busiest, metro stop in Stockholm. It connects all 3 lines as well as providing connection to the train station. This stop has a very Scandi vibe with its whitewashed walls and blue vines that converge at the top. To me, this was the prettiest station I visited.
- Solna – Jumping on to the blue line, you can reach Solna. This station is painted in green and red. The colour red covers most of the walls and ceiling and you can also find small trees and musical symbols painted on the walls.
- Thorildsplan – This was probably the most fun station I visited. It’s one of only three street-level surface stations in Stockholm and its walls are covered in colourful pixelated tile artwork. Thorildsplan is on the green line.
I spent about 2 hours visiting 9 stations across the 3 lines. If you have more time, I recommend setting at least 3 hours aside for the metro art tour and including Rådhuset and Kungsträdgården in your list of stops to see.
Top Tours and Additional Things to do in Stockholm
Best Places to Eat in Stockholm
As part of this 3 day guide to Stockholm, I’m featuring some of the very best places I ate.
Sally’s Ristorante – Italian restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating and a great atmosphere. The staff were lovely and the food delicious. They have vegetarian and vegan options. Good for lunch and dinner.
Under Kastanjen – Great to enjoy a fika moment. The pastries are baked in their own bakery. They also serve brunch, lunch and dinner. (see my Day 2 itinerary above)
Trattoria – Typical Italian restaurant with fish dishes. Great to enjoy a cocktail with the colourful buildings as your backdrop.
Kaffekopen – Trendy and casual café in the heart of Gamla Stan. Delicious pastries and coffee. Perfect for a fika break.
Meatballs for the People – Traditional Swedish meatballs. While I didn’t visit this one, the place is top rated to try meatballs. (See my Day 1 itinerary above).
Best Places to Drink in Stockholm
While Stockholm is known for being notoriously expensive, the capital is also known for its bustling nightlife and variety of bars, so you won’t fall short of options that won’t break the bank.
Linje Tio – Stylish bar in the Södermalm district and among the locals’ favourites. They serve some of the most creative cocktails.
Geronimos FGT – Restaurant, nightclub and concert venue in Gamla Stan. They have a range of drinks varying in price, with their beers starting at SEK 68 (roughly £5). They have one bar upstairs and one downstairs.
Tweed – Located in Gamla Stan, Tweed has a list of 900 types of alcohol available. In the summer, you can enjoy a drink on the rooftop terrace; in winter it turns into a lounge with armchairs. Drinks here average 140 SEK (roughly £10).
Pharmarium – Another bar in Gamla Stan and opposite Tweed. Pharmarium is a small bar with Victorian aesthetics. Here you will find cocktails inspired by the alchemy of old-fashioned Swedish pharmacies. Prices range from 150 to 165 SEK (roughly between £11 and £12).
Where to Stay in Stockholm
Lord Nelson – Budget Friendly
During my visit to Stockholm, I stayed at Lord Nelson Hotel. This is a good option if you are traveling on your own and are looking for a budget friendly option in the heart of Gamla Stan. The hotel has a nautical décor throughout and offers a simple breakfast. The staff were very friendly and helpful.
Citybox Stockholm – Budget Friendly
Located in the trendy district of Sodermalm, Citybox Stockholm provides modern rooms near some of the best museums in Stockholm.
Best Western and hotel – Mid Range
Best Western and hotel offers modern and functional rooms at an affordable price. The hotel has weekly events including a DJ at the bar every Friday. It is conveniently located to explore the city’s main spots.
Radisson Collection, Strand Hotel – 5 Star
Located in the Blasieholmen area, Strand Hotel is an elegant and stylish hotel with stunning views of Stockholm’s waterfront. It is close to the main attractions, either by a short walk or metro ride.
Browse all hotels in Stockholm.
Ana’s Top Tips for Visiting Stockholm
- Stockholm is a web of cobbled streets that you can spend hours exploring therefore comfy shoes are a must.
- I also recommend researching the places you want to visit, especially museums and any specific cafes or restaurants for their opening times. Shops and cafes tend to open around 10am so plan accordingly.
- The transport network is great and really well connected. I recommend getting the 24-hour ticket if you are going to be using the metro a lot to move around. You can also get the single ticket which allows you to travel as many times as you want for 75 minutes.
- Overall, I loved the city and visited the main points I wanted to see. In my opinion, 48 hours is enough to see the top attractions in the city but if you want to visit any museums and explore other islands, I recommend staying for at least 4-5 days.
Stockholm is a city I will be going back to, to explore more.
