How to Spend 1 Day in Stockholm, Sweden

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Last Updated on September 3, 2025 by sydabroad

Planning a trip to Stockholm? Then keep reading! 

In this guide, we’re diving into the perfect one day in Stockholm itinerary. One day in Stockholm is not nearly enough to experience all that this city has to offer, but you really can do a lot more than you think in only 24 hours.  

I’m sharing the best things to do in Stockholm, amazing restaurants to try, where to have Fika (a must!), how to get around Stockholm, and more. I’ve also included a map later in this guide with all the spots mentioned so that you can easily refer to it during your trip. 

After a quick stop in London, I flew straight to Stockholm, which was pretty much the start of my 4-month Europe backpacking trip. I was here in Stockholm to see Taylor Swift with my sister and a couple of friends, and yes, the concert was amazing, but I love that we had the excuse to explore a new European city. And Stockholm did not disappoint. 

We split our time in Sweden between Stockholm and Uppsala (a university city about 45 minutes from Stockholm), and both were absolutely amazing. I have to say, Stockholm quickly moved up to become one of my favorite European cities. Known for its many waterways, gorgeous nature, stunning old town, vibrant architecture, and laid-back atmosphere — it’s a city that everyone will love. 

Keep reading to discover the best way to spend 1 day in Stockholm, Sweden 

Looking for more Scandinavia guides? 

• How to Spend 2 Days in Copenhagen, Denmark 

What to Know About Stockholm 

Stockholm is a beautiful city built on 14 islands; however, the surrounding archipelago includes over 30,000 islands. It’s truly a city like no other.

This capital city is known for its blend of colorful 17th-century buildings in the old town and its clean, minimalist aesthetic. This city is a hub for Scandinavian design. The Fika culture is also something you need to know about before visiting. “Fika” is the Swedish ritual of a coffee and pastry break. It’s a lovely daily tradition, one that you cannot miss out on. 

Stockholm is also one of the greenest cities in the world. Locals are eco-conscious, and the city is known for its clean transport. That being said, it’s also very well connected and super easy to get around. 

1 Day in Stockholm | The Basics 

Currency = Swedish Krona

The currency in Sweden is the Swedish krona (SEK)

1 USD = 9.5 SEK

Stockholm is basically a cash-free city. Pretty much anywhere you visit will only accept card payments. I didn’t use cash once in Stockholm. All restaurants, cafes, shops, and even public transport accept cards. And you’ll notice many places around the city won’t take cash. 

Language = Swedish 

Although Swedish is the official language, almost everyone speaks English as well. If you want to learn a few Swedish phrases, I suggest using Duolingo or Rosetta Stone. These apps make language learning on the go easy! 

However, many signs, menus, ticket machines, etc, will be available in both Swedish and English. 

Phone & Internet in Stockholm 

Phone and internet service in Stockholm is great. You’ll have service anywhere in the city, and most places offer free, fast, and reliable wifi. 

While traveling internationally, I suggest using an eSIM for affordable cellular data. Airalo makes it easy to purchase and install an eSIM suitable for the destination you are visiting. Purchase data with Airalo here.

Daily Budget

Stockholm is expensive. If you are traveling on a budget, expect to spend at least 100 USD per day. For those staying in boutique hotels and doing more activities in the city, budget about 300+ USD per day to explore Stockholm.

If you want to keep costs low, I suggest taking advantage of the free activities in Stockholm. Check out the subway art, explore all the pretty nature walks and affordable ferry rides, and admire the gorgeous architecture. I have a list of some free things to do in Stockholm later in this guide.

Tipping in Stockholm

Tipping in Sweden is not mandatory. Most restaurant bills include a service charge, so check your receipts. If you had good service, you can tip 5% to 10%, but this isn’t expected.

Can you drink the tap water?

Yes! The tap water in Stockholm is some of the cleanest in the world.

1 Day in Stockholm itinerary 

7:00 am | Breakfast at One of the Many Amazing Cafes 

We’re starting our one day in Stockholm bright and early to make the most of it. First things first, head to one of the many delicious cafes in Stockholm. Pick up a quick bite to eat and a coffee to begin your day. 

Here are a few amazing cafes and coffee shops in Stockholm: 

• Vete-Katten 
• Café Pascal
• Cafe Saturnus 
• Komet Café Stockholm

8:00 am | Stockholm City Hall 

After a quick breakfast or a coffee, make your way to Stockholm’s City Hall. City Hall is located right near Gamla Stan (the Old Town), so it’s convenient to visit first thing. 

Stockholm’s City Hall is a beautiful building and a great representation of Swedish culture. Once you’re inside, you’ll find sculptures, tapestries, and mosaics crafted by Swedish artisans. All of these works of art portray Swedish history and culture.

Guided tours are available year-round in both Swedish and English, which last about 45 minutes. Standard Tickets cost 150 SEK, and you can book these online ahead of time or in person. If you want beautiful views of Stockholm and the surrounding islands, make sure your ticket includes tower access. 

This tour includes a stop at Stockholm City Hall, Gamla Stan, and the Vasa Museum! If you are looking for a guided option, I highly recommend this tour. Book it here!

9:00 am | Gamla Stan (The Old Town)

A short walk from City Hall is Gamla Stan, which is Stockholm’s stunning Old Town — known as the historic heart of Stockholm. Gamla Stan was founded in 1252 and is one of the best-preserved medieval centers in Europe.

It’s best to get here early, before the crowds, to appreciate the beauty of this charming area with few tourists around. It truly feels as though you are in a storybook. 

I loved wandering around the winding cobblestone streets, popping into little cafes and local gift shops. Stockholm’s Old Town is filled with many delicious restaurants, cute boutiques, and cozy bars. Allocate some time to get lost in Gamla Stan. It’s the best way to experience it. 

Gamla Stan is by far one of my favorite areas in the city. It’s so warm and inviting, and all of the colorful buildings are beautiful.

Book a guided Old Town walking tour here! You’ll explore the historic Old Town of Stockholm with a local guide and learn about the city’s history.

10:00 am | Royal Palace of Stockholm (Kungliga Slottet)

The Royal Palace is located in Gamla Stan, making it an easy next stop on this 1-day Stockholm itinerary. Although not quite as large as the Royal Palace of Madrid or Buckingham Palace in London, the Royal Palace of Stockholm is still one of the largest palaces in Europe, with over 600 rooms. 

Stockholm’s Royal Palace is unique because, to this day, it is still a working royal palace with administrative and ceremonial functions. You can book guided tours or watch the changing of the guards if you get here at 12:15 on weekdays (1:15 on Sundays in the summer). 

Tickets range from 180 to 200 SEK (prices in the summer increase a bit). The entry ticket includes access to the Royal Apartments, Hall of State & Apartments of the Orders of Chivalry, Treasury, Tre Kronor Museum, and Gustav III’s Museum of Antiquities. You can also add a guided tour for a slightly extra cost if you’d like to learn more. 

Buy tickets to the Royal Palace of Stockholm here. ✨

11:00 am | Skeppsholmen or ferry to Djurgården 

Both Skeppsholmen and Djurgården are beautiful islands in Stockholm. If you really are trying to pack the most into your one day in Stockholm, you can probably see both places. 

Skeppholmen is a quiet island right near Gamla Stan and central Stockholm. You can visit the Modern Art Museum, the Architecture & Design Museum, and relax in cute little cafes by the water. It’s peaceful and relaxing. 

On the other hand, Djurgården is larger with more to do, like the Vasa Museum, the ABBA Museum, Skansen, and more. It’s popular with tourists and families, with a lively atmosphere. You can also rent bikes or go for a walk in Djurgården Parklands.

I suggest grabbing lunch while you are on one of these islands. There are plenty of delicious options, but a favorite is Rosendals Trädgård for its atmosphere and fresh home-grown ingredients.

12:00 pm | Vasa Museum 

The Vasa Museum is certainly a must-see attraction in Stockholm. It’s home to the only preserved 17th-century warship in the world, making it one of the most unique museums to visit. It’s like stepping back in time, seeing cannons, exhibits from life aboard the ship, and artifacts from the 1600s. 

Allocate about two hours in your schedule to visit the Vasa Museum. There are audio guides as well as guided tours available in case you want to learn more about what you see.

Tickets: Tickets to the Vasa Museum cost anywhere from 195 to 230 SEK, depending on the season. If you are visiting during the summer, I suggest purchasing tickets online ahead of time (here). 🚢 ⚓️

Know that if you buy them onsite, it’s cashless, so they only accept cards. 

Optional: The ABBA Museum

Only about a 5-minute walk from the Vasa Museum is the ABBA Museum. If you go through the Vasa Museum quickly, you can squeeze in both museums if you’d like.

To be honest, I was a little skeptical about the museum. I love ABBA and obviously Mamma Mia, but I was like, okay, how interesting is this museum really going to be? Well, it truly did exceed my expectations! It was actually so much fun, I learned a lot, and it was SO interactive. I was not expecting half of what we saw in this museum. 

I know one day in Stockholm can be quite tight, but if you are in any way an ABBA fan, you have to visit the ABBA Museum. 

Tickets: Purchase your tickets here. Tickets cost anywhere from 200 to 299 SEK, and will be cheaper during the off-season. The ABBA Museum is cashless, so have a card handy. Tickets for children are also cheaper.

3:00 pm | Fika break 

Fika is a Swedish afternoon coffee break ritual that, in my opinion, needs to be taken up in other parts of the world because it’s the best. It’s a common practice in Sweden to go for an afternoon pastry and coffee for a little break during the day.

You really can’t go wrong with any cafe in Stockholm for Fika. But here are a few options if you need some recommendations: 

For Fika in Stockholm: 

• Vete-Katten
• Fika & Wine 
• Café Saturnus
• Komet Café Stockholm

4:00 pm | Stroll along Strandvägen

Strandvägen is Stockholm’s iconic boulevard. It’s located in the Östermalm district and runs along the waterfront. This is the perfect place to enjoy a scenic walk, watch the boats, and admire the elegant architecture. There are also plenty of waterfront cafes and restaurants along Strandvägen. 

This area is very central; it’s where many of the city’s boats and ferries depart from, making it easy to reach from Djurgården.

5:00 pm | Explore The Trendy Neighborhood of Södermalm 

Just about 20-25 minutes on public transport is the district of Södermalm. This area is full of Swedish charm, known for its vintage shops, fun cafes, and creative atmosphere. This is the perfect place to experience Stockholm’s modern and artsy side with beautiful views of the city. 

6:30 pm | Monteliusvägen for a panoramic view of the city

Next on this Stockholm itinerary, walk a quick 15 minutes to Monteliusvägen for panoramic views of the city. This is the best viewpoint in Stockholm to watch the sunset and enjoy the picture-perfect views. The charming path overlooks Lake Mälaren and Gamla Stan. 

7:30 pm | Swedish meatballs for dinner

You can’t visit Sweden without trying some traditional Swedish meatballs! There are plenty of places around Stockholm to try traditional Swedish meatballs (aside from IKEA), like Meatballs for the People. 

The guy at our hostel sent us to a place called Tennstopet, and it was incredible! 

9:30 pm | Sunset cruise or rooftop drink

The sunset is late during the summer in Stockholm. Wrap up your one day in Stockholm with a serene sunset cruise or a rooftop drink. What better way to end your time in this magical city than with a sunset cruise along the city’s waterways? Pass by the Royal Palace, Gamla Stan, and the archipelago as you enjoy the city from a different perspective.

Check out this archipelago boat tour around Stockholm!⚓️🤍

On the other hand, if you would rather stay on land, opt for a rooftop drink at one of Stockholm’s chic rooftop bars like Tak or Stockholm Under Stjärnorna. 

If you are looking for a nice Italian spot in Stockholm, check out BASTA Italian – it was delicious and the place was so chic. 

Places to visit in Stockholm for free

Looking for a few free activities to enjoy in Stockholm? Here are some of my recommendations! Stockholm is quite expensive, so it’s nice to incorporate some free things to do during your trip. 

• Stockholm’s metro art (often called the world’s longest art gallery because every station features unique art installations!)
• Gamla Stan (Old Town) 
• Skeppsholmen & Kastellholmen
• Changing of the Guards at the Royal Palace 
• Monteliusvägen for the best views 
• Djurgården
• There are also plenty of free areas to swim, like: Långholmen, Brunnsviken, and Tantolunden. 

Stockholm Travel Tips 

The City is Cashless

Stockholm is basically 100% cash-free. A majority of restaurants, cafes, shops, and public transport accept card or mobile payment only. Make sure to bring a card with no foreign transaction fees. I never had to take out cash during my time in Stockholm 

Stockholm is expensive, especially food and drinks 

Stockholm is quite expensive. In my opinion, this is the only negative thing about the city. Scandinavia is generally one of the more expensive regions to travel and the major cities like Stockholm, Copenhagen, and Oslo are very pricey. Just budget accordingly and expect meals to be more expensive than in other parts of Europe. 

Great Public Transport System 

Stockholm has an amazing public transportation system. You can get pretty much anywhere you need by using public transport. There are buses, trams, subways, and ferries. You can download the SL app for schedules and tickets. You can also use your credit card or Apple Pay to tap on public transport. 

Fika is a must 

I know I touched on Fika earlier in this guide. But it is seriously a tradition not to be missed! Don’t miss out on this afternoon coffee ritual while you are in Sweden. 

Pack for all weather

Even if you are visiting in the summer, Stockholm can be cold and rainy. Be prepared and bring layers and a light rain jacket. Also pack comfy walking shoes because you will be walking a lot. I loved traveling around Europe in my New Balance 530s; these are seriously the perfect travel shoes. 

Safety in Stockholm 

Stockholm is extremely safe. Obviously, be smart, but there is very little you should worry about here. Stockholm is one of the safest cities in the world. I never felt unsafe whatsoever in Stockholm. 

Additional things to do in Stockholm 

• Fotografiska: The photography museum 
• Nordic museum 
• Book a Sauna (Book a traditional sauna experience with a polar plunge here)
• Archipelago Islands Tour (Book it here!)

1 Day in Stockholm | FAQs

How to get around Stockholm?

As mentioned above, Stockholm has a very efficient and reliable public transport system. And if you’re staying in or near the Old Town, you really won’t need to go far because a lot of the city’s major attractions are right near the city center. 

Stockholm uses SL cards, which work for buses, trams, the metro, and even some ferries. If you don’t want to get an SL card (which you won’t need for only one day in Stockholm), you can tap your contactless credit card directly at the metro gates. You don’t need to have a physical ticket. 

You can also rent bikes, which is a fun way to get around the city! 

Pro-tip: I love taking guided walking tours in new cities. I always get the best local recs from my guide! This is a great 2-hour guided tour around Stockholm’s Old Town.

Should I buy the Stockholm pass?

Just for one day in Stockholm, I don’t think you need to get the Stockholm Pass. However, if you plan to stay longer, this is something you can consider. 

The Stockholm Pass is worth it if you plan to visit multiple attractions and take sightseeing cruises, tours, etc. 

Is one day enough in Stockholm? 

The short answer — no. One day in Stockholm is a good way to get a feel for the city, but you’ll only scratch the surface. 

If you have more time, two to four days in Stockholm is ideal to explore the surrounding islands and even take day trips to nearby towns like Uppsala. 

What to visit in Stockholm in one day? 

As mentioned in this guide, if you only have one day in Stockholm, make sure to visit Gamla Stan, the Royal Palace, grab Fika in the afternoon, explore one of the many wonderful museums in the city, and try traditional Swedish meatballs. 

When is the best time to visit Stockholm? 

May through September is the best time to visit Stockholm. The weather is mild and the days are very long. There are outdoor events and plenty of waterfront activities. 

If you enjoy Christmas markets and don’t mind the short days and cold weather, November and December are a good time to visit. Just be super prepared for very cold weather. 

I visited at the end of May and it was perfect! The city wasn’t too busy with tourists, and the weather was nice. It was a bit chilly in the mornings and evenings, but all and all it was great. 

Is Copenhagen or Stockholm better? 

In my opinion, both Copenhagen and Stockholm are wonderful, so this depends on what you’re looking for. Both cities are walkable, yet Copenhagen is a bit more compact, making it slightly easier to get around than Stockholm. 

For those who prefer a blend of city and nature with beautiful views and Scandinavian design, Stockholm is for you; on the other hand, if you prefer a laid-back vibe, lots of cafes, and an amazing food scene, choose Copenhagen. 

However, both Scandinavian cities have so much to offer.

If you want to read more about Copenhagen, check out my post here! 🇩🇰

Can you walk everywhere in Stockholm? 

Yes, in central Stockholm, you can walk pretty much everywhere. I found the city to be extremely walkable, and everything was convenient, even if that involved hopping on public transport. 

Where to stay in Stockholm? 

City Backpackers | This is a great option if you are on a budget. I stayed at City Backpackers for a night, and it was a really good hostel. Check availability here.

Bank Hotel | If you’re looking for something a bit more upscale than a hostel, the Bank Hotel is a stunning property just minutes away from the waterfront and plenty of shopping and restaurants. Check availability here.

Ett Hem | This boutique property is top-rated in Stockholm and is the perfect place for people looking for something a bit more personal. Check availability here.

Grand Hôtel | For a more luxurious option in Stockholm, consider booking the gorgeous Grand Hôtel. Check availability here.

Day trips from Stockholm 

Sandhamn 

If you are looking to experience the surrounding archipelago, take a day trip to Sandhamn., This is a popular day trip from Stockholm that will take about 2 hours by ferry from central Stockholm. You can get delicious seafood, explore the charming village, and take the scenic trails. 

Uppsala 

Uppsala is a charming university city. And it’s actually home to Scandinavia’s oldest university. There are pretty canals, a charming old town, and Uppsala Cathedral is a must-visit – it’s one of the most stunning cathedrals I’ve ever seen. 

To get from Stockholm to Uppsala, you can take the train, which will take about 45 minutes. It’s super easy to make a day trip out of it. I highly recommend Uppsala. Uppsala is stunning 

Sigtuna 

About 40 minutes by train and bus from Stockholm is Sigtuna. This is Sweden’s oldest town with medieval church ruins, wooden streets, and pretty lake views.

Book a day trip to Uppsala and Sigtuna from Stockholm here!

Map | 1 Day in Stockholm

Below you’ll find a map with all of the spots mentioned in this Stockholm travel guide. 

I hope you enjoyed this post about how to spend the perfect day in Stockholm, Sweden. If you have any questions about visiting Sweden, comment below or DM me on Instagram.

Recommended Tours in Stockholm

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