3 Days in Stockholm: The Best Stockholm Itinerary for 2025
So, you’ve got 3 days in Stockholm and zero clue how to make the most of your trip without feeling rushed, overwhelmed or like you’re missing out on all the good stuff.
Don’t worry! I’ve been there, and I’ve got you!
This is the exact Stockholm itinerary I wish I had before my first solo trip to Sweden’s capital.
I’ve explored Stockholm as a solo female traveller, found the most beautiful hidden gems, and learned which places are actually worth your time (and which ones you can safely skip).
In fact, Stockholm is my favourite city I’ve ever solo travelled to in Europe, so I know a thing or to about how to make a trip to Stockholm amazing!
So in this blog post, we’ll cover what to see, how to get around, where to stay, and exactly how to spend each of your 3 days in Stockholm, from exploring the old streets of Gamla Stan to hopping on ferries out to the islands of the archipelago.
Let’s get to it!
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Is Stockholm Worth Visiting as a Solo Traveller?
Yes. A thousand times yes!
If you’re wondering whether Stockholm is a good idea for your next solo trip, I’ll tell you now: Stockholm is my favourite city in Europe – and I’ve travelled to over 24 countries during my time as a solo female traveller!
Stockholm feels like it was made for women travelling alone.
It’s calm, clean and doesn’t really feel much like a capital city at all. Plus, locals are respectful and mostly keep to themselves (which I personally love as an introvert!), and the whole city is surrounded by water!
In terms of safety, I personally felt very safe exploring Stockholm alone (even at night in central Sodermalm and Gamla Stan!)
I have a full guide to whether or not Stockholm is safe for solo female travellers, which you can check out too, if you want the full low down.
Plus, there are so many genuinely amazing things to do alone in Stockholm, which you’ll find out about in this 3 days in Stockholm itinerary – or you can read my full list of the best things to do in Stockholm here!
Is 3 Days in Stockholm Enough?
Honestly? Three days in Stockholm is the sweet spot!
You’ll have just enough time to see Stockholm’s greatest attractions and fit in a few quieter moments and hidden gems too.
(And no, this 3 days in Stockholm itinerary isn’t going to be the kind of rush-around sightseeing that leaves you exhausted by day two!)
Instead you’ll explore the very best neighbourhoods, take a day trip to the archipelago (a non-negotiable, trust me!), and visit all of Stockholm’s top spots – all at a manageable, non-super-human pace!
If you only have two full days, you can cut day 3, but for the full Stockholm experience (including archipelago ferry rides, fika breaks and royal palace day trips!), 3 days in Stockholm is perfect.
And if you’re flying in late or leaving early, consider booking four nights instead of three. That gives you three full days to explore without travel days eating into your itinerary.
How to Get to Stockholm
If you’re flying in, Stockholm Arlanda is the main airport, connecting Stockholm to most major cities in Europe and beyond.
From there, your best bet into the city centre is either the Arlanda Express train (takes about 20 minutes), which is pricey, but the fastest option. Or, the Flygbussarna coach service (takes about 45 minutes), which is more budget-friendly.
And if you’re travelling Europe by train, Stockholm Central Station is well connected to other European cities like Copenhagen, Gothenburg and Oslo.
How to Get Around Stockholm
One of the best things about Stockholm? It’s both walkable and well connected by public transport:
- The metro system (Tunnelbana) is clean, safe and easy to use. Plus it doubles as a cool, underground art gallery, with sculptures and paintings to admire at the stations!
- The ferry system is also very reliable and easy to use, connecting you to islands like Vaxholm. (More on this later!)
- And walking is the best way to explore central areas like Gamla Stan, Södermalm and Norrmalm.
If you’re following this Stockholm 3 day itinerary, you’ll use a mix of all of the above!
Where to Stay in Stockholm For 3 Days
Picking the right accommodation for your trip really matters, and in Stockholm, you’ve got some great options that are both safe and well-located:
Budget: City Backpackers Hostel
Right near the central station with clean dorms, a cosy social lounge area and a friendly atmosphere. It’s not a party hostel, but it’s social enough that you won’t feel alone, if that’s your vibe. They’ve even got a free sauna and pasta nights!
Mid-Range: NOFO Hotel, Södermalm
NOFO is stylish but down-to-earth, and located in one of Stockholm’s coolest neighbourhoods. You’ll be within easy walking distance from cafés, vintage shops and Monteliusvagen (and Marieberget viewing platform), here!
Luxury: Hotel Skeppsholmen
If you want to treat yourself, this is it! Tucked away on peaceful Skeppsholmen island but still close to walk to everything on this itinerary. All rooms offer park or archipelago views, the design is effortlessly Scandinavian and the restaurant at the hotel has a terrace with the most spectacular views!
3 Days in Stockholm Itinerary
Now that we’ve covered the key logistics of travelling to Stockholm, lets now get straight into what you actually came here for: the perfect 3 days in Stockholm itinerary!
Day 1: Central Stockholm Walking Tour
On day 1 of this 3 days in Stockholm itinerary, we’re sticking to the city centre and exploring the islands of Gamla Stan, Skeppsholmen, Norrmalm and Södermalm on foot.
We’re starting with a stroll through fairy tale Gamla Stan (Stockholm’s old town), then heading north for waterfront views and parks, before looping back south for golden hour at Stockholm’s most beautiful viewpoint!
It’s a full but doable walking route that also leaves plenty of time at each stop to relax and enjoy your surroundings!
You could also skip a stop or two, or add some of the optional extras I recommend, depending on how you feel.
Morning – Explore Gamla Stan
Gamla Stan is Stockholm’s old town, with cobbled streets, colourful buildings and so many hidden corners that feel straight out of a Nordic folktale!
In this 3 days in Stockholm itinerary, I will be sharing my own self-guided walking route through Gamla Stan, but if you want to explore with a local or would just love to learn about the history of the city, consider booking a walking tour for this morning instead.
In this 2 hour, small group Gamla Stan walking tour, your local guide will share fascinating stories of Stockholm’s past, while also taking you to the very best spots and hidden gems in beautiful Gamla Stan!
Otherwise, you can follow my self-guided Gamla Stan walking route:
The full route around the highlights only takes around 25 minutes to walk, but you’ll want to dedicate more time to exploring the side streets of Gamla Stan, browsing the independent shops, stopping for coffee or even entering the cathedral or Royal Palace.
So I would recommend dedicating at least a few hours to explore Gamla Stan, despite its small size.
Stop 1: Stortorget
This colourful main square is the oldest in Stockholm, and one of the most photographed (which is why I recommend you visit early, at around 9am, if you can!)
The red, orange, green and mustard townhouses here are iconic, but the square also has a darker past. This is where the Stockholm Bloodbath took place in 1520, when nearly 100 people were executed by the king.
And if that name – Stortorget – rings a bell, it’s probably because you saw it in every Instagram caption ever!
Still, despite its popularity it is genuinely beautiful and well worth visiting, especially first thing in the morning before the crowds of tourists and day trippers arrive.
Stop 2: Stockholm Cathedral (Storkyrkan)
Right next to Stortorget is Stockholm’s understated, light pink St Nicholas Cathedral.
It’s Stockholm’s oldest church and where Swedish royals have their weddings and coronations!
It’s beautiful to admire from the outside, but if you want to visit inside, you’ll also find a beautiful vaulted ceiling to admire, a medieval wooden sculpture of Saint George and the Dragon and Stockholm’s oldest painting, Vädersolstavlan.
Entry is currently 120kr and the cathedral opens at 9:30am. It will only take you around 20 minutes to explore inside, if you wish.
Stop 3: The Royal Palace
Next on this Gamla Stan self-guided walking route, you’ll pass right by the Royal Palace, one of the largest in Europe (with over 600 rooms!)
If you’re interested in royal history or just need an indoor option on a rainy day, you could also choose to visit inside the Royal Palace.
The palace is open daily in summer from 10am (hours change in winter, so double check the website if you’re travelling then). And you’ll want about 2 hours to explore properly.
Entry costs 220kr and your ticket gives you access to the Royal Apartments, the Treasury, the Tre Kronor Museum and the Museum of Antiquities.
But even if you’re not planning to go inside, the Royal Palace is well worth stopping by to admire the imposing façade. The Royal Palace is still in regular, active use by Sweden’s head of state and you’ll find guards outside protecting it, wearing their distinctive blue uniforms!
Katie’s Top Tip: I would recommend coming back just before 12:15pm (or 1:15pm on Sunday’s), to see the Changing of the Guard outside the Royal Palace. It’s a classic Stockholm experience!
Stop 4: Riddarholmen Church
From the Royal Palace, just a short walk brings you to the beautiful, Gothic and Baroque church where Swedish monarchs are buried.
It is one of the oldest buildings in the whole of Stockholm, with parts dating all the way back to the late 13th century. It is also Stockholm’s only preserved medieval abbey.
If you want to enter inside the church, to see the Royal graves, the coats of arms and the Bernadotte Chapel, it costs 250kr for a ticket, combined with entry to the Royal Palace.
The church is only open in summer, but even if it’s closed (or you don’t want to visit inside), it is well worth a photo stop!
Stop 5: Riddarhuset & Riksdagshuset
These two grand buildings are right by each other, the House of Nobility (Riddarhuset) and Parliament House (Riksdagshuset).
You can visit inside the House of Nobility if you wish. It costs 60kr but is only open on weekdays between 11am and 12pm. To enter the Parliament House you would need to book a special guided tour.
But I wouldn’t recommend entering inside either of these buildings if you only have 3 days in Stockholm, instead their beautiful exteriors are well worth a photo stop from the outside.
Stop 6: Skeppsbrokajen
One of my favourite places to walk in Stockholm is Skeppsbrokajen, Gamla Stan’s waterfront promenade, with incredibly scenic views out to Skeppsholmen Island.
Plus, the Royal Palace also sits along this promenade, so if you’re after that postcard-perfect photo of the palace from a new angle, this is the spot to get it!
There are plenty of benches dotted along the waterfront too, so it’s a great place to pause for a while, rest your feet and enjoy the views of the water (especially on a sunny day!)
Stop 7: Get Lost in Gamla Stan
The real charm of Gamla Stan is getting a little bit lost!
Yes, I know I’ve just given you a whole route to follow, but honestly? If you have the time to spare, I really recommend going off-script, at least for a little bit.
Wander down the narrow cobbled side streets and follow your curiosity, without worrying too much about where you’re going.
That’s how you’ll find the very best Gamla Stan hidden gems!
Some of the prettiest streets in Gamla Stan I stumbled onto completely by accident, including:
- Prästgatan
- Mårten Trotzigs Gränd (Stockholm’s narrowest street!)
- Köpmangatan
- Kindstugatan
Stop 8: Gamla Stan Optional Stops
Here are a few additional stops in Gamla Stan that you could add to your walking route, alongside the main highlights we’ve already mentioned, if you wish:
- Tyska kyrkan, a small German church dating back to the middle ages
- Evert Taubes Terrass, a viewpoint near Riddarholmen Church
- The Nobel Prize Museum, open from 10am
- St. George & The Dragon Statue
Stop 9: Fika Break
During your morning exploring Gamla Stan, don’t forget to pause for fika (a beautiful Swedish tradition of slowing down and relaxing over coffee and cake).
Gamla Stan is packed with its fair share of (overpriced!) tourist traps, so here are a couple of fika stops I would actually recommend:
- Panem
- Fabrique
- Sundberg Konditori
For traditional fika, choose a cosy café and order a coffee and a cardamom bun or cinnamon roll. Then sit back and relax for a while, watching the world go by!
Early Afternoon – Skeppsholmen & Norrmalm
Stop 1: Kungsträdgården
After lunch, it’s time to leave Gamla Stan and enjoy a walk across Strombron Bridge to reach Kungsträdgården, on the island of Norrmalm.
Kungsträdgården is a small, central park with beautiful flowers, art and outdoor events. In spring, this is the perfect place to see the cherry blossoms. In winter, there is an ice rink!
A visit to this tiny park won’t take you long, but it is a beautiful photo stop along your walk to Skeppsholmen Island.
Stop 2: Skeppsholmsbron
After you’ve spent time enjoying the park, it’s time to continue your walk through Norrmalm until you reach Skeppsholmsbron bridge.
This 1800s iron bridge connects the islands of Norrmalm and Skeppsholmen, and there is a beautiful gold crown at the midway point of the railing.
The view from the right hand side of Skeppsholmsbron is one of my favourites in all of Stockholm!
At the half way point (marked by the gold crown), you’ll get a perfect skyline shot back to Gamla Stan, with picturesque boats bobbing in the foreground.
Stop 3: Skeppsholmen Island
Skeppsholmen is a tiny island, with leafy walking paths and stunning waterfront views, making it a perfect spot to relax after a morning of exploring Gamla Stan.
There’s not loads to do on the island, but that’s exactly the point. It’s a perfect spot to slow down for a while!
One of the loveliest spots on Skeppsholmen is Batteriparken, a small park that runs along the waters edge, with boats bobbing along the shore. From the furthest corner of the park you can enjoy views across to Strandvägen (our next stop!)
There is also the Skeppsholmen Viewpoint, which looks out across Gamla Stan and is great for a photo stop.
Stop 4: Strandvägen
Head back across the bridge and this time turn right, along the water, to Strandvägen (it takes around 20 minutes to walk to the end of Strandvägen from Skeppsholmsbron).
Strandvägen is Stockholm’s waterfront boulevard, lined with grand hotels and shops on one side, and docked boats and ferries on the other.
It’s Stockholm at its most elegant, and a dreamy place for an afternoon stroll, when the boulevard is at its most buzzing and alive!
It’s also the perfect spot for some people-watching, so grabbing a takeaway coffee and sitting on one of the benches by the water is the perfect way to spend the afternoon!
Late Afternoon – Södermalm
Once you’ve finished people-watching along Strandvagen, it’s time to finish the day in Södermalm, enjoying the best viewpoint in the city: Mariaberget.
I chose to walk back to Mariaberget, via Gamla Stan, which took around 40 minutes.
But if that doesn’t sound fun after a whole day of walking and sightseeing, you can also take the tram 14 from Östermalmstorg to Slussen, or bus 76 from Djurgårdsbron to Slussen.
Stop 1: Mariaberget
If you’re walking, Mariaberget is a 40 minute walk from Strandvagen. If you took public transport, it will take you just 10 minutes to walk from Slussen.
Just be aware that the walk up to Mariaberget is steep, through a residential area and down an alley between houses.
Yep, really! (But it is worth it, I swear!)
Mariaberget is home to my favourite view in all of Stockholm, but is still wonderfully underrated.
Whenever I’ve visited, there have been very few tourists there at all (despite the view being on a lot of Stockholm postcards!), and I’ve always been able to get a seat on one of the front line benches to enjoy the view.
From Mariaberget, you’ll see the city of Stockholm stretch out beneath your feet, with sweeping, panoramic views of Lake Mälaren, Stockholm City Hall, Riddarholmen Church and Gamla Stan.
You could also walk the short distance along the Monteliusvägen path from Mariaberget (if you’re up for even more walking!), but the views from Mariaberget are just as lovely, so this is optional.
Either way, the views are seriously stunning (and well worth the walk up!) I’ll let a photo do the rest of the persuading for me!:
Stop 2: Mäster Mikaels Gata (optional)
If you’re up for just one more stop, this quiet residential street in Södermalm is straight out of a postcard, with old wooden houses that gives you a glimpse of what Stockholm used to look like centuries ago.
It’s a quiet, residential street that most tourists miss, and honestly still feels like a secret!
Evening: Dinner in Södermalm
End your first day in Stockholm with a relaxed dinner in Södermalm. Here are a few options:
- Bananas Pizzeria (for pizza)
- Pelikan (for traditional Swedish food)
- Restaurang Häktet (for a quirky prison turned restaurant!)
- Caffe Niza (for Italian and French food)
Day 2: Day Trip to Vaxholm (Via the Stockholm Archipelago)
Day two is all about exploring the Stockholm Archipelago, specifically the beautiful island of Vaxholm, and trust me, this is one of the best things you can do on your Stockholm 3 day itinerary!
This is your chance to slow down, get out on the water and experience a completely different side to Sweden’s capital city entirely!
Vaxholm is the perfect island getaway for day 2 of your 3 days in Stockholm.
It’s charming, easy to reach from the capital, and the boat ride to get there gives you some of the very best views of the entire Stockholm archipelago.
How to Get to Vaxholm
There are two main ways to get to Vaxholm: using the public ferry or booking a guided boat tour.
Public Ferry to Vaxholm
The public ferry is run by Waxholmsbolaget and is ideal if you want to DIY your day and stick to your own schedule, without having to rely on restrictive tourist boat timings.
The number 14 ferry to Vaxholm departs from Strömkajen (right next to the Grand Hotel), and the journey takes about 1 hour.
There are very frequent departures throughout the day, even in low season. And there’s no need to pre-book tickets as you can buy them on board with a contactless card.
It’s a scenic and peaceful journey, following (almost) the same route as the tourist boats for a fraction of the cost.
Katie’s Top Tip: You’re not going to want to miss even a moment of scenery, so grab yourself a spot on the outdoor deck and be prepared to take a lot of photos!
Guided Boat Tour to Vaxholm
If you want a more structured experience (or are nervous about navigating the ferry schedule on your own), you can also book a round-trip boat tour with commentary, via Stromma.
These tours explain the history and geography of the archipelago as you cruise, and they’re perfect if you want to learn more about the area while you enjoy the scenery!
But just know that the timings for tourist boats are less frequent and less flexible than the ferries, so you’ll have less time to explore Vaxholm if you pick this option.
So if you’re not interested in getting off at Vaxholm, it is a good option to see the archipelago without the stop halfway.
But I would highly, highly recommend you do get off and visit this beautiful island.
Because both of these options use the same boat, just take extra care to make sure you’re booking the right ticket if you want to be able to get off at Vaxholm.
Best Things to Do in Vaxholm
So you’ve docked on the island of Vaxholm. Now what do you do once you’re there?
Well, Vaxholm is called the “capital of the archipelago,” and while it’s small, it’s full of charm.
Start by walking a short distance from the ferry terminal (opposite the Vaxholm Hotel), to Batteriparken, a quiet, leafy park with picnic benches, sea and fortress views and plenty of space to relax and enjoy the views.
From Batteriparken, you’ll also find some steps leading down to Norrhamnsbadet, a quiet beach for sunbathing or even swimming. Plus, there are beautiful views of Norrhamnen harbour from here!
Next, after a short walk along the beautiful street Cromhamnsgränd (and down a path that looks like a back garden, but I promise is okay!), you’ll come to Norrhamnen itself – which is the prettiest little harbour in Vaxholm.
It’s an incredibly picturesque spot, where colourful wooden houses face the water and little boats bob in the harbour.
Finally, head to Hembydsgårds Café for the best fika in Vaxholm, and to enjoy beautiful views of Norrhamnen.
You should also spend time in Vaxholm getting lost down the beautiful side streets, admiring the colourful houses as you go.
There is beauty to be found around every corner in Vaxholm, if you allow yourself time to get off the beaten path!
And if you’re curious about local history, the Vaxholm Fortress museum is on its own island just a few minutes by boat from the main ferry terminal.
You can visit the fortress from May to September, and tickets are easy to buy from the vending machine on the dock.
The Vaxholm Fortress museum explores Sweden’s coastal defences, and even if you don’t go inside, the little boat ride over is half the fun on its own!
Optional: Stockholm Museums
If you’re back from Vaxholm earlier than expected (for example, if you only want to spend half a day in Vaxholm), and want to squeeze in an iconic Stockholm museum visit, you’re spoiled for choice!
These are the best Stockholm museums, and you should consider fitting at least one of these into your 3 days in Stockholm itinerary:
- Skansen Open-Air Museum: A true Stockholm classic! Skansen is the world’s oldest open-air museum, showcasing Swedish life through the centuries with relocated buildings, costumed actors and even Nordic animals in the onsite zoo!
- Vasa Museum: Home to the Vasa warship that capsized and sank on its maiden voyage in 1628 and was miraculously salvaged 333 years later. It’s huge, almost intact and genuinely fascinating to visit!
- ABBA The Museum: Fun, interactive and full of nostalgia! If you love, ABBA, pop music, Eurovision, or just want something light-hearted and upbeat, this is a great pick!
- Fotografiska: A contemporary museum of photography, art and culture. It also stays open until 11pm, making it the perfect option even if you do spend a full day in Vaxholm!
Evening: Dinner in Gamla Stan
End your second day in Stockholm with a relaxed dinner in Gamla Stan. Here are a few options:
- Bistro Bestick for (traditional Swedish food)
- Ristorante da Peppe (for Italian food)
- Movitz (for Swedish, French and Italian food)
- Barrels (for burgers)
Day 3: A Royal Day Trip to Drottningholm Palace
If you’re spending 3 days in Stockholm and want to feel like royalty for a day, Drottningholm Palace is the perfect Stockholm day trip for you!
This dreamy royal residence and UNESCO world heritage site was built in the 1600s, and is still permanent home to the Swedish royal family to this day!
But large parts of the estate and interiors are also open to the public, including the lush gardens and parkland, the waterfront and the lavish Baroque interiors.
Drottningholm Palace is open all year round and opening hours are typically 10am to 5pm, but always check the official website for up-to-date info as opening varies seasonally.
Tickets cost 160kr to enter the palace, or 230kr to enter the palace and the Chinese Pavillion. The grounds and gardens are totally free to explore.
How to get to Drottningholm Palace
You’ve got two main ways to reach Drottningholm Palace: by boat or by public transport.
Boat Trip to Drottningholm Palace
The most scenic way is to take the Stromma boat from central Stockholm.
The journey takes about 1 hour and leaves from Klara Mälarstrand, right beside City Hall (so you can tick off another iconic landmark before you even set sail!)
The boat ride itself is calm and seriously picturesque, sailing through Lake Mälaren past tree-covered islands and peaceful summer houses.
(In fact, in my opinion, the journey to reach Drottningholm Palace is a big part of what makes this day trip so worthy of a spot on your 3 days in Stockholm itinerary!)
The Stromma boats run from late May to early October (check the website for exact dates), and cost 340kr return.
The grounds of the place are totally free to explore, but if you want to visit inside, you can also upgrade your boat ticket to include entrance for an additional 160kr (or an additional 230kr if you want to enter the Chinese Pavillion too).
You could also choose to do a lunch cruise to Drottningholm, which costs 455kr.
The Stromma boats run regularly back and forth throughout the day, so it is completely up to you how long you spend exploring the palace (and how early or late you sail).
Katie’s Top Tip: I sailed out on the first sailing of the morning (10am) in September, and there was hardly anyone else on the boat. (The later sailings were much busier). It was so nice to experience the scenery and the palace without lots of other tourists around, so I would definitely recommend the early start!
Public Transport to Drottningholm Palace
The more budget-friendly way to get to Drottningholm is via T-Bana 17 (green line) from Gamla Stan to Brommaplan, which takes around 25 minutes.
Then transfer to bus 176, 177, 302, 311, 308, 316, 317, 318 or 323 for a short, few minute drive to Drottningholm.
The whole trip takes around 50 minutes, depending on connections.
If you’re on a budget, a tight schedule or travelling in off-season, this is your best bet.
What to See Inside Drottningholm Palace
A visit to the interiors of Drottningholm Palace is self-guided (with an optional audio guide via a free app), or you can join an expert-led guided tour for more detail about the history of the palace and Sweden’s Royals.
Inside, you’ll get to see a number of beautiful reception rooms, from the grand Baroque staircase to the beautifully preserved Library and Queen Hedwig Eleonora’s Bedchamber.
The rooms feel surprisingly intimate (especially compared to other Royal Palaces), and the whole experience gives you a fascinating glimpse into both royal history and how the current Swedish royal family lives!
You’ll need at least 1 hour to see the main interiors of the palace at a relaxed pace on your own. Or guided tours last around 45 minutes.
The Drottningholm Palace Grounds
While the interior is impressive, my absolute favourite part of Drottningholm is the palace grounds.
Plus, they’re completely free to explore, so if you’re on a budget or just wanting a peaceful stroll, this is still a gorgeous day out!
Start your walk with the formal, 17th century Baroque garden at the back of the palace, with its sculpted hedges and beds, statues and fountains, and avenue of lime trees.
The formal garden at Drottningholm was inspired by French garden design of the time.
And the statues here today are bronze copies, as they are too delicate now to be displayed outdoors, but the originals can still be viewed in the Museum de Vries at Drottningholm, a short walk from the palace.
Once you’ve finished admiring the formal garden, continue into the larger English-style park, where you’ll find shaded paths, ponds, bridges, meadows and trees.
This is the perfect spot to enjoy a picnic or relax on one of the benches.
A lot of tourists either skip this part of the estate (or gloss over it!), so there is always somewhere quiet to sit!
Finally, on your walk around the grounds, you’ll come to the magical Chinese Pavilion.
The Chinese Pavillion
The Chinese Pavilion was built as a royal birthday gift to Queen Lovisa Ulrika in 1753 – and honestly, it looks like something straight out of a Wes Anderson film!
From the outside, you can admire the glitzy green, red and gold façade, and the beautiful example of Chinese architecture.
The interiors are full of quirky, Chinese-inspired Swedish Rococo furniture and antiquities imported from China, including silk, screens, porcelain and stained glass.
Plus, each room is themed around a different colour: red, yellow, green and blue.
It’s small but very charming and unique, so well worth a visit (both to its exterior and interior!)
If you want to visit inside, you’ll need to have the Drottningholm Palace and Chinese Pavillion Combo ticket for 230kr.
Plus, the nearby blue and white striped Guards Tent, also in a Chinese style, is well worth a photo stop too.
Drottningholm Palace Theatre
If you’re visiting between May and September, don’t miss the chance to take a guided tour of the Drottningholm Palace Theatre.
Built in 1766, it still has its original, hand-operated stage machinery and 30 preserved stage sets. It is also one of the only 18th-century theatres in the world still in use as a theatre.
Guided tours are available daily during the summer season and give you rare access behind the scenes to learn about the theatre’s unique history and surprisingly advanced stage tech from back in the day!
It’s not included in the regular palace ticket, but it’s well worth the 155kr extra, especially if you’re interested in theatre.
If You’re Back Early: Optional Things to Do Nearby
If you catch an early boat or finish at Drottningholm faster than expected, there’s still time to squeeze in one or two more Stockholm attractions before dinner.
Here are a few ideas, all easily accessible from central Stockholm:
- Walk along Norr Mälarstrand: Back in central Stockholm, enjoy a walk along Norr Mälarstrand, a waterfront park not far from City Hall. It’s popular with locals for walking and jogging, and also dotted with cafes, benches and views over the lake.
- Explore Hornstull on Södermalm: If you’re up for something more local and trendy, Hornstull is a cool little corner of Södermalm with indie shops, waterfront bars and a very laid-back vibe.
- Visit one of the museums you missed: Skansen Open Air Museum, the ABBA Museum, Vasa Museum or Fotografiska.
Evening: Dinner in Norrmalm
End your final day in Stockholm with a relaxed dinner in Norrmalm. Here are a few options:
- Botica (for Portuguese food)
- Basta (for Italian food)
- Knut (for food inspired by northern Sweden)
- La Fiamma (for Italian food)
Stockholm FAQs
When is the Best Time to Visit Stockholm?
If you’re planning your 3 day trip to Stockholm, aim for late spring to early autumn.
May to September offers long, bright days, perfect for exploring the surrounding islands of the archipelago and enjoying fika (coffee and cake), outdoors.
July and August are the peak tourist months and feel a lot busier, so my personal favourite months to visit Stockholm are in early May or late September.
But winter in Stockholm is magical too, with fairy lights, snow and mulled wine. Just know that daylight hours are very limited and the ferry routes are fewer.
How Many Days Do You Need in Stockholm?
Three full days is the sweet spot for a first-time visit to Stockholm!
3 days in Stockholm gives you just enough time to enjoy the charm of Gamla Stan, explore one museum, enjoy the city’s beautiful archipelago, and take a day trip to Drottningholm Palace without rushing.
Plus, you’ll also have plenty of time to stop for fika, get lost in the cobblestone heart of Gamla Stan and sit by the water to relax and people-watch.
If you have more than three days, that’s amazing! You could add in a day trip to nearby Uppsala or Sigtuna, visit some more museums, or just take this itinerary even slower.
But if you’ve only got two days in Stockholm, you’ll still be able to hit the highlights (you’ll just need to be a bit more selective).
I would recommend prioritising Gamla Stan, Mariaberget and an archipelago boat trip to Vaxholm if you’re short on time for exploring Sweden’s capital.
Is the Stockholm Pass Worth It?
It really depends on what kind of traveller you are!
The Stockholm Pass can offer great value if you plan to visit several of the included attractions. At time of writing, some of these are:
- The Vasa Museum
- Skansen Open Air Museum
- Stockholm Cathedral
- The Royal Palace
- Drottningholm Palace
- The Viking Museum
- Stockholm boat tour
- Hop on hop off bus
- The Nobel Prize Museum
So if you like to pack your days with sightseeing and want to tick off as many attractions as possible, the Stockholm Pass could save you quite a bit of money.
But, if you prefer a slower-paced trip, or you want to prioritise free experiences like walking around the islands, city viewpoints and enjoying Stockholm’s natural beauty (which there’s plenty of!), it might not be worth the price.
Always compare the cost of the pass with the entry fees of the things you actually want to do before comitting.
Is Stockholm Walkable?
Yes! Stockholm is one of the most walkable cities in Europe.
The central islands (like Gamla Stan, Norrmalm, Södermalm and Djurgården) are all easily explored on foot and honestly, walking is the best way to experience the city’s beauty.
But, central Stockholm is made up of 14 islands, and while many of the main sights are within walking distance, there will be days when your feet get tired!
If so, the public transport system (especially the metro and ferries) is very efficient too.
Is Stockholm Expensive to Visit?
Yes. Stockholm is definitely on the pricier side compared to many other European cities.
But the good news is, it can be done on a budget, especially if you mix in free experiences like viewpoints, parks and city walks with just a few paid activities.
As a solo traveller especially, I’ve found it’s all about balance in Stockholm!
Final Thoughts
3 days in Stockholm is a lovely amount of time to explore the city!
It’s enough time to take in the city’s top highlights without feeling rushed, while still leaving space for slower travel, getting lost in Gamla Stan and, of course, spontaneous fika stops!
Of course, like any great city, Stockholm will always leave you wanting a little more.
But you’ll just have to come back (I know I have!)
So whether you’re here for the museums, the iconic viewpoints or to get out on the water and explore the archipelago, Stockholm has a way of surprising you around every corner
I truly hope this itinerary has helped you feel more prepared (and more excited!) to visit my favourite city in Europe: Stockholm!
Have you been to Stockholm before, or is this your first trip? I’d love to hear what you’re planning to do or what you’re most excited for!
