How to get the best of Stockholm in 72 hours

DAY 1: Morning

Credit: Her World/Cheryl Lai-Lim, Café Schweizer, @mywanderlustt_/Instagram

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9:00am: We’re kicking things off in Gamla Stan, or Old Town – as the name suggests, this is Stockholm's oldest district. As one of Europe’s largest and best-preserved mediaeval city centres, Gamla Stan offers a taste of centuries gone by with its charming cobbled streets, colourful historic buildings and well-preserved architecture. The area is, more often than not, referred to as a living museum.

For breakfast, pop into Café Schweizer, a gorgeous, cosy cafe that has been opened since 1920 in the same location as today. There’s an array of breakfast options, including sandwiches, granola, as well as traditional Swedish pastries.

10:00am: Now that you’re fueled up for the day, it’s time to take a stroll. Just a two-minute walk away is the first museum that we’re checking off our list: The Royal Palace. With over 600 rooms and five museums, Stockholm’s Royal Palace is one of the largest castles in Europe.

Built during the eighteenth century in the Italian Baroque style, the interiors are an impressive sight replete with regal art and exquisite chandeliers. Don’t forget to check out the treasury, which contains the regalia – the symbolic emblems that the Archbishop presents to the King or Queen on coronation day – that are kept safe in the dimly lit cellar vaults of the palace.

Quick tip: The Palace might be partially or completely closed on days where the King of Sweden hosts an official reception, so be sure to check ahead before visiting.

How to get there:
Café Schweizer is located at Västerlånggatan 9, 111 29 Stockholm
The Royal Palace is located at Kungliga slottet, 107 70 Stockholm

DAY 1: Afternoon

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12:00pm: Once you’ve explored the endless nooks and crannies of the palace, take a quick two-minute walk to Stortorget, the central square in Gamla Stan. Bordered by beautifully preserved buildings and colourful townhouses that date back to the Middle Ages, the vibrant square is often bustling with both locals and tourists.

12:15pm: For lunch, head to Grillska Huset, located right in Stortorget square. As you step into the restaurant, be prepared to be charmed by the rustic ambiance and warm service. Grillska Huset offers a diverse lunch menu that often switches up depending on local ingredients available, but some classics include Swedish meatballs served with lingonberries and flavourful salmon dishes.

Try asking for a seat at the restaurant’s courtyard dining terrace – it’s the perfect spot for indulging in a leisurely lunch while admiring some of the colourful facades in Stockholm's old town from a new perspective.

1:30pm: Post-lunch, Stortorget also houses the second museum that we’re checking off our list: Nobel Prize Museum. Located in the former Stock Exchange Building, the museum presents the life stories of all the Nobel prizewinners, such as Marie Curie, Nelson Mandela, Albert Einstein, as well as the founder of the prize, Alfred Nobel. Besides permanent and temporary exhibitions, meaningful items are also on display, such as activist Malala Yousafzai’s shawl and former South Korean president Kim Dae Jung’s letters to his wife while he was in prison.

2:30pm: Done admiring the artefacts housed in the museum? Take a stroll down to Mårten Trotzigs grand, the narrowest street in Stockholm. The iconic alleyway, measuring just 90 centimetres at its narrowest point, is famous for its narrow width that has stood the test of time.

Along the way, make sure to discover the unique boutiques and stores at Gamla Stan. The streets are dotted with boutiques showcasing local and international fashion brands, traditional Swedish crafts and souvenirs, and exquisite jewellery. You never know what hidden gems you might stumble upon, from antique shops brimming with vintage finds to art galleries showcasing local talent.

4:30pm: When you’re done shopping in the charming streets of Gamla Stan, it’s time to head out to Strömkajen. We’re catching the first ferry ride of the trip – Stockholm is built on a total of 14 islands, and one of the best ways to explore the city is via ferries. At Strömkajen, hop aboard the Royal Canal Tour, which will take you through the greener parts of the city. You’ll leave the inner city behind as the tour winds through canals, offering a unique perspective on the city’s architectural marvels. Keep your cameras at hand, for the tour opens up to a stunning view of the Stockholm skyline that’s only to be seen from the water.

Quick tip: You’ll get a discounted rate if you purchase your tickets online rather than at the ferry terminal at Strömkajen. Make sure to check ahead of time where to board the Royal Canal Tour, as the gate differs.

How to get there:
Stortorget can be visited at 111 29 Stockholm (Simply type ‘Stortorget’ in Google Maps)
Grillska Huset is located at Stortorget 3, 111 29 Stockholm
Nobel Prize Museum is located at Stortorget 2, 103 16 Stockholm
Mårten Trotzigs grand can be visited at 111 29 Stockholm (Simply type ‘Mårten Trotzigs grand’ in Google Maps)
Strömkajen is located at Södra Blasieholmshamnen, 111 48 Stockholm

DAY 1: Evening

Credit: Her World/Cheryl Lai-Lim, @lebanonmezalounge, @icebarstockholm/Instagram

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5:30pm: Once your 50-minute tour comes to an end, make your way over to Kungsträdgården. Known as the "King's Garden," this picturesque park is a haven of tranquillity amidst the bustling city. If you’re visiting in spring, you’ll be able to catch beautiful cherry blossoms blooming here; if you’re in town during the winter season, the park has an ice skating rink.

6:30pm: As the sun sets in the city, make your dinner plans at Lebanon Meza Lounge. This popular restaurant serves up a gastronomic experience that captures the essence of Lebanese cuisine and hospitality.

Begin your culinary journey with a selection of mezze, small plates with classics such as hummus, falafel, and tabbouleh, before moving on to traditional Lebanese dishes ranging from grilled kebabs and aromatic stews to flavorful vegetarian options. The knowledgeable staff will guide you through the menu and help you discover new culinary delights along the way.

8:30pm: The night isn’t over yet! Head back to Kungsträdgården, for we’re taking the train. Make sure to keep your eyes peeled at the station, for it also serves as an underground art gallery. Stockholm’s subway system is truly one of a kind; the city is known for the spectacular metro art hidden in various stations. At Kungsträdgården, the walls of the station are painted with a red, white and green colour scheme, and statues – replicas of exterior art at Makalös Palace – can be found around the station.

Our destination is one-stop away: T-Centralen, located on the blue line. This is quite literally “the blue platform”, with splashes of calming blue paint paired with motifs such as flowers and leaf creepers. is hands down one of the public transport system’s most recognizable places. As the nexus of Stockholm’s subway system, the station itself is often bustling – make your way up to the main area and spend a few minutes here soaking in the high ceilings and impressive modern architecture.

9:00pm: Four minutes away from the station is our last stop for the night: the Ice Bar. Located within the Ice Hotel, the small bar is entirely made out of ice and is kept at a crisp -5°C all year round. Everything inside the bar, including the shot glasses, is made of pure, clear ice from the Torne River in northern Sweden. There’s an entry fee to the bar, but each ticket includes a drink of your choice as well as an ice cape and a pair of gloves to keep warm (you’ll need it, trust us). Non-alcoholic drinks are also available.

How to get there:
Kungsträdgården is located at Jussi Björlings allé, 111 47 Stockholm
Lebanon Meza Lounge is located at Hamngatan 6, 111 47 Stockholm
Kungsträdgården station is located at 111 47 Stockholm
Ice Bar by Ice Hotel is located at Vasaplan 4, 111 20 Stockholm

DAY 2: Morning

Credit: Her World/Cheryl Lai-Lim, @evasbrunch, @abbathemuseum, @vasamuseet, @visitstockholm/Instagram

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10:00am: What’s the best cure after a late night out drinking? A delicious meal to start the day (other than sleeping in, of course). Day 2 begins at Eva’s Brunch, a popular cafe that, despite its name, serves breakfast too. Start your morning off on a sweet note with Swedish pancakes, or opt for a hearty eggs and toast combo.

11:00am: When you’ve had your fill, walk over to the Slussen ferry terminal, and hop onto the route 82 ferry, which will take you on a quick eight-minute ride to the green island of Djurgården. While we cruised by it yesterday on the boat tour, a large part of the day today will be spent on the island, for there’s plenty to do. Some of Stockholm’s most famous museums and cultural attractions are located here, alongside parks and family-friendly attractions.

There’s plenty of museums to start with here. For fans of ABBA, check out ABBA The Museum, which features plenty of the group’s memorabilia, such as stage outfits, instruments, awards and more. There are also interactive experiences that invite you to sing, dance, mix music and try out virtual stage outfits – there’s no better space for you to belt out Dancing Queen.

Otherwise, check out the Vasa Museum, one of the most visited museums in Scandinavia. At the museum, you’ll get to explore a fascinating sight: the world's only preserved 17th century ship, where more than 98 percent of the ship is original. The museum also offers exhibitions around the ship, where you can get to learn about life on board and the ship’s historical context.

How to get there:
Eva’s Brunch is located at Folkungagatan 89, 116 30 Stockholm
Slussen ferry terminal is located at Skeppsbron 31, 111 30 Stockholm
ABBA The Museum is located at Djurgårdsvägen 68, 115 21 Stockholm
Vasa Museum is located at Galärvarvsvägen 14, 115 21 Stockholm

DAY 2: Afternoon

Credit: @villagodthem, @visitstockholm/Instagram

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12:00pm: After the museum, take a stroll over to the blue gates of Lusthusportens Park for a moment of respite. The tranquil park, which borders the Baltic Sea, offers idyllic walks along the water. Amidst the well-manicured gardens are plenty of benches that provide ample space to unwind, relax, and soak in the beauty of nature.

12:30pm: Lunch time! Head to Villa Godthem, one of Stockholm’s most historic and well-known restaurants. First built in 1874 as a private residence for local opera singer Carl Johan Uddman, the restaurant today is famous for its Swedish classic cuisine. The signature is the plank steak,

Villa Godthem in Stockholm’s central Djurgården island was built in 1874 as a private residence for local opera singer Carl Johan Uddman, before it was turned into an inn in 1897. The restaurant is well-known for their Swedish classic cuisine served in fantastic historical settings, and one of their signature dishes is the plank steak, where the succulent meat is grilled to perfection and served on a literal plank.

1:30pm: After lunch, it’s time to explore the Skansen Museum. The oldest open-air museum in the world, Skansen is a hot favourite even amongst locals. It’s often recommended to spend at least half a day here, for good reason: Skansen has much to offer.

As you enter Skansen, you step into a living time capsule, where a full replica of an average 19th-century town awaits you. This is a ‘miniature Sweden’ – 150 farms and dwellings including farms, cottages, and manors from different parts of the country were disassembled and transported here.

Skansen also houses a zoo, which is home to a wide variety of native Scandinavian animals. Explore the spacious enclosures and observe wildlife such as bears, wolves, lynx, reindeer, and elk in naturalistic habitats. There’s also two indoor aquariums; Skansen's Aquarium and the Baltic Sea Science Center.

How to get there:
Lusthusportens Park is located at Djurgårdsvägen 10, 115 21 Stockholm
Villa Godthem is located at Rosendalsvägen 9, 115 21 Stockholm
Skansen museum is located at Djurgårdsslätten 49-51, 115 21 Stockholm

DAY 2: Evening

Credit: Her World/Cheryl Lai-Lim, @fotografiska.food/Instagram

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8:00pm: When you’re done exploring Skansen, jump onto the ferry back. From Slussen, take a scenic stroll by the waters and head over to Fotografiska. Situated in a beautifully renovated former customs house, the photography museum is a haven for photography enthusiasts and art lovers alike. Check ahead if you’d like to discover what exhibitions are in town – a diverse range of works from both established and emerging photographers from around the world are always on display.

The museum is also home to its own award-winning sustainable restaurant. The kitchen was awarded a Green Star by the Michelin Guide in 2021, and offers a plant-based menu with ingredients that are all sustainable and locally sourced. While the focus is largely vegetarian, meat, fish, poultry or seafood are often available as an option or side dish. Inspired by the seasons as well as both Swedish and international flavours, the culinary team also often explores the intersection of art and gastronomy by incorporating innovative techniques and artistic presentations to the dishes. With its prime location on the top floor of the museum, the restaurant provides panoramic vistas of Stockholm's skyline and waterfront, creating a stunning backdrop for a memorable dining experience.

When you book a table at the restaurant, the entrance fee to the museum is included, and you’re free to explore the exhibitions before or after your meal.

How to get there:
Fotografiska is located at Stadsgårdshamnen 22, 116 45 Stockholm

DAY 3: Morning

Credit: Her World/Cheryl Lai-Lim

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9:00am: We’re starting the morning off at Östermalm Market Hall, a treasure trove of gastronomic delights with a wide range of culinary offerings to satisfy every palate. Explore the stalls and discover an impressive selection of fresh seafood, meats, cheeses, baked goods and more.

For breakfast, take your pick from the various cosy cafes, restaurants, and eateries within. From local Swedish delicacies to international specialties, Östermalm Market Hall celebrates the diversity of flavours and culinary traditions. Whether you're in the mood for a traditional Swedish dish, a gourmet burger, or a freshly brewed coffee, there's something to cater to every taste and craving.

10:30am: After breakfast, it’s time to head over to the Drottninggatan shopping district. Known as one of the city's main shopping thoroughfares, Drottninggatan is lined with an extensive selection of shops, catering to a wide range of tastes and budgets. Here, you’ll find all the major Swedish and international fashion labels, such as H&M, &OtherStories, Zara, and more.

Stockholm also has a thriving thrift and vintage shopping scene, and several popular boutiques are in this area. There’s HUMANA Second Hand, which boasts a wide range of clothes and hidden gems, as well as Arkivet, which houses a curated selection of stylish finds.

How to get there:
Östermalm Market Hall is located at Östermalmstorg 31, 114 39 Stockholm
Drottninggatan is located at Norrmalm (simply type in ‘Drottninggatan’ in Google Maps)

DAY 3: Afternoon

Credit: Her World/Cheryl Lai-Lim, @visitstockholm/Instagram

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12:30pm: Now that you’ve worked up an appetite, rest your aching legs at Restaurant Bobergs Matsal. Located in the NK department store, the restaurant is dressed elegantly with tasteful 20th-century decor; the space was famous Swedish architect Ferdinand Boberg's last project before his retirement. The lunch restaurant is owned by chef Björn Frantzén, who’s also behind Singapore’s three Michelin-starred restaurant Zén. Expect French classics with a Nordic touch. The restaurant prides itself on offering a menu that emphasises locally sourced produce, sustainable ingredients, and creative culinary techniques.

1:30pm: Ready to go on a little train tour? As you’ve experienced on day 1, Stockholm’s subway system doubles as underground art galleries. The train stations are said to be the world's longest art exhibit at 110 kilometres long.

There are 14 recommended stations with beautiful art, but if you’re on a time crunch, the notable stations we’d recommend include Morby Centrum, Stadion, Solna centrum, Odenplan, T-Centralen and Kungsträdgården station.

For today, we recommend following this route: Board the blue line at Kungsträdgården to T-Centralen, before switching to the red line and heading all the way up to Morby Centrum. On your way back down, stop at Stadion before heading back to T-Centralen to switch back to the blue line. This time, take the train to Solna centrum, before coming down and taking the train to Fridhemsplan so that you can switch to the green line to Odenplan.

3:30pm: Hop off at Odenplan and take a walk around the neighbourhood, known for its lively atmosphere, diverse culinary scene, and architectural charm. If you’re a fashion enthusiast, pop into Acne Studios’ Acne Archive, located a nine-minute walk away from the station. Here, fans of the renowned Swedish fashion brand will get the opportunity to explore and purchase iconic pieces from the brand's archives. The inventory here constantly evolves, ensuring that each visit to the store brings fresh discoveries.

4:30pm: One cannot come to Sweden without fika, a typical Swedish tradition where you take time out of your day to pause and enjoy a drink and a snack. Head over to Gateau Västmannagatan, and make sure to try their traditional cinnamon rolls – thick, fluffy buns with lots of cinnamon-buttery goodness.

How to get there:
Restaurant Bobergs Matsal is located at Hamngatan 18-20, 111 47 Stockholm
Kungsträdgården station is located at 111 47 Stockholm
Acne Archive is located at Torsgatan 53, 113 37 Stockholm
Gateau Västmannagatan is located at Västmannagatan 50, 113 25 Stockholm

DAY 3: Evening

Credit: Her World/Cheryl Lai-Lim, @meatballsforthepeople, @pharmarium/Instagram

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5:30pm: As dusk approaches, we’ve found the perfect place to admire the sunset. Golden hour in Stockholm is particularly beautiful with the city’s archipelago setting offering unobstructed views.

One of the best sunset views is located at Monteliusvägen, a scenic observation deck. It’s slightly out of the way – four train stops from Odenplan followed by a 13-minute walk – but the captivating view as the sun gradually descends and casts hues of fiery orange, soft pink, and deep purple across the skyline? Worth it.

8:00pm: You can’t leave Stockholm without trying the Swedish classic: meatballs. For your final meal in the city, visit Meatballs for the People, one of the most popular eateries in Stockholm known for its warm and inviting atmosphere, friendly service, and, of course, its mouthwatering meatballs. The menu features a variety of meatball options, including traditional beef and pork, as well as creative alternatives like vegetarian and vegan options, allowing guests with different dietary preferences to savour this Swedish delicacy. Trust us, you’ll be stuffed.

10:00pm: For one last tipple in Stockholm, head to Pharmarium. The cocktail bar, located right on the Old Town square where the first Swedish chemist once opened in 1575, takes inspiration from the world of alchemy and apothecary. The bartenders, often referred to as "apothecaries," are skilled artisans crafting an array of innovative cocktails that range from herb-infused concoctions to smoky and aromatic blends. Skål!

How to get there:
Monteliusvägen can be visited at 118 25 Stockholm
Meatballs for the People is located at Nytorgsgatan 30, 116 40 Stockholm
Pharmarium is located at Stortorget 7, 111 29 Stockholm

Other tips

Credit: Her World/Cheryl Lai-Lim

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Cash: Sweden uses the Swedish krona but its capital is rapidly becoming cashless. A lot of places in Stockholm are cash-free, card-only establishments, so it’s best not to exchange too much cash.

Public transport: Public transportation in Stockholm is easy to navigate. The SL metro card covers a vast public transport network in the Stockholm region, including the bus, trains and ferries. A single ticket is valid for 75 minutes, and it's also possible to buy 24 hours, 72 hours, and 30-day tickets. A parent with a stroller gets to ride for free on any of Stockholm's buses.

Go City: If you’re visiting a lot of museums and tourist attractions, try getting a Go City pass. It covers a pretty extensive list of attractions, and you can save on quite a bit as compared to purchasing individual tickets.

Animals: For those who are afraid or allergic to dogs, it’s important to note that Stockholm’s public transport allows these furry friends on board. Keep your eyes peeled just in case!