Hand-picked deals by our pirate team
Get inspired!
Hand-picked deals by our pirate team
Hand-picked deals by our pirate team
Get inspired!
Hand-picked deals by our pirate team
Looking for Flights to Stockholm?
You need to agree with the cookies and privacy policy of this external service to view the content
Looking for an Accommodation in Stockholm?
- Home
- Destinations
- Sweden Stockholm
Stockholm Vacations: Discover the Romantic North
Are you ready to explore Sweden? How about starting with a relaxing short trip to the Swedish capital, Stockholm? This vibrant city has a lot to offer! With a rich mix of culture, landmarks, and a diverse nightlife scene, Stockholm is a travel destination that caters to all kinds of travelers. One special recommendation is a visit to the ABBA Museum, which is a must-see for fans of the iconic Swedish band.
With over 2 million people in the metropolitan area, Stockholm is the largest city in Scandinavia. Known as the “City of Kings,” the capital has a rich cultural history that spans centuries. Today, Stockholm is not just a city with a deep past; it is also a cultural hub where the creative energy of Scandinavia thrives. The city’s youthful vibe shapes the latest trends, and its nightlife is considered one of the most impressive and diverse in Scandinavia.
To help you make the most of your city trip, we’ve gathered a few travel tips and offers.
Pirate tip: Plan your Stockholm vacation with our travel calendar to enjoy the perfect weekend vacation!
Getting to Stockholm
If you’re looking to go on an affordable Stockholm vacation, the best option is often flying to Stockholm with one of the many budget airlines. Direct flights to Stockholm are available from American Airlines, KLM and more, departing from Los Angeles.
Flights to Stockholm – From the Airport to the City
Stockholm flights land at Stockholm-Skavsta, which is located about 60 miles south of the city. The transfer to the city can be done in about 70 minutes via an airport bus. Alternatively, you can take a city bus to Nyköping and then continue by train into Stockholm.
For other airlines offering cheap flights to Stockholm, you have several options to reach the city center. The Arlanda Express is the fastest and most direct, taking just 20 minutes, though it’s a bit pricey. Alternatively, you can take a suburban train or use one of the direct buses that run regularly into the city. For those on a tighter budget, you can use a 72-hour pass to take a local bus to Märsta, followed by a shuttle train into the city.
Transport in Stockholm
If you’re looking to get around Stockholm on a budget, the Stockholm Metro (also known as the Tunnelbana) is the most convenient way to travel between the city’s key spots. What makes the Stockholm Metro particularly fascinating is that many of its stations are adorned with stunning artworks, turning the subway into one of the largest art galleries in the world. So, while you’re on your way to the next party or travel destination, you’ll also be treated to an impressive dose of art and culture.
Weather in Stockholm
Stockholm is located where the Mälaren Lake, Sweden’s third-largest lake, flows into the Baltic Sea, which significantly influences its weather. As a result, rain showers are fairly common, and heavy snowfall is expected during the winter months. However, it’s also possible to experience plenty of sunshine during your trip to Stockholm, especially in the summer, when temperatures can occasionally get quite hot.
Best Time to Visit Stockholm
The best time for a Stockholm vacation is clearly the summer, from June to August. In July, you can expect an average temperature of 70°F and around 10 hours of sunshine per day, with temperatures often rising above that. That said, visiting Stockholm at other times of the year can also be worthwhile. During the snowy winter months, the city takes on a unique charm, and there’s enough to do indoors to keep you entertained even in bad weather.
Attractions in Stockholm
Stockholm’s attractions are diverse, offering something for every taste. Famous museums include the Vasa Museum, the ABBA Museum, and the Nobel Museum. If you’re traveling with children, we recommend a visit to the Gröna Lund amusement park and Junibacken, a place dedicated to the characters from Swedish children’s books, especially those by Astrid Lindgren.
A stroll through the picturesque Old Town, including a visit to the Royal Palace, should also be on your itinerary. You should also take a boat tour through the Stockholm Archipelago, where around 30,000 islands await you. For a great panoramic view of the city, head to the tower of Stockholm City Hall, where you can enjoy breathtaking vistas for just a few kronor.
The sights and highlights in Stockholm at a glance:
ABBA Museum
Vasa Museum
Skansen Open-Air Museum
Nobel Museum
Gröna Lund Amusement Park
Junibacken
The Old Town “Gamla Stan”
The Palace, including the Changing of the Guard at 11:45 AM
Enjoy the view of Stockholm from the Tower of the City Hall
Eat Köttbullar and Cinnamon Buns
Historical Museum (Historiska Museet)
National Museum
A tour of the Swedish Parliament
Enjoy the view from Monteliusvägen in Södermalm
Free Sights in Stockholm
As in many cities around the world, there are free walking tours you can participate in. Some museums, such as the Historical Museum (Historiska Museet) and the National Museum, can also be visited for free. You can also join free tours of the Swedish Parliament.
The Changing of the Guard at the Royal Palace is another interesting (and free) spectacle. It takes place every day at 11:45 AM. The center of Stockholm is also quite compact, so you can enjoy extended walks through the city and see a lot. A really beautiful view of the Old Town and the City Hall can be had from the other side of the water on Monteliusvägen in Södermalm.
Enjoying Culinary Delights in Stockholm
Otherwise, just let the special charm of Stockholm unfold and snack your way through the city. There are plenty of restaurants for every budget, so look forward to traditional Swedish dishes like Köttbullar, which you may know from your IKEA visits. If you’re in the mood for fast food, we recommend the Swedish alternative to McDonald’s called Max Burgers.
Enjoying a cozy coffee should also be part of your Stockholm city break, as Swedes have even invented a verb for this popular activity: att fika. Be sure to try one of the legendary Swedish cinnamon buns. Some of the best can be found at the Fabrique Stenugnsbageri bakery, which has several locations around the city. And if you’re already there, order one with cardamom!
Pirate Tip: Save on Your City Trip with the Stockholm Pass
If you want to see a lot of the city and visit several museums during your short Stockholm getaway, the Stockholm Pass might be worth it. With it, you get free admission to over 60 attractions, free boat and bus tours, and a guidebook. If you also want to use public transport extensively, you can add the Travelcard. Whether it’s worth it for you or not depends on how much you plan to do in a day. A quick price comparison of the entrance fees for the attractions you’re interested in will quickly answer this question.
Nightlife in Stockholm
Stockholm has a variety of clubs, bars, and restaurants worth visiting. However, you should note that alcohol in Stockholm, as is common in Scandinavia, is very expensive. Nevertheless, these venues offer a very special atmosphere. In addition to the often English or Irish touch that most places have, they also bring a unique Swedish vibe. And this mix creates a truly special party experience.
New Year’s Eve in Stockholm
Swedes are often stereotyped as being a bit distant and reserved. However, one thing you can be sure of is that Swedes know how to celebrate, and they’ll gladly show you that on New Year’s Eve in Stockholm. Typically, Swedes celebrate the turn of the year in public spaces. People gather in large squares to celebrate together.
To keep you warm, delicious food and drinks are served. If you prefer warmth, head to places like “Alladin,” “Monday Bar,” or “Rocks.” You won’t be alone celebrating New Year’s Eve in Stockholm at these spots. The best view of the fireworks is from the square in front of the Royal Palace or from Gamla Stan, which consists of three small islands in the heart of the Old Town.
Pirate tip: For a hangover breakfast the next morning, head to one of the small bistros in the Old Town. Many of them are open on New Year’s Day and will take care of you.
Accommodations in Stockholm
Hotels in Stockholm
You can book double rooms in well-rated hotels in Stockholm with good public transport connections for around $50 per night. While Stockholm hotels offer around 40,000 beds in accommodations ranging from luxurious (like Birger Jarl or Nordic Light Hotel) to simple yet quirky (such as the old three-master Af Chapman or a former prison cell accommodation on Langholmen), there can still be occasional shortages in availability. This is mainly due to Stockholm’s popularity for conferences, business trips, and seminars. Early booking is recommended.
Hostels in Stockholm
For budget travelers, Stockholm also offers several hostels. Here, you can stay cheaply in a dormitory or even book a private double room, though you might have to share the bathroom with other guests.
Camping in Stockholm
If you’re planning a trip to Stockholm in the summer and perhaps traveling by car, staying at one of the many campsites in Stockholm could be a great option. These campsites are often located in green areas by the water, offering a unique charm. This allows you to combine nature with city life. Read more about camping vacations.
We value your privacy
We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience, serve personalized content, and analyze our traffic. By clicking "Accept All" you accept this and consent that we share this information with third parties and that your data may be processed in the USA. For more information, please read our .
You can adjust your preferences at any time. If you deny, we will use only the essential cookies and unfortunately, you will not receive any personalized content. To deny, .