There are plenty of ways to capture a postcard-perfect panorama of Stockholm. We could glide skyward on SkyView, the glass gondola scaling the side of the Ericsson Globe.
Or bus over to Fjällgatan for a sweeping look across Djurgården and Skeppsholmen (names as tricky to pronounce as they are beautiful to behold).
Even Kaknästornet, the city’s 155-meter transmission tower, offers a lofty perch, cocktail in hand, naturally. But when given the choice between ease and effort, my exuberant husband, Brent, predictably leans toward the latter.
“You can do it,” he says cheerfully. “Only a hundred more steps.”
Is he kidding?
My heart is pounding, my quads are staging a protest, and I’m regretting that buttery breakfast croissant.
Still, I push onward, up 365 steep, spiraling steps inside the brick tower of Stockholm City Hall. And when I finally reach the top, breathless and triumphant, the reward is nothing short of spectacular.
A City Built on Water and Wonder
From this 106-meter vantage point, Stockholm unfurls in every direction. To the east, Saltsjön glimmers like a gateway to the Baltic Sea. To the west, Lake Mälaren stretches out in calm contrast.
Södermalm lies to the south, the downtown pulse to the north, and everywhere in between, a tapestry of islands, bridges and terracotta rooftops defines one of Europe’s most captivating capitals.
Stockholm isn’t just a city; it’s an archipelago of 14 islands stitched together by more than 50 bridges. Water is everywhere, shaping both the landscape and the lifestyle.
Ferries double as public transit. Kayaks glide through quiet canals. Even a simple stroll feels cinematic, with water views around nearly every corner.
Gamla Stan: Where History Lives
Photo by Brent Cassie
Over three days, we lace up our cross-trainers and set out to explore on foot, by boat and occasionally (reluctantly, on Brent’s part) by bus. Our Stockholm Pass becomes our golden ticket, unlocking access to more than 60 attractions, from royal palaces to world-class museums.
If Stockholm has a soul, it lives in Gamla Stan.
Founded in 1252, this medieval Old Town is one of Europe’s best-preserved historic centres. Cobblestone streets twist and turn between ochre and rust-coloured buildings, while cafés, boutiques and bakeries tempt at every turn.
It’s also home to the Royal Palace, one of the largest in Europe, with over 600 rooms. Inside, we wander through opulent halls, admire Queen Kristina’s silver throne, and explore the Treasury, where crown jewels glint under soft lighting.
“We’re practically royalty ourselves,” I joke to Brent. And in a way, we are. During our stay, we’re based at Danmarks Hus, a stately four-story residence in the city center belonging to our daughter-in-law’s embassy-connected family.
With the place to ourselves, we enjoy a rare blend of luxury and location, though Brent still insists on walking everywhere.
By Land and By Water
To get our bearings (and briefly rest my legs), we hop aboard the Hop On Hop Off bus and boat tours. With 24 stops, it’s the perfect way to sample the city’s highlights without committing to marathon distances, though knowing Brent, those are never far off.
Still, Stockholm is best experienced from the water. We board the MS Östanå I, a vintage 1906 vessel with old-world charm. As we leave the city behind, the vast Stockholm Archipelago begins to unfold with as many as 30,000 islands, islets and rocky outcrops stretching into the Baltic.
Each island tells its own story. Some are wild and forested, others are dotted with cheerful summer cottages and weathered docks. Our guide shares tales of fishermen, traders, and modern-day islanders who still embrace this unique coastal lifestyle.
For three blissful hours, I sit back, soak it all in, and give my feet a well-earned break.
Museums, Thrills, and a Bit of Retail Therapy
Back on land, Stockholm continues to impress. Brent rattles off his must-sees: The Vasa Museum, home to a perfectly preserved 17th-century warship. The Nordic Museum, chronicling centuries of Scandinavian life and Skansen, the world’s first open-air museum.
We also squeeze in a visit to Gröna Lund, the city’s historic amusement park. Despite being decades older than most in line, we strap into the Jetline roller coaster and scream our way through twists, turns, and another unforgettable view of the city skyline. Because apparently, walking 20,000 steps a day isn’t enough cardio.
Shop Till You Drop
Photo by Brent Cassie
Stockholm’s shopping scene is as diverse as its architecture. We start on upscale Biblioteksgatan and Birger Jarlsgatan, where designer labels like Prada and Gucci dominate. Then it’s on to Hamngatan and the sprawling Gallerian mall before hitting Drottninggatan, the city’s busiest pedestrian street.
Here, it’s a retail free-for-all: H&M, Zara, Monki and shoe stores galore. By the end of it, even Brent is slowing down, though not enough to skip “just one more block.” Conveniently, our sneakers are wearing out at exactly the same pace as our energy.
Why Stockholm Stays With You
Photo by Brent Cassie
What makes Stockholm so memorable isn’t just its beauty, it’s the balance. Old and new. Nature and city. Effort and ease.
You can climb 300+ steps for a view, or sip a drink and take it all in from afar. You can lose yourself in medieval alleys, or speed across the archipelago on a century-old boat. And somewhere in between, you’ll find your own rhythm. Even if it involves a few extra steps.
If You Go
Getting Around: Stockholm is incredibly walkable, but public transport (buses, metro, ferries) is efficient and easy to use. The Stockholm Pass is an excellent value if you plan to visit multiple attractions.
Don’t Miss:
- City Hall Tower climb (for the best views)
- Gamla Stan for history and atmosphere
- Book the Stockholm Archipelago Boat Cruise on Viator — a guided tour through the islands aboard a classic vintage vessel, with onboard commentary about the city’s history and island life
- Vasa Museum for a truly unique experience
Where to Stay: Central Stockholm offers easy access to major sights. Staying near Gamla Stan or Norrmalm puts you within walking distance of most attractions. Collector’s Victory Hotel is a charming boutique property in the heart of Old Town with a distinctive maritime theme, and Scandic Gamla Stan offers Gustavian-style rooms in a 17th-century building just steps from the metro.
Best Time to Visit: Late spring to early fall (May–September) offers long daylight hours and mild weather. Summer brings festivals and lively outdoor dining.
Food & Fika: Don’t miss Sweden’s beloved fika: a coffee break paired with pastries. Cinnamon buns are practically mandatory.
Getting There: Finding a great fare to Stockholm is easier than you’d think. Search flights on CheapOair — they compare hundreds of routes to help you land the best price.
Travel Insurance: International travel is always worth protecting. Compare plans at Squaremouth or check out flexible, affordable coverage through SafetyWing.
eSIM: Skip the roaming fees. Airalo offers affordable eSIM plans for Sweden so you stay connected from the moment you land.
Pro Tip: Wear comfortable shoes. Seriously. Even if you think you won’t walk that much… you will.
Need a hand planning your trip? Here are the sites and services we rely on most, from booking tools to travel products we love.
Inspire your next adventure with our articles below:
- Island Hopping Through Time: Stockholm’s Archipelago of Surprises
- Waterfalls, Fjords and Fairy Tales: A Coach Tour Through Scandinavia
Author Bio: Since 1996, while freelancing, Jane Cassie has had thousands of articles published. Her stories have appeared in CNN Magazine, Northwest Travel, New York Daily News, Chicken Soup For The Soul, Dreamscapes, Air Canada In-flight, Cottage Life, Epicure and Travel, just to name a few. She has been a regular contributor to Spa Life, INNspire, North American Inns Magazine, Cottage, and Inspire Magazines.
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