Stockholm Sweden in the Summertime

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Though it may not be as well-known as Paris, London or Rome, Stockholm is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe – and it’s not to be missed.

The capital of Sweden stretches across 14 islands, with more than 30 percent of the city made up of waterways and another 30 percent made up of parks and green spaces.

Just beyond Stockholm is the Stockholm Archipelago, which has more than 24,000 islands. This island world is the size of Connecticut, and it’s the summer playground for many Swedes.

view of stockholm and its bridges resized
Stockholm, Sweden stretches across 14 islands. Photo by Janna Graber

During the summer, Stockholm is at its best. The city streets are lined with flowers, and the days are long and warm. Start your visit with an afternoon in Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s Old Town.

Gamla Stan’s charming cobblestone alleyways and pink, ochre and yellow historic buildings will have you pulling out your camera. Many cafés and restaurants in Gamla Stan have outdoor patio seating, which provides the perfect opportunity to people watch and soak up the Swedish sun.

There is a little something for everyone in Stockholm. Here are our suggestions for the top 10 things to do in Stockholm.

Locals enjoy a summer evening in Gamla Stan in Stockholm.
Locals enjoy a summer evening in Gamla Stan in Stockholm. Photo by Janna Graber

1. Sample Stockholm Cuisine

One of the best ways to experience a culture is through its food. Swedish food is much more than Swedish meatballs. A renaissance has been going on in the city for years, and Stockholm is home to top chefs and exceptional cuisine.

In the summer, be sure to sample the city’s fresh berries, from strawberries to lingonberries, and crayfish parties or kräftskivor are popular in the warm summer months. One of our favorite Swedish restaurants is Tradition (located on Österlånggatan in Gamla Stan), for traditional Swedish dishes.

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If you try the Tradition Tasting Menu, you can sample a variety of local specialties from cured salmon with mustard sauce to smoked reindeer with horseradish, whitefish on black rye bread, and meatballs with the classic trimmings.

Beyond the best restaurants, Stockholm is famous for its food markets. Check out the Nordic Food Walk tour with GetYourGuide to explore the most delicious Stockholm food markets while learning about the city. Book your tour here with a 24-hour up to the event cancellation policy so you can plan stress-free.

2. Skansen Open Air Museum

This museum is a favorite for locals and tourists alike. Located on Royal Djurgården, the massive living museum offers a walk through the Sweden of yesteryear.

More than 100 historic farms and houses were moved here from regions all over the country. Costumed reenactors bring those times to life. Many Swedish traditions, such as Walpurgis Night, are celebrated here.

Skansen is home to more than 100 historic Swedish homes.
Skansen is home to more than 100 historic Swedish homes. Photo by Janna Graber

3. The Vasa Museum

Located on the island of Djurgården, the Vasa Museum houses the only completely intact salvaged 17th century ship in the world. More than 95 percent of the ship is the original. The ship sank on its maiden voyage and was salvaged 333 years later.

After much hard work, the ship’s restoration is quickly approaching its original glory. The Vasa is a treasured part of Swedish culture, and no visit to Stockholm is complete without a stop to see the Vasa.

4. Nordiska Museet

The Nordiska is Sweden’s largest museum of cultural history. The museum houses works from 1520 to the contemporary period, and it’s very well done.

Founded by the same man who founded the Skansen Open Air Museum, Artur Hazelius, it is a must-see for history buffs. The museum has over 1.5 million objects in its collections.

5. Stockholm Cathedral

This medieval cathedral was built in 1279 and houses many unique historical items. These include St George and the Dragon sculpture, built in 1489, and more. Now a Lutheran church, there are a variety of religious services performed here, as well as concerts.

6. Royal Palace

One of the largest palaces in Europe, the Swedish Royal Palace is home to His Majesty the King of Sweden. This large palace has more than 600 rooms and is open to the public. There are several museums in the palace for visitors to explore.

Built in the Italian Baroque style, the palace is a sight to see. It is also home to the Armory, with armor and costumes. If you’ve visited the glitzy palaces of France or Austria, you’ll note a decided difference in the more understated style of the Swedish royals.

The King's Garden is a great place to relax.
Visitors relax in the King’s Garden. Photo by Janna Graber.

7. Boat to Drottningholm Palace

This scenic boat tour on a century-old steamer takes passengers across the calm waters of Lake Mälaren. It’s an excellent way to explore Stockholm’s waterways and island scenery.

Drottningholm Palace is home to lush gardens and parks, and is a World Heritage site. It is important to note that the Stockholm Card discount does not apply when booking in advance.

8. Boat Sightseeing

Sightseeing by boat is a great way to see the archipelagos. These islands are just 20 minutes from Stockholm and are comprised of 30,000 islands. The archipelagos are a world of their own. Visitors can get up close to nature, as well as view museums and other cultural sites.

Get a unique view of the whole city with this Under The Bridges Boat Tour. See all the best landmarks as you cruise on Lake Mälaren and the Baltic Sea. Book your tour here and start planning your trip around Stockholm.

If you ask for a Waxholmsbolaget’s island-hopping map, you can plan ferry trips from island to island and things to do on the way. Visitors can also download the app of the same name. Those more adventurous can even kayak to explore the islands.

11 PM sunset near Stockholm. Photo by Ben Rader
11 PM sunset near Stockholm. Photo by Ben Rader

9. Stockholm SkyView

SkyView takes visitors to the top of the world’s largest spherical building, the Ericsson Globe, which is a Stockholm landmark. The highest point is 425 above sea level, which gives riders a sensational view over the city.

There are two gondolas that depart every 10 minutes, and the entire ride takes 30. Holders of the Stockholm Card ride for free, but only if room allows. If the gondola is full, they run so frequently that it is not a problem.

10. Guided Bike Tours

For something a little slower than the bus tours, but a little faster than walking, Stockholm’s bike tours allow for the most beautiful views of the city. The tours are done in English, and visitors are guided through a tour of the city.

Enjoy sight-seeing like a local on this Top Highlights Bike Tour with GetYourGuide. Check out the Stockholm bike tour options here.

Book This Trip

In Stockholm, most Swedes speak English, so a language barrier is not a problem. Most tours are available in English. For more information on travel in Stockholm, see VisitStockholm.com.

Start planning your Stockholm escape today. Get prepared with insider tips on how to get around, hotel and VRBO accommodations, local restaurant reviews and more through TripAdvisor and Travelocity.

Find top-rated tours, unique private activities and expert guides around Stockholm here through GetYourGuide.

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