Your ultimate guide to Stockholm

Sure, there’s always ABBA, Avicii and Zara Larsson, but if a Stockholmer gets sentimental, he or she might burst into the ’90s Lasse Berghagen song ‘Stockholm i mitt hjärta’. The song, which translates to ‘Stockholm in My Heart’, is a love letter to the city, celebrating its beauty with its golden Nordic light and its ‘perfect mixture of sweet and salt’. But it’s not only the salty sea of the archipelago or Swedes’ obsession with fika and candy that gives the city its unique appeal. It’s that distinct blend of restrained Nordic minimalism alongside a restless pursuit of the future. It’s the cool pubs, bistros and thrift stores of Södermalm; the glitzy floating bars at Strandvägen and Strömkajen with their sun-drenched patios; and the buzzing backstreets of downtown Norrmalm and Stureplan, where Michelin restaurants and high-end eateries blend with fashionable shopping streets and nightclubs. Here are 19 essential things to do, see and eat in the stunning Scandinavian capital – enough to make you want to join in the serenade. Some of our Stockholm highlights  Take a stroll on Stockholm's most beautiful street, Strandvägen Or do your own walking sight seeing tour around the Heights of Söder Scream your lungs out and smell the flowers at Djurgården  Watch world-class photography at Fotografiska  Take a boat trip to the nearest Stockholm archipelago Island  Have a red velvet croissant at Mr Cake – one of the city’s best ‘fika’ places  Find Stockholm's best place for boule – Sweden's favourite social drinking game  Experience the Swedish candy hype at BUBS Eat like a local at one of Stockholm's oldest restaurants  Day-drink in the coolest pool club at Ellery  🏨 Planning your stay? Discover Stockholm’s best best Airbnbs and hotels At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. This guide includes affiliate links, which have no influence on our editorial content. For more information, see our affiliate guidelines.

Ice cream, lunch, museum entry, bus tickets, and then snacks on top. The bill for a full day in Sweden’s capital can quickly add up and leave an unwelcome dent in your bank account. That’s why it’s always a little extra special when you find those hidden gems where you get great value without even opening your wallet. In this free guide to Stockholm, we’ve gathered our very best tips for a budget-friendly stay where the experiences are still top-notch. From museums and art exhibitions to open-air theatre, Stockholm is brimming with culture and entertainment that’s completely free – if you know where to look. Psst. Also check out our list of Stockholm’s best affordable restaurants – places where you can fill up without blowing your budget. The list in brief: Parkteatern – Enjoy performing arts under the open skyNationalmuseum – Find your creative side on Thursday evenings ArkDes – Explore the future of design on Skeppsholmen Stockholm City Museum – Discover the soul of the city in a 17th-century palace Stockholm’s markets – Hunt for vintage and feast among food trucks Summer cinema in Rålis – Experience a classic under the stars Gamla Stan – Join a free walking tour The Royal Academy of Fine Arts – Find calm in some of the city’s most beautiful rooms Östermalm – Go on a self-guided gallery tour in the art district Kungsträdgården – Practise qigong and the art of slowing down Konserthuset – Be inspired by classical music and 100 years of history Djurgården – Wander among sculptures in the greenery

I remember the first time I visited Stockholm’s Butterfly House with my daughter, then one and a half years old. ‘Look, fishies!’ she exclaimed happily when spotted the huge tank with colourful koi fish and carps. She squealed with delight and did a little dance, stamping her feet. Then she ran closer – and fell silent. With wide eyes, she followed their swaying movements, completely spellbound. In that moment, a sense of wonder at the world returned, thanks to seeing it in a new light through my daughter. Of course, moments like these can happen anywhere. For a child, it can be a grand adventure to dig for worms in the soil or spot the rubbish truck. But in some places, the magic feels just a little bit bigger. Sweden’s capital is packed with activities and potential adventures for little (and larger) legs. From the best museums with interactive exhibitions where kids can actually touch everything, to a child-friendly brunch and the city’s best playground – here are our top picks for things to do in Stockholm with kids.

Swedish museumgoers are discerning, and rightly so. For a museum to measure up today, it takes more than dusty display cases; there are five unspoken but unavoidable requirements to go all the way. We’re talking well-curated exhibitions, seamless accessibility, an inviting restaurant, activities for children and a museum shop you actually want to browse. A first-class museum can’t be a quick box-ticking stop – it simply has to be a full-day activity for everyone. The capital’s offering is as broad as it is deep. You’ll find heavyweight institutions for art, history and science as well as more niche success stories. Indulge in pop nostalgia at a museum dedicated to the music phenomenon ABBA, or marvel at a failed warship that sank on its maiden voyage (the Vasa Museum), only to be salvaged and become a global success and a symbol of Swedish pride 300 years later. Here, we list the museums that deliver both fascinating exhibitions and that little extra that makes a visit a real hit. At these museums, you can expect a memorable experience featuring everything from modern sculptures in a coastal setting and nostalgic toys to royal garments and insights into Swedish history and life in the Nordic region.

In the Swedish capital, you’ll find homegrown fashion brands with international status, world-class interior design, antiquarian bookshops for curious readers, florists that are artworks in themselves and shoe stores that have become pilgrimage sites for sneaker nerds from around the world. Stockholm’s shopping scene ranges from classic and timeless to young and forward-thinking – and the best part is that most of it is within cycling distance. While there are of course great finds to be made in most neighbourhoods, most of our tips are located either in Östermalm and Norrmalm/City or around Mariatorget and Zinkensdamm on Södermalm. Here are our top tips.

Stockholmers shop second hand as if it were a sport – and in some neighbourhoods, it almost is. The city’s wide range of vintage and second hand shops reflects a fashion awareness that’s hard to miss. Shopping vintage in Stockholm has never been more varied. Whether you’re looking for designer pieces from Scandinavian premium brands, classic tailored menswear, colourful ’70s fashion or affordable bargains, there’s something for every style and budget. It’s no coincidence that Södermalm is absolutely packed with vintage shops. Along Hornsgatan alone, between Slussen and Zinkensdamm, around twenty second hand stores line up in what’s often called Stockholm’s ‘slow fashion district’, with even more waiting around Nytorget. But neighbourhoods like Vasastan and Östermalm have also established themselves as strong areas for sustainable and style-conscious shopping. In this guide, we’ve rounded up Stockholm’s best vintage shops – from iconic classics and well-known chains to more niche boutiques with a distinct point of view. Whether you’re looking for statement pieces or planning to build an entire second hand wardrobe, these are the shops to start with.