Things to Do

Sure, there’s always ABBA, Yung Lean, 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 20 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.

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.

Late summer holds out for as long as it can. Mosebacketerrassen and Gröna Lund host their final concerts during the first few weeks, Trädgården keeps going for a few more nights, and in Aspudden two kilometres of flea-market tables stretch along Hägerstensvägen. Then things turn, and somewhere in between the weather changes without warning. From the middle of the month, it’s all about dark clubs and restaurants bringing out long tables and beer steins. Everything starts up again at once: indoor concerts, the autumn theatre season, literary events and the men’s national team in the Nations League. And in the middle of it all, a general election. Runners get their share too: Tjejmilen through central Stockholm, Lidingöloppet through the forest and a wine run where it’s perfectly acceptable to cheat and take the metro instead. It’s an unusually strong month for art, with Yung Lean among those showing ten years of painting for the first time. We’ve filled every day with something worth getting off the sofa for. Time to put on that autumn coat! Also recommended Stockholm’s best theatres – and the shows you can’t miss in 2026 Stockholm's 25 best restaurants – top spots for 2026 Stockholm's best cheap eats: From tunnbrödsrulle to meze feasts

Stockholm’s theatre scene is varied and constantly evolving, with state-funded national institutions, intimate venues fuelled purely by passion, and everything in between. Across Sweden, audiences are flocking back to theatres. Reported attendance figures for 2025 are the highest in a decade, with more young people than ever heading to performances. The same trend can be seen in Stockholm, where Kulturhuset Stadsteatern stands out in particular. Is it a longing to step away from screens and experience something live and shared? Or smart marketing paired with outstanding productions? Probably a combination of both. Swedish stand-up comedy is also continuing to grow, both in the city centre and beyond. Classic venues such as Norra Brunn and Big Ben draw crowds with their broad programmes. In Vällingby, the new Blackan Comedy has been a runaway success, while international venue The Laugh House brings together local and international comedians. We’ve rounded up some of Stockholm’s best theatres and the most exciting productions of 2026, from puppet theatre for the very youngest to classic dramas interpreted through dance, acclaimed operas and a 50th anniversary celebration. Recommended: Best museums to visit in Stockholm 2026 Best things to do in Stockholm

Let your inner child join your actual one at any of these fantastic kid-friendly experiences in Stockholm

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. Recommended:  20 top things to do in Stokholm Best restaurants in Stockholm – our picks for 2026 Stockholm’s best shopping: 15 boutiques for Nordic fashion and design

Looking for drinks with a view? From glamorous terraces to the perfect date spots – these are the best bars to take your night to new heights. 

Far out, on the outermost edge of the archipelago, lies Sandön, or Sandhamn as the uninitiated call it. Here, every morning starts with a salute on the jetty, and when the last ferry full of tourists has set off back towards Strömkajen, music from Seglarn, the archipelago’s hottest nightclub, can be heard bouncing between the boats. But first, we need to clear up the name: technically, Sandön is the correct name for the island, while Sandhamn is the name of its main settlement. Sandhamn, however, has long been the commonly used name, even if a few loyal locals stubbornly stick to the official one. The island is part of Värmdö municipality, but it has a strong identity of its own, shaped by age-old traditions, royal glamour and, let’s be honest, pricey restaurant bills and plenty of pomp and partying.  But that’s only one side of Sandhamn. Beyond the regattas and gleaming yachts, tall pine forests stretch out across the landscape. They stand firm through the seasons, just like the local entrepreneurs, the island’s true driving force, who are constantly finding new ways to develop and evolve their businesses. If you don’t have your own boat, the easiest way to get here is by ferry from central Stockholm, a journey of around 2.5 hours. It’s a popular day trip, but stay the night and you’ll get much more out of the island. Accomendation options on Sandhamn include the classic Seglarhotellet (Seglarn), a few simpler inns and the cosy Sands. For something more affordable, try KSSS hostel on nearby island Telegrafholmen, where you’ll also have access to a sauna (a free ferry runs several times a day). As for restaurants, Sandhamn has an impressive selection for an island, and it’s easy to see why it’s sometimes called the entertainment hub of the archipelago. Sandhamns värdshus charms with its dark wood panelling and original floors, worn uneven by the footsteps of countless guests. And when the weather is nice, its waterside terrace, perfectly positioned for the sun, is the ultimate place to be. If top-notch food is your number one priority, head to the family-run Dykarbaren. If you’re after a lively atmosphere, crowds and a bit of buzz instead, grab a table on Seglarn’s terrace. Whichever you choose, each restaurant has its own unique charm. All this makes for an island that’s full of life and things to do. To make the most of your visit to Sandhamn, my top tip is to check out the classic noticeboard in the harbour, where you’ll find out what’s happening right now. My second-best tip? To read the guide below.  Recommended reads: Stockholm's best waterfront bars Stockholm’s best swimming spots 15 gems in the Stockholm archipelago

Sun, wind and water and a gorgeous archipelago island are all we dream of for a perfect summer’s day. 

Short on ideas for your next day off in Sweden’s capital? No worries. We’ve got you covered.