Take in Stockholm’s beauty, history, culture and food from morning ‘til night
Stockholm has been called the most beautiful city in the world. There's simply nothing like this capital city’s stunning archipelago setting, encompassing a patchwork of 14 islands where Lake Mälaren meets the Baltic Sea. With its numerous canals, bridges and waterways, Stockholm is truly a city of water — as well as a cosmopolitan center of art, design, culture and fine cuisine.
Visiting Stockholm during the summer months is a treat for the senses. The weather is perfect, the daylight feels almost endless, and the city is humming with activity. One could easily be happy enjoying Stockholm’s pastoral parks and gardens, eating fried herring, sipping a beer, a glass of crisp white wine, or a refreshing lemonade at a waterside establishment. But taking a deeper dive into this city is incredibly rewarding, here are some suggestions for the perfect day and evening while in port.
Beautiful and historic Gamla Stan (the Old Town) is a natural place to begin your Stockholm adventure — especially early in the day when the streets are quieter and the pace more relaxed. Dating back to the Middle Ages, this pedestrian-only district enchants visitors with its candy-colored buildings and narrow cobbled lanes, too tight for cars but perfect for exploring on foot. Marvel at the iconic buildings of Stortorget, the city’s oldest square, and wander the charming streets and alleyways lined with antique shops, art galleries and cafés. Picturesque Gamla Stan is among the best places in Stockholm to capture striking photographs, from Prästgatan (Priest’s Street) to Mårten Trotzigs Gränd the city's narrowest street.
Stockholmers love fika — a treasured tradition of setting aside time for a convivial coffee and pastry break with friends. One of the best places in Stockholm to enjoy fika is at Skeppsbro Bageri. This waterside spot has indoor and outdoor seating — the stunning view of the harbor and city is sure to make your kanelbulle (cinnamon bun) taste even more delicious. Skeppsbro Bageri mills its own grains for their pastries and offers a full breakfast selection including savory sandwiches.
Alternatively, for a traditional and cozy 1920s-style konditori (café), head to Veta Katten, a Stockholm institution. While Veta Katten serves lovely cardamom and cinnamon buns, this is the place to try more elaborate pastries and cakes like the famous Prinsesstårta (princess cake): three sponge layers filled with raspberry jam and vanilla cream, topped with whipped cream and covered a distinctive layer of green marzipan and a pink rose. This is one highly Instagrammable cake!
Normally a city hall might not be a hot ticket, but Stockholm’s City Hall is a big draw for visitors. The building is the site of the annual Nobel Prize banquet and is a masterpiece of National Romantic architecture. But the primary reason to visit City Hall might be to go to the top of its 106-meter tower to get a sweeping view of the city and the island of Riddarholmen. Note that the only way to visit is with a tour – so be sure to book in advance on the City Hall’s website.
The Royal Palace (Kungliga slottet) is a highlight for anyone interested in royalty or history — it's been the official residence of Sweden’s royal family for nearly eight centuries. The colorful changing-of-the-guard takes place at 12:15pm on weekdays. The Palace itself offers a fascinating glimpse into Swedish history and royal life. You can experience a variety of architectural styles, from Roman to Baroque, as you explore the palace. Highlights include the Tre Kronor Museum, the Royal Apartments, and the Royal Chapel. To avoid queues in the summer season, be sure to book ahead.
Stockholm is also renowned for its vast array of museums, ranging from centuries-old treasures to contemporary art, music, and more.
The Vasa Museum is the most visited in Scandinavia. It houses the Vasa, a 17th-century warship that was the largest in the world at the time and famously sank on its maiden voyage. Excavated more than 300 years later, the ship is remarkably well preserved, with almost every section being original — making it a rare sight to see. The museum spans six floors, allowing you to see the ship from many perspectives. The museum is easily reached by bike, tram, bus, or ferry shuttle to Djurgården, an island in central Stockholm.
While you’re on Djurgården, you can also visit the Nordiska Museet, a museum that explores 500 years of Nordic cultural life, spanning food, family life, art, society and more, bringing Nordic stories and voices to life.
Or check out a very different attraction — the Abba Museum, dedicated to the legendary Swedish pop group. Abba fans will marvel at gold records, original costumes and other memorabilia. If you’re an Abba fan, or just like to sing and dance, the museum provides a joyful, interactive experience. Where else can you become the 5th Abba member on stage?
For a more contemporary museum experience, visit Fotografsika, an international museum of modern photography, art, and culture. The changing photo exhibitions are always thought-provoking, and its award-winning restaurant and café with a panoramic view of the city make Fotografsika a popular meeting place for Stockholm residents and visitors alike.
Once you’ve had your fill of museums, head to the island district of Södermalm – known as Söder to locals—for some delicious food and shopping. With a fashionable but relaxed and bohemian vibe, Södermalm is the place to go for artsy shops, modern cafes and vibrant restaurants. Indulge in Swedish meatballs at Meatballs for the People, where all the ingredients are sourced from Swedish farms. Choose from beef, pork, lamb, chicken, rooster, moose, wild boar, ox, reindeer, salmon, vegan and more — all served with the classic accompaniments of gravy, lingonberries, and potato purée.
Explore Södermalm’s SoFo (blocks south of Folkungagatan) neighborhood with an array of new and independent clothing shops, bookstores and hidden gems. If you’re shopping for jewelry, stop by Smid, where you’ll find elegant pieces from local designers.
Top spots for contemporary apparel include Acne Studios and A Day’s March. If you love chocolate, stop by Chokladfabriken På Söder AB for some of the most remarkable pralines in Stockholm — perfect for gifting.
Not a shopper? Södermalm is also the perfect place to take a scenic walk along the shoreline.
Swedish food might bring to mind pickled herring, potatoes and yes, meatballs, but the culinary leaders in Stockholm have embraced the exciting New Nordic cuisine movement and continue to push boundaries. You can cap your perfect day in Stockholm off with a meal at a Michelin-starred restaurant — there are 12 to choose from and they all take Swedish cuisine to exciting new places. Enjoy the rustic Scandi vibe at Ekstedt, where the food is cooked over an open fire, without the help of gas or electricity. Dine at the opulent and world-renowned Frantzen, where the three Michelin stars are a given, but the menu always comes as a surprise. Or choose Aira with its waterfront location and gastronomic masterpieces that have been called works of art.
Stockholm and Northern Europe exude a special magic in the summer. With Seabourn, you'll have the time to savor the very best of the sea and the picturesque ports that make this region so enchanting.
Explore Stockholm on Seabourn’s new 11-Day Baltic Explorer: Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania & Poland sailing.
Northern Europe
from $5,053*
Explore Destination*Per Person, USD. Taxes and Fees are included. Additional terms apply.
Linger longer and explore more in captivating destinations around the world
No matter when you visit, expect stunning natural vistas, convivial traditions, community events, and a plethora of cultural attractions for every kind of explorer.
Actually, it’s more of a friendly competition when it comes to the traveler, as both of these countries offers natural and cultural wonders in spades.
This European city is a charming hub of art and culture
