1 week in Stockholm

What a treat to spend a whole week in Sweden's beautiful and multifaceted capital ! An archipelago of 14 islands, each with its own unique atmosphere and style, it's ideal for those who enjoy variety. Follow us on a perfect itinerary to make sure you don't miss a thing during your week in Stockholm.

Day 1: Getting your bearings among all the city's neighborhoods

It's not always easy to find your way around when you first arrive in Stockholm, which is why we suggest starting your visit by exploring the must-see neighborhoods. You can do this on foot, by bike, by boat, or even by kayak (yes, really!). The tourist bus is a great alternative for learning about the city's history at the same time.

• Norrmalm, a dynamic and central district where the main train station is located, which represents the heart of the city.
• Södermann, a chic and trendy island with the young and dynamic So Fo district.
• Kungsholmen is pleasant to visit with its calm atmosphere and lovely waterside promenade.
• Djurgarden is a verdant haven with many green spaces for picnics and relaxation.
• Gamla Stan constitutes the old town of Stockholm, a small iconic island with colorful 17th and 18th century facades.
• Vasastaden features the city's typical architecture, a peaceful and family-friendly residential area with excellent restaurants.
• Östermalm is an elegant and very lively district with many restaurants, bars and cafes.
• Skeppsholmen is a small island that one could almost forget, nestled between Gamla Stan and Djurgarden which offers very pretty views.

Yes, that's a lot of neighborhoods to visit! Plan between 1 and 2 days to make sure you don't miss any of the cobbled streets and typical buildings of Stockholm.

Day 2: Shopping and relaxing in the city parks

Vintage boutiques, shopping centers or well-known brands, Stockholm has everything you need to change your wardrobe.

• Gamla Stan is full of small, independent, artisanal shops, ideal if you want to avoid tourist traps.
• Norrmalm city is the ready-to-wear district! Head to Drottninggatan street for a diverse and varied selection of styles, from major brands to specialized shops.
• In Östermalm, load up your wallet to raid Nordiska Kompaniet, the Swedish Galeries Lafayette with major fashion brands.
• Södermalm is the king of vintage, with the So Fo district where original designers champion retro style.
• The shopping centers are also attractive, including the Mood, the Gallerian in Norrmalm, and the Sturegallerian with its all-glass roof.

Is your shopping trip over? It's time to relax in one of the capital's many parks.

• Take a break in the public gardens of Gamla Stan, Riksplan Park, or Jünotappan Garden. With their shaded areas for picnics and playgrounds for children, they are perfect places to relax.
• In the Norrmalm district, Berzelii Park, Kungsträdgården Park and Nora Bantorget Garden welcome you to a pleasant and sometimes lively green space.

• Right in the heart of Östermalm, elegant gardens offer a welcome respite. Settle down on the lawn of Humlegärden or Gustaf Adolfsparken.
• Djurgarden Island is made up of several natural areas for a moment of peace and quiet in the Royal Urban National Park or the Rosendal Garden.
• Vitabergsparken or Tantolunden Park in Södermalm are perfect for escaping into nature.
• In Kungsholmen, there are lovely green spaces to explore, such as Ralambshov Park for children or Fredhällsparken.

Day 3: Discover the museums of Stockholm's neighborhoods

For this third day, we'll explore art and culture through various museums. Most are open year-round and sometimes offer guided tours. Immerse yourself in the lives of Stockholmers.

• The ABBA Museum on Djurgården Island is a must-see, even if you're not a fan. From costumes to press clippings, the group's entire life is recreated. Completely interactive, you can sing and dance in this unique and unusual place.
• In the same neighborhood, visit The VASA museum houses a nearly complete reconstruction of the ship. Collections and models tell the story of this 17th-century warship.
• The National Museum On the Blasieholmen peninsula, you'll find Sweden's most important art gallery. Works by Rembrandt, Goya, Zurbaran, and Manet abound in this museum with free admission.
• The Nobel Museum in Stockholm traces the history of the laureates since Alfred Nobel. Discover the origins of this prize and its evolution to the present day in Gamla Stan.
• The Nordic Museum in Djurgarden is a goldmine for learning more about life in Nordic villages in the 17th century.
• The Photography Museum features incredible collections by renowned artists such as Martin Schoeller, Annie Leibovitz, and David Drebin. Take a trip to Södermalm.

Day 4: Visiting the outskirts of Stockholm

Want to escape the central districts of Stockholm? Perfect, follow us to the outskirts of the city for a day off the beaten track.

• Drottningholm Palace on the island of Lovön was the residence of the royal family from its construction in 1579. It is the best-preserved castle in Sweden open to the public. The exterior is also magnificent, with its Baroque garden and English landscape garden.
• The Artipelag art museum in Varmdo is well worth a visit. Numerous exhibitions are held there in a unique setting of glass windows, giving the impression of a museum in the heart of nature.
• Uppsala, known as the Cambridge of Sweden, is a charming city to visit with a young and dynamic atmosphere thanks to the universities.
• Nackareservatet, the Nacka nature reserve, is a 100% natural haven for hiking enthusiasts. With 29 trails, you'll find plenty to marvel at, whether you're arriving at Lake Dammtorpssjön or Lake Källtorpssjön.
• Tyresta National Park, just 20 minutes from Stockholm, is a natural gem spanning 5,000 hectares. With its rocky plateaus, lakes, ponds, and pine forests, the landscapes are sublime and the hikes breathtaking in an idyllic natural setting.
• The pine cemetery on the island of Lidingö is striking for its harmony between vegetation and architecture. Designed by two architects, it offers an unusual yet pleasant stroll among the multi-ethnic graves.

Day 5: Escape to the other islands of the archipelago

After a few days in central Stockholm, we set sail to visit the other equally beautiful islands nearby. Accessible by ferry, bus, boat, or kayak, they promise wonderful excursions along the water.

• Vaxholm offers a picture-postcard setting with its wooden cottages, sandy beaches, and pine forests. Explore it on foot in 4 hours before taking a break in the shops and restaurants.
• Värmdö is the pride of the locals with the Gustausberg porcelain factory, now expanded into a cultural complex with a museum, a craft shop and a cafe.
• Grinda is a true haven of peace where swimming is wonderful. With sandy beaches and rocky coves, it's the perfect place to get away from it all.
• Sandhamn is famous for the popular TV series "Murders in Sandhamn", a peaceful and charming island with its little red houses and wild beaches.
• Utö is a preserved island, appreciated for its beautiful hikes, bike rides and kayaking excursions around the beaches and rocks.
• Ingmarsö is lovely, made up of small lakes that are pleasant to explore on foot or by bicycle. Shops and charming restaurants are also available.
• Nämdö is a 100% natural island, perfect for camping and getting away from it all in peace and quiet. Take the opportunity to visit the small church, the lighthouse, and the 17th-century Östanvik farm.
• Rögrund is part of the Nämdö Nature Reserve, welcoming visitors to a youth hostel. You can't miss it; a concrete crocodile watches over your arrival.

Day 6: Enjoying Stockholm's activities

The day won't be long enough to try all the unique experiences we have on offer. It's up to you to choose based on your interests and, sometimes, your courage!

• The Gröna Lund amusement park in Djurgården is a thrill-packed experience with rides up to 34 meters high that plunge at speeds of 90 km/h. Hold on tight!
• The sauna is a tradition worth trying in Sweden, starting with a 70°C sauna before gently descending into icy water. In Stockholm, head to Tanto Bastun or Bastun Hellasgarden for this unique experience.
• Stay cool on the frozen lakes, perfect for skating. Drevviken, Magelungen and Långsjön are renowned spots for enjoying skating in nature near Stockholm.

• In summer, take advantage of the warm weather to kayak between the islands of the archipelago. Alone or with others, it's the ideal activity for picnicking in secluded coves.

• The more adventurous can participate in a minibus safari to observe the forest animals up close. Moose, beavers, wolves, lynx or fallow deer – keep your eyes peeled!
• The Segway is another fun and sporty way to visit Stockholm. Rent your two-wheeler and explore the city while holding onto your handlebars.
• Travel by subway whenever you can; more than just a means of transport, it's a true work of art entirely decorated by contemporary artists.
• Finally, we suggest you enjoy fika. More than just a coffee break, it's a real moment of sharing and conviviality, often accompanied by a kanelbull, a cinnamon brioche cake.

What a trip! You certainly know how to speak Swedish now after a week exploring Stockholm. Couldn't see everything? All the better, it'll be a good excuse to come back.

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