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Contrary to what some might think, a weekend in Stockholm is very little to be able to admire all the wonders of the Capital.
The best way to visit Stockholm is to let yourself be carried away by the charm of its alleys, following the winding of winding streets that lead to beautiful squares, and have… a little improvisation!
DAY 1 WEEKEND IN STOCKHOLM
Gamla Stan, or the island on which the Old Town stands, will be the long reference point for our Weekend in Stockholm: we want to start from here, and, from here, we want to close. Hoping that you have half a day to dedicate to the city, we invite you to hurry to check in as soon as possible and take the bus (3 or 59 are for you); get off at the Riddarhustorget stop.
Save your visit to the Royal Palace for the morning: you will see the changing of the guard. Along Riddarhustorget is the House of the Knights, or Riddarhuset. It is a beautiful 17th-century classical building, with a Dutch Baroque facade and preceded by a beautiful garden; outside, the statue of King Gustavo Vasa is visible.
Storkyrkan, the “Great Church”, is a wonderful example of the Baltic Gothic, and Baroque style. The Cathedral, dedicated to the cult of St. Nicholas, is the seat of the Diocese of Stockholm.
Intimate, welcoming and sober atmosphere, it is the place chosen by the royals to get married. Worthy of note is the wooden sculpture of St. George and the dragon by Bernt Notke, one of the most beautiful of its kind in Europe.
The complex is open every day from 10 to 18 and the payment of the entrance ticket of 60kr for adults is required. Free for under 18.
Continuing on foot, from the opposite side, you arrive in what is in effect the heart of Swedish history: Riddarholmen, the island of the knights. Riddarholmskyrkan, dominates the entire square: an ancient abbey of the city of Stockholm, pantheon of the Sovereigns of Sweden. It was founded in the thirteenth century. by King Magnus I Ladulås for the Franciscans. The interior is divided into three naves, presenting a typical Baltic Gothic architecture, made of bricks. The church can be visited every day from 10 to 17.
Erected in the center of the square in 1854, the statue of Birger Jarl, the founder of the city, while the whole western side is Wrangelska Palatset, a large palace from 1650, seat of the district court.
Birger Jarls Torg, in Riddarholmen is a set of cobbled streets, surrounded by dozens and dozens of palaces, many of which, today, are the headquarters of government bodies. It is quite suggestive to walk through these streets, with the imposing church in the background. No rooms or machines: arm yourself with your smartphone, or car, for your inevitable ritual photos.
For dinner, we recommend staying in the Gamla Stan area. In Osterlånggatan, a small alley near the church of Stlottskyrkan, you will find Tradition, a good compromise between quality and price. If you want something more, you could opt for the nearby Fem Små Hus, excellent in everything: from the service, to the dishes you will find a romantic place that is sure to impress. Higher prices than the previous one, but you pay for the quality!
DAY 2 WEEKEND IN STOCKHOLM
For the second day of the weekend in Stockholm, we recommend starting from Djurgården, which, after Gamla Stan, is now one of the most popular districts of the city by right. If you intend to travel by metro, get off at the Karlaplan stop and after about 10 minutes of walking you will arrive in Stockholm Djurgårdsbron (reachable directly by Tram or bus 69). Crossing the fascinating bridge that connects the city to the island of Djurgården, you will find yourself in front of the splendid Nordiska Museet.
The museum, housed in a splendid neo-Gothic building, is dedicated to the traditions and uses of the peoples of the North of the last 500 years. You will find an interesting section dedicated to hunting, fishing and the traditions of the Saami people, as well as costumes, tools, weapons of the Scandinavian people. By visiting the complex, you will be able to get closer to a people so far away from us.
The Museum is open every day from 10 to 17 and admission costs 140 SEK (free for under 18).
A few steps away, you will find the Regalskeppet Vasa, which we recommend a visit. One of the must-see stops in Stockholm, as well as one of the most visited city attractions. Located on the bank of the Saltsjön, this 17th-century galleon known as Admiral Vasa, sunk in 1628 on her maiden voyage, has now been perfectly restored.
Here a special maritime museum has been set up, the Vasamuseet, one of the most visited in Scandinavia, where objects found in the ship still intact are exhibited, as well as a 20th century icebreaker, and a firefighting ship in service until 1969.
The museum is open every day from 10 to 17, and on Wednesdays until 20. From 01 June to 31 August, the Vasamuseet is always open from 08:30 to 18:00. The entrance ticket costs 190SEK from September to May, and 220SEK from June to August. Free for under 18. For all practical info you can consult the official website.
Strolling through the neighborhood, along the main street Djurgårdsvägen, small and quiet public parks, wooden churches and small museums await you. Being in Stockholm, the city’s dedication to the legendary ABBAs cannot be missed: right here, overlooking the water, you will find the Museum dedicated to the historic Swedish band. In an interactive journey, the visitor will be able to dance, sing, and wander among the showcases filled with 70’s clothes, various memorabilia, prizes and objects of all kinds. We especially recommend it if you are a fan of the band.
The museum is open every day of the year, approximately from 10 to 17 (Wednesdays it closes at 20), but with different hours depending on the month. We therefore invite you to consult the official link of the structure. Admission costs 299SEK; reduced only for children from 7 to 15 years at the price of 120SEK. With the FAMILY TICKET 2 adults and 2 children enter at a cost of 699SEK. Free for children up to 6 years.
Continuing, Djurgårdsstaden extends, a truly characteristic and picturesque neighborhood, dotted with small one or two-story wooden houses, beyond which is the scenic Gröna Lund Tivoli, a beautiful outdoor amusement park overlooking the sea. If you were on vacation with your children, you will have to spend the whole day there. Fun is guaranteed. More info, on the official website. A full program of events and concerts entertains the public during the summer evenings.
We recommend taking a break to recharge the batteries. Oaxen, or, further back, Blå Porten, could be the two places that are right for you. The first, in perfect seafaring style, offers good fish dishes, while the second is a café, fast-food restaurant and restaurant, less demanding than the first and located along Djurgårdsvägen. Here you will find the so-called SMÖRGÅSBORD, a kind of buffet with a wide choice of cold and hot dishes, numerous types of bread (rye, toasted barley and the classic wheat bread), fish and meat dishes, cheeses and sweets. If possible, we always try to recommend local dishes rather than those of our own cuisine.
Skansen, the first Swedish zoo, and above all the first open-air museum in the world, is the final stop in the Djurgården district. From the hill (you can go up with the historic funicular) a beautiful view of the city. Info from here.
At this point, we recommend returning to Gamla Stan, to resume the visit of what started the day before. You can use the tram from Stockholm Djurgårdsbron station, within walking distance, or the Waxholmsbolaget boat from the Allmänna Gränd Brig terminal which takes you to Slussen Kajen in the heart of Stockholm in just over 10 minutes. For info and timetables www.waxholmsbolaget.se.
If the time available still allows it, you could stretch out not far from here: on one of the highest points of the island, you will meet another symbol of the city, the Stockholm City Hall, the Stadshuset, which does not go unnoticed with its spire with the three golden crowns.
It was built in 1911, and today it represents one of the most characteristic profiles of the city, admired from different points and perspectives. It is famous above all because it hosts the lavish Nobel Prize-giving reception here, an event that attracts illustrious personalities from all over the world. Alternatively, you can postpone your visit to the following day and relax with dinner in the Old Town. Also remember to take some time to visit the beautiful Ostermalm Saluhall Indoor Market. You could stop for dinner before closing. More info from here.
DAY 3 WEEKEND IN STOCKHOLM
Kungliga Slottet, or the Royal Palace, is the official residence of the King of Sweden, as well as the main building of the city. It represents one of the most important examples of Baroque architecture in Sweden. Four symmetrical buildings close the courtyard where the unmissable changing of the guard and the traditional parade of soldiers are held daily. Inside, not to be missed, the Hall of Guards, the Hall of Columns, the Bernadotte Gallery, the Festvånigen, or the ceremonial apartments (the oldest in the building, decorated by French artists) and, above all, the Rikssalen, or the Throne Room, a true masterpiece of Hårleman, and the Slottskyrkan, Palatine chapel, a Rococo masterpiece.
Until May 13: from Tuesday to Sunday, 10: 00-16: 00; May 14 to September 14, 10 am-5pm.
The ticket costs 180SEK for adults and 90SEK for children aged 7 to 15 and allows access to the Tre Kronor Museum and the Skattkammaren, the Treasury Room (you can also see them later, within 7 days of validation).
For more information, consult the official website, where you can also buy tickets.
Slottsbaken, is the large square that opens onto the South Wing of the Palace: in front of the sea there is the statue of Gustav III and, on the opposite side, the Obelisk of Desprez in memory of the loyalty that the citizens swore to the king in war of 1788 with Finland.
We are sure that Stockholm will remain in your hearts: a cold city with a warm heart. Have a nice weekend in Stockholm.
*all information contained herein is for informational purposes only and should not be considered official. All names and trademarks shown here belong to their respective owners.