WHAT TO DO IN STOCKHOLM IN 3 DAYS
If you are planning your Stockholm itinerary and wondering how to spend 3 days in Stockholm, this post will help you find out about the best activities. Stockholm, like Copenhagen or Reykjavik, is such a laid-back, liberal, and friendly place. With its many islands and bridges, Stockholm is definitely a beauty. Without a doubt, Stockholm is one of the best places to visit in Sweden.
I think 3 days is actually a good time to spend there. Though the travel tips I give below could also be done within 2 days, 3 days is perfect: less stressful, but still fun and not boring.
TRAVEL TIPS FOR YOUR STOCKHOLM ITINERARY
Before talking about the top things to do, you will find some important travel information for your 3-day Stockholm itinerary. Stockholm, like all of Sweden and Scandinavia, is pretty expensive and if you look for cheap holidays you might get disappointed – but there are also some great free things to do in Stockholm which do not cost a thing.
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Where to Stay in Stockholm For 3 Days
Both times I visited Stockholm, I stayed in Uppslangantan. It is close to the main station, Cityterminalen, and Drottninggatan (Drottninggatan is the main shopping street).
- For a more luxurious experience, check out rates at Grand Hotel Stockholm. The hotel is in a perfect location and one of the most luxurious in Sweden.
- I stayed at HTL Upplandsgatan during my second trip. The mid-range hotel is a good choice if you like to stay central but do not want to spend a fortune on Stockholm’s accommodation.
- The first time I visited Stockholm, I stayed at this lovely hostel. I am not a hostel fan, but I truly recommend this one. Admittedly, prices are higher than you might be used from hostels in other areas of the world – but in Stockholm, this is quite a good deal.
- Here is my full guide: the best places to stay in Stockholm.
How to Get Around Stockholm
- Many places in Stockholm can be reached by walking. Most of the attractions are located quite close to each other, and if you bring comfortable shoes, then you can see a lot of Stockholm just on foot.
- However, you will also need to use public transportation for this itinerary – which is quite good. It is easy to use, reliable and safe. The metro system in Stockholm is actually an attraction by itself as you can find many cool and fun metro stations in the city. I suggest buying single tickets for bus/metro rides whenever needed.
- When I visited Stockholm for the second time, I had a Stockholm Pass. I know, it looks quite pricy at first, but if you check what you get for it, it actually allows you to save money (if used wisely) because you can use hop-on and hop-off buses which are included in the Stockholm Pass. It is a great way to see more of Stockholm, and the buses stop at the most important sightseeing spots.
- There are boat tours available in winter, though less than in summer, and it was one of the best ways to see Stockholm.
Stockholm as a Solo Female Traveler
I visited Stockholm both times on my own. I never had any issues as a solo female traveler, and I did all of the recommended activities by myself. And I hope you feel as safe and secure as I did in Stockholm. However, exercise common sense and avoid dark side streets at night.
So, you can use this guide easily as something like “things to do in Stockholm as a solo female traveler.” All tips can easily be done by yourself in Stockholm, but of course, Stockholm is also a fun getaway with friends, families, or couples.
There are some more things to know before you visit the city. So read this before you visit Stockholm or check out general Sweden facts.
Best Time to Visit Stockholm For 3 Days
Stockholm is probably amazing to visit at any time of the year.
- I visited Stockholm in winter once in January. Yes, Stockholm in winter is cold and it is not really a winter wonderland, but you might experience a beautiful city covered in snow. Temperatures can drop to – 5ºC during the day and to – 10ºC at night. But since Stockholm is also a lot about museums, it is a great time to visit as you can spend some time indoors and warm up. In December, the Christmas Markets take place, making Stockholm even more magical. It is one of my favorite cities to visit in winter.
- Make sure to pack accordingly for a trip to Europe in winter.
- I also visited Stockholm in October. We can never rely on the weather here in Europe, but it was sunny, yet cold, and perfect for a city break. I think spring and fall are, in general, great seasons to visit Europe. The crowds are not there yet (or have gone), and you do not rub shoulders with too many others. Prices for accommodations drop, and most (yet not all) activities are still offered. I wished it had been warmer, so I could have enjoyed more time at the water – and the days get short in the winter months.
- However, summer might be the best time in terms of weather (Northern Europe usually does not get very hot), but people flock here from all over the world, and prices for accommodation rise like crazy. And Scandinavia, in general, is expensive – so imagine having to pay even more for accommodation.
So, each season is good to visit (but comes with disadvantages), and you cannot really go wrong with any season.
STOCKHOLM ITINERARY FOR 3 DAYS
Okay, now let´s start with the best attractions to visit in 3 days.
1 DAY OF 3 DAYS IN STOCKHOLM
Start your trip with a trip to cute Gamla Stan – the old town.
Visit Gamla Stan
Stockholm’s foundation began in Gamla Stan – the Old Town of Stockholm – in the 13th century. It is one of the largest and best-preserved medieval city centers in Europe. With the little cobble-stoned streets, many cafes, restaurants, and souvenir shops, it is a perfect place for nice strolls and enjoying drinks these days.
There are a couple of beautiful places to visit in Gamla Stan, of course, strolling the area is a must-do, but there is also the
- Storkyrkan church,
- Nobel Prize Museum,
- or the Royal Palace.
If you visit the main attractions and stroll aimlessly, you could spend a full day here in Gamla Stan. However, for this Stockholm itinerary, I suggest focusing on a few attractions only and some strolling, so you can also see other parts of Stockholm.
Visit Royal Palace in Gamla Stan
One of the most famous attractions within Gamla Stan is the Royal Palace (Kungliga slottet). I am not that much into Royal families, but the Swedish Prince and Princesses are probably some of the most beautiful ones.
Beautiful is also the Royal Palace. It is the King’s official residence and is also the setting for most of the monarchy’s official receptions, and is open to the public year-round.
- The Royal Palace is one of the largest palaces in the world, with over 600 rooms.
- There are also three museums steeped within the Royal Palace: the Treasury with the regalia, the Tre Kronor Museum which portrays the palaces´ medieval history, and Gustav III’s Museum of Antiquities.
- You can also see changing guards, which last about 40 minutes. It takes place every day from the end of April until the end of August at 12:15 pm and on Sundays at 1:15 pm. In the other months, they do not take place daily.
OPENING HOURS / TICKETS:
- The Royal Palace is open every day – normally from 10 am to 4 pm.
- Ticket prices are around 14€ for adults. Free entry with the Stockholm Pass.
LUNCH IN GAMLA STAN: There is also a great vegetarian restaurant called Hermitage in the old town of Stockholm.
Stroll Along the Waterfront Area
Stockholm is a beautiful city and reminds me a lot of Hamburg, one of Germany´s biggest cities. One of the areas I loved the most was probably the waterfront area.
From Gamla Stan, you just walk towards the Parliament House close by. However, take your time and from the area. It is probably amazing to sit down in the summer months and enjoy some drinks and just chill.
Do a Free Walking Tour
I have done several free walking tours in Stockholm, and it is a great way to learn about the city and its history. You could also a walking tour in Gamla Stan, but you can also head to the new part of Stockholm and do a “Free Tour Stockholm: New City.” From Gamla Stan and the waterfront, it is just a stone´s throw away.
Do you know why the “Stockholm Syndrome” is actually called that? Thanks to the free walking tour I know now – its story is fascinating and has something to do with hostage-taking which took place in a bank in the area of Norrmalmstorg. This is also a beautiful, busy, and modern area.
- Check out the tour dates. The one I did was at around 3 pm and took about 90 minutes, so it is perfect after having lunch.
- Though it is a free walking tour, tipping is very appreciated if you enjoyed the tour.
- Here is more info on the free walking tours.
Visit Drottninggatan Street
After the walking tour, head to Drottninggatan Street – another must-see in 3 days in Stockholm. Drottninggatan Street, the main shopping street in Stockholm, is a busy and popular street with many smaller and bigger stores.
Though I am not the biggest H&M fan, I had to check it out since I definitely connect Sweden with H&M. However, if you are not into shopping, you probably will not spend too much time there.
Personally, I would not add any more Stockholm attractions for the first day and call it a day. However, I have an extra activity for Gamla Stan.
Nobel Prize Museum
To learn about the prestigious Nobel Prize, Stockholm is the perfect place. The museum is located in Gamla Stan and is probably perfect if you are interested in history/politics/science etc.
OPENING HOURS / TICKERS:
- Free with your Stockholm Pass.
- Check out the website for more info.
DAY 2 OF 3 DAYS IN STOCKHOLM
Let´s continue with your Stockholm itinerary by visiting some museums located in Djurgården. The area is close to Gamla Stan and Södermalm. I am not the biggest museum fan, but Stockholm has some pretty good ones. As you might know, I don’t always recommend “expensive” things and try to spend my money smart. Still, I definitely recommend getting a Stockholm Card if you are interested in doing some activities, for example, visiting some museums and doing a boat cruise, e.g., I am mentioning below.
Visit Vasa Museum
I am not a fan of most museums, so I only planned 20 minutes for the Vasa Museum. What a mistake! The museum displays the only almost fully intact 17th-century ship that has ever been salvaged – the Vasa.
Now, I understand why the Vasa Museum is one of Scandinavia’s most visited museums. The Vasa ship capsized and sank in Stockholm in 1628. It stayed 333 years on the sea bed and then was salvaged. Of course, you can also find much more information about her time of her: Yes, Vasa is a she.
OPENING HOURS / TICKETS:
- Ticket prices are around 14-19€ for adults (depending on the season). People under the age of 18 years are free.
- Free entry with the Stockholm Pass.
Visit Skansen Open Air Museum
Another museum I really enjoyed is the Skansen Open-Air Museum. It is the oldest open-air museum in the world, with 150 old cute typical Swedish houses and farmsteads from every part of the country. Of course, it is also the Stockholm zoo but let´s focus on the museum part.
I enjoyed strolling this area and finding out about its history.
OPENING HOURS / TICKETS:
- Skansen Museum is open every day from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. The prices for adults are 22€.
- It is free with your Stockholm Pass.
ABBA Museum
Though I spent more than 6 days in Stockholm, I did not visit the ABBA Museum. Just because of bad organizations and probably also because the ABBA Museum is NOT included in the Stockholm Pass. However, if you are in 3 days in Stockholm, you should add it to your itinerary. I think. Because, after all, ABBA is as much part of Sweden as H&M or Ikea. The museum is an interactive journey through one of the greatest pop careers in musical history in Djurgården.
It is close to other areas that you have visited already – like Gamla Stan or Södermalm. You could walk or take a bus to Liljevaljchs/Gröna Lund or a ferry to Allmänna Gränd.
OPENING HOURS / TICKETS:
- Tickets are quite pricey and cost around 27€ for adults. Unfortunately, the Stockholm Pass doesn’t give you free entry to this museum.
Do Boat Tours in Stockholm
So, after all the time in museums, it is “boat cruising” time. spending time on the boat is one of my favorite times. With all the water and the many bridges a boat tour, independent of the season, you shouldn’t leave Stockholm without doing a boat tour.
Many different tours change in routes, boat types, length, and more. Also, it depends on where the boats leave – many leave from the waterfront, so after visiting the museums, you are quickly at the boat stop.
PRICES: Prices differ and depend on the tour you do (many of the boat tours are included in the Stockholm Pass).
DAY 3 OF 3 DAYS IN STOCKHOLM
So, it is time for your third day in Stockholm. Let´s start with an attraction a bit outside the city center, and for the rest of the day, you can take it easy and chill in one of the best areas in Stockholm.
Visit Drottningholm Palace
Visiting Drottningham Palace was one of my favorite activities. It is a bit farther away, but the interior of the palace and the whole area around the palace are just charming.
Drottningholm Palace is the – or one of the most impressive – historic buildings in Sweden that has been very well-preserved and is a UNESCO World Heritage site with beautiful royal gardens. It was built in the 17th century, and you see the saloons from the 17th, and 18th centuries and learn more about the Kings and Queens who have lived here – it is still the King and Queen’s permanent residents.
There are several ways to get to Drottningholm Palace.
- You can take a bus (bus tickets are not included in the Stockholm Pass).
- Or you can do a boat ride through Lake Mälaren from Stadshusbron in the inner city of Stockholm. The cruise takes about one hour but only operates from the 6th of June until the 27th of September. The boat ride is included in the Swiss Travel Pass.
OPENING HOURS / TICKETS:
- Drottningholm Palace is normally open every day from 10 AM to 5 PM. Double-check the opening hours here.
- Tickets are around 20€ for adults, but it is free with a Stockholm Pass.
Visit Södermalm
One of my favorite parts of Stockholm is actually Södermalm, which is just opposite Gamla Stan. It offers nice views over the city and visiting is one of the best things to do in Stockholm.
It used to be the working-class quarter and has become a popular district for having drinks. If you walk up, you´ll find a little garden somewhere at the very top and benches. I could have sat there forever – if it had not been that cold.
There is quite a lot to do up there – besides enjoying the view. So my tip is to look for a cute restaurant and end your Stockholm trip with a Södermalm visit.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON SPENDING 3 DAYS IN STOCKHOLM
- Looking for more things to see in Stockholm? Why not check out Stockholm´s Underground, which is just pure art?
Stockholm is absolutely charming and cute! 3 days in Stockholm is a good amount to spend in the city – you can see many sights. Personally, I visited Stockholm each time in the winter, and I loved it. Of course, it can be freezing in January and February, but I think it is still a special and unique time to visit – there are fewer crowds and less stress.
While some activities don’t run (very) often – like boat tours, most things/activities mentioned here can be done in the winter, spring, summer, and fall.