72 Hours In Stockholm: The Best Things To Do In Sweden's Capital
Dreaming of your next trip abroad? Stockholm is a city like no other, with stunning museums, scenic vistas, and a buzzing nightlife
When it comes to the Scandinavian capitals, Stockholm is definitely worthy of the title “capital of cool”. The pretty Swedish capital has it all, from picturesque cobbled streets lined with a mix of both contemporary and traditional architectural buildings to a dynamic dining scene featuring both epicurean Swedish feasts and experimental menus.
With a lovely, laid-back vibe, the city has much to offer for travellers of all ages and agendas; even if you’re only able to visit the city for a limited time, you’d still be able to have an exciting experience.
That said, stepping foot into Stockholm for the first time can be overwhelming, but fear not – we’ve put in the legwork and explored the city extensively, so that you can have a truly unforgettable experience.
Here’s the inside track on the top things to do in Stockholm, so you can experience the best of the city in just 72 hours.
9am: We’re starting the morning off at Östermalm Market Hall, a treasure trove of gastronomic delights with a wide range of culinary offerings to satisfy every palate. Explore the stalls and discover an impressive selection of fresh seafood, meats, cheeses, baked goods and more.
For breakfast, take your pick from the various cosy cafes, restaurants, and eateries within. From local Swedish delicacies to international specialties, Östermalm Market Hall celebrates the diversity of flavours and culinary traditions. Whether you’re in the mood for a traditional Swedish dish, a gourmet burger, or a freshly brewed coffee, there’s something to cater to every taste and craving.
10:30am: After breakfast, it’s time to head over to the Drottninggatan shopping district. Known as one of the city’s main shopping thoroughfares, Drottninggatan is lined with an extensive selection of shops, catering to a wide range of tastes and budgets. Here, you’ll find all the major Swedish and international fashion labels, such as H&M, &OtherStories, Zara, and more.
Stockholm also has a thriving thrift and vintage shopping scene, and several popular boutiques are in this area. There’s HUMANA Second Hand, which boasts a wide range of clothes and hidden gems, as well as Arkivet, which houses a curated selection of stylish finds.
How to get there:
Östermalm Market Hall is located at Östermalmstorg 31, 114 39 Stockholm.
Drottninggatan is located at Norrmalm (simply type in ‘Drottninggatan’ in Google Maps).
Cash: Sweden uses the Swedish krona but its capital is rapidly becoming cashless. A lot of places in Stockholm are cash-free, card-only establishments, so it’s best not to exchange too much cash.
Public transport: Public transportation in Stockholm is easy to navigate. The SL metro card covers a vast public transport network in the Stockholm region, including the bus, trains and ferries. A single ticket is valid for 75 minutes, and it’s also possible to buy 24 hours, 72 hours, and 30-day tickets. A parent with a stroller gets to ride for free on any of Stockholm’s buses.
Go City: If you’re visiting a lot of museums and tourist attractions, try getting a Go City pass. It covers a pretty extensive list of attractions, and you can save on quite a bit as compared to purchasing individual tickets.
Animals: For those who are afraid or allergic to dogs, it’s important to note that Stockholm’s public transport allows these furry friends on board. Keep your eyes peeled just in case!
Text: Cheryl Lai-Lim/Her World