1 Day in Stockholm: A 24-Hour Swedish Adventure
Even if you only have one day in Stockholm, you’re in for a treat. This vibrant city, with its blend of modernity and tradition, offers an incredible experience even in one day. Whether you’re here for the meatballs or the museums (or both!), this 1 day Stockholm itinerary will help you make the most of your time.
Side Note: In reality, this itinerary covers a bit more than 24 hours and assumes that you’re arriving in Stockholm the previous afternoon and have one full day in Stockholm after your arrival to explore. As always, you can tweak to accommodate your travel schedule and preferences!
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Table of Contents
Arrival in Stockholm: Getting from ARN to Town
Assuming you’re flying in, your journey begins at Arlanda Airport (ARN). The best way to get from ARN to central Stockholm is the Arlanda Express train, which whisks you straight into the heart of the city to Stockholm Central Station in just 20 minutes.
Once you arrive at Stockholm Central Station, you have a couple of options to get to your hotel: if the weather is cooperating and you’re not overwhelmed with luggage, many hotels are about a 10-20 minute walk. If you’re like me and arrive with two full size suitcases packed with winter gear (I have a history of being an overpacker; it’s a work in progress), a taxi might be the way to go—it’s quick and convenient from the taxi rank in front of the station, though it’ll be quite expensive for a short ride.
Hotel Recommendations
Hotel At Six
I stayed at the Hotel At Six because that was the meetup spot for the Arctic Circle tour I was joining after my few days in Stockholm (more on what came next on that trip in a different post). The hotel ended up being even better than I expected and I would highly recommend it. The rooms were sleek and sophisticated yet cozy, the staff was incredibly friendly and helpful, and the breakfast buffet was stellar. There’s also a fantastic rooftop bar with 360 degree views over Stockholm. The location also ended up being an excellent home base for a whirlwind few days in Stockholm. You can book a room here.
If Hotel At Six isn’t your speed, here are a few other excellent central hotel options:
Arrival Day Dinner: Stockholms Gästabud
Once you’ve checked into your hotel and gotten organized it’s time to dive into Stockholm’s culinary scene. I wanted to focus on eating traditional Swedish dishes while I was in Stockholm and did a lot of research on the best places for traditional Swedish food.
My first night I ate at Stockholm’s Gästabud (the original location at Österlånggatan 7 in Gamla Stan), which exceeded my expectations. I highly recommend the toast skagen and the salmon (which might have been one of the best pieces of salmon I’ve ever had – pretty sure there was also quite a bit of butter involved – no complaints here). It’s a small, cozy place and they don’t take reservations, but it’s worth the wait (that said, I was really jet lagged so went around 5pm and had no wait).
Getting there: From Hotel At Six, it’s a scenic 15-minute walk through the heart of Stockholm. Head south on Regeringsgatan, cross the Norrström bridge, and continue on to Österlånggatan, where you’ll find this cozy gem.
After dinner, wind down with a nightcap at the swanky At Six hotel bar or hit the hay early to sleep off that jet lag, because you’ll need energy to get the most out of the next 24 hours in Stockholm!
24 Hours in Stockholm – A 1 Day Stockholm Itinerary
Ready for an epic day in Stockholm? Let’s go!
Breakfast: A Scandinavian Feast
If you’re staying at Hotel At Six, be sure to start your 24 hours in Stockholm with their fabulous breakfast buffet. From traditional American breakfast fare, to Swedish meatballs, to very, very delicious cinnamon and cardamom buns, it’s an excellent breakfast spread. (They even have drip coffee, which can be hard to find in Europe!)
Morning: The Maritime Marvel – Vasa Museet
After breakfast, make your way to the Vasa Museum—this is a must-see museum if you’re trying to figure out what to do for one day in Stockholm. I don’t think I’ve ever walked into a museum and quite literally had my jaw drop open, but that happened here. Getting there is easy: exit the hotel and walk to Kungsträdgården station, just a few minutes away. Hop on the tram line 7 towards Djurgården and get off at the Nordiska museet/Vasamuseet stop. The ride takes about 10 minutes, and from the stop, it’s a short walk to the museum entrance (just look for the ship mast sticking up over the top of the museum and walk towards it).
The Vasa Museum is home to the Vasa ship, an absolutely breathtaking and enormous 17th-century warship that sank on its maiden voyage in 1628. Think One Eyed Willie’s ship from the Goonies – but real. The ship, which was intended to be a symbol of Swedish naval might, but capsized and sank in Stockholm’s harbor due to a design flaw. For more than 300 years, the Vasa remained at the bottom of the sea until it was finally raised in 1961—which in itself is a fascinating and impressive feat of engineering. It was incredibly well preserved due to the brackish water in the harbor.
What makes the Vasa Museum so worthwhile is not just the ship itself, but the way the entire museum is curated around it. The ship is nearly fully intact, preserved in stunning detail, and the museum offers a deep dive into its history. You’ll find loads of artifacts that were discovered in and around the ship, from personal items of the crew to cannons and carvings. The museum also provides incredibly interesting information about the innovative methods used to raise and preserve the Vasa. It’s a fascinating experience that goes beyond just viewing a historical relic—it’s an immersion into the life and times of the 17th century. You can easily spend a few hours here.
Lunch: Swedish Meatballs (of Course)
Once you’re done marveling at the Vasa, it’s time for Swedish meatballs! Of course there are plenty of places to get Swedish meatballs in Stockholm (the At Six hotel breakfast buffet even has them), but I’d highly recommend Meatballs for the People as a great option to indulge in Sweden’s most iconic dish. (And with a name so fabulous how could I not go there?) Their meatballs are excellent, and you can get a sampler platter with meatballs made from different types of meat. Pair them with lingonberries, mashed potatoes, and a locally made hard cider and you’ve got yourself a quintessential Swedish lunch.
To get there from the Vasa Museum, take tram line 7 back towards the city center and get off at the Kungsträdgården stop. From here, it’s a 15-minute walk: head west along Nybrohamnen, turn left onto Birger Jarlsgatan, then right onto Östermalmstorg, and continue until you reach Nytorgsgatan. The restaurant is located at 30 Nytorgsgatan.
Early Afternoon: Explore the Old Town – Gamla Stan
After a meatball feast, it’s time to wander through Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s picturesque old town. To get there from Meatballs for the People, it’s a pleasant 20-minute walk. Head south on Folkungagatan, cross the Skeppsbron bridge, and you’ll find yourself in the heart of Gamla Stan. The narrow cobblestone streets and colorful buildings make it feel like you’ve stepped into a storybook.
Fika Time: A Swedish Tradition
No day in Stockholm is complete without a proper Fika (pronounced “Fee-kah”). You might have heard of this Swedish coffee break tradition, but Fika is so much more than just a coffee break—it’s a way of life in Sweden. Think of it as a little ritual where you hit pause, grab a coffee, and indulge in something sweet. But it’s not just about the treats. Fika is all about slowing down, catching up with friends or coworkers, and taking a moment to relax, recharge, and savor the simple things. And if you haven’t had a cinnamon bun yet, now is the time. (I honestly don’t know what the Swedes do to make their cinnamon buns so spectacular but I sampled several in Sweden and…wow!) While you’re still in Gamla Stan, there are two wonderful Fika spots to choose from:
- Kaffekoppen: Located in the heart of Gamla Stan, this cozy café offers a warm atmosphere and delicious cinnamon buns, making it an ideal spot for Fika. It’s a favorite among locals and tourists alike, so you’ll be in good company.
- Chokladkoppen: Just next door to Kaffekoppen, Chokladkoppen is another excellent choice for Fika. Known for its rich hot chocolate and delectable pastries, this café is perfect if you want to indulge your sweet tooth while soaking in the historic storybook ambiance of Gamla Stan.
Late Afternoon Options:
After a busy afternoon exploring Stockholm, you have a few great options to choose from depending on your energy level and interests. Of course, returning to your hotel for a quick afternoon rest break is always an option too (I’m a big fan of a mid-afternoon reprieve back at my hotel):
1. Visit Another Museum
If you still have energy to spare and are eager to dive deeper into Swedish culture and history, consider visiting one of these excellent museums:
- The ABBA Museum: For a fun and interactive dive into the world of Sweden’s most famous pop group, The ABBA Museum is a must-visit fro ABBA fans. You can see original costumes, gold records, and even step into the recording studio for a virtual experience with the band. It’s located on Djurgården, near Skansen. To get there, take tram line 7 from Kungsträdgården station and get off at Liljevalchs/Gröna Lund. The museum is just a short walk from the stop, right along the waterfront.
- Historiska Museet (Swedish History Museum): This museum offers a fascinating look into Sweden’s past, including the famous Viking exhibit. Just a 15-minute walk from the hotel—head east along Hamngatan, continue onto Storgatan, and you’ll find it on your left.
- Fotografiska: Fotografiska is renowned for its contemporary photography exhibitions, offering a blend of cutting-edge art and beautiful waterfront views. To get to Fotografiska, take the subway from T-Centralen, head towards Farsta Strand, and get off at Slussen. From there, it’s a short walk to the museum along Stadsgårdsleden.
- Skansen Open-Air Museum: If you’re visiting Stockholm outside of the winter months, consider exploring Skansen. It’s the world’s oldest open-air museum and is located on Djurgården, near the Vasa Museum (though it is open in winter if you don’t mind spending a few hours out in the cold, there’s just a little less to see and do than in summer). Skansen offers a glimpse into traditional Swedish life, with historical buildings, live reenactments, and even a zoo. To get there, take tram line 7 from Kungsträdgården station to Skansen.
2. Take a Tour of Stockholm Subway Art
A subway tour? Say what? I thought that too, but if you’re looking for something a bit more offbeat, or if the weather is terrible, or if you want something that involves less walking, the Stockholm subway is known for its incredible art installations. It’s is often referred to as the “world’s longest art gallery,” with over 90 of the 100 stations featuring unique art installations.
Some of the most decorative and interesting stations to check out include:
- T-Centralen (Blue Line): This station features striking blue-and-white designs with floral patterns and motifs that cover the walls and ceilings, making it one of the most famous stations in the network.
- Kungsträdgården: This station is themed around the park above it and features remnants of old Stockholm, including statues and columns from demolished buildings.
- Solna Centrum (Blue Line): Known for its dramatic red and green color scheme, this station gives the impression of entering a forest under a vivid sunset.
- Stadion (Red Line): Famous for its rainbow arc, this station commemorates the 1912 Olympics held in Stockholm.
To explore these stations, start at T-Centralen and hop on and off at the stations mentioned above to admire the art. It’s a fun and inexpensive way to see a different side of Stockholm.
Dinner by Candlelight: Den Gyldene Freden
Wrap up your 1 day in Stockholm with dinner at Den Gyldene Freden, one of the city’s oldest restaurants (reservations recommended). It’s located in Gamla Stan. Head to Österlånggatan, and you’ll find this historic restaurant dishing up traditional Swedish food in a candlelit dining room.
And with that, you’ll probably be ready to head back to your hotel and hit the hay after a whirlwind day exploring the best of Stockholm!
General Travel Tips for Stockholm
Getting Around
The subway and trams in Stockholm are incredibly easy to use. No need to buy a pass—just tap your Apple Pay or other contactless payment methods at the gate, and you’re good to go.
Currency
Sweden uses the Swedish Krona (SEK), but you won’t need much of it—Stockholm is practically cashless. Most places, including small shops and cafes, prefer card payments, and many don’t even accept cash.
Tipping
There is no tipping culture in Sweden because food service workers are paid a living wage. If you have exceptional service at a restaurant you may consider leaving an extra 10%, but it’s neither expected or required.
Cost of Travel
Sweden, like the rest of Scandinavia, is known for being rather expensive. Meals, accommodation, and even simple necessities like coffee can be pricier than what you might be used to elsewhere in Europe. However, the quality is generally high, and there are plenty of budget-friendly options to be found.
Safety
Stockholm is a very safe city, both generally and for solo travelers. The city has a low crime rate, and public transportation is reliable and secure, even at night. It’s common to see people out and about late into the evening, and the locals are friendly and helpful. As always, exercise common sense, but rest assured that Stockholm is one of the safer capitals in Europe.
Public Transportation
Using public transportation or walking (if the weather cooperates) are your best options. Public transportation, particularly the subway and tram systems, are safe, clean, and efficient, and central Stockholm is very pedestrian friendly.
Taxis/Uber
Taxis are pricey. Most of the major taxi companies have booking apps you can use (Taxi Stockholm and Sverigetaxi are two options). Uber is also available in Stockholm, but personal rideshares are technically illegal so Ubers must be licensed taxis so tend to be a bit more expensive than UberX. Note also that Uber is generally know as not being reliable in Stockholm. Bolt is another option.
Language
Don’t stress about not knowing Swedish. Simple pleasantries like “Hei” (hey) for hello and “Takk” (tack) for thank you will get you far (I always like to learn a few pleasantries to show respect for the local culture). Most Swedes speak excellent English though, so communication won’t be an issue.
Day Length
Daylight hours in Stockholm vary greatly depending on the season. In winter, days are short, with as little as six hours of daylight in December. Conversely, summer days are long and glorious, with up to 18 hours of daylight in June and July. Plan your activities accordingly, especially if you’re visiting in the colder months.
Average Temperatures by Season
- Spring (March to May): Temperatures range from 1°C (34°F) in March to around 15°C (59°F) in May. Spring is cool, with blooming flowers and a gradual increase in daylight.
- Summer (June to August): Expect mild and pleasant weather, with temperatures ranging from 15°C (59°F) to 25°C (77°F). Summer is the most popular time to visit, thanks to the long daylight hours and warm temperatures.
- Fall (September to November): Fall brings cooler temperatures, ranging from 10°C (50°F) in September to around 0°C (32°F) in November. The foliage is stunning, but the days become noticeably shorter.
- Winter (December to February): Winters are cold, with temperatures often below freezing, ranging from -5°C (23°F) to 1°C (34°F). Snow is common, and the days are short.
IKEA Fans
IKEA was on my list of things to do in Stockholm because, I mean, visiting an IKEA in Sweden is like visiting the mothership! (Though I know it’s probably silly when I can easily go to one in Chicago.) Much to my chagrin, the only IKEA in Stockholm that’s easily accessible with out a car is really small and doesn’t have Swedish meatballs.
Museum Must-See
If you only make time for one museum, make it the Vasa Museum. It’s jaw-droppingly incredible.
Using This Itinerary with Different Accommodations
The directions in this post use Hotel At Six as a home base, given its central location and proximity to many key sites, and many other hotels are located nearby. However, if you choose to stay elsewhere in Stockholm, don’t worry—Google Maps provides excellent, real-time directions for getting around using public transportation. Just input your starting point and destination, and you’ll receive clear instructions on which trams, buses, or subways to take. Stockholm’s public transport system is comprehensive and easy to navigate, no matter where you’re staying.
And that’s a wrap! If this jam-packed 1 day Stockholm itinerary has inspired you to jet off for your own Swedish escapade, why not start planning now? Been to Stockholm? I’d love to hear your stories! Drop a comment below with your must-see spots or those off-the-beaten-path secrets—I’m always on the hunt for hidden gems!