1. Vasa Museum
The Vasa Museum is one of the best places to visit in Stockholm. It houses the Vasa, a Swedish wooden warship that sank on its maiden voyage in 1648. Highlights of the Vasa Museum include original cannons, the 3m-long lion figurehead and the star of the show, the Vasa warship itself. Located on the island of Djurgården, the museum is within walking distance of the ABBA Museum, too...
2. Gamla Stan
At the heart of Stockholm lies the Old Town. Better known as Gamla Stan, it's the city's oldest settlement with many heritage buildings still standing. Gamla Stan is a must-visit for any history buff - take in the tall, colourful buildings that line Stortorget (public square), The Royal Palace (the official residence of the King of Sweden) and multiple museums to get to grips with Swedish history and culture.
3. Skansen
Stockholm's Skansen is the world's oldest open-air museum, and there's also a wildlife park where you can see wild Nordic animals such as moose and wolverines. This family-friendly attraction is complete with authentic workshops, farmsteads and costumed staff, all showcasing what life was like in different parts of Sweden from 1720 to the present day.
4. Södermalm
Undeniably the trendiest district in Stockholm, Södermalm is home to swish bars, restaurants, cafés and art galleries. Don't miss Fotografiska, a world-class photography gallery - the top-floor café overlooks the water towards Gamle Stan.
5. Fika
Fika is more than a cup of coffee: for Swedes, it's a way of life. Ticking off the top attractions and landmarks is tiring work, so why not reward yourself with an authentic fika? Tuck into fresh coffee and pastries (cinnamon buns are the quintessential accompaniment) while chilling at a quiet café, riverside park or simply back at your hotel. Sit back, relax and catch up with friends and family - that's the fika way.
6. Bjorno Nature Reserve
Spend a couple of hours in Bjorno Nature Reserve, a tranquil beauty of the archipelago. Trail along rocky coastlines, traverse through forest and take in the open meadow that makes up this beauty spot. In the warmer months, you can take a dip in the Baltic Sea, too.
When is the best time to visit Sweden?
One of the best times to visit Stockholm is between June and August; these summer months mark the warmest temperatures in Sweden, with daytime averages of 18°C. The country celebrates Midsummer in June, too, so expect more crowds! The long, chilly winter season (November-early March) sees heavier snowfall and temperatures dropping to below 0°C, so wrap up warm. Visiting Stockholm in the spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) each have their own benefits, too, with milder temperatures and fewer crowds.
Essentially, the weather in Sweden depends on which region you visit. Stockholm is located in mid Sweden; Gothenburg and Malmo in south Sweden; and Norrland in north Sweden. Each region has different temperatures and climates depending on the time of year you visit.
Do I need a visa to visit Sweden?
Sweden is a member of the European Union (EU); read our small print to passports and visas for more information. It's also worth reading our booking and pre-departure frequently asked questions for extra information about your small group tour with Explore.
How many days in Stockholm is enough?
One to three days is an ideal time to spend in Stockholm. There's a plethora of things to see and do, whatever time of year you visit. Whether you want to check out the museums or navigate the city streets and riverside paths, you can tick off multiple spots and sights in a relatively short space of time.