Citytrip Stockholm
Things to do in Stockholm (Weekend Citytrip)
Every year, Tessa and a friend choose a European city for a weekend getaway. After previous adventures, this time it was Stockholm’s turn! The Swedish capital is spread over fourteen islands and offers a mix of history, culture, and stunning views. In this blog, we’ll take you through everything we did – perfect if you’re planning your own weekend trip to Stockholm.
Day 1 – Friday: Charming Streets in Gamla Stan
We flew from Schiphol (Amsterdam, NL) and arrived in Stockholm late in the morning. After a smooth train ride from the airport (tip: very comfortable and quick!), we checked into our hotel and headed straight out to explore.
We began our weekend in the heart of the city: Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s historic old town. This neighbourhood is a maze of narrow streets, colourful buildings and centuries-old houses. We wandered down Prästgatan and Österlånggatan, two beautiful streets where you really feel like you’ve stepped back in time.
At the atmospheric Stortorget, the oldest square in the city, we paused for a coffee while admiring the pretty façades. From there, we passed the impressive Storkyrkan (the cathedral of Stockholm), the Royal Palace, and the House of Nobility. We also crossed over to the small island of Riddarholmen, where we admired the gothic Riddarholmen Church. A relaxed first afternoon, full of history and charm!
Day 2 – Saturday: Cycling and Royal Stockholm
On Saturday, we started the day actively with a guided bike tour with Baja Bikes – highly recommended! You see a lot in a short amount of time, and the local guide shares fun stories and interesting facts along the way.
Our route took us past highlights like the Royal Palace, the old town, and then over to the island of Skeppsholmen (also called “Ship Island”). From there, we cycled through Kungsträdgården park and along the elegant boulevard Strandvägen, before reaching Djurgården – a green island full of museums and leafy parks.
In the afternoon we explored some of the less touristy areas. We took the metro north to Kungsholmen, wandered through the hills of Mariaberget, and finished with a fantastic city view from Ivar Lo’s Park.
That evening we had dinner at a restaurant opposite the Ericsson Globe (now also known as the Avicii Arena) – a unique spot to end the day.
Day 3 – Sunday: ABBA, Islands and Royal Traditions
We kicked off Sunday with a visit to the ABBA Museum on Djurgården. Even if you only know their hits or the songs from Mamma Mia, this place is a must. The museum is interactive, colourful and full of energy – you’ll leave with a smile on your face (and a tune stuck in your head!).
Afterwards, we took a boat to the island of Skeppsholmen, a peaceful, cultural island. Crossing the photogenic Skeppsholmsbron bridge, we enjoyed lovely views of the city from the water.
In the afternoon we returned to Gamla Stan, where we happened to arrive just in time for the Changing of the Guard at the Royal Palace – complete with fanfare and full ceremonial display. A fun way to wrap up our time in the historic centre!
Day 4 – Monday: Back Home & Practical Tips
On Monday morning we flew back to the Netherlands. The train from Stockholm Central Station to the airport was quick, clean and very easy to use. In fact, Stockholm is extremely convenient to travel around by public transport – the metro is straightforward, and the ferries between the islands add a fun extra dimension to getting around.
A useful tip: we had withdrawn Swedish krona, but it turned out to be unnecessary – even in the old town, nowhere accepted cash. Paying by card is the norm here. Stockholm also felt very clean, safe, and welcoming to tourists. Most locals speak excellent English and are friendly and helpful.
If we had more time, we would have loved to visit a few more museums, like the Viking Museum or the Skansen Open-Air Museum. Still, in just three days we managed to get a great impression of the city.
Takeaway: Things to do in Stockholm
Stockholm is a city full of charm, history, and water. Cycling, boating, strolling through scenic streets and discovering viewpoints – everything comes together in one weekend. And although it lies quite far north, we were lucky with clear, dry weather in September.
In short: Stockholm is an ideal destination for a city break in Europe. We’d love to return – there’s still so much more to see!
Are you also planning a trip to Stockholm? Let us know in the comments!