Going to Stockholm for a short period of time and wondering what to see and do in just a day? Check out my 1 day itinerary of how I spent my time in the charming city of Stockholm, Sweden.
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- Intro
- Getting to Stockholm
- STOCKHOLM 1- DAY ITINERARY
- Final Words
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Intro
Stockholm is the beautiful capital of Sweden with rich history, stunning architecture, and royal grandeur. If you have just one day to explore Stockholm, then this itinerary will offer the perfect balance of the city’s highlights. You’ll visit elegant palaces, charming streets, and historical museums full of Sweden’s interesting and unique past.
I experienced the day portions of this itinerary on an amazing tour with an extremely knowledgeable guide that was also my driver. Click here (or in the widget below) if you want to experience the same tour I did!
Getting to Stockholm
You can reach Stockholm by flying into Arlanda Airport (ARN). From here, Central Stockholm is about 30 minutes, but the most convenient and fastest way to get there is by using the Arlanda Express! This train is a direct train line from the airport to Stockholm Central Station, right in Stockholm’s City center. For a guide on using the Arlanda Express train, check out How to Get to Central Stockholm via Arlanda Express Train.
STOCKHOLM 1- DAY ITINERARY
The above map shows all the points of interest mentioned in this Stockholm itinerary.
HOW TO USE THE ABOVE STOCKHOLM MAP:
Action | Description / Step-by-Step Instructions |
---|---|
Click a Colored Star Point of Interest | Shows additional information and details of the selected Point of Interest |
Click the STAR ☆ right of the “Stockholm, Sweden“ | Adds the Map to your personal Google Maps account for viewing* |
Click the Four-cornered Square at the Top Right | Opens the map in a Larger Map view in your personal Google Maps account |
*To view the Map in your Google Maps Account (computer) | In your Google Maps, Click the “hamburger” Menu at top left → Click “Saved” → Click “Maps” → Locate “Stockholm, Sweden” → Click it to open the Map |
*To view the Map in your Google Maps Account (phone) | In your Google Maps app, Click “Saved” on the bottom bar → Scroll to the bottom → Click “Maps” → Locate “Stockholm, Sweden” → Click it to open the Map |
Morning: Maritime History
Vasa Museum
The first stop of your 1 day itinerary in Stockholm will be at famous Vasa Museum. Here you can marvel at the magnificent warship built in the 17th century.
On its maiden voyage in 1628, it sank in the shallow waters of Stockholm harbor and was left and forgotten for years! Then it was recovered and wasn’t made available for the public to visit until 1990. Visiting this impressive and unique ship is a MUST while in Stockholm and I hope it makes it into your itinerary. Check out Vasa Museum Review for more information.
Spend an hour at this museum if you want time to visit the other stops in this itinerary. This is enough time to admire the warship’s detailed design, take pictures, read about the ship’s history, and immerse into a replicated interior of the ship.
On your way out, be sure to visit the shop where you can purchase a souvenir to remember the experience.
Vasa Warship
Midday: Royal Palaces and Lunch
Drottningholm Palace + Changing of the Guard
Then make your way to Drottningholm Palace for your next stop! This palace has stunning baroque architecture that was influenced by the Palace of Versailles in France. Around 12 PM, the changing of the Guards will take place where can observe the Swedish military members.
Afterwards, enter the palace and explore the lavish interiors full of royal history. The rooms will be complete with beautiful paintings, elaborate tapestries, and intricate chandeliers. Then head to the huge garden grounds where you can admire the palace’s exterior, and where the similarity to Versailles becomes more apparent. An interesting fact is that a wing of this palace is the current residence of the Swedish Royal family, however, you are not able to enter this wing. Expect to spend about 1.5 hours at Drottningholm Palace.
Drottningholm Palace
Lunch at Brostugan
Not too far from Drottningholm Palace is a cozy restaurant, Brostugan. Stop here to enjoy a traditional Swedish lunch; I opted for their delicious Swedish meatballs! The restaurant has both interior and cute exterior seating for you to enjoy your meal in a serene atmosphere.
Afternoon: Historic Streets and Royal Splendor
Riddarholm Island
After lunch, head back into central Stockholm and go to the island of Riddarholmen. On this island at the Evert Taubes Terrass, you can get panoramic views of Stockholm, which offers a peaceful contrast to the bustling city. A short walk from Evert Taubes Terrass is the Riddarholmen Church. Pass by the Church and admire its gothic spires and is the resting place of Swedish monarchs.
Cross Riddarholmsbron Bridge to Gamla Stan (Old Town)
From Riddarholmen, take a scenic walk across the nearby Riddarholmsbron Bridge and reach Gamla Stan (Old Town). This bridge connects the island of Riddarholmen right into the heart of Stockholm’s Old Town and offers a lovely view of Stockholm’s waterfront along the way. As you cross, you’ll see historic surroundings and a blend of traditional and modern architecture and roads.
Royal Palace (Kungliga Slottet) & The Royal Armoury (Livrustkammaren)
Once in Gamla Stan, head to the Royal Palace! Since you will explore the real royal palace (Drottningholm Palace) earlier in the day, then no need to explore this Royal Palace’s interiors. Instead, check out the Royal Armoury! The Royal Armoury is located in the Royal Palace’s basement.
If you are interested or are a fan of military history or royal intrigue, the Royal Armoury offers a fascinating, up-close look at the lavish and sometimes dangerous lives of Sweden’s monarchs. I highly recommend this museum since it contains real objects of history, which offers a captivating look at the history of Swedish royalty.
Before entering the main exhibit, there is an area where you can grab a portable chair with you where you can take a seat anywhere in the museum and take the time to listen to the audio guide explaining each room and the items in them.
As you walk through the museum, you go through rooms that showcase royal objects and items from their time periods. The rooms are in chronological order, starting from 1500s up to present day. Each room will contain objects and items from a specific era or century.
The collection includes incredible suits of armor worn by Swedish royalty, such as kings during battle. There are also elegant royal garments, ceremonial weapons, and other artifacts of Sweden’s regal past. My favorite items were the royal carriages that are beautifully crafted with intricate and elaborate designs. The Royal Carriage Hall contains several horse-drawn carriages that the royal family would ride during processions and coronations. Pretty cool!
Fascinating Royal Swedish Items in the Royal Armoury
Explore Gamla Stan (Old Town)
After visiting the Royal Armoury, wander through Gamla Stan’s narrow cobblestone streets. Visit the vibrant central square, Stortorget, lined with colorful buildings, shops, and the Nobel Prize Museum. Continue walking through Gamla Stan’s charming streets and you’ll find more cafes, local shops (especially for souvenirs), and even a viking restaurant!
Exploring Gamla Stan
Evening: Södermalm Dining and Views
Dinner in Södermalm
End your day with dinner and a view in Stockholm’s trendy district of Södermalm. Several dinner options include:
- Fotografiska restaurant right along the waterfront
- Gondolen restaurant located at 11 floors high offers views overlooking the harbor and of Gamla Stan
- Himlen restaurant located at 25 floors high also offers breathtaking panoramic views of Stockholm.
Choose to have dinner at one of these locations and drinks at another to experience and see more in your short time in Stockholm.
Check out some other tours and activities you can add to your itinerary:
Final Words
This 1-day itinerary offers a well-rounded experience of Stockholm. From its maritime history and royal residences to the charm of its old town and vibrant nightlife. Although 1 day is just a glimpse of what this city has to offer, the experiences will leave you eager to return and explore more! I hope this 1 day itinerary helps you plan your visit to Stockholm. Bon Voyage!
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