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
Check Out
Intro
Stockholm is the beautiful capital of Sweden with a rich history, stunning architecture, and royal grandeur. If you have just 1 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.
If you want to experience all the stops on this day with a live tour guide who also provides transportation, then book it here, or in the widget below. I highly recommend booking a tour so you can have a driver/guide AND you can learn as much as you can about the Swedish landmarks, history, and culture.
Getting to Stockholm
You can reach Stockholm by flying into Arlanda Airport (ARN). From here, Central Stockholm is almost 40 minutes by car, 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. And it takes only 18 minutes! 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.
For me, visiting the Vasa Museum was definitely a highlight during my time in Stockholm. 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 you can observe the Swedish military members. Afterwards, enter the palace and explore the lavish interiors full of royal history.
During my visit, I found the rooms complete with beautiful paintings, elaborate tapestries, and intricate chandeliers. It was hard to not take pictures of everything! Then we headed to the huge garden grounds where we saw a better look at the palace’s exterior. Out here, the similarity to Versailles became way more apparent.
Interesting fact: a wing of this palace is actually the current residence of the Swedish Royal family (you can’t enter this wing though). 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 The restaurant has both interior and cute exterior seating for you to enjoy your meal in a serene atmosphere.
I opted for their Swedish meatballs, and it was delicious!! I was told how to eat the Swedish meatballs like a local: in one fork “scoop”, get a piece of meatball, then potato, then lingonberry, then pickle and eat the combination in one bite. Once I learned this, I couldn’t eat it any other way. Although it might take awhile to finish the dish, the combo of all the flavors truly complementing each other in a single bite is worth trying. Secret: I don’t even like pickles and I loved this!!
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. I found being here to be so serene since it was a nice 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. The Church is also 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 Riddarholmen island right into the heart of Stockholm’s Old Town.
Crossing the bridge was almost like a hidden gem. From it, there’s a lovely view of Stockholm’s waterfront. I definitely admired the historic surroundings and the mixture of both traditional and modern architecture and roads. A mix I always love to see.
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. So 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 gives you a fascinating up-close look at the lavish and dangerous lives of Sweden’s monarchs, as well as the history of Swedish royalty. I highly recommend this museum since it contains real objects that were actually of value and used in the past.
Before entering the main exhibit, there is an area where you can grab a portable chair with you. This will allow you to 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 will go through rooms that are in chronological order starting from 1500s to present day. So each room contains objects and items from a specific time period, significant era, or century.
The Armoury’s collection includes so many fascinating items. I saw incredible suits of armor that were worn by Swedish royal kings, even ones they wore in battle. There are also elegant royal garments (I especially admired the women’s dresses), ceremonial weapons, and other artifacts of Sweden’s regal past. My favorite items were the royal carriages that were 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. Definitely visit the vibrant central square, Stortorget!
I found the Stortorget to be so cute because of the colorful buildings, lively shops and vendors, and the Nobel Prize Museum. The streets of Gamla Stan are so charming I couldn’t help but take tons of photos. If you wander through, you will 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.
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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