Stockholm offers everything, from historical treasures to modern masterpieces, and everything in between. Here you can stroll through the winding alleys of the Old Town, enjoy nature and the idyllic islands of the archipelago, or sing along to ABBA at a museum. Whether you want to discover the history of the Vasa ship, enjoy the view from the City Hall tower, or take a boat to the Viking City of Birka, there's always something to do and places to go in Stockholm. Explore the sights in Stockholm with a Hop On-Hop Off bus or boat, take a boat tour, or walk through the city.
We hope our list of 15 must see places will inspire you to discover Stockholm. At the bottom of this post, you'll find a map marking all the places of interest in Stockholm!
Stockholm's old town, "Gamla Stan", is full of medieval architecture, narrow alleys with colorful houses, and is home to the Royal Palace. There are also many cozy cafés and restaurants where you can relax.
How to get there
The Hop On-Hop Off bus stops at the Royal Palace (stops 2 and 6).
The Hop On-Hop Off boat docks right below the palace.
Stockholm's archipelago is an idyllic collection of over 30,000 islands, offering fantastic nature and charming islands to explore. Depending on how much time you have, there are different options to explore the archipelago. The archipelago tour offers a guided trip—choose the length that suits you best. If you want to see more and have a full day, we recommend boarding Cinderellabåtarna. Along their route, you'll find several idyllic islands to visit—Grinda, Sandhamn, Vaxholm, or Gällnö.
At the Vasa Museum, you can see and learn all about the Vasa ship, one of the world's best-preserved 17th-century warships. A visit to the museum is a must for all history enthusiasts.
How to get there
The Hop On-Hop Off bus stops at the Nordic Museum (stops 9 and 13), and it's a short walk to the Vasa Museum.
The Hop On-Hop Off boat docks right below the museum.
Birka, located on Björkö in Lake Mälaren, is one of the most interesting places to see in Stockholm. It’s one of Sweden's oldest Viking cities and a UNESCO World Heritage site. You board the boat to Birka at Klara Mälarstrand, and two hours later, you arrive in Birka. You can explore the Viking quarters, take a guided tour, and visit the museum. Food and drinks are available at Restaurant Särimner.
Royal Djurgården is a lush island in central Stockholm, home to beautiful nature and some of the city's most popular attractions, like Skansen, the Vasa Museum, and the amusement park Gröna Lund. It’s a place both locals and tourists love!
How to get there
The Hop On-Hop Off bus stops at several places in Djurgården—hop on or off wherever suits you best!
The Hop On-Hop Off boat docks at several locations along the Djurgården waterfront.
One of the sites to see in Stockholm is the City Hall, an iconic symbol of the city. It is famous for its majestic architecture, the annual Nobel banquet, and the stunning views of the city from the tower. Do you dare to climb the 106-meter-high tower?
How to get there
The Hop On-Hop Off bus stops right outside the City Hall (stop 19).
Vaxholm is considered by many to be the gateway to Stockholm's archipelago. It's a charming small town with colorful wooden houses, cozy cafés, restaurants, and the historic Vaxholm Fortress. The best and most beautiful way to get to Vaxholm is by boat.
The museum is an interactive experience where visitors can dive into ABBA's world, explore their iconic careers, and even take the stage in a virtual show. Fun for the whole family and a popular tourist site in Stockholm.
How to get there
The Hop On-Hop Off bus stops outside the museum (stops 10 and 12).
The Hop On-Hop Off boat docks at Allmänna Gränd, just a 5-minute walk away.
Fotografiska in Stockholm is one of Europe's largest and most renowned photo galleries, known for its impressive contemporary photography exhibitions and fantastic views of the city from its restaurant.
How to get there
The Hop On-Hop Off bus stops at Slussen (stop 5), and it’s a 10-minute walk along the waterfront.
The Hop On-Hop Off boat docks right outside Fotografiska.
The Royal Opera in Stockholm is Sweden's national opera, offering a magnificent stage for classic operas and ballets in a grand historic building. If there's a show during your visit to Stockholm, we highly recommend booking tickets!
How to get there
The Hop On-Hop Off bus stops at Strömgatan (stop 1).
Skansen is an open-air museum and zoo offering insight into Sweden's cultural heritage and wildlife through historical buildings and animals from across the country. A family favorite and a Stockholm must see for both tourists and locals!
How to get there
The Hop On-Hop Off bus stops right outside the main entrance to Skansen (stop 11).
The Hop On-Hop Off boat docks at Allmänna Gränd, just a 10-minute walk away.
Södermalm is a trendy district known for its hip vibe, charming neighborhoods, and vibrant cultural and restaurant scene. A must visit area for both locals and tourists!
How to get there
The Hop On-Hop Off bus stops at Slussen (stop 5).
Drottningholm Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a popular site in Stockholm. It has a beautiful baroque garden and impressive architecture, offering a fascinating insight into Sweden's royal history. Board the boat to Drottningholm Palace at Klara Mälarstrand and enjoy a scenic cruise on Lake Mälaren. There's even a restaurant on board if you'd like to have lunch during the journey to Drottningholm – well-prepared food with Swedish flavors!
Walk across the beautiful Skeppsholm Bridge with its golden crown and enjoy the green oasis of Skeppsholmen in the heart of the city. Here, you’ll find the Moderna Museet, where you can admire modern art from both Swedish and international artists.
How to get there
The Hop On-Hop Off boat docks at Skeppsholmen, and it's just a 5-minute walk from there.
Fjäderholmarna is an idyllic island just 30 minutes from central Stockholm. It's the perfect day trip—enjoy cozy restaurants, artisan shops, and beautiful nature, just a short boat tour to Fjäderholmarna from Strandvägen in the city.
Here’s a map of the Stockholm tourist sites and attractions you do not want to miss!