Stockholm, the stunning capital of Sweden, offers an incredible mix of culture, nature, and design all year round. Built across 14 islands where Lake Mälaren meets the Baltic Sea, the city blends medieval streets with modern creativity and vast green spaces. No matter the season, there are endless things to do in Stockholm that suit every travel style.

Whether you’re visiting during the long, sun-filled summer days or the cozy, festive winter months, you’ll find plenty of things to see and do in Stockholm, Sweden. If you’re wondering what to do in Stockholm, this guide covers the best things to do in Stockholm across both seasons, from iconic sights to local favorites.

Before you start exploring, it helps to plan a few essentials. Staying connected is easy with a Jetpac eSIM for Sweden, which lets you activate mobile data instantly without swapping SIM cards. Travelers choose a Jetpac Sweden eSIM for navigation, bookings, and sharing photos, and selecting the best eSIM for Sweden can save you from high roaming costs. 

Now, let’s dive into the best activities in Stockholm, season by season

Stockholm in Summer: Best Activities

Summer in Stockholm brings up to 18 hours of daylight, waterfront life, and a lively outdoor atmosphere. Many of the best activities in Stockholm take full advantage of the warm weather and long evenings.

1. Explore Gamla Stan (Old Town)

Gamla Stan is one of the top things to see in Stockholm, with cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and historic squares. Visit early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy cafés, the Royal Palace, and the Nobel Prize Museum at a relaxed pace.

2. Cruise the Stockholm Archipelago

Island-hopping through the archipelago is one of the coolest things to do in Stockholm. With thousands of islands, boat tours and public ferries offer scenic views, fika on board, and a true sense of Stockholm’s maritime identity.

3. Swim and Relax at City Beaches

Swimming in clean city waters is a favorite local pastime. Smedsuddsbadet and Tantolunden are popular spots, making this one of the most refreshing things to do in Stockholm, Sweden, during summer.

4. Visit Skansen Open-Air Museum

Skansen is one of the best things to do in Stockholm, Sweden, for families and culture lovers. With historic houses, Nordic animals, and live demonstrations, it’s also one of the most engaging things to do in Stockholm with kids.

5. Tour Drottningholm Palace

A UNESCO-listed royal residence, Drottningholm combines opulent interiors and grand gardens. It’s one of the most rewarding things to see and do in Stockholm, Sweden, especially in summer.

Experiences like this highlight the wide range of things to see and do in Stockholm, Sweden, especially for travelers who enjoy history and architecture.

6. Celebrate Midsummer at Skansen

Midsummer is among the most iconic things to do in Stockholm, Sweden. Flower crowns, maypole dancing, and traditional food make it a cultural highlight.

7. Enjoy Summer Festivals and Nightlife

From music festivals to rooftop bars, summer nightlife offers plenty of stuff to do in Stockholm after dark.

8. Ride Attractions at Gröna Lund

This historic amusement park combines thrills and concerts, ranking among the best activities in Stockholm for all ages.

9. Visit ABBA The Museum

Interactive and fun, this museum is one of the most popular things to do in Stockholm, Sweden, for music lovers.

10. Admire Scenic Viewpoints

Monteliusvägen and City Hall Tower offer panoramic views and are some of the most photogenic things to see in Stockholm.

If you're still wondering what to do in Stockholm, summer viewpoints and waterfront walks are the perfect way to appreciate the city's island layout.

Read more:  Traveling can be pricey, but with the right planning, you can stretch your budget further. From city passes and public transport hacks to affordable dining tips, there are simple ways to cut costs without missing out. Read our blog 👉 How to Save Money While Traveling Without Sacrificing Fun.

Stockholm in Winter: Top Activities

Winter transforms Stockholm into a cozy, festive city filled with lights, markets, and cultural experiences.

11. Go Ice Skating

Outdoor rinks like Kungsträdgården make skating one of the most magical, cool things to do in Stockholm in winter.

12. Ski at Hammarbybacken

Yes, you can ski in the city. This unique slope makes for unforgettable stuff to do in Stockholm in winter.

13. Visit Christmas Markets

Gamla Stan’s market is among the most festive things to see and do in Stockholm, Sweden, during December.

14. Attend an Ice Hockey Game

A live hockey match is one of the most energetic and best things to do in Stockholm, Sweden, on a winter night.

15. Warm Up in a Sauna or Spa

Sauna culture is an essential part of Swedish life and one of the most relaxing things to do in Stockholm in winter.

16. Explore Fotografiska Museum

This photography museum combines art, views, and cafés, making it one of the best activities in Stockholm indoors.

17. Marvel at the Vasa Museum

Home to a 17th-century warship, the Vasa Museum is often cited as one of the simplest yet most meaningful things to do in Stockholm, Sweden, year-round.

18. Take a Food Tour

Sampling meatballs, pastries, and glögg is one of the tastiest things to do in Stockholm, Sweden.

Food experiences like these add depth to the many things to see and do in Stockholm, Sweden, especially during the colder months.

19. Experience Swedish Fika Culture

Fika is a daily ritual and one of the simplest yet most meaningful stuff to do in Stockholm year-round.

20. Discover Stockholm Metro Art

The Tunnelbana is an underground art gallery and one of the most unique and cool things to do in Stockholm on a budget.

If you're planning to explore beyond the capital, Stockholm also serves as a gateway to some of the Best Places to visit in Sweden, from Lapland to the southern coast.

Staying Connected in Stockholm: Why a Jetpac eSIM Sweden Makes Travel Easier

Between hopping ferries in the archipelago, navigating Gamla Stan’s maze-like lanes, and chasing winter markets across town, reliable data is one thing you’ll use constantly in Sweden. A Jetpac eSIM Sweden lets you land in Stockholm and get online in minutes; no SIM-store detours, no paperwork, and no awkward “Wi-Fi only” moments. Just install your Sweden eSIM before you fly (or on arrival), and you’re set for maps, tickets, translations, ride-hailing, and sharing those midnight-sun photos.

Here’s why travelers often call Jetpac the best eSIM for Sweden for a smooth, low-stress trip:

• Essential apps still work even after you use your data: If you run out of high-speed data, Jetpac helps keep core apps like WhatsApp, Google Maps, and Uber usable, so you can still navigate and message when it matters most.
• Unlimited hotspot sharing: Traveling with a partner or laptop? Share your connection freely without extra fees or surprise throttling.
• In-app voice calls: Need to ring a hotel, restaurant, or tour operator? Jetpac offers in-app call packs to landlines and mobiles (in 50+ countries), handy when you don’t want roaming charges.
• Multi-network access + 5G where available: Jetpac can connect across multiple local networks and switch automatically to a stronger signal, useful when you’re moving between islands, viewpoints, and metro stations.
• Prepaid, transparent pricing: Pay upfront and avoid roaming bill shock by topping up when needed, and save up to 70% more than traditional roaming.
• Works across 200+ destinations: If Sweden is just one stop on a bigger Euro trip, you can keep the same eSIM setup and stay connected as you move.
• 24/7 support via WhatsApp and email: If you hit a setup snag or need help mid-trip, support is available around the clock.
• 100% money-back guarantee: Extra peace of mind if it doesn’t work out as expected.

With a Jetpac eSIM Sweden, you spend less time troubleshooting connectivity and more time enjoying Stockholm, whether you’re planning what to do in Stockholm on the go or finding your way back to your hotel after a long winter fika stop.

FAQs

How many days do you need to explore things to do in Stockholm?

To properly experience the main things to do in Stockholm, plan at least 3-4 days. This allows time for Gamla Stan, the Vasa Museum, archipelago cruises, and a few local neighborhoods without rushing.

What are the best things to do in Stockholm if it’s your second visit?

If you’ve already seen the highlights, some of the best things to do in Stockholm on a return trip include exploring Södermalm’s creative scene, visiting hidden metro art stations, taking a food tour, or discovering lesser-known islands in the archipelago.

What are the best activities in Stockholm for budget travelers?

Many of the best activities in Stockholm are low-cost or free, including walking tours of Gamla Stan, hiking viewpoints like Monteliusvägen, visiting metro art stations, and exploring waterfront promenades. Free museum days also make some things to see in Stockholm more affordable.

What are some cool things to do in Stockholm at night?

Some cool things to do in Stockholm at night include sunset viewpoints, rooftop bars in Södermalm, evening archipelago cruises in summer, winter ice skating, and experiencing the city’s café and fika culture after dark.

What are lesser-known things to see and do in Stockholm, Sweden?

Beyond the famous landmarks, underrated things to see and do in Stockholm, Sweden, include exploring the Three Cities by ferry, discovering local markets, visiting neighborhood saunas, and walking quiet backstreets early in the morning.

Is it easy to stay connected while exploring things to do in Stockholm?

Yes. Using a Jetpac eSIM for the Sweden option makes navigation easier when exploring multiple islands. A Sweden eSIM allows instant activation, and choosing the best eSIM for Sweden ensures reliable data for maps and bookings while discovering hidden stuff to do in Stockholm.

Disclaimer

This blog is for informational and educational purposes only. Attraction hours, ticket prices, weather conditions, and transport services may change. Always verify official sources before visiting. Jetpac is not responsible for any changes on arrival.