Article mis à jour le 28 May 2025
What to do in Stockholm in 3 days?
When the desire for sweetness of life is felt… direction Stockholm! This archipelago city, both chic and bohemian, is a true Nordic jewel to discover the time of a long weekend. Curious to taste the Swedish atmosphere and its Scandinavian charm?
Here is my guide to visit Stockholm in 3 days.
Stockholm in Sweden: my 3-day itinerary
Day 1 – Old Stockholm and Royal atmosphere
➡️ Get lost in Gamla Stan, the old town
Let’s start gently with the historic heart of Stockholm: Gamla Stan. Its cobbled streets, colorful facades, small shops and timeless atmosphere make it an absolute must to start your stay!
➡️Photo break on the Stortorget square
The iconic Stortorget Square, known for its pretty facades in warm colours, is one of the most photogenic places in the city. Ideal to have a coffee on the terrace or marvel at the architecture!
➡️ Visit the Royal Palace and Stockholm Cathedral
In a few steps, you are in front of the majestic Royal Palace. It is always active, so it is not uncommon to witness the changing of the guard. It’s worth the detour: the synchronicity of the guards offers a most impressive spectacle. Right next door, don’t miss the Stockholm Cathedral (Storkyrkan), one of the oldest churches in the city!
➡️ Where to eat in Stockholm for lunch?
We offer ourselves a real gourmet break at Sthlm Brunch Club: pancakes, eggs bénédictes, coffees latte, … Perfect to warm up and regain strength!
Address : View on Google Map
➡️ Explore the neighbourhood of Södermalm
You can now spend the afternoon strolling around the arty and casual district of Södermalm. Thrift stores, galleries, cafes… the atmosphere is really very inspiring.
Small tip: take the opportunity to make a detour by Beyond Retro, THE cult thrift store to find pretty vintage pieces. The denim jacket that I found there doesn’t leave me anymore!
➡️ Where to dine in Stockholm?
To end the day, we change atmosphere with one of the very good Italian addresses in Stockholm! The Ricordi restaurant is a generous and authentic cuisine, perfect for lovers of fresh pasta and good wines.
Address : Google Maps
Looking for another city trip in Europe? Check out my guide Visite Amsterdam in 3 jours : What to do
Day 2 – Scandinavian culture and design
➡️ Walk in Kungsträdgården
We start the day with a walk to Kungsträdgården. This is a must-see, especially if you have the chance to visit Stockholm in 3 days in spring. The cherry blossoms are a real spectacle!
➡️ Visit the Moderna Museet on the island of Skeppsholmen
Then head to the island of Skeppsholmen, a green haven in the heart of the city, to visit the Moderna Museet. The museum of modern art is superb, with a rich collection and breathtaking views of the water!
➡️ Where to eat local food in Stockholm?
Want to discover local flavours? The covered market in Östermalm is a must-see. Fresh products, Swedish specialties with possibility to taste on the spot. Don’t leave without having tasted the famous köttbullar (Swedish meatballs)!
Address : Google Maps
➡️ Sweet treat at Vete-Katten
In the afternoon, sweet break at the Vete-Katten tea room. It is a true temple of fika (the famous Swedish coffee break!). Their kanelbullar (cinnamon roll) is a delight not to be missed.
Address : Google Maps
➡️ Stroll through the neighborhoods of Norrmalm & Vasastaden
We continue the day in neighborhoods that I recommend you to visit in Stockholm: Norrmalm and Vasastaden. Designer shops, thrift stores, small markets… perfect for a shopping session or simply for the pleasure of the eyes.
3 days in Stockholm between music, photo and urban nature – last stage of the itinerary
➡️ Visit the ABBA Museum
You can’t come to Stockholm without visiting the must-see ABBA museum. Playful and interactive, even if you are not a fan of the group, the experience is truly memorable!
> Book your ticket in advance
➡️ Immerse yourself in history at the Nordic Museum
Right next door, the Nordic Museum immerses you in Swedish history, traditions and lifestyle. This beautiful building houses a fascinating exhibition, articulated around various collections of objects, images or jewelry! Book your museum tickets here.
➡️ Lunch break around Djurgården
Enjoy your visit to this green museum island for a picnic or sit down in a restaurant overlooking the water. Rosendals Trädgård or Blå Porten will delight your taste buds with delicious Swedish specialities! The place is peaceful, ideal to relax.
Adresse : Google Maps
➡️ Last exhibition at the Museum of Photography (Fotografiska)
We end this 3-day visit to Stockholm in style with the Fotografiska, one of the most renowned museums in the world for contemporary photography. The exhibition changes regularly, the scenography is always at the top, and the rooftop offers a magnificent view of the city.
> Book your tickets online
How to visit Stockholm in 3 days: practical information
When to go to Stockholm?
Stockholm is a pleasant city in any season: snow covered in winter for a magical side, green in summer or flowery in spring, the city will put your eyes at any time of the year!
For my part, I went there in winter, and I was particularly attracted by the soft lights, beautiful sunsets contrasting with the ambient freshness, comforting dishes and the more authentic side of the city, before the very touristy period. That said, in summer as well as in winter, make sure you have the right clothing: the weather can change quickly!
The prices are lower (plane tickets, accommodation, …), which makes an extended weekend in Stockholm more accessible at this time.
Where to stay in Stockholm?
To be ideally located, aim for the districts of Södermalm, Norrmalm or Vasastaden. Local atmosphere guaranteed, close to the main tourist activities!
For a hotel full of charm, the Clarion Hotel is ideal! Rates and Booking
And for a more «backpackers» address, I recommend the City Backpackers Hostel Stockholm, where I stayed for a few nights and in which the atmosphere was really nice. Rates and Booking
What budget for 3 days in Stockholm?
For a rather economical stay (youth hostels and meals on the go, it takes between 250 and 350 €. Visits to museums are sometimes free, or around 10 €.
For a more comfortable version, in hotel and with some additional activities, you should consider an envelope of 500 € per person.
La ville est plutôt chère, mais en réservant à l’avance et en ayant recours à des pass pour les musées et/ou transports, vous pouvez profiter de la ville à moindre coût !
> GOOD PLAN : Save money when you book the Stockholm Pass.
Swedish specialties not to be missed!
- Köttbullar, meatballs served with purée and cranberry jam
- Kanelbullar, the famous cinnamon rolls
- The smørrebrød, delicious Nordic tartines
- And of course, the fika (coffee break + sweetness), an institution in Sweden!
My other tips for visiting Stockholm
- Stockholm is easily discovered on foot or by subway, very clean and well organized.
- You can also take a ferry between some islands to vary the pleasures and landscapes!
- The atmosphere is warm and most people speak English.
So, tempted by the Swedish adventure?
Stockholm is a city full of charming contrasts: modern but anchored in its traditions, urban but surrounded by nature, sweet and invigorating at the same time. A true Nordic favorite, which I highly recommend you to visit in 3 days!
Consultante en communication et créatrice de contenu à temps plein, ma liberté géographique me permet d’assouvir ma passion du voyage, des jolies découvertes et de l’aventure. Animée par l’envie de partager toutes ces expériences, j’espère vous inspirer à explorer quelques destinations !
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