Stockholm, the capital city of Sweden is often called the ” Venice of the North” for its waterways and lakes. And the charm of the city lies truly in the intricate pattern of waterways encompassing it coupled with Lake Mälaren flowing into the Baltic. Moreover with the pretty islands and peninsulas, it’s a magical experience being on a boat and seeing the city. So how does one experience the best of Stockholm in 3 days during the summer? Come with us to get a feel and check out the options.
Stockholm in 3 days – Where to Stay
While deciding where to stay in Stockholm, the options are of city center or a little away in the suburbs. Therefore if your preference is for the center, be ready to shell out anywhere between Є 350 for apartments to Є 650 for 3 nights in good hotels with high rating and breakfast included in most.
Check out the offers here on Booking.com
But if you ask me, it would be a wise decision to stay in a hotel little away, probably 15 mins by underground or train to the center. Because a good ambiance and a great price matters. The benefits are a better choice of rooms with windows, good views and a complimentary breakfast in most. Moreover there is always a likelihood of a green neighborhood to add a dimension of relaxation to your holiday.
And you’ll shell out just around Є 250-300 for a great double bed accommodation for 3 nights including breakfast. Just like it happened to us while staying at Connect Hotel Stockholm in Älvsjö. We got it even cheaper with our Booking.com Genius status. It was just a 8 min train ride to the City Center after a very short walk from Connect.
Nice neighborhood with great food options
With nature & flowers all around
Stockholm in 3 days – Local Transport
Stockholm Public Transport, SL, is responsible for buses, underground trains, commuter trains, trams, and certain ferry lines in Greater Stockholm. Underground is the easiest way to get around. Tickets can be purchased at SL Centers, underground ticket booths, newsagent kiosks, via SMS or via the SL app. A single ticket is valid for 75 minutes and costs Є 3.73. Moreover you have the option to buy the 24 hours (Є 15.24), 72 hours (Є 30.28), 7-day (Є 39.82) and 30-day (Є 93.41) tickets. Therefore we went in for the 72 hours ticket to make life simple.
Get more information & Buy your SL ticket online.
Also check the Boat Options for your archipelago & river rides.
Stockholm in 3 days – Our first evening
Like most travelers who arrive in the city, we too reached in the afternoon. But a little late courtesy our cancelled direct flight from Turku. Therefore we wasted almost 5 hours as we had to take 3 connecting flights to reach Stockholm. We checked in, relaxed a bit and then went around exploring the lovely neighborhood till it was time for dinner. And as we love to do, tracked out an Indian restaurant Bapuji close to Älvsjö station.
The 2nd Day
Start the day with a cruise
After a sumptuous breakfast we set out for the city center. The 3 hour Archipelago boat cruise is the perfect way to start your day. So did we. With S/S Stockholm. And how was the experience? Certainly mind blowing. Get a feel.
S/S Stockholm
Experience the complete trip: Stockholm Archipelago Cruise
Explore the City Center
You’ll certainly love this carefree walk around with the sights of boats, the sea, the parks and the landmarks. You can relax the entire afternoon just walking around, having some coffee, a bit of shopping and visiting landmarks. And then walk around the park, visit the Biological Museum and relax for a while. There are umpteen options for your lunch. But we preferred the McDonald quick lunch to an elaborate one. Therefore come let’s give you a feel of what your afternoon could look a bit like.
The beautiful city center
Royal Swedish Opera House
House of Nobility
Johannes Church
Riddarholmen Church
Storkyrkan Church
Biological Museum
Biological Museum Park
What plans for Dinner?
We were two hungry souls after walking the distance that we did throughout the day. An Indian Dinner the previous evening had inspired us for more. And so we were excited to find our very own South Indian dosa right in the heart of Stockholm. At Saravanaa Bhavan, Sankt Eriksgatan 66, 11320, Stockholm. Because they are the best when it comes to satisfying taste buds. Moreover they did not disappoint.
Your 3rd Day
A morning visit to Drottningholm Palace
The Drottningholm Palace is the private residence of the Swedish royal family. Built on the island Lovön of Stockholm County, it is one of Sweden’s Royal Palaces. It was originally built in the late 16th century. Apart from being the private residence of the Swedish royal family, the palace is now a popular tourist attraction. We start the journey from Hantverkargatan, next to the renowned Stockholm City Hall which is the venue of the Nobel Prize banquet. The journey across Lake Mälaren is mesmerizing.
City Hall
The Journey
Beautiful views
Drottningholm Palace
Beautiful Nature
A quick lunch before we move back
And there we go
This was just a glimpse. Enjoy more of the Palace & Nature.
Drottningholm Palace – The Peace Abode
Visit the Stockholm City Hall
City Hall
Stockholm City Hall is the seat of Stockholm Municipality in Stockholm and stands on the eastern tip of Kungsholmen island. It houses offices, conference rooms, ceremonial halls and is the venue for Nobel Prize awards. It also houses the luxury restaurant Stadshuskällaren where you could try out your lunch. Let’s go around a bit.
Royal Palace
We took an underground to reach Stadsholmen city center in no time from Hantverkargatan. And just in time for the parade and change of guards at the Royal Palace.
Royal Palace
Palace Riverside
A Walk to Gamla Stan, the Old Town
Gamla Stan
Spend time at the Riverfront
Take a 1 hour Canal Boat Ride
Do some Shopping at Drottninggatan
Drottninggatan Shopping Street
What’s Cooking for Dinner?
Stockholm is quite loved by foodies. Because there are some specialties that visitors love gorging on. Some of the must try ones are Meatballs, Crayfish, Toast Skagen, Raggmunk, Herring, Lingonberry & Cinnamon buns. We tried out this meatball dish and took back some Cinnamon buns.
Stockholm. Certainly a dream holiday destination if you love to be near water. And if you ask us, we got more than we wished for.
I extended a layover and spent a few days in Stockholm and was surprised how much I like the city. I was there during the winter and was not able to take a boat cruise, I really want to return to do one and visit the palace. I really liked City Hall, Gamla Stan, the Abba Museum and all the subway art. Such a great city but soooo many stairs!
Yes Sherianne going up and down the stairs was taxing at times but didn’t mind it to explore the beauty of Stockholm.
Love, love, love all your beautiful pictures of Stockholm. I’d for sure take that lovely cruise and see all the buildings reflected in the water! Looks like a wonderful city to explore, especially the history and architecture.
Thanks so much Tami. Si happy you loved.
We had only one day in Stockholm and we visited on a rainy day. So we really did not get the ideal Stockholm experience we hoped for. We wandered a little but missed so many of the great sights you visited. When I looked at your pictures of the Royal Palace, it looked exactly like our visit in Copenhagen. I guess this was a standard design when these buildings were built.
Yes Linda the palaces in Europe have very similar designs. Love visiting them.
I usually take multiple days public transport tickets as well. I would have gone for 72 hours too. I have never been to Sweden and Stockholm. I had planed to visit it last year along with Finland but unfortunately did not happen. I will make sure I walk around the city to see the spectacular sights and I will keep that cruise in mind.
Yes Raksha just walking around Stockholm is the best way to explore.
Stockholm is such a beautiful city! I’ve spent an entire week there and would have liked to stay even longer. So much to see and do! My favorite thing to do was visiting the open air Skansen Museum.
Yes we too just lived being there Anda.
Stockholm is such a beautiful city! And I love the pictures. It seems there are quite a number of things to do here. The City Hall looks so impressive. And its great you found an Indian restaurant! And also a place to eat South Indian food!
Thanks Amrita.
I would really love to visit Stockholm one day. I haven’t been to any of the Nordic countries yet. I would spend my time admiring all the beautiful architecture and definitely a boat tour as you recommended.
Scandinavia is beautiful and do take out time to visit these countries. It’s so refreshing.
Thanks for the pro tip on the choice for an accommodation. With the photos you’ve shown, we can connect with the culture, history, and food. Best in 3 days, indeed!
Thank you Trisha.
I have never been to Stockholm and would love to visit someday. Love the idea of going on a cruise. I did not realize there is so much to see and do. Thank you for sharing your experience and itinerary.
My pleasure Clarice.