I visited Stockholm, Sweden in February in the dead of Stockholm winter after wanting to visit this Nordic city for a while and paired it with a trip to the North of Sweden. I spent 3 days in Stockholm exploring this city made up of thousands of islands that delivers stunning views, beautiful European architecture and a huge food scene. And if you know Nordic winters – they are COLD. Keep reading for how to travel during Stockholm Winter and what to do in 3 days in Stockholm.
Disclosure: This “Stockholm winter travel guide” guide may contain affiliate links. I may receive commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As always, all opinions are my own and I would never post about something I have not personally used/verified.
Stockholm Winter Travel Tips
- If you want to head up to Swedish Lapland during your time in Stockholm, check out my detailed Swedish Lapland travel guide and Sweden Country Guide. Again, we did this in the dead of winter and it was stunning.
- TRAVEL INSURANCE: Unfortunately, things can and do go wrong when you travel. World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation and more. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world. We receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.
Stockholm Packing Tips: Stockholm is coldddddd in the winter and not SO warm in the summer. Pack accordingly. These hand and toe warmers are my lifesaver for cold destinations (buy here). I would not have survived around Stockholm without them. For the rest of my fave travel essentials I bring on any trip compiled together, head to my influencer page on Amazon here for a complete list or my descriptive carry-on packing guide here!
How To Get To Stockholm
The main airport you will fly into internationally is Stockholm-Arlanda Airport. Most airlines fly here as it is a major hub. We took Norwegian Air from NYC and I really loved the airline. They were extremely nice and the seats had a large amount of leg space (compared to US airlines). We also had an empty middle seat between us so that was huge for the overnight flight!
Once arrived, there are 3 ways to get to the main area of Stockholm:
- High-Speed Train: 196 SEK ($21): Book this 30 days in advance for this price, if closer to date will be a little more. 20 minute ride, runs every 15 minutes from airport. Goes to Central Station in Norrmalm (T-Centralen). We took this route and highly suggest – train was clean and quick. Book Stockholm train here.
- Coach Bus: 99 SEK ($11): 35-45 minute ride, runs every 10-15 minutes. Goes to Central Station in Norrmalm (Cityterminalen). Most popular route due to price, but takes a longer time and is dependent on traffic. Book Stockholm bus here.
- Taxi: 675 SEK ($70). Around 45 minute drive.
Related Post: Sweden Travel Guide
3 DAYS IN STOCKHOLM ITINERARY
Stockholm consists of thousands of islands (the largest archipelago in Sweden) with a few main ones to note and visit. Even in the middle of Stockholm winter, this city is beautiful and you must take advantage of the different islands and seeing them from the water – as long as you wear layers!
Day One In Stockholm
Spend Full Morning In Gamla Stan
The Old Town of Gamla Stan is a tiny, tiny island in the center of the city and is the main area of Stockholm. It includes the main square and the Royal Palace and is very touristy, however, this island is the cutest! You can get lost in the little winding streets for hours. I suggest spending half of your first day in your 3 days in Stockholm in Gamla Stan. Find more information on Gamla Stan here. Here is what to do in Gamla Stan:
- Stotorget: The famous square with lines of colorful buildings. Just stand in here and admire the beauty and people.
- Royal Palace (Kungliga Slottet): See the Changing of the Guards during the day and/or do a tour inside of the Palace.
- Swedish Parliament (Riksdag): Can do a tour inside if interested.
- Alley of Mårten Trotzigs: The smallest street in country – can touch both sides at once!
- Västerlånggatan Street: Main tourist/souvenir shop drag.
- Walk around the hundreds of winding tiny streets and get lost, eat and shop.
Related Post: Swedish Lapland Travel Guide
Spend Afternoon/Evening In Sodermalm
Sodermalm is the trendy/young area and is south of Gamla Stan. It was also voted one of the coolest neighborhood in Europe by Vogue a few years ago.
- Fotografiska: really good contemporary photography exhibitions, along the waterfront. good cafe/coffee place on top floor w good views
- Monteliusvägen: Walk to this small walking path that starts on Mariatorget for the best view of Stockholm (best sunset viewing point).
- SoFo: Trendiest area of Sodermalm. Lots of cool restaurants/bar/clubs, definitely have dinner here tonight (restaurant recommendations below).
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Day Two In Stockholm
Morning In Djugarden: 2-3 Hours
Djugarden is also known as the Museum Island and is a really pretty, green island to walk around (as well as visit all the museums).
- Vasa Museum: Must do, a massive ship that sank in 1628 and they resurrected in one piece.
- Skansen Museum: Open-air interactive museum that shows the Swedish way of life, architecture, zoo. A very kid-oriented, young tour.
- ABBA Museum: If you are into ABBA then it is a must-see.
- Grona Lund: Big amusement park (better for an activity in summer).
Boat Ride Around Stockholm Archipelago
As I mentioned, Stockholm is a massive Archipelago: the name for all of the little islands around Stockholm is Skärgård. You MUST take a boat tour (even in the winter!!!) operated by Stromma Boat Tours. This was a highlight of my time in Stockholm and highly recommended! It is a great way to see all the islands and the outsides of the city. It was so, so picturesque in the winter with snow on all the islands. The tour is 1.5 hours and leaves from Stromkajen.
Afternoon In Ostermalm & Norrmalm
Ostermalm and Norrmalm are nice, popular areas north of Gamla Stan where a lot of Swedes live and are bustling with locals and tourists alike. This is generally the main, busiest area of the city and is on the mainland of Sweden.
- Strandvagen Boulevard: a popular upmarket street to shop on, especially the prestigious department store Svenskt Tenn.
- Ostermalms SaluHall: historic food market, great spot for lunch today!
- Sergel’s Torg (Central Square): nice, bustling square in the middle
Related Post: Reykjavik City Travel Guide
Day Three In Stockholm
Half-Day Trip Outside Of Stockholm
Drottningholm Palace is a world UNESCO heritage site and is a massive gorgeous palace inspired by Versailles that is a quick trip from Stockholm. I highly recommend doing this for a half-day tour from Stockholm! Have to take steamer boat here which runs from Stockholm and is super easy to catch. You can buy your round trip boat tickets to Drottningholm here in advance!
Afternoon Metro Station Hop
The Stockholm metro stations have awesome art installations in them. It is known as the largest art exhibit in the world. I suggest getting on the subway and just getting on and off at random stops to walk around underground. There are also official metro station tours to take – book a metro tour here!
Related Post: 6 Day Iceland Itinerary
If you’re going to Stockholm during Christmas, read this perfect Christmas Stockholm guide!
Check out this other great itinerary for some inspiration while visiting Stockholm.
Where To Eat In Stockholm
Swede’s love their Fika break, which is just coffee break during the day! You have to take advantage of their favorite pasttime. If you go during Stockholm Winter, you must try Semla. This is their signature pastry only available during this time period and it is delicious. Every main restaurant/cafe/bakery serves it! The Semla in Stockholm is delicious and can’t be missed in-season in winter in Stockholm.
Coffee/Breakfast/Lunch in Stockholm
- Drop Coffee Roasters: Stockholm coffee staple, good small plates.
- Kaffekoppen: Famous, cozy coffee hangout in Stotorget. Must go. The bottom floor is a cave/cellar and the food, drinks and hot chocolate (served in a bowl) are amazing.
- Greasy Spoon: Brunch of all brunch spots.
- Pom & Flora: Another must-visit brunch spot.
- Barobao: Amazing trendy lunch spot.
- STHLM Brunch Club: Good staple brunch food, sick milkshakes.
- Ostermalm Saluhall: Food market in Ostermalm.
Best Restaurants in Stockholm
- Sturehof: Amazing culinary destination, famous and expensive.
- Brasserie Le Rouge: Very good, famous, expensive restaurant.
- Koh Phangan: Popular Pan Asian food. Really cool atmosphere and decorations. Amazing Pad Thai.
- Pelikan: Award-winning menu, restaurant decorated like Ikea.
- Herman’s: Mostly a local’s spot. Vegetarian buffet with amazing views and food. Unlimited food for cheap. Student discount with ID also. There is also live music Saturday nights from 7-9pm.
- Fem Små Hus: Speciality Swedish food, next to royal palace.
- Smak: Creative multi-dish dinner. Good deal; 3 dishes for $40.
- Grill: 8 different themed rooms, very cool and good food.
- Babette: Trendy pizza/wine place, casual, Michelin star.
Click all the restaurant links above to find out more/make reservations!
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Stockholm Nightlife
- Morfar Ginko: Trendy big club.
- Indigo: Colorful bar on the main street in Sodermalm with fun drinks.
- Tweed Bar: Good trendy cocktail bar.
- Pharmarium: Themed cocktail bar & good light food in Gamla Stan.
- Corvina Enoteca: Extensive wine bar in Gamla Stan.
- Aifur Krog & Bar: Viking-like traditional bar.
- Snaps Bar and Bistro: Trendy Sodermalm bar.
- Stampen: live music, great cocktails, jazz bar.
Click the bar links above to find out more!
Where To Stay In Stockholm
I stayed with my cousin who lives there in the Norrmalm area and it was perfect. I suggest staying in Norrmalm or Sodermalm depending on your interests. Everything is walking distance and very close. Search and book Stockholm hotels here!
AIRBNB Stockholm: There are also so many cute apartments in Stockholm with extra nice hosts. They are generally cheaper than hotels so if you like the Airbnb route instead of hotels I definitely recommend it. Also, if you use my Airbnb link you get $40 off your first stay!
Search and book Stockholm hotels here!
Like this 3 day Stockholm itinerary guide? Pin it for later or share with friends!
Did I miss something in this 3 day Stockholm Winter Itinerary that you loved? Let me know in the comments for my next visit! See the rest of my Sweden country travel guide here! Looking to head North to Swedish Lapland? Check out my Swedish Lapland (Abisko and Kiruna) travel guide here!
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About The Author
Rachel Shulman is the owner of From East To West and a seasoned traveler having been to 45+ countries and no intention of stopping soon. She is obsessed with planning and specializes in creating detailed, efficient travel itineraries and guides so you don’t have to when planning your next destination.
