Must-Do Guide for Your First Trip to Stockholm, Sweden

• Experience the Stockholm Archipelago by Boat: Stockholm is a city of islands. Taking a boat tour is the perfect way to get acquainted with the city and see some of the stunning scenery. Take an open electric boat ride on your first day for a great introduction.

• Explore the Old Town of Gamla Stan: Gamla Stan is the original city center of Stockholm and dates back to the 13th century. Visit the Royal Palace, walk through a narrow 35in alleyway and take in the picturesque, colorful buildings of Stortorget. A free walking tour is a great way to learn about the Old Town.

• Shopping in Sodermalm: Sodermalm is the Southern Island of Stockholm, and has become one of the trendiest areas in Stockholm. Fuel your shopping day's energy with Drop Coffee, then head to the main road of Gotgatan for shopping like APLACE and Designtorget. Head towards SoFo and check out Grandpa, POP Vintage, and Krukmakeriet Anne Junsjö.

• Visit IKEA: Something about shopping at IKEA in Sweden feels like a different experience than back home. While the city center location in the Gallerian is not the original, it’s still a must-visit while you’re in Stockholm. Don’t forget to try the Swedish meatballs in their cafeteria!

• Swedish Music Experience: Stockholm has honored two of the greatest artists that have changed Swedish music history with unique and interactive museums: ABBA and Avicii. ABBA the Museum is truly one of the most fun experiences in Stockholm. With many photo-ops and activities for you to sing and dance along to your favorite ABBA hits. The Avicii Experience is much smaller. It pays a nice homage to the late DJ and is definitely something to check out if you were a fan of his music. You can get a combined ticket to both experiences here.

• Museum Island- Djurgården was once the king’s hunting grounds. Today, it is still owned by the King. It houses some of the top museums in Stockholm, including ABBA the Museum, The Nordic Museum, Skansen Open Air Museum and the Vasa Museum. The Vasa Museum is dedicated to the legendary warship that sank 20 minutes into its maiden voyage. Enter from Ostermalm via the blue gate and follow the path around the water for one of the most scenic walks in the city.

• Rosendals Tradgard: Also located on Djurgården but deserves a call out of its own. Walk 20–30 minutes to Rosendals Tradgard and you’ll forget you’re even in a city. Explore the beautiful gardens, enjoy the outdoors and eat lunch at their garden cafe. The garden cafe has some of the freshest food in the entire city, as most of the ingredients are curated from the garden itself.

Breakfast, Lunch & Bakeries

The Swedes love their FIKA, and Stockholm has no shortage of the beloved pastries. Two of the most popular are Kanelbullar, cinnamon bun, or Kardemummabullar, cardamom buns. To find these pastries, you can visit Brod & Salt or Fabrique, which each have locations throughout the city. Sundbergs Konditori, the oldest patisserie in Stockholm located in Gamla Stan, is a must-try as well.

Vete-katten is another great option, but also has a delicious lunch menu with fresh salads and sandwiches.

Dinner & Drinks:

For traditional Swedish cuisine, head to Restaurant Pelikan in Sodermalm to try classics like Swedish meatballs and Toast Skagen. On the way, grab a drink at Stigbergets Fot, an experimental craft brewery with a range of unique beers on taps.

In Ostermalm, check out the historic Ostermalms Saluhall, which has been open since 1888. For dinner, make a reservation at Brasserie Astoria for a swanky French affair. After dinner, head to a Bar Called Gemma for great cocktails in a vibey but low-key atmosphere. It gets crowded, so make a reservation!

Pharmarium in Gamla Stan is inspired by Sweden’s first pharmacy and has a prime location right in Stortorget. Albeit expensive, the bar is swanky and the cocktails are unique and inspired.

Not to be missed, TAK is a fusion of Nordic and Japanese cuisine. Located on a rooftop above the Gallerian, they offer a la carte, but the chef’s choice menu is the way to go. Before or after dinner, head to the other side of the rooftop to Stockholm Under Stjarnorna (SUS), for a fun and lively bar with a gorgeous view of the city.