Stockholm Travel Guide: Local Tips & Hidden Highlights
Built across 14 islands where Lake Mälaren meets the Baltic, Stockholm is a city that reveals itself slowly. Anna Hård, one of our Swedish Destination Specialists, shares the walks, restaurants and hidden corners she returns to again and again.
Stockholm is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The capital of Sweden, founded by Birger Jarl in 1252, lies at the mouth of Lake Mälaren and is built on 14 islands connected by 57 bridges.
Stockholm is home to the famous Vasa Museum, the Royal Palace and the Drottningholm Palace, as well as Riddarholmen Church, which has its origins in 1270, when a Franciscan priory was founded on what is now Riddarholmen. Kungliga slotten Note that a major three-year restoration of the church's iconic cast-iron spire began in late 2025 and will run until approximately 2028, though the church itself remains open to visitors during its regular season from May to September.
Stroll along the narrow, winding cobblestone streets in Old Town, the original city centre, which is one of the best-preserved medieval city centres in the world. Take your time and stop for photos in front of the beautiful facades of the buildings. While you are there, be sure not to miss the changing of the guard at the Royal Palace.
Find your favourite among thousands of cafés and go for a real Swedish Fika. If you are unsure of the exact meaning of that, friendly locals will be happy to explain it to you. Enjoy a walk along the waterfront on Strandvägen with its architectural gems in the background, then head over to Djurgården and find yourself in lush nature just minutes from the city centre.
The clean water surrounding the city and its neighbouring archipelago is what defines Stockholm and gives it its unique character. Just 20 minutes from the city, the Stockholm Archipelago, a world of 30,000 islands, begins. Visit Stockholm It is easily accessible for day trips or overnight stays, with the ferry hub located in the middle of the city.With a great mixture of vibrant city life, nature treasures, good food and interesting history, Stockholm has something for every taste.
My suggested guide to some hidden Stockholm highlights
WALK: Monteliusvägen
Take the red or green metro line to Slussen. Walk down Hornsgatan, turn right at Pustegränd, walk down the stairs and then left at Bastugatan. Here you will find yourself amongst charming old buildings and narrow alleys. Continue on Bastugatan and then turn right on to Monteliusvägen. Enjoy this 500-metre walking path with a magnificent view of Lake Mälaren, Riddarholmen and the City Hall. The view is especially beautiful at sunrise or sunset.
BOTANICAL: Bergius Botanic Garden
Take the T14 metro line to the University and from there hop on bus number 50 or enjoy a 15-minute walk to the entrance. Bring a picnic and sit down on one of the benches in the tranquillity of the gardens. Enjoy the Japanese pond, the orchards and the rhododendron valley. The scents of flowers in the Edvard Anderson Conservatory are guaranteed to bring a smile to your face. In the tropical sections you will find plants such as coffee, cocoa, bamboo, cotton and different fruits. Visiting details here.
Not to Miss: Stockholm Highlights, Easy to Do
Changing of the guard at the Royal Palace in Old Town, which takes approximately 40 minutes.
Where/When: Old Town Palace / Weekdays and Saturdays 12:15, Sundays 13:15. Year round.
Cost: Free
Of course, don't miss the classic Stockholm highlights:
We offer guided tours to these musuems and attractions. Just ask us how!
My favourite local restaurants in Stockholm
Farang – A lively Southeast Asian restaurant in a former industrial hall, with bold, shareable dishes drawing on Thai, Vietnamese and other regional influences. A Michelin Guide listing and a firm Stockholm favourite.
Ångbåtsbryggan – A historic steamboat docked on Strandvägen, offering a genuine sense of being out on the water while still in the heart of the city. Primarily open spring through autumn; perfect for a long summer lunch or sunset drinks.
Gondolen – Fine dining 33 metres above the city, with panoramic views over Stockholm's waterways and skyline. Having been closed for renovation for several years, Gondolen reopened under new management in October 2023 with a contemporary menu that balances comfort and elegance.
Brasserie at The Royal Opera – Note that the Royal Opera building is scheduled to close temporarily for renovation at the end of 2026, so it is worth checking current availability before booking.
Operakällaren – A one-Michelin-star restaurant set in Sweden's most famous dining room, within the Royal Opera building. Fine dining with a remarkable wine cellar and views across to the Royal Palace.
Teatergrillen – Opened in 1945 and one of Stockholm's most enduring institutions, with a menu that weaves together classic Swedish and French influences in a richly theatrical interior.
Gyldene Freden – One of Sweden's most well-known restaurants, in the same Gamla Stan surroundings since 1722. The menu remains rooted in Swedish culinary tradition, now with a contemporary sensibility.
Credit: Henrik Trygg, Visit Stockholm, Monteliusvägen, Tove Freiij/imagbank.sweden.se, Ångbåtsbryggan, Monteliusvägen, Tove Freiij/imagbank.sweden.se, Photographer: Eva Dalin, Bergianska Trädgården, Ola Ericson/imagebank.sweden.se