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A Guide to Spending 24 hours In Stockholm, Sweden

Updated: Sep 25

For our fourth anniversary back in 2017, we did a 10-day trip across Sweden, Norway, and Finland. You already know I love this part of the world – Scandinavia is absolutely beautiful. The first thing that pops into your mind when you think of Sweden is Ikea… or maybe Phoebe from FRIENDS trying to do a Swedish accent?

We only spent a day in Stockholm but we loved the cheerful vibes. The smell of fresh-baked bread, the festive cheer, the clean winter air… and all the happy, helpful people.

Stockholm

Must-See Places

  • Gamla Stan and Stortorget (a gorgeous street in Old Town)

  • Riddarhuset

  • Royal Palace

  • Vasa Museum

If you are staying for more than one night, you should also do Lake Mälaren and stop at Birka, Sweden's first city.


Best Time to Visit

Since we went in the winter, it was very quiet. I would imagine it being just as beautiful in the summer. No matter when you travel, you will never be far away from adorable shops, cobblestone alleys, and clear blue skies.

Visa

We flew from Dubai straight to Stockholm. A Schengen Visa is needed to enter Sweden.

Language

Swedish is the local language, but like most of Scandinavia, people speak good English.

Travel & Medical Insurance, Currency

Highly recommended. Medical insurance is mandatory when you apply for a Schengen Visa.

Cost & Getting Around

Since we only spent a day, we mostly walked around. Scandinavia is expensive, but you can pay by card in most places.

Safety

Had no issues with safety.

Food

Plenty of vegetarian and vegan options at cafes and restaurants.

Itinerary: Gamla Stan

We landed at 5 a.m., grabbed a quick coffee, and took the train from the airport toward the old town. One of the best and most fun things to do on any European holiday is explore the colorful streets. By 7:30 a.m., we had a beautiful winter day ahead.

We started making our way through Södermalm and onwards to Gamla Stan, the city’s medieval heart. After seeing pictures of Gamla Stan, I was intrigued by how it looked eerily similar to Copenhagen. Needless to say, it was simply marvelous. This is the most picturesque (aka “gram-worthy”) square in Stockholm: Stortorget.

Stockholm

As someone naturally attracted to colors, I fell in love with the buildings here. The little corner was just gorgeous, filled with cute cafes and boutique shops. Since it was early, we were the only ones around, so we enjoyed our walk around the old town without crowds.

Stockholm

We continued walking down the narrow streets and picked up delicious treats – a must-try if you’re in Stockholm. Apart from the cobbled streets, we saw stunning medieval architecture dating back to the 13th century, including the Stockholm Cathedral.

Since it was still pretty early in the day, we were the only ones here.. so we totally enjoyed our walk around the old town. It was the perfect place to spend a few hours exploring, with it's iconic landmarks and surreal river views.

Stockholm

We continued walking down the narrow streets and picked up delicious treats. These were so good... definitely a must-try if you are in Stockholm.

Stockholm

Apart from the famous cobbled streets, we also got to see the stunning medieval architecture dating back to the 13th century in places like the Stockholm Cathedral.

Stockholm

Stockholm City Hall

Stockholm City Hall, where the Nobel Prize ceremony is held every year, is just a short walk from the train station. Guided tours are available for a deeper dive into the history.

Stockholm

Royal Palace

If you visit around midday, you can also catch the famous guard change at the Royal Palace.

Cafes & Restaurants

The best part of Stockholm was its charming restaurants and cafes. We spent a few hours getting over jet lag while enjoying delicious local food.

Stockholm

Vasa Museum

If art and culture are your thing, don’t miss the Vasa Museum, home to the iconic 17th-century ship.


Final Thoughts

It is never easy to see a city in 24 hours, but if you prioritize, you can do justice to this stunning city. It makes a great layover if you’re heading to other Scandinavian countries.

Stockholm

People often overlook Stockholm in favor of Norway or Copenhagen. But as we walked over the bridges, we were blown away by the elegance of this colorful capital.

Stockholm

Drop your comments below and show some love. Feel free to email me with your

Explore More European Destinations:

Cheers,

Anki

Wayfarer Footprints has captured the imagination of explorers and dreamers across the globe. Our travel journey—filled with immersive adventures, honest insights, and practical tips—has resonated deeply with readers who seek meaning beyond the map. From solo travel stories to offbeat discoveries, we’re proud to have been recognized by both Indian and international media.


1 Comment

Fred Smith
Fred Smith
Mar 14, 2024

Thanks!

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