Welcome to one of the lands of the Vikings — Sweden! This weekend, we’re diving headfirst into its vibrant capital: Stockholm, a city that’s literally risen from the ashes (more than once!) and still stands tall — full of life, charm, and character. It welcomes visitors with stunning architecture, fascinating museums you will want to tell your friends about, and some of the best freshly baked pastries I’ve ever tasted.
Curious about what to see in Stockholm in 3 days? Here’s my Stockholm weekend travel itinerary.
Location: Stockholm, Sweden
When we went: September 2024.
Overview of Stockholm in 3 days (jump to):
Day 1 of Stockholm Itinerary: Vikings, Legends & Cobblestone Streets
Let’s dedicate the first day of our Stockholm itinerary to exploring ancient Viking tales, getting lost in a maze of storybook streets, spotting hidden surprises on centuries-old façades, and, of course, indulging in some of Sweden’s culinary icons.
Tip: We arrived early in the morning, giving us a full day to explore. If you’re landing later in the day, feel free to swap Day 1 of Stockholm itinerary with the Day 3 of Stockholm itinerary.
If you didn’t guess from my hints – today we’re obviously headed toward Stockholm’s Old Town, but there are a couple of noteworthy stops along the way that are well worth including in your self-guided Stockholm itinerary.
The Homeless Fox Sculpture That Invites to Reflect
Right at the end of Drottninggatan—a lively pedestrian street lined with cafés and restaurants—you’ll come across a quietly powerful sight: Rag and Bone, a sculpture of a beggar fox, bundled up in rags, silently asking passersby to spare a thought for those without a home. It’s a piece that lingers with you—thoughtful, moving, and just a little haunting. It will surely make you reflect on life.
Be Amazed With the Grandeur of Stockholm Parliament – Riksdagshuset
Just across a narrow stretch of water, perched on its own little island, a grand stone building rises into view—elegant and quietly commanding. Its arched entrance is adorned with sculpted reliefs, and at the very top, three crowns from Sweden’s coat of arms sit proudly.
You might find yourself wondering: What is this majestic structure?
It’s Riksdagshuset—the seat of Sweden’s Parliament.
Before stepping through the courtyard that connects the old and new wings of the Parliament, I encourage you to pause and take in your surroundings. The scene feels like a living postcard: grand façades mirrored in the water, bridges linking island to island, and the gentle murmur of the city providing the perfect soundtrack.
For an even better view of the Swedish Parliament, head over to the wide staircase beside the Royal Palace, just across the water. From this angle, you’ll get the full effect of Riksdagshuset’s sculptural façade, which seems to tell stories carved in stone. At its crown stands Mother Svea, the personification of Sweden.
From here, the next logical stop for our Stockholm in 3 days itinerary is the Royal Palace itself.
Check Out Stockholm Palace
As one of the largest palaces in Europe, Stockholm Palace boasts around 600 rooms and serves not only as the official residence of the Swedish monarch, but also houses the royal court, offices for members of the royal family, various ceremonial halls, and several museums.
Unfortunately, during our 3 days in Stockholm in 2024, much of the palace’s façade is under renovation. Bit of a shame, really—I’d read that each of the four façades has its own distinct theme and was curious to see if that’s something you can actually notice with the naked eye. For now, we’ll have to settle for the “King’s Side,” which features medallions of Swedish kings and war-themed decorations. See if you can spot them!
I bet you’re hungry by now. And if you’re not vegetarian or vegan, there’s one iconic dish that just about everyone will insist you try during your 3 days in Stockholm. Can you guess?
Try Swedish Meatballs
Yes, the famous köttbullar! Traditionally made with a blend of ground beef and pork, these bite-sized meatballs are served with creamy mashed potatoes, a rich gravy, and that unmistakably Swedish touch—sweet-tart lingonberry sauce.
While IKEA may have introduced them to the world, I can tell you from experience: they hit differently when your enjoying them in Stockholm. The flavors seem deeper & richer.
During my 3 days in Stockholm I enjoyed meatballs in Moms kitchen. Just a heads-up—they were pre-made and reheated (in case that’s a dealbreaker for you), but honestly, it didn’t compromise the flavor one bit. They were hearty, flavorful, and totally satisfying, so I would recommend them. Plus, the owner was wonderfully friendly—one of those warm, casual chats that makes the whole meal feel even more special.
Now that we are fueled up, let’s continue our Stockholm itinerary.
Explore the Vibrant Streets & Secrets of Stockholm Old Town
So we have finally got to Gamla stan, Stockholm’s oldest and possibly most charming quarter founded way back in the 13th century.
For this part of our Stockholm itinerary I have 2 options:
Self-guided Stockholm Old Town Itinerary
Stockholm’s Old Town is a colorful maze of narrow, winding streets lined with bright, historic buildings. And if you know where to look, you’ll spot some fascinating little secrets—like rune stones tucked into walls or cannonballs hidden in plain sight. If you like treating a trip like a detective game and
you’re up for a bit of solo exploration, stay tuned—my self-guided Stockholm Old Town route is coming soon!
But if you prefer someone knowledgeable to take the lead and guide you around…
Join the Viking Walking Tour of Stockholm
Information about the walking tour
Did Viking helmets have horns? Nope—total myth.
Sweden, along with its Nordic neighbors, was once the land of Vikings, which makes it the perfect place to bust some myths and dive into their real stories. On this walking tour, your Viking guide—armed with a sword, a blowing horn, and a fantastic sense of humor—will lead you through Gamla Stan, revealing surprising connections between Viking lore and Stockholm’s past.
It’s kind of like visiting a Viking museum… but in a more active way with getting your daily steps in. You might even get to unleash your inner warrior with a good ol’ Viking scream in public in a socially accepted way.
Stockholm’s Viking tour is a unique and super fun way to explore the city, and I had an absolute blast. Highly recommend adding it to your Stockholm weekend itinerary. Just a heads-up: while it’s called a “free tour,” it’s actually donation-based—so you decide what it’s worth. You can read more about it on their website.
Lesson of the day in Stockholm
Did you know large parts of Stockholm have burned down and been rebuilt many times? There have been at least 5 major fires including one that destroyed the old royal castle, but just like a phoenix the city has risen from the ashes each time.
After so much walking, it’s time to end our first day in Stockholm with something hearty—you’ve earned it. And if you were joining a Viking on a raid, it would be fitting to enjoy a proper viking feast, too.
Immerse yourself in tale of Vikings in Stockholms Viking restaurant Aifur
Aifur isn’t just a restaurant—it’s an experience. Dining here feels like stepping straight into a Viking feast, but without the risks associated with the actual time travel.
As you step into the dimly lit room, decorated with weapons, shields, and old-style jugs, you’re immediately swept into the buzz of lively chatter and the clinking of cups and dishes. Your entrance is announced with the blow of a horn and a few ruthless Viking-style jokes, followed by cheers from the crowd. You’re then seated at one of the large communal tables, shoulder to shoulder with fellow travelers.
You can order mead to sip from quirky glass goblets without stems and choose from hearty, old-time-inspired dishes like Tore Hjort’s Venison or King Björn’s Birka-style Pike-Perch. Yes the restaurant is a bit pricey, but it’s immersive, it’s fun, and the food is tasty too.
Tip: Make sure to book ahead as the Viking restaurant in Stockholm is very popular.
2rd Lesson of our weekend in Stockholm
Whoever invented the four-tined fork deserves a medal.
To keep things authentic, Aifur gives you a two-tined fork—and let me tell you, trying to stab a tender root vegetable bake with that medieval contraption is a mini battle in itself.
Day 2 of Stockholm Itinerary: Superstars & Seriously Cool Museums
I call the second day of our Stockholm itinerary the museum day, as we’re heading to the island of Djurgården – also known as the island of museums. If you’re into fascinating stories, interactive experiences, and a bit of time travel, this part of your weekend trip to Stockholm is going to be unforgettable.
Tip on getting to the Djurgården from Stockholm city center: take the ferry line 82 from Slussen (part of the public transportation system in Stockholm). It’s super easy & convenient.
There are way too many museums to fit into just 3 days in Stockholm, so we have to choose our favourites. Today, we are starting strong with the oldest open air museums in the world.
This time I picked:
Living Past in Stockholm Skansen Open Air Museum
Skansen Open-Air Museum in Stockholm is like a time machine, but better – because you can actually buy cinnamon buns from the old-fashioned Swedish bakery, peek into historic workshops filled with vintage printing equipment and woodworkers’ tools, and hear the distant bleat of goats near rustic farm houses nestled deeper in the park.
Around 150 buildings from different eras have been carefully taken apart and transported from all over Sweden to Skansen, where they’ve been thoughtfully reassembled and together with charming gardens, intriguing tools and impersonators dressed in period clothing they bring Sweden’s rich history to life. There is also a zoo with Nordic animals and an aquarium there if you’re into that kind of stuff.
Don’t be surprised if you end up spending the better part of your second day here – it’s one of those Stockholm attractions that pulls you in and doesn’t let go.
Full Skansen itinerary coming up soon!
It’ll be tough to top that, but I think I’ve got enough energy for one more world-famous museum in Stockholm, adding a bit of musical magic to our Stockholm itinerary. Here’s a clue – think Waterloo…
The Fun & Interactive ABBA Museum in Stockholm
Welcome to the ABBA Museum in Stockholm, where glitter, nostalgia, and pop music reign supreme.
Whether you’re a lifelong superfan or just someone who never skips “Dancing Queen” at karaoke (I’m the 2nd one), this place is an absolute blast. Explore the band’s journey, hear behind-the-scenes stories in their own words and marvel at the iconic stage costumes. And if you’ve ever dreamed of being a superstar yourself – this is your moment. Step onto the virtual stage and perform with ABBA’s digital avatars. For a few unforgettable minutes, you’re not just visiting a museum… you are the fifth member of ABBA.
Tip: If you’re planning your own Stockholm itinerary make sure you book tickets to Abba museum in advance, as they may be sold out.
If you’re not completely worn out after all this, there are plenty of other museums you could add to your Stockholm itinerary on Djurgården Island. Or, if you’re craving some excitement, there’s even a huge amusement park here. I’m wiped out, though, so I’m calling it a day!
Tip: If you’re heading to Gröna Lund, it’s cheaper to buy tickets online. At least when I visited Stockholm in 2024, there was a special online deal package that wasn’t available in person.
Day 3 of Stockholm Itinerary: Sweeping Views & a Soft Goodbye
Did you know you can turn everyday things—like a metro ride or a visit to a food market—into a fun little adventure? In Stockholm, you definitely can. Since our last day in the city isn’t a full one, we’re spending it exploring a random (but fun!) mix of bits and bobs, all with a unique Stockholm twist.
Unless you’re staying in the very heart of Stockholm, you most likely will need to purchase a metro ticket. Since metro tickets in Stockholm are time-based, why not make the most of them by adding an extra stop (or a few) to your Stockholm itinerary?
Stockholm Metro Art Gallery
What is this place? Ruins of old Roman-style columns and creepy stone heads staring back at you?
Surprise—it’s the Kungsträdgården metro station!
Inspired by the King’s Garden above it, this station feels like an underground archaeological site, with dripping cliff walls and all sorts of quirky surprises. Then, just as you’re taking it all in—whoosh! A metro train rushes through. The mix of art history and modern transportation makes this place a bit of a mind-blowing paradox.
In fact, many of Stockholm’s metro stations double as art galleries, filled with colorful murals, sculptures, and installations. I wouldn’t necessarily go out of my way to visit them all—but if you’ve already got a metro ticket and a bit of extra time, why not include a few stops in your Stockholm itinerary?
What’s next? Well, we haven’t seen Stockholm from above yet on this itinerary—and that simply won’t do. Let’s fix that!
Panoramic Views at Monteliusvägen
There are many places to see Stockholm from above, but today for our quick travel dopamine fix that comes from taking pictures at beautiful sites, we are headed to Monteliusvägen where you’ll find a 500m wooden walking path by the edge of the cliff.
From here, you can spot the Swedish Parliament building, the spiky church towers, colorful old houses, and some sleek modern buildings that are probably apartments or hotels. This feels like a perfect way to say goodbye to this fascinating city at the end of your weekend itinerary in Stockholm.
But before we wrap up our Stockholm adventures we have to fuel up!
Lesson 3 of my weekend in Stockholm
Fika is a key to happiness!
Turns out, Sweden’s cinnamon and cardamom buns are some of the best pastries I’ve ever tried. They taste like Christmas! Especially the freshly baked ones from Fabrique Café—soft, warm and with an under note of those deep Christmasy spices. So, while exploring Stockholm on a weekend don’t forget to take a fika break. Grab a coffee, a pastry, and enjoy a slow moment with good conversation.
Threat Your Eyes or Your Taste Buds at Östermalm Market
When you step into the building that has served as a market for over 130 years, you realize—markets can be elaborate too.
If you look from top to bottom, the interior of this Stockholm market is full of unexpected contrasts. The building features a high, industrial-style ceiling supported by large pillars—but those are contrasted with detailed paintings on soft pastel yellow walls that add an elegant touch. The market stalls, filled with all sorts of goods, are framed in wood with beautiful craftsmanship and charming old-time signs. Combined with the everyday market buzz, it all creates a unique, lively atmosphere that feels both historic and refreshingly modern.
Stalls offer a variety of fresh produce, seafood, meat, cakes, and Swedish shrimp toasts (I think they’re called Toast Skagen).
And with that our 3 days in Stockholm comes to the end and it’s time to return to the airport. Till the next time!
What are your thoughts?
Stockholm is perfect for a weekend trip! It is very easy to get around and if you want to you can pack so many fun and iconic attractions into just a couple of days. Would definitely recommend Stockholm if you’re looking for a city break.
