3 Days Backpacking Stockholm Itinerary for First-Timers

12 Best Things to Do in Stockholm for 3 days

1. Go up the Stockholm City Hall

On your first day in Stockholm, I highly recommend you begin your journey in Stockholm's old town, starting at the City Hall, which is located on the eastern tip of Kungsholmen Island in central Stockholm, overlooking Lake Mälaren, a perfect place to start your day.

The City Hall was built between 1911 and 1923 in a unique blend of national romanticism and early modernism architectural styles. It features a central tower that rises 106 meters (348 feet) into the air and is topped with three crowns, symbolizing the national emblem of Sweden.

Thanks to its location on the tip of Kungsholmen island, facing the islands of Riddarholmen and Södermalm, which is where the old town is located, you can get some pretty stunning views of Stockholm from this viewpoint, so make sure to check it out while you are here.

You can also go up the 106-meter-high tower via an elevator or 365 steps of stairs for a stunning view of the Old Town from above. Walk up for a perfect morning exercise with a rewarding view at the top. The tower is open from 9:15 AM to 4 PM every day, and the entrance fee is 90 SEK. You can buy the ticket from the entrance. Pre-booking is not possible at the moment.

2. Learn the History at the Royal Palace

From the Town Hall, you can make your way towards Gamla Stan (the Old Town) through Helgeandsholmen island, and you will be greeted with a stunning Italian Baroque-style structure of the Royal Palace.

It is one of the largest palaces in Europe and the official residence of His Majesty the King of Sweden. There are several museums inside the palace that you can visit, which can take hours to walk through, so be sure to take your time while you are here.

Although the exterior of the Royal Palace is impressive, it is nothing compared to the grandiose halls and lavish rooms you will see once you are inside. Expect to spend at least 2 hours to really explore this wonderful piece of architecture and learn more about the history of Sweden.

Also, if you are around the Royal Palace at around 12:15 pm, you will be able to witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony, which includes a military marching band and parade that lasts for 45 minutes.

The ceremony begins and ends at the entrance of the Royal Palace, as it circles around the palace. I accidentally stumbled upon it, and it was interesting to see the band, although I wouldn't recommend you stick around for the whole thing, as it involves a lot of walking and not much else.

3. Admire the Beauty of Storkyrkan

Right around the corner from the Royal Palace, you will find another impressive piece of architecture, Storkyrkan, one of the oldest churches in Gamla Stan.

It was built in the 13th Century and was originally constructed as a Catholic church, but it became a Lutheran church during the Reformation in the 16th century. The church still stands to this day as one of the greatest examples of Swedish Romanesque and Gothic architectural styles, with its impressive brick facade.

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The church is open from 9 AM to 6 PM every day, and its entry fee is around 6.5 EUR. It is a great stop as we make our way across Gamla Stan and onto other parts of Stockholm.

4. Hangout at the Stortorget Square

While you are exploring Gamla Stan, be sure to check out Stortorget, the oldest town square in the city that has been serving the people here for many centuries.

The buildings surrounding Stortorget are some of the oldest out there, with a mix of well-preserved medieval and Renaissance architecture. They are characterized by their colorful facades and gabled roofs. Many of these buildings date back to the 17th and 18th centuries and now house restaurants, cafes, and museums that you can explore.

All the small alleyways leading up to Stortorget Square are worth exploring in themselves, so be sure to spend some time and get lost before we continue on our journey.

5. Make your way through charming alleyways to the German Church

Next up, we visit the German Church, another important landmark in the Old Town of Stockholm that dates back to the Middle Ages.

The church is not very big compared to other structures in the old town, but it features a tall bell tower with an impressive spire soaring approximately 85 meters (279 feet) to the sky, making it the highest structure in Gamla Stan. The church is open from 12 PM to 4 PM every day, except on Sundays, and the entrance is free.

6. Stroll around the island of Riddarholmen

After you are done with the old town, you can make your way to Riddarholmen, a small island that forms part of Gamla Stan. This is the place you saw from the viewpoint at the City Hall we just visited.

One of the landmarks of this island is the Riddarholmen church, a stunning 13th-century church that is now being used for burials and memorials. You can go inside and check out its beautiful nave, or you can stroll further to the western bank of the island and appreciate the view of the bay. It is definitely a great spot for sunset!

7. Hang out at the Drottninggatan shopping street

If you are looking for a place to go shopping, eat out, or simply people-watching, Drottninggatan Street is the main shopping strip full of all kinds of shops and restaurants where you can shop around and hang out in Stockholm.

The street is often extremely lively in the evening, as that is the time when most locals will hang out with one another. There are numerous cafes and restaurants lined on both sides of the street.

If you are looking for a nice cafe with an excellent vibe in this area, I would recommend Kaferang, a great place to sit, work, meet up with friends, or simply enjoy a great cup of coffee. Thanks to my friend who is living in Stockholm for recommending the place! 😃

8. Check out the Gilded Crown on the Skeppsholmsbron bridge

For your second day in Stockholm, we are going to take it slow and start off with a stroll through the city to the Skeppsholmsbron Bridge, a 19th Century iron bridge featuring the famous Gilded Crown along a side railing, with an excellent view of Gamla Stan and the Stadsholmen island.

It is a popular place to take photos to let people know or remind yourself that you have been to Stockholm, so be sure to get your camera out. The light is perfect in the morning, and there won't be many tourists around yet, so I highly recommend you check it out first things first on your second day here.

9. Be Blown Away by the real Viking Ship of Vasa at the Vasa Museum

Next up, we are going to visit the Vasa Museum, a maritime museum that housed one of the most well-preserved Viking warships that sank on its maiden voyage in 1628 just off the coast of Stockholm.

Your mind will be blown the moment you set your eyes upon Vasa, a massive, well-preserved warship that stands over 52 meters (170 feet) high and 69 meters (226 feet) long, weighing more than 1,200 tonnes, housed under the roof of the museum.

The retired warship was built in the 16th century, and it was one of the largest warships of its time. Its maiden voyage took place in 1628. However, shortly after setting sail in Stockholm Harbor, the ship encountered difficulties due to design flaws.

It was top-heavy and had insufficient stability, and with a gust of wind, the ship heeled over, and water flooded through the open gun ports. The Vasa capsized and sank after sailing only about 1,300 meters from the pier.

You can learn more about the history and salvage of the ship through the exhibitions across the 4-story-high museum that is built around this warship, and you will be able to see every single detail of the ship as you walk through each exhibition.

It is one of the best museums in Stockholm, and I highly recommend that you spend at least an hour or two exploring all the exhibitions the museum has to offer. The museum is open from 10 AM to 5 PM every day, and the entrance fee is 190 LEK. You can buy the ticket online here.

10. Learn about the Nordic History at the Nordic Museum

The Nordic Museum is another museum I recommend you check out on your second day in Stockholm. It is housed in this majestic, castle-like building built in the 19th century that is a tourist attraction on its own with its impressive facade and towers.

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The museum boasts an extensive and diverse collection of artifacts, ranging from historical clothing, textiles, and jewelry to furniture, household items, and tools. Its exhibits provide insight into the daily lives, traditions, and craftsmanship of people in the Nordic countries throughout history.

It begins by talking about light, which is usually not how a typical history museum usually starts off, but then it gets interesting once they explain how light played an important role in the lifestyle of the Nordic people, given that there is not a lot of light in this part of the world for much of the year.

They go on to explain how the culture evolved around perfecting the interior, so that they can work longer hours even without daylight. The museum goes even further and explains what the northern light meant to the Nordic people, with interactive visuals and experiences to go with it.

They also explain how the lighting evolved over time through each period, just like fashion. There are 4 floors consisting of different parts of Nordic history, from furniture to fashion. I spent almost 3 hours alone just learning about Nordic culture through this museum.

The museum is open from 10 AM to 5 PM every day, and the entrance fee is 150 SEK per person. You can book the ticket in advance from its official website. Visiting the Nordic Museum is one of the best things to do in Stockholm, so be sure not to miss it.

11. Go up to the Monteliusvägen viewpoint for sunset

For the best sunset spots in Stockholm, I have to give it to Monteliusvägen Viewpoint. I would never have discovered this scenic lookout point if it weren't for my good friend Susan, whom I met back in Peru last year, and she showed me around town when I was in Stockholm.

Crossing the bridge through the Riddarholmen island to the Södermalm island and walking up a hill, passing all the beautiful houses, you will arrive at a walking path along the side of a hill with an incredible view over Lake Malaren, the City Hall, and the Riddarholmen island, all in one frame.

The view you get from here is truly remarkable, especially if you are there either during the sunrise or sunset. There was no one when I was there at sunset one evening, which goes to show that not many people know about this place. There is no better place to be at the end of your second day in Stockholm than here.

12. A day trip to Gripsholm castle in Mariefred

Now, on your third day in Stockholm, we are going to travel outside of Stockholm and visit Gripsholm, a stunning castle located only a train ride away. In about an hour, you will arrive in the small town of Mariefred where the stunning castle of Gripsholm is located.

The castle is an incredible piece of history that dates back to the late 16th century when it was built by King Gustav Vasa as both a fortress and a royal residence. The castle is a great example of Renaissance architectural style, featuring a striking red-brick exterior with white plaster decorations.

The place is known for its impressive collections of art, historical artifacts, and portraits of Swedish monarchs, which are now housed inside the castle where you can stroll around and explore.

Mariefred, the small town where Gripsholm Castle is located, is also worth exploring with its charming and idyllic vibe. Its small streets are full of restaurants and cafes, providing a great way to glimpse into Swedish small-town life, which is drastically different from Stockholm.

If you are looking for a nice cafe to relax in Mariefred, Två Goda Ting is a small, homey cafe where you can grab a delicious latte and pastries while you wait for the bus and train to go back to Stockholm. The Gripsholm Castle is open from 10 AM to 4 PM every day, and the entrance fee is 140 SEK per person.

In order to get to Gripsholm Castle from Stockholm, you will have to take a train from Stockholm City Station to Läggesta Station. From Läggesta Station, you can take buses number 302, 304, or 642 and get off at Gripsholm.

The entire trip should take you no more than 1.5 hours, one way. It should take about half a day to explore Gripsholm and Mariefred, and you can take the train back to Stockholm. The train runs every hour, and you can book the train ticket here.

When to Go to Stockholm?

June to August is the best time to visit Stockholm. As with most Scandinavian countries, the weather can get extreme, even if it is a little bit off-season, so it would be best to stick to mid-summer, despite most of the things being pricier and more crowded.

If you don't mind the weather and want to save costs, you can go in late April or early September. The weather might be colder with less sunlight throughout the day, but you will save some money and experience the city without as many tourists around you as in mid-summer.

How to Get to Stockholm?

You can fly into Stockholm if you are coming from outside of the EU. For the best possible deal, I always browse the airfare comparison website, Skyscanner or Expedia, to find cheap flights for the trip.

If you are already in Europe and are on a budget, you can also take a bus from anywhere with Flixbus for only a few euros.

How to Get Around Stockholm?

Most of the attractions are concentrated in and around the Old Town, so you can cover every attraction I suggested here on foot.

To cover a greater distance in Stockholm, the metro is the way to go, with a single ticket costing only 44 SEK (5 USD). You can see the metro map here.

To get to other cities like Mariefred (where Gripsholm castle is located), you can take the train from Stockholm City Station, and you can travel almost anywhere in the country from there. You can book the train ticket here.

For Gripsholm, the train runs every hour between Stockholm and Läggesta Station. From Läggesta Station, there will be buses #302, 304, and 642 running hourly, which you can take to get to Gripsholm (the schedule may change depending on the season). The entire trip should take no more than 1.5 hours, one way. Google Maps works really well in finding the right train and schedule for you, so you can enter your destination there.

If you are coming from Helsinki via Viking Line cruise, you will be dropped off at the Stadsgården dock. Viking Line does provide a bus transfer from its dock to the Central Train Station for $7, and it will take around 15 minutes. You can buy the transfer ticket at the information desks on board the ship.

What to Pack for Stockholm, Sweden?

As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Stockholm, Sweden:

• Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
• Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
• Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
• Fleece Jacket: For colder weather, layering is the key, and a fleece jacket makes an excellent insulating layer. I recommend the Columbia Steens Mountain Fleece (for women).
• Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
• Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
• Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
• Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
• Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
• Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
• Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
• Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
• Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.

For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.

Looking for a more comprehensive packing list for Europe? Check out:What to Pack For Europe: The Essential Packing List

Further Reading for Sweden and Other Nordic Countries

I hope you found this Sweden guide useful. If you want to read more about Sweden, here are a selection of articles you might like:

• Helsinki is a great place to travel to from Sweden. If you are heading that way, be sure to visit our 9 Best Things To Do In Helsinki as well.
• Copenhagen is also another city worth visiting after Sweden. Here's a complete guide on 10 Best Things to Do in Copenhagen.
• Want to do a road trip in Scotland? Check out our 2-week road trip itinerary for Scotland.
• Are you traveling to Sweden as part of a bigger Europe trip? Be sure to check out my 3-month itinerary for Europe from Portugal all the way to Sweden.
• Packing for a trip to visit a region as big as Europe is extremely daunting. Here's a packing guide to help you: What to Pack for Europe - The Essential Packing List.
• Want to visit Europe in winter? Better prepare for the cold. Here's a winter packing guide to help you: What to Pack for Europe in Winter - The Essential Packing List.
• Not convinced by my words? Here are 125 photos that will inspire you to visit Europe.
• You can also watch my Nordic travel video here: "Electro Nordic" travel video.
• To see all the articles about Sweden, visit the Sweden Travel Guide page.
• Looking for a place to go after Sweden? How about the Baltic States? Check out our complete one-week itinerary for the Baltic Countries.
• Planning a trip to Vilnius, Lithuania and looking for awesome things to do? Check out: 10 Best Things to Do in Vilnius, Lithuania.
• You can't travel to the Baltics without visiting Riga, the capital city of Latvia. Here is a complete travel guide and the 10 Best Things to Do in Riga, Latvia.
• Tallinn is one of the prettiest cities in the Baltics and a must-visit for those who love medieval architecture and colorful traditional houses. Here is the 10 Best Things to Do in Tallinn, Estonia.
• Traveling in Europe can be cheap, really cheap. These are the 12 Cheap European Countries to Visit.
• Looking for more travel guides for Europe? You can find more on my Europe Travel Guide page.
• Or, if you want something more specific to the region, visit our Northern Europe Travel Guide page.
• For more of my travel guides like this, visit my Destinations page.