A Perfect Stockholm Itinerary: 3 Days in Stockholm

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Right now, are you listening to an ABBA mixed tape while eating Swedish meatballs from IKEA in eager anticipation of an AMAZING 3 days in Stockholm, Sweden?

Okay:

Maybe that’s just me but come on guys, get super pumped! Because yo DJ, we about to pump this party…Golden Girls style since I’m old and mildly crotchety at heart.

But on a slightly more serious note:

Any Stockholm itinerary is truly magical since this glorious city is brimming with harborside elegance, quaint historic homes, stunning panoramic views, incredibly friendly people, and a vibrant, cafe culture that makes you want to sip on a latte while eating a cardamom bun as you sit snuggled up next to a nice warm fire this winter in Stockholm.

Dreamy no?

Admittedly, the first time I spent 3 days in Stockholm, it was kind of a disaster.

I was in Stockholm for Christmas so not only was everything closed, but it was absolutely frigid.

Plus:

I had no idea what I was doing, ate at all these lame restaurants, and basically ran into every travel catastrophy humanly possible.

So:

To say that I wasn’t super excited about doing another Stockholm itinerary is an understatement.

But:

I’m a huge fan of giving places a second chance, so I decided to give Stockholm another try.

And you know what? I loved it!

I know, I was pretty shocked by this too. But, I really didn’t want to leave as a little teary eyesd as my Stockhom car hire drove me off the airport.

I may have even shed a tear or two but don’t tell anyone since I kind of want to keep my street cred intact.

Anyway:

I’m basically sharing my whole 3 days in Stockholm itinerary with you because I want you to fall madly and deeply in love with Stockholm just like I did!

So kick up your heels and get ready to rock your Stockholm visit like it’s 1699, or 2019, depending on how geriatric you are at heart.

But:

Before we begin this 3 days in Stockholm itinerary, let’s find out how to get from Stockholm Airport to the city center, where to stay in Stockholm, and if the Stockholm Pass is worth it!

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure for more information. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.

***PSST: Since there is so much more to Sweden than Stockholm, you may want to explore other, exciting places like Smaland. Because yes, there really are a ton of unique things to do In Smaland, Sweden.***

How to get from Stockholm Airport to the City Center

Not sure how to get from Arlanda or Stockholm Airport to the city center?

Do yourself a favor:

Skip the taxi and use the Arlanda Express instead. This train takes just 20 minutes to get to Stockholm Central Station, is uber comfortable, and departs every 15 minutes.

However:

Be sure to purchase your ticket (It will say Arlanda Express on it, unlike a commuter ticket, which is what I accidentally bought. Whoops) in advance since purchasing a ticket on board is more expensive ($30 one way and $57 round trip).

But if you want to save a little money:

You can also take a commuter train to Stockholm for $16, which departs every hour and takes around 45 minutes.

Personally though:

I think the easiest and cheapest way to get from Stockholm airport to the city center is by using the Flygbussarna Airport Coaches.

Tickets are cheaper if you book them in advance online and cost $12 for a single ticket and $22 for a round trip ticket if you buy them upon arrival.

Buses depart every 10-15 minutes and take 35 to 45 minutes to arrive at City Terminal, making them a quick, easy, and super comfortable way to get to Stockholm city center.

Seriously, what more could you ask for?

Stockholm Accommodation: Where to Stay in Stockholm

Hobo Hotel (mid-range)

Oddly enough:

I have stayed at a bunch of different hotels in Stockholm, with some being better than others.

And my personal favorite happens to be the Hobo Hotel.

What really sets this hotel apart (apart enough to make it on this list) is the hotel’s close and personal attention to detail.

From the chic, modern-minimalist decor to the personalized welcome board in the hotel’s lobby, everything here is meticulously designed to make your stay more comfortable and to make you feel right at home.

But it gets better!

Other hotel perks include fantastic views, ultra-modern amenities (think flat screen TV, high-tech radio, a walk-in closet size shower, etc.), cozy beds, and impeccable service.

Plus:

The entire hotel has this awesome, low key, hipster feel that is wonderfully stylish, but without being at all pretentious.

Honestly though:

The Hobo Hotel is even better than home since I don’t have to clean or cook breakfast while I’m here.

Plus:

Your hotel room even has this uber cute and uber useful borrow wall where you can literally “borrow” anything that you might need, like that umbrella you meant to pack.

And don’t even get me started on the location which, in case you couldn’t guess, is amazing!

I mean:

This hotel is adjacent to a shopping mall, so it’s literally a hop, skip, and jump away from Stockholm’s harbor, exciting museums, fantastic shops, and lick your plate clean level delicious food (the restaurant serves fantastic food as well).

They also serve a decadently, delicious breakfast buffet, which creates foodie nirvana with an assortment of items like chia pudding, yogurt, cereal, freshly made bread and quiche, cheese, smoothies, fruit, pastries and more.

Honestly:

I ate so much that I literally could not eat anything else for the rest of the day.

So:

If you’re looking for a hotel that will make you never want to go back home, then the HOBO Hotel is definitely the place for you.

Hotel Birger Jarl

Another great mid-range hotel in Stockholm is Hotel Birger Jarl.

Not only is the location amazing, with a metro station and the Stockholm Library right next door, but the service is stellar.

The front desk was only too happy to help me create a list of alternative things to do in Stockholm since it was my second visit to the city and I had already done all the super touristy stuff.

And while my room definitely wasn’t as luxurious as the pictures had me believe:

My room was still comfortable, clean, and cozy, which is just what I needed for a comfortable night’s rest (I think you’ll be way more impressed by the lobby than your room).

Plus:

Rooms start at $80 per night, so you can get a bit of luxury in your life without selling your blood plasma just to cover the bill (I swear, that was a joke, even though my friends did do that in college for extra money).

Jumbo Stay (Budget

Looking for a fun and funky place to stay that won’t break the budget?

Then definitely consider Jumbo Stay, a Boeing 747 that has been converted into an upscale hostel that sits along an unused runway at Stockholm’s Arlanda Airport.

Which is one of the many reasons why:

This hostel is the PERFECT place to stay if you have an early morning flight since Jumbo Stay is just 6 minutes away fromall of the airport terminals.

And with rooms that start at just $70 a night:

This hostel is a delightfully economical way to create memories to last a lifetime.

Plus:

This hostel is actually pretty dang luxurious with 29 rooms and 61 beds that are outfitted with flat-screen TVs, high-speed WIFI, modern toilets throughout the main deck, a 24-hour front desk, and an onsite restaurant that starts serving breakfast, starting 3 am for anyone who has an early flight to catch.

A fantastic place to stay for anyone who wants to couple a bit of fun with the convenience of staying at the airport.

SF af Chapman (Budget)

Looking for a fun hostel that is a bit closer to some of the top Stockholm tourist attractions?

Then try staying aboard the SF af Chapman!

This hostel is a newly renovated sailboat that is docked at island Skeppsholmen, just across the harbor from Gamla Stan and the Royal Palace.

Now:

Because this hostel is a sailboat, the rooms are a bit small, and the stairs are a bit steep and narrow.

But:

What this boat lacks in space it makes up for in charm. It also has a wonderfully central location that is just down the road from Stockholm’s modern art museum.

And while the staff weren’t overly nice, or helpful:

Rooms here start at just $40 per night, making this another great budget accommodation in Stockholm.

Is the Stockholm Pass worth it?

Let’s be real:

Stockholm is NOT a cheap city. Between food, attractions, and transportation, you can easily spend a ton of money without even realizing it.

That’s why:

If you’re visiting Stockholm for the first time and are planning on doing this 3 days in Stockholm itinerary, then definitely purchase the Stockholm Pass.

It will save you a TON of money since over 60 attractions, minus the ABBA Museum, are included.

Therefore:

Even if you only visit top Stockholm attractions like the Vasa Museum, the Fotografiska Museum, Drottningholm Palace, the Royal Palace, Skansen, and a Waterway Cruises, you’ll still end up saving about a $100.

Just choose between the 1,2,3, and 5 day Stockholm Pass, for roughly $65, $85, $105 or $135, depending on how long your Stockholm itinerary is. All passes are then valid for 24, 48, 72, and 120 consecutive hours after activation.

FYI:

You can also buy an additional public transportation add-on, which is the same price as purchasing tickets directly from the metro.

Therefore:

The public transportation add on isn’t cheaper but it does make life slightly easier since you have everything on a single card.

Stockholm Itinerary: Day 1 (Old Town)

Good news!

The metro in Stockholm, Sweden is super easy to use. Just visit any metro counter with a REAL live person (trust me, you don’t want to buy a paper ticket every time you want to use the metro since it gets pricey. Plus, the entrance doesn’t read paper tickets so you would actually need to find someone to let you in every time you want to board the metro, which is quite annoying) and ask for a metro card.

From here:

Just visit any ticket machine and fill up your metro card as needed. It’s that easy.

Now:

To get to Chokladkoppen for breakfast, just board the metro and take either the green or red line to the Gamla Stan station.

From here:

It’s a quick walk to Chokladkoppen, a cozy little cafe that sits along the oldest square in Stockholm, Stortorget, and offers guests fantastic views, delicious baked goods, divine coffee, and excellent service amidst the charming, old-world charm of a cafe filled with wooden tables and illuminated by traditional candlelight.

But enough about the ambiance, let’s talk about the food!

Personally, I suggest ordering a latte and cinnamon roll (the muffins and
Valrhona chocolate bolls are also yummy) since it’s the morning and you don’t want to eat like a TOTAL animal.

However:

They also serve a variety of cold drinks, as well as savory soups, salads, and sandwiches.

So:

It all really just depends on what you’re in the mood for (I got the focaccia and was unimpressed since it was basically a sad and soggy grilled cheese. So stay away from that).

After you’ve adequately savored the flavor:

Feel free to explore the cobblestone streets, narrow alleys, quaint cafes, harborside views, and vibrantly colored, historic homes that make Gamla Stan (aka old town in Swedish) one of the most popular neighborhoods, at least among tourists, in Stockholm.

Since you’ve already seen the magnanimous beauty of Stockholm’s oldest square, Stortoget, meander on over to the Royal Palace and explore the opulent beauty of the 600 rooms that are found here.

Sadly:

You won’t find any royals here since they’ve all long since moved to Drottningholm Palace.

However:

You will find a ton of selfie-stick wielding tourists (woo-who!), as well as the Royal Apartments, the Treasury (or the home of the crown jewels), the Royal Armory, and the Royal Chapel.

But:

You can always mitigate the number of pushy tourists you encounter, by visiting the Royal Palace right when it opens, around 10 am, since most people on vacay love mornings about as much as I do, so basically, not at all.

If you have time:

Explore some of the temporary exhibits that the Royal Palace hosts, like the Märta Måås exhibit, which will be on display between October 13, 2019, and April 19, 2020.

This exhibit will feature a selection of over 60 rugs, by Märta Måås, that demonstrate the talent, artistry, and unique perspective of this wonderfully creative woman.

Now for real talk:

Yeah, a display of over 60 rugs sounds a bit dull to me, but it could be way cooler than it sounds.

So you check it out, let me know what you think!

Once you’ve had about all the culture you can stomach, make your way to the Royal Guards Ceremony at the Royal Palace of Stockholm, which begins at 12:15 pm Monday through Saturday and at 1:15 pm on Sundays.

Typically:

This ceremony lasts about 40 minutes and is at it’s most impressive during the summer, between April 23 and August 31, when the Royal Guard conducts a ceremonial march through the center of Stockholm, accompanied by a full military band; a ceremony that has continued since the royal guards were first stationed in front of the palace in 1523.

Today:

The Changing of the Guard is more ceremonial than anything else, but this free event is still a fantastic way to experience a small piece of Swedish history.

Plus:

Sometimes, the guards can even be seen approaching on horseback, like on the king’s birthday.

Geez:

All I get for my birthday is a stale, half eaten piece of cake. Psst, lame!

But speaking of cake, you must be famished!

So let’s make our way over to Under Kastanjen, a charming little traditional, Swedish restaurant in Gamla Stan that serves fresh and delicious Swedish food, like everyone’s favorite…Swedish Meatballs!

And while I’ve heard that their meatballs and potato puree are a thing of pure gastronomic beauty, I came here for lunch (11:00 am to 4:00 pm everyday), since it’s cheaper, and ordered their fresh lentil soup with grilled halloumi.

O-M-G! It was heaven in my mouth.

And I don’t even like lentil soup. But I DEVOURED this soup and had to actively restrain myself from impulsively licking the bowl clean.

Added bonus?

This lively restaurant, cafe, and bakery also serves unlimited (within reason) bread, water, coffee, and tea with your meal; which is truly amazing since I love carbs way more than I do most people (that is my introvert truth).

After a relaxing lunch amidst the quaint charm of Gamla Stan:

Meander through the Old Town and soak in all the beauty and charm of this amazing area.

Depending on your interests, you can visit:

Storkrykan (Stockholm Cathedral) – Built in the 1300s, this beautiful, Lutheran Cathedral is home to iconic works of art like the wooden sculpture of St. George and the Dragon, the Parhelion painting, and the Joseph and Mary sculpture. Visitors are welcome to tour the church using an audio guide ($2) or with a guided tour that can be booked through their website.

***Admission is $6 for adults, $5 for seniors, and free for children 18 and under (you can purchase an additional ticket to visit the church tower). Since the church opens at 9 am, you can stop here before your visit to the Royal Palace if you’re up early.***

Nobel Museum – This fun, delightfully modern museum (think lot’s of interactive computers where you can research past Nobel Prize winners) explains how the Nobel Prize was created and educates visitors about past Nobel Prize winners and their contributions to society. While exploring this fun museum, you’ll also find filmed interviews with laureates like Ernest Hemingway and Martin Luther King, and even a charming cafe with chairs that have been signed by visiting prize recipients (I thought that was pretty rad myself). Definitely not the best museum that I’ve ever been to, but it only costs $12 for an adult ticket and is a fascinatingly fun place for anyone who is a museum nerd, like me.

Stockholm City Hall – One of Sweden’s most famous and architecturally beautiful buildings, City Hall is known for its grand ceremonial halls (like the magnificent Golden Hall), unique pieces of art, and as the venue for the annual Nobel Prize banquet on December 10. However, because City Hall is a workplace and not a museum, you can’t just stroll right in and be like, “Yo ma, pass the meatloaf”. Instead, you can only visit as part of a guided tour, which can only booked in person, at the ticket office. Typically, tours last 45-minutes, cost $12 in the high season and $9 in the low season, and depart at 10:00 am, 11:00 am, 12:00 pm, 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm, and 3:00 pm daily.

***While here, you can also visit the City Hall Tower for an extra $6. The Tower is open daily between May 1 and September 30 and rises 106 meters in the air, and has organized visits departing every 40 minutes.***

After all that cultural immersion:

I think it’s time to mosey on over to Aifur Krog for some hearty, mildly authentic, Viking fare.

Now:

This Viking themed restaurant is one of the more unusual things to do in Stockholm; a place where bar wenches dole out Grog and viking–esq waiters serve up grub to anyone bloodthirsty enough to devour an entire elk.

Kidding! 

But the menu does have a medieval flair, with period-appropriate entrees like roast chicken, rack of lamb, marinated flank steak, and venison.

But, the Viking authenticity doesn’t stop there!

Your utensils actually mimic those used by the Vikings themselves. Something that is uber cute, until you try to skewer a lettuce leaf with a fork the size of a pitchfork.

Yeah, not super fun.

But wait, the Viking madness doesn’t end there!

The restaurant, and staff, are all bedazzled in anything and everything Viking with long, wooden, candle-lit tables, fur-lined benches, axes adorning the walls, and waiters dressed in traditional, Viking attire.

The only thing that probably wasn’t Viking related was my diet coke, beet, goat cheese and spinach salad (with apple vinegarette), and my porcini, parmesan risotto.

And while the service and atmosphere were both equal parts enchanting, fantastical, and fun, the food was mediocre and expensive if I’m brutally honest.

But who knows:

Perhaps I ordered the wrong dish and maybe their meat dishes are infinitely superior to my risotto.

That being said:

Aifur and Krog is still a fantastic option if you’re traveling with kids or are looking for something a bit different to do in Stockholm

Just do yourself a favor and make reservations since tables fill up fast.

We’ve hit the FINAL COUNTDOWN!

One last, super fun activity before we call it a day!

And what better way to end day one of our Stockholm itinerary than with a Ghost Tour?

Okay:

I’ll be the first one to admit that I’m a slightly sick and twisted individual who has an unhealthy obsession with Investigation Discovery.

But no shame in my game since ghost tours are everywhere. Therefore, I’m clearly not the only one with a morbid fascination with the macabre.

And while there is a Stockholm, Sweden Ghost tour advertised on Viator, it’s a bit more expensive than booking the tour directly from Stockholm Ghost Walk (about $22 as compared to $30).

Now, once you reserve your tour (you can pay with cash upon arrival or with a credit card in advance):

Check your email because your electronic, tour confirmation will have the address of the starting point for your tour.

My English tour started at 7:00 pm in Gamla Stan (they also offer tours through Sodermalm) and took about two hours, as my fun and energetic guide mesmerized us with tales of Stockholm’s gruesome past while we meandered through this historic part of the city (once the sun sets, Stockholm gets hella cold so bring some warm clothes).

Not only was the guide fun and informative:

But he dressed up in a slightly ominous black cape and top hat while carrying a doctor’s bag that he used to give demonstrations of techniques that citizens historically used to ward off disease.

Added bonus?

The tour actually ends in the German Church where you descend down a creepy AF, candle lit staircase and into a dark and dank church crypt, where many discontent souls are said to have been buried.

A fantastic, added flourish that definitely sets this tour apart from any other ghost walks that I have ever been on, making this the perfect way to end our one day in Stockholm tour.

Stockholm Itinerary: Day 2 (The Vasa Museum, Skansen, etc.)

After an incredibly long day spent sightseeing Stockholm yesterday, I think it’s only fair that we sit down for a sumptuous breakfast feast at Riche before we start our day.

***To get here, just take the red line to Östermalmstorg station and it’s a three minute walk to Riche.***

I mean clearly, we’re only having this meal because we need fuel to continue our Stockholm itinerary.

I jest because the food at this hip Swedish/French bistro is divine.

Added bonus?

The service is impeccable and they start serving at 7:30 am on weekdays.

Therefore:

Even you early birds out there (Can I be you? Please?) can start your day almost as soon as the sun comes up.

During my visit:

I got the Eggs Florentine. And while I promised myself that I wouldn’t eat my entire meal, what da ya know, all my will power was totally useless against Riche’s delicious food.

No joke:

I even used the fresh, crispy bread to sop up all the delicious sauce so that I wouldn’t miss a drop.

I also loved how the chef put a bit of vinegar on the spinach to cut the richness of the Hollandaise.

True gastronomic perfection.

PSST: If you’re a fan of historic homes, then take a detour to the Hawyll Museum which is like 2-minutes away. It’s a beautiful, and free, historic home that was one of my favorite places in all of Stockholm.

After you’ve finished your foray into culinary bliss, let’s work off some of our meal with a charming, harborside walk to the Vasa Museum.

(If you don’t feel like a 20-minute walk, just hop on the tram at
Nybroplan and get off at Djurgårdsbron)

Probably the most famous museum in the entire city, the Vasa Museum is definitely a must see if it’s your first time in Stockholm.

But:

What really sets this maritime museum apart is that it displays the warship Vasa, one of the only examples of a fully intact, 17th-century, 64-gun warship that has ever been recovered.

But:

What people sometimes fail to mention is that although this battleship was the pride of the Swedish navy, it sank about five minutes into its maiden voyage, as a result of faulty construction.

Therefore: 

This ship probably isn’t the best example of expert Swedish engineering, which is fine since we all have IKEA now.

However:

It’s still fascinating to see this ship and explore four other levels of exhibits that focus on the artifacts salvaged from the ship, life on board, naval warfare, and 17th-century sailing and navigation.

There’s even this mildly creepy, bottom-floor exhibition that details how forensic science was used to recreate the faces and life stories of several of the passengers.

Kind of like CSI:

Only minus all the gorgeous model like people wandering around, randomly spouting excessively scientific jargon that no one actually understands.

But they’re pretty so everyone watches anyway. 

Now I’ll casually move away from that random, CSI tangent and tell you about the next stop during our 3 days in Stockholm itinerary.

So, depending on what you’re into, you have a few different places that you can visit:

Skansen (my personal fave) – Opened on October 11, 1891, Skansen was the first open-air, outdoor folk village in Sweden to show people what life was really like, prior to the Industrial Revolution. So, feel free to take a stroll back in time, through this 75 acre museum, and discover what life was really like in the 1800s as employees dress in traditional garb and recreate Swedish life through a variety of shops, farmsteads, stores, eateries, churches, animal enclosures, and even a fully functional, funicular railroad.

This place is huge though, so wear comfortable clothes and plan to spend at least a half a day here. And if you get hungry along the way, not to worry because there are a ton of delicious bakeries and restaurants inside the museum sell Saffron Cake, smoked fish, bread, Goulash, and more.

***An adult ticket is $14 off-season and $17 – $23 during peak-season. Skansen is also open between 10 am and 4 pm, 365 days a year.***

Nordiska (Nordic) Museum – This extra awesome sits inside a Renaissance-style castle that is now home to Sweden’s largest collection of cultural- history artifacts. With over 1.5 million, cultural artifacts on display, musuem highlights include an exhibition on everyday life throughout the 1950s, a Kerstin Bernhard photography exhibit, an examination of the evolution of modern Swedish festivals and traditions, displays of Swedish furniture and interior design from the past 500 years, a collection of Swedish folk art from the 18th and 19th centuries, a display of over a thousand pieces of historic jewelry, an exhibition about the famous, Swedish author, August Strindberg, a detailed exhibit on Sami life in Sweden, and a look at the evolution of table setting from the 16th century, through to the 1950s. Phew, I’m exhausted just typing all that. But you get this point, this museum is HUGE. So, if you decide to visit, plan on spending at least 2 hours here.

***An adult ticket is around $10 and includes a free audio guide that really enhances your visit. In the high season, the museum is open from 9 am to 6 pm everyday. During the low season, the museum is open from 10 am to 5 pm, with extended hours on Wednesday until 8 pm.***

Abba Museum (this one is open until 6, 7, or 8 pm so I would save this one for last) – An interactive museum and journey through the musical career of one of the greatest pop bands of all time, ABBA. So channel your inner dancing queen and get ready to party it up because Mamma Mia, here we go again! Okay, I’ll stop with the lame ABBA references. Now, this wasn’t the best museum I’ve ever been to, but it was fun and funky with it’s plethora of glitter, loud pop music, and bright colors. It’s also a great way to get to know all of the band members and better understand why this iconic musical group is the pride of Sweden.

*** This museum doesn’t accept cash, so make sure that you have your credit card handy. Adult tickets are $25.***

Now:

Regardless of your hunger level at this point in time, you NEED to stop at Flickorna Helin Cafe, even if it’s just for a little Fika (One of those Swedish traditions you may not know about. It’s basically Swedish for a coffee break. And if you’re an avid Fika fan, then you may want to visit Sweden’s Sormland region, like now)).

Why?

Not only is this cafe located along a beautiful, seaside path that is down the street from all the aforementioned museums, but this eatery is also located in an exquisite, castle-like building that is straight up gorgeous to behold.

Walk inside:

And you’ll find the interior decor just as marvelous, with quaint, candlelit tables and beautiful, twinkle lights that make the ceiling sparkle like the night sky.

Personally:

I thought the coffee was kind of MEH (maybe I had a new barista), but the baked goods are REDIC. I seriously wanted one of everything but somewhat successfully restrained myself (Try any of their cakes, hazelnut tarts, cinnamon buns, or superfood balls and your stomach will profusely thank you).

However:

If you’re in the mood for something a bit more savory, they also serve soup, salads, sandwiches, and some non-sweet baked goods, like fresh loaves of bread.

And as we all know, carbs = YUM!

After this, all you need to do is go home, nurse your food baby, and gear up for our third and final day in Stockholm, Sweden (Quietly sobs in the corner at the thought of leaving Stockholm).

Stockholm Itinerary: Day 3 (Drottningholm Palace, Fotografiska)

Looking for a fantastic breakfast spot in Stockholm?

Then look no further than Pom and Flora (close to the Odenplan metro exit), a quaint little cafe that brings bright, flavorful, and delicious healthy food to a whole new level.

Just grab a menu and choose between a variety of porridges, yogurt bowls, egg dishes, bread, baked sweet treats, and, well DUH, coffee (aka nectar of the Gods).

Once you order from the cashier:

Have a seat and your fresh and delicious meal will be delivered right to you.

While here:

I ordered the Golden Trifle, which is a light and refreshing yogurt bowl that has turmeric granola, almonds, and dried apple.

A light and delicious way to start my day, along with a super-size latte since I’m a caffeine fiend at heart.

Plus:

They also start serving at the ungodly hour of 7 am.

So:

If you’re a morning person, definitely stop by EARLY since tables fill up fast at this popular eatery, especially on the weekend.

From here:

It’s just a 3-minute walk to Stockholm Public Library, a place where you can climb to the top of the library’s 3-story, rotunda and become mesmerized by an amazing, spherical wall of books that surrounds you.

You might even develop (get it because photos are developed?) photo mania as you imagine this photo spot transforming you into an Instagram legend.

And while pictures are permitted:

Please be respectful by being as quick and as quiet as possible since this is a working library.

***If you’re super into books, then take a side trip to King’s Library in Humlegården and check out the Codex Gigas, or Devil’s Bible. This unique book has an entire page dedicated to a full-color illustration of the devil himself. No one knows why this drawing is here, which makes it even cooler.***

Once you’ve finished looking around:

Walk towards Odenplan station and get on the green line going towards Hässelby Strand T-bana. You’ll stay on the train for 8 stops and get off at Brommaplan.

Once you arrive:

You can exit the metro and either walk to Drottningholm Palace, or board the 176 bus towards Stenhamra Solbacka and get off at Drottningholm (you can also take a leisurely cruise to the palace through Lake Malaren).

From here, it’s pretty self-explanatory.

Grab a ticket, walk around, and explore Drottningholm Palace at leisure.

Say hi to the king and queen for me since this is the official residence of the royal family.

But:

Because this is a working palace, the southern wing is off limits to guests and reserved for royal use only.

Something that won’t really matter since the remainder of this Versailles-style palace, and exquisite grounds, is open to the public year round.

Which is wonderful since:

This royal palace is the most well-preserved, 17th-century castle in Sweden and, as such, has become a designated, UNESCO World Heritage Site; a wonderland of architectural opulence that is a fantastic representation of 17th-century, European architectural style.

Before leaving though:

Explore the majestic palace grounds, which include a well-manicured park, a Baroque-style garden, a theater, and a beautiful, Chinese Pavilion, and more.

After all that exploring, you’re probably famished. I know I am just reading about it.

So:

If you’re a hangry beast like me, then just back the EXACT SAME way we came and get off at Slussen, which is a 10-minute walk to one of my favorite coffee shops in Stockholm, Johan and Nystrom (there are several locations but the one I went to is at 7 Swedenborgsgatan).

Everything here is amazing so no matter what you order, I think you’ll walk away with a little spring in your step.

Me?

My gastronomic journey consisted of a latte, a superfood ball, and a hazelnut tart.

All were utterly fantastic, but I definitely think the hazelnut tart was the most delectable of the three.

After a well-deserved Fika break:

Take a 10-minute stroll along the cobblestone streets and past all of the colorful, historic homes, to one of my absolute favorite places in all of Stockholm, Monteliusvägen.

And I don’t need to tell you why I’m obsessed with this place. Just look at the picture above and you’ll see how gorgeous this place really is.

Nestled along a quiet cliffside in one of Stockholm’s most historic areas:

This, 500-meter long path gives you sweeping, panoramic views of Lake Mälaren, City Hall, and Riddarholmen, especially if you time it right and visit during either sunrise or sunset.

But, it gets better!

This nifty little walking path is sandwiched in between some of the most ridiculously charming houses that I’ve ever seen, making it the perfect place for an impromptu photo shoot for…er…um…National Geographic (I know it’s for the Gram but we’ll make that our little secret).

Basically:

This place has the historic charm of Gamla Stan, but without all the crowds, giving this socially awkward introvert a moment of calm away from the bustling cafes and hipster bars that Södermalm is known for.

Now, I bet you’re wondering, “Where are all the meatballs?”

And I get it. I mean we are in Sweden and Swedish meatballs are kind of a thing.

Well:

Not to worry my foodie friend, because our next stop happens to be, none other than Meatballs for the People, one of the most popular meatball joints in all of Stockholm.

Just 10 minutes away from Monteliusvägen:

This meatball Mecca serves everything from traditional Swedish meatballs with gravy, lingonberries, pickled cucumber, and potato puree to moose meatballs with mushroom risotto, pickled red onion, and herbs.

Heck:

They even have vegan meatballs for a total veg like me. And yes, they were actually delightfully flavorful.

But the best part?

All their food is good! So no matter what you order, you’ll walk away feeling full since you’ll struggle not to lick your plate clean.

When you’ve adequately nursed your food baby:

It’s just a short walk to Fotografiska, one of the most amazing photography museums I have ever been to (This is the last stop on our Stockholm itinerary because it’s open until 11:00 pm during the week and 1:00 am during the weekend)

Now, admittedly:

Referring to this panoramic art gallery as a “photography museum” is kind of like calling a filet mignon ground beef; it doesn’t do this place any justice since it showcases fantastic art that is beautifully set against the backdrop of Stockholm’s scenic waterfront.

But the loctaion is only the beginning of this museum’s appeal. 

Walk inside and you’ll find a variety of innovative exhibitions that question how we define, see, and feel about photography.

So, explore this museum’s three, expansive floors of photographic wonder and be amazed by all of the stunning imagery that envelopes you.

If possible:

Visit the top floor and check out a fantastic cafe (try their cardamom buns) where diners can enjoy a meal amongst glorious views of Stockholm’s waterfront.

A wonderful place to relax, eat a pastry, sip on some coffee, and watch the boats as they cruise through the harbor (there’s also a bar next door that is hopin’ during the weekends).

***If you’re museumed out or have some extra time in Stockholm, you can always do a self-guided metro art tour in Stockholm. For complete details, click here, but nearly 90 of Stockholm’s 100 subway stations have amazing artwork that is worth checking out. To really enjoy these art installations, try visiting between 11 am and 3 pm during the week, when everyone else is stuck in the office. This metro art tour typically takes 2 hours and can be done using a 24-hour, 72-hour, or 7-day pass that can be purchased from a metro desk employee. Some of my favorite station for metro art include:

BLUE LINE

Kungsträdgarden
T-Centralen
Rådhuset
Solna Centrum
Hallonbergen
Solna Strand
Tensta

GREEN LINE

Hötorget
Odenplan
Thorildsplan

RED LINE

Östermalmstorg
Stadion
Tekniska Högskolan
Universitetet
Mörby Centrum

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TADA! My 3 Days in Stockholm Itinerary has come to and end!

Tell me, what did think? Did you enjoy your 3 days in Stockholm?

Did I miss something? I promise, I’m super nice so leave a comment below and don’t forget to pin this now so you can read it again later!