7 Must-Do Adventures in Stockholm, Sweden | 2026

Known as the world's smallest big city or the world's biggest small town, Stockholm is where old-world charm meets cutting-edge innovation, blending cobblestone streets, royal palaces, and medieval architecture with a vibrant scene of modern art, fashion, and sustainable design. This stunning Scandinavian capital offers visitors a unique mix of historic landmarks, trendy neighborhoods, and picturesque waterfronts. And in this video, we're going through seven of the best things you can do in Stockholm. At number seven, we have a charming town known as Gamla Stan. It's Stockholm's oldest settlement and it's filled with historical buildings, quaint narrow alleys, and picturesque streets. On top of those, it's also quite well known for its gastronomic innovation and unique shopping experience. So, let's explore what this district has to offer. First up, don't miss the Royal Palace, home to Sweden's monarchy and open to the public. With over 600 rooms, this grand palace is a must and it's wise to book in advance during summer to skip the lines. Regular tickets cost around 180 to 200 Swedish kronor. Just across the palace, you'll find Stockholm Cathedral, or as the locals like to call it, Storkirken. It was originally built in the 13th century. It became a Lutheran church in 1527 and houses the famous wooden sculpture of Saint George and the Dragon, a rare medieval treasure. Another attraction in Gamla Stan is Stortorget. It's the oldest square in all of Stockholm and here you'll come across one of the most iconic structures, the Stock Exchange building, which now houses the Nobel Prize Museum. For something more unusual, try to find Järnpoika, the smallest sculpture in Stockholm that sits only 50 centimeters high. Because of its size, you'll have to keep an eye out for this iron boy, but I'll give you a little hint about its location. It's near Stockholm Cathedral. Then, end your tour Viking style at I4, a popular bar in Gamla Stan where you can drink and dine like a true Norse legend. From the ancient inspired decor to the authentic Viking Age ingredients, it's a journey through history and flavor not to miss. Coming in at number six, you have to take a subway art tour. Art is very important in Sweden. They promote it any way they can and this is by far the most interesting exhibit I've come across. It's unlike any subway stations I've been to because literally each one is covered with art. While you can book a private tour to view some of the underground displays, I invite you to DIY it with this self- tour of the 11 most beautiful stations. We're going through three main lines, the red line, the green line, and the blue line. Start your tour at T-Centralen where you'll find 1957 artwork with striking geometric tiles on the red and green line platforms. Next, head north on the red line to Stadion on the train bound for Morby Centrum. This cave station is carved into bedrock and features a rainbow theme by artists Oki Pallarp and Enno Halleck, making it feel warm and inviting. From Stadion, go one stop north to Tekniska Högskolan. It's the Royal Institute of Technology's station, so it makes sense that the display there is science themed. Continue north to Universitet station where tiled panels depict Carl Linnaeus's travels. The artwork is ultimately a celebration of this Swedish scientist known as the father of taxonomy. Then return south to T-Centralen and switch to the green line. Head east to Hötorget where Gunngordillo's 1998 neon light installation awaits. Five stops further at Thoraldsplan, enjoy Lars Arrhenius's playful 8-bit inspired video game murals, complete with characters from classics like Super Mario Bros, Space Invaders, and Pac-Man. Try to see if you can find some Easter eggs within the murals. Then, travel west to Freedomsplan for multiple unique installations, including a ship display and robot sculptures. Then take the 200 meter connecting tunnel to the blue line platform. Head north to Solna Centrum, checking that your train terminates at Akalla. Here, a red-orange sunset illuminates Swedish forests with hand-drawn details illustrating issues like deforestation and overpopulation. Two stops later, Hallenbergen features artworks that look like they were made by children. And that's because they were! Artists Alice Eriksson and Gösta Wallmark actually used their own childhood drawings and their children's art to cover the walls of the station. The next stop on this self-guided tour is Radhuset. It's right under the Stockholm Courthouse, and what's interesting about this station is its exposed bedrock and interesting art objects mounted on the walls. Then, head two stops to Kungsträdgården to see an intricate Baroque-inspired station that's visually captivating and awe-inspiring. Finally, return to the blue platform at T-Centralen, where Perloff Ultvet's blue-themed work pays tribute to the subway's builders. So, if you want to take on this one-of-a-kind art tour, here's a little tip. Instead of purchasing single fare tickets, it's more practical to buy a 24-hour travel card for 175 Swedish kronor. This pass allows you unlimited travel, so you can explore the subway art at your own pace without rushing. Next up, at number five, we're heading to Meatballs for the People to Taste authentic Swedish meatballs. If your only encounter with Swedish meatballs is from IKEA, get ready to be wowed. This traditional dish has so much more to offer. Meatballs for the People first opened in 2013, and it specializes in classic Swedish meatballs, but it also serves up unique options featuring a variety of meats, including boar, beef, moose, veal, and classic beef and pork blends. Some days, you may even find more exotic choices like reindeer, salmon, or lamb. And if you're vegetarian, they have options that cater to your preferences, too. A main course for one person is around 230 Swedish kronor, or choose the chef's sharing selection. That's good for two to three people for 331 Swedish kronor per person. This spot is renowned for serving the best Swedish meatballs in the world, so expect a bit of a wait since it's popular year-round. However, if you want to secure a spot, I suggest booking a table at least a week in advance. If you're into unique sculptures, don't miss our number four spot, Karl Elds Atelja Museum. As one of Sweden's top sculptors from the early 20th century, Karl Elds left a lasting mark on the art world. Today, his works live on in his old studio, now a museum. Inside, you'll find over a thousand sketches and in plaster, clay, marble, and bronze. The studio remains much like Eld left it, with portraits of political figures and cultural icons surrounding the space. You'll also see iconic statues and sculptures in progress, along with Eld's tools, drawings, and even his private art collection. The museum's opening days vary, but usually, it's open from noon to 4 p.m. and admission costs 120 Swedish kronor, with discounts for students and seniors. At number three, we have something that divides opinions. It's strömming, a fermented herring fish that has a distinctive, pungent aroma and piquant taste with a distinct acidity. This is a unique treat that you can only find in Scandinavia. So, while you're in Stockholm, why not give it a try? The best place to buy one is at Nysekt Strömming, located in Kornamstorg. It's open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., so you have a lot of time to drop by. A classic way to enjoy strömming is with mashed potatoes, pickled cucumber, red onion, and a creme fraiche salad. However, you can customize your dish with a variety of sides to suit your taste. The average price is about 60 Swedish kronor, but it ultimately depends on the sides you choose. Then, once you've placed your order, you can either eat it there, if you're lucky enough to grab a seat, that is, or take it to go. Tell me, are you brave enough to try strömming, or will you pass on this unique Swedish delicacy? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below. Coming in at number two, you have to visit one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Stockholm, Skinnerviksberget. This park is perched atop one of central Stockholm's highest points, standing at 53 meters, offering truly panoramic views of the city and its surroundings. From here, you can take in iconic sites such as Gamla Stan, the shimmering waters of Rydderfjärden and Lake Mälaren, as well as the majestic city hall and Stockholm's impressive skyline. Sunset is especially magical at Skinnerviksberget, with the setting sun casting warm hues across the sky, creating a truly unforgettable sight. The park's calm atmosphere provides a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city, making it an ideal spot to unwind or capture the beauty of Stockholm through your lens. Whether you're looking for a quiet escape, a perfect photo opportunity, or simply want to admire the stunning views, Skinnerviksberget offers an experience that allows you to appreciate the natural beauty of Stockholm from new heights. Before we unveil what's at the top spot, let me share some essential tips to help you make the most of your trip to Stockholm. Don't bring a ton of cash! The city is trying to become cash free, so many cafes, restaurants and hotels are already trying to enforce this policy. If you don't want to encounter any issues, it's best to bring your card when going out and about. Just bring enough cash for emergencies. Experience fika. This is a delightful Swedish custom of drinking coffee and eating cake while catching up with friends or family. While traditional fika is coffee with a cinnamon bun, many cafes offer more pairing options. If you're planning to grab a drink at any of the bars in Stockholm, you need to learn these two words for their cheapest pint. Storstark. It's essentially a large glass of strong beer for a fraction of the price of any craft beer. Now, let's find out what tops the list. At number one, don't miss the chance to explore Stockholm's vibrant flea markets. Every Sunday, Hötorget hosts a lively market with vinyl, vintage clothes and other treasures. If you're after fresh local produce, visit the farmers market in Tessinparken on Saturdays. There's also Lottmarknaden, a year-round indoor flea market open daily with over 250 stalls. It's the largest in Stockholm, offering a wide range of second-hand items from clothes and electronics to kitchenware and furniture. It's perfect for anyone on the hunt for unique bargains. So, roll up your sleeves and start shopping. Are you ready for a Scandinavian adventure like no other? In Stockholm, you can experience its vibrant art and culture scene, take part in local traditions and stroll through the many flea markets. If you enjoyed this video, you'll love this next one!