Are you thinking about visiting Stockholm, Sweden? Here's what you need to know before planning your trip.
Is Stockholm worth visiting?
Stockholm is worth visiting for two to seven days so that you can explore everything that the city has to offer. Stockholm is loved by visitors for many reasons, and is routinely on national "best of" lists, including BuzzFeed's Most Under-rated Travel Destinations For 2023. Stockholm is the capital of Sweden. It's a unique city in that it's spread out over 14 islands that are connected by many bridges. The are many quaint streets and a beautiful and colorful old town that you can explore. The city has many ferries and sightseeing boats that will take you by some of the most significant landmarks.
Stockholm, Sweden
Reasons to Visit Stockholm
Music
The city has an amazing music scene that includes international groups and DJs, local venues, and popular festivals.
Historical Sights
Right in the middle of the city is Gamla Stan. It's spread out over a hill and filled with character, cobblestone streets, cafes, and historical sights.
Museums
Famous sights and museums include the Vasa Museum, the Skansen Open-Air Museum, and the Royal Palace.
Nightlife
The city is a particularly fun place to visit during the summer months when clubs open outdoor areas and parties happen day and night.
Shopping
Right by Gamla Stan, you'll find the city's main shopping street of Drottninggatan. The city has great jewelry and artisan crafts.
Food
Most famous for its Swedish meatballs, there is so much more to the food scene in this city. Although they're expensive, the restaurants often have a relaxed atmosphere with dishes that take advantage of local, fresh ingredients. Seafood is obviously popular as well.
Is Stockholm worth visiting in the Summer?
You'll find the weather to be very nice here during summer with average temperatures around 18°C (64°F).
The peak season for travel is summer in Stockholm, so expect to see more tourists than usual. This destination is quite popular with tourists, and in the high season it's even busier than usual as this is when most people like to visit. Expect crowds to be large, and prices to be a bit higher than normal. However, there's plenty to do here this time of year, too.
The activities of the city are numerous, and this is a great time of year to explore all of them. From family-friendly attractions to romantic getaways, as well as budget-friendly things to do, there's something for everyone. Famous landmarks, museums, tours, and more are all available. You'll also find it quite easy to get around on foot, because this is a very walkable city, especially in the nice weather. This is a great time of year to wander through the museums, enjoy the city's energy, and admire the historic sights. Also, you'll be able to enjoy the evening activities.
Summer Weather in Stockholm
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| July | 18°C (64°F) | 71 mm (2.8 in) |
| August | 17°C (62°F) | 65 mm (2.5 in) |
| September | 12°C (54°F) | 52 mm (2.1 in) |
Is Stockholm worth visiting in the Autumn?
Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Stockholm. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you can still find plenty of crowds, but better prices.
The weather in Stockholm can be quite cold during autumn, and averages around 8°C (46°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
Autumn is a great time of year to explore the numerous museums and landmarks around town. They are fun for the whole family as well great for couples. Soaking up that old town charm in the autumn is one of the favorite activities of visitors. The quaint scenery combined with the weather this time of year is quite nice. You'll find plenty to do during autumn, as you'll be able to admire the wonderful scenery, browse around the old town, and browse through museums. Also, you can experience the big city activities and the live music.
Autumn Weather in Stockholm
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| October | 8°C (46°F) | 50 mm (2 in) |
| November | 3°C (37°F) | 53 mm (2.1 in) |
| December | -1°C (31°F) | 45 mm (1.8 in) |
Is Stockholm worth visiting in the Winter?
This is the low season for travel in Stockholm. This destination is quite touristy, but in the low season you'll see fewer crowds and much better prices.
The weather in Stockholm can be quite cold during winter, and averages around -3°C (27°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
You'll like that you can take public transit easily in the winter, too. You can get around quickly while avoiding bad weather if needed. During this season it's fun to experience the famous sights and museums, the cuisine, and the historic old town. Also, you can enjoy an evening out, listen to some live music, and soak up the big city atmosphere.
Winter Weather in Stockholm
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| January | -3°C (27°F) | 36 mm (1.4 in) |
| February | -3°C (27°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
| March | 0°C (33°F) | 26 mm (1 in) |
Is Stockholm worth visiting in the Spring?
The weather in Stockholm can be quite cold during spring, and averages around 5°C (41°F). But be prepared for much lower temperatures, too.
Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Stockholm, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. This destination is quite touristy, so in the shoulder season you can still find plenty of crowds, but better prices.
The city this time of year is absolutely beautiful. Admire the gardens, parks, and fantastic architecture, too. Soaking up that old town charm in the spring is one of the favorite activities of visitors. The quaint scenery combined with the weather this time of year is quite nice. This is a great time of year to browse the shops, browse the museums, and admire the wonderful scenery. Also, you can check out the historic old town, the live music scene, and the nightlife.
Spring Weather in Stockholm
| Avg Temp (°C/°F) |
Avg Rain (mm/inches) |
|
| April | 5°C (41°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| May | 11°C (52°F) | 31 mm (1.2 in) |
| June | 16°C (61°F) | 46 mm (1.8 in) |
Related
What is Stockholm most famous for?
Stockholm is most famous for its many bridges and water culture, its open air museum, and its colorful old town. The city is very popular for its music and historical sights. It's also known for museums, nightlife, and shopping. And many travelers come for the food, as well. It is often described as clean, coastal, safe, expensive, and beautiful.
What is the most famous sight in Stockholm?
The most popular sight in Stockholm is Gamla Stan (the old town). You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Stockholm on our travel costs page.
Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for Gamla Stan (the old town) and other attractions here.
How touristy is Stockholm? Is it a popular city to visit?
Stockholm is a popular city for tourists and travelers. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)
- Winter kayaking and fika tour - islands of Stockholm Archipelago: $131
- Old Town Stockholm Gamla Stan, Historic Walking Tour, small group: $46
- Stockholm City Evening Kayak Tour: $134
- RIB Speed Boat - 2 Hour Archipelago Tour: $145
- Stockholm Archipelago Sunset Kayaking and Fika tour: $93
- Stockholm Syndrome Private Walking Tour: $299
- Self-Guided Kayak Adventure In Central Stockholm (Two-man kayak): $27
- Canoe adventure in Stockholm Archipelago: $125
How long should I spend in Stockholm?
The ideal length of time for a trip to Stockholm is two to seven days. Since Stockholm has a variety of activities such as music and historical sights, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.
If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Stockholm?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Stockholm?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Stockholm?.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.