Stockholm tours and tickets
Stockholm is easy to book. Few sights need a slot, and many museums sell tickets online without a time. The things to arrange ahead in summer are archipelago boats, ABBA The Museum and Drottningholm. Popular restaurants fill two to three weeks ahead. The Stockholm Pass covers many sights, and the metro art tour is free.
Book these first
- Popular restaurants
- 2 to 3 weeks ahead. Dinner tables fill on weekends and in summer, and many places close earlier than you expect.
- ABBA The Museum
- a few days ahead in summer. Entry is timed, and busy days sell out.
- Archipelago boats and Drottningholm
- a few days ahead in summer. Departures are fewer outside the high season, and seats on the popular trips go quickly in July.
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Museums and galleries
Vasa Museum
A 17th century warship raised from the harbor, preserved in a purpose-built hall. It's the most visited museum in Scandinavia, with exhibits and a short film.
Which to pick. Go at opening time or after 4pm to avoid the queues. A guided tour adds the story of the ship's sinking.
A day or two ahead in summerVisitor guideOfficial siteTours and tickets on ViatorABBA The Museum
A museum of the band's career with costumes, sound studios and interactive stages. Entry is by timed ticket, and it fills quickly in summer.
Which to pick. Book a slot a few days ahead, and choose the late afternoon. Allow two hours.
A few days ahead in summerVisitor guideOfficial siteTours and tickets on ViatorFotografiska
A museum of contemporary photography on the waterfront, with changing exhibitions, a rooftop restaurant and a bar with a view of the water, open late.
Which to pick. Go in the evening when it is quieter. Check the current shows before you book.
On the day is fineVisitor guideOfficial siteTours and tickets on ViatorModerna Museet
A national museum of modern art on Skeppsholmen, with Picasso, Dali and Warhol, and a sculpture garden by the water.
Which to pick. Visit on a wet day, and look at the garden before it closes. Many displays are free to enter.
Not neededOfficial siteTours and tickets on Viator
Monuments and landmarks
Royal Palace and Gamla Stan
One of the largest palaces in Europe, with state apartments, a treasury and a changing of the guard. The old town around it is a maze of lanes.
Which to pick. Join a guided walk of Gamla Stan, then buy a palace ticket at the door. Check the guard schedule.
On the day is fineOfficial siteTours and tickets on ViatorStockholm City Hall
A red brick building on the waterfront where the Nobel banquet is held, with the Golden Hall and a tower. Entry is by guided tour only.
Which to pick. Book a tour in the morning, and climb the tower in summer. Tours run in several languages.
A few days aheadOfficial siteTours and tickets on ViatorThe metro art tour
Many metro stations are carved from rock and decorated with art. A guided tour of the blue line lasts about two hours.
Which to pick. Do it on your own with a travel card, or join a guide. The stations are free to see.
Not neededTours and tickets on Viator
On the water
Archipelago boat
Public and tourist boats sail from the center to islands such as Vaxholm, Grinda and Fjäderholmarna, with cafes and walks. The trip takes 30 to 90 minutes.
Which to pick. Take a public boat for a cheaper day. Check the return schedule, as the last boat can be early.
A day or two ahead in summerOfficial siteTours and tickets on ViatorSightseeing cruise
An hour-long boat tour through the canals and bays of the central city, passing the old town, Djurgården and the city hall, with commentary in several languages.
Which to pick. Choose a late afternoon departure for softer light. It's a good first orientation on your arrival day.
On the day is fineTours and tickets on Viator
Day trips
Drottningholm Palace
A royal residence on a lake island, with a baroque theater and gardens, reached by boat or metro and bus. It is on the World Heritage list.
Which to pick. Go by boat for the trip. A guided tour includes the theater, which operates in summer.
A few days ahead in summerOfficial siteTours and tickets on ViatorUppsala
A university town with Scandinavia's largest cathedral, a castle, a botanical garden and a river lined with cafes, about 40 minutes by train.
Which to pick. Go by train and walk the river, then climb the cathedral tower. A day is enough.
On the day is fineOfficial siteTours and tickets on ViatorSigtuna
Sweden's oldest town, with a high street, runestones and ruined churches, about an hour by train and bus or by boat.
Which to pick. Go in summer and take a boat if possible, for the approach. It's calm and walkable, with a sweet shop.
On the day is fineTours and tickets on Viator
City and museum passes in Stockholm
- Stockholm PassA pass for many museums, boats and attractions across a set number of days, including some boat tours. It suits visitors who plan several paid visits in a short stay and don't mind a packed list. Official page
Booking tours and tickets in Stockholm
Is the Stockholm Pass worth buying?
Only if you plan several paid sights, boats and tours in a short stay. If you visit two museums and walk, single tickets are cheaper.
Do I need to book the Vasa Museum?
Not usually, but queues form at midday in summer. Go early or late. Tickets can be bought online ahead.
Is Drottningholm worth the trip?
Yes, particularly if you like palaces and gardens. Go by boat for the journey, and visit the theater if you can.
Are archipelago boats easy to use?
Yes. Public boats run to the nearer islands, and you can buy tickets at the pier. Check the last return, which can be early.
Is ABBA The Museum suitable for children?
Yes, many children enjoy the interactive stages. Book a slot, and avoid the busiest afternoon hours.
What can I leave until I arrive?
The old town, Moderna Museet and the metro art can be done on the day. Book ABBA, popular restaurants and summer boats first.