What to do in Stockholm, Sweden

Set between the Baltic Sea and a vast archipelago, Stockholm is a city where water and land are never far apart. Known for its clean design, relaxed pace, and strong connection to nature, it offers a refreshing contrast to busier European capitals.

Stockholm is easy to navigate and rewarding to explore, even on a short trip. Whether you’re stopping over or staying a few days, here’s how to make the most of the city as a non-rev traveler.

How to non-rev to Stockholm

Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN) is the main international gateway to the city and a good option for standby travelers. It has strong connections across Europe and long-haul routes.

Here’s a quick overview of airlines flying non-stop to ARN. Use the StaffTraveler app to check flight loads and availability.

London	Scandinavian Airlines, British Airways, Ryanair
Amsterdam	KLM, Scandinavian Airlines
Paris	Air France, Transavia
Frankfurt	Lufthansa
Zurich	SWISS
Copenhagen	Scandinavian Airlines
Oslo	Norwegian, Scandinavian Airlines
New York	Scandinavian Airlines, Delta
Dubai	Emirates
Chicago	Scandinavian Airlines
Doha	Qatar Airways
Toronto	Air Canada

Wander Through Gamla Stan

Start your visit in Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s historic center. This area dates back to the 13th century and is one of the best-preserved medieval city centers in Europe.

Walk through narrow cobblestone streets lined with colorful buildings, small shops, and cafés. The area is compact, so you can explore it at a relaxed pace without a strict plan.

Don’t miss Stortorget, the oldest square in the city. It’s surrounded by historic buidlings and is a good place to stop for a coffee. If you prefer more context, free walking tours are available daily and give a good introduction to the city’s history.

Explore the Metro Art

The Stockholm Metro is often called the world’s longest art gallery and it lives up to the name. Over 90 of the 100+ stations feature artwork, from cave-like painted ceilings to modern installations. For example T-Centralen has blue floral designs and Solna Centrum has a dramatic red and green cave theme.

Tip: Buy a 24-hour public transport ticket so you can explore multiple stations without worrying about individual fares.

Visit the Royal Palace

The Stockholm Palace is one of the largest palaces in Europe and is still used for official events by the Swedish royal family. Inside, you can visit several sections, including the Royal Apartments, the Treasury, and the Royal Armoury.

One of the highlights is the changing of the guard ceremony, which takes place regularly in the courtyard and gives a glimpse into royal traditions. The palace is located in Gamla Stan, making it easy to combine with a walk through the old town

Visit the Vasa Museum

The Vasa Museum is one of Stockholm’s most visited attractions and for good reason. It houses the Vasa, a 17th-century warship that sank shortly after launching and was recovered centuries later.

The ship is almost completely intact and displayed in a specially designed museum, allowing you to walk around it from different levels. It’s a unique experience and offers insight into Sweden’s maritime history and shipbuilding techniques.

Discover Södermalm

Södermalm offers a more local and modern side of Stockholm. This area is known for its creative atmosphere, with shops, vintage stores, and a wide range of cafés and restaurants.

It’s also one of the best places in the city for views. A walk along Monteliusvägen gives you a panoramic view over the water, rooftops, and historic center. It’s especially popular around sunset, when the light over the city is at its best.

Take a Ferry Through the Archipelago

Stockholm’s location on the water means that the archipelago is never far away. With thousands of islands, it’s one of the largest archipelagos in the world.

Even if you don’t have time for a full day trip, taking a short ferry ride from the city center is a simple way to experience it. Public ferries are part of the transport system, making them an affordable and practical option while still offering great views of the city and surrounding nature.

One island that is a must-visit is Vaxholm. It’s often called the gateway to the archipelago and is easy to reach within about an hour from Stockholm.

Vaxholm is known for its colorful wooden houses, small harbor, and relaxed atmosphere, making it feel very different from the city. You can walk through the town center, explore small shops and cafés, or sit by the water and watch boats pass by.

Check seat availability for your non-rev flight today and start planning your weekend getaway.

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