Guide to Summer in Stockholm - Fotografiska

What's on at Fotografiska this summer, including exhibitions by Shepard Fairey and Jeff Cowen.

By <a href="#author-bio">Stuart Bak</a>
By Stuart Bak
Published: July 18, 2024
Veranda restaurant at Fotografiska

Seasonal treats abound during summer in Stockholm, when the days are long (like really, really long), the crayfish are in season, and city-center beaches fill up with sun-seeking, ice-cream toting tourists. It’s also a great time to visit Fotografiska – Stockholm’s premier museum of contemporary photography, art and culture – when it’s eye-catching Veranda restaurant is open and boat rides operate between Strandvägen and the Fotografiska dock. Read on for our guide to visiting Fotografiska this summer, including what’s on and ticket options…

What is Fotografiska?

Fotografiska exterior
Image courtesy of Fotografiska

Set in a striking former customs house on the Södermalm waterfront, Fotografiska is *the* destination for contemporary photography, art and culture in Stockholm. First established here in 2010, Fotografiska has since opened sister museums around the world: in New York, Tallinn, Shanghai and Berlin, curating hundreds of exhibitions from the likes of Annie Leibovitz, Robert Mapplethorpe, Sebastião Salgado, Ren Hang, and Sally Mann. Fotografiska’s mission is to inspire a more conscious world through the power of photography, fostering a safe haven of innovation, inclusivity and self-expression within its walls, and beyond.

Entry to Fotografiska (and dozens more tours, activities and attractions) is included with a Go Stockholm pass. Find out how you could save up to 50% and get yours here.

What’s on at Fotografiska this Summer?

Shepard Fairey artwork
Shepard Fairey artwork. Image courtesy of Fotografiska.

Fotografiska’s ever-changing roster of visiting exhibitions has thrown up some absolute summer sizzlers for 2024. Here are some of the highlights…

Shepard Fairey: Photo Synthesis

Perhaps best known for his breakthrough ‘HOPE’ portrait of Barack Obama, Shepard Fairey has become one of the planet’s best-known street artists, with well over 100 murals all around the world and the launch of his popular OBEY Clothing range. This will be Shepard Fairey’s first solo exhibition in Sweden, showcasing some 200 pieces, from early works to iconic portraits of David Bowie and Joan Jett, plus a selection of brand-new pieces created specifically for the exhibition.

Daily until October 13

Jeff Cowen: Berlin Works

In what is photographer Jeff Cowen’s first Swedish exhibition, the New York artist will showcase his unique approach, with more than 100 handmade silver gelatin prints capturing some of the most important work from his transformative Berlin period. Created in his Kreuzberg studio, these pieces explore Cowen’s innovative photo-augmentation techniques using brushwork, mark-making and various chemical processes, to walk the line between reality and Surrealism.

Daily until September 8

Markos Kay: Nature Portals

Markos Kay’s dreamlike digital artworks tread the liminal zones between art and science, philosophy and technology. ‘Nature Portals’ represents a peaceful and immersive journey through the human imagination, taking in fantastical creatures, mystical plantlife and more. This family-friendly visual feast can be experienced in all its immersive, kaleidoscopic glory inside Fotografiska’s largest exhibition hall, with a projection area of some 200 square meters.

Daily until August 11

Eli Eli: Oceanic Feelings

Part of Fotografiska’s Emerging Artist Initiative, this installation from Swedish choreographer and multi-disciplinary artist Eli Eli uses projections, textiles and a giant pillow to highlight the frightening impact of climate change on the planet’s oceans.

Daily until August 18

Prix Pictet

The world’s leading award for photography and sustainability, Prix Pictet, is spending summer at Fotografiska Stockholm. This exhibition features work by the 12 shortlisted artists from 2022’s ‘Human’-themed cycle, including that of eventual winner Gauri Gill.

Daily until August 18

Find out more about summer exhibitions and events at the official Fotografiska website here.

Summer Dining at Fotografiska

Blink and you might miss it: Fotografiska’s visual feast of an al fresco restaurant – The Veranda – opens for just a few short weeks each summer, promising fine food, delicious drinks and sunny views of the Royal Palace, Djurgården and Gröna Lund. Tuck into fresh, seasonal dishes and cool off with a refreshing frozen strawberry daiquiri or limoncello spritz – the true taste of summer. The Veranda is open daily between 11AM and 11PM from June to August.

Getting to Fotografiska

The Fotografiska boat
Image courtesy of Fotografiska

Getting to Fotografiska is a doddle at any time of year – just hop on the red or green metro line to Slussen, rent a bike, or take a bus to Södermalmstorg. But it’s never more fun between June and August, when the Fotografiska boat comes back into service to make the best of the summer weather. Every day from 11AM-6PM, the city’s only fully electric passenger boat (powered by old Tesla batteries, fact fans) shuttles between Strandvägen and the museum, taking a leisurely 15 minutes each way. You can buy your tickets on board.

Getting In

  • The museum is open daily from 10AM to 11PM in summer, so plenty of time to catch all those ace exhibitions!
  • The Stockholm pass from Go City includes entry to Fotografiska plus dozens more top attractions, tours and activities, like Gröna Lund, the Royal Palace, Skansen, Stockholm Cathedral and many more, all for one money-saving price. Find out how you could save up to 50% and get your Go Stockholm pass here.
  • Your Stockholm pass also entitles you to 10% off a single purchase at Fotografiska's shop OR 50% off a poster. Shop for cool goodies bearing images and motifs from current and past exhibitions, plus books, homeware and more.

Check out our guide to Stockholm’s other summer attractions here.

Shepard Fairey artwork. Image courtesy of Fotografiska.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
Freelance travel writer

Stu caught the travel bug at an early age, thanks to childhood road trips to the south of France squeezed into the back of a Ford Cortina with two brothers and a Sony Walkman. Now a freelance writer living on the Norfolk coast, Stu has produced content for travel giants including Frommer’s, British Airways, Expedia, Mr & Mrs Smith, and now Go City. His most memorable travel experiences include drinking kava with the locals in Fiji and pranging a taxi driver’s car in the Honduran capital.

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Christmas market in Stockholm's old town
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Things to do in Stockholm

Connected by a whopping 57 bridges, Stockholm’s city center’s cluster of 14 islands are chock-full of amazing attractions, from baroque palaces and medieval churches to rickety rollercoasters and traditional meatball emporia. It’s a compact city, easy to get around on foot (or by tram, metro, bus and boat) and there are more than enough things to do in Stockholm to keep even the most jaded of sightseers busy for a good few days, perhaps even a week. Dive in for our guide to Stockholm’s must-see attractions... Gamla Stan There’s no better introduction to Stcokholm’s fairytale charms than a stroll through Gamla Stan, the city’s medieval old town. Start in Stortorget – the main square – location of the city’s most photographed buildings: a swoonsome row of gabled 17th-century townhouses in chili reds, turmeric yellows and mint greens. Delicious! Even more delicious are the still-warm cinnamon and cardamom buns you’ll see glistening in bakers’ windows here. Grab one (or two) for sustenance then get lost in Gamla Stan’s atmospheric cobbled streets. It’s along these narrow lanes that you’ll encounter such treats as Stockholm Cathedral (Storkyran), a medieval gothic confection with a beautiful copper-green bell tower, awe-inspiring vaulted interiors and artifacts that include a 15th-century sculpture of St George and the Dragon. The occasional candlelit concerts that take place inside are highly recommended, should your visit happen to coincide with one. Other highlights of a walk around Gamla Stan include the opulent Royal Palace (the Swedish monarch’s official residence, no less), where you can watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony. And Stockholm’s narrowest alley, which tapers to a mere 90 centimeters across at one point and may make you regret that second cinnamon bun. Also not to be missed is the quite extraordinary carving over the doorway of Skeppsbron 44, which depicts the distraught face of a cuckolded husband sobbing over his wife’s... how do we put this politely?... lady bits. Apparently commissioned by the husband himself, it’s well worth a look, especially on rainy days when tears appear to pour from his eyes. Stockholm’s Best Museums You’re pretty spoiled for choice when it comes to fine museums and galleries in Stockholm. Chief among these is Skansen, an exceptional open-air living history museum on the verdant island of Djurgården, where craftspeople in period costume demonstrate what life was like in 19th-century Sweden. Also on Djurgården are a museum containing a 17th-century royal warship, an interactive museum charting the history of the Vikings and the fantastically fun musical extravaganza that is ABBA: The Museum, where wannabe dancing queens can jive with holographic avatars of Benny, Björn, Frida and Agnetha, and belt out their best Waterloo in the karaoke booth. Elsewhere, both Sweden’s National Museum and the diminutive Moderna Museet are free to enter and between them contain artistic treasures by the likes of Dalí, Degas, Duchamp, Rembrandt, Rubens, Renoir and Picasso. Looking for things to do in Stockholm with kids? Interactive science museum Tom Tits Experiment is hard to beat. Once they’ve stopped giggling at the somewhat peculiar name, there are hundreds of hands-on experiments to get involved in, such as escaping a Houdini rope knot, seeing your shadow change color, becoming a human yoyo and getting all shook up in a simulated earthquake. Around 30 minutes by train from the city center, in Södertälje, it’s a little off the beaten track but well worth the effort. More Fun Things to do in Stockholm Old churches and musty museums a little too dry for you? Good news: Stockholm also has stacks of activities guaranteed to bring you joy and laughter. Take Gröna Lund on Djurgården. Here by the water in Sweden’s oldest amusement park you can scare yourself silly on 21st-century thrill rides galore, or enjoy the more sedate old-fashioned entertainments offered by the tunnel of love, amusement arcade and rickety old wooden rollercoaster. Young children will love nearby Junibacken, a fairytale theme park that brings characters from classic Swedish literature to life, primarily those of author Astrid Lindgren (best known for her Pippi Longstocking stories) and also, of course, the Moomins of Moominvalley. Since Stockholm is an archipegalo it is surrounded by water, therefore it makes sense to spend some time on the water during your visit. There are plenty of boat tours in Stockholm to take in the different city islands via the river. Most of these tours will offer some good food and drink options too. Ride Stockholm’s metro for a fun way to experience (free!) contemporary art and sculpture: the platforms and tunnels, particularly in and around the city center, are almost otherworldly. You don’t even need to have a specific destination in mind to do this: the metro network is an attraction all of its own. Expect burning hellscapes, beautiful blue skies and rainbows, and cute puffins perched high on ledges. Emerge blinking into the daylight at Globen station and hop aboard the SkyView – this 20-minute ride up the side of the spherical Avicii Arena building affords excellent views across the city, its lakes and the southern suburbs. Eat, Drink and Be Merry! All this activity making you hungry (and thirsty)? Culinary delights abound in Stockholm, from the legendary Swedish smörgåsbord to crayfish, pickled herring and meatballs. You’ll find some of the best meatballs in town at the aptly named Meatballs For The People on trendy Södermalm. Or, should you be so inclined, a free bus runs from the city center to the planet’s biggest IKEA store, almost as famous nowadays for its meatballs as it is for its flat-pack Scandinavian home furnishings. Afterwards, discover Stockholm’s boozy heritage and sample traditional schnapps, local craft gins and flavored vodkas at the magnificent Museum of Spirits. Skål! No list of things to do in Stockholm would be complete without mentioning the annual Christmas markets, which are among the best and most atmospheric in the world. Wrap up warm (temperatures don’t get much above zero in December) and make straight for Stortorget for the main event. Expect a heart-warming festive scene that includes a towering pine tree festooned with twinkling fairy lights and dozens of traditional wooden cabins hawking Scandinavian crafts, gifts, trinkets and sweets. Warm up with a hearty mug of spiced glögg (mulled wine) and a gingerbread cookie. Save on things to do in Stockholm Save on admission to Stockholm attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram and Facebook for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
a dog and her owner in a sunny park
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Discover Stockholm’s Most Stunning Parks for Every Traveler

Stockholm isn’t just a city of waterways and charming districts—it’s one big, glorious park waiting to be explored. Imagine gliding across a lake at sunset, having coffee among wildflowers, or wandering palace gardens that feel straight out of a storybook. The Swedish capital fills every corner with green escapes: from manicured royal gardens to untamed island woodlands and sun-drenched urban oases. Let’s dig into Stockholm’s best parks for every mood—whether you’re ready for a picnic, craving a lakeside adventure, or seeking a perfect spot for fresh cinnamon buns. We’ll share our favorite parks, why we love them, and everything you need to plan a picture-perfect outdoor escape.  Our fave parks in Stockholm include:  Djurgården  Hagaparken  Tantolunden  Vitabergsparken  Humlegården  Rålambshovsparken  Kungsträdgården  Skansen Open-Air Museum  Ivar Los Park  Långholmen  Hagaparken  Royalty, romance, and a touch of whimsy—that’s Hagaparken in a nutshell. Just north of downtown, this sprawling lakeside park envelopes visitors in rolling meadows, grand alleys, and a few palace surprises. Locals flock here for jogging, sunbathing, and drawn-out fika breaks on the grass.  Nature-lovers will appreciate the ancient oaks and serene views over Brunnsviken lake, especially at sunset. Kids go wild for the Butterfly House Haga Ocean, a steamy indoor jungle packed with butterflies and exotic fish tanks—a total hit on breezy or rainy days. Don’t skip a look at Haga Palace, home to the Swedish royal family, or the unusual copper-topped “Chinese Pavilion” and Turkish Kiosk, peeking through the trees.  Walk the lakeside path, spot swans gliding by, and toast the day with a cinnamon roll from Stallmästaregården, a centuries-old inn with modern Swedish flair. Hagaparken is Stockholm’s perfect green day out.  Tantolunden  Södermalm’s heart beats a little greener at Tantolunden. Think less manicured palace, more free-spirited gathering spot—where picnics, open-air gigs, and garden plots bring big city energy to leafy calm. Locals bring portable grills, so the air often smells deliciously smoky during summer evenings.  There’s always something happening here. Sunseekers sprawl on the grass; kids invade the huge playground and splash park; swimmers dip into Årstaviken bay; and urban gardeners tend to the cutest mini-houses you’ve ever seen. Tantolunden invites everyone—dogs, musicians, families, and blanket-toting groups of friends.  Explore the garden allotments (especially in summer, when flowers and veggies spill over every fence), join a casual volleyball match, or laze with a book. The sense of community makes every visit refreshing in its own way.  Humlegården  There’s always a hum of city life in Humlegården, Östermalm’s beloved downtown green space. Once a royal hop garden, it’s now an all-ages playground for office workers on lunch breaks, families picnicking under massive trees, and soccer games that break out wherever there’s space.  You’ll find kids’ play zones, winding paths, statues, and plenty of park benches for soaking up the sun or watching Stockholmers go by. Pack a takeout lunch (the nearby cafés in Östermalmshallen offer top-notch sandwiches and coffee) and find your spot beneath the chestnut trees.  Humlegården’s location makes it perfect for a nature break between high-end shopping or a visit to The Swedish History Museum just around the corner. Come for the people-watching, stay for the shade.  Rålambshovsparken  Ask a local about summer hangouts, and Rålambshovsparken is bound to come up. Hugging the waterfront on Kungsholmen, this expansive park blends endless lawns, sports grounds, and some of the best sunset-watching spots in the city.  The vibe is all about fun—think frisbee matches, salsa classes, and impromptu yoga sessions in the grass. Stroll the lakeside promenade for unforgettable views (it lights up at golden hour). When it’s warm, the tiny sandy beach draws swimmers looking for a quick dip. There’s even an open-air theater for summer concerts.  No picnic? Try Surbrunnskällan café for legendary kanelbullar (cinnamon buns) and ice cream, plus a full menu of Swedish classics if you’re feeling peckish. Rålambshovsparken guarantees happy feet and a happy belly.  Kungsträdgården  Every season brings something special to Kungsträdgården, Stockholm’s lively city garden just steps from the Royal Palace. Spring ushers in clouds of cherry blossoms, while summer invites open-air concerts and bustling outdoor cafés. In winter, the central fountain transforms into an old-school skating rink—magically twinkly beneath the city lights.  Wide paths lead visitors through sculpted beds, fountains, historical statues, and rows of locals catching up over coffee. Grab a seat at Vete-Katten’s outdoor pop-up for cakes and pastries that are pure Swedish joy. The park’s central location makes it a natural meeting spot, as well as a great launch point for exploring Old Town or nearby museums.  Kungsträdgården never feels too crowded—just the right blend of energy, events, and everyday Stockholm life.  Skansen Open-Air Museum  Fancy a park with a side of time travel? Meet Skansen, Stockholm’s open-air museum and zoological park all rolled into one, nestled right on Djurgården. Beyond the lush parkland, you’ll stroll historic farmhouses, meet costumed guides, and watch glassblowers and bakers ply their trade.  Animals here aren’t just window dressing; you’ll spot reindeer, bears, and moose in spacious forest enclosures—and yes, there’s a petting zoo for little ones. May brings blooming cherry trees beside red-painted cottages, while summer weekends pack in Swedish folk dancing and vintage market stalls.  Stop for a hearty lunch at Gubbhyllan, known for herring sandwiches and homemade lemonade, or munch a waffle with fresh strawberries from a kiosk. Skansen offers a picture-perfect way to dive into Swedish heritage—and the surrounding park is just as inviting for a post-visit picnic.  Ivar Los Park  Small but mighty, Ivar Los Park delivers one of the best Stockholm views with all the charm of a secret neighborhood hangout. Located on Mariaberget’s heights in Södermalm, this pocket park overlooks the city’s old rooftops, waterways, and spires—ideal for sunset-watching or that group photo that actually captures your Stockholm adventure.  Locals love the cozy playground, lush flowerbeds, and loungers primed for reading or chatting in the afternoon sun. Pick up cinnamon buns from the nearby Fabrique bakery before settling in. By evening, the golden city lights reflected in the water might just seal Ivar Los Park as your favorite spot in town.  Långholmen  If you’ve ever wanted to picnic on a former prison island (with stunning beaches and meadows instead of barbed wire, we promise), Långholmen is your dream come true. Accessible by a charming footbridge from Södermalm, this green haven features wildflower-carpeted hills, swimming coves, kayak rentals, and plenty of history.  The old prison, now converted into a quirky hotel and café, adds just enough intrigue. Rent a kayak to explore the city from the water, or spread your picnic blanket under blooming apple trees. Wild rabbits dart across meadows, and the vibe is pure relaxation—a hit with couples, families, and solo explorers looking to unwind.  Långholmen is Stockholm’s unexpected escape—just a short stroll from Södermalm but a world away from the bustle.    From island gardens to panoramic viewpoints, Stockholm delivers a green adventure at every turn. Whether you’re searching for royal drama, family-friendly playgrounds, or the perfect spot for a sunset fika, these parks offer a fresh slice of city life—and plenty of opportunities to relax, refuel, and make your Stockholm trip truly unforgettable.    Enjoyed this? Check out our guide to summers in Stockholm, and learn how to get from the airport to the city in style.   Step up your sightseeing with Go City®  We make it easy to explore the best a city has to offer. We’re talking top attractions, hidden gems and local tours, all for one low price. Plus, you'll enjoy guaranteed savings, compared to buying individual attraction tickets.  See more, do more, and experience more with Go City®– just choose a pass to get started! 
Group of friends celebrating a birthday by blowing out candles on a cake
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Things to do in Stockholm for a Birthday

So, today’s your birthday. Happy birthday! Another year younger. Better still, you’re in Stockholm, you lucky thing. But how to spend your day in this city of tranquil canals, romantic bridges, world-class museums, beautiful parks and swoonsome medieval squares? There are so many things to do in Stockholm for a birthday treat that it can sometimes feel overwhelming. But fear not: we’re here to help with a fun Stockholm itinerary that’s all-but guaranteed to make your day extra-special. Morning Did you know it’s traditional for Swedish families to sing the birthday boy or girl awake with a rousing rendition of the celebratory song Ja, må han leva? Knock this custom on the head by promising a slow and painful death to anyone who might attempt it, thus ensuring your special day begins right, i.e. with a lovely long lie-in. Suitably refreshed, take your sweet time to get ready before venturing out for a lazy breakfast. Further thrills and spills are on offer at nearby Gröna Lund, Sweden’s oldest amusement park. Brave the rickety old wooden rollercoaster or scare yourself silly on the latest hi-tech vertical drop rides. This verdant island is also home to several more museums, including the immersive Viking Museum and another that's dedicated to all things Benny, Björn, Frida and Agnetha, where you can bust your best dancing queen moves alongside holographic ABBA avatars and belt out your best Super Trouper in the karaoke booth. Evening Stockholm has no shortage of great dining options from upscale Michelin-starred restaurants (Gastrologik; Operakalleren) to down and dirty meatball joints (Meatballs for the People; Bakfickan), all of which are exceptional in their own ways. But if you’re looking for something truly memorable for your birthday, there are a few more quirky options out there...   Dining with a Difference Ok mateys, here’s another quirky dining option that might shiver your timbers. Lasse i Gatan is (in case you hadn’t worked it out from our labored pirate references) a pirate-themed restaurant in the old town, complete with staff in full seafaring costume and hearty sharing platters served in huge stone vaults. Dine at Norra Brunn for a giggle-tastic side serving of live stand-up (usually in Swedish, sometimes in English), or wrap up warm for cocktails in a traditional ice bar. Yes, that’s a bar made entirely of ice. Save on things to do in Stockholm for a birthday Save on admission to Stockholm attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram and Facebook for the latest top tips and attraction info. Grab a Stockholm pass and save while you sightsee!
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak

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