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
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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an ancient viking boat in the vasa museum
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Make a Day of It: Top Spots Near the Vasa Museum

You’ve marveled at the mighty Vasa and soaked up all those fascinating shipwreck stories—what’s next? You’re in luck, because the Vasa Museum sits right in the heart of Djurgården, one of Stockholm’s most action-packed neighborhoods. Whether you’re after hands-on history, dreamy strolls along leafy paths, wildlife encounters or a perfectly sweet Swedish fika, you’re surrounded by some of the city’s most exciting sights. Wondering where to go once you’ve relived Sweden’s swashbuckling seafaring past? We’ve rounded up a list of nearby attractions, fun experiences, and local hangouts that will make your day near the Vasa one for the memory books.  Our favorite things to do near the Vasa Museum include:  Skansen  The Viking Museum  Nordiska Museet  SPRITMUSEUM  ABBA The Museum  Vrak – Museum of Wrecks  Gröna Lund Amusement Park  Stroll on Djurgården’s walking trails  Indulge in Swedish fika at Systrarna Andersson  Fotografiska  Skansen: Sweden in a Nutshell  Skansen, practically the Vasa Museum’s next-door neighbor, stands as Stockholm’s living, breathing history lesson—and it’s pure fun. Picture this: cozy village cottages, windmills, and costumed guides bustling about like you’ve stepped back a few centuries. As the world’s oldest open-air museum, Skansen shops you vintage Sweden, from parish farms to urban workshops.  But there’s so much more than period drama here. You can pet goats and spot bears at the attached zoo (always a crowd-pleaser), snack on warm cinnamon buns from the bakery, or catch folk dancers and musicians turning the square into a festival. Homemade crafts demonstrations and markets let you try a little glassblowing, carpentry, or just test your knowledge of traditional Swedish sweets.  The atmosphere always feels lively and welcoming, especially in summer when families spread out with picnics or in winter when lanterns glow beside snow-dusted cabins. Skansen is vast, child-friendly, and peppered with incredible views over Stockholm—it’s equal parts playground, cultural trip, and animal adventure.  Nordiska Museet: Sweden’s Culture, Collected  Take in the grandeur—a palace-like building right on Djurgården’s leafy avenues—because the Nordiska Museet always makes a dramatic first impression. Step inside and you’re swept through centuries of Swedish culture, from home interiors to fashion, traditions, and celebrations.  It’s a spot where everyone finds a favorite: maybe the intricate tableware of Swedish royalty, old school folk costumes, or the nostalgic collection of children’s toys. Exhibits are organized with storytelling flair, mixing artful displays with bite-sized info for a smooth, entertaining wander.  There’s a lightness and warmth to the Nordiska Museet, making it an inviting place to soak in what makes Sweden, well, Sweden. The café, with homemade cakes and sandwiches, is perfect for a lingering pitstop after exploring.  SPRITMUSEUM: A Spirited Journey Through Swedish Drinking Culture  If you think museums can’t be fun, SPRITMUSEUM will change your mind. This playful spot is dedicated to Sweden’s long and storied relationship with booze—from snaps and aquavit to the rainbow-hued cocktails of modern Stockholm.  The museum leans into its subject with quirky multimedia exhibitions and a dash of irreverent humor. Hear Swedes recount their worst hangovers, sniff around creative scent installations, and catch temporary art shows inspired by drinking rituals.  The dockside location is gorgeous, especially on a sunny day with a seat out by the water. There’s also an award-winning restaurant serving new-Nordic cuisine and creative cocktails—plus, you can sample flights of Swedish spirits if you fancy getting brave. It’s hands-on, cheeky, and joyous.  Vrak – Museum of Wrecks: Dive Deeper into Maritime Mysteries  Next to the Vasa Museum, Vrak invites you to explore the hidden stories lying at the bottom of the Baltic Sea. Instead of traditional displays, Vrak immerses you in digital worlds, with multimedia installations, shipwreck tales, and underwater archaeology galore.  The museum uncovers tales of lost ships, sunken treasures, and sailors’ fates, all brought to life with atmospheric lighting, soundscapes, and creative use of tech. It’s equal parts educational and dramatic, sparking curiosity in everyone from shipwreck nerds to curious kids.  Vrak strikes a perfect balance between adventure and authenticity—helping you experience Stockholm’s watery secrets in accessible, memorable ways.  Gröna Lund Amusement Park: Vintage Thrills by the Water  Feeling the need for a little rush? Gröna Lund delivers Stockholm’s best retro fun, perched right on the Djurgården waterfront just a few minutes’ walk from the museums. The park’s compact size means laughter and pop music drift between classic wooden roller coasters, wild spinning rides, and old-style funfair games.  Depending on when you visit, you might catch big-name bands or sunset concerts (summer evenings are top-tier here). There are vintage carousels for all ages, snack huts for salty popcorn and candy floss, and springy dance floors where locals and travelers mingle. Gröna Lund feels nostalgia-packed and unfussy: the kind of place you’ll grin your way through whether you’re tackling big drops or just people-watching.  Stroll Along Djurgården’s Waterfront Trails  One of Stockholm’s best features is its peaceful, green public spaces, and Djurgården’s walking paths may just be the star. Step outside the Vasa and you’re right by scenic boardwalks lined with flowers, centuries-old oaks, and shiny blue water.  Wander west towards Rosendals Trädgård for wildflowers and greenhouse cafes, or loop back along the northern edge with unbeatable city skyline views. Early birds might spot seabirds or a well-muscled jogger or two; sunset brings painters and chatter from boat cafés. It’s pure serenity and a natural breather between museums.  Traditional Swedish Fika at Systrarna Andersson  Craving a pause? Recline into plush chairs and watch the world go by at Systrarna Andersson, a cozy café beloved for its homey décor and outstanding fika—Sweden’s legendary coffee-and-cake break. This sweet spot pours robust brews and piles plates with cinnamon buns, cardamom knots, and cheese-stacked smörgås.  It’s light and bright, full of locals grabbing a treat and catching up, with vintage wallpaper and simple blooms on the tables. The signature treat is their house-made Prinsesstårta, a whimsical green marzipan cake with fluffy layers of sponge, whipped cream, and tart raspberry jam. Settle in with a steaming cup of coffee and a pastry, and you’ll immediately understand why fika is so sacred in Swedish culture. Systrarna Andersson’s friendly, relaxed atmosphere makes it an ideal recharge stop—whether you’re catching your breath after the museums or fueling up for more adventures around Djurgården.  Fotografiska: Stockholm’s Cutting-Edge Photography Haven  Craving a little creative inspiration after your maritime explorations? Head over to Fotografiska, Stockholm’s modern temple of photography, just across the water in Södermalm. Not your average gallery, Fotografiska specializes in world-class exhibitions from both legendary names and bold newcomers, always engaging and often thought-provoking.  The industrial-chic venue buzzes with energy, from its soaring exhibition halls to the lively café and restaurant upstairs—don’t miss the view: panoramic windows showcase Stockholm’s skyline, especially magical at sunset. The atmosphere is stylish but informal, welcoming casual visitors and art lovers alike. You can easily while away a couple of hours, drifting from wild fashion shoots to soul-searching photojournalism.    With all these fantastic options just moments from the Vasa Museum, it’s easy to fill your day—or your whole Stockholm trip—with discovery, culture, flavors and fun. Whether you’re museum-hopping, spotting wildlife, eating your fill, or just taking in those classic Swedish views, Djurgården’s never short on ways to enchant you. Happy exploring!    Enjoyed this? Check out our guide to top mornings in Stockholm, and how to make the most of summer in the city.  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! 
stockholm cathedral at dusk
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Unlock the Best Things to Do Near Stockholm Cathedral

Set in the storybook streets of Gamla Stan, Stockholm Cathedral stands at the beating heart of Sweden’s capital. But the magic doesn’t end at its Gothic arches. The whole neighborhood is a tapestry of royal history, quirky museums, blissful fika cafés, and narrow lanes perfect for wandering. Whether you’re craving old-world grandeur, a glimpse of Viking intrigue, or simply want to relax like a local, you’ll find it all within a couple of cobblestoned steps. Ready to map out the perfect Stockholm adventure? Let’s dive in!  Our top picks near Stockholm Cathedral include:  Stockholm Cathedral  The Royal Palace  Nobel Prize Museum  Västerlånggatan Shopping  Gamla Stan alleyway rambling  Viking Museum  Traditional Swedish Fika at Systrarna Andersson  The Royal Armoury – Livrustkammaren  Swing by Pharmarium  SkyView Stockholm  Stockholm Cathedral: The Heart of Gamla Stan  Let’s kick things off with the star of the show. Stockholm Cathedral, or Storkyrkan, is so much more than just an old church towering over Gamla Stan. This Gothic beauty is Stockholm’s oldest building—dating back to the 1200s—and stepping inside feels like entering an atmospheric time capsule. You’ll spot masterpieces like the towering wooden St. George and the Dragon sculpture and sunbeams lighting up grand vaulted ceilings.  We always love how it doubles as a venue for royal weddings and coronations—talk about being part of living history! Spend a moment soaking up the soft hush, the intricate stonework, and the faint scent of old books and polished wood. Whether you’re a history buff or just hunting for that perfect Instagram moment, Stockholm Cathedral delivers timeless atmosphere.  Nobel Prize Museum: Ideas That Changed the World  It wouldn’t be Stockholm without nodding to its world-changing Nobel heritage. The Nobel Prize Museum, just a stone’s throw from the cathedral, invites you into a world of genius and innovation. Interactive displays, videos, and personal stories bring to life the biggest moments in science, literature, peace, and more.  We find it’s the quirky details that make every visit memorable—Nobel dinner menus dangling from the ceiling, clips of scientists having their “Eureka!” moments, and rotating exhibits on everything from climate change to the power of words. The museum’s petite café is perfect for coffee and a Nobel-themed dessert, and the entire experience feels fresh and inspiring, never stuffy.  Västerlånggatan Shopping: Souvenirs and Swedish Style  Just down the alleyways, Västerlånggatan buzzes with color, creativity, and the best people-watching in town. It’s Stockholm’s oldest shopping street—a lively stretch home to indie boutiques, Swedish handicrafts, cozy knitwear, and retro toys. Duck into antique shops and you might find a Viking coin or two! Sure, there are the classic souvenir magnets, but keep your eyes peeled for standout Swedish design: minimalist jewelry, patterned scarves, and Sami handicrafts.  There’s plenty of energy here as locals and visitors mingle. During the holiday season, fairy lights twinkle above the crowds and stalls ply you with gingerbread and lussebullar (saffron buns). It’s equal parts festive fun and history under one charming roof.  Gamla Stan Alleyways: Wander Like a Local  Sometimes the best adventures are unplanned. Set your map aside and just let yourself get lost in Gamla Stan’s labyrinthine cobblestoned alleyways. Every twist reveals painted doorways, iron lanterns, or wild pops of pink and yellow facades. You’ll stumble across street art, secret courtyards, and the city’s narrowest alley—Mårten Trotzigs Gränd, only 90 centimeters wide.  We’re big fans of this “urban treasure hunt,” snapping photos of flower-filled window boxes, ducking into surprise courtyards, or chatting with local shopkeepers. Early morning or just before sunset, it feels magical, and no two visits are ever quite the same.  Traditional Swedish Fika at Systrarna Andersson: Sweet Pause  You can’t wander the Old Town forever without a proper fika break. Systrarna Andersson, perched just a short stroll away, is our go-to for real-deal Swedish coffee culture. Expect deep mugs of robust coffee, trays of cinnamon buns, and dainty cookies—all homemade and served in a setting that feels like grandma’s living room.  The vibe is cozy and slightly retro, with wooden chairs, mismatched china, and that sugary aroma wafting from the pastry counter. It’s easy to linger for ages, hours drifting by over cardamom buns and coffee refills. When in Stockholm, fika is non-negotiable.  The Royal Armoury – Livrustkammaren: Armory Wonders  Tucked in the palace’s basement, the Royal Armoury feels like Stockholm’s best secret. Step inside and you’re greeted by glinting swords, gilded carriages, and an impressive parade of royal outfits—everything from regal robes to wedding dresses. There’s even armor worn by Sweden’s kings on the battlefield!  It’s surprisingly intimate (think flickering candlelight and stone arches), and clever displays keep things lively for kids, too. Some of us are here to ogle (and occasionally giggle at) monumental wigs and velvet capes, while others are drawn to dramatic tales of war and peace echoed in the exhibits. A treasure trove for costume and history fans!  Swing by Pharmarium: Craft Cocktails with a Story  Nestled on the square in front of the cathedral, Pharmarium gives “drinks with a view” a whole new meaning. Housed in Stockholm’s first-ever pharmacy, it’s all rich wood, vintage bottles, and a zesty twist on mixology. Their cocktails draw inspiration from ancient apothecary potions—think sea buckthorn-infused gin or beetroot-spiked vodka sours.  The menu is as inventive as the décor, and bartenders will happily chat about the building’s quirky medical history. It's cozy in winter and lively in the summer, when the outdoor terrace fills with friends comparing tasting notes and sampling pickled snacks on the side.  SkyView Stockholm: A New Angle on the City  Wrap up your day with a short trip out to the SkyView on Södermalm for views that’ll give your Stockholm adventure a proper finale. The glass gondolas glide up the side of the Avicii Arena (yep, the huge white globe) for an unbeatable city panorama. Sunsets here, with Stockholm’s islands twinkling below, are truly next-level.  It’s a smooth, accessible ride—no climbing needed—and a fun way to see just how the city unfurls around its waterways and green islands. We always get a kick out of spotting Gamla Stan’s cathedral dome, tiny but proud, from high above. It's a fitting end to a day of old-town adventure, giving you a fresh perspective on all you've explored.    Whether you’re drawn to centuries-old cathedrals, cozy cafés, royal pageantry, or quirky museums, the area around Stockholm Cathedral serves up something for every kind of explorer. Gamla Stan’s patchwork of history, flavor, and fun means every corner invites you to linger a little longer. Dive in, follow your curiosity, and your Stockholm story will be as memorable as the treasures you discover along the way.    Enjoyed this? Check out our picks of the best day trips out of Stockholm, and how to make the most of summer in the city.  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! 
Woman in Stockholm's Old Town
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Should I buy Go City’s Stockholm pass or get individual tickets?

Short version: the Stockholm pass generally works out cheaper, easier and more fun than buying tickets individually. Read on to find out why!
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak

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