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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kid shaking hands with a robot at a science museum
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More Than Machines: Top Things to Do Near Tekniska

Tekniska, Stockholm’s legendary museum of innovation and tech wizardry, is a must for curious minds—but did you know its neighborhood is a hidden playground for locals and travelers alike? Step outside and you’ll discover everything from lush parks and lakeside strolls to a buzzing café scene and museums that’ll make you want to stick around all day. Whether you geek out over Viking history, crave traditional Swedish treats, or love soaking up city views, this part of Stockholm serves up the goods. Here’s how we turn a Tekniska trip into an adventure, Stockholm-style.  Our favorite things to do near Tekniska include:  Skansen  Nordiska Museet  Vasa Museum  Swedish Museum of Natural History  Swedish Fika at Systrarna Andersson  Museum of Ethnography  Fotografiska  A walk through Hagaparken  Dessert at Pom & Flora  Boat Tour to Djurgården  Skansen: Open-Air Culture and Curiosity  Just across the bridge from Tekniska, Skansen brings Sweden’s history to vivid, hands-on life—and then adds a petting zoo, fresh-baked cinnamon buns and jaw-dropping city views for good measure. This sprawling open-air museum isn’t just a tourist spot; it’s where Stockholmers go to celebrate midsummer, check out Swedish wildlife, and browse craft markets set among charming wooden houses. Step into historic farms, chat with costumed ‘locals,’ and watch glassblowers at work. Our favorite? Relaxing on the hillside lawn with a cardamom bun and taking in the panorama over the city’s rooftops and waterways. It’s family-friendly, photo-ready, and full of discoveries for all ages.  Nordiska Museet: Scandinavian Stories in a Palace  Nordiska Museet stands just a few minutes’ walk from Tekniska, housed in a neo-Renaissance castle that could star in its own period drama. Inside, it’s all things Nordic—fashion, folklore, home life, Sami culture and more. You’ll wander through recreations of Swedish living rooms, marvel at dazzling folk costumes, and pick up everyday tidbits about what makes Scandinavian design so irresistible. There’s something warm and welcoming about the museum’s approach, too: each room feels curated for genuine curiosity, and kids love the interactive nooks. Afterward, don’t miss the museum café for Swedish classics like salmon sandwiches and apple cake—a tasty way to refuel.  Swedish Museum of Natural History: Dinosaurs, Space and a Giant Whale  One metro stop or a leisurely walk from Tekniska, the Swedish Museum of Natural History competes for title of coolest school trip, ever. Step inside and you’re greeted by everything from dinosaur bones and glittering minerals to a giant (we mean giant) blue whale model. The museum excels at mixing fun with learning—exhibits lead you from Swedish tundra to rainforests to the outer reaches of space. Don’t skip the Cosmonova IMAX dome for planetarium shows that make you feel like you’re floating among the stars. And on a drizzly Stockholm day, there’s no better place to lose yourself in wonder.  Swedish Fika at Systrarna Andersson: Cinnamon Buns Done Right  Pausing for a fika is part of Swedish life, and just around the corner from Tekniska you’ll find Systrarna Andersson, a dreamy spot for the ritual. Inside, the atmosphere is all warm wood, trailing plants and sunshine pouring through big windows. Locals flock here for their cardamom buns and cinnamon rolls, but there’s also a parade of open-faced sandwiches and creamy lattes if you’re feeling peckish. Take your time, sample a classic, and enjoy a little people-watching—nothing says “you’re in Stockholm now” like a proper fika break.  Museum of Ethnography: See the World Without Leaving Stockholm  Just a short stroll from Tekniska, the Museum of Ethnography is the kind of place that keeps you exploring—even if you only meant to pop in for a quick look. Although the exterior is sleek and modern, inside you’ll experience a world tour: Maori carvings, shimmering West African textiles, and tales from polar expeditions. The museum makes global cultures feel welcoming and interactive, with cozy corners for storytelling, creative weekend workshops, and a tranquil garden for summer picnics. There’s a thoughtful gift shop with funky finds from around the globe, so you can bring home a little piece of your travels.  Hagaparken: Stockholm’s Royal Green Retreat  Need a breather? Tekniska is just steps away from sprawling Hagaparken, a royal park that feels like you’ve left the city behind. Winding trails lead you through grassy lawns, along peaceful lake shores, and past quirky pavilions like the copper-green Haga Palace. Locals jog, picnic, and swim on sunny days, but our favorite is renting a bike or grabbing an ice cream to stroll at your own pace. Don’t miss the Butterfly House (Fjärilshuset) with its lush tropical gardens, butterfly swarms, and even a tropical aquarium featuring reef sharks!  Dessert at Pom & Flora: Brunch Heaven  Stockholm takes cafés seriously, and Pom & Flora—just a brisk walk from Tekniska—is a brunch destination that will win your inner foodie over instantly. The vibe is stylish but social, with white walls, houseplants and plenty of chatter. Their ricotta-and-berry toast, avocado sourdough, and generous chia pudding bowls have a loyal fanbase, but we say you can’t go wrong with one of their lemony baked goods and a cardamom cappuccino. This is the kind of spot worth lingering in; the staff are always ready with recommendations, and tables fill up fast on weekends (for good reason).  Boat Tour to Djurgården: View the City from the Water  After your Tekniska fix, hop on a Djurgården ferry and see Stockholm like a local—from the deck of a classic boat. The ride offers sweeping city views, a gentle breeze and a bit of old-fashioned maritime fun as you cruise between the city center and the museums, parks, and attractions on Djurgården island. On a sunny day, nothing beats the feeling of Stockholm’s archipelago opening up in front of you. Ferries run often, so it’s easy to blend this scenic mini-adventure with the rest of your day’s plans—and you’ll have your camera out the whole trip.    Stockholm’s Tekniska neighborhood may be famed for its geeky greatness, but step outside and the city opens up with parks, museums, snacks, and sights galore—not to mention the kind of relaxed, Swedish vibe you’ll want to bring home with you.    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! 
christmas in stockholm
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Christmas in Stockholm: The Ultimate Festive Fun Guide

Stockholm transforms into a true winter wonderland at Christmas time. Snow dusts the city’s rooftops, shop windows glow with candles, and the scent of mulled wine and gingerbread fills the air. Wondering how to make the most of Christmas in the Swedish capital? We’re sharing our favorite ways to dive head-first into Scandi spirit: from bustling markets and classic museums to hidden holiday treats, this city is ready to deliver all the festive feels. Ready to sleigh your Stockholm holiday?  Our top Christmas experiences in Stockholm include:  Skansen  Gamla Stan Christmas Market  Stockholm Cathedral  Vasa Museum  Traditional Swedish Fika at Systrarna Andersson  ICEBAR Stockholm  Nordic Museum (Nordiska Museet)  Drottningholm Palace  Swing Adventure Golf Bar  Fotografiska  Gamla Stan Christmas Market: Stockholm’s Festive Heart  If you want to feel the pulse of Stockholm’s Christmas cheer, head straight to Stortorget in Gamla Stan (the old town). This tiny yet cozy square dazzles every year with its Christmas market—one of Scandinavia’s oldest. Candy-cane red huts are decked with fairy lights and brimming with holiday goodies: spiced almonds, homemade toffee, and piles of snowy gingerbread. You’ll also find Swedish crafts, ornaments, and charming trinkets that make for sweet souvenirs.  The atmosphere? Jolly, with a chorus of carols in the air and hot chocolate warming your hands—plus, you get the best selfie backdrop in town, surrounded by pastel townhouses and the glow of historic lanterns. Don’t miss a piping-hot “korv” (Swedish sausage) before you wander off into the narrow alleys. It’s like stepping into a Christmas card.  Stockholm Cathedral: Advent Concerts and Candlelit Calm  Step inside Stockholm’s Cathedral (Storkyrkan) and let the city’s holiday buzz melt away. In winter, the cathedral buzzes with activity, opening its grand doors for atmospheric Advent concerts and choral performances that sound like pure Christmas spirit. The building itself—dating to the 13th century—sets a majestic scene, with dramatic vaulted ceilings, flickering candles, and echoes of centuries-old carols.  Each performance draws locals and travelers alike, delivering goosebump-raising vocals and a moment of calm in the busy city. Even outside concert times, it’s lovely to visit for the glow of its Christmas decorations and to admire the striking wooden sculpture of St George and the Dragon—a Stockholm classic. If you’re seeking a moment of peace, this is your place.  Vasa Museum: A Nautical Christmas Experience  For a dose of Stockholm’s history with a festive twist, set sail for the Vasa Museum. Here lies the world’s best-preserved 17th-century ship—a mighty vessel that’s impressive in any season, but especially atmospheric when winter darkness sets in. During December, the museum hosts special family activities, storytelling sessions, and workshops themed around old Scandinavian seafaring yuletide traditions.  You’ll spot ships decked out with winter greenery and discover tales of sailors’ festive rituals—mulling over how the crew kept spirits high during the long, dark months. It’s fascinating, fun, and educational—kids will love the dramatic ship while adults savor a mug of holiday “Vasa glögg” from the museum’s café overlooking the harbor.  ICEBAR Stockholm: Chill Out in Style  Want your mulled wine with a twist? Step inside ICEBAR Stockholm for a truly cool festive experience. Everything here—the walls, bar, seating, and even your drinking glass—is carved from pure Swedish ice. The interior is kept at below-freezing temperatures, but don’t worry, the staff kit you out in snuggly silver capes and gloves. The frozen artistry is incredible, with seasonal themes (look for icy Christmas trees and frosted reindeer!), creating a fairytale-like vibe.  Sip a vividly coloured vodka cocktail—try the lingonberry for a taste of Scandinavia—and trade stories with new friends. The chilly setting is perfect for snapping unique holiday photos or simply embracing the whole Nordic winter fantasy. Who says you can’t be festive and frosty at the same time?  Nordiska Museet: Swedish Christmas Traditions Unwrapped  Step inside the majestic hall of Nordiska Museet for a crash course in all things Swedish and Christmassy. Every December, the museum hosts traditional workshops where you can craft Christmas decorations, nibble on pepparkakor (gingerbread cookies), or try your hand at making holiday wreaths and straw ornaments known as “julbockar.” The vast halls shimmer with themed displays, delving into how Swedish families have celebrated the season through centuries—think stories of St. Lucia, elaborate table settings, and vintage Christmas cards.  The museum’s dramatic, castle-like setting is an attraction in itself, but during the holidays, it truly comes alive. Kids love the hands-on activities, while adults can admire beautiful exhibits or stock up on Scandinavian design gifts at the well-curated shop. It’s history, creativity, and holiday magic rolled into one.  Drottningholm Palace: Fairytale Festivities  If your Christmas plans need a little royal sparkle, set off to Drottningholm Palace, just a short jaunt west of the city center. Surrounded by snowy gardens and gleaming lake views, this UNESCO world heritage site is the private residence of Sweden’s royal family—and you can tour the grand halls, lavish salons, and beautiful chapel all dressed up for the season.  December weekends often include Christmas-themed guided tours, carol recitals, and arts-and-crafts workshops that bring courtly yuletide traditions to life. After you’ve explored the palace, wander through the delicate frost-laced formal gardens or warm up in the stylish palace café with a slice of gingerbread cake. Visiting here feels like stepping into a Swedish Christmas storybook.  Swing Adventure Golf Bar: Festive Fun for All Ages  Keep the holiday giggles going with a round of indoor mini-golf at Swing Adventure Golf Bar. This isn’t just any old golf venue; it’s a 1920s-inspired speakeasy with Art Deco décor, cozy nooks, and a distinctly playful atmosphere. Over the holidays, the space lights up with Christmas sparkle, from themed cocktails (try an “Elf’s Punch” or “Snow Fairway”) to seasonal music and even occasional trivia nights.  Gather your friends or family, don a silly Santa hat, and compete for the title of Christmas champion—winner buys the next round of Swedish craft beer or hot cocoa. Swing’s menu packs in holiday treats too, including “julkaka” sponge cake and gooey cinnamon rolls. It’s the perfect spot to stay warm, get competitive, and laugh a lot—especially if your putting skills are better after a glögg or two. Whether you’re a beginner or a mini-golf pro, you’ll love the welcoming atmosphere, creative course obstacles, and festive energy. Swing is family-friendly by day and shifts to a lively, grown-up hangout in the evening, making it the perfect Christmas stop no matter who you’re celebrating with.  Fotografiska: Art, Light, and Holiday Inspiration  For something a little different (and seriously stylish), swap twinkle lights for world-class photography at Fotografiska. This renowned contemporary photography museum on Södermalm ramps up the ambiance in December, decorating its striking industrial building with festive touches and often hosting seasonal exhibitions that capture the wonder of winter and the beauty of everyday life. The view from the museum café—overlooking the shimmering waters and cityscape dusted in snow—is almost as captivating as the art on the walls.  As dusk sets in early, Fotografiska becomes a cosy, glowing retreat. Grab a seat in their award-winning restaurant for a fika or a meal—don’t skip their signature open-faced rye bread with smoked salmon and horseradish, or the vegan sweets if you’re after something lighter. Exhibitions rotate regularly, so there’s always something fresh to discover, and the museum shop is the perfect place for unique holiday gifts for your design-savvy friends back home. It’s creative, atmospheric, and guaranteed to leave you feeling inspired.    Stockholm is packed with festive surprises that will have you humming carols long after you’ve left. Whether you’re after tradition, treats, or just a twinkle-lit stroll through snow-dusted streets, you’ll find it here. Now, grab a lussekatt, raise a mug of glögg, and make your Christmas in Stockholm shine!    Enjoyed this? Check out our comprehensive guide to Fotografiska, and browse our picks of the best day trips out of 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! 
Royal guards on horseback during the changing of the guard ceremony at the Royal Palace in Stockholm
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Free Things to do in Stockholm

Stockholm has a reputation for being one of the most expensive cities on the planet. And, while it’s true that the cost of meals and accommodation here can add up quickly (though certainly not as quickly as in the likes of Paris, London or Amsterdam), there are many reasonably priced activities out there to help you balance the books. But the best things in life are free, right? Gratis. Or, as the Swedes would say: kostnadsfri. And Stockholm has plenty of cracking activities that won’t cost you a krona. Join us on our journey through the 10 best free things to do in Stockholm, including: Touring the medieval old town Changing of the guard Picnicking on Djurgården island The National Museum Stockholm’s sandy beaches Eye-popping subway art Old Town Tour A self-guided tour of Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s atmospheric medieval old town, should be considered an essential activity on any trip. Grab a still-warm cinnamon bun and snap the colorful gabled townhouses on the main square (Stortorget) before getting lost in the narrow cobbled lanes. And when we say narrow, we mean narrow. Mårten Trotzigs gränd alley has high, converging walls that taper to a mere 90 centimeters at one point – don’t forget to breathe in! Other curiosities to look out for on your walk include an ancient Viking runestone embedded in the wall at the intersection of Kåkbrinken and Prästgatan and the remarkable carving above the doorway of Skeppsbron 44. Commissioned by a cuckolded husband it depicts his anguished face weeping over his wayward wife’s, um, lady parts. Changing of the Guard The hilariously opulent baroque Royal Palace just north of Stortgorget is the venue for the Changing of the Guard ceremony, an impressive display of wealth and pomp complete with bright blue uniforms and polished silver pickelhaube helmets. There’s a daily guard change that takes place around noon during summer. But arrive early to beat the crowds as this centuries-old regal spectacle is one of the most popular free events in Stockholm. Check the official calendar for timings throughout the year. Djurgården Island Many of Stockholm’s most interesting museums – the Vasa, Skansen and ABBA Museum among them – can be found on pretty Djurgården. But its verdant vistas also make it a fine choice for long walks past shimmering lakes and through fairytale woods, and lazy picnics on its gentle slopes or on the picture-perfect waterfront behind the Vasa Museum. Don’t miss Rosendals Garden, a working market garden with a vineyard and orchard, vegetable fields, a rose garden and dozens of bright, blooming flower beds. Moderna Museet The Moderna Museet on tiny Skeppsholmen island packs quite a punch for a museum with no entry fee. Regularly rotating exhibitions are drawn from its collection of more than 140,000 modern and contemporary works and include painting and sculpture from some the most prominent artists of the 20th Century: Duchamp, Matisse, Bourgeois Picasso, Dalí and more. As you’d expect, there’s also a good showing from the Nordic regions, as well as an excellent sculpture garden where you can wander among highlights including Erik Dietman’s humorous monument to his last cigarette and Norwegian artist Carl Nesjar’s Déjeuner sur l’herbe, a granite rendering of Picasso’s cardboard figures of naked bathers. Monteliusvägen Take a stroll up the wooden walkway that ascends the Monteliusvägen cliff path for some of the best views of the old town’s colorful waterfront and the soaring spires of City Hall and the German Church. It’s just a hop and a skip over the bridge from Gamla Stan to Södermalm and also makes a fine vantage point for admiring Stockholm’s spectacular winter sunsets. Hit the Beach Believe it or not, Stockholm has some fabulous family friendly beaches right in the city center, many of which are wheelchair accessible and include facilities like showers, cafes, wooden piers with diving platforms, and those all-important ice cream vendors. Sure, the Baltic water temperature can be a little, shall we say, challenging, but most of the waters are safe for swimming and there are some fine sandy stretches on the islands of Södermalm, Långholmen and Kungsholmen. Dodge the summer crowds and head slightly further afield to Flatenbadet beach in southern Stockholm and Ängbybadet in the north, just over the water from stunning Drottningholm Palace. The National Museum Love art? You’re in for an absolute treat at Sweden’s National Museum, where access to the stellar permanent collection is absolutely gratis. Stars of the show here are fine Dutch Golden Age and French Impressionist pieces by the likes of Rembrandt, Rubens, Renoir, Degas and Cézanne. There’s also a fascinating collection of around half a million prints and drawings dating from medieval times to the early 20th Century, while connoisseurs of fine ceramics will be in clover among the striking Scandinavian designs that characterize thousands of pieces sourced from the now-defunct Gustavsberg Porcelain Factory. Underground Art Disclaimer: this one isn’t entirely free as it does require you to buy a metro ticket, but we figure you’ll probably be doing that anyway so, hey, might as well make the most of it. Stockholm’s system of 100 metro stations has been dubbed ‘the longest art gallery in the world’ thanks to the specially commissioned artworks – paintings, sculptures, mosaics, installations – that grace 90 or so of them. You’ll find the most spectacular in and around the city center, such as at showstopping Rådhuset, where cavernous orange-red walls give the distinct impression of being in the belly of some massive beast, or the fiery bowels of hell. Lighten the mood with the sky-blue walls and vibrant rainbows on display at Stadion, and visit Tensta for an uplifting message of inclusivity delivered via traditional cave art and cute puffin sculptures. Back to Nature There are plenty of free things to do in Stockholm’s Hellasgården, just outside the city center. Hike trails heady with the scent of towering pine trees and meadows carpeted in colorful wildflowers, pause to catch your breath (and take appropriately breathtaking snaps) from dizzying cliff-top viewpoints, and cool off in Lake Källtorp where hardier locals have even been known to swim during the depths of Sweden’s bone-chilling winters. If you can spare the relatively modest fee, you may prefer to opt for the heat of the traditional wooden sauna here, though note that you're expected to go au naturel – towels and bathing suits are not permitted inside. Ride the Bus We all know having kids can be expensive. So let’s enjoy the perks where we can find them, am I right? Great news: parents pushing infants and babies in strollers can ride Stockholm’s public buses for free: an absolute boon for footsore mums and dads on a budget. Similarly, a shuttle bus operates hourly from central Stockholm to the planet’s biggest IKEA store – absolutely gratis! Find the stop at Vasagatan 38. Just don’t blame us for the hundreds of kronor you’ll inevitably end up blowing on cushions, cutlery, tealights and meatballs once inside the vast yellow-and-blue furniture warehouse. 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

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