Discover Djurgården: Stockholm’s Playground of Culture and Nature

Published: April 14, 2026
birds eye view of djurgarden in stockholm

Dreaming of Stockholm with a dash of magic? Set your sights on Djurgården—the city’s green island where every stroll seems to uncover a new surprise. Locals retreat here for fresh air and epic picnics, but for visitors, it’s a dizzying parade of world-class museums, quirky attractions, tasty Swedish bites and more squirrels than you can count. Whether you’re chasing blockbuster views, boat rides, royal history or a huggable moose or two, Djurgården makes every day of your trip stand out. Ready for the lowdown on our favorite ways to play, eat and explore? Read on—we’ve got picks for every traveler. 

Our tried-and-tested things to do in Djurgården include: 

Vasa Museum 

Skansen 

Prince Eugen’s Waldemarsudde 

The Nordic Museum (Nordiska Museet) 

The Viking Museum 

ABBA The Museum 

Gröna Lund Amusement Park 

Rosendals Trädgård 

Royal Djurgården Boat Tour by Strömma 

Traditional Swedish Fika at Systrarna Andersson 

Vasa Museum: Dive Into Maritime Drama

Let’s kick things off with a showstopper. The Vasa Museum gives you the chance to walk right up to a real 17th-century warship—one that spent more than 300 years on the Baltic Sea floor before its triumphant return to daylight. As you spot the ship’s ornate carvings and towering masts, you’ll get the story of its infamous maiden voyage (spoiler: it was short), plus behind-the-scenes tales of how Sweden managed to bring this 64-gun beast back to life. 

Inside, the vibe is fun and surprisingly lively, with immersive displays that make shipbuilding, sailor life and resurrection-by-conservation seriously exciting. The slightly salty air, dramatic lighting and haunting figureheads spark both awe and curiosity. Whether you’re a history buff or just a fan of big boats, the Vasa Museum proves unforgettable and photogenic on every level. 

Skansen: Sweden in a Nutshell 

Where else can you step inside a glassblower’s studio, pet a pony, watch folk dancers, and spy on a herd of elk without ever leaving the city? Skansen is part open-air museum, part zoo and fully fun for all ages. The historic village, with over 150 preserved farmhouses and workshops, lets you peek into Swedish traditions from centuries past, while the zoo’s animal stars—think brown bears, wolves and cheeky lynx—keep kids and grownups grinning. 

Bring a picnic or refuel on classic Swedish comfort fare (their meatballs with lingonberry are a treat), and don’t miss the bakery for fresh-baked cinnamon buns. Skansen hosts lively seasonal festivals, so if you catch a midsummer celebration, expect costumes and traditional music. With panoramic views over Stockholm, this place feels rural yet buzzing—a slice of Swedish countryside in the capital. 

Prince Eugen’s Waldemarsudde: Art and Flowers Galore 

Nestled at the island’s edge, this grand house-turned-gallery mixes classic art with manicured gardens and a magical lakeside setting. Prince Eugen turned his home into a tribute to Swedish creativity, so you’ll browse rooms filled with paintings by Nordic masters, contemporary exhibitions, and objects d’art. 

Honestly, half the pleasure is wandering the grounds—rose gardens in full bloom, winding footpaths, old oaks and a view that stretches out over the water. If the weather’s good, bring a sketchbook or grab a coffee from the airy on-site café. You’ll leave inspired and maybe a little envious of the prince’s breezy taste in both art and landscaping. 

Nordiska Museet: Step Into Swedish Style 

You can’t miss Nordiska Museet’s jaw-dropping castle-like exterior. Step inside and you’re stepping into Swedish culture from the 1500s onwards—fashion, home design, parties, Sami culture, toys, holiday traditions and more. The main hall with its ornate columns is worth lingering over with a camera. 

The exhibits turn everyday life into something enchanting: try out traditional wooden clogs, marvel at old-school kitchen gear, or check out a table set for a royal Christmas feast. Friendly staff and interactive stations keep things engaging, and the store stocks tasty local treats and clever Scandi design souvenirs. It’s the place to really “get” Sweden beyond the guidebooks. 

The Viking Museum: Channel Your Inner Berserker

Unleash your saga spirit at this adventure-packed spot devoted to Sweden’s notorious seafarers. It’s hands-on: swing a sword (virtually), design your own rune, or hop on a mini dark ride that whisks you through the highs and lows of Viking family life. 

The museum does a great job blending myth and reality, thanks to vivid reconstructions, guides in period dress, and artefacts you can pore over up close. Stories of brave women, gods, warriors and far-flung expeditions come alive. Even if Viking helmets are your main point of reference, you’ll walk out a mini-expert. 

ABBA The Museum: A Studio of Pure Pop Joy 

Let’s be honest, you’ll start humming “Dancing Queen” the moment you see the disco ball entrance. This isn’t just a museum for superfans; it’s an interactive tribute to Sweden’s most celebrated export. Follow the band’s glittering history, belt out karaoke, or don a virtual pair of sparkling boots and groove on stage with hologram ABBA. The fun, immersive displays make pop history engaging for all ages, and the gift shop’s tiny sequined hats make unbeatable souvenirs. It’s playful, upbeat, and more than a little bit fabulous. 

Gröna Lund Amusement Park: Stockholm’s Adrenaline Playground 

Nothing says “summer in Stockholm” like the sound of screams and music floating over the water from Gröna Lund. This vintage-meets-modern amusement park packs thrill rides, old-school carousels, haunted houses, midway games and concert stages into a jam-packed riverside plot. 

The mood is always celebratory and energetic—especially on show nights, when local and international bands take over the main stage. Squeeze in a sugary churro or a paper cone of salty popcorn, and work up the courage for Insane (their wildest coaster) or keep it chill on the giant Ferris wheel with city skyline views. Bring family, friends or anyone in need of an adrenaline buzz. 

Rosendals Trädgård: Garden Cafés and Flower Fields 

Just a little stroll from Skansen lies the ultimate urban escape for foodies and plant lovers—Rosendals Garden. This working biodynamic farm features rambling vegetable plots, fruit orchards, and glasshouses overflowing with blooms. Meander between flowerbeds and greenhouses, or nab a picnic spot under centuries-old apple trees. 

The on-site café serves up organic salads, sourdough sandwiches, and mesmerizing cinnamon buns (seriously, locals queue for these). You’ll find a leafy plant shop, artisan bakery, and a bustling farmers’ market in autumn. Slow down, breathe deep and soak up Stockholm’s greenest vibe. 

Royal Djurgården Boat Tour by Strömma: See It All from the Water 

Djurgården is an island, after all—nothing beats seeing it by boat. Hop aboard for a chill cruise along the tranquil Djurgårdsbrunn Canal and learn about the area’s royal history, grand villas, and lush parklands as you glide past. Guides keep things lively and sprinkle in local legends and fun trivia. 

The tour lets you kick back and enjoy skyline views from the open deck while ducks and swans keep pace beside you. It’s an ideal way to orient yourself, snap Instagrammable pictures, or rest your legs between sightseeing stints. 

Traditional Swedish Fika at Systrarna Andersson: Coffee and Comfort 

You can’t get the real Stockholm experience without embracing fika, that sacred Swedish coffee break. At Systrarna Andersson, nestled just near Djurgården’s bridge, you’ll find atmosphere aplenty: cozy corners, sun-drenched windows, and the irresistible aroma of fresh-baked cardamom buns. 

Locals swear by the kanelbullar (cinnamon buns), but don’t miss the strawberry-topped princess cake if it’s on the counter. Pair your treats with strong Swedish coffee or, for a twist, the refreshing elderflower cordial. The vibe here is pure “welcome home”—the staff is warm, and the décor balances modern Swedish minimalism with rustic touches like exposed brick and vintage pastry stands. It’s the perfect pit stop for refueling on your adventures, catching up on postcards, or just basking in the simple joys of coffee and cake. Trust us, once you’ve lived the true fika dream, you’ll want to take this ritual home with you. 

Adventure Awaits in Djurgården! 

From historic ships at the Vasa Museum to cinnamon buns in a fragrant garden café, Djurgården offers the kind of variety that keeps every member of your crew entertained. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or flying solo, this local-favorite island squeezes Sweden’s best bits—culture, nature, laughter, and great food—into one stunning parkland package. Plan your perfect day with these top recommendations and see just how much fun Stockholm’s green heart can be! 

 

Enjoyed this? Check out our guide to top mornings in Stockholm, and discover the best time to visit the city.  

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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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