All eyes are on Drottningholm Palace—a Swedish must-see with its baroque splendor, lakeside views, and fairytale gardens. But Stockholm has a knack for spoiling us: just beyond those palace steps await lush parks, quirky museums, funky art, and boat adventures. Whether you’re a fan of Swedish royalty, modern design or just keen to enjoy a classic fika, you’re in the right spot to pack your day with delights. We’ll show you all the best things to do near Drottningholm Palace—from garden strolls to island escapes and culture-fix favorites!
Our top things to do near Drottningholm Palace include:
Drottningholm Palace & Gardens
Drottningholm Court Theatre
Boat Tour to Drottningholm Palace by Strömma
Skansen
Vasa Museum
The Swedish History Museum
Traditional Swedish Fika at Systrarna Andersson
Artipelag Art Museum
Stockholm Hop-On Hop-Off Boat
Island hop to Lovön & Ekerö
Drottningholm Palace & Gardens: Royal Living, Swedish Style
Drottningholm Palace & Gardens: Royal Living, Swedish Style
Start with the main event! Drottningholm Palace is more than just a regal residence—step inside and you’ll find yourself immersed in centuries of Swedish royal history. Roam lavish halls sparkling with chandeliers, ogle opulent rooms adorned with portraits of kings and queens, and imagine yourself dancing at a grand royal ball. Just as impressive are the extensive gardens. Lose yourself among sculpted box hedges, cascading fountains, and tree-lined avenues inspired by Versailles.
The Chinese Pavilion is a highlight—an ornate, whimsical 18th-century retreat for the royals—while the English garden zone keeps things relaxed with sweeping lawns and sweet, shady ponds. Don’t miss the elegant stone steps leading down to Lake Mälaren: perfect for a quiet moment by the water. The palace feels refreshingly approachable—glimpses of everyday royal life mix with all the grandeur, making it easy to picture yourself as a Swedish lord or lady for the day. It’s a living, breathing chunk of history, expertly kept alive.
Drottningholm Court Theatre: Step into an 18th-century Drama
Just steps from the palace, Drottningholm Court Theatre is Europe’s best-preserved 18th-century playhouse. Love quirky mechanics and a taste of aristocratic fun? You’ll swoon over this place. All its stage machinery is still original and 100% hand-operated, creating sound effects like thunder, wind, and even flying gods, exactly like in Mozart’s day.
Take the guided tour and sneak backstage to see ancient scenery hangers, candle-lit chandeliers, and ingenious contraptions at work—a true time warp. The vibe is charming, intimate and surprisingly playful: velvet seats, intricate painted boxes, and echoes of old gossip in the wings. If you’re lucky to catch a summer opera, prepare to be transported. This is Swedish cultural heritage in performance mode—and it’s pure magic!
Boat Tour to Drottningholm Palace by Strömma: History on the Water
Getting to Drottningholm can be half the adventure if you take a classic steamer from Stockholm city center. Hop aboard for a relaxing, scenic journey across sparkling Lake Mälaren—the best way to travel if you want to channel your inner 19th-century aristocrat. The boat is comfortable, with open decks, wine and sandwiches for sale, and stunning views along every stretch of water.
Along the route, you’ll float past lush green islands, old fishing cottages, and the palace itself as it sparkles on the lake’s edge. The guides share fun royal tidbits en route, so you’ll arrive perfectly clued-up and ready to explore. There’s something magical about stepping off a boat and strolling straight up palace steps—Sweden definitely knows how to do grand entrances!
Skansen: Sweden in Miniature
Ready to expand your royal adventure into something uniquely Swedish? Hop on a ferry or drive to Skansen, Stockholm’s massive open-air museum and zoo. Skansen captures the essence of Sweden, from historic farmhouses (think spinning wheels and wood smoke) to local craftsmen plying ancient trades, all set in leafy gardens.
The vibe is old-school, cheerful and hands-on: watch reindeer munch moss, nibble cinnamon buns made over open hearths, and join a folk dance if you’re feeling brave. Animal lovers adore the native wildlife—think Swedish cows, lynx, and bears—all in naturalistic settings. There’s even a tiny, perfectly preserved Swedish town square complete with a working bakery and candy shop. Head up to the hills for jaw-dropping views over Stockholm’s skyline. It’s the ultimate way to experience everything Swedish in one afternoon.
Vasa Museum: Shipwrecked Splendor
In the mood for drama on the high seas? The Vasa Museum delivers—no soggy boots required. The museum’s star, the Vasa, is a jaw-dropping warship that sank on its maiden voyage in 1628, then resurfaced (literally) centuries later. Today it sits in a climate-controlled hall, remarkably intact and incredibly detailed.
Walking around the Vasa is electric—you can see ancient carvings, cannons and towering masts up close. Imaginative displays unravel stories of sailors, shipbuilders, and the royal ambitions that led to one of Sweden’s most famous mishaps. If you love stories with a twist, this museum is all about discovery and awe. Pro tip: the audio guide brings everything to life with just the right mix of facts and humor. Expect a fun, fascinating hour or two!
The Swedish History Museum: Stories from the Viking Age to Today
History fans, this is your jackpot. Only a comfortable ride away, The Swedish History Museum takes you on a journey from bold Viking raids right through to contemporary Swedish life. Expect interactive displays, glittering gold treasures, a spooky-yet-brilliant Viking exhibit, and enough hands-on workshops to keep restless travelers entertained for hours.
The museum balances nationwide history with local tales—so it feels big yet personal. Kids and adults love trying on Viking helmets and decals, peeking at ancient runes, and petting the resident rune stones in the sculpture garden. The vibe is friendly, well-organized, and pacing is just right—never overwhelming, always compelling. If you crave context for all those royal sites you’ve seen, come here for the full picture.
Traditional Swedish Fika at Systrarna Andersson
Traditional Swedish Fika at Systrarna Andersson
After all that palace-trekking, you’ve earned a proper Swedish fika. Systrarna Andersson is a cheerful bakery and café located a short journey away in Kungsholmen. Step inside and you’re met with the comforting smell of fresh-baked kardemummabullar (cardamom buns) and soft chatter from locals.
Their cinnamon buns, glazed with sugar and sticky-sweet, are legendary, but don’t skip the open-faced shrimp sandwiches or the homemade berry cordial if you want a taste of Sweden the way locals do it. The décor is timeless Scandinavian: simple wood, pretty floral china, and views onto a bustling street or leafy square if you snag an outdoor seat. Settle in with a robust cup of coffee and take a breather—you’ve just joined one of Sweden’s most beloved rituals.
Artipelag Art Museum: Art Meets Archipelago
For a dose of modern Swedish creativity, venture out to Artipelag, a contemporary art museum woven into the pine forests and rocky shores of the Stockholm Archipelago. The drive or ferry ride out here is an adventure in itself, passing peaceful islands and sparkling bays. Once you arrive, step inside bright, glassy galleries showcasing cutting-edge exhibitions, then stroll along pretty boardwalks by the sea.
The architecture blends seamlessly into the landscape—think floor-to-ceiling windows and wild nature on every side. The airy café serves up local specialties, and you can picnic or sunbathe on the rocky outcrops nearby. Artipelag feels peaceful, inspiring, and very Swedish—like a breath of fresh Baltic air pooled with a dash of artistic genius.
Stockholm Hop-On Hop-Off Boat: Waterway Exploring
Stockholm is a city of islands, and the hop-on hop-off boat lets you explore them in leisurely, breezy style. Cruise from royal palaces to art museums, old town corners to café-lined quays—all at your own pace! Each stop is an invitation to wander: Skansen for open-air history, Gamla stan for medieval charm, or the vibrant museums along Djurgården. The relaxed ferry vibe means you can stretch out on deck in the sun or grab a snack below if there’s a chill in the air. Audio guides share plenty of insider stories as the city’s colorful waterfront neighborhoods glide by, keeping things fun and informative.
What keeps us recommending the hop-on hop-off boat? It's the perfect blend of sightseeing and freedom. Craft your own adventure: maybe start with royal history at Drottningholm, then jump off in the city center for a food fix, or pause in leafy Djurgården for a stroll through the parklands. The views from the water give you a different, sweeping perspective of Stockholm’s architecture and island geography, all while sidestepping the city’s traffic. Whether you’re after a single trip or an all-day water wander, this is a calm, scenic, and thoroughly Swedish way to tour.
Island Hop to Lovön & Ekerö: Swedish Country Life
Fancy swapping palatial opulence for tranquility? The islands of Lovön and Ekerö—right in Drottningholm’s neighborhood—offer lush nature, country charm, and peaceful villages with a sprinkle of local legend. Könsta Gård on Lovön is a working farm where you can say hello to sheep and cows, then treat yourself to homemade ice cream from the little café. Ekerö’s gentle hills are quilted with berry farms and apple orchards; depending on the season, you can pick your own strawberries or fresh apples and bring them back for a sunny picnic.
Take time to explore ancient Viking runestones and charming churches that dot the landscape, with hiking and biking paths connecting everything at a gentle pace. There’s a laid-back, rural energy here—think painted wooden cottages and lakeside spots where you can dip your toes in Mälaren. If you want to see where the Stockholmers escape for their weekend unwind, this is it—serene, scenic, and as Swedish as it gets.
Skogskyrkogården: Reflect in a UNESCO World Heritage Cemetery
Just a short journey from Drottningholm, Skogskyrkogården (the Woodland Cemetery) invites quiet exploration in a unique, forested setting. Designed by famed Swedish architects Asplund and Lewerentz, this vast cemetery blends grave sites with serene woodland, rolling lawns, and iconic chapels tucked under tall pines. Peaceful paths wind through the grounds, encouraging contemplation and connection with nature. Skogskyrkogården is beloved for its simplicity and harmonious design—many consider it a masterpiece of modern landscape architecture.
For travelers seeking a slower moment of beauty, this is an inspiring spot to reflect, photograph, or simply pause amid fragrant evergreens. Look for Greta Garbo’s quietly elegant grave or bring a book to one of the park’s benches. The whole experience feels tranquil and profound—an uplifting reminder that art, architecture, and nature can come together in the most unexpected places.
So next time you find yourself royally inspired by Drottningholm Palace, don’t let the adventure end there. Swedish history, rolling green islands, floating ferries, delectable fikas and world-class museums are all within easy reach. Stockholm really does make it easy to plan the perfect regal—and thoroughly local—day out!
Enjoyed this? Check out our pick of the best time to visit Stockholm, and the best day trips outside the city.
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