Ready for takeoff at Skyview Stockholm? You should be—after all, there’s nothing quite like gliding up the side of the world’s largest spherical building! But here’s a secret: the fun doesn’t have to stop once you’re back on solid ground. The area around Skyview is packed with places to eat, play, and soak up Swedish culture, from quirky museums and local haunts to lush parks and boat-filled canals. Whether you’re sightseeing with family, after some classic Swedish fika, or in the mood to shop or tee off, this corner of Stockholm has something for everyone. Here’s how to keep the adventure rolling now that you’ve conquered the dome!
Our picks for things to do near Skyview Stockholm include:
Skyview Stockholm (the main event!)
Avicii Arena (Globen)
3Arena
Globen Shopping Center
Swing Adventure Golf Bar
Söderstadion Park
Fotografiska
Skansen
Traditional Swedish Fika at Systrarna Andersson
Stockholm Highlights Boat Tour by Strömma
Skyview Stockholm: Stockholm at your feet
If you haven’t already, you have to hop aboard Skyview’s glass gondola. Gliding smoothly up the exterior of that massive silver dome (also known as Avicii Arena or Globen) is pure thrill, both for the jaw-dropping view and for the excitement of riding a piece of Stockholm’s sci-fi skyline. From the top, all of southern Stockholm spills out before you—shimmering waterways, spires, parks and bustling neighborhoods. On clear days, you’ll spot landmarks for miles. It’s the ideal place to snap those panorama shots that’ll make your friends back home turn green with envy.
The vibe is equal parts futuristic and friendly. Staff provide fun facts and stories as the gondola climbs, which always sparks conversations among visitors. The ride isn’t just for thrill-seekers, though—it’s fully accessible, great for families, and a surprising hit even with locals who want a new take on their hometown. If you catch it at sunset, the city’s colors are a total showstopper.
Skyview is more than an observation deck—it’s a memory-maker, kickstarting your Stockholm adventure from a sky-high perspective.
Avicii Arena (Globen): music, sports, and stardust
Next door to Skyview, Avicii Arena—still affectionately called Globen by most—is a hub for Swedish pop culture. This isn’t just an arena; it’s where Stockholm cheers, sings and dances, with a lineup that shifts from hockey matches and circus acts to epic concerts. Seeing an event here means you’ll rub elbows with locals in full fan mode. The sound and light shows are legendary—this is where everyone from Elton John to Swedish House Mafia has hit the stage.
When there’s no show, the Globen is fascinating for its sheer scale and unique spherical design (and yes, you just rode up the outside with Skyview!). Sports fans love catching a Djurgården or Hammarby hockey game for the electric atmosphere, while music lovers can sometimes book guided backstage tours for a peek at the arena’s behind-the-scenes secrets. Either way, Globen delivers energy, excitement, and the sense you’ve caught Stockholm at its most alive.
3Arena: Stockholm’s stadium heartbeat
3Arena: Stockholm’s stadium heartbeat
Just a short stroll from Skyview stands 3Arena—a sleek, glass-framed stadium pulsing with energy year round. If you’ve ever wanted to experience Swedish sporting culture up close, this is the place. It’s the roaring home turf of Djurgårdens IF and Hammarby IF football clubs, so if there’s a derby on, grab a ticket—Stockholmers take their soccer seriously, and the chanting, singing, and flag-waving are unforgettable.
Tele2 Arena isn’t just about sports. You’ll find huge concerts, family shows, and festivals lighting up the space, with high-tech retractable roofs and massive LED walls that make every event feel epic. The stadium’s food court is great for a pre-game snack—Swedish meatballs, anyone? Even without a ticket, the surrounding area buzzes with local fans and families on match days, offering a unique slice of modern Stockholm life.
Globen Shopping Center: shop, snack, and people watch
Maybe you need a break from sightseeing (or just a coffee!). Globen Shopping Center, linked by covered walkways straight from Skyview and the arenas, is your go-to for casual shopping and filling up between adventures. It’s a mid-sized mall with a laid-back community vibe—think local bakeries, international chains, and plenty of space for strolling with friends or family.
Look for Swedish bookstore chains with shelves of both English and Swedish reads, handy if you’re craving a souvenir that’s less “troll figurine” and more “Swedish noir.” The food court features everything from sushi to classic Swedish fast food like korv (sausages) or a slice of cinnamon bun cake. Fashionistas will love H&M’s flagship, and there’s always seasonal décor, pop-up stalls, and cheerful window displays to keep things fresh.
Globen Shopping Center keeps things easy and fun—a real local’s hangout for both essentials and little treats.
Swing Adventure Golf Bar: quirky mini golf (and cocktails!)
Ready to unleash your inner kid? Swing Adventure Golf Bar, just around the corner from Skyview, reimagines mini golf as pure, playful fun. Step inside and you’ll find roaring 1920s-inspired décor, all velvet booths, old-school jazz themes, and creatively challenging holes complete with clever obstacles.
Perfect for families, friends, or a playful date night, every round here is a laugh. The staff keep the energy up, and the on-site bar crafts cocktails and Swedish craft beers so grown-ups can play, sip, and socialize all at once. The nachos and sliders are crowd favorites for sharing between swings. And if you time your visit right, they host regular themed nights—a “prohibition party” one week, a costume event the next.
It’s pure good times, with a dash of Swedish quirkiness—one of those out-of-the-ordinary stops that turns into the best story from your trip.
Söderstadion Park: green spaces and local life
Just steps away from the major arenas, Söderstadion Park gives you that sweet city-meets-nature balance Sweden does so well. This relaxed, leafy park is a favorite of locals for jogs, dog walks, and sunbathing on warm days. Kids burn energy at the playground, while friends gather for fika (that daily coffee-and-cake ritual) on shady benches.
What makes Söderstadion Park special is the people-watching: you’ll see everyone from families to soccer fans to retirees playing chess in the shade. There’s often a food truck or two parked nearby, sometimes doling out Swedish waffles or crispy fries. The park is perfect for winding down after a packed morning—just grab a takeaway coffee and savor Stockholm’s laid-back vibe.
Fotografiska: Stockholm’s standout photo gallery
Fotografiska: Stockholm’s standout photo gallery
A quick metro or taxi ride from Skyview, Fotografiska is heaven for anyone who loves art, photography, or simply a good story. The rotating exhibitions showcase top-tier international photographers and rising Swedish talent, often exploring timely themes like nature, social change, and pop culture with jaw-dropping visuals.
Everything about Fotografiska feels cool and contemporary—the gallery spaces are industrial-chic, and you’re invited to engage, snap pics, and linger. The vibes are young and creative, and the museum’s café boasts floor-to-ceiling windows with fantastic harbor views (plus an eco-conscious, locally sourced seasonal menu). We always recommend checking the events lineup: from artist talks to live music, there’s always something fresh.
Fotografiska is more than a museum—it’s a creative hangout that captures the pulse of modern Stockholm.
Skansen: Swedish culture in the open air
For a true taste of Swedish history—truly open air and family-friendly—Skansen makes for a delightful complement to the more modern Skyview. A quick metro or tram brings you to this sprawling outdoor folk museum and zoo on Djurgården island. Here, you’ll stroll through centuries: traditional wooden houses, old-fashioned shops, and costumed staff demonstrate everything from butter-churning to glass-blowing.
Animal lovers will be in their element here—Skansen is home to native wildlife like moose, bears, lynx, and wolves, as well as a traditional petting zoo with goats, sheep, and cuddly rabbits for little ones. You’ll catch midsummer pole dances in summer, cozy Christmas markets in winter, and craft fairs offering treats from cinnamon buns to smoked salmon.
Traditional Swedish Fika at Systrarna Andersson: cake, coffee, and genuine cosiness
No Stockholm experience is complete without fika—the beloved Swedish ritual of pausing for coffee and something sweet. When you’re ready to join the locals, make your way to Systrarna Andersson (found in nearby Södermalm). This café radiates warmth: fresh flowers on every table, vintage wallpaper, and the scent of cardamom buns drifting from the oven.
The house favorite? Their kanelbulle (cinnamon roll)—soft, sticky, and spiced just right, paired with a robust cup of Swedish coffee. Other winning bakes include prinsesstårta (princess cake topped with green marzipan) and sumptuous kladdkaka, Sweden’s answer to the gooey chocolate brownie. The crowd is a welcoming blend of students, artists, and friends catching up after work, giving the space a lively, neighborhood buzz.
Stockholm Highlights Boat Tour by Strömma: see the city from the water
Wrap up your Skyview adventure by hopping on a classic Stockholm boat tour. The Stockholm Highlights Boat Tour by Strömma weaves through the city’s lovely waterways, showing off everything from modern skyscrapers to fairy-tale palaces along the shore. Departing from central docks just a few stops from Skyview by metro, these comfortable sightseeing boats offer commentary that’s informative and playful—packed with fun facts, old legends, and sightseeing tips.
There’s something effortlessly relaxing about gliding between the islands with the wind in your hair and the city’s colorful facades sliding past your window. From the deck, you’ll spot iconic sights like the Royal Palace, Djurgården parks, and those classic ochre-colored Old Town buildings—all seen from a fresh perspective. It’s an unbeatable way to rest your feet, fill your camera roll, and genuinely understand how Stockholm’s history and beauty are tied to the water.
Craving even more? The Skyview area leads right into Södermalm, Stockholm’s trendiest district—packed with indie stores, street art, microbreweries, and even more epic views from hilltop parks. Whether you’re up for a deep dive into history and photography, a stadium-fueled rush, or leisurely people-watching over a fika, the southern stretches of Stockholm have something for you.
Now you know—when your Skyview ride ends, the Stockholm fun is just getting started!
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.
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