As a solo traveller, I find Stockholm to be one of those cities that immediately captivates you with its blend of rich history, modern design, breathtaking natural beauty, and, of course, the safe feeling you get there. I recently spent another five days exploring the Swedish capital, and this itinerary is perfect if you’re looking to balance sightseeing, history, and a couple of charming day trips. Here’s how I recommend you make the most of my time!
Day 1: arriving in Stockholm and exploring Gamla Stan
How to get to the city
Stockholm is incredibly easy to reach from Arlanda Airport. The quickest way is the Arlanda Express train, which takes just 18 minutes to get to the city centre and costs around 299 SEK (but look for group or solo traveller discounts). If you want a more budget-friendly option, the Flygbussarna airport bus takes about 45 minutes to central Stockholm and costs about 139 SEK.
Exploring Gamla Stan
Once you’ve arrived and settled into your hotel or Airbnb (I stayed at the Generator for the fifth time!), start your adventure in Gamla Stan, the city’s medieval Old Town. This island is a maze of cobblestone streets, colourful buildings, and historic landmarks like the Royal Palace and Storkyrkan Cathedral. Be sure to stroll down Västerlånggatan, lined with quaint shops and cafes. If you’re like me, you’ll love being transported back in time while wandering these ancient streets.
Eating out
For lunch, stop by Kaffekoppen in Stortorget Square, one of the most picturesque spots in the Old Town. Try their famous cinnamon buns (kanelbullar) and coffee – Swedish fika is a must-do ritual!
Evening
As the evening sets in, take a scenic walk along the waterfront or hop on a short ferry ride to Skeppsholmen for sunset views over the city. Tradition is a great spot for dinner to sample classic Swedish dishes like meatballs with lingonberries. I am not eating meat, so I recommend a fish soup.
Day 2: Djurgården and Vasa Museum
Morning
Start your day on the tranquil island of Djurgården, home to some of Stockholm’s best museums. The first stop is the Vasa Museum, which houses the remarkably well-preserved 17th-century Vasa warship. It sank on its maiden voyage in 1628 and was salvaged centuries later. The ship is an absolute marvel, and the museum’s exhibits give you a fascinating glimpse into Sweden’s maritime history.
Afternoon
Next, visit Skansen, an open-air museum and zoo that tastes Sweden’s rural past. It features historic buildings, farm animals, and beautiful gardens. I spent a few hours here enjoying the greenery and learning about Swedish traditions.
Eating out
For lunch, try Oaxen Slip, a laid-back restaurant in Djurgården. Their menu focuses on Nordic cuisine and is perfect for a light yet flavorful meal.
Evening
Take the tram back to central Stockholm and explore the trendy district of Södermalm, my favourite! I would move there right away if I could! It’s the hipster heart of the city, filled with cool cafes, boutiques, and bars. For dinner, I recommend Meatballs for the People, where you can try different variations of the Swedish staple.
Day 3: day trip to Sigtuna
Getting there
Sigtuna, Sweden’s oldest town, is just a 45-minute train and bus ride from Stockholm. Take the Pendeltåg (commuter train) from Stockholm Central Station to Märsta, then hop on a local bus to Sigtuna.
Exploring Sigtuna
This charming lakeside town dates back to 980 AD and is full of history. Wander along Stora Gatan, Sweden’s oldest street, and explore the Sigtuna Museum to learn about Viking-era Sweden. Don’t miss the Sigtuna Rådhus, one of the world’s smallest town halls, and the ruins of St. Olaf’s Church, which gives a glimpse into the town’s medieval past.
Eating out
For lunch, enjoy a meal at Tant Bruns Kaffestuga, one of the oldest cafes in Sweden. It is set in a wooden house from the 17th century. The cozy atmosphere and traditional pastries make it a perfect fika spot!
Afternoon
Stroll by Lake Mälaren, soak up the peaceful atmosphere and join me in dreaming of a cosy wooden country house before catching the bus and train back to Stockholm.
Day 4: modern Stockholm – Östermalm and city centre
Morning
Begin your day at Östermalmshallen, Stockholm’s premier food hall. It’s a great spot to grab a fresh and local breakfast. Afterwards, walk through the elegant Östermalm district, known for its high-end shops and beautiful architecture.
Afternoon
Make your way to the City Hall (Stadshuset), famous for hosting the Nobel Prize banquet. You can take a guided tour of this impressive building, or if you’re feeling energetic, climb the tower for panoramic views of Stockholm.
Evening
In the evening, explore the Norrmalm district. Head to Fotografiska, Stockholm’s renowned photography museum for some late-night culture. Their top-floor café offers stunning views over the harbour, making it an excellent dinner or drink spot. I spent a pretty lazy afternoon there and loved it!
Day 5: day trip to Uppsala
Getting there
Hop on the SJ regional train from Stockholm Central Station to Uppsala, about a 40-minute ride north of the capital.
Exploring Uppsala
Uppsala is known for its prestigious university and rich Viking history. Start at Uppsala Cathedral, the largest church in Scandinavia, where several Swedish monarchs are buried. Nearby is the Gustavianum, home to fascinating exhibits on Viking artefacts and Uppsala’s history.
Afternoon
Don’t miss Gamla Uppsala, just outside the city, where you’ll find ancient burial mounds from the Viking Age. It’s one of Sweden’s most important historical sites and gives a real sense of its ancient past.
Eating out
For lunch, visit Hambergs Fisk, an excellent seafood restaurant in Uppsala. The fresh fish and modern Swedish cuisine are a treat after a morning of sightseeing.
Evening
Head back to Stockholm in the late afternoon, and for your final dinner, treat yourself to a meal at Lilla Ego in Vasastan. It’s a trendy spot focusing on creative, locally sourced dishes—perfect for a memorable last night in Stockholm.
Exploring Stockholm’s archipelago: the best hikes and kayak tours
No visit to Stockholm is complete without experiencing its breathtaking archipelago, over 30,000 islands. If you love the outdoors like I do, you’ll want to spend at least a day (or two) exploring these natural gems. One of the best ways to experience the archipelago is through hiking and kayaking.
For hikes, I recommend heading to Vaxholm, one of the main islands, where easy coastal trails offer stunning views of the Baltic Sea. The island of Grinda is another favourite for its scenic walking paths and peaceful atmosphere, perfect for a solo adventure.
If you want to get out on the water, many companies offer kayak tours that take you through the tranquil waterways between islands. Skärgårdens Kanotcenter in Dalarö offers guided trips that cater to all skill levels, and if you’re up for a challenge, a multi-day kayak tour lets you camp overnight on secluded islands. The serenity of paddling through the archipelago, surrounded by nature and small fishing villages, is an unforgettable experience, although I had my shoulders burning for two days!
How to get around Stockholm
Stockholm’s public transport is highly efficient and easy to navigate. The SL card gives you access to the design-lovers metro (Tunnelbana), buses, trams, and ferries. You can purchase a 72-hour or 7-day pass if you’re staying for several days. The metro system is known for its art, so take some time to explore stations like T-Centralen and Solna Centrum—like underground galleries!
Whether you’re wandering the medieval streets of Gamla Stan or taking in the serenity of Sweden’s oldest towns, this five-day itinerary will show you the best of Stockholm and beyond. It’s perfect for solo travelers who want to mix history, culture, and adventure while enjoying Sweden’s incredible food and easy-going vibes. Happy travels! ✈️
