9 Best tours of Stockholm

Stockholm is a city that receives a large number of visitors and the tourist and cultural offer is very wide. From interesting museums to picturesque historic neighborhoods, the Swedish capital offers visitors many attractions that you can discover on guided tours.

Among the best activities you can do in Stockholm is to take a guided tour of the old town, participate in a ghost tour to recall the darkest legends of the Swedish capital, explore the corners of this destination to discover the local cuisine, take a speedboat tour of the archipelagos and explore the Viking past of the city.

If you want to discover the history of the Swedish capital and the local architecture, you can't miss a guided tour of Gamla Stan, which is the old part of the city. With the assistance of an expert local guide, these experiences will take you through the narrow cobblestone streets of the neighborhood. There, you will be able to contemplate the beauty of its pastel-colored buildings and cobblestone squares that will take you back in time.

During the tour, you will visit emblematic sites such as the Stockholm Cathedral, which stands in the heart of the neighborhood with its Gothic architecture. On these tours you will also learn about the captivating stories involving the coronation of Swedish kings and the historical events that have left an indelible mark on this place.

These walks through the capital's Old Town, often included among the best Stockholm tours, will provide you with the ideal way to explore the essence of the city and understand its evolution over the centuries, as Gamla Stan contrasts with the modern buildings of the surrounding areas.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 43 euros per person.
• Duration: about 2 hours.
• Advantages of these tours: you will get to know one of the most picturesque and famous sites of the Swedish capital.
• Disadvantages of these excursions: you will not have enough free time to visit the museums located in the neighborhood and which are the most popular in the city.

Are you one of those who prefer alternative experiences when visiting a city? Then taking part in a ghost tour might interest you. On these experiences you can step into the shadows of Stockholm, on tours that will take you to the darkest and most mysterious corners of the Swedish capital.

From Gamla Stan, where the cobblestone alleys hide sinister legends, to Riddarholmen Church, where it is rumored that the whispers of ancient knights still echo through the deserted corridors. You will learn the grim stories of a capital where even a president was assassinated in circumstances that have never been fully clarified.

In these experiences you will also get to know Stortorget Square, which is none other than the site of ancient executions and tragic events that have left indelible traces. There you will be immersed in the legends of ghosts that surround the square, feeding the intrigue and mystery. The Nobel House, considered one of the best museums in Stockholm, is also included in the itinerary, and is the protagonist of unexplained events that have endured over the centuries.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 30 euros per person.
• Duration: about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
• Advantages of these tours: you will get to know an alternative profile of one of the most famous and visited capitals in Europe.
• Disadvantages of these tours: the tour is usually on foot, which could be a bit uncomfortable if you plan to visit Stockholm in winter, when the weather can be very cold.

Stockholm is much more than its historic center and modern buildings, it is also a great natural scenery, which you can discover on the outskirts of the capital or on excursions in the archipelago of the Swedish capital. If you opt for the latter alternative, you can embark on a marine adventure that will allow you to discover the crystal clear waters and the many islands that make up the archipelago.

In addition, if you plan to visit Stockholm in winter, you will be able to discover, during clear nights, the Northern Lights, one of the most beautiful and striking natural phenomena of the Scandinavian peninsula.

On these speedboat tours you will have time to visit remote islands and coastal villages, where you can immerse yourself in the authentic local culture and enjoy the hospitality of its inhabitants. There, you can not only discover the natural beauty, but also learn captivating stories about life in the archipelago.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 121 euros per person.
• Duration: about 1 hour.
• Advantages of these tours: you will be able to see many sites of the Stockholm archipelago in a short time, which is ideal if you are planning a short stay in the city.
• Disadvantages of these excursions: it is a very intense excursion and the boat reaches high speeds, which is not recommended for people with reduced mobility.

Many destinations in the world are famous for their gastronomic richness and Stockholm is no exception. In the Swedish capital you will have the opportunity to join a gastronomic tour that will take you through the authentic flavors of the local cuisine.

During the tour you can visit the Östermalm market, where you can explore the stalls full of fresh produce and taste typical delicacies such as gravlax, a salmon marinated with dill and mustard, which embodies the essence of Swedish culinary tradition.

This experience will also allow you to visit Gamla Stan, Stockholm's old town, where you can try the popular köttbullar, the Swedish meatballs prepared with beef and pork and usually accompanied with a sweet and sour cranberry sauce. During these experiences you will also have time to take a "fika", the Swedish tradition of taking a break to enjoy coffee and kanelbullar, the irresistible cinnamon buns.

On most of these excursions you will also visit a restaurant to try smörgåsbord, a table full of traditional Swedish dishes including herring, smoked salmon, sausages and a variety of breads, another local specialty. Are you ready to discover the best flavors of Sweden?

Interesting details

• Price: approximately €96 per person, including tastings and the accompaniment of an expert local guide.
• Duration: about 4 hours.
• Advantages of these tours: you will get to know the local gastronomy and also some of the most popular places in the city.
• Disadvantages of these excursions: you will not have too much free time to explore the neighborhoods and markets on your own.

The Scandinavian peninsula and the Vikings form an indissoluble history. These warriors had an important presence in Stockholm, so in these historical tours you can embark on an adventure that will take you to see the vestiges and artifacts that tell the story of this legendary people.

During the tour you can visit the Vasa Museum, which is one of the best museums in Stockholm and whose collection treasures one of the best preserved Viking ships in the world. Among them, you will see the Vasa, a warship from the Middle Ages that will take you back to the time when the Vikings still sailed the seas.

On this tour you will also have the opportunity to visit Birka, an ancient Viking city on the island of Björkö, where the ruins and tombs offer a unique insight into the daily life and customs of these warriors.

Towards the end of the tour, these excursions usually also include a stop at the Historiska Museum, where an exhibition dedicated to the Vikings will immerse you in their world, showing you artifacts, weapons and everyday objects that reveal the mastery and complexity of their culture, considered advanced for the time.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 173 euros per person.
• Duration: about 5 hours.
• Advantages of these excursions: you will learn about the legend of the Vikings in one of the places they frequently inhabited during their most glorious era.
• Disadvantages of these tours: they are half-day tours, which could be incompatible if you are planning a short stay in Stockholm.

Stockholm is one of the most stately capitals of Europe and stands out mainly for its historic architecture, but it is also a place that is characterized by its natural landscapes and for being surrounded by lakes and canals. One of the best alternatives to explore this profile is to participate in a guided kayak tour.

From the city's canals you will be able to distinguish the old buildings and some of Stockholm's iconic sites, such as the Royal Palace and Gamla Stan, which is the old part of the Swedish capital. In addition, you can lose yourself in the beauty of the surrounding parks and islands, where nature blends harmoniously with urban life.

Plus, with the assistance of an expert local guide, you' ll discover fascinating anecdotes about local history and culture as you cruise the waters in an ideal Stockholm adventure in April or during the summer months.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 58 euros per person.
• Duration: about 2 hours.
• Advantages of these excursions: you will get to know the canals and lakes of Stockholm in an adventurous experience.
• Disadvantages of these tours: not a recommended experience for the colder months.

If you want to know Stockholm in a different way, you can opt for a segway tour, these experiences will take you through the old town and its surroundings in a fun and relaxing way, as you can move without too much effort through the narrow streets of the city, accompanied by an expert local guide.

During the tour you can visit Stockholm Cathedral, with its striking Gothic facade and history-filled interior, but you can also see sites such as Djurgården, a green island filled with parks and exhibitions, including the Vasa Museum, which houses a perfectly preserved 17th century warship.

The versatility of the Segway allows you to enjoy the sea breeze as you cruise along the canal banks, exploring sites such as Stockholm City Hall, known for its breathtaking panoramic views of the city.

Interesting details

• Price: approximately 57 euros per person.
• Duration: about 2 hours.
• Advantages of these tours: it is a quick and efficient alternative to get to know the old town and the surrounding area.
• Disadvantages of these tours: although the segway does not reach very high speeds, it is not recommended for people with reduced mobility.

Stockholm was one of the first cities in Europe to be recognized as the Green Capital and, in large part, this was due to the extensive network of bike paths that surround the city center and allow you to explore every corner of this destination safely. Pedaling from the alleys of Gamla Stan to the parks and gardens that are located on the shores of Lake Malaren, you can discover the city on a guided bike tour.

This activity is also perfect for families, as the city stands out as one of the friendliest for cyclists, with an extensive and well-preserved network of bike paths. If you plan to visit Stockholm with children, they can enjoy the rides and explore places like Skansen, an open-air museum that offers a unique insight into Swedish history and culture.

They can also marvel at Djurgården, an island full of family attractions, from the Gröna Lund amusement park to the Skansen Zoo, which is another of Stockholm's iconic sites.

Details of interest

• Price: approximately 45 euros per person.
• Duration: about 3 hours.
• Advantages of these tours: you will be able to enjoy the extensive network of cycle paths that characterizes Stockholm in a safe and relaxed way.
• Disadvantages of these tours: unless they are adventure bikes, you will not be able to access some of the surrounding hiking trails with these tours, which often look bogged down or are only available for walking tours.

Ice skating is one of the best activities you can do in Stockholm, so if you decide to discover this experience you can take a tour that combines the adrenaline of the winter sport with the unique beauty of the Swedish landscapes. During these experiences, which are suitable for beginners, as they include an introductory course, you can get to know Lake Mälaren, where the frozen expanse of water becomes a natural skating rink.

With Stockholm's breathtaking skyline as a backdrop, Lake Mälaren is one of the world's largest natural rinks during the winter. However, if you plan to visit Stockholm in April or during the warmer months, you'll still find icy formations in the surrounding area or on the outskirts of the Swedish capital.

Another must-see stop that is usually on the itinerary is Djurgården, the island that houses the Skansen theme park and the Vasa Museum. There you can explore the wonders of this corner, which is very popular in winter, and, if you're lucky, enjoy the magic of the northern lights that can be seen in the night sky between September and March. Djurgården is also one of the best places to visit with children in Stockholm.

Interesting details

• Price: approximately 165 euros per person.
• Duration: about 6 hours.
• Advantages of these tours: you will be able to participate in one of the typical Stockholm experiences, especially during the winter, although it is a very popular activity all year round.
• Disadvantages of these tours: there are many natural ice skating sites that are thawed out if you visit the city in summer.

You can book a tour in Stockholm in advance online or book it once you are in the city, but if you plan to visit the Swedish capital during the summer or spring months, which coincides with the peak tourist season in this destination, I advise you to book in advance. This will allow you to secure your place on the tour and also save money.

On the other hand, if you plan to visit Stockholm in 3 days or even less, the best option is to book in advance. This will allow you to put together an orderly itinerary to get the most out of your visit and avoid last minute surprises that could waste your time.

The answer will depend on the experience you choose, although in general you will get to know the local idiosyncrasy through the most representative sites of the Swedish capital and also its gastronomy. If you choose the historical tours , you will be able to learn about the past of the Scandinavian peninsula through the information provided by expert local guides.

On the other hand, if you plan to visit Stockholm in winter, in some excursions you may even be able to see the Northern Lights, a natural phenomenon that attracts the attention of visitors for its particular phosphorescence.

If you plan to visit Stockholm during the high season months or for a short stay, I advise you to book your excursions in advance. This will not only save you time and secure your spot on the tours, but also save you money, as rates are often dynamic and you may experience increases on last minute bookings.

If you plan to visit the Swedish capital during the winter, keep in mind that the thermometer usually shows temperatures below zero and that snowfalls are very frequent, so I recommend you to always carry winter clothes and to check the weather before leaving your accommodation.

Also, do not forget that this city is an important cultural and historical center, with a rich heritage, so if you have the opportunity, be sure to visit the best museums in Stockholm, especially those located in the area near Gamla Stan or on the island of Djurgården. Many of them are included in the tourist card of the Swedish capital.

Stockholm is a city that, if you wish, you can visit on your own, although it has a somewhat complicated layout and the local language makes the tours a little difficult, so I recommend that you opt for the guided alternatives, which will allow you to know this destination in depth, discover its best stories and get the best out of your trip.

On the other hand, remember that Stockholm is an ancient city, with a rich past, especially during the Viking Age and during the Middle Ages, so a guided tour will prevent you from overlooking some of the emblematic sites of the Swedish capital.