10 Things to Do in Stockholm in November
Regardless of the month of the year, Stockholm is a charming city, full of history and culture, with many attractions for tourists who dare to visit in November.
Almost at the end of the year, in the month of November, the city of Stockholm is transformed and becomes one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. It is no secret that it has an almost magical charm throughout the year, which increases with the arrival of winter and the Christmas season.
Although November is a cold month in Stockholm you will find several things to do. For example, if you are a fan of natural phenomena, there are chances to see the Northern Lights because there are more hours of darkness and more likely to be clear skies. On the other hand, the city has fewer tourists and lower prices with the same cultural offer. In addition, from the middle of the month, Stockholm dresses up in Christmas lights and decorations.
1. Celebrate All Saints' Day in Stockholm
If your trip to Stockholm is in November, then you can celebrate All Saints' Day in this city. This is a Catholic tradition celebrated on November 1 and honors all the saints in heaven, both those recognized by the church and those who are not. In Sweden, this day is celebrated in a very special way, as it is mixed with the pagan tradition of Samhain; which marks the end of summer and the beginning of winter.
One of the most typical customs that you can join is to take a private tour to visit the cemeteries. There, thousands of candles are lit to remember loved ones. The effect of the flames on the snow and the darkness creates a magical and emotional atmosphere, which will make you feel the connection with the afterlife.
Some of the most beautiful and famous cemeteries in Stockholm are Skogskyrkogården and Norra begravningsplatsen, where famous people such as Alfred Nobel and Greta Garbo are buried. Also the Galärvarvskyrkogården, located on the island of Djurgården.
Stockholm on All Saints' Day, is a destination for those who want to live a moving experience, combining religious tradition with pagan, history with modernity and light with darkness.
2. Take advantage of the Black Friday sales in Stockholm
One of the advantages of visiting the city in November is that you can do several activities, from sightseeing bus tours in Stockholm, to visiting stores and malls to take advantage of the Black Friday sales.
In fact, Stockholm is a city that offers you many options for shopping. If you want to find a wide variety of stores and products in one place, you can visit some of **Stockholm'**s shopping malls, such as:
- Gallerian; located in the city center, near the central train station and has more than 80 stores of fashion, beauty, sports, electronics and more.
- Mood Stockholm; modern and elegant, it offers a different shopping experience. It has more than 20 stores of exclusive brands, such as Ralph Lauren, Michael Kors and Filippa K. Fine dining is also available.
- Globen Shopping Center: located next to the Globen Stadium, it has more than 60 stores selling fashion, accessories, toys, books and more.
After a day of shopping in the different malls and stores of the city, you can take a boat ride under the bridges of Stockholm and relax while watching the winter sunset in one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.
3. Take a stroll through the Christmas markets in Stockholm
Stockholm in winter is filled with a magic and charm that grows in November with the installation of Christmas markets, a tradition that dates back to the sixteenth century.
Strolling through them is a cultural experience. Some of them are among the most beautiful and original in Europe. You can take the opportunity to do some seasonal shopping, such as fashion, food, souvenirs and more.
The markets are a mandatory meeting point for those who undertake a gastronomic tour of Stockholm, so you could take the opportunity to do one guided or on your own and thus, learn more about Swedish culture and cuisine with typical, handmade and quality products. Some of the most outstanding Christmas markets in Stockholm are:
- Gamla Stan Christmas Market; the oldest and most famous in Stockholm, it is installed in Stortorget Square.
- Skansen Christmas Market; the largest and most traditional in Stockholm. It also takes place in the open-air museum of Skansen.
- Kungsträdgården Christmas Market: This is the most central and modern in Stockholm, held in the park of Kungsträdgården.
4. Feel like a kid at the Stockholm Toy Museum
November is a cold and rainy month in Stockholm and the Toy Museum is a good option to visit, because it is located in a system of tunnels carved into the rock under the island of Skeppsholmen, in the center of the city. In addition, being a low season month, you can enjoy less crowds and more tranquility.
Considered among the best museums in Stockholm, the Toy Museum is the perfect place to let out the childish spirit and enjoy a playful and nostalgic experience. It houses an impressive collection of games, toys, comics and other objects from several generations.
In November you can also take advantage of the special temporary winter exhibitions and winter decorations, which include Christmas motifs such as a giant Christmas tree made from Lego pieces.
It is also interactive and invites visitors to play, touch and explore its more than 40,000 objects. The museum is divided into four floors, each dedicated to a different theme: games, toys, comics and trains. Visiting the Stockholm Toy Museum in November is a great way to escape the cold and rain, and have a fun, Christmas-scented time.
5. Warm up with some of Stockholm's alcoholic beverages
Stunning architecture, beautiful scenery and historical charm are defining characteristics of Stockholm, but it's also famous for its incredible traditional drinks, each with its own story. To warm up in the cold month of November, discovering some of the typical alcoholic beverages and the best places to try them is a fitting plan, whether you're staying 3 days in Stockholm or more.
So a visit to the Museum of Spirits in Stockholm can help you learn more about the distillation processes. Also, touring its bars will give you an idea of the city's alcohol culture. Among the options available, you can go to:
- Café Saturnus; a cozy and elegant place where you can taste the.
- Tjoget; a wine cellar that also functions as a brewery, cocktail bar and dining room to taste different types of craft beers.
- The Temple Bar; a pub with a wide variety of beers, located on the island of Skeppsholmen.
6. Board the Stockholm sightseeing bus and take a panoramic tour of the city
The Stockholm sightseeing bus is an ideal option for November because you can get to know the city without getting wet or cold. You will also save money on public transportation and avoid the crowds of tourists that occur in the summer months. Also, you will be able to make better use of your time at each stop.
The experience has two routes with more than 27 stops at the main places of interest in the city. You can choose between a 24 or 72-hour ticket, which allows you to hop on and off the bus as many times as you like during that period.
You will be able to see the most emblematic places in Stockholm, such as the Royal Palace, the City Hall, the Nobel Museum, the ABBA Museum, the Gröna Lund amusement park, the Södermalm district, the Stockholm Cathedral, the Royal Opera House and the Natural History Museum.
7. Go to the Stockholm Viking Museum and immerse yourself in Swedish culture
In Stockholm, modernity meets tradition, nature meets culture and elegance meets simplicity. Among its many attractions in November, a good idea is to look for activities that can be done indoors and sheltered from the weather, such as visiting the Stockholm Viking Museum.
This option is ideal, as it allows you to learn about Viking culture in an interactive and fun way, regardless of the weather outside. In addition, it is a space dedicated to the history and legacy of the Vikings, one of the most fascinating and mysterious peoples of antiquity.
The museum features archaeological artifacts, sound effects, touch screens and historical recreations that allow you to learn about the lifestyle, beliefs, customs and adventures of the Vikings in Nordic Europe. In addition to escaping the cold, the Stockholm Viking Museum in November is an entertaining and educational way to spend some time.
8. Have a fun time ice skating in Stockholm
The capital of Sweden offers many leisure and cultural options all year round. However, winter has a special charm, as you can enjoy one of the Swedes' favorite pastimes: ice skating. There are two ways to practice this sport in Stockholm: one is free and the other is a paid introductory skating tour, but both are great fun.
On the one hand, you can go to Kungsträdgården Park, one of the oldest parks in Stockholm, which in winter is transformed into an outdoor ice rink, illuminated and set to music.
Moreover, access to the rink is free and it is open from mid-November. It is even one of the things to do in Stockholm in December, when the weather is much more conducive to the activity.
On the other hand, for a more adventurous and original experience, you can sign up for an introductory tour to natural ice skating in Stockholm. This is an activity guided by a professional instructor, who teaches the basic techniques to slide on the ice of the lakes, rivers or the Baltic Sea surrounding the city and a unique opportunity to admire the snowy landscapes of Stockholm from a different perspective.
9. Take a look at the Vrak and discover the mysteries of the Nordic waters
The Baltic Sea hides mysteries and cultural heritage, and if you like shipwrecks, you can't miss the Vrak, Stockholm's shipwreck museum, which tends to be very popular with visitors and locals alike. By going in this month, you will avoid long lines and crowds, and you will be able to better appreciate the details of the exhibits.
This research center has exhibits where you can see shipwrecks from the Stone Age to the present day, and learn about their crews. You can also take advantage of the daily guided tours in English, which are included in the ticket price.
You can also combine the tour with other activities typical of this time of year and discover Stockholm at night in winter. The Vrak is located on the island of Djurgården, one of the most beautiful and greenest islands in Stockholm.
To get to the museum by bus you can take bus 67 from the city center and get off at the Nordiska museet/Vasamuseet stop. From there it is only a few minutes walk to the museum.
Useful information
- Price: about 18 € for adults and free for children under 18 years.
- Hours: 10:00 to 17:00 every day, except Wednesdays, which closes at 20:00.
10. See Stockholm's winter scenery on a scenic boat ride
One of the best ways to discover the beauty of Stockholm is on a scenic boat ride through its canals and archipelago of more than 24,000 islands. In November, the city dresses in white and becomes a fairytale setting, with its historic buildings, snowy parks and Christmas lights.
A boat ride through Stockholm allows you to observe from a different perspective some of the most important monuments of the city, such as the City Hall, the Royal Palace, Nobel Museum, the Cathedral of St. Nicholas or the Parliament.
You can also appreciate the contrast between the old city, Gamla Stan, with its narrow streets and colorful houses, and the modern city, with its skyscrapers and avant-garde design. All this makes it a unique and unforgettable experience, which allows you to admire the city from another point of view. Of course, remember to wrap up warm to combat the cold.
Prices in Stockholm in November
Stockholm offers a wide variety of tourist, cultural and natural attractions, but it is also a city that has a reputation for being expensive. However, this is a spring and summer constant. November is a low season month, so you can find better deals on accommodation, transportation, food and clothing. As an added bonus, there are fewer crowds at places of interest.
Another benefit of traveling to the Swedish capital between November and February is that expenses can be reduced and there are price offers. For example, in food you can look for cheaper options and, in tickets and activities, choose free or discounted options, such as public museums, guided tours or tourist cards that, in the winter months, lower their cost.
What to pack to visit Stockholm in November?
Stockholm's weather in November is cold and rainy, temperatures are around 5 °C during the day and 1 °C at night. In addition, there are about 11 days of precipitation, which can be rain or snow, so it is important to bring warm clothes suitable for the cold.
For your visit, you should bring a coat or a waterproof jacket, which will protect you from wind, rain and snow. In addition, a fleece or sweater, which will serve as an intermediate layer. Also a pair of winter pants, which are comfortable and resistant. Accessories such as a hat, scarf and gloves should not be missing. The footwear should be closed and with non-slip soles, allowing you to walk without problems.