Things to Do in Stockholm: My 4-Day Itinerary & Budget Travel Tips
What an incredible trip so far — I can’t recommend Stockholm, Sweden enough! From historic palaces to cozy cafés and fascinating museums, there’s something for every kind of traveler. Whether you’re planning a short getaway or a longer backpacking adventure, here’s a look at my Stockholm travel itinerary, complete with money-saving tips and local highlights.
🥐 Day 3: The Nobel Museum & Vasa Museum
Rise and shine in beautiful Stockholm!
I started my morning with a delicious breakfast at the Zinkensdamm Hostel — one of the best hostels in Stockholm for budget travelers. A good breakfast sets the tone for the day, and this one did not disappoint.
💡 Budget Tip: I saved money by making sandwiches from the breakfast buffet to enjoy later for lunch (the staff was totally fine with it!). They also provide free pasta in their shared kitchen, which was a lifesaver for longer stays. For extra snacks or picnic food, visit a local COOP grocery store — they’re everywhere and super convenient.
After breakfast, I took the short ferry across to Djurgården Island to explore the Vasa Museum. The ferry ride takes less than five minutes and offers beautiful views of the city’s waterfront. Stockholm is made up of many small islands connected by bridges and ferries — it’s part of what makes exploring so fun.
Next, I toured the Nobel Prize Museum. Admission is around $13 USD for adults and free for anyone under 18 — I wish more countries followed this model! My favorite exhibits included tributes to Barack Obama and Martin Luther King Jr., which were incredibly inspiring.
👑 Day 4: The Royal Palace & Skansen
Day four began with a visit to the stunning Royal Palace, located right in the heart of Stockholm. It’s one of Europe’s largest palaces and home to some of Sweden’s most historic treasures.
While I personally preferred Drottningholm Palace (which I’ll share in a separate post), the Royal Palace has a unique charm — part regal, part modern. Getting there is super easy thanks to Sweden’s efficient public transportation system.
Afterward, I spent the afternoon at Skansen, one of my favorite experiences in Stockholm. It’s the world’s oldest open-air museum — part cultural village, part zoo — where you can stroll through a recreated 19th-century Swedish town, meet native animals like moose and lynx, and enjoy live demonstrations of traditional crafts. It’s such a peaceful and educational way to experience Swedish culture.
💰 Stockholm Travel Tips
✅ Get the Stockholm Pass if you’re planning to visit multiple attractions — it covers many of the top sites and can save you quite a bit.
✅ Use public transit. The metro and ferries are clean, safe, and easy to navigate.
✅ Eat smart. Try local cafés and bakeries instead of restaurants for most meals — or cook a few times if your accommodation allows it.
✅ Visit museums on free days. Many offer free entry at certain times of the month.
✈️ Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Love Stockholm
Stockholm completely stole my heart. Between the serene ferry rides, beautiful palaces, and friendly locals, it’s a city that blends old-world charm with modern simplicity. Whether you’re a history lover, foodie, or budget-conscious traveler, Stockholm, Sweden has something for everyone.
Have you visited Stockholm? Share your favorite spots or travel tips in the comments below! 💬
📸 Photo Gallery
Cupcakes & Tea with Elizabeth 