If you’re looking for the perfect way to kick off summer in Sweden, A Taste of Stockholm is the place to be! This lively food and beverage festival takes over Kungsträdgården and celebrates everything delicious about Swedish and international cuisine. It’s truly a foodie’s dream come true — filled with flavor, fun, and sunshine.
Getting there couldn’t be easier. Sweden’s public transportation is wonderfully efficient, and the metro station near Kungsträdgården is worth a visit in itself. (Naturally, I had to snap a picture of my friend Brittany there — the aesthetic was too good to pass up!)
Once you arrive, get ready to wander through rows of food stalls, each more tempting than the last. From lobster rolls and Ethiopian tacos to every kind of sweet treat imaginable, there’s something for every craving. And let’s talk about the drinks — the wine stands are absolutely worth exploring. I even discovered my new obsession: a crisp pear wine that instantly became a summer favorite.
Beyond the incredible food, A Taste of Stockholm offers live music, cooking demonstrations, and even appearances by some of Sweden’s top chefs. The entire festival buzzes with positive energy, laughter, and the scent of something delicious always in the air.
If you ever find yourself in Stockholm in early summer, make sure this festival is at the top of your list. Between the amazing food, vibrant entertainment, and that unbeatable Swedish summer vibe, A Taste of Stockholm is an experience you’ll want to relive again and again.
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! 💬
Traveling to Sweden was such an incredible adventure! I left from my hometown airport in Des Moines, Iowa, and made my way all the way to Stockholm and Oskarshamn. This trip was part of a study abroad program with classmates from KTH and Stockholm University — and it was everything I hoped it would be (and more).
🗓️ Day One: Wheels Up!
Departure: Des Moines Airport ✈️
Packed, nervous, and beyond excited, I was finally heading to Sweden! It didn’t really hit me until I was in the air that I was going to be spending the next few weeks living, studying, and exploring abroad.
🗓️ Day Two: Hello, Stockholm!
Arrival: Arlanda Airport 🇸🇪 Check-In: Zinkensdamm Hostel 1:00 PM – City Tour: Gamla Stan (Old Town) 6:00 PM – Dinner at a local Irish pub 🍽️
Once we landed at Arlanda, we hopped on a bus that took us straight to our hostel — and let me tell you, I highly recommend Zinkensdamm Hostel. The breakfast spread was amazing (I still think about those fresh pastries), and the restaurant on-site was great too. It’s also super close to public transportation, which makes exploring Stockholm so easy.
Now, fair warning — the rooms are definitely on the smaller side. It’s cozy, but you’ll want to pack smart! Oh, and double-check your adapters before you leave. I brought an older one and couldn’t charge my laptop at first (rookie mistake 🙃).
That evening, our group wandered down the street to a nearby Irish pub for dinner, and I tried the lamb. It was delicious — the perfect cozy meal after a long day of travel.
🚆 Getting Around Stockholm
Using public transit in Stockholm is surprisingly easy! The trains are clean, efficient, and simple to navigate. That said, if you’ve got a lot of luggage, I recommend grabbing a taxi or booking a driver service for your first day.
Since I was there for three weeks, I picked up a train pass — totally worth it. It made it so easy to hop on and off the metro whenever I wanted to explore.
Sweden instantly felt like a second home — calm, beautiful, and full of charm. This was just the start of an unforgettable trip!✨
Cupcakes & Tea with Elizabeth 