9 Best tours of Stockholm

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

Some of the best things to do in Stockholm include taking a guided tour of the Old Town, participating in a ghost tour to recall the darkest legends of the Swedish capital, exploring the nooks and crannies of this destination to discover the local gastronomy, taking a speedboat tour of the archipelagos and exploring the city's Viking past.

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, the city's Old Town. With the assistance of an expert local guide, these experiences will take you through the narrow cobbled streets of the district. There, you will be able to contemplate the beauty of its pastel-coloured buildings and cobbled squares that will take you back in time.

During the tour, you will visit iconic sites such as the Stockholm Cathedral, which stands in the heart of the neighbourhood with its Gothic architecture. On these tours you'll 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.

Often included among the best tours of Stockholm, these walks through the capital's Old Town are an 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.

Interesting details

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

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

From Gamla Stan, where the cobbled alleys hide sinister legends, to Riddarholmen Church, where it is rumoured 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 immerse yourself in the legends of ghosts that surround the square, feeding the intrigue and mystery. The Nobel House, considered one of Stockholm's finest museums, is also included in the itinerary, and is the site of unexplained events that have endured through the centuries.

Interesting details

• Price: approximately 30 euros per person.
• Duration: around 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 might 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 city centre and the modern buildings around it - it's also a great natural setting, which you can discover on the outskirts of the capital or on excursions around the Swedish capital's archipelago. If you opt for the latter, you can embark on a marine adventure to discover the crystal-clear waters and numerous 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 on 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 the local people. There, you can not only discover the natural beauty, but also learn captivating stories about life in the archipelago.

Interesting details

• 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 tours: It is a very intense tour and the boat reaches high speeds, which is not recommended for people with reduced mobility.

Many destinations around the world are renowned for their gastronomic richness and Stockholm is no exception. In the Swedish capital you have the chance to join a gastronomic tour that takes you on a journey through the authentic flavours of the local cuisine.

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

This experience will also take you to Gamla Stan, Stockholm's old town, where you can sample the popular köttbullar, Swedish meatballs made with beef and pork and often accompanied by 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 tours you will also visit a restaurant to sample smörgåsbord, a table full of traditional Swedish dishes including herring, smoked salmon, sausages and a variety of breads, another local speciality. Are you ready to discover the best flavours of Sweden?

Interesting details

• Price: approximately 96 euros 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 as well as some of the most popular places in the city.
• Disadvantages of these tours: you won't have much free time to explore the neighbourhoods and markets on your own.

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

During the tour you can visit the Vasa Museum, which is one of Stockholm's finest museums and houses 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 artefacts, weapons and everyday objects that reveal the mastery and complexity of their culture, considered advanced for the time.

Interesting details

• Price: approximately 173 euros per person.
• Duration: about 5 hours.
• Advantages of these tours: 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: these are half-day tours, which might be incompatible if you are planning a short stay in Stockholm.

Stockholm is one of Europe's most stately capitals and is noted mainly for its historic architecture, but it is also a place that is characterised by its natural scenery and is surrounded by lakes and canals. One of the best ways to explore this profile is to take part in a guided kayak tour.

From the city's canals you will be able to see 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. You can also lose yourself in the beauty of the surrounding parks and islands, where nature blends harmoniously with city life.

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

Interesting details

• Price: approximately 58 euros per person.
• Duration: about 2 hours.
• Pros of these tours: You'll get to know Stockholm's canals and lakes in an adventurous experience.
• Disadvantages of these tours: not recommended for the colder months.

If you want to get 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 effortlessly navigate the narrow streets of the city, accompanied by an expert local guide.

During the tour you'll visit Stockholm Cathedral, with its striking Gothic façade and history-filled interior, but you'll 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: a quick and efficient way 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 recognised as the Green Capital and, in large part, this was due to the extensive network of cycle paths that surround the city centre and allow you to cycle safely around every corner of this destination. Cycling from the alleys of Gamla Stan to the parks and gardens by Lake Malaren, you can discover the city on a guided bike tour.

This activity is also perfect for the whole family, as the city stands out as one of the most bicycle-friendly cities in the world, with an extensive and well-maintained network of cycle 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 Skansen Zoo, another of Stockholm's iconic sites.

Interesting details

• 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 characterise 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, which are often bogged down or available only for walking.

Ice skating is one of the best things to do in Stockholm, so if you decide to discover this experience you can take a tour that combines the adrenaline rush of winter sport with the unique beauty of the Swedish landscape. During these experiences, which are suitable for beginners as they include an introductory course, you can experience 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 in winter. However, if you plan to visit Stockholm in April or during the warmer months, you'll still find icy formations in the vicinity or on the outskirts of the Swedish capital.

Another must-see stop that's often 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 popular winter wonderland 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 Stockholm's typical 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 spots that are thawed out if you visit the city in summer.

You can either book a Stockholm tour in advance online or book it once you're in the city, although if you plan to visit the Swedish capital during the summer or spring months, which is the peak tourist season, it's advisable 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, but in general you'll get to know the local idiosyncrasy through the most representative sites of the Swedish capital as well as its gastronomy. If you choose the historical tours , you can learn about the Scandinavian peninsula's past through the information provided by expert local guides.

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

If you plan to visit Stockholm during the high season months or for a short stay, it is advisable to book tours in advance. This will not only save you time and secure your place on the tours, but also save you money, as rates are often dynamic and you may be subject to increases for last-minute bookings.

If you're planning to visit the Swedish capital during the winter, bear in mind that the thermometer is often below freezing and snowfall is frequent, so always pack winter clothing and check the weather before you leave your accommodation.

Stockholm is an important cultural and historical centre with a rich heritage, so if you get the chance, make sure you visit Stockholm's best museums, especially those located near Gamla Stan or on the island of Djurgården. Many of them are included in the Swedish capital's tourist card.

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 get to know this destination in depth, discover its best stories and get the most 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 help you avoid overlooking some of the iconic sites of the Swedish capital.