Stockholm charms with its versatility – why you should visit the Swedish capital

Maaret, who has worked as a Finnair cabin crew member for a respectable 28 years, has really journeyed across the world. In recent years, she has realised how close to Helsinki is the perfect city break destination: Stockholm. 

"Stockholm is a wonderfully vibrant, international and colourful city. I have only now realised how large the city is. There’s always a variety of events happening here, and you can hear languages from all over the world around you," Maaret describes.

Maaret knows what she is talking about because Stockholm is her second home. 

"I have lived in both Stockholm and Helsinki for about three years now. So, I fly a lot between these cities. It is easy, because Finnair has so many flights to Stockholm daily. From Stockholm’s Arlanda airport you can also get to the city centre so easily, by train or taxi." 

"It's a shame that tourists often stay in Stockholm only for a day or two. You could very well stay here for five days, there's plenty to do," Maaret hints.

Off to Stockholm?  Don’t miss these! 

Travelling to the largest city in the Nordic countries is easy, as Finnair flies to Stockholm several times a day from   Helsinki and the flight time is only about an hour.  Whether you’re new to Stockholm or a returning visitor, Maaret highlights the city’s best attractions. 

The Royal Palace 

What would a visit to Stockholm be without the royal atmosphere! So, head towards the old town “Gamla Stan” and the Royal Palace.  Behind the fabulous facade, there's much to discover, such as the Three Crown Museum, the Treasury and the castle church. 

"The classic attraction at the Royal Palace is the Changing of the Guard ceremony. If you want to plan your visit by its schedule, the ceremony takes place on weekdays at 12.15pm and on Sundays at 1.15pm. The duration is about 40 minutes," Maaret says. 

Many of the official representations of the Swedish royal family take place at the Royal Palace, so perhaps, with luck, you will also get a glimpse of the royal family.

Allsång på Skansen - singing together

If you're heading to Stockholm in the summer, the Skansen open-air museum on Djurgården is the perfect destination. There is plenty to do and see for adults and children alike: history, lush gardens and traditional farmhouses.

Skansen is especially exciting on summer Tuesdays, when Allsång på Skansen, a traditional Swedish singing event, is held there. 

"It is such a classic Swedish way of spending summer, singing together. You can also watch the show on television, and it is one of Sweden's most viewed broadcasts," Maaret says.

Ocean Bus City Tour 

"This hour-long Ocean Bus tour, combines a city tour and a cruise on an amphibious bus. The tour is a convenient and quick way to get an overall picture of the city," Maaret says.

China Theatre and musicals 

"Stockholm has a wonderful variety of exhibitions and concerts. I usually go to see musicals once a month and there is always plenty to choose from," Maaret says. 

Built as a cinema in 1928, China Teatern is one of Stockholm's legendary theatres and city’s second largest private theatre. 

"Sweden is known for its good music, and the musicals in Stockholm are of very high quality. China Teatern's Moulin Rouge was impressive and in autumn 2024 repertoire includes Dream Girls. There are talented performers on stage, both young and old," Maaret enthuses.

Old Town with new eyes – details of the old town 

If you’ve already spent time admiring the streets of the Old Town, Gamla Stan, make sure to pay attention to details the next time you visit. 

"Behind the Royal Palace, in the courtyard of a Finnish church, you can find Stockholm's smallest statue, “Järnpojke” meaning “Iron Boy”, which is looking at the moon. It is only about 15 cm in size and easily overlooked. A must-photograph spot in the Old Town is also the narrowest alley in the area, along which only one person can walk at a time," Maaret hints.

A museum visitor's paradise 

Stockholm is a museum visitor's dream city, as there are museums for many tastes.  Maaret listed some of her favourites for your trip. 

The modern museum Fotografiska is a centre for contemporary photography. There are about four major exhibitions and 20 smaller exhibitions on display every year. 

"Fotografiska is a great museum and there are many changing exhibitions. Definitely worth a visit." 

Don’t forget the well-known Maritime History Museum, The Vasa Museet in Djurgården.  You can get to know Nordic lifestyle and cultural history in Nordiska museet and children (and kids at heart) will love the Toy Museum.

Mamma Mia! Dinner takes it all! 

Immerse yourself in the world of the popular musical Mamma Mia! with this dinner concept. In addition to a four-course dinner, the show includes dancing, singing, circus performances and, of course, ABBA music! 

"This concept is often sold out, so book your tickets well in advance. I recently tried to find tickets, but I couldn't get any, so, this experience will still haunt my "must see" list," Maaret says. 

Abba the Museum is also a must-visit for fans of the band. You will go through the history of the band through interactive games, karaoke and playing. 

"It has been very popular, and I have visited the museum twice, because the it had been changed again." 

Second-hand shops 

If you are interested in  second-hand shops, Maaret knows where to go in Stockholm. 

"Hornvägen in Södermalm has many wonderful galleries, exhibitions and second-hand shops. Arkivet is a neat second-hand shop in the city centre. The clothes are nicely displayed." 

You can also find bargains at Apans Andra Hand second-hand shop or at the Horstull Marknad market in Södermalm on summer weekends. 

For jazz lovers: Glen Miller Cafe 

"If you want to enjoy jazz music and good French food, head to the Glen Miller Cafe club. There are always different bands and musicians playing, Gigs can be enjoyed while dining in this very intimate restaurant", Maaret pampers jazz lovers with her tips.” 

Art goes under ground 

The Stockholm metro tunnel is called the longest art exhibition in the world for a reason.  As you travel through the metro stations, glance up at the ceilings and walls to see the magnificent murals and installations. Art is on display at underground stations like T-Centralen, Kungsträdsgården Blue Line, Tekniska Högkolan, Citybanan and Kungsträdgården. 

The best "fika" aka coffee & bun 

Ska vi ta en fika? Shall we go for coffee? Even though Finns have the highest per capita coffee consumption worldwide, Swedes love their coffee, too! The Swedish “fika” revolves around coffee and a sweet treat, but above all it’s a moment for socialising. Maaret tips the best cafés for testing "fika": Remember to try at least the classic delicacy cinnamon bun.

Stora Bageriet - Best cinnamon buns 

"Swedes make the best buns in the world! The best ones in Stockholm can be found from Stora Bageriet. The café and bakery in an old industrial building is so popular that in summer, there is often a queue all the way out. Definitely worth a visit." 

Vete-Katten – classic 

“Vete-Katten is a very popular classic café. The old-fashioned café offers good buns and, of course, other snacks." 

Skroten café in Djurgården 

"You don't accidentally end up in the Skroten café in Djurgården , you need to know where to go. The café is a popular stop for Stockholmers on a weekend stroll. The place is also fun in terms of décor. It might even feel that you walk into a small marine warehouse: a variety of intriguing items cover the walls."

Restaurants for all tastes

What should you eat in Stockholm? Well, Swedish meatballs, of course! Additionally, the global city of nearly one million residents offers options for every taste and wallet size. 

"Stockholm has a lot of high-quality restaurants, and thanks to the international atmosphere, the selection of restaurants is diverse. Most restaurants require a reservation, and dinner is often reserved for two hours," Maaret describes the restaurant life in Stockholm. 

Here are Maaret's tips for both lunch and dinner:

Östermalm Market Hall – options for lunch 

”Östermalm Market Hall is a place of attraction in itself: It is a newly renovated and stylish market hall. There are several lunch spots available. You must eat meatballs at least once during your visit, and here you can find also classic “toast skagens”, shrimp sandwiches.” 

Trendy places for partygoers 

"At Strandvegen 1 you will find trendy Milles and also other popular places for young people. Nybrogatan also has a good selection of restaurants. I could recommend these places to partygoers: Operakällaren, Berns, Apo and Olli," Maaret points out. 

Prinsen – classic restaurant 

”Prinsen is a prestigious and very classic restaurant. The menu is French-inspired and is well suited for a fancier dinner. You can also get good meatballs from here." 

Papa - authentic Italian 

"This is one of my favourite restaurants in Stockholm. Papa is a truly authentic Italian restaurant. When you step inside it feels like you are in Italy instead of Sweden. I recommend making a reservation." 

Strandbryggan - trendy summer restaurant 

"If you're heading to Stockholm in the summer, go  to Stradbyggan's trendy terrace to spend the evening and watch the sunset. The bar is beautifully built over the sea" 

Can’t wait to visit the city? Finnair flies to Stockholm from Helsinki several times a day.