From outdoor walks across the islands of the archipelago to underground discoveries of artwork, many of Stockholm’s attractions are actually free. If your curiosity about Sweden goes beyond Toast Skagen (prawns on toast) and meatballs, here are 10 tips of what to do in Stockholm “gratis” to get the full Swedish capital experience.
Take a free guided tour
Take a free walking tour to see Stockholm’s attractions
If you want to add an extra cultural and educational factor to your city wandering, join Stockholm Free Tours at the T-Centralen underground station every Friday at 11:30 am. The student-guided walking tour takes you on a one-and-a-half-hour journey past the city’s must-see attractions, with good-to-know tips about Stockholm, and facts about the royal family and Swedish culture.
Get fit outdoors
Join Friskis & Svettis outside for some free fitness
If you’re wondering what to do in Stockholm to stay fit for free, we’ve got you covered. Stockholm’s utegym (outdoor gyms) scattered all around the city are a great way to wake up and work out while travelling. Ranging from simple log parks to full-on adult climbing frames, these adult playgrounds are way more fun than the hotel treadmill.
If you’d rather dash through the city, Run with Me Stockholm punctually organizes a free “Lazy Sunday” 7-10 kilometre run. But be prepared for the challenge of running on Old Town’s cobblestones and up the many hilly areas.
All summer long, the fitness association Friskis & Svettis offers free outdoor training varying from aerobics to dance, running to yoga – an upbeat workout to put pep in your step for the rest of your adventure-filled day.
Three for free museum hopping
Free art and culture? Get yours at the Moderna Museet © amsfrank
Take in an afternoon of fresh air, art and design, and explore the little island of Skeppsholmen. Here, you can visit three lovely museums offering free entry on any given day.
For an exquisite display of Asian art head to the Östasiatiska Museet first, continue on to the Moderna Museet for modern art, where you’ll find iconic favourites like Picasso and Dali among the museum’s permanent collection. Just a couple steps away, end your art-filled afternoon with a visit to the Swedish Centre for Architecture and Design to learn about Swedish architecture from the 19th century until today.
Enjoy a music radio show
Participate in a Swedish radio show at the Radiohuset © Holger.Ellgaard
For a unique and local experience grab a seat at Musikplats Stockholm radio program inside Sweden’s radio station, Studio 4, for a free live concert by current artists of varied genres. Hear interviews, meet the musical guest, and ask your own questions.
Make sure to check out the Musikplats calendar for programming and get there early for a seat.
Take a day trip to Drottningholm Palace
Drottningholm – not too shabby for a royal residence
For a day-trip just outside of Stockholm, Drottningholm Palace, the Swedish royal family’s private residence, makes for a nice place to enjoy the sun. Stroll the Royal Park, have a picnic, and stop by the Chinese Pavilion, just in time for fika (tea time) at the on-site café.
Explore underground artwork
Art hides under your feet in the Stockholm Tunnelbana
Look up, down, and all around to find splashes of colour on cave walls, whimsical mosaics, and hypnotic patterns bringing art to your everyday underground commute. Boasting the longest art museum in the world, the Stockholm Tunnelbana (underground) is filled with monumental art that you can enjoy for free on your own, or on a guided Art Walk. Offered by the SL transportation office, join a tour with your already purchased Tunnelbana ticket.
The Art Walk is available in Swedish all year round, but come the summer months, English becomes available, too. Get a sneak peak in our article about underground stations with art.
Stroll down Old Town
All in line for the parade of soldiers © vauvau
A visit to Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s oldest part of town, is a great way to start your city adventures. Explore the narrow, cobblestone alleyways and the facades of Old Town squares like Stortorget.
After a quick walk through the congested street of Västerlånggatan, take in the seaside views from the Royal Palace. If you happen to be there just before noon, you’ll see the changing of the guards, and if you’re lucky, you might stumble upon the Royal Guard marching around the city. For a grand entrance into Gamla Stan take Drottninggatan street, over the Riksbron bridge and under the monumental arches of the Parliament House.
Pssst! The previously mentioned Stockholm Free Tours also offers a free walking tour dedicated only to the Old Town, meeting at the T-Centralen station, every Friday at 2:30 pm.
Check out the views from Södermalm
Everywhere you look, Södermalm offers views over the other islands
Wander off into Södermalm’s hilly streets and countless scenic paths when you’re craving a city essence that’s creative and casual. Arrive at Slussen station and go directly to the Katarinahissen elevator – out of service for security reasons, you can still enjoy an awesome view over the water.
Walk up Götgatan street for window-shopping in the heart of the area or walk along the water promenade of Fjällgatan. If you feel like a scenic city hike, take the street of Monteliusvägen, stop at the ultra-romantic Mariahissen footbridge, and take a hike up Skinnarviksberget – the highest natural point in central Stockholm – for a picnic with a panoramic city view.
Become an expert in Swedish culture
Exhibits about Swedish traditions wait for you at the Nordiska Museet
Enjoy an evening at Nordiska Museet on Djurgården island. Every Wednesday (from October-May) from 5-8 pm, check out exhibits for free from the sweetest to the most peculiar traditions of Swedish life.
Before leaving the island, take a stroll past the many curious attractions you can see from outside the Gröna Lund amusement park and waterfront walkways.
Move to the Stockholm beat
Experience posh Swedish nightlife for free
If you’re wondering what to do in Stockholm for free nightlife, from May to August join the almost famous kids at Södermalm’s Debaser venues as they make their debut in Stockholm’s music scene. Their Bar Brooklyn venue on the waterfront announces free concerts – look out for the mention “fri entré” on the Debaser website, or just enjoy no cover charge before 10 pm on any other non-concert night.
Because your visit to Stockholm wouldn’t be complete without a party amidst the posh crowd, head to the Östermalm district for the cover-fee free Soap Bar nightclub, making for a fun and ritzy night every day of the week. Although the drinks are surprisingly not as expensive as neighbouring nightclubs, unfortunately they don’t come free, unless of course you make friendly with a kind and beautiful stranger.
