The Best Stockholm Budget Itinerary with Prices

How to visit Stockholm on a budget in 2024: 20 cheap things to do and the perfect 1-3 day Stockholm budget itinerary.

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Often heralded as the Venice of the North (move over Amsterdam), Stockholm is a compact yet beautiful city in southern Scandinavia. Featuring waterfronts lined with ochre-coloured buildings, a charming Old Town and plenty to see and do around the 14 city centre islands, Stockholm is a European destination not to miss. Located over 30,000 islands which spread out at the meeting of Lake Mälaren and the Baltic sea, the vibrant capital of Sweden may be a notoriously expensive part of Europe, but it’s totally possible to explore Stockholm on a budget.

Is Stockholm a cheap city?

Sweden may be one of the most expensive countries in Europe, but it’s also easy to travel on a budget if you know how. Prices in Stockholm rival that of most of Western Europe’s capital cities and while the cost of living may be high, it’s actually not too expensive to travel Stockholm on a budget. We’ve laid out the average daily costs of accommodation, food, activities and transportation in Stockholm in 2024 below.

Pro-tip: It’s worth noting that a lot of establishments are cashless and only take card payments.

What to do in Stockholm on a budget

1. Take in the Views

We’re kicking this list off with the best free thing to do in Stockholm: taking in the city skyline from one of the many picturesque viewpoints around the city. Stockholm has many iconic landmarks which are best seen in the golden glow of sunrise and sunset. Winter particularly boasts soft lighting with blue and purple hues streaking across the sky. Coupled with the icy meeting point of Lake Mälaren and the Baltic Sea, Stockholm is a photographer’s dream city. A few of the best places in Stockholm to photograph at sunrise and sunset includes: Mariaberget Observation Deck, The City Hall Viewpoint and Norr Mälarstrand.

2. Explore the Old Town (Gamla Stan)

Every European city has an old town, but none are more charming than Stockholm’s Gamla Stan. Once called Staden Mellan Broarna (The Town between the Bridges), this small and compact island is home to some of Stockholm’s prettiest buildings. Featuring colourful 17th and 18th century architecture, Gamla Stan is home to some of Stockholm’s most iconic buildings, including Storkyrkan Cathedral, the Royal Palace, the Nobel Prize Museum and Riddarholmen Church, which is home to Summer concerts. Get lost amongst the cobbled streets or pop into one of the many coffee shops and stylish bistros.

3. Take a Walking Tour

Walking isn’t just the cheapest and most eco-friendly way to get around Stockholm, but it’s the best way to see the Old Town too. Taking a Free Walking Tour is a great way to learn more about the history of Gamla Stan from a local guide who will show you the main sights. Tours typically run between 1.5 hours to 2 hours and pass Stockholm’s most iconic landmarks.

More unique walking tours are available to book, like a Ghost Walk and Historical Tour, where you’ll hear tales of Stockholm’s murders, myths, and diseases. While foodies shouldn’t miss the chance to tour some of Stockholm’s most famous food markets on a Nordic Food Walk. Sampling traditional Swedish cuisine as you visit the city’s main sights is a fun and budget-friendly way to see Stockholm, as your food is included in the activity!

4. Discover Fika

Fika is a Swedish custom where people gather together to eat, drink and chat, typically with a hot drink and sweet snack. Practicing the tradition of fika is easy in Stockholm, which has countless cute cafés and coffee shops to choose from. Escape the cold and enjoy fika for the price of a coffee and classic Swedish pastry. Or learn more about this charming social ritual on a Guided Fika Tour.

5. Find the George and the Dragon Statue

While you’re in the heart of old town, keep a look out for the George and the Dragon statue. It may seem odd to have a monument dedicated to the Patron Saint of England in the Swedish Capital, but the late medieval wooden sculpture actually commemorates the victory over the Danish army by Sten Sture the Elder in the Battle of Brunkeberg in 1471. Sten Sture put his army under the protection of Saint George during the battle and later commissioned Gothic artist Bernt Notke to create the larger-than-life statue. The statue lies around the corner from the Nobel Prize Museum and access is completely free.

6. Visit the Nobel Prize Museum (Nobelmuseet)

No trip to Stockholm is complete without visiting the Nobel Prize Museum. Named for Stockholm-born Alfred Nobel, the Nobel Prize is actually 5 awards that celebrate those who have ‘conferred the greatest benefit to humankind’. Showcasing information about the Nobel Prize award and past prize-winners, the museum contains creative exhibitions and artefacts demonstrating the work and ideas of more than 900 of the most creative minds of the 20th century. The museum is located in the heart of Old Town and, while not free, admission is only 140 SEK ($10) and includes a 30 minute guided tour.

7. Explore The Royal Palace (Kungliga Slotten)

The Royal Palace is the King of Stockholm’s official residence and one of the largest palaces in Europe. Built in Baroque style and featuring more than 600 rooms, the palace is the grandest landmark in Stockholm. Dating back to the 18th century, the palace contains ornate staterooms, medieval artefacts and impressive period art. The Royal Palace is free to walk around outside, but it’s worth paying to explore inside too. Tickets are 170 SEK and include the Royal Apartments, Treasury and Tre Kronor Museum, with guided tours just 30 SEK extra.

8. Watch the Changing of the Guard

While you’re at the Royal Palace, don’t miss The Royal Guards Ceremony. Featuring a military band from the Swedish Armed Forces Music Centre, the parade marches through Stockholm before performing the Changing of the Guard ceremony in the Palace’s Outer Courtyard. The ceremony takes place at 12:15 every day (13:15 on Sundays) and is completely free to attend, but we’d recommend you arrive 15 minutes early in peak-season to get a good spot to watch from.

9. Transit Stockholm Metro Station

Public transport isn’t usually found on a list of things to do, but Stockholm’s metro is an exception. Known as the longest art gallery in the world, Stockholm’s metro stations are wonderfully decorated with sculptures, rock formations, mosaics, paintings, installations, engravings and reliefs. More than 90 of the 100 stations have been transformed by over 150 different artists, making Stockholm’s metro essentially a huge, free art museum. A few of the most impressive stops include Rådhuset, Stadion, T-Centralen, Kungsträdgården, Tensta and Odenplan. Single journey tickets can be purchased, or you can top up and use the SL Access Card as you go.

10. Explore the Museums

Stockholm is home to countless museums and there’s something for every interest. Visiting a museum is a great way to learn more about a destination, not to mention it can also allow you to escape Stockholm’s unpredictable, wet and cold weather. And even better, a lot of museums in Stockholm are free!

Free museums in Stockholm:

• National Museum of Sweden
• The Museum of Natural History
• The Museum of Modern Arts
• The Swedish History Museum
• The Maritime Museum
• The Museum of Medieval Stockholm
• The National Library of Sweden
• The Ethnography Museum
• The Medieval Museum

There are a few must-see museums in Stockholm that aren’t free, but are so worth budgeting for.

The Vasa Museum is a maritime museum that displays the only 17th century ship that has ever been salvaged. As one of the most visited museums in Scandinavia, the home of the 64-gun warship Vasa that sank on her maiden voyage in 1628 is a popular place to visit in Stockholm and worth the admission price of 170 SEK.

A similar museum is The Viking Museum, which displays wooden, 9th century Viking ships, as well as artefacts recovered from ancient burial tombs. While those looking for something completely different shouldn’t miss The Abba Museum, an interactive exhibition about the world-famous, Swedish pop band ABBA.

There are also a variety of novelty museums in Stockholm that are very popular with tourists that we wouldn’t want you to miss out on. These include:

• Fotografiska Museum
• Vrak Museum of Wrecks
• The Avicii Experience
• Paradox Museum Admission Ticket
• Youseum

If you’re planning on visiting multiple attractions and museums in Stockholm, it’s a good idea to get the Go City Stockholm Card. Cards are available for 1, 2, 3 or 5 days and can save you a considerable amount of money on admission fees.

11. Visit Skansen Open-air Museum

Skansen is the world’s oldest open-air museum. Located on Djurgården Island in stockholm, the museum was opened in 1891 to show the way of life in the different parts of Sweden before the industrial era. Now it features houses and farmsteads from every part of the country. Visit in off-season (9th January – 28th April & 25th September – 23rd November) when tickets are cheaper than in the Summer and Christmas periods.

12. Visit Parliament House (Riksdagshuset)

The Parliament House is the seat of the parliament of Sweden, the Riksdag. Located on the tiny island Helgeandsholmen, which is connected to Gamla Stan, the Parliament building takes up nearly the whole island. The parliament is actually open to anyone wishing to attend a debate, public hearing or study visit. Guided tours can be pre-booked for free between September and June, when the parliament is in session, allowing you to learn about how Sweden is run and Swedish political history.

13. See the Town Hall (Stadshus)

The City Hall is the seat of Stockholm Municipality and the venue of the Nobel Prize banquet, which is held on 10th December every year. Inside you’ll find grand ceremonial halls and unique artworks, as well as offices and conference rooms. Guided tours can be booked at the ticket office on the day for 140 SEK and last around 45 minutes. However, the outside is free to look around, as is the Civic Courtyard (Stadshusparken). Featuring a central lawn with stone paths and views of the water, the town hall garden is a wonderful spot for a wander.

14. Sail around Stockholm Archipelago

You may not know, but Stockholm is actually built upon an archipelago of around 30,000 islands. The city centre spans 14 islands and the best way to see them is by boat.

The cheapest way to explore Stockholm archipelago is by public ferry. Ferries stop at Nybroviken, Slussen, the Island of Djurgården and Hammarby Sjöstad. The SL Access Card includes travel on public ferries and is a cheaper way to explore Stockholm’s islands than a boat tour. However, many tourists find a boat trip a more informative and enjoyable experience than taking the ferry.

You can book a City Archipelago Sightseeing Cruise, which provides interesting commentary and sails the waterways past some of Stockholm’s most famous sights, while sipping on Glögg (Swedish Mulled Wine). Those looking for a more unique experience should consider either an Under the Bridges Boat Tour or Amphibious Bus Land and Water Tour, which is fun for all the family.

15. Relax in the park

Stockholm is home to multiple parks and exploring them can be a fun and free way to escape the city and enjoy a bit of Swedish nature. In Summer, Stockholm’s parks are popular spots for long river-side walks and picnics, while in winter they become picturesque snowy landscapes. A few of the best parks in Stockholm include: Royal Djurgården, Langholmen, Gärdet, and Ralambshovsparken.

16. See the Cherry Blossom or Ice Skate in Kungsträdgården

One of the best parks in Stockholm is Kungsträdgården. Located in central Stockholm, this park is lined with outdoor cafés and is a popular meeting place for hangouts. In the Summer the park hosts open-air concerts and events, while an ice rink pops up in Winter. A festive activity, skating on the ice rink is free but skates are rented at 70SEK an hour. In the Spring, Kungsträdgården transforms as pink cherry blossoms turn the park into one of Stockholm’s most popular photo spots.

17. Relax on the Beach

There is water all around Stockholm and it’s so clean you can actually bathe in the middle of the city. In the Summer, as temperatures rise, tourists and locals alike begin to frequent Stockholm’s most popular bathing places in search of a refreshing dip. A few of the best beaches and bathing spots in Stockholm include: Långsholmsbadet, Smedsundsbadet and Oxhålsbadet.

18. Go Clubbing

Stockholm has a vibrant nightlife scene with numerous clubs and music venues, so there’s something for every taste. From sleepy jazz clubs to casual bars and wild dance floors, Stockholm’s clubbing scene is notorious as one of the best in Europe. Alcohol may be one of the pricier expenses in Stockholm, but you can balance the cost out by arriving early for free entry to many clubs.

19. Visit Drottningholm Palace

A UNSECO World Heritage Site, Drottningholm Palace is the private residence of the Swedish royal family. Built in the 1600s, this stately home features a Chinese Pavilion pleasure palace, a theatre and gardens. The gardens are free to visit but a ticket is needed to enter the palace itself (150 SEK). The palace is easily accessible by public transport, including bus and boat. Alternatively, you can visit Drottningholm Palace on a Full-Day Stockholm Guided Sightseeing Tour.

20. See Skogskyrkogården Cemetery

Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Skogskyrkogården is a cemetery which reflects the development of architecture from Nordic Classicism to mature functionalism. Created between 1917 and 1920, the cemetery is an outdoor exhibition that blends vegetation and architectural elements and is free to explore, with guided tours only 100 SEK. The cheapest way to visit Skogskyrkogården Cemetery is by public transport: Bus 183 to stop Kvarter 50 / Bus 180, 816, 890 to stop Enskededalen Karrtorpsvagen or Subway 18 to stop Skogskyrkogarden T-bana.

Interactive Map of Budget Stockholm Activities

Where to eat in Stockholm on a budget

Stockholm is a great city for foodies with countless restaurants, bistros and cafés offering everything from authentic Swedish dishes to international cuisine.

Pastries are one of the cheapest foods in Stockholm with bakeries being a great place to eat in Stockholm on a budget. You can’t visit Stockholm and miss trying a Kanelbullar. A Swedish cinnamon bun, kanelbullar are made of rolled dough, spiced with cinnamon and ground cardamom and decorated with pearl sugar – and they’re delicious.

Semla are a tasty treat that can be found in Stockholm between February-March, and were traditionally eaten at a last celebratory feast before the Christian fasting period of Lent. A semlor is a soft, cardamom-flavoured bun with an almond-paste filling and topped with powdered sugar and whipped cream.

Both a kanelbullar and a semlor are the perfect accompaniment to a coffee during a mid-morning fika session. You can learn more about this charming Swedish social ritual on a Guided Fika Tour.

Chokladkoppen is a cosy café in the heart of Gamla Stan that does the most amazing hot chocolates. A great spot for lunch, the menu also features sandwiches, soups and sweet treats.

Café Schweizer is one of Stockholm’s most popular fika places, offering lunch specials like quiche, sandwiches and soups, as well as cakes and pastries.

Hermann’s Veggie Buffet is an all-you-can-eat vegan buffet that provides amazing bang for your buck. Located on the waterfront with terraced garden seating, this is a great spot for those looking for somewhere to eat in Stockholm on a budget.

Barrels is a modern burger bar that serves classic, creative and veggie burgers, as well as beer from a wide selection of microbreweries.

Fasching is a cool concert venue and renowned jazz club, as well as restaurant, bar and nightclub serving traditional Swedish dishes.

Östermalmshallen Food Hall dates back to the 1880s and features antique stalls selling produce, seafood and gourmet goods, as well as several cosy cafés.

Discover the best of Swedish cuisine on a Nordic Food Walk of Stockholm. You’ll traverse the city’s main sites as you sample the best foods Stockholm has to offer. Or choose an Evening Dining Experience where you can sample authentic Swedish dishes in some of Stockholm’s best lounges and restaurants.

Where to stay in Stockholm on a budget

Despite being a Nordic capital city, Stockholm hotels are actually very affordable. One of the coolest hotels in Stockholm is the Mälardrottningen Hotel. A unique 250 foot yacht, this hotel features comfortable cabins and a spacious restaurant, and is docked at Riddarholmen Island, conveniently close to Old Town.

The cheapest places to stay in Stockholm are hostels. Numerous hostels are available to book via Hostelworld with rooms ranging from shared dorms to private rooms. While those looking for a little more freedom should consider a self-catering property, which can be a great budget-friendly place to stay in Stockholm. Vrbo and Airbnb have a variety of different properties to browse from so you can choose the location, size and price that suits you.

How to get around Stockholm on a budget

The best and cheapest way to get around Stockholm is to walk. If you like a bit more information as you see the main sights in a new destination, you can book onto a Guided Walking Tour.

Buses are one of the cheaper forms of public transport in Stockholm. The Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Bus & Boat combination is a fun way to see the city and get the most out of your money, as it combines transport with informative commentary.

The SL Access Card allows you to take advantage of affordable public transport via Stockholm’s extensive metro system. It also includes the public ferries if you fancy a bit of island hopping.

Taxis are widely available, although not the cheapest transport option. Be sure to use those with yellow number plates since they are the approved taxis with metered fares.

Cycling is a great way to get around Stockholm and there are several places where bikes can be rented. Alternatively, you can book onto a Bike Tour and see the main sights on two wheels with a guide. Those looking for something a little different can see the city on a Segway Tour, which is a unique way to get around while seeing the main attractions.

Those with limited time should consider booking onto a Full-Day Stockholm Guided Sightseeing Tour, which takes in all the main sights in one day.

3 day Stockholm budget itinerary

Day One: The Old Town

• Explore the Old Town (Gamla Stan)
• Take a free walking tour
• See the George and the Dragon Statue
• Visit the Nobel Prize Museum
• See Storkyrkan Cathedral and Riddarholmen Church
• Visit The Royal Palace and see the changing of the guard
• Walk over to the Parliament House
• See Stockholm City Hall & watch the sunset at The City Hall viewpoint

Day Two: The Islands & Museums

• Take a boat trip or ferry hop
• Visit Skansen Open-air museum
• Visit the Abba Museum
• Visit the Vasa Museum

Day Three: Outer Stockholm

• Watch the sunrise at Mariaberget Observation Deck
• Explore Stockholm’s metro stations
• Visit Drottningholm Palace
• Visit Skogskyrkogården

Cheap flights to Stockholm

Many tourists don’t realise before visiting Sweden, but Stockholm actually has four international airports!

Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN) is Stockholm’s main international airport. It is located near the town of Märsta, about 23 miles (37 km) north of Stockholm and the journey to the city centre takes about half an hour by car. Many Scandinavian airlines use Arlanda, including Scandinavian Airlines and Norwegian Air.

Stockholm Västerås Airport (Hässlö Flygplats) (VST) is a smaller airport located near the city of Västerås about 68 miles (110 km) west of Stockholm. The drive takes about an hour and a half. Many budget airlines arrive into Stockholm Västerås Airport, including Ryanair.

Stockholm Skavsta Airport (NYO) is another small international airport near Nyköping, approximately 62 miles (100 km) southwest of Stockholm. It is popular with low-cost airlines like Ryanair and Whizz Air.

Bromma Stockholm Airport (BMA) is predominantly a domestic airport with some international flights. It is the closest airport to the city, being located only 2.5 miles (4km) northwest of downtown Stockholm (a 15 minute drive), but is least used by major international airlines.

Flights to Stockholm Arlanda Airport are typically more expensive than flights to Stockholm Västerås Airport and Stockholm Skavsta Airport, but require a much shorter transfer. The cheapest way to get to and from Stockholm’s airports to the city centre is via the Flygbussarna Shuttle Bus.

Flixbus also runs a budget-friendly service between Stockholm Arlanda Airport and Stockholm city.

Book your Flygbussarna shuttle to Arlanda Airport here!

Taxis are available, but can cost over $100 a trip, depending on your airport. Alternatively, you can pre-book a private transfer, which is more cost effective and takes some of the hassle out of your journey.

Book a private transfer from Arlanda Airport to Stockholm here!

The cheapest time to fly to Stockholm is in off-season, between February-April and September-November. The best tools for finding cheap flights include Skyscanner and Google Flights. You can expect to pay as little as $200 if flying from the US and €60 from mainland Europe, with some flights less than £30 from the UK when on sale – Lucy actually flew from London to Stockholm for £13 with Ryanair!

Tips for visiting Stockholm on a budget

• Eat out less: shop in grocery stores and self-cater
• Eat in cafés and bakeries over restaurants
• Eat in restaurants at lunch rather than dinner as the menus are cheaper
• Limit alcohol, which can be pricey
• Book accommodation in advance to take advantage of cheaper accommodation prices
• Use a multi-currency card like Revolut to avoid currency conversion fees
• Travel in off-season when prices are lower
• Walk as much as possible
• Choose public transport over taxis

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