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Stockholm, also known as Sweden’s capital, is a unique city built on 14 islands connected by 57 bridges. It is also the country’s largest city, with a population of approximately 980,000 people. Luckily, this Scandinavian city is safe, clean, and perfect for female solo travelers! There is also so much to do! I spent almost a week in town, and after seeing all the sights, I created this perfect itinerary. If you want to spend 2 days in Stockholm, look no further because this list covers everything from museums to food to watching a beautiful sunset.
Is Stockholm Safe?
As a solo female traveler, safety is always on my mind. You may have heard that Scandinavia is generally safe, but what about Stockholm? Are there any dangers in this big city? Luckily, Stockholm is very safe, and I recommend it as a wonderful first destination for solo female travelers. The people are generally friendly, and I felt no danger walking around at night. Of course, it is still a big city, so use common sense and standard precautions. However, Sweden is one of the safest countries in the world. Stockholm is a good reflection of that with a low crime rate, with much of the crime revolving around robbery and drunken brawls. To be extra safe, you can get this reliable anti-theft purse.
Click here for a list of apps to help keep you safe on your solo travels!
Where to Stay?
As a solo traveler, I highly recommend staying in a hostel to quickly meet other travelers since you are only spending 2 days in Stockholm. My two favorite hostels are City Backpackers and The Generator. City Backpackers provides a more homey feel. Shoes are not allowed past the entrance, and it is challenging for non-hostel members to get in due to the codes required to enter and get to different rooms. There is a great common area and kitchen (always stocked with free pasta!). The Generator, on the other hand, has a more hotel feel. There is a big lobby with multiple floors of rooms. They have a nice breakfast setup in the morning for an additional fee and host fun events! One of the nights that I was there, they had a line around the block for a club night they were hosting!
How to Get Around?
Stockholm is, luckily, a straightforward city to get around. Bus lines, metros, trams, commuter rails, ferries, and bike rentals exist. The bike lanes are easy to navigate, and you can see more of the city by biking. The metro system is also easy to use. You can travel multiple times over 75 minutes with a single ticket for approximately $4. You can also buy 24-hour and multiple-day tickets. The light railway and trams can be more challenging to navigate in terms of payment. You can download the SL app and buy a ticket there, or if you see an inspector at the station, you can ask them to activate your contactless credit card for the trip.
Two-Day Itinerary: Day One
Skansen
After breakfast at your hostel/hotel or a nearby cafe, head to the Skansen open-air museum to kick off the first of your 2 days in Stockholm. This unique museum is the world’s oldest open-air museum. Learn about Sweden’s history, customs, and traditions, dating back to 1790. See how people lived and survived during the changing seasons. There are farms, cute bakeries, and even an entire zoo showcasing different nordic animals, such as moose, bears, arctic foxes, and otters. Check their website to see if any special events or workshops are occurring during your visit. Entry tickets are approximately $35, and there is a discount for students. You can easily purchase at the museum or online. Also, make sure to wear comfortable shoes because there is a lot of walking!
Vasa Museum
Within walking distance of Skansen, the Vasa Museum is one of the most remarkable museums in Stockholm. It contains the world’s only preserved ship from the 1620s. The Vasa was meant to be one of the most powerful warships in the Baltics, but it only made it 1300 meters before it sank. It was recovered in April of 1961 and underwent a long preservation process before being displayed to the world. The sight is truly magnificent, and the museum has both screenings and several floors of information. You can learn all about the ship’s history and Swedish life in the 1600s. The museum is open most days from 10 AM to 5 PM, with extended hours on Wednesday going to 8 PM. The entry fee is approximately $20 for adults and free for youth under 18.
Fika
After your busy morning, unwind with a Swedish Fika. You can’t spend 2 days in Stockholm without partaking in this tradition! Fika derives from the Swedish word “kaffi,” meaning coffee. It is a custom when Swedes pause in the day to take a break and socialize with friends, family, or coworkers. Fika is often enjoyed with coffee, cake, or a different pastry. The Swedish princess cake (my favorite) is a popular one. It is a light sponge cake with vanilla pastry cream wrapped in green marzipan with pink roses. Other popular ones include the famous cinnamon bun and a strawberry cake, which is popular during the summer. Stop by any cafe near you (I recommend Arturs cafe in Skansen) to enjoy a Fika and unwind!
Explore the Subway Tunnels
Stockholm has an extensive network of subway tunnels full of stations with unique art! Often called the world’s longest art gallery, Stockholm has over 90 stations decorated in art with different themes. Two of my favorites included the Stadion Station, which has a beautiful rainbow theme, and the Thorildsplan Station, which has a video game theme featuring Mario and Pac-Man. I recommend allocating up to two hours to complete the self-guided tour found here, which will take you to 12 of the best stations. You can grab a single-use ticket for around $4. Each ticket lasts 75 minutes, and you can grab another one at whichever station you are at when the time runs out. After the subway tour, enjoy dinner at a Swedish restaurant!
Fotografiska
If you still have energy after dinner, end your day with a trip to Fotografiska. This unique museum brings you face-to-face with world-renowned photography. Located in Șdermalm, it opened in 2010 and contains up to 25 rotating photography exhibitions from famous photographers and photo artists worldwide. Admission is around $25, and it is open every day from 9 AM Р11 PM, making it a perfect late-night activity.
Two-Day Itinerary: Day Two
Swedish History Museum
Start your second morning after breakfast by going to the Swedish History Museum. It would be a shame to spend 2 days in Stockholm without learning a little Swedish history. The museum has over 10 million objects and artifacts spanning over 10,000 years. From medieval art to Viking relics to 52 kilos of gold, the museum holds something of interest for everyone. My favorite exhibit is The Viking World exhibit, which contains over 2,500 original artifacts. This exhibit even holds interactive stations using virtual reality. It is easy to immerse yourself in the history of the objects through their digital access website, which contains pictures and informative text about the collection. The museum is open every day except on Mondays from 11 AM – 5 PM, and admission is around $15 and free for youth under 19. It is also open late on Wednesdays from 5 PM – 8 PM, when access is free for everyone.
Ferry Tour
After the museum, head to Strandvägen, where you will see a different perspective of Stockholm by taking a ferry tour and viewing the city from the water. I recommend this one on Get Your Guide for $33. Throughout the ride, you learn facts about the sights you pass by thanks to the tour guide narrating the experience. The tour lasts around 2.5 hours, and the ship has food and drinks on sale for you to enjoy while listening to your guide.Â
Visit Gamla Stan
After your ferry tour, spend the afternoon in Gamla Stan, or the old town. Gamla Stan is arguably the prettiest area in Stockholm and no itinerary is complete without it. It contains colorful 16th-17th century buildings and cute cobbled streets, including the Alley of Marten Tritzig, the narrowest street in Stockholm. Take some time to relax at Stortorget (the Big Square) and tour the Stockholm Royal Palace. You can even visit the cute shops and bakeries scattered throughout Gamla Stan. I recommend booking a walking tour on Guruwalk so you can make the most of your visit through expert local knowledge and a walking tour.
Tip: I highly recommend getting dinner in Gamla Stan, specifically at Aifur. This Viking-themed restaurant may be a little pricey, but it transports you to a new world, and the food is delicious. Enjoy a well-earned glass of mead and feast on a course fit for a Viking, with offerings such as lamb, venison, and salmon. However, reserve your spot in advance as this restaurant is popular.
Watch the Sunset
After enjoying your dinner (or before, depending on the season and timing), end your 2 days in Stockholm by heading south to Skinnarviksberget to see the sun setting over Gamla Stan. It is a bit of a walk from Gamla Stan (approximately 25 minutes if you are coming from Aifur), but the view is breathtaking. You can sit on the rocks and enjoy the beautiful sight on a hilltop. If you want to shorten your walk, you can also head to a closer viewpoint called Mariaberget. Though the view from there is also pretty, the extra 10-15 minute walk is worth it for the higher vantage point.
I hope you find this 2-day itinerary for Stockholm informative as you plan your trip to this city! Though this guide does not cover everything there is to do in Stockholm, it does cover the activities that I found to be the most worthwhile and provides an excellent blueprint for your planning. Though two days in Stockholm may feel rushed, I made sure to balance the types of activities so that you can have a complete, but stress-free vacation in Sweden.
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