24 Hours in Stockholm

Sweden’s capital buzzes with energy. Explore its history, waterways, and hip neighborhoods—and don’t forget to take ‘fika’ breaks as locals do.

Stockholm's archipelago consists of more than 30,000 islands. Oleksiy Mark/Shutterstock

Royal, regal, but undeniably quirky, Sweden’s spirited capital has a lot to offer. Progenitor of both the world-renowned Nobel Prizes and campy favorite band ABBA, this Scandinavian gem offers a breadth of experiences that boggle the mind. That can make it a challenge to experience in just 24 hours—especially when you consider the fact that this city of about 1 million people is actually set on an archipelago, something that surprises many first-time visitors.

Spread across a total of 14 islands on the edge of the Baltic Sea, your time here will be cultural, historical—and nautical by design. The water is a fun, added element as you ride little ferries to the next attraction or experience. Here’s a guide to getting the most out of a single day in this Nordic dynamo.

Arrival

Landing at Stockholm’s Arlanda Airport (ARN) feels a little like arriving at an oversized northern lodge. About 23 miles north of the city center, it’s surrounded by lakes and forests. Its terminals feature lovely, blonde wood floors that are even more beautiful when illuminated by the massive walls of windows that bring all that nature outside into the bustling concourses.