What to Do in Stockholm: 15 Unique & Fun Things

The capital of Sweden, Stockholm is an incredible city to visit. It's a stone's throw from the countryside, has great cultural sights, and plenty to see and do.

It's easy to find the main attractions, but what if you're the kind of traveler who prefers to see something more unusual or off the beaten path?

We've got you covered.

Here, we have found some of the most unique things to do in Stockholm, from dining like a Viking to learning everything you've ever wanted to know about ABBA.

💡 Make sure you know all about the latest European travel requirements before heading abroad.

1. Walk the halls of a mansion preserved from Sweden's Belle Époque

Built in the 1800s, the Hallwylska Museum was once a mansion lived in by Swedish aristocracy.

Now, this lavish home is a museum open to visitors. Inside, you'll find everything restored to exactly as it would have looked in the 19th century, original furnishings and art included.

The Hallwylska Museet is located at Hamngatan 4, 111 47 Stockholm.

2. Dine like a Viking

If the North is famous for anything, it's definitely Viking history. At the Aifur restaurant in Stockholm, guests can experience a taste of what it was like to dine like one.

The meals served are based on actual recipes from the Viking age, and the decor complements the entire experience. With candlelight, horn glasses (to drink from), and a warm welcome, it's a really unique experience.

You're even assigned a Viking name when you enter the dining hall.

Aifur is located at Västerlånggatan 68B, 111 29 Stockholm.

3. Go back in time at the world's largest open air museum

The Skansen Open Air Museum is one of a kind and has tons to see and do.

Founded in 1891, this estate will take you back in time, allowing you to immerse yourself in Sweden throughout the years. On site, you'll be able to walk through 5 different eras (all constructed to feel like you've actually entered that time period).

There's also a zoo onsite that is home to different Nordic animals like reindeer and Swedish mountain cattle.

For those looking for something really out of the ordinary, they even have a 19th-century dental clinic - with the frightening tools of the day on display.

The Skansen Open Air Museum can be found at Djurgårdsslätten 49-51, 115 21 Stockholm.

4. Thrift shop and grab a coffee in Södermalm

Södermalm is a trendy island neighborhood in Sweden that is known for its cafés, vintage stores, and amazing views of the city.

There are lots of great little eateries and mom and pop shops there that you can wander around and get lost in.

You'll also find street art, galleries, beautiful gardens, and more.

5. Taste the local brews in an old church

Perhaps one of the most unique breweries you'll ever happen upon, Omnipollo's Church is a brewery inside of a deconsecrated church.

The "church" itself is true to form with large glass windows and vaulted ceilings.

Aside from being in a rather eclectic building, they're also known for their rather eclectic beers, like one inspired by a Swedish pastry, brewed with cardamom and almonds.

You can find Omnipollo Brewery at Sturegatan 41, 114 36 Stockholm.

6. See an elaborate changing of the guards

Stockholm's changing of the guards is one of the most elaborate in Europe, with eye-catching uniforms, horses, music, flags, and marches.

You can see the changing of the guards regularly at the Royal Palace in Stockholm, which is located at Kungliga Slottet, Slottsbacken 1, 111 30 Stockholm.

7. Join ABBA, at least holographically

Perhaps one of Sweden's greatest exports ever, the musical geniuses of ABBA, are forever celebrated at ABBA the Museum in Stockholm.

Famous for Mamma Mia, Dancing Queen, Gimme! Gimme! Gimme!, and dozens of other songs, ABBA has certainly made a mark on musical history.

The museum lets guests sing along to their favorite songs, virtually try on ABBA outfits, and even record themselves in full 70s glam.

You can find the museum at Djurgårdsvägen 68, 115 21 Stockholm.

8. Animal-spot in the world's first national city park

Ekoparken (or, the Royal National City Park) holds the title as the world's first ever national city park - and it's a good one.

The park has forests, palaces, museums, lakes, natural habitats for animals, and is only a few minutes away from downtown.

Here, visitors can spot rare birds, foxes, deer, and may even see some bats, as the park has some old WWII bunkers that have been taken over.

You can find the park at Spans Djurgården, Haga, and Ulriksdal; main entrances near Roslagsvägen 30, 114 19 Stockholm.

9. Visit a mummy

While not the first thing you think of when you think "Nordic", Sweden has a Museum of Mediterranean and Near Eastern Antiquities.

This museum is a fan favorite, and it holds tons of Mediterranean artifacts like real Greek vases, ancient tools from Cyprus, and more.

One of its prized possessions is a mummy. In fact, they have even done CT scans that have made it possible to make a recreation of what he likely looked like.

The Medelhavsmuseet can be found at Fredsgatan 2, 111 52 Stockholm.

10. See the most colorful metro stations

Stockholm is known for its accessible and reliable public transportation, including its metro. But that's not all the metro is known for.

Sometimes called "The World's Longest Art Gallery", Stockholm's metro stations are highly decorated with murals, installations, and even sculptures.

One of the stations is particularly famous. It is designed to look like an archaeological dig... but the most interesting part of that is that it actually contains real ruins!

There are over 100 metro stations that you can explore. Just make sure you have a ticket to ride!

Start at T-Centralen, 111 20 Stockholm.

11. Step into the Queen's church

Sofiakyrkan, or Sofia's Church (named after one of Sweden's queens), is one of the main churches of Stockholm.

Built in 1906, it sits atop a hill, which means all of its visitors also get to enjoy a panoramic view of the city.

Fun fact: During one of its renovations, workers discovered forgotten tombs underneath the altar!

You can find Sofia's Church at Borgmästargatan 11, 116 29 Stockholm. It's hard to miss 😉

12. See the biggest lily pads you've ever seen

Stockhom has a stunning botanical garden that features tropical and rare plants, including exotic orchids and aquatic plants like lily pads - and they're ginormous.

Victoriahuset, or Victoria's House, is a greenhouse from the Victorian era that still stands and operates today.

One of their most prized possessions is a small pond with massive lily pads.

The entire property is really pretty with green grass and landscaped gardens.

You can find the lily pads at Gustafsborgsvägen 4, 114 18 Stockholm.

13. Get spiritually educated by an ancient Viking runestone

Stockholm is home to a number of real archaic runestones, one of the most famous and unique being Uppland Runic Inscription 53.

This stone has etchings from 11th century vikings. While it's safe to assume you do not read Old Norse (Nordic scholars perhaps exempt), this runestone details information about a bridge built "for souls."

You can find Uppland Runic Inscription 53 near Tensta Centrum, 163 64 Stockholm

14. Learn everything you ever wanted to know about moist tobacco

The Snus and Match Museum is exactly that: A museum dedicated to snus (moist tobacco) and matches.

Snus is considered a cultural staple in Sweden and this museum takes a look at that history, while also playfully displaying the most unique snus tins you've ever seen (like one shaped like a pistol).

The museum is located in the old Tobaksmonopolet building at Skansen: Djurgårdsslätten 49-51, 115 21 Stockholm.

15. Taste test everything Stockholm has to offer

Foodies have to go here!

Östermalmshallen is an indoor food market hall that was built in the 1800s. Many refer to it as upscale due to its gourmet offerings and beautiful architectural elements, and design.

Here, you will be able to buy local Swedish favorites, from seafood to cheeses and pastries.

The market is located at Östermalmstorg, 114 39 Stockholm.