Summer in Stockholm: the complete guide to a great holiday

Summer in Stockholm: the complete guide to a great holiday

Are you planning on spending the whole summer, or a short summer holiday, in Stockholm? Lucky you! Our beautiful capital really blossoms during the summer months - in both senses of the word. Whether you want to take it easy and do as little as possible, or are happiest when you're keeping busy with fun activities, this guide has plenty of useful tips for you. We've gathered together all our most popular summer guides in one complete guide, so you can easily find the specific guides you need. A guide to the Stockholm archipelago, glamping, sightseeing, swimming spots or restaurants, perhaps? These are just a few of the handy guides you'll find below. We hope you find what you're looking for and wish you a very happy summer in Stockholm, whatever your plans!

In this guide
  1. Summer in Stockholm
    1. Stockholm archipelago
    2. Nature reserves and walks
    3. Swimming in Stockholm
    4. Summer activities
    5. Rooftop bars
    6. Ice cream parlours
    7. Picnic
    8. Outdoor pools
    9. Summer restaurants
    10. Leafy cafés
    11. Glamping
    12. Sightseeing
    13. Manor houses in Stockholm
    14. Flea markets
    15. Golf courses
    16. Waterside restaurants
    17. Stockholm by bike
    18. Views
    19. Hotels
    20. Walks in Stockholm
    21. Outdoor gyms
    22. Best shopping
    23. Rainy days

Summer in Stockholm

The complete guide to a great holiday

Guide to the Stockholm archipelago – Summer in Stockholm
Guide to the Stockholm archipelago
Guide to the Stockholm archipelago – Summer in Stockholm
Guide to the Stockholm archipelago

Stockholm archipelago

The archipelago is Stockholm's pride and joy, and for good reason. Every summer, thousands of people head out to the thousands of islands and skerries that make up the Stockholm skärgård. Whether it's a day trip to a small island for a picnic or a few days on one of the larger islands to stay at an inn and eat great island-inspired food, you'll find the perfect outing here.

The guide to nature reserves and walking trails in Stockholm – Summer in Stockholm
The guide to nature reserves and walking trails in Stockholm
The guide to nature reserves and walking trails in Stockholm – Summer in Stockholm
The guide to nature reserves and walking trails in Stockholm

Nature reserves and walks

For many people, heading out into nature is synonymous with peace and relaxation. If you live in Stockholm or some other big city you may well feel you need to de-stress in the countryside sometimes. Luckily, there are plenty of nature reserves and walking trails to discover, perfect during the summer months when nature is at its leafiest, and perhaps, loveliest. Go on a long hike and spend the night under the stars on the way, or go on a shorter day trip, stopping off for swims and snacks along the way. 

The guide to great swimming spots in central Stockholm – Summer in Stockholm
The guide to great swimming spots in central Stockholm
The guide to great swimming spots in central Stockholm – Summer in Stockholm
The guide to great swimming spots in central Stockholm

Swimming in Stockholm

There are masses of wonderful bathing spots in and around Stockholm, whether you prefer swimming from beaches, rocks or jetties.

Summer activities in Stockholm – Summer in Stockholm
Summer activities in Stockholm
Summer activities in Stockholm – Summer in Stockholm
Summer activities in Stockholm

Summer activities

Holidays may be for relaxing, but that doesn't mean we don't want to get active sometimes. Stockholm is the perfect summer city with a range of activities that are ideal for warm summer days. Get a group together and try stand-up paddling (SUP), hire a kayak or play boules. These are our best tips for summer activities in the capital.

Stockholm's best rooftop bars – Summer in Stockholm
Stockholm's best rooftop bars
Stockholm's best rooftop bars – Summer in Stockholm
Stockholm's best rooftop bars

Rooftop bars

Al fresco dining areas on the street are all well and good, but there's something really special about roof terraces - particularly in a city as beautiful as Stockholm. Take the lift up to one of the city's many rooftop bars, sip a cocktail and look out over the water and rooftops. Summer in the city doesn't get much better than that.

Ice cream parlours in Stockholm – Summer in Stockholm
Ice cream parlours in Stockholm
Ice cream parlours in Stockholm – Summer in Stockholm
Ice cream parlours in Stockholm

Ice cream parlours

Swedish summer days can be surprisingly hot and what better way to cool off than with a delicious, refreshing ice cream? There are masses of ice-cream bars in Stockholm ready to serve up both classic and creative new ice-cream flavours, by the cup or cone.

The best picnic spots in Stockholm – Summer in Stockholm
The best picnic spots in Stockholm
The best picnic spots in Stockholm – Summer in Stockholm
The best picnic spots in Stockholm

Picnic

Spread out a rug and lay out some tasty picnic food and drinks to share with friends. Simple as. Stockholm is packed with delightful picnic spots where you can easily while away a few relaxing hours in the sun. Why not pack a frisbee, or round off the afternoon with a game of minigolf?

Guide to Stockholm's outdoor swimming pools – Summer in Stockholm
Guide to Stockholm's outdoor swimming pools
Guide to Stockholm's outdoor swimming pools – Summer in Stockholm
Guide to Stockholm's outdoor swimming pools

Outdoor pools

Not especially keen on sand, gras or doubtful water temperatures? Make life easy for yourself and visit one of the many outdoor swimming pools in Stockholm - there are plenty to choose from. At some of the places mentioned it's all about swimming, while other locations also offer spa treatments and relaxation areas. 

Where to find Stockholm restaurants open during the summer – Summer in Stockholm
Where to find Stockholm restaurants open during the summer
Where to find Stockholm restaurants open during the summer – Summer in Stockholm
Where to find Stockholm restaurants open during the summer

Summer restaurants

Although some Stockholm restaurants take a break over the summer, there are plenty that stay open - and indeed blossom - during the warmer months. If you're in the city and want to enjoy a great meal out, there are plenty of options to choose from. Follow our guide to the Stockholm restaurants open in the summer.

Charming cafés in green, leafy surroundings – Summer in Stockholm
Charming cafés in green, leafy surroundings
Charming cafés in green, leafy surroundings – Summer in Stockholm
Charming cafés in green, leafy surroundings

Leafy cafés

What would summer in Stockholm be without all the city's lovely leafy cafés? You'll find many of them out on Djurgården and the outskirts of the city but there are also a few hidden gems in the city centre. Park cafés, garden cafés and green oases - find your own peaceful spot this summer among the verdant flowers and plants.

Igloo Escape – Summer in Stockholm
Igloo Escape
Igloo Escape – Summer in Stockholm
Igloo Escape
Igloo Escape – Summer in Stockholm
Igloo Escape
Igloo Escape – Summer in Stockholm
Igloo Escape
Igloo Escape – Summer in Stockholm
Igloo Escape
The best glamping spots around Stockholm – Summer in Stockholm
The best glamping spots around Stockholm
Igloo Escape – Summer in Stockholm
Igloo Escape
Igloo Escape – Summer in Stockholm
Igloo Escape
Igloo Escape – Summer in Stockholm
Igloo Escape
Igloo Escape – Summer in Stockholm
Igloo Escape
Igloo Escape – Summer in Stockholm
Igloo Escape
The best glamping spots around Stockholm – Summer in Stockholm
The best glamping spots around Stockholm
Igloo Escape The best glamping spots around Stockholm

Glamping, short for glamorous camping, has really taken off in Sweden over the past few years. It's the perfect form of accommodation for anyone who wants to enjoy a night in a tent in a beautiful natural setting, but doesn't fancy dealing with tent poles and camping stoves. There's a good selection of places outside Stockholm that offer glamping, whether you prefer lake views in the Sörmland countryside or a seafront spot in the archipelago. One option is Igloo Escape in Bullandö Marina.

The guide to sightseeing in Stockholm – Summer in Stockholm
The guide to sightseeing in Stockholm
The guide to sightseeing in Stockholm – Summer in Stockholm
The guide to sightseeing in Stockholm

Sightseeing

Whether you're a born-and-bred Stockholmer, moved there recently or are just visiting, sightseeing is a great way to discover the city. Even if you think you know everything about Stockholm, we can almost guarantee you'll learn something new. Try out sightseeing by boat and experience the city from the water, hop on a sightseeing bus or join a guided biking or walking tour around summery Stockholm.

The guide to charming manor houses in Stockholm – Summer in Stockholm
The guide to charming manor houses in Stockholm
The guide to charming manor houses in Stockholm – Summer in Stockholm
The guide to charming manor houses in Stockholm

Manor houses in Stockholm

Heading out of the city for little outings is a lovely way to break up the summer, and Stockholm's many historic houses make for great day trips. You'll find numerous beautiful castles and manor houses not far from the city, which you can visit for anything from a quick coffee to a luxurious overnight stay complete with spa.

The guide to Stockholm's best flea markets – Summer in Stockholm
The guide to Stockholm's best flea markets
The guide to Stockholm's best flea markets – Summer in Stockholm
The guide to Stockholm's best flea markets

Flea markets

Shopping in city-centre shops and shopping centres isn't necessarily what you want to be doing on hot summer days. If you're still in the mood for a little retail therapy, outdoor flea markets are a fun alternative. Flea markets ("loppisar") are held all over Stockholm during the summer, selling everything from jewellery and clothes to household objects and furniture.

Stockholm's best golf courses – Summer in Stockholm
Stockholm's best golf courses
Stockholm's best golf courses – Summer in Stockholm
Stockholm's best golf courses

Golf courses

Activities that you can do outdoors are always a hit when you're on your summer holiday, and golf is one such activitiy. There are plenty of golf courses to discover in and around Stockholm, so lace up your golfing shoes and head out for a relaxing 9 or 18-hole round.

Waterside restaurants in Stockholm – Summer in Stockholm
Waterside restaurants in Stockholm
Waterside restaurants in Stockholm – Summer in Stockholm
Waterside restaurants in Stockholm

Waterside restaurants

Stockholm's spectacular setting close to both nature and water creates numerous inviting oases. Sitting in the early evening sun on a warm summer's day, enjoying a good dinner to the sound of waves lapping against a jetty is pretty hard to beat. We've rounded up Stockholm's loveliest waterside restaurants, none of them too far from the city centre and all of them accessible by private boat.

Cycling in Stockholm – Summer in Stockholm
Cycling in Stockholm
Cycling in Stockholm – Summer in Stockholm
Cycling in Stockholm

Stockholm by bike

Stockholm is a large city with plenty of wonderful hidden spots to discover. Cycling is a great way to experience the city. As well as getting some exercise, you get to see much more of Stockholm than you would sitting on an underground train. We've chosen some of the city's best bike routes, for anyone who wants to experience Stockholm on two wheels.

The best views in Stockholm – Summer in Stockholm
The best views in Stockholm
The best views in Stockholm – Summer in Stockholm
The best views in Stockholm

Views

Stockholm boasts some spectacular views, and they're particularly beautiful during the summer months when the city's in full bloom. Visit a skybar for a cocktail, or enjoy a delicious dinner accompanied by stunning views. Some of the places in this guide are only open during the summer months, while others can be enjoyed all year round.

The guide to the best hotels in Stockholm – Summer in Stockholm
The guide to the best hotels in Stockholm
The guide to the best hotels in Stockholm – Summer in Stockholm
The guide to the best hotels in Stockholm

Hotels

If you're planning a visit to Stockholm this summer, there are plenty of hotels to check into. Whether you want to stay right in the heart of the city, or in another specific neighbourhood, there's a wide range of hotels to choose from. To make the choice easier for you, we've gathered all the best hotels in Stockholm in this guide.

Guide to lovely walks in Stockholm – Summer in Stockholm
Guide to lovely walks in Stockholm
Guide to lovely walks in Stockholm – Summer in Stockholm
Guide to lovely walks in Stockholm

Walks in Stockholm

Summer days with no plans and nowhere to be are the very best kind of summer days. Stockholm is a perfect city for wandering around in, with its beautiful architecture, leafy parks, swimming spots and a wealth of cafés and restaurants for stopping off at. We've gathered together some walking routes that take you past some of Stockholm's highlights.

Where to find Stockholm's best outdoor gyms – Summer in Stockholm
Where to find Stockholm's best outdoor gyms
Where to find Stockholm's best outdoor gyms – Summer in Stockholm
Where to find Stockholm's best outdoor gyms

Outdoor gyms

Standing inside sweating in an indoor gym is possibly not the nicest way to spend a hot summer's day. So it's lucky there are outdoor gyms all over Stockholm - there's sure to be at least one close to where you're staying. As well as being able to work out outside in the fresh air, the gyms are completely free to use.

The guide to the best shopping in Stockholm – Summer in Stockholm
The guide to the best shopping in Stockholm
The guide to the best shopping in Stockholm – Summer in Stockholm
The guide to the best shopping in Stockholm

Best shopping

It's easy to forget during the winter months, but summer in Sweden isn't always sunshine and warmth. And when heavy rain clouds hang over the city it's a great excuse for a little shopping. Stockholm is packed with great shops that are well worth a visit, rain or shine.

Activities for rainy days in Stockholm – Summer in Stockholm
Activities for rainy days in Stockholm
Activities for rainy days in Stockholm – Summer in Stockholm
Activities for rainy days in Stockholm

Rainy days

God forbid it should happen during your summer holidays - but if it does, we've got your back. We're talking about rain of course; as important as it is you don't want it ruining your summer. But never fear, we've gathered together loads of fun indoor activities for young and old, for those days when it just won't stop raining.  

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Editors

At Thatsup, we have extensive experience of guiding our readers to a city’s hidden gems. Since 2008, our editors have been writing insightful guides covering restaurants, bars, cafes, hotels, and hairdressers, among other things. Our guides consist of carefully selected tips based on our local knowledge and are regularly updated with the help of our focus group, where we collectively discuss selections and content. We are constantly working to inspire and provide you with the best possible experience, no matter where you are or what you are looking for.