
Stockholm signifies elegance, rich cultural heritage, and flair perhaps better than any city in the Nordic region. It is a stunningly beautiful city that is blessed with eclectic architecture and design. A Stockholm walking tour is one of the best ways to see most of the cityâs best sights, important landmarks and explore some elegant neighborhoods. This post includes a map for a self-guided free walking tour of Stockholm. Enjoy your walk! đ
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Table of Contents
Why Choose This Free Self-Guided Stockholm Walking Tour?
This free self-guided Stockholm walking tour itinerary is perfect if you are short on time and trying to save some money. With our free map, you can follow the route quite easily without having to hire an expensive guide for the day. The tour will take you past the cityâs major attractions, landmark public buildings, historical palaces, places of worship, cultural venues, popular neighborhoods, shopping streets, restaurants, and cafes. Youâll also learn a few lesser-known facts about Stockholm along the way.
The tour will take you through the center of Stockholm, principally focusing on the attraction studded areas of the Old Town (Gamla Stan), and the borough of Norrmalm. For practical reasons, we havenât included the popular island of DjurgĂ„rden and the Ăstermalm borough.
Stockholm Walking Tour Itinerary
The self-guided Stockholm walking tour covers a total distance of approximately 7.4 kilometers (4.6 miles). The tour starts at the Stockholm Central Station and terminates at Adolf Fredrik Church in Norrmalm. Feel free to take a break if you feel jaded along the way. I have included some cafes and restaurants in the map where you can take a breather and grab a bite. On this free Stockholm walking tour, you will see:
- Stockholm Central Station
- Klara Church
- Stockholm City Hall
- Norstedts Building
- Birger Jarl’s Tower
- Wrangel Palace
- Stenbock Palace
- Riddarholm Church
- House of Nobility
- Bonde Palace
- VÀsterlÄnggatan
- MÄrten Trotzigs GrÀnd
- PrÀstgatan
- German Church
- Stortorget
- Nobel Museum
- Tessin Palace
- Stockholm Cathedral
- Axel Oxenstierna’s Palace
- The Royal Palace
- Parliament Building
- Rosenbad
- Sager Palace
- Arvfurstens Palace
- Royal Swedish Opera
- St. Jacob’s Church
- KungstrÀdgÄrden
- Grand HĂŽtel
- National Museum
- Great Synagogue
- Royal Dramatic Theater
- Norrmalmstorg
- Nordiska Kompaniet (NK)
- Hötorget
- Stockholm Concert Hall
- Adolf Fredrik Church
1. Stockholm Central Station

Kick-off your free self-guided Stockholm walking tour at the Stockholm Central Station (Stockholms Centralstation). It is conveniently located and is a good starting point for discovering Stockholm. The train station has been around since 1871 making it nearly 150 years old. It is one of the busiest stations in the Nordic region with around 200,000 visitors a day. There are plenty of cafes and stores inside.
Directions
Your next stop is the Klara Church (2) which lies on Klarabergsgatan. Youâll be walking a distance of 230 m.
2. Klara Church

The Klara Church (Klara Kyrka) is a lovely red-brick church that is hemmed in on all sides, with only the spires visible from the streets around. It stands on the site of St. Clareâs Priory, a Roman Catholic nunnery that was destroyed in 1527.
The construction of the current church was started in 1572 under Gustav III completed in 1590. Its 116-meter church tower was built as part of restoration work in the 1880s and for many years could be seen from all over the city. On a sunny day, its golden domes shine strongly, making it a great subject to photograph.
Directions
Your next stop is the Stockholm City Hall (3) which is on Hantverkargatan. Youâll be walking a distance of 1 km.
3. Stockholm City Hall

The Stockholm City Hall (Stockholms stadhus) is one of the most notable points of interest you’ll encounter on this free Stockholm walking tour. It is situated on the island of Kungsholmen and was probably Swedenâs biggest architectural project of the 20th century having been completed in 1923. Designed by Swedish architect Ragnar Ăstberg, the building showcases elements from the Nordic Gothic and Northern Italian schools of design. The result is a fine blend between a medieval fortress and an Italian Renaissance palace.
The Stockholm City Hall is one of the most recognizable sights in Stockholm with its tower reaching a height of 106 meters. The tower is noted for its three golden crowns at the top, which is the Swedish coat of arms. The City Hall is also renowned for its opulent ceremonial halls and grandiose works of art. It also plays host to the great Nobel banquet held every year in December.
Directions
Your next stop is the Norstedts Building (4) which is Riddarholmen in the Old Town. Youâll be crossing Norra JĂ€rnvĂ€gsbron and walking a distance of 700 m.
4. Norstedts Building

The Norstedts Building (Norstedts Huset) is one of my favorite sights in Stockholm. The building itself derives its name from the Swedish publishing house Norstedts, which still has its headquarters there. It was designed by Swedish architect Magnus IsĂŠus and was constructed between 1882 and 1891.
I really love the buildingâs architecture and its alluring facade consists of varying materials such as gray concrete in the plinth, yellow rusting plaster and burnt red bricks for the rest of the building. Its striking tower and spire roof cast an impressive silhouette on the Stockholm cityscape. The building is also adorned by a neon sign with the publisherâs name in blue.
Directions
Your next stop is the Norstedts Building (5) which is just down the street on Norra Riddarholmshamnen. Youâll be walking a distance of 70 m.
5. Birger Jarl’s Tower

Birger Jarlâs Tower (Birger Jarls Torn) is one of the former defensive towers in the Old Town. It stands out due to its distinctive rotund shape and whitewashed exterior. Despite its name, the tower had nothing to do with Birger Jarl (a Swedish statesman who is generally credited with founding Stockholm in 1252). The tower was actually built in the 16th century, and part of the structure was built with bricks from the St. Clareâs Priory that was destroyed in 1527.
Directions
Your next stop is the Wrangel Palace (6) which is just down the street on Birger Jarls torg. Youâll be walking a distance of 200 m.
6. Wrangel Palace

Wrangel Palace (Wrangelska Palatset) is a historic townhouse in the Old Town that was once part of the defensive fortifications in the 16th century. It was originally built as a residence for the nobleman Lars Sparre in 1629. After the Thirty Yearsâ War, the house was reconstructed for its new owner – field marshal Carl Gustaf Wrangel, thus becoming the largest private residence in Stockholm.
In 1693, much of the buildingâs ornate facade was destroyed by a fire, and it had to be reconstructed again. When the Tre Kronor Palace burned down in 1697, the Royal Family moved into Wrangel Palace, and it served as their temporary residence till the reconstruction of the new Royal Palace in 1754. Since 1756, Wrangel Palace has served as the home of the Svea Court of Appeal, the regional court of appeal.
Directions
Your next stop is Stenbock Palace (7) which lies on the opposite side of the street on Birger Jarls torg.
7. Stenbock Palace

Next up on this free self-guided Stockholm walking tour is the Stenbock Palace (Stenbockska Palatset). It is the best-preserved noblemanâs residence on Riddarholmen and is known for its elegant pink facade. It was built in the 1640s by the State Councillor Fredrik Steinbock and the familyâs coat of arms can be seen above the porch.
The palace obtained its current Baroque style during reconstruction in the late 17th century. Since then, a number of government institutions have resided in the palace and its wings. Today it houses parts of the Svea Court of Appeal.
Directions
Your next stop is Riddarholmen Church (8) which is just down the street on Birger Jarls torg. You’ll be walking a distance of 50 m.
8. Riddarholm Church

The landmark Riddarholm Church (Riddarholmskyrkan) is one of the several beautiful churches you’ll come across on this free Stockholm walking tour. It is one of the oldest churches in Stockholm and served as the burial ground for Swedish monarchs for over 600 years. In addition to the 200 graves, there are a number of pewter and gold coffins, as well as an array of stone crypts in its interior.
The Riddarholm Church was built on the site of the 13th-century Greyfriars abbey. The church suffered a major fire in 1835 and thereafter acquired its present lattice-work, cast-iron tower. The cast-iron church steeple is very beautiful and interesting to look at.
Directions
Your next stop is the House of Nobility (9) which lies of Riddarhustorget, just beside Riddarholmsbron. You’ll be walking a distance of 120 m.
9. House of Nobility

The House of Nobility (Riddarhuset) is one of my favorite things to see in Stockholm. It is a magnificent work of 17th-century Dutch Baroque architecture and coloring. It was constructed between 1641 and 1672 as a base for the Swedish nobility to congregate and host events.
The nobilityâs motto Arte et Marte (Art and War) with Minerva, Goddess of Art and Science, and Mars, God of War can be found over the entrance on the northern facade. The building currently houses an organization for Swedish nobles and provides the meeting place for the Assembly of Nobles every three years.
Directions
Your next stop is the Bonde Palace (10) which is just further down on Riddarhustorget. You’ll be walking a distance of 50 m.
10. Bonde Palace
![What to see in Stockholm: The beautiful Bonde Palace is one of the best things to see on this self-guided Stockholm walking tour. Photo Credit: Zeke530, modified, [CC BY-SA 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons.](https://www.nomadepicureans.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Stockholm-Walking-Tour-Bonde-Palace-1.jpg)
Bonde Palace (Bondeska Palatset) is another former notable noble residence in the Old Town. It was built in the style of a graceful French manor between 1662 and 1673 for the State Treasurer Gustaf Bonde. Since then, the Bonde Palace has had several owners and served as the City Hall from 1730 to 1915. The building fell into a state of disrepair and was considered being demolished, but public opinion saved it from being razed. It has served as the home of the Supreme Court since 1949.
Directions
Your next stop is VĂ€sterlĂ„nggatan (11). You’ll be walking a distance of 150 m.
11. VÀsterlÄnggatan

The next attraction on this free Stockholm walking tour is VĂ€sterlĂ„nggatan, the Old Townâs most popular shopping street. It cuts through the heart of the Old Town and follows what used to be part of the old defensive walls. The street is home to some beautiful architecture and venerable old buildings. Some of the stunning facades here are located at numbers 7, 29, and 33.
In medieval times, VÀsterlÄnggatan was home to numerous local copper and iron merchants and was filled with workshops. The character of the street changed in the 20th century when the artisans moved out and it became more commercialized. As a result, it is thronging with tourists and locals and unfortunately has lost a bit of its charm.
Directions
Your next stop is MĂ„rten Trotzigs GrĂ€nd (12). You’ll be walking a distance of 400 m.
12. MÄrten Trotzigs GrÀnd

MĂ„rten Trotzigs GrĂ€nd is one of the best places to see in Gamla Stan. It is Stockholmâs narrowest street and is one of those places that can be overlooked in the blink of an eye. This small street consists of 36 steps and measures only 90 cm (35 in) at its slimmest point.
The street gets its name from a German merchant called Traubzich, who owned two houses here at the end of the 16th century. After being cordoned off for more than a century the street was reopened in 1945 and is now a popular spot for photos.
Directions
Your next stop is PrÀstgatan (13) which lies at the end of MÄrten Trotzigs GrÀnd.
13. PrÀstgatan

PrĂ€stgatan (Priestâs Street) is the most charming of the various cobblestone streets that you’ll come across in Gamla Stan. The street gets its name due to the fact that three chaplains and a bell-ringer resided here in the 16th century. During medieval times, the northern section of PrĂ€stgatan was known HelvetiegrĂ€nden (Alley of Hell), due to it being the supposed residence of the townâs executioner.
The corner where KĂ„kbrinken intersects PrĂ€stgatan is home to one of the most fascinating oddities in Stockholm – a runestone in the wall. The stone dates back to the Viking Age and is one of the oldest items found in the city.
Directions
Your next stop is the German Church (14). You’ll be walking a distance of 170 m.
14. German Church

The German Church (Tyska Kyrkan) is the most notable landmark of the legacy of Germans in Stockholm. The German Church was originally built in the 14th century as a guild house for the German merchants of the Hanseatic League. Its current appearance originates from the 17th century.
The churchâs spire, built in 1878, is 96 meters tall and is the highest point in Gamla Stan. In accordance with Lutheran tradition, one does not have to pay to enter as it is a functioning church. The interior is very ornate and gilded, with richly colored stained glass windows depicting scenes from daily life or religious figures and an ebony-alabaster pulpit.
Fun Fact
Many German merchants of the mighty Hanseatic league settled in Gamla Stan during the 14th and 15th centuries. They exerted a large influence on politics and were so dominant in the local trade that a law was even passed to thwart people of German birth from obtaining a majority in the city council.
Directions
Your next stop is Stortorget (15). You’ll be walking a distance of 100 m.
15. Stortorget

No sightseeing tour of Stockholm would be complete without seeing Stortorget. Stortorget is the vibrant and exuberant main square in the Old Town. Itâs the oldest square in Stockholm and a popular meeting point for tourists and locals. The colorful facades of the 17th- and 18th-century buildings on its west side is a dazzling sight.
There are plenty of sites on the square and in the surrounding streets. It does get quite busy here, so be patient if a tour group comes through every now and then. There are many nice cafes and restaurants here which makes it a great place for people watching. Stortorget is the ideal place for grabbing a
Stortorget is intricately linked with the infamous Stockholm Bloodbath of November 1520. Denmarkâs King Christian II defeated the Swedish Regent, Sten Sture the Younger, and the Swedes chose Christian as their king. None of the Swedes liked their new king but were promised amnesty if they cooperated with him, so they did.
The king hosted a party at Tre Kronor fortress to celebrate and invited Stockholmâs most prominent people such as councilors, noblemen and priests. Towards the end of the festivities, Christian broke his promise and the partygoers were suddenly bolted in and rounded up for heresy. The following day more than 80 Swedish noblemen and burghers were guillotined in the square on Christianâs orders and a pyramid of their heads was displayed in the square.
Directions
Your next stop is the Nobel Museum (16) which is in Stortorget.
16. Nobel Museum

The most notable building in Stortorget is that of the Nobel Museum. This beautiful building dates to 1778 and was formerly home to the Stock Exchange (Börsen) for more than 200 years till 1990. The Nobel Museum was inaugurated in 2001 to mark the centenary of the Nobel Prize and celebrates the achievements of the prize winners through the use of multimedia installations and artifacts.
Directions
Your next stop on this free self-guided Stockholm walking tour is the Tessin Palace (17) which is on Slottsbacken. You’ll be walking a distance of 220 m.
17. Tessin Palace
![Free Self-Guided Stockholm Walking Tour - Exterior of the beautiful Bonde Palace in Gamla Stan. Photo Credit: FriskoKry, modified, [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/)], via Wikimedia Commons.](https://www.nomadepicureans.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Stockholm-Walking-Tour-Tessinska-Palatset.jpg)
The Tessin Palace (Tessinska Palatset) is yet another famous Baroque palace in the Old Town. It was designed by Nicodemus Tessin the Younger, one of the most prominent Swedish architects, for himself, in 1697. Donât be fooled by the rather austere looking facade of the building as the Tessin Palace is often regarded as the most beautiful private residence north of Paris.
The interior of the Tessin Palace opens up into a delightful courtyard with an enchanting Baroque garden. The decor and garden were inspired by Tessinâs tenure in Paris and Versailles. Today, Tessin Palace serves as the residence of the Governor of Stockholm County. You can walk into the garden for free from 18:00 – 24:00.
Directions
Your next stop is the Stockholm Cathedral (18). You’ll be walking a distance of 250 m.
18. Stockholm Cathedral

Built in 1279, the Stockholm Cathedral (Storkyrkan) is one of the most notable landmarks on this free Stockholm walking tour. The Stockholm Cathedral is of great national religious importance since it was from here that the Swedish reformer Olaus Petri spread his Lutheran message around the kingdom. The cathedral serves as the site of religious services and concerts, as well as royal coronations, weddings, and funerals. The church has undergone extensive renovations over the centuries, and its 66-meter tall clock tower is a notable feature of Stockholmâs skyline.
The interior is quite tasteful with exposed brickwork and some beautiful but not extensive carving. It is interesting to observe the interior Gothic style which strikes a contrast with the Baroque exterior. The church has a unique and beautiful collection of medieval and contemporary art, including the metal statue of St. George and the Dragon which is an amazing work of art. Wood, iron and gold leaf were used in carving the sculpture and elkhorn was used for the dragon’s scales. The glittering royal pews and the stellar black and white altarpiece are other highlights of the interior.
Opening hours of the Stockholm Cathedral are daily from 09:00-16:00 (September-May), 09:00-17:00 (June) and 09:00-18:00 (July-August). The entrance fee is 60 SEK.
Directions
Your next stop is Axel Oxenstierna’s Palace (19) which is just on the adjacent street Högvaktsterrassen. You’ll be walking a distance of 50 m.
19. Axel Oxenstierna’s Palace
![What to see in Stockholm: The red colored Roman Mannerist facade of Axel Oxenstierna's Palace is one of the must-see attractions in Gamla Stan. Photo Credit: Bysmon, modified, [CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons.](https://www.nomadepicureans.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Stockholm-Walking-Tour-Axel-Oxenstiernas-palats.jpg)
Axel Oxenstierna’s Palace (Axel Oxenstiernas Palatset) is one of the hidden gems in Stockholm. It is unique among Stockholmâs architecture as it was designed in the Roman Mannerist style. It was built in the 17th century for Chancellor Axel Oxenstierna, one of Swedenâs most powerful and distinguished statesmen.
I really like the red facade of the palace which varies in roughly carved sandstone and plaster. Whatâs interesting is that Axel Oxenstierna perished during construction and thus the Oxenstierna family never resided in the building and it was never completed according to its original plan.
Directions
Your next stop is The Royal Palace (20) which is just opposite Axel Oxenstierna’s Palace.
20. The Royal Palace

The Royal Palace (Kungliga
Itâs a low, squat yellow-brown edifice with two arms that stretch towards the water and doesnât look so much like a palace from the outside. The building is still quite remarkable and the Rococo interior is pretty good. However, if youâve visited other major palaces in Europe like Versailles, Caserta or Schönbrunn, it will seem a little inferior.
Besides the Palace Apartments and stately rooms, the Royal Palace is home to several museums containing various antiquities and the amazing Royal Armory. If your timing is right, be sure not to miss the daily changing of the guard that takes place in the Outer Courtyard at noon (Sundays and holidays an hour later).
Directions
Your next stop is the Parliament Building (21) which is on Riksgatan. You’ll be walking a distance of 170 m.
21. Parliament Building

The Parliament House (Riksdaghuset) is the seat of the Swedish Parliament, the Riksdag. The building complex is divided into two distinct halves, the old building and the new one. The old building was lavishly constructed between 1897 and 1905 in Neoclassical style and features an attractive neo-Baroque columned facade. An enormous relief of the Swedish coat of arms looms over the central bronze doorway.
Two large arches connect the two buildings, which are divided by a pedestrianized street. The new building was formerly home to the Swedish National Bank and is notable for its semicircular glassy bulge. Iâm not really a fan of its design though. It is the hub of parliament activity and parliamentary debates can be seen here from the public gallery, which holds up to 500 spectators. Â
In the summer you can visit the Parliament Building on a guided tour. Tours in English start at 13:30, every Saturday and Sunday, and are free of charge but have to be booked in advance.
Directions
Your next stop is Rosenbad (22) which lies on the other side of Riksbron. You’ll be walking a distance of 100 m.
22. Rosenbad

The Rosenbad Complex consists of a collection of palatial buildings overlooking the Strömmen channel. These buildings are significant because they house the Swedish Government, the Prime Ministerâs private office and parts of the Migration Ministry and the Ministry of Justice in three internally linked sites.
The buildings were formerly home to a few prominent Swedish banks and private residences before the government offices took residence in 1981. Rosenbad gets its name from a former 17th-century bathhouse, which offered bathers a choice of a lily bath or a rose bath (rosenbad in Swedish).
The three buildings were built at the turn of the 20th century and showcase a variety of architectural styles. The Venetian-style palace along Strömgatan and the elaborate Baroque-inspired Art Nouveau features of the building on the corner of Fredsgatan and Drottninggatan are so beautiful.
Directions
Your next stop is the Sager Palace (23) which is lies just ahead on Strömgatan. You’ll be walking a distance of 90 m.
23. Sager Palace

The Sager Palace (Sagerska Palatset) is a former palace that now serves as the official residence of the Prime Minister of Sweden. The current structure is a result of several renovations at the end of the 19th century initiated by the diplomat Robert Sager who acquired the building in the 1880s.
The house was inhabited by members of the Sager family until 1986 and was then the last inhabited private palace in the inner Stockholm. It was subsequently acquired by the state and since 1995 has served as the Prime Ministerâs residence. The buildingâs facade is a lovely example of the French Baroque Revival style and features a mansard roof.
Directions
Your next stop is Arvfurstens Palace (24) which is just beside the Sager Palace.
24. Arvfurstens Palace

Next up on this free self-guided Stockholm walking tour is Arvfurstens Palace (Palace of the Hereditary Prince), which lies on one side of Gustav Adolfs Square. It was inaugurated in 1794 having been built for King Gustav IIIâs sister Sofia Albertina.
The palace and its decor are prime examples of the late Baroque style. Watch out for the pair of lions with the coat of arms on the roof and the festoons in the upper window areas. Since 1906 the building has been home to the Ministry for Foreign Affairs.
Directions
Your next stop on this Stockholm walking tour is the Royal Opera House (25) which is just on the other side of Gustav Adolfs Square. You’ll be walking a distance of 100 m.
25. Royal Opera House

The Royal Opera House (Kungliga Operan) is Sweden’s premier stage for opera and ballet. It was built in the nineteenth century at the Gustav Adolf Square, the site of Stockholm’s first opera house. It is a slightly ostentatious Neoclassical building dating back to 1898. The coloring of the building in the late Renaissance style is congruent with the Royal Palace and Parliament Building.
Iâm not the biggest fan of its exterior but the interior is sublime, with ceiling paintings above the staircase inspired by the Paris Opera. The auditorium is all gold leaf and red velvet and has its fair share of ornately decorated boxes, including the Royal Box.
Trivia Tidbit
King Gustav III was shot at a masked ball at the Royal Opera House in 1792 by a bloke called Jacob Anckarström. The story is recorded in Verdiâs opera âUn Ballo in Mascheraâ. Interestingly, the murder had been predicted to the king four years earlier, when he paid an anonymous visit to the celebrated soothsayer of the Gustavian era, Ulrica Arfvidsson.
Directions
Your next stop is St. Jacob’s Church (26) which is on Jakobs torg. You’ll be walking a distance of 200 m.
26. St. Jacob’s Church

St. Jacobâs Church (Jakobs Kyrka) is another overlooked attraction on this walking tour of Stockholm. The building of the church started in the 1580s but due to various delays, it wasnât completed until about 60 years later. It thus incorporates a wide range of architectural styles, such as Late Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque in its built. This probably makes this red-brick church the most eclectic one in Stockholm. Watch out for the stone porches that are beautifully crafted.
Directions
Your next stop is KungstrĂ€dgĂ„rden (27) which is just behind St. Jacob’s Church.
27. KungstrÀdgÄrden

KungstrĂ€dgĂ„rden (The Kingâs Garden) is the oldest park in Stockholm and the most fashionable park in the center of the city. It was once part of the Kingâs kitchen garden in the 15th century. The name is a little misleading since you wonât find designed flowerbeds and rose gardens here – itâs a pedestrianized paved square, in the form of an elongated rectangle, with a couple of lines of elm trees.
Today KungstrĂ€dgĂ„rden is one of the most popular recreation centers and meeting places in the city. Thereâs almost always something going on here like free music, live theater, food festivals, and exhibitions. There is also a Christmas market held in the park every weekend throughout December.
Directions
Your next stop is the Grand HĂŽtel (28) which lies on Södra Blasieholmshamnen. You’ll be walking a distance of 200 m.
28. Grand HĂŽtel
The famous Grand HĂŽtel occupies an enviable location on the cityâs waterfront. Swedenâs first five-star hotel has a rich history and tradition that stems back to 1874. The list of politicians, royalty, Nobel Prize laureates and glitterati that have all been guests of Grand HĂŽtel who have stayed here is impressive.
The hotelâs interiors carry substantial historical significance and have been classified as Swedish National Treasures. Most notable are the Spegelsalen (Hall of Mirrors), a copy of the one at Versailles, and VintertrĂ€dgĂ„rden (Winter Garden). Suffice to say that staying at the Grand HĂŽtel is out of my budget range!
Directions
Your next stop is the National Museum (29) which lies further down on Södra Blasieholmshamnen. You’ll be walking a distance of 200 m.
29. National Museum

The National Museum is the largest art museum in Sweden that is one of the most notable points of interest in Stockholm. The building was magnificently designed by the German architect Friedrich August StĂŒler, who was inspired by the Renaissance palaces of Florence and Venice. Completed in 1866, the museum houses over 16,000 paintings and sculptures from the late Middle Ages to the early 20th century. In addition, there are around 500,000 drawings and graphics from the 15th century to the early 20th century.
Old Masters like Rubens, Rembrandt, Goya are well represented as are Swedish artists like Alexander Roslin, Bruno Liljefors and Anders Zorn. One of the highlights of the museum is the Lady with the Veil, painted in 1769 by Roslin, and considered as an emblem of 18th century Sweden. The museum is also home to Scandinaviaâs largest collection of porcelain.
Directions
Your next stop is the Great Synagogue (30) which lies on Wahrendorffsgatan. You’ll be walking a distance of 600 m.
30. Great Synanogue

The Great Synagogue (Stora Synagogan) is the largest and the oldest of the three synagogues of Stockholm. It was inaugurated in 1870 and has since served as the focal point of Jewish life in the city. I really like its whitewashed exterior and Moorish Revival elements. The western facade features a richly decorated cornice and the eastern facadeâs got a rose window with six petals signifying the Star of David.
Directions
Your next stop is the Royal Dramatic Theater (31) which lies on Nybroplan. You’ll be walking a distance of 230 m.
31. Royal Dramatic Theater

The Royal Dramatic Theater (Kungliga Dramatiska Teatern) is the leading theater in Stockholm, with Swedenâs best thespians performing Shakespeare and Strindberg and more outrĂ© theater. When plans were drawn up in the early 20th century to build the present Royal Dramatic Theatre, the State refused to give financial aid, so it was funded by lotteries instead. The result was nothing short of spectacular and the building was erected using white marble inspired by Art Nouveau architecture in Vienna.
Fun Fact
Ingmar Bergman, one of the most accomplished and influential filmmakers of all time served as Director of the Royal Dramatic Theater from 1960 to 1966, creating more than 100 theatrical productions.
As much as I love the design of the buildingâs exterior, its interior is even more exquisite, The staircase and foyer are bedecked with opulent gold decorative work. Fantastic sculptures and busts are also found inside while the main auditorium is decorated with stucco and a ceiling painting.

Fun Fact
Just outside of the Royal Dramatic Theatre, near Nybrogatan, is a statue of the acclaimed Swedish actress Margaretha Krook, who died in 2001. The bronze statue is famous for maintaining a constant temperature of 37 ÂșC (99 ÂșF), even during wintertime, courtesy of heating coils.
Directions
Your next stop is Norrmalmstorg (32) which lies on Hamngatan. You’ll be walking a distance of 200 m.
32. Norrmalmstorg

The next attraction on this free self-guided Stockholm walking tour is Norrmalmstorg, a small square in central Stockholm that connects the shopping streets Hamngatan and Biblioteksgatan. The square itself is nothing special and is most famous for the Norrmalmstorg bank robbery.
This botched robbery incident took place in the former Sveriges Kreditbank in 1973, located on the corner of the square. During the six-day standoff, a seemingly anomalous and irrational bond developed between the four hostages and their two captors. This strange phenomenon confounded psychiatrists and gave birth to the term âStockholm Syndrome,â which has since found its way into the popular lexicon. The unfolding chaos dominated headlines around the globe and played out on television screens across Sweden.
Directions
Your next stop is Nordiska Kompaniet (NK) (33) which lies further west on Hamngatan. You’ll be walking a distance of 200 m.
33. Nordiska Kompaniet (NK)

If you’re looking for shopping options on this Stockholm walking tour, Nordiska Kompaniet (NK) is a great option. It is a large department store on Hamngatan that has been Stockholmâs premier upscale department store since its opening in 1915. The imposing building is famous for having the letters NK encircled in gold. Nordiska Kompaniet is one of the best places to shop for high-class fashion, cosmetics, Swedish crafts, jewelry, gourmet food and much more.
Directions
Your next stop is Hötorget (34). You’ll be walking a distance of 550 m.
34. Hötorget

Hötorget (Hay Market) is a public square, which during daytime is known for its a bustling market for fresh produce and flowers. Stockholmâs main market square has been around since the 1640s, except then it was a place for trading animal fodder, milk, vegetables, and meat. The main attraction at the square is the Orpheus fountain, which was created by Carl Milles, probably the most famous Swedish sculptor of the 20th century.
Among the buildings nearby the square is the glass-fronted Filmstaden Sergel, Stockholmâs biggest cinema complex and the five high-rises of Hötorgs City. The five modern high-rise buildings, erected in the 1950s, were regarded as iconic landmarks at the time and long symbolized modern Stockholm.
Fun Fact
Greta Garbo, the legendary Swedish actress and recluse, began her working life in Hötorget in Stockholm. She worked as a sales assistant in the hat section of the defunct PUB department store (the building is now home to the Scandic Haymarket Hotel) on the square before making it big in Hollywood.
Directions
Your next stop is the Stockholm Concert Hall (35) which is on the other side of Hötorget.
35. Stockholm Concert Hall

The Stockholm Concert Hall (Konserthuset) is the prominent building on Hötorget. The building is an architectural masterpiece having been built in Neoclassical manner and looks like a Nordic-themed Greek temple. Its monumental yet rather austere facade is characterized by its light blue color and ten tall Corinthian columns.
Since its opening in 1926, the Stockholm Concert Hall has been the home of the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra. The annual Nobel Prizes are awarded in its main hall every December.
Directions
Your final stop on this Stockholm walking tour is the Adolf Fredrik Church (36) which lies on HollĂ€ndargatan. You’ll be walking a distance of 450 m.
36. Adolf Fredrik Church

Your last stop on this self-guided Stockholm walking tour is the Adolf Fredrik Church (Adolf Fredriks kyrka). It was designed in Neoclassical style with hints of Rococo. The church was erected in the 18th century in the shape of a Greek cross and has a central dome. Although the church itself is rather unremarkable, it is famous for its noteworthy past. The French philosopher Rene Descartes was buried in the churchâs cemetery for eleven years before his body was taken back to France in 1661.
The reason why Adolf Fredrik Church holds particular significance for Swedes is that it is the final resting place of the former Swedish Prime Minister Olof Palme. On 28 February 1986 Palme, who was without a bodyguard, was gunned down in front of his wife at the corner of SveavÀgen and Tunnelgatan, while on his way home from Riviera cinema. The street where the murder occurred, is just around the corner of the Adolf Fredrik Church, and its western section was renamed Olof Palmes Gata.
A memorial plaque has now been placed there. Olof Palmeâs murder sent shockwaves through a nation which was rather immune to extremism at the time. Swedenâs biggest-ever murder inquiry was subsequently launched but to this day the murder remains unsolved, and allegations of police cover-ups and conspiracy theories still surface about the tragedy.
What Else to See in Stockholm
Obviously, there is plenty more to see in Stockholm than what we have covered in our walking tour. Places like the ritzy Ăstermalm borough, the hipster Södermalm borough, the verdant island of DjurgĂ„rden, and quaint Skeppsholmen all deserve to be seen.
Check out our post on how to spend one marvelous day in Stockholm or the perfect 3 days in Stockholm. And while youâre at it, why not check out our list of the best hotels and hostels in Stockholm? I have made sure to recommend only the best of the best (in terms of quality and value) đ
Now, what do you think? Did you enjoy our self-guided walking tour of Stockholm? Are there any other stops that we should be adding? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

Grace says
Hi! I just wanted to say thank you for this great guide! I was in Stockholm for a few hours only on a layover, and this walking tour was perfect. The descriptions & background info you provided made it so much more enjoyable. Great stuff!
Mihir says
Dear Grace, thank you for your feedback! Glad you enjoyed the walking tour and found the information useful. Cheers!
Mihir