Stockholm is known to be an expensive city, but many travelers don't know that there are numerous free things to do in Stockholm as well. So let's take a look at this travel season's 10 best activities and sights in Stockholm that won't cost you anything.
1. See the Changing of the Guard for Free
Courtesy of www.mil.se
The guard of the Swedish royal family consists of 30,000 individual guards. Watching this free 40-minute event in front of the residence of the King of Sweden is very interesting and a very popular attraction in Stockholm.
2. Free Walking Tour for Djurgarden
© KHG licensed to About.com
Stockholm's Djurgården (english: Game Park) is an island right in the middle of Stockholm, known for its beautiful green spaces and many sights. From any point in Stockholm, this free walking tour takes about 2 - 2 1/2 hour and will show you the best of Djurgården island.
3. Stockholm's Free (or Almost Free) Transportation
© KHG - licensed to About.com
With the Swedish city cards, you get free public transportation and free admission to countless attractions in Stockholm. The card pays for itself immediately. Your other option for "almost-free" transportation would be using Stockholm's CityBikes, the popular bicycle rental service. In good weather, at least.
4. Free Ice Skating in Stockholm
Stockholm in Winter - Stockholm Vis. Board
Kungstradgarden is a popular destination for both summer and winter travelers, but in winter Stockholm offers a free activity here: ice skating! From mid-November until March, with live music and stands with hot drinks and foods. One of the most popular free things to do in Stockholm in winter! In summer, Kungstradgarden is an outdoor venue for free events.
5. Free Street Map of Stockholm
© Stockh. Dept. of Mathematics & Statistics
There's a free street map of Stockholm's city center that you can download or print out for your Stockholm visit, along with other Scandinavian maps.
6. Relax at 2 Free Beaches in Stockholm
©HarrietP-08
Långholmsbadet and Smedsuddsbadet are two swimming beaches right in Stockholm, so you don't even have to go anywhere. In the summer these are very popular beaches for sunbathers - especially on weekends. Come in the morning to get a good spot.
7. Stockholm's Free Annual Events
Stockholm Pride Festival
- Midsummers Eve celebrations (June)
- The "Taste of Stockholm" Festival (June)
- The Stockholm Pride Festival (July/August)
- Nobel Prize Award lectures (December)
8. Free Swedish "Cheat Sheet" for Stockholm Trips
Ladies Talking
Basic Swedish expressions? Just want to say hi and bye, please and thanks? Use this practical cheat sheet with the most useful Swedish phrases and take it with you to Stockholm.
9. Stockholm's Free but Beautiful Churches
Church in Stockholm
Visiting a church isn't just for religious people - enter the churches and enjoy the beautiful artwork inside. I find the following churches in Stockholm worth visiting:
- The Royal Cathedral ("Storkyrkan") in Stockholm in Gamla Stan,
- the Katarina Church at Högbergsgatan 15,
- St Maria Magdalena at St. Paulsgatan 10 on Sodermalm,
- Riddarholmen Church, and
- the Gustav Vasa Church along Karlbergsvägen.
10. Free Museums in Stockholm
Stockholm, Sweden
Even visiting a museum can be free in Stockholm. There's free admission at both the Moderna Museet (modern art and sculptures) and the Arkitekturmuseet (architecture and design). You'll find both of them next to the Nationalmuseum (which unfortunately isn't free).
