Stockholm is built on 14 islands connected by bridges, earning it the nickname 'Venice of the North'. Its medieval old town, world-class museums and stunning archipelago make it one of the most beautiful cruise destinations in the Baltic.
What to Do in a Day in Stockholm
Start at Gamla Stan, the medieval old town, to explore narrow cobblestone lanes, the Royal Palace and Stortorget square. Visit the Vasa Museum to see the remarkably preserved 17th-century warship. Walk across to Djurgården island for ABBA The Museum or the Skansen open-air museum. Try Swedish meatballs and cinnamon buns at a traditional café.
The tours below are not organized by the cruise lines. Bookings are made directly with GetYourGuide and you are responsible for getting back to the ship on time. If you prefer the cruise line's guarantee, contact our travel advisors after booking.
Cruise Port Address
Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN)
ARN ~40 km north of central Stockholm. The Arlanda Express runs between ARN and Stockholm Central in ~20 min (~SEK 340 / ~€30). Flygbussarna airport coach takes ~45 min for ~SEK 129 (~€12). From Stockholm Central, take Metro red line to Gärdet + bus 1/76 for Frihamnen (~25 min) or bus 53 for Stadsgården (~10 min). Flat-rate taxis ~SEK 600–700 (~€55–65).
Old Town (Gamla Stan)
Stadsgården is ~1 km from Gamla Stan — a flat 15–20 min walk along the waterfront, or a short ride on bus 53. Frihamnen is ~5 km from Gamla Stan — bus 1 and bus 76 run to Kungsträdgården / Old Town in ~20 min for ~SEK 39 (~€3.50). Cruise-line shuttles (paid, ~€10–15) are also offered.
Stockholm Weather by Month
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. High °C | -1° | -1° | 3° | 9° | 16° | 20° | 23° | 21° | 16° | 10° | 5° | 1° |
| Rainfall mm | 🌤️ 40 mm | 🌤️ 27 mm | 🌤️ 26 mm | 🌤️ 30 mm | 🌤️ 30 mm | 🌤️ 45 mm | 🌤️ 60 mm | 🌦️ 65 mm | 🌤️ 55 mm | 🌤️ 50 mm | 🌤️ 50 mm | 🌤️ 45 mm |
Available cruises
Costa Diadema7 days Northern Europe
Kiel, Germany
14 May 2027 - 21 May 2027
Costa Diadema7 days Northern Europe
Copenhagen, Denmark
15 May 2027 - 22 May 2027
MSC Splendida34 days Transoceanic
Buenos Aires, Argentina - Copenhagen, Denmark
1 Apr 2028 - 5 May 2028
MSC Magnifica11 days Northern Europe
Warnemunde (Berlin), Germany
24 Sep 2026 - 5 Oct 2026
MSC Magnifica8 days Northern Europe
Stockholm, Sweden - Oslo, Norway
9 Sep 2027 - 17 Sep 2027
MSC Magnifica7 days Northern Europe
Copenhagen, Denmark
4 Sep 2027 - 11 Sep 2027
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, MSC Cruises, Costa Cruises, Royal Caribbean and Silversea offer excursions including Gamla Stan walking tours, archipelago boat trips, Vasa Museum visits and Viking heritage tours.
Ships typically dock for 9–12 hours. The scenic approach through the Stockholm archipelago is itself a highlight, so try to be on deck.
Yes, from the Stadsgården cruise terminal, Gamla Stan is just a 15-minute walk. Public transport is excellent, and the Stockholm Pass provides free entry to many attractions.