My Photography & Travel Guide to Stockholm, Sweden
If you’re dreaming of a city where vibrant culture, historic charm, and breathtaking photo ops meet on nearly every corner, Stockholm is it. This city of fourteen islands is a blend of the old and the new, with cobbled medieval streets and waterfront views contrasting with sleek Scandinavian design. Stockholm feels like it was made for photographers, with a palette of pastel buildings, glistening waterways, and endless cityscape reflections.
Stockholm is often dubbed the "Venice of the North," thanks to its network of islands and bridges. But it’s more than just water that sets this city apart. Here, art, fashion, and history blend seamlessly, with each island offering something new to explore. Gamla Stan, the Old Town, is a photographer's dream, with its narrow, winding streets, brightly colored buildings, and hidden alleyways. Add in modern neighborhoods, like Södermalm, packed with cafes, murals, and waterfront walks, and you have a city that offers photo opportunities at every turn.
Let’s dive into why Stockholm should be on your travel photography list and all the tips to make the most of your stay!
Where to Stay
To fully immerse yourself in Stockholm’s charm, stay in the Norrmalm district. Centrally located and close to shopping, dining, and many photography hotspots, it’s a convenient hub for exploring. Here are some of the best hotels in this area:
The ETT Hem
Luxury Hotels
Grand Hôtel Stockholm – Iconic and glamorous, with waterfront views and classic Swedish luxury.
Hotel Diplomat – Set in an art nouveau building, it’s beautifully located on Strandvägen with waterfront access.
Ett Hem – A luxurious boutique hotel housed in a 1910 townhouse, offering a personalized and intimate experience with beautifully designed rooms and a serene garden. I love this hotel!
Mid-Range Hotels
Hotel C Stockholm – Cozy and central, known for its Ice Bar and proximity to Stockholm Central Station.
Scandic Klara – A stylish and affordable hotel with a lovely breakfast and easy access to city highlights.
Hotel Kungsträdgården – Set right by the beautiful Kungsträdgården park, ideal for capturing scenic shots nearby.
For a unique experience, consider Hotel Skeppsholmen, located on the tranquil island of Skeppsholmen. Housed in historic 17th-century buildings, this boutique hotel offers a serene retreat with easy access to the city's attractions. Its waterfront location provides stunning views and is a short walk from the Moderna Museet, making it a perfect base for photographers seeking both inspiration and relaxation.
Hotel Skeppsholman
How Long to Stay
A 4-day trip is ideal for exploring Stockholm at a relaxed pace. This allows time for leisurely photography walks through different districts, a day on the water to capture island views, and plenty of stops for fika (Swedish coffee breaks).
The Colors of Stockholm
Best Time to Visit
Late spring (May) and early autumn (September) are the best times to visit. The weather is mild, the skies are often clear, and the daylight is long – perfect for maximizing your photography sessions. Summer is also lovely, with warmer temperatures and endless daylight, but it can be crowded with tourists.
Getting Around
Stockholm is incredibly walkable, and public transportation is efficient. You can rely on the SL (Stockholm’s public transport) system, which includes buses, trains, trams, and ferries. Yes, Uber and Bolt are also available, making it easy to get around when you have a lot of gear in tow. I like walking since it helps me discover beautiful photography locations.
Where to Eat: Top Restaurants & Coffee Shops
Stockholm’s food scene is vibrant, with plenty of cozy spots to relax and refuel after a photo session.
Restaurants
Fotografiska Restaurant – Located within Stockholm’s iconic photography museum, this spot offers sweeping views and sustainable cuisine.
Oaxen Slip – A trendy bistro on Djurgården, serving Nordic flavors in a rustic boathouse setting.
Pelikan – This Södermalm institution is famous for classic Swedish dishes like meatballs and herring.
Kajsas Fisk – In Hötorgshallen food market, this unassuming spot serves some of the best seafood in the city.
Urban Deli Nytorget – A hip spot in Södermalm with a grocery, bar, and restaurant; great for people-watching.
Coffee Shops
Drop Coffee – Known for high-quality brews, perfect for a mid-day coffee break and people-watching.
Café Pascal – Located in Vasastan, with award-winning coffee and a cozy vibe.
Johan & Nyström – This coffee roastery and cafe near Mariatorget has a modern interior and lovely natural light.
Komet Café Stockholm - fantastic service and coffee.
Caffellini - Great experience, delicious coffee, wonderful atmosphere.
Stockholm has some of the best coffee shops in the world
Photography Gear to Bring
To capture Stockholm’s diverse landscapes and architectural gems, here’s a suggested setup:
Camera Body: A full-frame mirrorless like the Sony A7R IV or Canon EOS R5 for stunning image quality and low-light performance.
Lenses:
24-70mm f/2.8: A versatile choice for street shots, architectural details, and everyday moments.
16-35mm f/2.8: Ideal for capturing the city’s sweeping landscapes and dramatic views of the waterways.
70-200mm f/2.8: Perfect for compressing Stockholm’s layered architecture and isolating interesting details.
Tripod: A compact, travel-friendly tripod for low-light and night shots.
Filters: Bring an ND filter for long exposures, especially useful for capturing reflections on water.
Best Photography Locations
Gamla Stan (Old Town) –
Capture Stockholm’s medieval heart with colorful buildings, cobbled streets, and narrow alleys.
You could walk for hours in the historic center. It’s so colorful, with lots of small streets and alleyways.
Coloful Houses from Stortoget
Djurgården –
A lush island with historical sites, including the Vasa Museum and Skansen. Ideal for nature and historical shots.
The museum houses the Vasa, a 17th-century warship that sank on its maiden voyage in 1628. It was salvaged in 1961, remarkably well-preserved after 333 years underwater. It's the only fully intact ship from this era to have been recovered, offering a unique glimpse into naval engineering and life aboard a warship from centuries ago.
Fun Fact:
The Vasa sank after sailing just 1,400 meters (4,593 feet), making it one of history's most infamous engineering blunders—yet its preservation has turned it into a cultural treasure!
Södermalm’s Monteliusvägen –
This scenic walking path offers some of the best panoramic views of Stockholm’s skyline, especially at sunset.
The Royal Palace –
A must-see for architectural and historical photos, with regal interiors and ceremonial guards. The Royal Palace of Stockholm (Kungliga slottet) is one of the largest palaces in Europe and a must-visit site in the Swedish capital.
The Royal Palace is the official residence of the Swedish monarch (though the royal family actually lives at Drottningholm Palace). It remains an active site for official state ceremonies, banquets, and royal receptions, making it a living piece of history.
Stadshuset (City Hall) –
Known for its tower, red brick architecture, and water views, City Hall is especially photogenic at dusk.
Designed by Ragnar Östberg and completed in 1923, the City Hall is a stunning example of Swedish National Romanticism. Its 106-meter-tall tower, crowned with the Three Crowns (Sweden’s national emblem), dominates Stockholm’s skyline and offers breathtaking views of the city.
Stadshuset is renowned worldwide as the venue for the Nobel Prize banquet, held annually on December 10th in the lavish Blue Hall (Blå Hallen).
Skeppsholmen –
This small island offers a great vantage point of Stockholm’s skyline, and the bridge leading here is ideal for long-exposure shots.
Gilded Crown on Skeppsholmsbron
The gilded crown atop the bridge's railings symbolizes Sweden’s monarchy and national pride. Its golden shimmer captures the essence of Stockholm’s nickname, the "Capital of Scandinavia."
Svea Hovratt
The cobblestone streets and walkways leading to the court create natural leading lines that draw attention to the building.
Statue of Evert Taube
Evert Taube (1890–1976) was a celebrated Swedish troubadour, composer, and author, renowned for his contributions to Swedish music and literature.Situated in Gamla Stan (Old Town), this statue stands at the eastern end of Järntorget square.
The Metro
The Stockholm Metro (Tunnelbana) is often referred to as the world’s longest art gallery, with over 90 of its 100 stations adorned with artwork by more than 150 artists. Exploring these stations is like walking through a vast underground museum.
Special Festivals & Holidays
If your timing aligns, consider visiting during Midsummer (late June) for traditional celebrations across the city. Another unique time is December when Stockholm is transformed into a winter wonderland with festive lights, markets, and plenty of holiday cheer.
Ready to Capture Stockholm?
Stockholm is a photographer’s paradise with its captivating blend of old-world charm, water views, and modern Scandinavian flair. From Gamla Stan’s alleyways to Södermalm’s hipster cafes, every corner of the city has something to offer your lens. Whether you're here to capture the sunset over the islands or the vibrant street life, Stockholm will leave you inspired and eager to explore.
If you enjoyed this guide to Stockholm, you can check out my other Photography and Travel Guides here. And don’t forget to subscribe to my newsletter for more travel tips, gear recommendations, and exclusive photography insights straight to your inbox!