Things to do in Stortorget Stockholm: 12 Must-See Highlights in Sweden’s Most Iconic Square

When we first arrived at Stortorget, the main square of Gamla Stan (Stockholm), we were completely mesmerized. The vibrant colorful buildings, the medieval atmosphere still lingering in every cobblestone, and the unique energy of this place captivated us from the very first moment.
After spending hours exploring every corner of this historic square, we compiled everything you need to know about things to do in Stortorget Stockholm. This square is not only the geographic heart of the old town, but also the epicenter of centuries of Swedish history, from royal coronations to the infamous Stockholm Bloodbath. Join us on this detailed tour through one of the most photogenic and history-laden places in all of Scandinavia.

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1. The Nobel Prize Museum: Dive into the History of the World’s Most Prestigious Awards

The Nobel Prize Museum, located in the imposing Stock Exchange building on the north side of Stortorget, was our first essential stop. This interactive museum transported us through over a century of innovation, creativity, and human progress. The permanent collection features the fascinating stories of Nobel laureates, from Marie Curie to Malala Yousafzai.

• Time required: 1.5 to 2 hours for a full visit
• Best time: Weekday mornings to avoid school groups
• Price: 130 SEK for adults, 90 SEK for students (free with Stockholm Pass)
• Practical tip: Audioguides are usually included

Traveler’s tip: If you can, visit the Bistro Nobel on the ground floor even if you don’t enter the museum. They serve the same ice cream offered at the Nobel banquet, and the experience of sitting in the famous chairs is unique. Book in advance if you want to secure a table.

2. The Colored Buildings: The Perfect Stockholm Postcard

If there is one image that defines things to do in Stortorget Stockholm, it is undoubtedly the iconic colored facades that surround the square. These 17th-century Gothic and Renaissance buildings left us speechless every time we gazed at them. The deep red, golden yellow, terracotta orange, and moss green create a spectacular visual contrast, especially when the afternoon sun illuminates the facades.
Each building has its own story, and we spent hours simply observing the architectural details.

• Time required: 30-45 minutes to appreciate and photograph
• Best time: Golden hour (one hour before sunset) for the best photos
• Best photo location: Southwest corner of the square to capture the whole row
• Practical tip: Visit at different times of the day; the light completely changes the atmosphere
• Special detail: Look for the commemorative plaques on the facades that tell individual stories

Traveler’s tip: To get the perfect photo without tourists, arrive before 7:30 AM in summer or around 8:30 AM in winter. The morning light is soft and the streets are practically empty. Bring a tripod if you want to take long-exposure shots with the shiny cobblestones after the rain.

The History behind the Colors

Originally, these buildings did not look as vibrant as they do today. During the 18th century, the facades were mainly gray and ochre. It was during a renovation in the late 19th century that it was decided to restore them with the current colors, based on historical research suggesting that mercantile buildings from the Hanseatic era were often painted in striking tones to distinguish different guilds and merchant families.
The most intense red building, known as Schantzska huset, belonged to one of the most influential families in Stockholm in the 17th century.

3. The Bloodbath Square: Understanding the Darkest Episode in Swedish History

Stortorget is sadly famous for being the setting of the Stockholms blodbad (Stockholm Bloodbath) in 1520, one of the most traumatic events in Scandinavian history. Although today the square radiates charm and beauty, we couldn’t help but feel a shiver knowing that right where we stood, the Danish King Christian II ordered the execution of 82 Swedish nobles, bishops, and citizens in an attempt to consolidate his power over Sweden.
This event catalyzed the rebellion that eventually led to Swedish independence.

• Time required: 15-20 minutes to read the information plaques
• Best time: Anytime, but the afternoon gives it a more reflective atmosphere
• Location: Commemorative plaques on the pavement near the central fountain
• Practical tip: Download a historical augmented reality app before visiting
• Historical connection: Visit the Royal Palace afterwards to see how the modern Swedish monarchy emerged

Traveler’s tip: If you are fascinated by history, hire a specific free walking tour about Gamla Stan that delves into the Bloodbath. Local guides tell chilling details and contextualize the event in a way that information signs cannot.

The White Stones: A Permanent Memory

On the pavement of Stortorget, you will find 82 white stones embedded in the cobblestone floor. Each one represents one of the victims of the bloodbath. This discreet but powerful memorial seemed like an elegant way to honor the fallen without dominating the square’s aesthetic.

4. The Stortorget Fountain: The Historic Meeting Point

In this square, there is a beautiful fountain that served as a social meeting point for centuries. Although the current fountain dates back to the 19th century, there were wells and fountains in this same spot since medieval times. We loved watching how locals and tourists naturally congregate around it, continuing a centuries-old tradition.
During our multiple visits, we saw street performers, musicians, and even marriage proposals by this fountain.

• Time required: 10-15 minutes to appreciate and rest
• Best time: Mid-afternoon when the sun hits the water
• Practical tip: A perfect place to sit and watch the pace of the square
• Historical functionality: It was the neighborhood’s main source of drinking water until the 19th century
• Photography: Use it as a foreground element for photos of the buildings

Traveler’s tip: The area around the fountain is ideal for sitting and simply soaking up the atmosphere. Bring a coffee from one of the nearby cafes (we recommend Chokladkoppen, right on the corner) and spend at least half an hour people-watching. It is in these quiet moments that we truly connect with the essence of a place.

5. Medieval Alleys: Exploring the Immediate Surroundings

One of the things we liked most about Stortorget is that it serves as the perfect starting point to get lost in the extremely narrow medieval alleys that surround the square. Streets like Köpmangatan, Tyska Brinken, and Prästgatan literally transported us to another era. The buildings lean towards each other, the streets are so narrow that sometimes we could touch both walls simultaneously, and every corner reveals a new picturesque view or a fascinating craft shop.

• Time required: 1-2 hours to explore leisurely
• Best time: Anytime, but the afternoon offers more dramatic light
• Practical tip: Wear comfortable shoes; cobblestones can be slippery
• Narrowest street: Mårten Trotzigs gränd, only 90 centimeters wide
• Recommendation: Get lost deliberately; maps ruin the magic of discovery

Traveler’s tip: Mårten Trotzigs gränd, the narrowest street in Stockholm, is just two minutes from Stortorget. Go down the stairs and experience what it was like to move around the medieval city. It is incredibly photogenic, but also extremely popular, so go early if you want a photo without people.

Hidden Shops and Boutiques

The alleys around Stortorget house some of the most charming shops we found in our years of travel. From artisan workshops producing traditional leather goods to small contemporary Scandinavian art galleries, every door could hide a treasure. We especially liked the antique shops on Österlånggatan, where we found vintage Swedish design pieces at surprisingly reasonable prices. Don’t miss Iris Hantverk, a brush-making workshop with over a century of history.

6. Historic Cafes with Square Views

One of our favorite activities in Stortorget is simply sitting on one of the cafe terraces surrounding the square and watching life go by. Several establishments offer prime views, but two stand out especially.
Chokladkoppen, on the southeast corner, is famous for its thick and creamy hot chocolate, while Café Sten Sture, with floor-to-ceiling windows facing the square, offers a more refined experience with exceptional traditional Swedish pastries.

• Time required: 45 minutes to 1 hour per cafe
• Best time: Mid-morning or mid-afternoon to avoid peak lunch hours
• Average price: Coffee and cake 80-120 SEK per person (depending on the place)
• Practical tip: Ask for a kanelbulle (cinnamon roll) at Chokladkoppen, they are exceptional
• Reservations: Not necessary for coffee, but recommended for meals in summer

Traveler’s tip: If the weather permits, sit on the outdoor terrace of Chokladkoppen. They usually have wool blankets available for customers even on cool days, and the experience of drinking hot coffee while watching the colored buildings is unbeatable. In winter, get a window seat at Café Sten Sture for spectacular views while staying warm.

The Fika Culture in Stortorget

Stortorget is the perfect place to experience fika, the Swedish tradition of taking a break for coffee and something sweet, which is fundamental to the country’s culture. It’s not just about having coffee; it’s a moment of disconnection, conversation, and reflection. We observed that many locals come alone with a book, as a couple for a quiet chat, or with friends to catch up. The pace is deliberately slow, and this philosophy helped us connect more deeply with the spirit of Stockholm.

7. Photography in Stortorget: Best Angles and Moments

As amateur photographers obsessed with capturing the essence of every place we visit, Stortorget became our favorite playground in Stockholm. The square offers exceptional photographic opportunities at any time of day and in any season. From the vibrant colors in the sun to the magnificent winter scenes, from golden sunrises to blue sunsets, every moment offers a different perspective of this iconic place.

• Time required: Dedicate at least an hour if you enjoy photography
• Best time: Golden hour (sunrise or one hour before sunset)
• Best location: Southwest corner for full buildings, center for architectural details
• Practical tip: Visit in different seasons for a diverse portfolio

Traveler’s tip: For truly unique photos, visit Stortorget right after a light rain when the cobblestones are wet and reflect the colored buildings. Also, try photographing from the second floor of the Nobel Prize Museum if you have access; the elevated perspective offers compositions that most tourists never capture. Use a low ISO sensitivity and a tripod for spectacular night shots.

8. Local Gastronomy: Where to Eat Near Stortorget

Although Gamla Stan can be touristy, there are still exceptional restaurants where locals eat regularly. During our multiple visits, we tried dozens of establishments and selected the best ones that combine quality, authenticity, and convenient location relative to Stortorget. The gastronomic scene around the square ranges from traditional husmanskost (Swedish home cooking) to modern interpretations of Nordic classics.

Traditional Swedish Restaurants

Den Gyldene Freden, a five-minute walk from Stortorget, is one of the oldest restaurants in the world in continuous operation since 1722. They serve traditional Swedish dishes like köttbullar (Swedish meatballs) with mashed potatoes, lingonberries, and pickled cucumber, and gravad lax (marinated salmon).
The atmosphere is elegant yet cozy, with low wooden ceilings and candles on every table. Book at least a week in advance, especially for dinner as it is a Top spot.

For a more informal yet equally authentic experience, Restaurant Tradition is a great option. Located two minutes from the square, it offers a rotating menu of traditional Swedish dishes at more affordable prices. Try their toast skagen (toasted bread with shrimp salad and dill). The staff is extremely friendly and the atmosphere is family-oriented.

For quality vegetarian food, Hermitage is a vegetarian/vegan buffet restaurant that offers healthy options at a good price. The quality is consistently good, and it’s perfect if you need a break from the heavier options of traditional Swedish cuisine. We ate here and liked it a lot for having a delicious vegetarian option.

Must-Try Sweets and Desserts

You cannot leave Stortorget without trying a semla (cardamom bun filled with cream and marzipan) if you visit between January and Easter. Café Järntorget, near the square, makes some of the best in the city.

We also highly recommend the chokladbollar (chocolate balls with coconut) from any local konditori; they are a Swedish classic that costs only 25-30 SEK and is perfect for an energy boost between visits.

9. Day Trips from Stortorget

Stortorget square serves as the perfect base to explore not only Gamla Stan, but also other Stockholm attractions and its surroundings. The square’s central location means that practically everything in the Stockholm metropolitan area is accessible by public transport in less than an hour. Based on our experiences, these are the best day trips you can take using Stortorget as your starting point.

Djurgården / Vasa Museum

Just 15 minutes by tram from Gamla Stan, Djurgården is an island-park that houses some of Stockholm’s best museums. The Vasa Museum, which exhibits a perfectly preserved 17th-century warship, is absolutely unmissable. If you’re interested, dedicate 2-3 hours here. Afterwards, walk through Djurgården visiting Skansen (open-air museum) or the ABBA Museum if you are fans. A full day including transport and multiple museums. The ferry from Gamla Stan to Djurgården is picturesque and costs only the price of regular public transport with your SL card.

Drottningholm Palace

The official residence of the Swedish royal family is 45 minutes by metro and bus from Stortorget, or you can take the tourist boat that departs from near the Royal Palace (a one-hour picturesque journey). The palace and its formal French gardens are a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is recommended to spend at least half a day here. Admission 160 SEK for adults. The gardens are free and highly recommended in summer. Bring a picnic to eat in the gardens by the water.

Stockholm Archipelago

If you have a full day, take a trip to the archipelago. From Strömkajen (a 10-minute walk from Stortorget), regular ferries depart for islands like Vaxholm, Grinda, or Sandhamn. Vaxholm, a 1-hour ferry ride away, is perfect for a day trip: charming town, historic fortress, and exceptional seafood restaurants. The ferry is included on the SL card if you have the multi-day one. Bring warm clothing; it’s always colder on the water even in summer.

Sigtuna: Sweden’s Oldest City

One hour by public transport, Sigtuna is a perfect excursion if you want to experience a small medieval Swedish town. Streets with Viking runes, Sweden’s smallest shopping street, and a quiet atmosphere very different from Stockholm.
Combine it with a visit to the nearby Skokloster Palace for a full day of Swedish history.

Accommodation in Stockholm

In Stockholm, there is accommodation for all styles and budgets, although it is advisable to book in advance because it is not a cheap city. We usually look for well-connected apartments in neighborhoods like Södermalm or Kungsholmen, where you can live in the city more calmly and move easily by public transport.
If it is your first time, sleeping in Stortorget or near Gamla Stan or Norrmalm is practical for visiting the essentials on foot, although the price is usually higher.

➜ Accommodation in Stockholm (HERE)

➜ Accommodation in Stortorget / Gamla Stan

10. Itinerary: How to Organize 2-3 Days Centered on Stortorget

After multiple visits to Stockholm, we perfected the ideal itinerary to experience Stortorget and its surroundings without haste while maximizing every moment. This plan assumes you are staying in or near Gamla Stan and want to explore the old town in depth with time for excursions. Adapt according to your specific interests.

2-Day Itinerary

Day 1 – Immersion in Gamla Stan:

Morning (8:00-12:00): Arrive at Stortorget early for photos without crowds. Breakfast at Chokladkoppen. If interested, visit the Nobel Prize Museum when it opens at 10:00. Explore the medieval alleys around the square, especially Mårten Trotzigs gränd and Tyska Brinken.

Afternoon (12:00-18:00): Lunch at Tradition or Hermitage. Visit the Royal Palace (it’s a 5-minute walk). Attend the changing of the guard if the time is right. Walk along the east coast of Gamla Stan with views of the water. Return to Stortorget for a fika at sunset.

Night (18:00-22:00): Dinner at Den Gyldene Freden or the place of your choice. Night walk through Gamla Stan illuminated. Night photography in Stortorget if you like photography.

Day 2 – Museums and Archipelago:

Morning (8:00-13:00): Ferry from Gamla Stan to Djurgården. Visit the Vasa Museum (2-3 hours). Walk through Djurgården to Skansen or the ABBA Museum according to preferences.

Afternoon (13:00-22:00): Lunch in Djurgården. Ferry back and get ready for a mini-cruise through the archipelago (departure around 3:00-4:00 PM). Afternoon/evening cruise through the archipelago (there are 2-3 hour options). Light dinner on board or in Gamla Stan upon return.

3 Days in Stockholm

Day 3 – Cultural Excursion:

Option A – Drottningholm: Half a day at Drottningholm Palace in the morning, free afternoon in Stortorget and shopping in Gamla Stan.

Option B – Sigtuna: Full day in Sigtuna and surroundings, return to Gamla Stan for a late dinner.

Option C – Deep Dive into Stockholm: Visit Fotografiska (photography museum), Södermalm neighborhood, Östermalms Saluhall market, and a relaxed afternoon in Stortorget.

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Key Stortorget Facts

• Age: Over 750 years as a public square (since approximately 1270)
• Movies filmed here: More than 30 international films
• Restaurants/cafes in the square: 8 establishments with a terrace
• Average price of a full meal: 180-350 SEK
• Average visit time: 45 minutes (square only), 3-4 hours (including museums)

Best Time to Visit According to Interests

• Photography: June-July (maximum light) or December (Christmas market and snow)
• Fewer crowds: March-April or September-October
• Local experience: January-February (locals reclaim the square)
• Optimal weather: May-June (mild, long days, fewer tourists than July-August)
• Special events: December (Christmas market), Midsummer (late June)
• Reduced budget: November-February (except Christmas), lower accommodation prices

Frequently Asked Questions about Stortorget

How do I get to Stortorget from Arlanda airport?

From Arlanda airport, take the Arlanda Express to Stockholm Central Station (approx. 20 minutes). From there, you can walk 15 minutes through Gamla Stan to Stortorget or take the metro to Gamla Stan (one stop) and walk 5 minutes. Alternatively, the Flygbussarna bus is cheaper but takes 45 minutes. There are also commuter trains but they take about 40 minutes to reach the city.

Do I need to buy tickets in advance for the Nobel Prize Museum?

It is not strictly necessary for most of the year, but recommended in high season (June-August) and during school holidays. Online tickets sometimes offer small discounts. If you have the Stockholm Pass, admission is usually included and you can enter directly without queuing. The museum is never so crowded that you can’t get in, but you could wait 15-30 minutes on peak days without a reservation.

Are there public restrooms near Stortorget?

The nearest restrooms are inside the Nobel Prize Museum (accessible only with an admission ticket) or in the restaurants and cafes around the square for customers. There are free public restrooms at the Royal Palace, a 5-minute walk away. One option is to buy a small coffee at any establishment in the square, which entitles you to use their facilities without feeling uncomfortable.

Is Stortorget accessible for strollers and wheelchairs?

The square itself is relatively flat and accessible, although the cobblestones can be a bit uneven for strollers. However, many of the surrounding Gamla Stan streets have stairs and are very narrow, which can be challenging. The Nobel Prize Museum is fully accessible with elevators. For families with small children or people in wheelchairs, plan routes carefully and be prepared for some detours.

What unique souvenirs can I buy in Stortorget?

The best authentic souvenirs include: Kosta Boda or Orrefors crystal items (traditional Swedish glass), artisan leather goods from local workshops in nearby alleys, Iris Hantverk items (Swedish artisan brushes), ceramics from local Scandinavian designers, and groceries like artisanal pepparkakor, lingonberry jam, or quality Swedish chocolate. Avoid the obvious tourist shops in the square itself and explore the side streets for authentic treasures.

How much money do I need to budget for a day in Stortorget and its surroundings?

Minimum budget (student/backpacker): 350-450 SEK per person (museum admission, fika, cheap meal). Medium budget (standard traveler): 700-900 SEK per person (museum, two normal meals, coffee, small purchases). Comfortable budget (travel without restrictions): 1,200-1,800 SEK per person (multiple museums, quality food, souvenirs, additional experiences). Don’t forget that public transport is separate: a 24-hour card costs 165 SEK and covers subway, buses, trams, and local ferries.

Conclusion: Why Stortorget Deserves to be on Your Itinerary

After our 10-day visit, with different climates on different days and hundreds of photos taken, we kept discovering new places, stories, and magical moments every time we went to Stortorget. This square is not just a tourist spot to check off a list; it is the beating heart of Swedish history, a living testament to centuries of transformation, tragedy, and triumph. From the dark Bloodbath to the brilliant Nobel prizes, from medieval guilds to modern hipsters having fika, Stortorget Stockholm perfectly encapsulates the European ability to honor the past while embracing the present.

We hope this guide on things to do in Stortorget Stockholm helps you plan your visit and, more importantly, inspires you to live it with the same intensity and appreciation with which we experienced it. See you around the world! Happy travels!

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