Stockholm: Old Town, Vasa Museum & Drottningholm Palace Tour

Summary

All main Stockholm sights in one day with stories food & laughter

You’ll explore Stockholm’s Old Town on foot with a local guide, step inside the Vasa Museum to see its legendary warship up close, stroll through Drottningholm Palace and gardens, and share lunch with your small group—all logistics handled so you can focus on soaking up stories and moments you’ll remember long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t think I’d start my Stockholm day trip standing under the shadow of a 17th-century warship, but there we were—inside the Vasa Museum, staring up at this massive wooden beast that sank on its maiden voyage. Our guide, Lars (who had this dry Swedish humor), told us how they pulled it from the mud after 333 years. The smell in there—kind of salty and woody—still clings to my jacket. We wandered around the decks while he pointed out cannon holes and weird carvings. I kept losing track of time because it was just so strange seeing something that old looking like it could still float (it can’t, obviously).

Lunch came right after—Swedish meatballs for me, veggie option for my friend. There was talk about fika but we saved that for later. Then off to Drottningholm Palace, which honestly looked like something out of a storybook when you catch it across the water. The drive only took about 20 minutes but felt shorter because our driver played ABBA quietly and everyone started humming along (except me—I’m tone deaf). Walking through those palace halls with our group felt a bit surreal; gold ceilings, creaky floors, and a guide who actually knew which queen hated which wallpaper pattern. Outside in the baroque gardens, I tried to imagine royal kids playing hide-and-seek among the hedges. Maybe they still do?

The old town—Gamla Stan—was all crooked alleys and cobblestones that made my knees complain. We stopped at Stortorget square where there’s this odd silence even though tourists are everywhere. Lars told us about rebellions and dark history stuff that happened right on those stones; I could almost picture it if I squinted past the souvenir shops. Someone suggested fika again so we ducked into a café for cinnamon buns and coffee (not included but worth every krona). Swedes really know how to make you slow down over pastry.

I keep thinking about how much we packed into one day—the Royal Palace’s guards shuffling their feet outside, the wind off Riddarfjärden bay making us all zip up our jackets tighter, even the way people here nod instead of waving goodbye. It wasn’t perfect (I nearly lost my ticket at one point), but maybe that’s what makes these tours feel real—you’re just another person weaving through centuries of someone else’s city.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Stockholm main attractions tour

• Guided tour of Vasa Museum
• Lunch at museum restaurant
• Guided tour of Drottningholm Palace
• Visit Baroque garden
• Explore Knights' Island exterior sights
• Guided tour of Royal Palace
• Visit Great Square in Old Town
• Guided walking tour of Stockholm Old Town

Top questions

How long does this Stockholm tour last?

The tour covers all main attractions in one full day.

Is lunch included in the Stockholm day trip?

Yes, lunch is included at a quality restaurant near the Vasa Museum with options for vegetarians and children.

Does this tour include hotel pickup?

Yes, pickup and dropoff are available from selected hotels in Stockholm.

Are entrance fees covered?

All admission fees are included in the tour price.

How many people are on each tour?

The group is limited to 7 participants per tour for personal attention.

Is there a lot of walking involved?

The tour involves significant walking and some stairs; suitable for most fitness levels up to age 75.

Can children join this tour?

Children under 7 cannot participate due to walking requirements.

Are alcoholic drinks included with lunch?

No, alcoholic beverages are not included but can be purchased separately at lunch.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and dropoff from select hotels in Stockholm, all entry fees to places like the Vasa Museum and Drottningholm Palace, guided walks through Gamla Stan and palace interiors with an expert local guide throughout, private vehicle transport between sites with a multilingual driver always nearby—and a full lunch at a quality restaurant before heading back home tired but happy.