Stockholm: Old Town Walk & Vasa Museum Tour with Ferry

Summary

Walk medieval streets, see royal palaces, ferry to Vasa ship

You’ll wander Stockholm’s Old Town on foot with a local guide, squeeze through medieval alleys, catch city sounds and scents, then hop a public ferry across sparkling water to reach the Vasa Museum—skipping the line to see Sweden’s legendary warship up close. Expect laughter, local stories, and moments that linger long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

We were already halfway down Prästgatan when our guide, Anna, stopped us right by this crooked old doorway. She pointed out how the stones under our feet had been worn smooth by centuries of shoes—honestly, I’d never thought about cobblestones like that before. The air smelled faintly of roasted coffee from a café somewhere nearby (I kept thinking about grabbing one but didn’t want to lose the group). Anna told us about Helvetsgränd—Hell’s Alley—which sounded way more dramatic than it looked. I tried to pronounce it in Swedish and got a laugh from an older man passing by. He just grinned and kept walking.

The Royal Palace was bigger than I expected—almost intimidating, actually. There were guards in those blue uniforms standing so still I wondered if they ever blinked. Anna explained how it’s still an actual workplace for the King and Queen; not just some museum piece. We peeked into Stockholm Cathedral too—so much gold and candlelight inside that my eyes needed a second to adjust. She showed us the St George and the Dragon statue outside (the bronze one), but said the real deal is hidden inside the church. I liked that she didn’t rush us; we could linger or ask weird questions (I asked if anyone ever gets lost in those tiny alleys).

Somewhere between Järnpojke—the tiniest statue I’ve ever seen—and squeezing through Mårten Trotzig alley (it really is narrow, but not as narrow as Prague’s apparently), we ended up on a public ferry. The water was choppy but not cold, and there was this salty smell mixed with diesel from the engine. Everyone took photos but honestly, I just watched the city slide by—pastel buildings reflecting in the water, people waving from another boat. It felt like we were part of Stockholm for a minute instead of just visitors.

The Vasa Museum was our last stop and skipping that line felt like cheating (in a good way). Walking in and seeing that massive 1600s warship up close—it’s hard to describe without sounding dramatic. The wood still smells faintly musty; you can almost imagine what it was like on launch day before it sank right there in front of everyone. Anna told stories about sailors and superstitions—I think that stuck with me more than all the facts did. We finished inside, but you could stay longer if you wanted; I wandered around for ages after everyone else left.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Stockholm Old Town and Vasa Museum

• Visit Stortorget main square
• Walk northern Prästgatan (Hell's Alley)
• See the Royal Palace
• Visit Stockholm Cathedral
• View Järnpojke statue
• See St George and the Dragon sculpture
• Walk Mårten Trotzig alley
• Enjoy scenic public ferry ride
• Skip line and tour Vasa Museum

Top questions

How long does the Stockholm Old Town & Vasa Museum tour take?

The tour typically lasts around 3 hours including walking time and ferry ride.

Is entry to the Vasa Museum included?

Yes, your entrance fee to the Vasa Museum is included in the tour price.

Does this tour include hotel pickup?

No, hotel pickup is not included; you meet your guide at a central location in Stockholm’s Old Town.

Is public transportation covered during the tour?

Yes, your public transport ticket for the ferry ride to Djurgården (Vasa Museum) is provided.

How much walking is involved on this tour?

You’ll walk several blocks over cobblestone streets; moderate fitness is recommended.

Where does this tour end?

The tour ends inside the Vasa Museum so you can explore further or visit nearby museums afterward.

What should I wear for this walking tour?

Dress comfortably for walking on cobblestones and be prepared for any weather conditions.

Are there any age restrictions for this tour?

No specific age restrictions are mentioned; however, participants should be able to walk moderate distances.

What’s included

Your day includes a guided walk through Stockholm’s Old Town with all entry fees covered—including skipping the line at the Vasa Museum—and your public transport ticket for a scenic ferry ride across town before finishing at Djurgården so you can keep exploring if you feel like it.