Places to Visit in Stockholm and Copenhagen: Two Capitals, Little Time

If you have limited time in Stockholm, make the old town of Gamla Stan and the Vasa Museum your priorities; in Copenhagen, the colourful harbour of Nyhavn, the Little Mermaid statue and the area around the pedestrian street Strøget show you the spirit of the city in a few hours. Both cities are intertwined with water, easy to explore on foot and very different in character. Below is a short selection to help you make good use of the city hours on a group tour.

Stockholm: a capital built on islands

Sweden's capital, Stockholm, is built on islands linked by bridges where the Baltic Sea meets Lake Mälaren. Getting from one place to another, you often cross the water; that is why you may hear Stockholm called "the Venice of the North".

Gamla Stan

Gamla Stan, the historic core of the city, is Stockholm's most photographed area, with its narrow cobbled streets, mustard and terracotta façades and small squares. The Royal Palace is also on this island. Stortorget square and the streets around it are ideal for an unhurried walk.

The Vasa Museum

The Vasa Museum on the island of Djurgården displays the warship Vasa, which sank on her maiden voyage in the 17th century and was raised from the sea centuries later. The fact that the ship has been preserved almost intact makes the museum impressive not only for history lovers but also for families with children and students.

City Hall and the waterfront walk

The red-brick Stockholm City Hall (Stadshuset) is known for hosting the banquet after the Nobel Prize ceremony. The waterfront around the building is a lovely spot to see the skyline of Gamla Stan from across the water.

Copenhagen: city of canals and bicycles

Denmark's capital, Copenhagen, is known for its flat terrain, canals and cycling culture. The pace of the city is relaxed; cafés, parks and the waterside are at the centre of everyday life.

Nyhavn

With its colourful houses lining the canal and the wooden boats moored at the quay, Nyhavn has become the symbol of Copenhagen. The fairy-tale writer Hans Christian Andersen is known to have lived in this area. Most canal tour boats also depart from here.

The Little Mermaid

The bronze Little Mermaid statue, inspired by Andersen's fairy tale, sits on a rock by the shore. The statue is smaller than many people expect; even so, it is a stop you will not want to miss when you come to Copenhagen. The nearby star-shaped Kastellet fortress and its park are also good for a short walk.

Amalienborg and Strøget

Amalienborg Palace, the residence of the Danish royal family, consists of four identical palaces around an octagonal square; you can see the guards on the square. Strøget, in the city centre, is known as one of Europe's longest pedestrian streets and makes a natural route for shopping and strolling. Tivoli Gardens, also in the city centre, stands out as a historic amusement park and garden.

Comparing the two cities

• Atmosphere: Stockholm feels more monumental and "imperial"; Copenhagen is lower-rise, warmer and more intimate.
• Getting around: Both are explored on foot; in Stockholm the bridges between islands shape your route, and in Copenhagen the canal sides.
• For children and young people: The Vasa Museum in Stockholm, and Tivoli and the canal boat in Copenhagen, are usually the most popular stops.

Practical notes

Sweden and Denmark do not use the euro; the Swedish krona and the Danish krone are the currencies. Card payment is very common in both countries. The region is generally known to be expensive, so it is worth thinking ahead about what you will spend in your free time. Remember that cycle lanes are separate from the pavement and busy: be careful not to stand in the cycle lane while taking photos.

How do these cities feature on the tour?

The Scandinavia and Fjords Tour covers Sweden, Norway and Denmark over 5 nights, 6 days; Stockholm, the Norwegian fjords and Copenhagen are the highlighted stops in the catalogue. Professional guiding and transport by luxury coach are included. Which sights are visited in each city and how much free time there is are shared at the quote stage together with the day-by-day itinerary; you can think of the places above as a wish list.

For the fjord day, see our Norwegian fjords guide, and for choosing the season, our article on when to go to Scandinavia.

How to make the most of your free time

The free hours left after the guided tour in the group programme are a good chance to get to know the city at your own pace. In Stockholm, going a few streets in from the main streets of Gamla Stan lets you find courtyards and small cafés away from the crowds. What Swedes call "fika", a break for coffee and a cinnamon bun, is part of everyday life and worth trying. In Copenhagen, even sitting on a bench by the canal and watching the city's bicycle traffic is an experience in itself. Denmark's open sandwich, smørrebrød, is a local option for lunch. Before heading off for free time, remember to note the meeting point, the time and the hotel's address on your phone.

Frequently asked questions

What is the one place you must see in Stockholm?

On a short visit, the old town streets of Gamla Stan and the Vasa Museum are the two priority stops. If you have time, the waterfront walk around City Hall lets you see the city from the water.

Is the Little Mermaid statue in Copenhagen worth seeing?

The statue is small and the area around it is often crowded, but because of its link with Andersen's fairy tales it is one of the city's symbols. Combined with Kastellet and a waterfront walk, it makes an enjoyable stop.

Is the euro accepted in Sweden and Denmark?

Both countries have their own currencies: the Swedish krona and the Danish krone. Since card payment is very common, you usually do not need to carry much cash.

Which is better for children, Stockholm or Copenhagen?

Both are suitable. The Vasa Museum in Stockholm, and Tivoli Gardens and the canal tours in Copenhagen, are usually the stops that children and young people find most interesting.