Top 20 Photo Spots to Take Beautiful Stockholm Photography

Stockholm is such a picturesque city, and it’s heaven for photo enthusiasts. It has incredible architecture, charming bright-colored buildings, cobblestone streets, and medieval alleyways. Walking around Stockholm makes you feel like you’re in a Disney movie! Of course, you come to Stockholm to eat good food, experience the local culture, and admire the architecture. But you’re also visiting to capture great memories and beautiful scenery. As an avid photography fan, here are some places for Stockholm photography that you’ll look at often after your trip completes.

Town Backgrounds

Here are some photo spots in Stockholm where you’ll get heritage buildings, cobblestone streets, and a historic vibe.

Gamla Stan

Gamla Stan means “The Old Town” in English, dates back to the 13th century, and is Stockholm’s original city center. It’s one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval city centers and resembles the quintessential medieval European town. It’s known for its mustard and rust-colored buildings, narrow alleyways, and small, picturesque street maze. You’ll find great photo opportunities simply walking around, but here are the key places you should visit.

Stortorget Square

This is the oldest square in Stockholm (15th century)! It’s in the heart of Gamla Stan, and it’s famous for two colorful medieval-age buildings that are probably the best-known buildings in all of Stockholm. I’m not sure why they’re so famous, but they are beautiful to look at and make stunning photographs. The square is tiny, so you won’t spend too much time here, 10 minutes max.

Location: Stortorget, 111 29 Stockholm, Sweden

Key Spot: Right in front of the mustard and rust-colored buildings!

Tyska Brinken (Street)

At the corner of Tyska Brinken and Stora Nygatan, you can get a great view of Södermalm Island, the southern district of Stockholm. I like this spot in particular because you get a great perspective view of the water. The street itself is quite narrow, and the colorful medieval buildings across the bay are on a hill, so you get a focused view of Södermalm, and it looks extra stunning.

But any street next to Tyska Brinken that overlooks the same direction looks great as well. I just happened to spot this one while walking.

Location: 111 27 Stockholm, Sweden

Key Spot: Right at the intersection of Tyska Brinken and Stora Nygatan.

Österlånggatan

This curvy street creates a cool optical illusion! The buildings at the southern end of the street slant upwards, so they look like they are not sitting straight. Österlånggatan curves in a slight S-shape, making it look like it’s pulling the building foundations towards it. I noticed the buildings first, then the street, haha. It’s one of my favorite sights in Gamla Stan.

Location: Österlånggatan 45, 111 31 Stockholm, Sweden (The ramen shop across the key spot point).

Key Spot: The ledge midpoint at the intersection of Svarmangatan and Österlånggatan.

Photo Tip: You can stand in the middle of the road or wait for a stranger to have a subject in your photograph. It’ll make the street look even larger!

Bollhusgränd

This is the best street for photos because of its beautiful mustard-colored buildings. While you can find this type of building all over Gamla Stan, you’ll usually see it mixed in with other building types and colors. However, the buildings on this street are all yellow, which makes it look really cohesive.

In addition to the amazing buildings, there are beautiful lampposts, intricate door designs, and cobblestone ground. It’s my favorite spot in Gamla Stan for a nice Stockholm photo, and it’s near the Royal Palace.

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/wjwicC7kpM1gszSd9

Key Spot: I like the street opening closest to the Royal Palace best.

Photo Tip: If you’re alone, there are divots in the walls where you can prop your phone for a solo shoot!

Landscape Scenery

Moving on to landscapes, here are some of the best photo spots for sweeping views of Stockholm!

Mariaberget

This observation deck has the best view of Stockholm. It’s in a residential neighborhood on the side of a rocky hill, with stairs leading up to the deck. There are also large rocks people like to climb to get to the top and side of the rock facing the West side of Stockholm.

I opted for the rocky climb, and the views are breathtaking. You get sweeping views of the entire North side of Stockholm, and it’s lovely at sunset and dusk. Another popular spot is Skinnarviksberget, which is a popular park West of Mariaberget.

Location: Monteliusvägen, 118 25 Stockholm, Sweden

Key Spot: I personally like the spot at the top of the large rocks on the left of the staircase.

Photo Tip: Go during sunset for a magnificent sky and watch the lights turn on.

Outside Gamla Stan Station

While the inside of Gamla Stan station doesn’t have anything special, the outside is where it shines. After exiting Gamla Stan Station, look across Centralbron Road for a great view of Södermalm Island.

A building with pointy spires at the top of the hill makes it look like a castle, and the yellow apartment buildings surrounding it give it a great feel. You can see this view all along the Munkbroleden, which will lead you to a favorite local snack…

Location: 111 28 Stockholm, Sweden

Key Spot: Right outside of the Gamla Stan station exit or along the main road.

Tip: There’s a famous herring snack kiosk near the station, which you’ll notice from the yellow fish sign on top of the stand. It’s where you can try some of the must-try food in Stockholm—get the herring!

Ferry Ride

Did you know that Stockholm has ferries as public transportation? Not only is it practical for exploring around, but it also has some incredible views of Stockholm. Any Stockholm ferry ride offers great views, but if you want to see key landmarks like Grona Lund or Kastellet by water, take ferry 82. You’ll get a taste of the Stockholm archipelago and what the islands look like from the side.

Tip: Take ferry 82 for views of Skeppsholmen and Djurgården.

Djurgårdsbron

This bridge connects Djurgården and Strandvägen, Stockholm’s most expensive area. While the bridge itself is nice, with decorative lamp spots and statues, the real stunner is the view of Strandvägen from the bridge. Gorgeous apartment buildings line Strandvägen Street, and you get a great view of the entire row from the bridge. From this angle, you also see all the sailboats that dock on the pier directly in front of Strandvägen.

Location: Östermalm, 115 21 Stockholm, Sweden

Key Spot: The further end of the bridge from Strandvägen is the best to see the entire view.

Photo Tip: Go at sunset hour for the golden hour light of the street.

Skeppsholmsbron

This 1800s iron bridge connects North Stockholm City Center to Skeppsholmmen Island and has sweeping views of Gamla Stan on the right and Strandvägen on the left. It’s famous for its pair of gold crowns in the middle of the bridge that, if taken at the right angle, has the Royal Palace as the background.

Walking across this bridge feels like you’re transporting to another world as you enter what seems like a mini-fortress island. The bridge itself is beautiful, with iron detailing on the railing and beautiful lamp posts that light up at night.

Location: Skeppsholmsbron, 111 48 Stockholm, Sweden

Key Spot: The middle of the bridge has the most photo opportunities.

Photo Tip: Use the lamp posts as a frame for your photos! You can also get nice shots walking along the bridge.

Skeppsholmen Viewpoint

Skeppsholmen is a small island between Gamla Stan, Strandvägen, and Djurgården. As a result of its central location, if you take a walk around the island, you’ll see views of each area of Stockholm! Luckily, a road runs around the island you can walk on if you want a scenic walk (or run). The most popular view on this trail, though, is the Skeppsholmen Viewpoint that overlooks Gamla Stan. It sits on a floating pier with benches where you can sit and admire the view.

Location: Saltsjön, Sweden

Artsy Backgrounds

Here are some Stockholm photo spots for some artsy photos!

Subway Stations

Did you know Stockholm’s subway system is the world’s longest art gallery? Over 90 stations have cool art in the underground stations from artists worldwide. However, some are definitely cooler than others. You can take your own self-guided subway art tour for the best experience. They make for great photo spots, so here are some of the must-visit ones:

T-Centralen

T-Centralen is the heart of the Stockholm subway system, and all metro lines intersect here. No matter what you take to get to Stockholm, you’ll pass through here at least once. It’s one of the most photographed places in Stockholm because of its beautiful white and blue art murals painted by Per Olof Ultvedt. It’s one of Stockholm’s most aesthetically pleasing stations and a must-visit!

Location: 111 20 Stockholm, Sweden

Key Spot: You’ll see the blue and white murals the best near the platform escalators.

Tip: Try and see if you can spot the mural of construction workers, which is based on the actual workers who built the station!

Kungsträdgården

Swedish for King’s Garden, Kungsträdgården is kaleidoscopic. You’re met with zany patterns and colors when you descend into the subway underground. There are piano keys on the ceiling, checkered floors, statues, and even hanging underground plants. The Kungsträdgården’s old palace and French Garden inspired the artwork inside the station, and it’s one of the coolest stations in the system.

Location: 111 47 Stockholm, Sweden

Key Spot: Right before you reach the platforms and after you exit the escalators down is the best spot. You have a colorful ceiling, statues, and everything in one place.

Stadion

This subway station was one of the first Stockholm subway underground stations. At the time, people were wary of going underground for public transportation. To combat this stigma, the artists painted a large rainbow and blue skies to brighten the atmosphere. It’s one of the most iconic stations now, named after the Olympic stadium, and is also the gateway to Stockholm’s Pride Festival.

Location: 114 41 Stockholm, Sweden

Key Spot: The large rainbow is right on the subway platform on the ceiling of the platform connectors.

Photo Tip: The rainbow is quite large, so try taking a horizontal photo or using your wide-angle lens to capture it vertically.

If you want to explore other cool stations, check out this blog, where I share tips and a tour itinerary for the Stockholm subway art!

SoFo Street Art: Muralmålning Os Gêmeos

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by osgemeos (@osgemeos)

Sofo, short for South of Folkungagatan, is Stockholm’s hippest and trendiest area. It is full of bars, cafes, restaurants, art galleries, and fashion boutiques, so if you walk into any shop or cafe, you know it will look good. You’ll also find some street art, including the popular Muralmålning Os Gêmeos, a 3-story-tall mural by Brazilian twin artists Otavio and Gustavo Pandolfo. It’s bright, eclectic, and features their signature yellow character.

Location: Fiskargatan 8, 116 20 Stockholm, Sweden

Key Spot: Stand across the street the mural faces for the best shot.

Photo Tip: Use a wide-angle lens to capture it all in one photo!

If you’re looking for some of the best meatballs in Stockholm (and maybe even Sweden), head to Meatballs for the People in SoFo! It’s one of the must-try foods in Stockholm—thank me later!

Museums

You can’t visit Stockholm without visiting some iconic museums, which make for stunning photos and experiences.

Stockholm City Museum

This museum features Stockholm’s history and has interactive exhibits. It’s fun to visit inside, especially if you have kids. But what’s stunning about this museum (aside from the knowledge) is its exterior. A hill cradles the building, which has rows of windows and meets at a corner. It’s reminiscent of a castle hall and has the prettiest light blue wall color. The geometry is so aesthetically pleasing to look at!

Location: Ryssgården, 116 46 Stockholm, Sweden

Key Spot: The middle of the walk down the hill to the museum is an excellent place to see the entire building exterior.

Tip: The museum is free!

Photografiska Museum

One of the world’s largest photography museums is in Stockholm! The museum is in an old customs house, built in 1906 in Art Nouveau style. You can see it from multiple viewpoints in the city, as it’s ginormous and famous for its red brick. Being a photography museum, of course, there are amazing photographs and things to photograph in and outside the museum. Perfect for photography lovers like yourself!

Location: Stadsgårdshamnen 22, 116 45 Stockholm, Sweden

Tip: This museum prides itself on being open the longest compared to other museums (10 AM – 11 PM!). I recommend going at night when it’s less crowded!

Liljevachs

This contemporary art museum in Djurgarden has amazing interior and exterior architecture. The outside is a massive concrete block with symmetrical dots splayed across the surface and huge glass windows near the bottom. Inside, it is light and airy, with rotating artwork and exhibits year-round. It’s the perfect place to admire art and take some of your own with your camera!

Location: Djurgårdsvägen 60, Falkenbergsgatan 3, 115 21 Stockholm, Sweden

Tip: The museum shop is stunning.

Cafes

Do you want some rustic Stockholm vibes? Here are two cafes for an artsy, candid photo spot and delicious pastries.

Fabrique

Imagine a rustic, small village bakery with burning candles and the smell of fresh bread. That’s precisely what Fabrique’s vibe is: a charming bakery with great aesthetics. I love that they have candles burning in the store, which adds to the ambiance. The Gamla Stan location is the best, and there’s a modern art piece on the walls of the larger dining area. Their pastries are also to die for!

Location: Lilla Nygatan 12, 111 28 Stockholm, Sweden

Key Spot: Near the cash register is a cute alcove with candles, or try the larger seating area with a communal farm table!

Tip: Try their Semla if they have it. It’s a seasonal cream bun with marzipan only sold before Lent! It’s a must-try food in Stockholm and one of my favorite Swedish pastries.

Vete-Katten

This is one of the most popular cafes in Stockholm because of its iconic princess cake! Besides its delicious cafe, the interior is styled like a priest’s living area in a church. It’s very subtle and comfortable, cozy. Often, fresh flowers are sitting on the table, too, and it’s a great photo spot!

Location: Kungsgatan 55, 111 22 Stockholm, Sweden

Key Spot: The dining room in the back has rustic tables and a vintage feel.

Tip: This cafe gets packed during peak hours, so go in the morning or late afternoon if you want fewer people.

Summer in Stockholm Special: Vaxholm

Summer in Scandinavia is so charming. It’s hot outside, the sun is out, and everyone flocks to the water. To see another side of Stockholm, explore the Stockholm archipelago by ferry and take a day trip to a neighboring island. Vaxholm is probably the most popular since it’s easily accessible, but its houses are stunning.

Unfortunately, I visited Vaxholm in the winter, so most of the shops were closed, and only the ones near the ferry terminal were open. However, the scenery is still stunning and enjoyable. I definitely want to return in the summer months!

Here’s how to take a day trip to Vaxholm from Stockholm.

How to Get Around Stockholm?

Now that you know all the great Stockholm photo spots, here’s how you’ll get there: public transport! Stockholm’s public transport is super easy to navigate and use, connecting you everywhere you need to go. All the public transport is integrated, so the same ticket covers all types of transportation. You can learn how to use the public transportation here.

Tips

Here are some good tips to read before you explore Stockholm and take photos:

• Be Respectful:
  • We’ve all seen the obnoxious tourist dead set on taking photos and ruining other people’s experiences. Don’t be that person! Watch where you’re going and be mindful of others.
• Take a Portable Charger:
  • I don’t know about you, but taking photos and videos sucks my phone battery like crazy. Since it’s my main tool to navigate and capture, I always bring a portable charger when I explore. Don’t let yourself get stranded with a dead phone!
• Plan Timing:
  • If you want your photos to look a certain way, always, always plan when you’re going to visit places. If you want a nice, soft light, go during the morning or late afternoon.

Capture Your Stockholm Trip With Great Photography!

Hopefully, you’re excited to start exploring Stockholm and capturing all the fantastic Stockholm photography on your trip. Stockholm (and Sweden) is beautiful, with charming streets, old buildings, friendly people, incredible scenery, and so much more. You can do a lot in just a short time, including capturing great pictures in this picturesque city. Just remember to have enough battery to take pictures! Happy travels!