This post covers the best things to do in Stockholm in May, including family-friendly, nighttime, as well as free activities, festivals, and events, all updated for 2024.
Check out our other posts on year-round attractions in Stockholm:
For even more ideas, check out our post covering the best things to do in Stockholm.
TOP EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES IN MAY
The following list will provide a variety of fun activities in Stockholm for May 2024.
We include cultural activities, performances, and Swedish traditional events that are happening this month.
1) Go to a Concert
Last year the Concert season had arrived in Sweden -- and all over Scandinavia and Europe!
The line-up in Stockholm this month is pretty amazing. The big pick for the month is Beyoncé on May 10th & 11th. This year the date has to be determined.
Other shows to catch this month are:
- Sam Smith | May 4th
- After Dark | May 5th, 6th, 12th, 13th, 19th, 20th, 26th, 27th
- Eros Ramazzotti | May 6th
- Tallest Man On Earth | May 6th, 7th
- Ziggy Alberts | May 9th
- Giveon | May 16th
- International Anime Music Festival | May 16th
- Steve Hackett | May 18th
- Depeche Mode | May 23rd
- The Teskey Brothers | May 27th
- Carola | May 27th
- Yes | May 28th
See who else is playing in Stockholm this month.
2) Take a Free Walking Tour
May weather is ideal for seeing Stockholm on foot!
Joining a free walking tour will give you a deeper insight into the city's culture and history without busting your budget.
On free walking tours, you tip only what you think the tour was worth and you aren't required to pay anything. Tours run multiple times daily.
Read our post on a few different companies that offer free walking tours.
3) See Stockholm from the Water
Stockholm is a city of water with scenic canals and its famous archipelago of over 30,000 islands!
So do as the Vikings did and get on a boat!
This extremely popular 2.5 hours guided boat tour takes you out into the archipelago aboard either the M/S Östanå I, built 1906, or S/S Stockholm, built 1931.
Another option is this Royal Canal Sightseeing Tour which takes you through some of Stockholm’s most well-known places along the Djurgarden canal.
Tickets are 248 SEK ($24) per adult.
This tour is free with the IVenture Card. To combine boat and bus tours check out these other options.
4) Save Money With a Tourist Pass
If you’re planning to visit multiple popular attractions while in Stockholm, you could save 50% or more off admission prices by using a tourist pass.
There are three passes to choose from, each offering a different approach to saving you money.
While the all-inclusive pass is excellent for anyone planning at least 4-5 activities per day, a preset package might be better for visitors with limited time.
For more information on how passes work and how you can save by using one, read our post covering Stockholm tourist passes.
5) Watch the ASICS Stockholm Marathon
Last year, on June 3rd, 2023, the crowds along the streets of Stockholm cheered on thousands of runners from around the world.
The route had gone through all of Stockholm’s seven districts including the must-see Gamla stan (Old Town).
Learn more at https://www.stockholmmarathon.se/eng/.
6) Get a Stunning View of Stockholm From Above
The world’s largest spherical building is in Stockholm, the Ericsson Globe Stockholm.
Its exterior all-glass round elevator, the Skyview, takes you to the top of the Globe.
From 400 feet above sea level, you will get amazing views during the exciting ride. Watch the video to see what it's like!
A trip on Skyview is just one of the many popular attractions included for free for holders of the Stockholm Pass and the IVenture Card.
Learn more about these tourist discount passes here or learn about direct tickets to this attraction.
7) See Elite Horses Trot at the Elitloppet Championship
During the weekend of May, you can attend one of the most prestigious trotting events in the world, the annual Elitloppet.
Since its inception in 1952, the Elitloppet has been regarded as one of Sweden's biggest and most popular sports events. Over 60,000 people attend each year.
It is held at Solvalla Racetrack, which is easily reached by public transportation from central Stockholm.
Ticket prices start from 50 SEK (€ 5 ). You can find out more information on the official website.
8) Stroll through Gamla Stan (Old Town)
Gamla stan, the old part of the city, is a pedestrian-friendly district filled with medieval houses and cobblestone streets.
Stockholm itself was founded here in 1252.
There are also several museums in the district as well as the Royal Palace and three medieval churches.
You can stop at any number of cafes and restaurants, including the cozy Den Gyldene Freden, which opened in 1722!
It is easy to explore Gamla Stan on your own but you can join a free walking tour and have a knowledgeable guide tell you about the district's history.
9) Go to Gröna Lund
Now that Stockholm’s amusement park is open for the season, you can join the locals on the Vertical Spinning Coaster, the Giant Wave Swinger, the Jetline Roller Coaster, and more.
In May, Gröna Lund's concert series begins with some big-time performers like Bryan Ferry and The Hives. See our section on concerts in this post.
For young children, there are several rides, like the Swirling Tea Cup, Flying Elephants, and the Kiddie Coaster.
Besides over 30 rides, there are various dining options and several bars with views of the water.
The Ride Package costs 445 SEK per person (aged 7 - 64). It includes admission and unlimited rides for the entire day.
Entry is free with the Stockholm Pass, one of several tourist discount attraction passes available for purchase.
10) Go on a Pub Crawl
The Stockholm Pub Crawl website says it all: 7 hours, 3 bars, free shots, cheap drinks, games & competitions, and the chance to meet folks from all over the world.
Tickets are 253 SEK ($27) per adult. Más información.
For more things to do in May in Stockholm, take a look at these posts:
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