Is 2 nights enough for a "taste" of Stockholm?
 

First, let me acknowledge that I realize there are surely plenty of great things to see and do in Stockholm that could fill 4+ days and nights, but I am trying to squeeze a visit in between London and Copenhagen, which are sightseeing priorities for me for various reasons. I was wondering whether 2 nights would be enough to get a nice orientation to Stockholm. I was planning on flying in early on Monday from London, arriving at 10:30am or so, which gives me the afternoon to explore Gamla Stan. The second day, Tuesday, I wanted to do a half-day Archipelago boat tour in the morning, followed by a visit to Skansen and the Vasa Museum on the Djurgarden in the afternoon. I would like to go out in Sodermalm one night and Ostermalm the other. On Wednesday mid-day, I would take the train to Copenhagen.

Now, I know there will be plenty who suggest that I add this time to the other cities, but I have already been to both London and Copenhagen before, and I really want to get an (admittedly brief) taste of Stockholm, as I don't think it will be a travel priority for future trips. How does this itinerary sound to those who have visited Stockholm before?

Thanks!

You cannot possibly see Skansen and the Vasa in one afternoon. Each one alone is a long afternoon (you could spend the whole day in Skansen).

And on the first afternoon will you see the royal Palace and the town Hall - both fantastic.

I'm not sure how much time you have in your other cities - and I would let that be the deciding factor. 1.5 days is not nearly enough for Stockholm - you could esily spend a week - but if that's all you have OK - ASSUMING that you have enough time in both London and Copenhagen - and the time isn't better spent in one of them.

If you are tight on time in London (less than 7 or 8 days) or Copenhagen (less than 5 days) I would stick the extra time to one of those.

A few years ago I did two nights/days in Stockholm as a mini 'side trip' from Copenhapgen and I enjoyed myself very much. As you say, it's just a taste. I did not do Skansen but did do the Vasa and spent most of the rest of the time just wandering around. I was there in July so it was light out quite late.

Sure you can do Skansen and the Vasa in one afternoon. We did it foolishly unaware that it couldn't be done!

My daughter and I loved the Vasa and spent many hours there. The museum has a lovely restaurant that is reasonable overlooking the harbor which we enjoyed so much. It truly is amazing! Personally I think that you could touch the tip of Stockholm in two days.

My suggestion is to skip the archipeligo. It was a pleasant part of a 5-day visit -- but it was not a "highlight." We loved Stockholm. Strongly suggest the Vasa, Skansen, AND the Royal Palace.

Songdoc
Glad to hear that as that is what we plan to see during our two days in Stockholm in June. We will be taking the overnight ferry from Tallinn, so fortunately we will be able to enjoy the beautiful views as we approach Stockholm by boat.

I would skip the archipeligo also.

There is enough to see at Vasa, Skansen and all of Gamla Stan.
See the Changing of the Guards and also do the City Hall Tour

@michele_d
If you arrive in Stockholm by ferry from Tallinn you will see about the same as if you go on a boat trip in the archipelago.

However, if not arriving by ferry, I really think that Stockholm should be seen from the water. The water surrounding Stockholm and its archipelago is one of the major things making Stockholm unique. It doesn't necessarily have to be an archipelago tour, a shorter sightseeing tour within the city limits is also an option.
Link to Strömma sightseeing: http://www.stromma.se/en/STOCKHOLM/

Personally, I would skip Skansen.

When visiting the old town I will recommend a stroll over to the island of Södermalm and explore the streets west of Slussen/north of Hornsgatan (Mariaberget). The views over Stockholm is stunning!

To get your boat fix you can take a ferry from Slussen over to Djurgården. It is more a transport means than sightseeing but fun just as well.

In regards to Vasa, we arrived Stockholm by train, found a locker at the Central Station and locked up luggage before taking a bus to the Vasa. There my young girls and I spent a few hours including lunch before catching a bus back. We skipped checking in first at the hotel to save time.

I enjoyed Skansen in the summer when flowers were in bloom and musicians were playing. If I had to choose, would do Gamla Stan and Royal Palace with changing of the guards over Skansen. But...Gamla Stan is also hopping in the evening where I think Skansen is not.