Even though I grew up in Sweden and went to school in Stockholm, I had never taken the time to visit the Stockholm Royal Palace until recently. But when I eventually ended up going, I instantly fell in love with these decorated royal rooms. And found myself wanting to learn more about their fascinating history. Although the palace might not look as grand as other royal buildings throughout Europe. It definitely makes up for it inside. The ticket also includes entrance to the Tre Kronor Museum and Royal Treasury so there really is plenty to see. So let me tell you why I think the Stockholm Royal Palace is one of the best attractions in the city – as well as useful information such as entrance fees, opening hours, guided tours and where to get tickets as well as where to watch the ceremony of the changing of the guards.
Stockholm Royal Palace: A Guide to Sweden’s Grandest Residence
The Stockholm Royal Palace is located right by the Old Town, in a lovely location by the water. The one thing I always recommend to those visiting Stockholm, it’s to explore the Old Town. And since my visit to the palace, this has also become one of my top things to do in the city. I can’t believe it took me until I moved away from Sweden to go visit The Royal Palace. Especially as I’m such an enthusiast of old and historic buildings. I have probably walked past the palace over a hundred times and admired the facade. My dad actually stood guard outside the palace in his younger days.
Although the Stockholm Royal Palace is the official residence of the Swedish royals and what they use for receptions. The King and Queen actually moved to another royal residence Drottningholm Castle when their children were younger. So they could grow up with more nature in their surroundings.
I have also written a guide to my favourite area of Stockholm and the must-visit museums that you should not miss. Which conveniently is only a short boat trip (or 30 minute walk) away from the palace.
Additional information
- Opening hours: The Stockholm Royal Palace (and Tre Kronor Museum and Royal Treasury) is generally open for visitors 10.00-17.00. It is recommended to check the website before going as the palace is sometimes closed for royal affairs and events.
- Tickets and entrance fees: My recommendation is to get the Go City Stockholm card which includes the Royal Palace in Stockholm. So you can visit other attractions for a better price – you can buy it here. The standard entrance fee for a ticket to The Royal Palace in Stockholm in high season is 240SEK.
- Gift shop: the beautiful gift shop is located in the outer courtyard and can be visited without a ticket.
♥ Don’t miss my extensive guide to the best things to see and do in Stockholm!
The Royal Palace in Stockholm Changing of the Guard
One of the events at The Royal Palace in Stockholm that does not require any entrance fees or tickets, is the changing of the guard. It takes place in the Outer Courtyard. And the ceremony begins at 12.15 on weekdays and Saturdays and 13.15 on Sundays as well as public holidays. The whole ceremony is around 40 minutes. If you are planning to visit the royal palace during your time in Stockholm and wish to see the changing of the guard then my recommendation would be to see the ceremony first. And then enter the palace afterwards so you don’t have to rush your time inside. The opening hours of the Royal Palace of Stockholm are until 17.00. So even if you visit after the changing of the guard you still have several hours to explore.
The royal apartments
When you’ve paid your entrance fee and got your ticket to the Stockholm Royal Palace, I would recommend exploring the royal apartments first. These are the rooms where the King and Queen host guests and receptions. One of the highlights of the apartments is the Karl XI’s Gallery where many official dinners are held. The room is inspired by the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles and really is a grand room to behold. Another fantastic room to see is the Vita Havet (White Sea) Assembly Rooms where the wedding ball for Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel was held. On the guided tour I did, the tour guide told us that for the event they had to check that the chandeliers would be okay with all the people dancing and they had to do excessive testing so that nothing would break.
Do make sure to check the opening hours so you have enough time to see it all and I would probably recommend putting around 2 hours aside to properly explore everything that the Stockholm Royal Palace has to offer.
What I really loved about visiting The Royal Palace is how much there actually was to see and how generous they’ve been with how many rooms that are open. I was pleasantly surprised and thought visitors would not have as much access to the rooms. As well as the royal apartments you can also see the Hall of State which is used for formal royal ceremonies. It was open for use in 1755 and used up until 1974 to open parliament by the king every year.
♥ Do you want to stay in style just like the royals when visiting Stockholm, then do read my guide to the best and most luxurious hotels in the city.
Stockholm Royal Palace Guided Tour
When you buy a ticket to the royal palace you have the option of either buying just a standard entrance ticket or an entrance ticket + guided tour. The tours are available in Swedish and English at certain times during the day and are not included in the standard ticket. You meet the guide at the tour time at the top of the staircase and they will show you through the apartments and share some really interesting details about both the building, the decoration and the royals. If anything, I only wish the guided tour was a bit longer as there was still so much to see after it. To really immerse yourself in the history and experience, it’s also possible to do a private tour of the palace.
Tre Kronor / Museum Three Crowns
After visiting the royal apartments, your ticket also includes entry to the Tre Kronor Museum. This museum is located in the cellars underneath the royal apartments and tells the story of the old palace, called Tre Kronor (three crowns) which burned down in 1697. I really liked seeing this section dedicated to such a historic event and especially after the guided tour when the tour guide has pointed out exactly what part of the building remained and what they rebuilt. The palace looks very different to what it used to be before the fire. And it’s really interesting to learn more about this happening. It’s not often you see big royal palaces rebuilt in such recent history, like this one.
A private tour of the Stockholm Royal Palace
To see The Palace in the best way is to experience it on a private tour. The interiors are really impressive to admire on your own, but they really come alive with a professional tour guide who can point out the details you might’ve missed and tell you captivating facts that will make the experience even more memorable. I did a guided tour during my visit and I would highly recommend it. Especially in such a magnificent and history-rich location like The Royal residence.
The tours are also available in a variety of languages including: German, Italian, French, Spanish, Russian, English, Swedish
Royal Treasury at the Stockholm Royal Palace
The last thing I did during my time at the royal palace, was to explore the Royal Treasury. Which is also included in the ticket. This exhibition is located through what looks like the main entrance at the castle hill. It is almost a little intimidating to walk in here through the massive doors. Especially as the royal guards are standing on either side, keeping an eye on everything that’s happening out front. At the Royal Treasury you can admire ornate and decorated crowns and items. Since 1970, the State Regalia has remained on permanent display here.
The Tre Kronor Museum and the Royal Treasury generally have the same opening hours as The Stockholm Royal Palace, but there can be exceptions so it is recommend to check if you are visiting early or late in the day.
♥ After a lot of exploring the royal apartments, the Tre Kronor Museum and the Royal Treasury, why not go for a cinnamon bun crawl to replenish your energy? One of the best spots in town for cinnamon buns is located within a 10 minute walk away – and I’ve even written a full guide to the best cinnamon buns in the city. This is exactly the kind of unhurried slow travel pace that turns a city break into something more memorable.
FAQ – The Stockholm Royal Palace
The ceremony begins at 12.15 on weekdays and Saturdays and 13.15 on Sundays as well as public holidays.
Yes, guests may carry handbags and small backpacks inside if worn at the front. Larger bags and suitcases are not allowed. But these can be left in the lockers, depending on availability, at the Ticket & Information Office.
Yes, the gift shop is located in the Outer Courtyard by the Tourist & Information Office. You can visit the shop without buying a ticket.
Yes, you can go inside the Stockholm Royal Palace and see the Royal Apartments and museum areas if you pay the entrance fee for tickets.
The standard entrance fee is 240 SEK in high season for a ticket to see the Stockholm Royal Palace.
The standard ticket does not include a guided tour, so the whole experience is however long you want it to be – but I would recommend setting aside around 2 hours to properly explore everything.
Need more inspiration for things to see and do on your Stockholm trip?
- Where to Find the Best Cinnamon Bun in Stockholm: How to do fika like a local
- Things to See and Do in Stockholm: An Insider’s Guide to the City
- The best museums in Stockholm: a guide to the museum island of Djurgården
Hotels in Stockholm
- The best hotels in Stockholm Sweden: Five-Star, Boutique & Iconic Luxury Hotels
- Collector’s Victory Hotel Stockholm – An antique collectors charming hotel in the heart of the Old Town
- The Sparrow Hotel in Stockholm: a boutique stay with French influence
Or some recommendations for other locations in Sweden?
- Grisslehamn Hotel Havsbaden Spa & Resort: Luxury relaxation near Stockholm
- Stora Sundby Slott: a Swedish fairytale castle outside of Eskilstuna
Meet Moa, our multi-talented writer from Sweden who now calls Edinburgh, Scotland home. With over a decade exploring Europe’s hidden corners—from Nordic landscapes to alpine villages—Moa brings a unique perspective shaped by her years as a travel guide in the Swiss and Austrian Alps. As a whisky book author and freelance drinks writer, she has an eye for exceptional food and beverage experiences, while her background as a photographer ensures she never misses a scenic moment. Whether she’s discovering old European cities or chasing golden hour in mountain villages, Moa’s stories blend cultural insight with a dash of adventure and plenty of authenticity.
