Stockholm is a city that truly shines when it comes to food experiences. With its blend of historic markets, innovative restaurants, and scenic waterways, Stockholm offers an ideal setting for exploring Swedish cuisine. We particularly love tours like the Stockholm: Swedish Food Guided Walking Tour for their engaging local flavor and insider insights, especially because they combine food with a stroll through the city’s charming neighborhoods. Whether you’re a seafood lover, a fan of traditional meatballs, or eager to taste Swedish candy, Stockholm’s food scene is diverse and inviting.
If you’re looking for a comprehensive introduction, many of these tours include tastings at iconic markets or restaurants, providing an authentic taste of Sweden. The city’s vibrant markets, such as Östermalms Saluhall, are perfect places to sample local delicacies, and a guided tour enhances this experience by adding context and history. With options ranging from market walks and restaurant explorations to festive cruises, there’s a perfect match for every type of food lover.
Quick Overview
This list covers eight of the best food tours in Stockholm, each offering a different way to experience Swedish cuisine. Choices include traditional walking tours, market visits, themed Christmas experiences, and even water-bound cruises with live music. We’ve included tours that focus on local markets, historic eateries, and special seasonal events like Christmas markets and festive cruises. For a deeper dive into Stockholm’s culinary scene, check out the Stockholm Food Tour or the All-You-Can-Eat Shrimp Cruise. Now, let’s explore each one in detail.
1. Stockholm: Swedish Food Guided Walking Tour
At number 1, the Stockholm: Swedish Food Guided Walking Tour takes you on a four-hour journey through some of Stockholm’s most lively food markets. This tour is perfect if you enjoy combining culinary tasting with city exploration. Your guide will lead you through historic and charming neighborhoods, including Stockholm’s Old Town, where you’ll see well-preserved architecture and learn about the city’s past.
What makes this tour stand out is its emphasis on local culture and traditions. You’ll sample a variety of foods like Swedish cheeses, local seafood, and meats, while your guide shares stories behind each dish. This tour is praised for its engaging guides, with Cotton, the guide, earning consistent compliments for his knowledge and personable style. The tastings are described as “artfully prepared,” and the pace is relaxed enough to enjoy the surroundings without feeling rushed.
Guests appreciate the diversity of markets visited—both old and new—and the chance to learn what makes Stockholm’s cuisine unique. This tour is ideal for travelers wanting a deep dive into Swedish food in a friendly, social setting. The four-hour duration offers good value, especially as it combines sightseeing and tasting into one experience.
Bottom Line: A great choice for those eager to understand Stockholm’s food scene while soaking in scenic and historic sights.
2. Stockholm Food Tour
Second on our list, the Stockholm Food Tour offers a four-hour walk through the city’s culinary landscape, focusing on seven stops at local restaurants and markets. For around $118, this tour provides a full meal, including tasting Swedish specialties like fish soup, meatballs, and even salty licorice—something you definitely won’t find in typical tourist spots.
This tour’s standout feature is its deep focus on Swedish culinary roots. As you walk approximately 2 miles (3.5 km), you’ll explore both historic markets and newer eateries, gaining insight into how Stockholm’s food scene is evolving. The guides, including Cotton, are praised for their knowledge of both food and local history, making it more than just a tasting session. The itinerary includes visits to markets like Östermalms Saluhall and Hötorgshallen, where you’ll sample a variety of local delicacies.
While some guests mention the significant walking involved, they also note it’s well worth the effort for the quality and variety of tastings. The full meal experience and insider knowledge make this tour a great value for those who want to combine culinary discovery with city walking.
Bottom Line: Perfect for foodies wanting an immersive, full-flavor introduction to Stockholm’s food scene, with plentiful tastings and cultural insights.
3. Stockholm: Food Tour
The Stockholm: Food Tour ranks high for its intimate exploration of Swedish culinary gems. Over four hours, you’ll visit key spots such as Östermalms Saluhall and Hötorgshallen, sampling local foods in authentic markets. The tour emphasizes local favorites and the stories behind them, making it ideal for those interested in both food and the city’s historic food venues.
This tour’s strength lies in its focus on must-visit eateries and markets, including stops at a local bakery for a sweet treat. It offers a balanced mix of food tastings and sightseeing, with a professional guide leading the way. The itinerary involves visiting two major food markets and a bakery, where you’ll get to taste a variety of Swedish foods, from savory to sweet.
Guests praise the tour for its well-paced itinerary and the knowledgeable guide, who makes history and culture come alive through food stories. It’s a solid choice for those wanting a taste of Stockholm’s culinary heritage in a manageable time frame.
Bottom Line: An excellent option for travelers who want a guided, food-focused walk through Stockholm’s best markets and eateries.
4. Stockholm: All-You-Can-Eat Shrimp/Tacos Cruise & Live Music
Getting on the water at number 4, the Stockholm: All-You-Can-Eat Shrimp Tacos Cruise & Live Music combines culinary indulgence with scenic views. This four-hour cruise offers unlimited shrimp, tacos, bread, butter, and a cheese plate, all while gliding through Stockholm’s stunning archipelago. The highlight is the live music, which varies from rock to schlager, giving this experience a lively, festive atmosphere.
What makes this cruise stand out is its combination of water, food, and entertainment. You’ll get to enjoy freshly baked bread, a variety of cheeses, and traditional Swedish dishes, all served on deck. The lively music and dance opportunities, especially when the boat stops at scenic docks for dancing, make this a memorable night out. The cruise is suitable for those who want to combine gastronomy with a fun social experience.
Although it is a more casual, party-oriented tour, it delivers in both flavor and atmosphere. The reviews reflect the fun vibe, with one saying, “The live music was excellent and stopping off at the dock for dancing was fantastic.” It’s best suited for travelers looking for a relaxed, lively evening with good food and entertainment on water.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those wanting a festive, social experience with excellent seafood and live music aboard a scenic cruise.
5. Stockholm Christmas Tour and Food Experience
In the holiday season, the Stockholm Christmas Tour and Food Experience offers a cozy, festive taste of Swedish Christmas traditions. This two-hour small-group tour starts in front of the Nobel Museum, where your guide will introduce you to Stockholm’s iconic Christmas markets and seasonal treats.
The tour is especially appealing because it combines Christmas market exploration with tasting holiday delicacies, such as candies made at a 1800s-style candy shop and traditional Swedish Christmas snacks. You’ll visit several sites including Esglesia Alemanya and the Gamla Stans Polkagriskokeri, tasting sweet and sour candies along the way. The guide’s friendly and relaxed style makes the tour enjoyable, especially as you soak in the festive lights and decorations.
While shorter than other options, this tour offers a rich seasonal experience in a compact format. The reviews mention how knowledgeable and engaging the guide was, making it more than just a walk through markets. It’s perfect for travelers wanting a quick, festive immersion in Stockholm’s Christmas spirit.
Bottom Line: A charming, seasonally themed experience that fits well into a winter itinerary for holiday lovers.
6. Saltsjöbad: Guided Hike, Local Food, and Wood Burning Sauna
Number 6 is the Saltsjöbad guided hike, local food, and sauna, offering a different kind of food adventure—this one immersed in nature. For $121, you’ll hike through virgin forests just 20 minutes from Stockholm, then enjoy a hearty local meal and the invigorating experience of a traditional Swedish wood-burning sauna.
This tour is perfect if you want to combine outdoor activity with authentic local food and relaxation. The 30-minute hikes at Nackareservatet lead you through scenic woodland before settling in for a traditional Swedish lunch. The sauna experience, which is a staple of Swedish culture, is emphasized as both fun and rejuvenating. The tour promotes learning about Swedish traditions and history while enjoying modern comforts like the sauna.
Reviews highlight the unique blend of exercise, food, and relaxation, making it a great choice for active travelers or those seeking a cultural experience beyond the city. The focus on authentic forest foods and the calming sauna session makes this tour quite memorable.
Bottom Line: An ideal tour for nature lovers and those interested in Swedish sauna culture, with a solid outdoor and culinary combination.
7. Stockholm: All-You-Can-Eat Christmas Buffet Cruise Livemusic
The Stockholm: All-You-Can-Eat Christmas Buffet Cruise with Live Music offers a festive boat experience that combines traditional Swedish Christmas dishes with holiday cheer. During this 3.5-hour cruise, you’ll indulge in a rich buffet featuring classic foods like ham, gravlax, and sweet desserts, all while enjoying live troubadour music.
What makes this tour stand out is its authentic Christmas atmosphere, with beautifully decorated boats and scenic views of Stockholm’s archipelago. The buffet includes vegetarian and vegan options, and the live music enhances the festive mood. It’s a favorite for those wanting a cozy, seasonal celebration with good food and entertainment floating among the islands.
Reviews mention the lively atmosphere and the quality of the buffet, which captures the essence of Swedish Christmas. If you’re in Stockholm during the holidays and want a quiet, celebratory cruise, this is an excellent choice.
Bottom Line: Perfect for holiday travelers seeking a traditional, festive experience with hearty food and live music on water.
8. Stockholm: All-You-Can-Eat Shrimp/Tacos Cruise & Cover Band
Finally, the Stockholm: All-You-Can-Eat Shrimp/Tacos Cruise & Cover Band combines culinary fun with lively entertainment. Spanning about 4.5 hours, this dinner cruise offers unlimited shrimp or tacos, along with a cheese platter for dessert, all while a popular cover band plays.
This tour is ideal for night owls or lively groups who want to dance and enjoy Swedish seafood in a casual, party atmosphere. The variety of options, including vegetarian and vegan choices, makes it flexible for different diets. The cruise’s lively music and social vibe make it a memorable night out, and the unlimited seafood ensures everyone leaves satisfied.
Reviews note how much fun the live band adds to the experience, and the relaxed atmosphere encourages dancing and socializing. This is best suited for those looking for entertainment, good food, and a spirited night on the water.
Bottom Line: An energetic, fun-filled option for travelers wanting a mix of great seafood and live music in a relaxed setting.
How to Choose Your Perfect Food Tour in Stockholm
When deciding which tour fits your interests, consider your budget, fitness level, and what type of experience you crave. If you want a comprehensive food exploration with market visits and tastings, the Stockholm Food Tour offers excellent value. For a formal, historic market experience, the Stockholm: Food Tour is also a solid pick.
If festive holiday cheer is your priority, the Christmas-themed tours—the Christmas Tour and Food Experience or the Christmas Buffet Cruise—deliver seasonal magic in a compact format. For something unique, the Saltsjöbad combines outdoor activity, local foods, and sauna bathing, perfect for active travelers interested in Swedish traditions.
Finally, for lively evenings, the cruises with unlimited shrimp or tacos and live music are great options, especially if you want a relaxed, social atmosphere.
Remember to book early, especially for seasonal tours or cruises, to secure your spot. Check availability and start times to match your travel schedule.