Stockholm should be on most urban photographers bucket list. This is due to their various subway stations that have been decorated in unique and picturesque ways. As well as the subways there are plenty of other fantastic Instagrammable spots around the city. See below for our selection of the best Instagram and photography spots in Stockholm.
1. Rådhuset
Rådhuset is a super cool subway and must-visit Instagram spot in Stockholm. The design is a red-brownish rock face and it feels a bit like being in a cave. You’ll also find interesting elements throughout this subway such as old boots on the ceiling, an old-style elevator entrance, architecture rods and more. Just head here, wander around and see for yourself. To get here take the Blue line (line 10/11).
Best time for pictures: Anytime (but avoid rush hour)
Cost: Subway ticket
Location: See on Google Maps
2. Facades on Södermalm
Södermalm has some very beautiful and classic facades which are perfect for photography. Sometimes such as when the water is completely still you can even get perfect reflections too. Head here early for beautiful light and when the water may be calmer.
To take pictures you can get them from directly opposite on the Riddarholmen island. This is in the Gamla Stan (old town) area of the city. Also connecting this area to the Södermalm is a bridge that runs alongside the railway, if possible walk along this for some other and closer perspectives.
Best time for pictures: Sunrise or sunset
Cost: Free
Location: See on google Maps
3. View from Monteliusvägen
Probably one of the best views of Stockholm is from Monteliusvägen where you can capture postcard views of the city. This is a path that is free to access and provides skyline shots such as seen below. Visit this photography spot around sunset or sunrise for a chance to get beautiful light such as seen below.
Best time for pictures: Sunset or sunrise
Cost: Free
Location: See on Google Maps
4. Stadion
Stadion is another one of Stockholm’s picturesque subways. It has a rainbow type style which goes quite well with the old subway trains you’ll often see going past. To take pictures use the large rainbow which you’ll find towards the center of the platform, set up a tripod and then wait for a train to arrive, or go past. You’ll find Stadion is on the Red line (Line 13/14)
Best time for pictures: Anytime (but avoid rush hour)
Cost: Subway ticket
Location: See on Google Maps
5. Stortorget
The classic spot for Instagram photos of Stockholm is of the architecture in the main square. Here are some incredibly colourful facades which you’ll often see on postcards. These are nice to photograph at any time of day but during the main part of the day you’ll often have lots of people walking past and also taking pictures. At night or around twilight it should be a little quieter or by using a long exposure the people will appear as blurs or might even completely disappear. Whilst here it’s also worth checking out the Nobel Prize museum also located at this square.
Best time for pictures: Anytime
Cost: Free
Location: See on Google Maps
6. Prästgatan
Just one street down from the Stortorget is Prästgatan. This street is incredibly picturesque and great for taking shots with a human element and vanishing points such as seen below. This spot is nice to visit during the day, as well as at night when the colours look great after a long exposure photograph. At night it also adds a nice mood to the photograph.
Best time for shots: Anytime
Cost: Free
Location: See on Google Maps
7. T-Centralen
T-Centralen is probably one of the prettiest subway stations in Stockholm and another must-visit for your Instagram and photography shots. The painting and design seen below is located on the Blue line (Line 11 or 12) Try using a wide-angle lens to capture as much as possible, as well as using a person, such as you or a friend to add a human element to your photo. Alternatively, just wait for passers who will be frequently using the escalators.
Best time for shots: Anytime (but avoid rush hour)
Cost: Subway ticket
Location: See on Google Maps
8. Stockholm City Hall
Stockholm City Hall is iconic and definitely worth taking a photo of. To make the picture more interesting consider taking a long exposure or arriving at sunrise or sunset where you may get great light. You should also take your pictures from Riddarholmen in the Old Town area as you’ll find it easier with your composition.
Best time for shots: Anytime
Cost: Free
Location: See on Google Maps
9. Stockholm Public Library
Stockholm Public Library can serve as a good photo spot. The central area of it is in a cylinder style. When taking pictures be sure to use the widest lens possible such as 14mm – 24mm.
Best time for pictures: Day
Cost: Free
Location: See on Google Maps
10. Brunkeberg Tunnel
The Brunkeberg Tunnel might prove to be a good Instagram and photography spot for creative urban photographers. Consider using a human element in the tunnel to add perspective and use the different shapes to your advantage. Out of all the suggestions in this article, this would be our least favourite spot, although it’s worth checking out if you have time and have some good ideas on how to make your photo.
Best time for shots: Anytime
Cost: Free
Location: See on Google Maps
Here are some tours and activities you may be interested in during your visit. Click the blue button for even more ideas.
Photography tips for Stockholm
- Take photographs of the skyline around sunset for potentially beautiful light.
- Use a good travel tripod when taking pictures at night for a higher quality photograph.
- Explore the Gamla Stan (old town) during the morning (before 9am) when you would hopefully get peaceful streets to enjoy all to yourself.
- Use a wide-angle lens when taking interior pictures such as of the subway and library.
- Add a little saturation or vibrancy to your photographs to make the colours pop.
- Consider using an editing preset to quickly enhance your photos if using Lightroom or Photoshop.
Summary
As you can see there are lots of fantastic places throughout Stockholm to capture Instagrammable photos. From interiors, landmarks to viewpoints. Why not see some of our other Instagram and photography guides or read some of tips for How to Take Great Instagram Pictures.
