Ocean Bus

Ocean Bus offers one of the more unusual ways to see Stockholm: an amphibious bus that drives through the streets of the city and then heads straight into the water to continue the tour afloat. The trip lasts about an hour and starts and finishes on Strömgatan in the city centre, close to the Royal Opera, Kungsträdgården and the bridges to Gamla Stan. For a city built on islands, it is a light-hearted way to experience both sides of Stockholm in one go.

The tour passes many of the city's best-known sights, with a live guide providing commentary throughout. Guiding is in both English and Swedish, with most of the commentary in English, so international visitors will be able to follow easily. The moment the bus drives down into the water is the highlight for most passengers, especially children, and it gives you a view of the waterfront from water level, a perspective few other tours offer.

Practical details are straightforward. Tickets are sold for adults and children, and the company recommends booking online, where you can pay by card or with Swish; card payment is also possible on site. Free cancellation or rebooking is offered up to 24 hours before departure. Dogs weighing up to ten kilograms are welcome on board, but pushchairs are not allowed, so families with small children should plan accordingly. Wear layers, as it can feel cool on the water even on a sunny day.

Ocean Bus suits families, groups of friends and anyone looking for a fun, short sightseeing tour that does not take up a whole morning. It is a good choice on your first day in Stockholm, as it gives a quick overview of the centre and the waterfront before you explore on foot. Because departures and the operating season vary, check the website for current times and book a seat in advance during summer and school holidays.

The departure point at Strömgatan 3 is a short walk from Kungsträdgården metro station and about ten minutes on foot from T-Centralen. The Royal Opera, the Royal Palace across the water and the restaurants of Kungsträdgården park are all nearby, so it is easy to combine the tour with a walk into Gamla Stan or a visit to Nationalmuseum.