Stockholm is a city that should definitely be on your bucket list. I’m sure you’ve heard many places crowned with the title of being “beautiful” but Stockholm well and truly deserves this reputation. In fact, the city is considered by many to be one of the world’s most beautiful places. Built upon hundreds of islands that make up the archipelago, the Swedish capital is a place full of culture and history, and a place oozing with ‘coolness’ and modern vibes.
Whether you are in the city for a short break or staying longer, there is plenty to keep you occupied; from museums, to architecture and historical buildings, to the ever present waterfrontages and of course Swedish food and drink. Whilst we are on the subject I must not forget to mention the delightful custom of Fika which I urge you to get involved with!
Here are some of my suggestions for things to do in Stockholm..
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Gamla Stan, Old Town
Stockholm’s old town, Gamla Stan, dates back to the 13th century and it is here where you will find the city’s most beautiful buildings, characterised by their bright yellow facades and assorted gabled crowns. The never-ending cobblestone streets and narrow alleyways are packed with all sorts of cafes, bars, restaurants and souvenirs shops
For any first time visitors to Stockholm, or perhaps those with a restricted amount of time, Gamla Stan is the definitive place to start and will help you get a feel for the city and its history. With fascinating sights such as the Stockholm Cathedral and the Royal Palace, Gamla Stan could almost be described as an open-air museum in itself, providing a clear insight into the different aspects of Swedish history and culture.
Vasa Museum, Galärvarvsvägen
The Vasa museum is another ‘must’ for anyone visiting Stockholm. Located on the island of Djurgården, the museum is home to the only almost fully intact 17th century ship that has ever been salvaged, the 64-gun warship Vasa. The ship was intended to be the flagship of the Swedish imperial fleet, its pride and joy, but unfortunately she sank on her maiden voyage in 1628. In 1961, a huge operation was carried out to recover the wreckage that you see today. With more than one million visitors per year to the Vasa, this is Sweden’s most visited museum.
Hours: Open Daily 10am-5pm (Wednesdays 10am-8pm, September-May), 8.30am-6pm, June-August
Admission: Adults SEK 130, Under 18s free
Official site: www.vasamuseet.se
The Royal Palace, Gamla Stan
If you have slightly more time to spare in the city you should definitely consider a visit to the Royal Palace, the official residence of the Swedish monarch. You’re unlikely to catch sight of the King and Queen however, as they live at the equally beautiful Drottningholm palace on one of Stockholm’s outlying islands.
If time is not on your side, then at least try to catch the Changing of the Guards ceremony. The timings of this will differ depending on the season, so always check; May-August daily at 1215 hours (Sundays and holidays at 1315 hours); April, September, October Wednesdays & Saturdays at 1215 hours, and Sundays at 1315 hours; November – March Wednesdays & Saturdays at 1200, Sundays 1300.
Hours: Open Daily 10am-5pm
Admission: Adults SEK150, Under 18’s SEK75
Official site: www.kungahuset.se
Skansen Open Air Museum, Djurgårdsslätten
Inspired by the Norsk Folkesmuseum in Oslo, Skansen was opened as the world’s first open-air museum in 1891. Visitors can discover over 150 different buildings which have been relocated from sites all over Sweden and this allows the visitor to gain a valuable insight into the way of life in the different parts of Sweden before the industrial era. As well as teaching you about five centuries of Swedish history, Skansen also has a popular Zoo which showcases some 75 different species and breeds of Scandinavian animals. From sheep and goats, to seals, to wolves and brown bears, the zoo hints at the diversity of wildlife scattered around the beautiful, if not wild and wonderful countries that make up this part of the world.
Hours: Open daily
Admission: Adults SEK100-150, under 15s SEK60, infants free (prices & opening times vary with season)
Official site: www.skansen.se
The City Hall, Ragnar Östbergs Plan
One of the best and most iconic views of Stockholm is that from the City Hall – either from its waterside terrace or from the heights of its tower. It is also worth taking a short tour of the buildings interiors including the magnificent Gold Room where you will find no less than 18 million gold mosaic tiles!
Hours: Open daily – guided tours only
Admission: Adults SEK70-100, Under 17s SEK20-40, Under 12s free (seasonal prices)
Official site: www.stadshuset.se/stadshuset
Fotografskia Museum, Stadsgårdshamnen
The Fotografskia museum houses one of the most celebrated photographic displays in the world and is of definite interest to any photography enthusiast. Equipped with a book and souvenir shop, a photo gallery, restaurant and top floor café (which offers views out across the city) you could quite easily while away the hours inside..
Hours: Open daily Sunday-Wednesday 9am-9pm, Thursday-Saturday 9am-11pm
Admission: Adults SEK110
Official site: www.fotografiska.eu
Djurgården
The green island oasis of Djurgården is not far from central Stockholm and is popular with Stockholmers and tourists alike. Most tourists make their way here to enjoy a trip into one or more of its many museums, but it is also one of the city’s most popular recreation areas. There are great opportunities for picturesque walks, for example around the Djurgårdsbrunn canal and Blockhusudden, and there is plenty of green space to relax in what was once the Royal Game Park. To reach the island you can either go by foot from the city centre, by the Djurgården ferry boat from Gamla Stan/Slussen, by bus or by tram from Norrmalmstorg – quite the experience!
Official site: www.visitdjurgarden.se
Stockholm Waterfront/ Port
Commonly referred to as the ‘Venice of the north’ it should come as no surprise that one of the best, and most pleasant ways, to enjoy Stockholm is from the water. Down at the port you can hop aboard a number of boats and ferries which will give you another perspective on the city as well as transporting you from island to island.
ABBA Museum, Djurgårdsvägen
I don’t know about you but I do love a bit of Abba. Despite being a 90s kid, I still find myself knowing all the words to their songs and can’t resist a quick boogie whenever Dancing Queen is played at an old relative’s birthday bash. In fact one of the highlights of my Graduation Ball was the Abba tribute act; maybe I should be embarrassed by that as a ‘hip’ twenty three year old, but hey. Anyway, it seems I’m not the only one because despite only opening in May of 2013, the ABBA Museum in Stockholm has become one of the city’s main attractions drawing … visitors… Even if you aren’t a die-hard fan, the museum still provides a fascinating insight into the rise and popularity of one of the world’s most successful pop groups – their music, the fashion and the personalities. The museum also has a strong interactive theme, and you might even get the opportunity to speak to an ABBA member should the phone ring, ring (couldn’t resist!!)!
Hours: Open daily: Mon-Tue 10-18; Wed – Fri: 10 – 20; Sat – Sun: 10-18
Admission: Adults SEK 195
Official site: www.abbathemuseum.com
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Still looking for ideas?
Whilst the above suggestions covers the city’s main sights, if you have more time on your hands you may be interested in venturing further afield or perhaps exploring some of Stockholm’s other neighbourhoods. Whilst this list is by no means extensive, hopefully it can help to further inspire you..
Take a trip to Drottningholm Palace on the island Lovön
This is the private residence of the Swedish royal family. Whilst the rooms in the southern wing of the palace are reserved for their use, the rest of the palace and grounds are open to the public year round.
Explore the Up & Coming SOFO Design District
Head to Sofo to experience the city as a local. With a NYC inspired acronym Sofo is an area packed with unique cool and creative shops, specialising in anything and everything, from clothing and jewellery, to knickknacks and music. There are also plenty of undiscovered restaurants and cafés, just waiting to serve you.
Thrill seek at Gröna Lund amusement park
Located on the seaward side of Djurgården island, the Gröna Lund offers rides and attractions common to any amusement park including a tunnel of love, a funhouse, as well as 7 roller coasters and is also doubles up as one of Stockholm’s concert locations.
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If you have any more ideas to add to this list, do let me know in the comments below!!
