Let us guess; You’ve picked interest in Sweden? Looking for the best city to visit or spend a holiday in? Not to worry, we got you covered.
In this piece, we present the city of Stockholm. Plus, we’ve done extra work to show you the best things you can do in Stockholm. So keep reading.
A little history, The regent of Sweden, Birger Jarl, officially founded Stockholm in 1252. Stockholm had risen to become Sweden’s largest city by the end of the 13th century, acting as the country’s political capital and royal home
Stockholm is also famous for its recognizable “City Hall,” the world’s first open-air museum, and the fantastic “Abba museum.”
Sweden’s capital is a cosmopolitan metropolis with a convoluted old town, trendy modern areas, and a buzzing city center.
Stockholm’s landscape, which is spread across 14 islands on Lake Mälaren, encourages you to wander and see where you’ll wind up. Around 50 bridges are in the city center alone, and ferries are a wonderful way to move around.
Is Stockholm Worth Visiting?
The simple answer is YES. It is well worth a visit because this city is rich in history and culture. With world-class museums, theaters, and galleries, getting around is a breeze.
The Tunnelbana (T-Bana) is a fantastic underground railway system that will take you practically anyplace in the city. An efficient and consistent bus network fills any gaps between locations.
Stockholm is an incredible city to explore on foot if you love long hikes. Bicyclists appreciate the extensive network of bike lanes.
Furthermore, the food is interesting, and if you enjoy history, there are numerous museums to choose from and art museums.
Stockholm is way ahead of the curve when it comes to fashion, design, and music, and many of the most excellent locations to shop and hang out are on the island of Södermalm, south of the city center. We cover more amazing places further in this piece.
What’s Sweden Known For?
Sweden is well-known for its numerous forests and lakes. It’s a nation filled with recyclers, hikers, and as well as the world’s Pop Music Capital.
Food-wise, Wheat, barley, sugar beets, oilseeds, potatoes, and staple vegetables are the main crops in the south, while hay and potatoes are the key crops in the north.
Animal husbandry is more critical than cereal farming in Sweden as a whole.
It has also created well-known brands such as ABBA, Spotify, IKEA, and Roxette. Volvo and Saab are Swedish automobile brands famous in the world.
Best Areas in Stockholm for Sightseeing
Without further ado, let’s look at the top areas to visit in Sweden’s Capital below;
1. Fotografiska Museet
Also known as the “Museum of Photography,” It is located in the Södermalm neighborhood of Stockholm, Sweden’s capital.
This contemporary photography center is housed in the old huge customs house (Stora Tullhuset). It was erected between 1906 and 1910 and is directly on the water.
Fotografiska’s restaurant focuses on creating sustainable meals using cutting-edge techniques. Oh, and did we mention you can see views of the sea and Royal Djurgrden from dinner?
Plus, a meal at the restaurant entitles you to a discounted price to the picture exhibits? If you love a thrill, visiting here should be of your top 10 things to do in Stockholm. The experience will fill both your stomach and your mind.
2. Gamla Stan
Gamla Stan is one of Europe’s largest and best-preserved medieval city cores and one of Stockholm’s most popular tourist attractions. Stockholm was built here in the year 1252.
Gamla Stan, which translates to “Old Town,” is believed to have been erected in the 13th century. As a result, Gamla Stan has many historic structures dating from the 17th and 18th centuries.
Without a doubt, there’s no better way to acquire a sense of Stockholm and its culture without seeing this city. In the Old Town, you’ll find a plethora of souvenirs and gifts, and you’ll feel transported back to medieval times.
There are incredible things to do in winter in this Stockholm city. If you travel in the winter, don’t miss the wonderful Julmarknad (Christmas Market), which is a must-see.
3. The Royal Palace
Welcome to one of Europe’s largest palaces! With nearly 600 apartments, the Royal Palace is His Majesty the King of Sweden’s official residence.
The Palace is available to the general public and houses five museums.
The Palace was primarily constructed in the Italian Baroque style during the eighteenth century on the site of the 1697 fire that destroyed the “Tre Kronor” castle. Guess what, the King of Sweden lives here till this day.
Visiting the Royal Palace is one of the free things to do in Stockholm.
The Armory, which houses royal robes and armor and coronation carriages and splendid coaches from the Royal Stable, is also housed in the Royal Palace. Psst, be sure not to miss the military parade. It’s a fantastic sight.
4. The City Hall
One of the breathtaking sites in Stockholm. The City Hall, with its golden Three Crowns spire, is one of the city’s most recognizable silhouettes.
It is one of the best carriers of national romanticism in architecture in the country. Ragnar Stenberg designed the City Hall, which is made out of eight million bricks.
The City Hall shop sells uniquely designed souvenirs and gifts that pay homage to Stockholm. Only guided tours of City Hall are available to the general public at specific times.
The Golden Hall, which is covered with 18 million gold mosaic tiles, hosts a dance after supper. You can also climb to the top of the tower for a spectacular view of the city.
5. The Vasa Museum
History and Art lovers would love this one. The Vasa is a unique art treasure and the best-preserved seventeenth-century ship in the world. More than 98 percent of the vessel is intact, and hundreds of carved statues adorn the inside.
The Vasa was a 64-gun vessel that sank in 1628 on its maiden voyage. It remained submerged until 1961 when it was raised to the surface and meticulously restored.
The ship has practically all of its original materials and is the only ship of this scale from the 17th century to survive today.
Around the ship, there are 10 separate exhibitions covering topics such as life on board and the ship’s historical backdrop. The Vasa video is available in several languages, and the museum offers free Wi-Fi.
A well-stocked supermarket and a comfortable restaurant for lunch and fika (a popular drink in Stockholm) are also available. Visiting here should be on your list of things to do in Stockholm in December. Children under the age of 18 are admitted for free.
6. Skansen Open Air Museum
Skansen is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike, and it’s ideal for a family adventure.
This includes the world’s oldest open-air museum and the Stockholm Zoo, which has Scandinavian animals, a children’s petting zoo, and two indoor aquariums: Skansen Akvariet and the Baltic Sea Science Center.
In 1891, the visionary teacher and academic Artur Hazelius established the world’s first open-air museum on Royal Djurgarden.
Hundreds of museums across the globe have borrowed it to demonstrate to future generations what life was like in Sweden before the Industrial Revolution.
Skansen is a stunning building on Royal Djurgrden with spectacular views of Stockholm. Over 150 farms and houses from all around the country were dismantled and transported here.
Going on a Family Vacation? This is one of the best places to visit in Stockholm in January.
7. Moderna Museet
Moderna Museet (Museum of Modern Art) is Sweden’s leading museum for modern and contemporary art, with over 130 000 items in its collection. The museum began in a former military facility in the 1950s before relocating towards the 1990s.
Picasso, Marcel Duchamp, Henri Matisse, and Salvador Dal are among the names that even visitors may recognize.
Moderna Museet attracts many returning visitors for an ever-changing art experience by blending international treasures by artists such as Warhol, Picasso, and Dali with temporary exhibitions by famous 20th and 21st-century artists.
The museum café has a great view of Royal Djurgrden and the famous Strandvägen street. Finally, there is a popular museum shop to visit, and if you’re traveling with children, don’t miss the children’s workshop.
Things to do in Stockholm FAQs
What Should I not Miss in Stockholm?
Stockholm is a city laced with adventure, art, history, and overall beauty. There are many things to do in Stockholm. However, our top recommendations are;
- Try out the best Fika: Fika is a Swedish term for a coffee break with friends or family. It is a common occurrence in Stockholm. Slowing down, taking your time, enjoying a sweet treat, and spending quality time with friends are all part of the fika culture.
- Food lover? Try out the traditional princess cake and cinnamon bun treats.
- Visit the ABBA museum: if you are thrilled with music, whether you’re a long-time fan or a complete novice, you’ll have a great time here.
Another must-see in Stockholm is the ABBA museum, which is one of the most interactive museums. The museum’s tagline is “Walk in and Dance Out.” You can also learn about the famed girl band’s history here. - Explore the Bibliotekstan District: here lies the heart of fashion.
- Again, read through this piece to find our top-rated places to visit in Stockholm.
What do people do in Stockholm, Sweden?
Stockholm is a city brimming with exciting activities. Make sure you plan because several of these treasures are hidden from view.
Because a substantial portion of the cosmopolitan population still lives in the downtown regions, residents fondly refer to the city as a “levande stad” or “living city.“
Locals range from farmers to nurses and so much more. The lifestyle of a community is peculiar to each region. The best way to find out is to visit.
How much is a trip to Stockholm?
A 7-day vacation to Stockholm costs an average of $1,400 for a single traveler, $2,500 for a couple, and $4,800 for a family of four.
Stockholm hotels cost between $60 and $250 per night on average, while most vacation rentals cost between $160 and $520 per night for the complete home.
How many days do you Need in Stockholm?
Our advice? If you’re being spontaneous, three days seems like a reasonable amount of time to see everything the city has to offer. With four full days, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the surroundings or take things at a slower pace.
However, appropriate schedule preparation will assist you in determining what is ideal for you.
Conclusion
Stockholm, Sweden’s capital, has a lot to offer almost everyone. Are you looking for the next best place to visit with friends and family or even a solo getaway? There are lots of art, history, fashion, and music to take you on an adventure.
Don’t know where to start? This article provides a brief guide on the best places and things to do in Stockholm. Enjoy and have a thrilling experience.