Taking a leisure stroll around the old town of Gamla Stan is probably one of the best things to do in Stockholm. Gamla Stan (Old Town), which dates back to the 1200s and is teeming with must-see landmarks, tourist sites, coffee shops, fine dining establishments, and boutique stores, is a veritable walking museum in and of itself. With good reason, many people choose to start their exploring adventure here. There isn't a better method to quickly understand Stockholm's culture and feel at home there, without a doubt. As you walk around the Old Town's baffling maze of narrow, twisting alleyways, many of which go to (or from) Stortorget, the major public plaza, you will find a wide variety of mementos and gifts accessible, and you will feel as though you have been whisked back to the Middle Ages.
In contrast to the tens of thousands of inhabited islands that constitute Stockholm's vast archipelago, the city's 14 islands are insignificant. The three-hour boat voyage to Sandhamn, the penultimate island before Finland, gives the Swedish capital an elongated appearance. The islands you pass on the way are forested and populated with vividly colored cottages. They range from isolated and uncharted to immaculate tourist destinations with boutique hotels, art galleries, and vast spells of sandy beaches. You can take buses from Slussen station to the major public transport boat lines, or you can take slightly more expensive direct ferries from the city center to well-liked locations like Waxholm, Fjäderholmarna, and Sandhamn.
If you have some spare time and you are wondering what to do in Stockholm, then taking a walking excursion around the city is the best thing. Explore the island district's top attractions while understanding about Stockholm's fabled past and how it influenced modern-day Swedish civilization. Uncover the history of the German presence in the city while visiting the German Church, learn how Riddarholmen, also known as "The Knights' Islet," earned its name, and look for "The Iron Boy," the tiniest sculpture in Stockholm. Discover the charmingly little streets of Gamla stan, including Mrten Trotzigs gränd, the city's tiniest street, and observe how they contrast with the massive Stockholm Royal Palace. You'll stroll around Stortorget, a public area distinguished by its colorful historical structures, and visit some of the city's most recognizable monuments, including the Karl XIV Johans sculpture and George and the Dragon.
Get a glimpse of Stockholm's greener areas as you cruise the Djurgrden Canal, which separates Djurgrden Island from the northern coast. The royal canal, which was constructed in 1825 on King Charles XIV's instructions, departs from Nybrokajen, past lovely structures on its way to the tranquil canal. English, Swedish, German, French, Spanish, Italian, Russian, Japanese, and Chinese are just a few of the more than 11 languages that are available as audio tours with headsets. At the conclusion of your 50-minute trip, enjoy spectacular scenery of the Stockholm cityscape as you make your way back into the city, offering a new angle on the Swedish capital.
If you happen to be a foodie, you would love exploring the capital city of Sweden tasting one of the scrumptious foods you can find. Start at the region that the affluent and famous have made popular, called Steralm. Discover the intensely flavored, superb cheeses and game meat that are a staple of Swedish cuisine. The Gold of the North-branded beer can be tried. At the upscale stermalms Market Hall, experience Swedish delicacies like you're on the red carpet. Consider a classic Swedish lunch as you make your way to the center of the city. Find the meatball, the Nordic cuisine's crowning achievement, along the road. Find out why certain jams are appropriate for it as well as what kinds of potatoes to offer with it.
One of the most daring activities in Stockholm is to book a sightseeing cruise and explore Stockholm from the water. Take in the classic vistas of this lovely city as you board your tour boats. Navigate through a canal that joins the Baltic Sea with Lake Mälaren, many bridges, and more. View the views of Stockholm's inner city, including the Old Town, Södermalm Island, Lilla Essingen, and Stora Essingen, as well as the brand-new neighborhood of Hammarby Sjöstad and the Royal Djurgrden's green spaces. Even better, there are audio commentaries in over 10 different languages that you may listen to.
A number of Stockholm’s state-owned museums have reinstated free admission in recent years. The Swedish History Museum is among the best, and what a museum it is. This location questions the whole idea of a history museum and history itself, from a straightforward show addressing Sweden's terrible mistreatment of its indigenous minorities to the other addressing the links between the Vikings and Nazism. It's really simple to get to the museum; all you have to do is ride Tram 7 from Central Station to the museum along gorgeous Strandvägen. Your transportation is covered by the metro card, and on federal holidays, they operate antique buggies with onboard tearooms.
Visit the stunning ABBA The Museum on the island of Djurgrden in Stockholm to see what you might look like in the renowned stage attire worn by the band's four members. The museum also has genuine artifacts, gold records, souvenirs, and much more. You will feel like the fifth band member when you leave this museum because you were an integral part of the trip. The renowned Polar Studio, which was established by ABBA musicians Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson, now offers singing opportunities. Join the band on stage and explore the fascinating 3D avatars. Not your normal museum, The ABBA The Museum is unique, as he members' belongings include costumes, gold records, authentic merchandise, memorabilia, and a ton more are here.
Visiting the island of Djurgrden is among the must-do activities in Stockholm as it attracts large groups of tourists and locals alike since it is a peaceful haven in the middle of the metropolis. The summer months, with their extended days and shorter nights, are extremely crowded. The park, which is a part of the Royal National City Park, is a great spot for a promenade and a picnic and is also home to some of Stockholm's best museums and other landmarks. There are many charming hotels, cafes, eateries, and snack bars. In case you're feeling very daring, you can hire bikes to wander the woodland pathways. The well-known Vasa Museum, Abba the Museum, Skansen Open-Air Museum, and Gröna Lund Amusement Park are all situated in this area.
Skansen, the oldest known open-air museum, was founded in 1891 on the island of Djurgrden and is a fantastic destination for families, especially those with small children. You'll enjoy yourself the most here as the museum provides you with a true sense of old-fashioned Sweden. One of the best things to do in Stockholm is to explore the museum, where more than 150 distinct houses and buildings have been constructed after being collected from all around the nation. With the help of costumed staff, the various town districts, which include manor residences, a bakery, the stunning Seglora timber church, and a pottery, are recreated. There are numerous species to be spotted at the Skansen Open Air Museum such as Grey Wolves, Bears, European Bison.
The King of Sweden's formal abode is Stockholm's Royal Palace (Sveriges Kungahus), which is situated on the outskirts of Gamla Stan beside the water. It's noteworthy that the Queen's home is somewhere else. It is located on the stunning island of Drottningholm (Queen's Island), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is only a 45-minute cruise from Stockholm and is simply one of the best things to do in Stockholm. The palace was constructed in the Baroque style in the 18th century and is home to numerous diamonds. The Tre Kronor (Three Crowns) Museum, the Armory, the Treasury, and Queen Kristina's silver throne can all be found here. The palace, one of the biggest in Europe with more than 600 rooms and various museums, offers a comprehensive glimpse of the formerly powerful Swedish Empire.
Visit Fotografiska, a museum of modern photography that holds a wide range of exhibits each year, as it is one of the must-do activities to in Stockholm. From the top level, you can take in one of the most stunning views in the city. The facility contains a cafe, restaurant, store, and museum. The museum has seen a significant rise in visitors recently and is now regarded as one of the world's top locations for photography. One of the trendiest restaurants in the city, the restaurant on the top level serves organic, responsibly farm produce. Locals particularly enjoy its weekend breakfast. Throughout the entire year, the museum presents sincerely fabulous live and club music.
If you happen to be fond of Jazz, then you must visit Fasching, which is Stockholm’s most prominent jazz and world music center, and one of the most entertaining activities in Stockholm. There is a tavern nearby the train station. Thanks to its year-round program, which attracts both renowned and up-and-coming artists from around the world, there is always somewhere to remain toasty in the downtown area during the winter. The fantastic Glen Miller Café, which is a few streets away and considerably more charming, also has some lovely bookings and a limited bar menu. After a hard day of exploring, bring your friends over to check out the area.
Although there are a lot of interesting things to do in Stockholm, it would be enriching to include a few hours of underground art in your itinerary. Take a leisurely morning walk through Gamla Stan and stop by the Royal Palace, and then spend a few hours soon after noon exploring your own personal subway art circuit. With excellent purpose, Stockholm's subway system has earned the title of longest art gallery in the world. Over a distance of more than 60 miles, 90 of its 100 subway stations are embellished with paintings, tilework, mosaics, sculptures, and other decorations. The fact that more than 150 different artists contributed to the artwork makes it particularly intriguing for tourists in Stockholm. This implies that every station comes with its own distinctive artistic style, atmosphere, and purpose.
Crave for some afternoon tea in Stockholm? Look no further than arriving with your friends and family at SoFo. Fika, or afternoon tea, is a regular tradition in Sweden. Stockholmers prefer coffee, although several of the greatest restaurants in the city also provide a good selection of teas, such as Il Caffè, Pom & Flora, and Café Pascal. SoFo, or "south of Folkungatan" on Södermalm island, has grown to be a hotspot for hip coffee shops for those who prefer flat whites. Here, cinnamon and cardamom buns, of course, with saffron in the winter, are the preferred baked products, and if you're in the mood for something savory, you may frequently find rye open sandwiches or tiny rolls stuffed with cheese, eggs, or avocado.
Which are the best things to do in Stockholm with kids?
There are plenty of things to do in Stockholm with kids as they are directly aimed at children only. Some of them are-
How is the nightlife of Stockholm?
Stockholm boasts a thriving club scene with options for people of all ages and tastes. From laid-back taverns with dance floors to clubs of the finest international caliber, everything is available. In Stockholm, you may check out the newest subterranean techno and house sensations while releasing go to the sounds of the newest house on Södermalm, or you can dance the rest of the night with a cocktail in hand at the flashy clubs around Stureplan.
What is special about Abba Museum?
ABBA museum is not all that the Museum is. A lot of ABBA artifacts, including stage costumes, instruments, gold records, prizes, and more, may be found in the ongoing show. You can sing, dance, mix music, and experiment on simulated onstage attire as part of the immersive experience. Additionally, using the ticket you received, you can capture your concert and retrieve it from the museum's website.
Is Stockholm worth visiting?
Any travelers in Europe should make time to visit this vibrant and historical town. You've got a lot to see and do, not to forget the nightlife, museums, restaurants, and neighborhood moods, from the vibrant old town district in the center of it all to the verdant extremities of the salt-washed archipelago islands on the Baltic Sea.
How to reach Stockholm?