Top Things to Do In Stockholm, Sweden
Stockholm is one of those unique destinations that can gift you with a variety of experiences – from beach escapes and charming boat tours to fine dining and interesting history, there is something for every kind of traveler.
If you’re wondering what to do while visiting this Swedish capital, here are some of the top things to add to your Stockholm itinerary;
1. Experience the Swedish history at Skansen
Located at the edge of Stockholm’s city center, on Djurgården Island, Skansen is among the most famed attractions, in the country. Not only does it host over 5 centuries of Swedish history, but it’s also the world’s oldest open-air museum.
Established in the 18th century, Skansen showcases Sweden in its miniature form, displaying 150 traditional farms and homesteads from different parts of the country.
These structures were transported and rebuilt in this museum with an aim of preserving traditional customs and rituals that would have otherwise been eroded by the quickly industrializing world.
In addition to this piece of history, Skansen is also home to an aquarium, a petting zoo, and Baltic Sea Science Center, which makes it perfect for the whole family to visit.
2. Explore the Royal Palace (Kungliga Slottet)
If you’re always curious to know what royalty feels like, you can get a glimpse into how the Swedish royal family has lived over the years. The Royal Palace (Kungliga Slottet) is one of the largest royal residences in Europe but what makes it more fascinating is the fact that it’s still in use. You can visit royal rooms where kings and queens in the past have slept! The palace history is also pretty absorbing, but if you’re not a history geek, then you can wander around and marvel at the magnificent architecture.
3. Enjoy sightseeing on a boat
Approximately 10% of Stockholm’s surface area is made up of water. With that fact in mind, it’s easy to see why the locals christen the capital of Sweden as ‘beauty on the water’. The city spans across 14 islands which are segregated by twiddling canals and open waters. For this reason, there is a flourishing boat tour industry which gives you a chance to see the city from a different view. With the alluring archipelago lying on the east and the vast Lake Mälaren on the opposite side, you have a bunch of boat tours in Stockholm to choose from.
If you’re visiting the city for the first time a boat sightseeing tour is an incredible way to have a feel of Stockholm’s highlights before deciding on where you’d like to venture further.
4. Visit The Vasa Museum
Vasa is the most popular museum in Scandinavia and one of the best places to visit while in Stockholm, especially if you’re fascinated by well-preserved pieces of history.
Just like the renowned Titanic, the Vasa warship sunk on its maiden voyage - just 1300 meters into the journey.
Thanks to the Baltic Sea’s extremely cold water, the wreckage was protected from bacteria that would have caused the wooden body of the ship to deteriorate.
After approximately 300 years on the sea bed, Vasa was extracted from the water with 95% of its body in a close to perfect condition. To this day, it’s still believed to be the best-preserved 17th-century warship in the world.
5. Visit The ABBA Museum
The ABBA Museum was built to honor the legacy of the legendary Swedish pop-rock group, and it’s located in the exact spot where they wrote their greatest hits.
You can learn about their early beginnings and how they became one of the most successful pop stars in history. The museum also features some amazing memorabilia from the band, including costumes and personal belongings.
6. Walk around Gamla Stan
Gamla Stan (Old Town) is the heart of Stockholm, and it’s a great place to explore.
It’s filled with beautiful architecture and cobblestone streets, and it’s also home to some of the city’s most famous sights.
7. Visit the Drottningholm Palace
Drottningholm Palace is one of the most beautiful palaces in Sweden, and it’s also one of the country’s most visited sights. The palace was built in the 17th century, and it’s still used today as a royal residence.
8. Have a fika
A fika is a Swedish word that means “coffee break,” and it’s a tradition that dates back to the 1700s. It’s basically a coffee break for everyone in Sweden, and it’s usually taken in the afternoon. It’s often taken at one of Stockholm’s many cafés, and it can be enjoyed with friends or family.
Top Places To Eat in Stockholm
Stockholm is known for its delicious food, and there are plenty of great restaurants to choose from.
Here are some of the best places to eat in Stockholm:
• The Grand Café • The Grand Café is a beautiful restaurant located in the heart of Gamla Stan. It’s a great place to enjoy a meal with friends or family, and it’s also a popular spot for people-watching.
• The Swedish Fish Bar • This bar is located in the basement of the Stockholm City Hall, and it’s one of the most popular spots in town for people who love seafood. It’s also known as one of the best places to get fish soup in Stockholm.
• Sjömagasinet • Sjömagasinet is an old-fashioned fish restaurant that serves up some delicious seafood dishes. It’s located on Stortorget (the main square), and it’s a great place to enjoy a meal with friends or family.
• Kock & Vin • This restaurant is located in the heart of Stockholm, and it’s known for its delicious seafood dishes. It’s also one of the best places to get fish soup in Stockholm.
• Fäviken • This restaurant is located on Stortorget (the main square), and it’s one of the most popular places to eat in Stockholm. It serves up some delicious Swedish cuisine, and it’s also known for its delicious seafood dishes.
Top Things To Eat in Stockholm
1. Swedish Meatballs • This dish is a traditional Swedish dish that’s made with meatballs, potatoes, and lingonberries. It’s usually served with lingonberry sauce, and it’s also one of the best places to get fish soup in Stockholm.
2. Smörgåsbord • This dish is a traditional Swedish dish that’s made with different types of meat, potatoes, and vegetables. It’s usually served with lingonberry sauce, and it’s also one of the best places to get fish soup in Stockholm.
3. Fish Soup • This dish is a traditional Swedish dish that’s made with fish and vegetables. It’s usually served with lingonberry sauce, and it’s also one of the best places to get fish soup in Stockholm.
If you're looking for a fun, exciting, and delicious way to spend your time in Stockholm, then I highly recommend visiting the Swedish capital. If you have any questions about this article or if you have any suggestions for other things to do in Stockholm, then please leave a comment below.