What to See and Do in Stockholm, Sweden

If you’re planning a trip to the vibrant waterfront city of Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, you’re in for a treat. This stunning metropolis, founded more than 750 years ago, proudly displays its historical architecture while embracing a modern cosmopolitan vibe. With its wide range of cultural attractions, chic cafes and restaurants, awesome festivals and stunning natural surroundings, Stockholm provides an unforgettable and enriching experience.Stockholm is made up of 14 separate islands, each of which offers its own unique attractions. Here’s our guide to the best places to visit, things to do and festivals to attend while exploring Stockholm.

The Best Historic Sites

Stockholm is a city of many layers and one that is steeped in a colorful history. Here are some key historic sites that still remain today.

Gamla Stan

Gamla Stan is the oldest part of Stockholm and still retains its medieval charm. With narrow cobblestone streets and colorful buildings, Gamla Stan takes you back in time. It’s also home to the Royal Palace and the Swedish Parliament building, along with some pretty churches. Be sure to check out the square called Stortorget, which was the site of a bloody massacre in 1520. Wander the charming alleys, browse the many shops, stop off at an outdoor cafe or enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the many traditional restaurants.

Vasamuseet

This incredible museum, perched right on Skeppsholm island, offers a fascinating look into Stockholm’s past. It is the home of the salvaged 17th-century warship Vasa which set sail in 1628 then sunk and lay forgotten on the seabed for 333 years before it was eventually brought up in 1961. Today it is one of Stockholm’s top attractions, offering an insight into the city’s impressive maritime heritage. The adjacent museum contains other ancient artifacts unearthed from the sea along with multimedia displays about life in the 17th century.

Skansen Open-Air Museum

Opened in 1891, this outdoor museum gives visitors an incredible insight into Swedish history and culture. Covering 75 acres, Skansen includes reconstructed cottages, churches and farms, giving visitors an understanding of what life was like in different parts of Sweden from around 1650 to 1950. There are also open-air restaurants, shops and traditional craftspeople demonstrating how things were made in centuries past. Skansen also has a zoo with some 70 species of Scandinavian animals such as lynx, brown bears and elk.

Fun Places to Visit

From quirky attractions to some of Europe’s best art galleries, there are plenty of fun places to visit in Stockholm.

Junibacken

Junibacken is a place where children can explore the stories of beloved Swedish author Astrid Lindgren’s characters. This colorful world brings to life some of Lindgren’s most beloved characters such as Pippi Longstocking, Emil and Brothers Lionheart with interactive stories, shows and fun activities.

Stadsbjerget (SkyView)

This incredible attraction on top of Rinkeby Gård offers stunning views of Stockholm from 450 feet above ground. Be sure to take one of the two glass elevators for some of the best views in town as you travel up through the wooden cylinder tower building. Once out at the Panorama Bar (which sits between two viewing platforms) you can grab something to eat and admire the 360-degree views over Stockholm’s Old Town and beyond.

The Vasa Museum

The Vasa Museum is a must-visit attraction in Stockholm. It’s home to a well-preserved 17th century warship called Vasa, which set sail from Stockholm but capsized and sank within minutes due to poor naval engineering. After 333 years on the seabed it was salvaged and brought back to land for all to marvel at in this incredible museum. It’s filled with artifacts from its time under water, multimedia displays about life on board during that time and also stories of how it was eventually salvaged and restored.

Awesome Festivals

A major part of life in Stockholm is attending awesome festivals throughout the year. From music festivals to food festivals, there’s something for everyone in Stockholm:

Stockholm Festival Week

This huge summer celebration sees ten days filled with jazz concerts, art exhibitions, art galleries and food tastings – all in some beautiful venues around historical Gamla Stan Island. With influential international artists coming together with local talent every year, this is an event that shouldn’t be missed.

Mitt I Stockholm

Mitt I Stockholm takes place every summer in Stockholm City Hall Square – one of the largest public spaces in Stockholm. This celebration brings together music (on two stages), food stalls, competitions and activities for both adults and children – perfect for a summer day out with friends and family.

Stockholm Culture Festival

This festival celebrates the arts with theater plays, art installations and multimedia performances that animate the entire city center of Stockholm over several days throughout August each year. From major productions with well-known international performers to small plays performed by local amateur theater troupes, there is something here for everyone who loves the arts.

Great Restaurants and Cafes

If you’re looking for a delicious bite or just a great cup of coffee, Stockholm has you covered with plenty of lovely cafes and restaurants offering some amazing food from all around the world:

Telegrams

This cozy cafe serves coffee from some of Scandinavia’s best coffee roasters as well as some delicious cupcakes that have become a trademark to this popular cafe chain throughout Sweden over the years. It is also an art gallery filled with vibrant colors and contemporary artwork – so make sure you take your time while here too!

Hellsten’s GlasHus

Tucked away in a lovely corner near Gamla Stan lies Hellsten’s GlasHus – a true gem among restaurants in Stockholm! Their culinary journey around the world via Korean dishes is definitely worth trying out – not least due to their cozy atmosphere combined with a unique setting where everything is made of glass! A true treat for your taste buds!

Apoteksgården

This unique restaurant truly epitomizes Swedish cuisine – with dishes such as wild salmon cured in dill on blini pancakes or reindeer meat served with potato gratin – even if you may have eaten these dishes elsewhere they are definitely worth having while at Apoteksgården! Treat yourself afterwards with their delicious selection of desserts and exquisite wines – a truly heavenly experience!

Unforgettable Experiences

While in Stockholm there are plenty of experiences that will make your stay even more memorable:

Boat Tours

Take a boat tour in Stockholm and enjoy some incredible views from both on shore and water level as your knowledgeable guide brings Stockholm’s history to life by pointing out many beautiful locations along the way! It’s easy to book your tour – simply head to Arrangemang24 for more information about available tours and special discounts as well as other activities.

ABBA Museum Tour

If you’re a fan of Swedish band ABBA then you absolutely must take this three hour tour through Sofo Experiences! You’ll get an opportunity to sing along with their iconic songs and explore their historic costumes – even get an interactive look behind the scenes at their recording studio! Definitely an unforgettable experience for ABBA fans!

Outdoor Activities

Head north from central Stockholm to Sollentuna Fjallraven Center where you can join experienced guides on all sorts of outdoor activities – everything from snowshoe hikes and cross country skiing on frozen lakes during winter months to canoeing down gently flowing rivers during warmer parts of year or simply enjoying your own picnic lunch with views out over the wilderness!

Conclusion

Stockholm has plenty to offer its visitors – from ancient sites to hip cafes and awesome festivals making everyone’s experiences unique! Whether you’re looking for an unforgettable journey back in time or something new and trendy, this vibrant metropolis has it all! Visitors are sure to fall under its spell with something here to captivate both young and old alike!