Best things to do in Stockholm
Find out more about those top places in Stockholm
Stockholm: A City That’s Basically an Archipelago of Cool
Spanning across no fewer than fourteen islands, Stockholm is not just a city – it’s an archipelago that brings together quintessentially Scandinavian pine forests, serene lagoons, and a modern flair that rivals any metropolis. Imagine stylish boutiques and gilded palaces sitting side-by-side with lush nature reserves and sparkling waters, all while offering some of the best places to visit and things to do in Scandinavia.
Gamla Stan: A Medieval Dream (with a Side of Royalty)
Your Stockholm travel guide wouldn’t be complete without a trip to Gamla Stan, the city’s charming medieval heart. Here, colorful buildings, narrow cobbled lanes, and ancient taverns will transport you back in time. But it’s not all about nostalgia—Gamla Stan is home to the Royal Palace, one of Europe’s most impressive palaces. The palace’s grandeur is enough to make anyone feel like royalty (or at least like they could pretend to be). After taking a few selfies with the palace backdrop, make sure to pop into one of the old taverns for a taste of Stockholm’s historical charm.
Södermalm: Where Cool Meets Creativity
While Gamla Stan may feel like a step into the past, Södermalm is Stockholm’s answer to modern cool. South of Gamla Stan, this trendy neighborhood is packed with eclectic eateries, unique bars, and vintage shops that make it one of Europe’s coolest districts. If you’re looking for an Instagram-worthy café or a hidden gem of a shop, Södermalm is your spot. The area’s creative vibes are complemented by the renowned Fotografiska—one of the top attractions in Stockholm for photography lovers. With contemporary art exhibitions and a stunning view of the city from its rooftop café, it’s the perfect place to snap some pics for your own feed.
Exploring Stockholm’s Natural Beauty
Now, if you thought Stockholm was all about urban life and palaces, think again. The city is uniquely balanced between metropolitan energy and the tranquility of nature. Beyond the bustling streets and trendy neighborhoods, Stockholm dissolves into a stunning array of small islands—a paradise for nature lovers and explorers alike.
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Archipelago Adventures: The Stockholm archipelago is a must-see, with its over 30,000 islands offering everything from peaceful retreats to adventurous outdoor activities. Whether you’re looking for a ferry ride, a hike in the pine forests, or just a relaxing day by the water, the archipelago is the perfect escape from the city buzz. And don’t worry, the water isn’t as cold as it looks—at least in the summer!
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Parks and Green Spaces: Even within the city, Stockholm does nature beautifully. Spend a sunny afternoon in Djurgården, one of the city’s largest parks, which is home to the Vasa Museum and the Skansen Open-Air Museum. It's the perfect spot for both sightseeing and picnicking with locals. If you're a fan of Scandinavian design, the park is full of well-manicured spaces where you can reflect on life with a backdrop of towering trees and calm waters.
A City that Does Both
Stockholm might be the best of both worlds: a metropolis with a pulse and an archipelago that lets you get lost in nature. From the medieval charm of Gamla Stan to the creative energy of Södermalm and the natural beauty of the surrounding islands, there’s truly something for everyone in this Scandinavian gem.
Ready to Explore?
Whether you’re into royal history, exploring vibrant neighborhoods, or nature-filled adventures, Stockholm has it all. Don’t just pass through—take your time to enjoy the things to do, top attractions, and quirky spots that make this city one of Europe’s most dynamic and scenic destinations. It’s an archipelago, it’s a city, and it’s waiting for you to dive into its perfect mix of nature and modernity.
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The Royal Palace
The Royal palace remains one of the biggest palaces in all of Europe. One fact about this Palace is that the site where it stands didn't originally have the palace built there. Different structures had already stood at this spot before the palace was finally erected. There is still royalty living in this palace and you might just catch a glimpse of one on your tour.
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Stockholm City Hall
Towering into the sky, the Stockholm City Hall stands about 100 meters tall with three crowns on its towers. The beautiful architectural structure was designed by Ragnar Östberg and built with 8 million bricks. Today, many tourists make it a point of duty to visit the hall just to gaze at the grand structure.
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Vasa Museum
Don't be surprised that the museum is not actually a building. It is a ship that was built in the 1600s by the Swede as a war machine which also doubles as an object to show off the Swede wealth. A tour of the Vasa will expose you to the interiors of the ship where you would see exhibits and artifacts from the time when the ship was built.
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Skansen
Of the many interesting things you would find in Skansen, one major site is the Skansen open-air museum. A rural community was actually converted to this open-air museum that we see today. The museum is filled with many cultural and traditional exhibitions and is one of the most visited places in all of Stockholm.
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Djurgården
Welcome to the home of many tourist attraction sites, Djurgården. More than a million tourists visit the island every year to have a relaxing time. When you are not visiting the Abba Museum, you could enjoy the sights that the Skansen open air museum has to offer. Similarly, there is the Vasa Museum to go check out as well. There is no shortage of exciting activities to engage in at Djurgården.
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Drottningholm Palace
The Drottningholm Palace is the residence of the present Royal family of the Swede. It was built in the 1600 and has served as home to generations of the royal family. Due to the vast amount of history that this palace holds, it is on the list of the UNESCO World Heritage Centers. The palace attracts many tourists every year, and if you are in luck, you just might catch a glimpse of the royal family.
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ABBA The Museum
This is the first ever ABBA museum in the world. It has not been open to the public yet but it already has a half million tourists and ABBA fans visiting it from all over the world yearly. The museum sits on about 4000 square meters of land, and it will contain everything from the iconic group in Sweden.
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Nobel Museum
The prestigious Nobel Prize is an award that is given to individuals that have impacted the world in one way or the other. Since its inception in 1901, there have been more than 900 recipients of the prize but the Nobel Museum was not built until 2001. The museum houses the history and story of the winners of the prize up till date.
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Wildlife Safari
Take a tour to this part of Stockholm to see Sweden's wildlife. The forest contains animals like the moose and the reindeer among others. Apart from the animals, the natural atmosphere of the whole place is intoxicating and relaxing simultaneously. Be in tune with nature and relax.
