The capital city of Sweden, Stockholm is a stunningly beautiful destination and one of the most popular European cities. Built along the waters of Lake Mälaren and just a hop away from the Stockholm archipelago, it contains a rich history, dating as far back as the 13th century. You can continue to find its vibrant heritage during your sightseeing in the city’s cobblestone streets, old and modern architecture, and cultural atmosphere. The Swedish people are very friendly and welcoming to all visitors. Here can explore the charming neighborhood of Stockholm’s old town, Gamla Stan, with townhouses full of color and central meeting squares such as Stortorget. Make your way over to view the Swedish Royal Palace and see the guard.
The city is also filled with many contemporary museums, like the ABBA Museum, the Vasa Museum, and the Museum of Modern Art. These have a wide range of exhibits that can keep you occupied all day long. Take the subway system all over the city so you can view what is considered the longest art exhibit at each station. Or if you prefer take a hop-on hop-off bus tour to go explore. It’s fairly easy to get around Stockholm just by walking. You can also find plenty of city sightseeing tours that will take you all over from the top attractions to the hidden gems.
This is a simple travel itinerary for what I was able to do in a single day in Stockholm with some of the more popular attractions while also being on a time limit and was still able to enjoy a lot of this city in the process.
Vasa Museum
This museum is a massive tourist attraction and at its center is the display of a 17th-century warship, the Vasa. This museum is not only a must-visit for history buffs and maritime enthusiasts alike but those who are simply looking to spend their time during the day learning something new. It allows the visitors to learn about the complete history of the ship and its fateful journey. This ship is the only surviving intact 17th-century warship in the entire world, which sunk on its maiden voyage in 1628 and was later rediscovered and salvaged in the 1960s.
The museum offers an excellent up-close display of the vessel’s craftsmanship, from wooden statue carvings to the rigging, but also gives an immersive experience as one can walk through the various decks such as storage to living quarters, and view the exhibits. You can see follow the timeline displayed from its building to the filling of the crew. The Vasa Museum can give you an incredible insight into Swedish history and the military technology of the 17th century, with displays of standard cannons and seaworthy weapons of swords and rifles during that period. It’s the most visited museum in the entire country and you will see why once you arrive here.
Gamla Stan
Gamla Stan is located in the beating heart of Stockholm and the top attraction of the city in this traveler’s opinion. It is a charming and picturesque neighborhood that has been carefully preserved with some buildings dating back to the Middle Ages. Most people want to come here first when arriving in the city and it’s no surprise. It has cobblestone streets, narrow alleyways to explore, and colorful buildings perfect for your photo album.
Gamla Stan is a must-see stop for anyone visiting Stockholm. The neighborhood is home to many boutique shops and artisanal restaurants, ranging from classic Swedish cuisine to traditional international menus. Here, visitors can also walk over to the historical sites including the Royal Palace and the Stockholm Cathedral. A guided walking tour will take you through Gamla Stan so you can learn the history and hidden gems of the vibrant and bustling city of Stockholm.
Fotografiska
Renowned as one of the world’s leading photography museums, you will be captivated by awe-inspiring exhibits and displays committed to ensuring artistic storytelling through the camera lens. Nestled in the heart of Stockholm, Fotografiska invites its guests to immerse themselves in the imaginative world of photography. Any person who would consider themselves a photography enthusiast or photography professional should stop here once in their life. Possibly attend one of their captivating and motivating workshops, or simply use this to push forth your creative flow.
Fotografiska never fails to spark people to look at things from a different perspective. With its exceptional curation of artists, vibrant hipster-esque atmosphere, and clear and hard dedication to the art of photography, Fotografiska truly represents the pinnacle of showing us all visual expression.
Stockholm Royal Palace
Stockholm Palace, also known as the Royal Palace, is one of the most iconic landmarks in the entire city of Stockholm. It was built in the 18th century and continues to be the official residence of the Swedish monarchy. With over 600 rooms, the palace is one of the largest in all of Europe. It is considered the representation of Baroque architecture and is filled with beautiful sculptures and artwork not only from Sweden but from other parts of the world as well.
The palace also houses a smaller museum that allows visitors to discover the history and significance of the Swedish monarchy. Whether you decide to take a tour of the palace or simply watch the royal guard changing ceremony, Stockholm Palace is another must-see for anyone looking to explore the rich history and culture of Sweden.
Nordic Museum
Part of the benefit of visiting Scandinavia is learning about the Nordic culture and history and its influence over the world abroad. This museum showcases the diversity and unique cultural traits of Nordic traditions and customs, with exhibits ranging from clothing, furniture, folk art, recreation, and even flora and fauna. You can admire the stunning Viking jewelry and metallurgy, learn about the Sami people’s fascinating way of life, and explore the traditional Scandinavian homes and lifestyles they had.
The museum also features an extensive collection of historical documents, photographs, and audio recordings that provide a wealth of information on various aspects of Nordic life, making it an invaluable resource for researchers and scholars. If you are a Viking enthusiast, you should take a Viking tour of Stockholm where this museum is one of several stops around the region. Overall, the Nordic Museum is a fantastic destination for anyone looking to learn more about the culture and heritage of Northern Europe and its impact.
ABBA Museum
The ABBA Museum in Stockholm, Sweden is dedicated to the legendary pop group that was one of the biggest things to come out of Scandinavia in the last 50 years. The museum showcases all the items from ABBA’s history, including their iconic costumes, instruments, awards, and memorabilia. Take part in the interactive exhibits that will allow you to sing and dance along with the band’s biggest hits in classic attire, as well as take a virtual tour of their recording studio to mix your sounds.
This museum offers another truly immersive experience, providing the fans and just curious visitors the opportunity to relive the magic of ABBA’s music and learn more about its incredible legacy. Whether you’re a longtime devotee or a newcomer to their music, the ABBA Museum is a fun and fascinating experience for all ages.
Walk along the Strandvägen
Strandvägen is one of the most popular streets in the entire city. You will capture some panoramic views of the waterfront and the city landscape. This street is lined with historical buildings and majestic oak trees. Strandvägen offers a captivating blend of old-world charm and contemporary appeal. Walking along the path, you will be greeted with a multitude of upscale boutiques, quaint cafes, and high-end restaurants. It’s a perfect spot for a leisurely afternoon stroll of window shopping or a romantic evening to enjoy the Swedish nightlife. Whether you are basking in the summer sun or marveling at the winter wonderland, Strandvägen truly captures Stockholm’s unique beauty and irresistible charm every day.
Subway Art Gallery
We suggest taking the subway transit system while you are in Stockholm. Because you get the opportunity to experience and view the unique art gallery that has made its home here. The subway system, known as the Tunnelbana features more than 100 unique installations. Each station you stop off at has been creatively decorated with sculptures, artwork, mosaics, and other forms of expression. These have been done by many local artists who wanted to show their appreciation for Stockholm and now these have become a part of the city’s culture and creativeness.
What to eat in Stockholm
If you’re planning a visit to Stockholm, you’re in for a delightful treat when it comes to the culinary experience here. You will find Swedish cuisine is hearty and full of flavor. And they only tend to use only locally sourced ingredients. Of course, the must-try dish is Swedish meatballs, served with lingonberry sauce, and typically accompanied by creamy mashed potatoes.
For a more unique foodie experience, try surströmming, fermented herring that has a very strong, pungent smell but is a standard part of any Swedish menu. And for dessert, be sure to try a pastry called kanelbullar. It is a cinnamon bun baked to perfection and is typically enjoyed with coffee in artisanal cafes throughout the city. Any food tour you find here will take you to several restaurants or street food stalls to indulge in all the samples. Or if you prefer head to popular and busy food markets like Östermalm Market Hall and Hötorgshallen to sit down and partake in multiple dishes.
These are just a few of the places you are bound to visit when here in Stockholm. But don’t just stop here. There are many day trips from Stockholm, where you can find yourself out of the city and into that picturesque Swedish countryside. Smaller places like Sigtuna, Uppsala, Sandhamm, and Mariefred are just to name a few. These places are less than a few hours away where you can embrace the slow-paced living of Swedish culture and delve deeper into all the great things this country has to offer.
You may also get the chance to hop over to the capital cities of Denmark and Norway depending on your travel itinerary. You might as well since how often do you get to be in Scandinavia and see how amazing these countries are?
