Things to do in Stockholm
Welcome to Stockholm
The Swedish capital is a study in contrasts, where Viking history brushes up against modern architecture. Made up of a collection of 14 islands connected by 57 bridges, the city inhabits one end of the Stockholm Archipelago, which stretches far out into the Baltic Sea. The compact collection of islands and diverse neighborhoods is easily navigated on foot, by bike, via boat, or public transportation. A stroll through the old town of Gamla Stan reveals cobblestone streets and medieval residences, and other must-see stops include the Kungliga Slottet Royal Palace, the Vasa Museum, and the Royal Djurgården.
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Top 15 attractions in Stockholm
#1
Vasa Museum (Vasamuseet)
Built to house the wreckage of the mightyVasa warship, Stockholm’s Vasa Museum (Vasamuseet) is now one of Scandinavia's most-visited attractions, drawing over one million annual visitors. Part of Sweden’s National Maritime Museums system, the Vasa Museum is located on the island of Djurgarden and remains the only place in the world where visitors can see a fully intact 17th-century ship.More
#2
Stockholm Royal Palace (Kungliga Slottet)
With its baroque facade, lavish Royal Apartments, and impressive treasury, the Stockholm Royal Palace is everything you'd expect from a regal abode. Although the Swedish royal family now resides in Drottningholm Palace, the Royal Palace still holds an important role, both as a historic monument and as the host of banquets and receptions.More
#3
Stockholm Old Town (Gamla Stan)
With its tangle of cobblestone streets, brightly painted buildings, and bustling squares, Stockholm Old Town (Gamla Stan) is one of the Swedish capital's most photogenic districts. The historic center also boats the city’s oldest quarter—dating back to 1252—and plays host to some remarkably preserved medieval monuments.More
#4
Stockholm City Hall (Stadshuset)
Stockholm City Hall (Stadshuset) looms over the Kungsholmen waterfront and is one of the capital’s most impressive landmarks, with a redbrick façade and 328-foot (100-meter) tower topped with the Three Crowns of Sweden. Dating back to 1923, the hall contains elaborate ceremonial chambers which are open to visitors via guided tours.More
#5
ABBA The Museum
Stockholm’s ABBA The Museum is an interactive space for ABBA fans to learn about the legendary Swedish band’s history and trivia. Housing plenty of the band’s costumes, gold records, and memorabilia, the museum invites visitors to experience the feeling of being “the fifth member of ABBA.”More
#6
Nobel Prize Museum
Located in the heart of Stockholm’s Old Town, the Nobel Prize Museum celebrates more than a century of natural sciences, arts, and culture, and the creative minds that have and continue to dedicate their lives promoting dialogue on their respect fields.More
#7
Skansen Museum
Skansen is the world’s oldest open-air museum and zoo. Located in Stockholm, the museum was founded in the late 19th century by Artur Hazelius, originally as a branch of the Nordic Museum (Nordiska Museet). Today it illustrates the different ways of life prevalent in old-time, pre-industrialized Sweden.More
#8
Sodermalm
This up-and-coming island district in central Stockholm was once considered the slum of the city. But today Södermalm, often referred to simply as “Söder” (Swedish for “south”), is the bohemian sector of the area full of hip cafes, cool vintage shops, and fantastic waterfront views.More
#9
Djurgarden
The island of Djurgården is one of the Stockholm archipelago’s most visited islands, dominated by scenic parklands and former royal hunting grounds stretching along the picturesque Djurgården Canal. A haven for walkers, cyclists, and picnickers, Djurgården is also home to some of Stockholm’s top museums and cultural attractions.More
#10
Stockholm Parliament House (Riksdagshuset)
Stockholm’s Parliament House (Riksdagshuset) is the seat of parliament in Sweden, better known as the Riksdag. Built between 1897 and 1905, the building was designed in a neoclassical style, with a Baroque Revival style façade. Today, it consists of two wings. The east wing is the original House of Parliament, while the west wing used to be the head office of the national bank. Occupying nearly half of the island of Helgeandsholmen in Stockholm’s Old Town, Parliament House also houses the Riksdag Library, which holds a variety of parliamentary documents and international legislation and is open to the public.Visitors to Parliament House are welcome to observe everything that takes place in the parliamentary chamber, whether it is listening to debates and votes or attending public hearings or seminars. The public gallery to the Chamber holds 500 visitors, while the public gallery of the former first chamber holds 150 visitors and the gallery of the former second chamber holds 200 visitors. The latter two chambers are open for public hearings. Tours of the building are also available.More
#11
Drottningholm Palace (Drottningholms Slott)
The private residence of Sweden’s royal family, Drottningholm Palace (Drottningholms Slott) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the country’s best-preserved 17th-century castles. Over the years successive royal residents have renovated the palace, which is inspired by French and Dutch styles and features lush rococo interiors and multiple baroque gardens.More
#12
Royal Swedish Opera (Kungliga Operan)
The Royal Swedish Opera (Kungliga Operan) is Sweden’s national theater and houses the Royal Swedish Opera, Ballet, Orchestra, and Choir. It was founded in 1773 by King Gustav III who was an avid supporter of the arts and paid for the opera house’s operations out of his own pocket.More
#13
Tivoli Gröna Lund
Located on Djurgården island in Stockholm, Tivoli Gröna Lund is Sweden’s oldest amusement park. Most of its structures are old commercial and residential buildings dating from the 19th century, giving it a uniquely historic look and feel. From roller coasters to rock concerts, Gröna Lund entertains visitors of all ages.More
#14
Kungsträdgarden (Kungsan)
Kungsträdgården, affectionately known as Kungsan, is a popular park in central Stockholm. It hosts open air concerts and other events in the summer and is home to an ice rink in the winter months. First of May demonstrations by Sweden’s left-wing parties also take place in the park each year. The park’s space can be divided into four distinct areas: the Square of Charles XII, Molin’s Fountain, the Square of Charles XIII and the Fountain of Wolodarski.Kungsträdgården's name, roughly translated, means King's Garden, and its origins date back centuries. A royal kitchen garden was gradually transformed into an enclosed pleasure garden in the 17th and 18th centuries. The walls of the garden were demolished in the 19th century and, in 1821, most of the garden was replace by gravel, creating the square now named for Charles XIII. Molin’s Fountain was added in 1866, when it was the centerpiece of a Scandinavian art and industry exposition. The entire park was redesigned in 1990 to its present form and in 2004, nearly 300 new trees were planted and new pavilions and cafes were added.The park is surrounded by notable landmarks, including the Stockholm Synagogue on the east side of the park and the Royal Swedish Opera, Saint James’ Church, the Matchstick Palace and Sverigehuset (home to the tourist information center) along the west side.More
#15
Riddarholm Church (Riddarholmskyrkan)
One of the oldest buildings in Stockholm, Riddarholm Church (Riddarholmskyrkan) is the traditional burial church for Swedish royalty. Originally built as a monastery, parts of the church date back to the late 13th century. It was transformed into a Protestant church after the Reformation and the congregation was eventually dissolved at the start of the 19th century. Today, it is used only for burial and commemorative purposes. Nearly every Swedish ruler from Gustavus Adolphus (1632) to Gustav V (1950) has been buried in the Riddarholm Church, as well as Magnus III (1290) and Charles VIII (1470).The interior of Riddarholm Church, sometimes known as Riddarholmen Church, features dozens of coats of arms of the knights of the Order of Seraphim, a tradition that dates back to the middle of the 18th century. When a knight dies, his coat of arms is hung inside the church.More
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When to visit
Stockholm doesn’t hibernate during its long winter; instead, locals ice skate and cozy up at bars. Summer is the best, although most expensive, time to enjoy the city, with fall and spring at a close second. Kulturnatt, a citywide culture and art festival, typically takes place mid-spring. For 18 hours of daylight, visit in June when the sun barely sets.
Currency
Swedish Krona (SEK)
Time Zone
CEST (UTC +1)
Country Code
+46
Language(s)
Northern Sami