10 Must-See Places in Stockholm, Sweden
So you’ve found yourself in the capital of Sweden, Stockholm! But what to do? Here are a few must-see spots in the “Venice of the North”.
When I visited Stockholm they were experiencing quite the heatwave, however not even the weather could take away the breathtaking beauty of the archipelago. Having been built over 14 different islands and connected by over 50 bridges, you’re never too far away from the water or nature. In addition to having one of the world’s best-preserved medieval districts, fantastic food, and endless activities, there’s something for everyone in Stockholm!
1). The Vasa Museum
Having sunk on its maiden voyage in 1628, the Vasa ship was nearly perfectly preserved in the Stockholm harbor until she was rediscovered and salvaged in 1961 (333 years after sinking!). Being known as one of Sweden’s most famous attractions, the ship is now housed in the Vasa Museum on Djurgården and amazingly is more than 98% original and adorned with ornate wooden carved sculptures.
While the ship itself is more than enough to admire on your visit, the museum has displays on crewmembers, what life was like on the ship, more historical context on what was going on in Sweden in the 17th century, the process behind salvaging and preserving the ship, and more.
For those wishing to visit, a ticket for adults can be purchased for SEK 170 (~ $17 as of 2023), while those under the age of 18 can get in for free.
Tip: Since there’s so much information included in this museum, I would recommend going earlier in the day when it first opens. Also, if you underestimated the time needed for the Vasa Museum, you can exit and reenter the museum on the same day as long as you still have your ticket/receipt.
2). Skansen
Known as the oldest open-air museum, Skansen provides visitors with the opportunity to explore how Swedes used to live. Seemingly stepping back in time, Skansen has over 150 historical buildings - which include workshops and farmsteads - from various points in history before Sweden’s industrial era.
The museum also features exhibits with animals found in Scandinavia, from moose to brown bears and wolverines, and an aquarium with Baltic Sea creatures. During various times of the year as well, there are several seasonal attractions, such as the Christmas market in the winter and Midsummer festivities in the summer. As an excellent attraction for locals, tourists, and visiting families, it’s no surprise Skansen is one of the most popular stops in Stockholm
For those wishing to visit, a ticket for adults can be purchased for SEK 185 (~ $18.06 as of 2023), while tickets for children can be purchased for SEK 165 (~ $16.11 as of 2023).
Tip: If you’re currently a student - even from outside of Sweden - bring your student ID for a reduced ticket price!
3). Riddarholmen
A small islet next to Gamla Stan, Riddarholmen most famously houses Riddarholmskyrkan (Riddarholmen Church), a medieval abbey built in the 1200s where various Swedish monarchs had been buried. With a cast-iron spire, the church is one of the most recognizable buildings present in Stockholm’s skyline.
Other notable landmarks on the islet is Svea hovrätt (Svea Court of Appeal) and Birger Jarls torn (Birger Jarl’s Tower). In addition, the west edge of the islet offers a fantastic viewpoint of City Hall across the water from the Evert Taubes Terrass.
Tip: While nearly anytime of day is great to stop by the Evert Taubes Terrass observation deck, the evening is a good time to go since the sun sets behind City Hall silhouetting the building across the water.
4). Stockholm's City Hall (Stadhuset)
Another notable landmark in Stockholm? City Hall. Built from over 8 million bricks, the tower features the Swedish national emblem of the three golden crowns. With session halls and assembly rooms, City Hall in itself is worth the guided tour, specifically Blå Hallen (the Blue Hall) where the annual Nobel Prize banquet is held as well as Gyllene Salen (the Golden Hall) which features a gold mosaic of over 18 million tiles.
Walking around the grounds attached grounds, Stadshusparken, there are various sculptures and viewpoints overlooking Gamla Stan and Riddarholmen across the water. The tower itself is also open during the summer months starting in May and ending in September, which offers panoramic views of Stockholm’s archipelago.
Tip: If you visit around lunchtime and are looking for a quick and cheap meal option, check out Stadshus Kallaren Restaurang - the restaurant located in City Hall. For not that much, you can enjoy a buffet-style meal that features salads, stews, and local seafood.
5). The Royal Palace (Kungliga slotten)
Located in the heart of Stockholm, the Royal Palace boasts over 600 rooms, five museums and is open to the public through tours. Built-in the 18th century, the palace was designed in an Italian Baroque Style and located right on the water. While Stockholm Palace is the official residence of the royal family, they mostly reside in Drottningholm Palace located about 9 miles outside of the city.
For a fee, you can experience the palace by booking a ticket (SEK 190 [for an adult] or around $19 as of 2023) to see reception rooms, the queen’s silver throne, Gustav III’s Museum of Antiquities, the Treasury, the Tre Kronor Museum and various other halls.
Tip: If you’re looking for a free activity to do, check out the changing of the guards' ceremony, which occurs on weekdays at 12:15 pm and 1:15 pm on Sundays, and typically lasts around 40 minutes in the palace's outer courtyard.
6). Skeppsholmenbron
While not necessarily a traditional tourist “site”, Skeppsholmenbron (the Skeppsholmen bridge) is a popular photography location since the middle of the bridge is decorated with large golden crowns on either side and also offers views of Nybroplan and Gamla Stan. Connecting the small island of Skeppsholmen to Blasieholmen, the bridge has been classified as a historical landmark, seeing how it was one of the first forged iron bridges constructed in Sweden.
Tip: While you’re already there, check out the island of Skeppsholmen and the attached islet, Kastellholmen. Found right in the middle of Stockholm, both small islands are known for their museums, viewpoints (you can see Södermalm, Östermalm, Djurgården, and Gamla Stan from the islands), and parks that provide green getaways in the heart of the capital.
7). Gamla Stan
Known as one of the best-preserved medieval centers in Europe, Gamla Stan is surely not to be missed. Dating back to the 13th century, you’re instantly transported back in time with the cobblestone roads and narrow alleyways, making you completely forget you’re in the middle of a modern-day capital as you wander through the maze of streets.
With its quiet, European charm, wander to Stortorget, the oldest public square in Stockholm, which during the winter features a Christmas market with different artisans. Other notable things to see and do in Old Town are Storkyrkan (The Great Cathedral of Stockholm), Riksdag - Sweden’s Parliament found on the island of Helgeandsholmen, Mårten Trotzig’s alley - famous for being one of the narrowest alleyways, and Tyska kyrkan (The German Church) which features a large copper spire.
Tip: To avoid some of the crowds, try going earlier in the morning on a weekday, and if you’re interested in learning more about some of the historical significance of the surrounding buildings, join a walking tour!
8). The Royal National City Park (Kungliga Nationalstadsparken)
Located only 2.5 miles from Gamla Stan, the Royal National City Park would never allude to the fact that you were so close to the city. As a historic landscape, park, forest, and cultural area, the park uniquely is classified as an “urban national park” meaning there still can be new development there so long as it does not interfere with the landscape or natural environment.
Stretching over three different municipalities, the Royal National City Park features areas to go swimming, running, cycling, and more, making it unsurprisingly one of the most visited recreational areas in Stockholm. You can easily spend a long time enjoying the area and taking in the sights of the archipelago, so why not make a half-day or day trip of it and stop for lunch at one of the many cafes along the waterfront?
Tip: Since the park is so big, it might be recommended to rent a bike for the day to see as much as possible. If you can also get to choose the type of bike you rent, you may consider getting an e-bike which is popular in Stockholm due to the hilly terrain. As someone who had never ridden an electric bike before this trip, I was a little bit hesitant, but after less than an hour, I was completely sold!
9). Stockholm from the water
With the city being made up of 14 islands and consisting ⅓ of water, it’s hard to not find yourself on the water at some point during your trip to Stockholm. While there are various boat tours that are available throughout the city and archipelago at large, a cheaper, simpler alternative is getting a Stockholm Travelcard which allows you unlimited travel across public transit, which includes the metro, trams, buses, boats, and commuter trains. With the ability to purchase a pass for a 24 or 72-hour period, the pass gives you more flexibility and ease of mind for your trip. Hopping on one of the ferries that are abundant throughout the city, you can see the various islands from the water and gain a new perspective of Stockholm.
Tip: If you want to explore more areas outside the city itself, such as Nacka Strand and even all the way to Frösvik (line 80) check out the longer commuter ferry maps!
10). Stockholm City Metro
Hailed as one of the world’s longest art galleries, the Stockholm metro is world-famous for having over 90 stations decorated with mosaics, murals, sculptures, and art installations ranging from exposed bedrock to light features. Unlike other experiences using public transportation, taking the Stockholm metro is fun as you can encounter memorable art installations along the way! Among some of the most notable stations for their installations are T-Centralen, Solna Centrum, Kungsträdgården, Stadion, Rådhuset, and Odenplan.
Tip: If you plan on taking a self-guided tour of the metro, the best times of day to do so are on a weekday in the middle of the day or later on a weeknight as well, ensuring you miss rush hour.
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