Every city has its classics. Sights and places that most people recognise, and that are among the ‘must do’ activities. We hope you’ll find your own personal favourites during your time in Stockholm. If you want some help along the way, here are some well-known Stockholm gems that we warmly recommend!
Is there a Stockholmer, or a tourist, who hasn’t visited Djurgården? No wonder Djurgården is such a popular destination – it really does have something for everyone. The attractions include a national city park, a fairground, an art gallery, a 17th century ship, one of Sweden’s tallest buildings, picturesque walking trails, picnic areas and much more. www.djurgarden.net
These days, inner city Stockholm spreads across 14 islands, but it all started on the island of Stadsholmen where Gamla Stan is. Gamla Stan, the old town, is Stockholm’s original city centre, dating back to the 13th century, with buildings mostly dating from the 17th and 18th century. Some of Stockholm’s most famous historic sights are located here.There are boutiques, cafés and restaurants round every corner. Make sure you don’t get stuck on the busy shopping street Västerlånggatan. Instead, lose yourself on narrow alleyways and tiny squares. Österlånggatan is a quieter street with a myriad of small handicraft and design boutiques. At the heart of Gamla Stan is a cosy little square, the perfect place to stop and get your breath back. Many years ago there was a building on this spot until it was destroyed totally in a fire. That’s how the square got its name, Brända Tomten – the burnt yard.Take a stroll over to Riddarholmen, the neighbouring island. The sunset over Riddarfjärden bay is unbeatable and provides the perfect end to a day spent wandering the lively streets and alleyways of Gamla Stan.
Globentorget 2Tel: +46 77 131 00 00Before Globen was completed in 1989, not many people could grasp the effect this new building would have on the city skyline. Today, Globen is as much of an accepted part of Stockholm’s profile as the City Hall or the Royal Palace. Globen is the world’s largest spherical building, measuring 110 metres in diameter. It’s Sweden’s largest arena for events. During the summer months, guided tours are available.www.globearenas.se
Lilla Allmänna Gränd 9Tel: +46 8 587 501 00Gröna Lund, Stockholm’s very own fairground, has been around since 1883, but every year new attractions are added. Both Swedish and international artists perform on Gröna Lund’s stages. Why not do a pentathlon with a group of friends, or buy a pass for the rides and challenge yourself to try out Free Fall, the Catapult or the Flying Carpet!www.gronalund.com
Mörka Kroken 28-30Tel: +46 8 667 21 05Since its construction in 1967, Kaknästornet has been one of the landmarks of the Stockholm skyline. It is really a broadcasting tower for TV and radio, but it also functions as a viewpoint where you can take in the stunning view of Stockholm and its surroundings. At 155 metres high, Kaknästornet is one of the tallest buildings in Northern Europe.www.kaknastornet.se
Djurgårdsslätten 49-51, DjurgårdenTel: +46 8 442 80 00Skansen, the oldest open-air museum in the world, opened its gates for the first time back in 1891. Skansen’s creator, Artur Hazelius, had a vision. He wanted to display a living environment depicting life in Sweden, the farming society, and the country’s animal life. Take a walk around the park and visit some of the many historic environments, where guides can tell you all about how life was in the old days.In the zoo area, you will find all the wild animals of the Nordic countries, including bears, wolves and elk, together with exotic animals and reptiles at Skansen Akvariet. A clear favourite for younger visitors is Lill-Skansen (little Skansen), with its baby animals. Skansen is also the place for traditional celebrations of many Swedish festivals, including Walpurgis Night, Midsummer, Sweden’s National Day and St Lucia.www.skansen.se
Hantverkargatan 1Tel: +46 8 508 29 058On 10 December every year, the eyes of the world are on Stockholm City Hall. That’s Nobel Day, and the celebrations that follow the prize ceremony at Stockholm Concert Hall are always held in the City Hall. Visit the Golden Hall, the Blue Hall, and the Tower, with its captivating view of Stockholm. At Stadshuskällaren restaurant, you can order the Nobel Menu, served on genuine Nobel porcelain.www.stockholm.se/stadshuset
Slottsbacken 1Tel: +46 8 402 61 30The Royal Palace is an impressive Baroque building boasting more than 600 rooms. As well as visiting the state apartments, you can also visit the Royal Treasury to see the crown regalia, the Three Crowns Museum and Gustav III’s Museum of Antiques.The Royal Palace is also the workplace of some members of the Royal Family, although their permanent place of residence is Drottningholm Palace.www.royalcourt.se
Galärvarvsvägen 14Tel: +46 8 519 548 00Only a few short minutes of sailing, 333 years on the sea bed, and soon 50 years as a museum – that’s one way of summarising the history of the royal warship Vasa, from 1628 to the present day. The Vasa Museum is one of the most popular museums in Scandinavia – and rightly so. Walking through the doors into the Vasa Museum is like stepping into another world. It leaves most visitors breathless.www.vasamuseet.se