Discovering the Treasures of Stockholm: Top Things to Do in the Swedish Capital

Are you visiting Stockholm, Sweden and wondering what to do? Stockholm, Sweden’s capital, is a bustling and cultural city with many tourist attractions. Stockholm offers something for everyone—museums, nature, and local food. In this article, we’ll cover some of the top things to do in Stockholm, Sweden.

Discovering Stockholm: A Guide to Fun Activities

Stockholm is a city full of exciting activities for anyone looking to have fun. Whether you’re a history buff or an adventurous traveler, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant capital. Start your trip in Gamla Stan, the city’s historic Old Town, where you can stroll through cobblestone streets, take in the colorful buildings, and visit quaint shops and cafes. For a unique experience, visit Evert Lundquist’s studio, a hidden gem where the artist’s paintings and sculptures come to life. Take a break from sightseeing and enjoy a fika, a traditional Swedish coffee break, at one of the city’s many cozy cafes. Looking for a more active adventure? Head to Hellasgården for a dip in the lake and a rejuvenating sauna. Stockholm truly has it all, and this guide is your key to discovering all the fun activities it has to offer.

Vasa Museum: Reliving Sweden’s Seafaring History

Visit the Vasa Museum in Djurgården after exploring Gamla Stan in Stockholm. The Vasa Museum, Scandinavia’s most visited, includes the world’s sole surviving 17th-century battleship. The ship is a rare gem with 98% original parts. Visitors to the museum cannot believe that the ship, which crashed and sunk in 1628, is so beautifully maintained. The museum’s spectacular displays, including a walkable ship portion, explain interesting Swedish naval history. The Vasa Museum is a must-see for maritime historians.

Exploring Gamla Stan: The Heart of Stockholm

Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s core, is another must-see. The neighborhood’s medieval squares, meandering cobblestone lanes, and historical churches reveal the city’s rich cultural heritage. Visitors may see the Swedish royal family’s official residence at the Royal Palace. Gamla Stan’s cafés, pubs, and stores serve residents and tourists. This lovely area is great for learning about Swedish culture and history.

Royal Palace of Stockholm: A Must-Visit Attraction

Tourists visiting Stockholm must see the royal palace. The palace, the King’s formal home, includes hundreds of rooms and an excellent collection of municipal history and cultural displays. Tourists may visit the Royal Treasures, Gustav III’s Museum of Antiquities, Tre Kronor Museum, and Treasury. The palace Armory displays royal clothes and weaponry. The palace, one of Europe’s biggest and most magnificent, is available to the public and used by the Swedish monarchs for official business. After seeing the palace’s rich history, guests can visit Evert Lundquist’s Studio, the Palace Library, and the Carl X Gustav Gallery.

Evert Lundquist’s Studio: A Hidden Gem in Stockholm

Stockholm’s Vasastan area hides Evert Lundquist’s Studio. The studio of famed painter Evert Lundquist is now a museum. Art enthusiasts should visit this modest, intimate museum to learn about Lundquist’s life and work. The museum features several of Lundquist’s stunning landscapes. For art and history lovers, Evert Lundquist’s Studio is worth a visit. Stockholm’s intriguing attractions include this one.

The Palace Library: A Bibliophile’s Delight

Stockholm’s Palace Library is a must-see for bookworms. The Royal Palace, a renowned tourist destination, houses the library. Books, manuscripts, maps, and other literary items are on display here. The library comprises around 90,000 volumes, including rare and significant 16th–19th century works. Bibliophiles often spend hours perusing the library’s shelves and admiring older books’ elaborate bindings. The library has several Swedish royalty materials for history enthusiasts. The Palace Library will amaze bibliophiles. After seeing the Palace Library, travelers may explore Stockholm’s other intriguing sights described previously in this article.

Carl X Gustav Gallery: A Collection of Swedish Art

After exploring the Royal Palace of Stockholm, visitors should head over to the Carl X Gustav Gallery. This hidden gem houses an impressive collection of Swedish art, with works ranging from the 16th to the 20th century. The gallery is located in the same complex as the Royal Palace, making it a convenient stop for art enthusiasts. Visitors can view breathtaking pieces by artists such as Anders Zorn, Bruno Liljefors, and Carl Larsson. With its intimate setting and diverse selection of art, the Carl X Gustav Gallery is a must-visit attraction for anyone looking to delve deeper into Sweden’s vibrant artistic heritage.

Sail Through Stockholm’s Stunning Archipelago

After exploring the beautiful old town of Gamla Stan and learning about Sweden’s rich Viking history, it’s time to set sail through the stunning archipelago. Sandhamn is where Swedes go sailing and where you’ll see tons of sailboats and yachts lining the piers all summer. This section highlights the importance of a ferry ride through the archipelago and the incredible sights you’ll witness, including the colorful buildings of Gamla Stan and the Royal Game. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also sail catamarans, go kite surfing, and kayak paddling. It’s all about taking a deep breath, relaxing, and enjoying the nature around you. Stockholm’s archipelago is a must-see attraction that you can’t miss.

Viking Treasures: Tracing Sweden’s Rich Past

As visitors explore Stockholm, they shouldn’t miss the chance to discover the rich Viking history that Sweden offers. The Viking Museum offers an immersive experience and exhibition entirely dedicated to the Viking Age. Additionally, taking a boat trip inland along Lake Mälaren to the Viking island of Birka offers an opportunity to see incredible Viking remains. The Nordic Museum houses the largest exhibition of Swedish cultural history with innumerable exhibits from different ethnic groups, including some Viking treasures. Visitors can also explore Gamla Stan, meaning “The Town Between the Bridges,” which offers attractions that provide history buffs with a glimpse into the history of the Vikings in Stockholm. The Viking Age is an essential part of Sweden’s past, and visitors should take every chance to trace its rich history.

Best Pubs in Stockholm: Unwinding with a Drink

After a day of exploring Stockholm’s museums and historic sites, there’s nothing better than unwinding with a drink in one of the city’s best pubs. From trendy cocktail bars to local watering holes, Stockholm has a pubs scene that caters to all tastes. Head to Bar 101 for some classic Swedish cuisine and a wide selection of beers, or stop by Café Nizza for Mediterranean-inspired bites and drinks. For a more upscale vibe, Taverna Brillo is a beautiful Italian-style bar with three different areas to enjoy a drink. Don’t miss Bar Ninja for their unique selection of funky wines, and if you’re feeling adventurous, head to the subzero ICEBAR for a cocktail in a bar made entirely of ice. Whatever your preference, Stockholm’s best pubs are the perfect way to unwind and enjoy the city’s vibrant nightlife.

FAQs

  1. What is the best time to visit Stockholm?

The best time to visit Stockholm is during the summer months from June to August when the weather is warm and sunny.

  1. Is Stockholm an expensive city to visit?

Stockholm is known for being an expensive city, but there are many affordable options for accommodation, dining, and activities.

  1. Can you visit the Stockholm Archipelago in the winter?

Yes, you can visit the Stockholm Archipelago in the winter, but many of the islands are closed and the weather can be cold and snowy.

  1. How do I get around Stockholm?

Stockholm has an efficient public transportation system, including buses, trains, and subways. Visitors can also rent bikes or take taxis.

  1. What is the currency in Stockholm?

The currency in Stockholm is the Swedish krona (SEK).