Standing proudly as Sweden’s capital is the city of Stockholm. The archipelagic city comprises 14 islands spread beautifully across the Baltic Sea, thus being called the Venice of the north. Aside from its natural beauty, it's also an economic powerhouse, home to some of Europe’s top universities, and the host of the prestigious Nobel Prize ceremonies. If you’re visiting the city soon, the number of things to do in Stockholm is endless.
Renowned as one of the most visited museums in Scandinavia is the Vasa Museum. The maritime museum located on the island of Djurgården is home to the 17th-century ship the Vasa. The mighty vessel sunk during its maiden voyage and was meticulously restored after it was salvaged in 1961. During your visit, you can join a guided tour to learn more about the efforts to revive the Vasa and appreciate its intricate beauty.
If you’re keen to experience the rich cultural heritage of Sweden, then a visit to the Skansen should be part of your top things to do in Stockholm. It is the oldest open-air museum in the world, showcasing the humble life of the Swedes before the industrial revolution. Here you’ll find plenty of animals from different farms around the country, various Swedish houses throughout the centuries, and more. The best time to see Skansen is between May through September, when most historic homes are open.
A visit to the Royal Palace is a must if you’re an admirer of the Swedish royal family. Also known as the Stockholm Palace, it is one of the largest in Europe and is the official residence of the King of Sweden. It has over a thousand rooms and several museums open to the public! Some of the spots you shouldn’t miss here include Queen Kristina’s silver throne, the Tre Kronor Museum, and the Royal Armoury. The daily changing of the guards is also a sight to behold!
One of the top things to do in Stockholm is stopping by the Stockholm City Hall. It is one of the most iconic buildings in the city, exemplifying the Nordic National Romantic style of design. It’s made up of over 8 million bricks, with its 106m tower as its crowning glory. Inside, you’ll find the Blue Hall, where the Nobel banquet is held every year, as well as the Golden Hall with its 18 million gold mosaic tiles. Drop by as early as the City Hall opens as guided tours can only accommodate a limited number of visitors per time slot.
Another well-known palace in Stockholm is the Drottningholm Palace, the private residence of the Swedish family. It is known as one of the best-preserved palaces in the country from the 17th century and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The palace is open to the public all-year round and visitors can join guided tours for an in-depth exploration of the gorgeous residence. Some places that you won’t want to miss here include the Drottningholm Palace Theater, the Chinese Pavilion, and the Palace Park.
One of the most popular musical acts to ever come out of Sweden is the band ABBA. That’s why it’s no surprise that there is a museum dedicated to the four-piece ensemble. Albeit not really a museum, ABBA The Museum is an interactive exhibit detailing the journey of the band, from their win at the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest to their disbandment in 1982. It is quite famous, so best to book your tickets online to avoid the long queue.
If you’re looking for things to do in Stockholm with the whole family, Gröna Lund is a fantastic place to unwind and have fun. Founded by Jacob Schultheis in 1883, it is the oldest amusement park in Sweden. However, despite its age, all rides and attractions are up to date and safe! You can enjoy up to 28 thrilling rides, try out the many restaurants found in the area, or jam to the best musical concerts come summertime. Go as early as you can so you can hop on your favorite rides before everybody else does.
One hard to miss location in Stockholm is Djurgården. Officially known as Kungliga Djurgården, the island was once a royal hunting ground and is now the city’s top tourist attraction. Here you’ll find all the top things to do in Stockholm. You can learn about Sweden’s colorful history at the Vasa Museum or the open-air Skansen, then have a breather at any of the area’s parks including Isbladskärret or the Royal Djurgården Park. Explore anytime you want and savor the Djurgården like a local.
The Nobel Prize Museum, located in Gamla Stan, is a museum dedicated to one of the most prestigious awards in the world, the Nobel Prize, and its recipients. Here you’ll find information about the accolade, its founder, Alfred Nobel, and some of its most prominent laureates, including Winston Churchill, Ernest Hemingway, and Marie Curie. Aside from the exhibit of artifacts donated by the winners, you can also take home a Nobel of your own when you stop by the gift shop. Avoid visiting during lunchtime to have a crowd-free experience.
Photographers will have the time of their life at Fotografiska. The museum is a center for modern photography featuring works of some of the most renowned people in the field, from the already famous to the just emerging. Fotografiska often highlights different photographers throughout the year, so every visit is a unique experience! If you’re looking for things to do in Stockholm at night, you can stop by here in the evening since Fotografiska has late opening hours. Afterwards, you can end your day with a delicious meal at their well-known restaurant.
Stockholm prides itself as one of the most inclusive cities in the world. Many visitors fell in love with its century-old palaces, world-class museums, and of course, being the birthplace of the Nobel Prize. For foodies, Stockholm is also a favorite destination for fans of Nordic fine dining.
The best time to visit Stockholm is during summertime. Although it’s also the city’s peak season, you’ll be benefiting from the period’s comfortable weather perfect for sightseeing. Summer is also when most of Stockholm’s festivals take place! You can join the outdoor event that is Smaka På Stockholm (May-Jun) or witness the best artists at the Stockholms Kulturfestival (Aug).
The best place to stay in Stockholm, especially if it's your first time, is at Gamla Stan or the Old Town. Gamla Stan is close to most of Stockholm's top attractions including, the Nobel Museum, the Royal Palace, and the Parliament. For days that you want to take it easy, you can try the quaint cafes and restaurants around the area.