The entirety of Stockholm appears as though it’s been plucked out of the mind of a traveller dreaming up the perfect city-break destination. And it’s not hard to see why, given there is a seemingly perfect blend of captivating museums to entertain the brain, chic bars and restaurants to satisfy the tastebuds and beautiful architecture to fill a photo album three times over. Oh and there’s also heaps of beautiful nature in and around the Stockholm Archipelago, making it possible to enjoy sunny afternoons away from the hustle and bustle of the centre. Read on to discover our roundup of the best tourist attractions in Stockholm.
The Picturesque Old Town of Gamla Stan
With higgledy-piggledy townhouses in every earthy tone imaginable lining medieval cobbled streets, Gamla Stan is easily one of the best - and understandably most popular - tourist attractions in Stockholm. Thanks to its location on an island, the historic centre has a quaint town-like feel that seems to have not changed all that much since the 17th century. Yet in place of ancient trading stands, you can now find Swedes enjoying fika (a coffee and cake break) in the main square, boutique stores winding down alleyways and elegant bistros in historic properties. We can arrange for you to enjoy a tour of the island with one of our knowledgable private guides, who can answer any and all of your burning questions; or, for something a little different, we can guide you on a rooftop walk of Gamla Stan’s listed buildings to gain a different perspective of the cityscape below.
The Many Quirky Museums
Like any good European capital, Stockholm delivers on creative museums that go beyond the ever-classic ‘national museum’ to offer something a little different. Take the Vasa Museum, for example - an interactive exhibition space built around a huge warship that sank in the city’s harbour just minutes into its maiden voyage in 1628. You can enjoy following the family trail, which is designed to teleport eager listeners back into Sweden’s seafaring past. For a change of pace, the ABBA Museum is as exuberantly glitzy as the band itself. You can have a go performing with avatars of the iconic pop group, before trying on some of the band’s most famous outfits in a virtual environment. And to continue the party, you can head to the Museum of Spirits to discover the nation’s passion for alcohol. Learn about the history of Swedish vodka and sing weird and wonderful Swedish drinking songs, before settling down at the on-site bar for a craft beer. But if this all sounds a bit kooky, not to worry, Sweden also offers a great selection of more traditional museums, including the National Museum, the Moderna Museet (Sweden’s version of the Tate Modern) and Fotografiska (a world-class photography museum).
Nature, Nature and More Nature
While nature might not be the first thing on your mind when you think of tourist attractions in Stockholm, the city’s foundations on a network of islands means that nature is well and truly at your fingertips. We can arrange for you to paddle around the archipelago in a kayak with a local guide, who can take you to some of the coast’s hidden gems. Sunny afternoons can be enjoyed in one of the many beaches or parks near the centre of the city, including Smedsuddsbadet, Tanto Strandbad and Långholmens Strandbad. And the outdoor fun doesn’t have to stop when the sun starts to descend behind the cityscape, as this is the perfect time for us to whisk you away to a nearby forest to enjoy a night safari. Your knowledgable naturalist guide will have his eyes peeled for wild boars, deer, foxes, hares and moose.
The Royal Family’s Collection of Resplendent Buildings
Kings and queens have reigned over Sweden for more than a millennium. And while their position in the country is now little more than symbolical, they sill watch over a vast empire of impressive buildings (literally) built for a king. The official residence of the current monarch - King Carl Gustaf - is the Royal Palace in Gamla Stan, a gargantuan 18th-century Italian Baroque masterpiece with no fewer than 600 rooms and five museums. Inside, you can admire everything from silver thrones and coronation carriages to royal costumes and menacing armour. You can also visit Drottningholm Palace on the island Lovön, just outside the capital, another private residence of the royal family. The palace was built in the 17th century to emulate the splendour of the Palace of Versailles in France. A whole afternoon can easily pass by as you meander through the waterside baroque gardens, sit by the tranquil bay and explore parts of the palace.
The Diverse Food Scene
In the last couple of decades, Stockholm has undergone a sort of foodie renaissance, moving away from the staples of meatballs and potatoes into a diverse culinary landscape influenced by exciting international cuisines. The city’s fine dining scene has been revolutionised by the region-wide new Nordic cuisine movement, which values an ethical approach to cooking and relies on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. The star of the show is certainly Frantzén, an immersive three-Michelin-starred restaurant offering a successful Nordic-Asian fusion cuisine. Those after the same quality of food but in a more casual environment can head to one of the city’s many bakficka (back pocket) restaurants, such as Matbaren and Speceriet. Bakficka bistros are run by Michelin-starred chefs aiming to make high-end cuisine more affordable and accessible, without compromising on quality. Food trucks are becoming another foodie favourite among locals thanks to their sheer diversity - Bun Bun Food Truck offers French-Vietnamese fusion street food, Tannta Yaasaye’s whips up fragrant West African classics and Fred’s Food Truck is the place to go for some tasty US-inspired street food. And finally, for travellers keen to tuck into some hearty Swedish classics, don’t worry, there are still plenty of cosy restaurants scattered across the city offering traditional fare, such as roast reindeer, pickled herring and cured salmon.