Things to do in Stockholm
Planning on visiting Stockholm this summer - be sure to read Anna's advice on what to do.
Stockholm might be the most popular capital city in Scandinavia and with its gorgeous archipelago surrounding the city there’s no secret that it’s also one of the most beautiful capitals in the world. With a vibrant atmosphere, world-class museums, beautiful architecture and a 750-year history, this city has got plenty to explore and to experience.
Where to stay in Stockholm
Our Director's choice hotel in Stockholm is Hotel Rival. This modern yet personal 4 star boutique hotel is situated just 8 minutes from Gamla Stan in Sodermalm. Before renovations, the building used to be home to an old movie theatre, which has given the building its charm. Enjoy a drink in the art deco styled cocktail bar before heading out to explore everything Stockholm’s got to offer. You might also appreciate that the owner of the hotel is no one less than Benny Andersson, member of the Swedish world-known super group, ABBA.
Getting around in Stockholm
Stockholm lends itself to walking, boating and bicycling and is a wonderful place to explore. Stockholm’s also got an extensive public transport network that makes it easy to navigate around the city.
Day tours in Stockholm
Brunch Cruise on Stromma - Enjoy a sightseeing boat cruise of the (inner) archipelago while trying out some Swedish smorgasbord favorites on board the boat. The tour runs every Saturday and Sunday (year round) on the beautiful boat s/s Stockholm, which was built in 1931.
Nordic Experience Food tour – Discover the pure flavours of both the modern and the classic Nordic Kitchen. Visit a selection of classic food spots while hearing their local background stories and sample their delicious food. The tour runs for 3.5 hours and covers 2.5 km walking. A maximum of 12 guests allows for an exclusive experience with the tour guide and the food artisans.
ABBA Museum & Vasa Museum – Dance and sing your way through the interactive activities at the ABBA Museum and explore the only preserved seventeenth-century ship in the world at the Vasa Museum. Situated in close proximity to each other, a visit to both is well worthwhile.
Top 5 free things to do in Stockholm
Gamla Stan – Enjoy a stroll around the old town of Stockholm, one of the largest and best-preserved medieval city centres in Europe, and one of the foremost attractions in Stockholm. This is where Stockholm was founded in 1252.
Free Walking Tours – There are three different walking tours on offer to experience and learn as much about Stockholm as possible, all in English. The City Tour and The Old Town Tour starts at the Wide Stairs by Sergels Torg, and The Soder Tour starts at the metro by Sodermalmstorg.
Djurgården – If the weather allows, enjoy a sunny afternoon having a picnic or strolling around this beautiful green island in the middle of Stockholm. It’s also a perfect spot to go for a run or explore some of the museums nearby.
Changing of the guards – Watch this fascinating event right outside the gates of the royal palace. The ceremony takes around 40 minutes and takes place at 12.15pm Monday-Saturday and at 1.15pm on Sundays and holidays, during the summertime.
Moderna Museet’s Collection - The Moderna Museet has one of Europe’s finest collections of modern and contemporary art and offers free admission to this collection on Floor 4 every Friday between 6-8pm.
Dining in Stockholm
Östermalm Food Hall – Stroll around this gorgeous food hall from the 1880’s and soak up the atmosphere or sit down at one of the restaurants or café’s to enjoy some traditional Swedish delicacies and the classic Swedish fare called ‘husmanskost’. Open lunch and afternoons only.
Den Gyldene Freden – Head out for a fascinating dining experience to this classic restaurant situated in a medieval basement in the Old Town. The restaurant is owned by the Swedish Academy, which selects the Nobel Prize for literature. The menu offers classic Nordic cuisine blended with interesting contemporary touches. The restaurant is also visited by a lot of big names in the Swedish cultural elite.
Christmas time in Stockholm
Christmas in Stockholm is a wonderful time of the year. While the days might be dark, the Christmas lights and decorations will light up the city and create an idyllic Christmas atmosphere. Head to the Christmas market in the Old Town and enjoy some traditional glögg (mulled wine) and pepparkaka from the booths set up amongst the medieval buildings. The market is open from November 22-December 23.
Image credits: Anna Hållams/imagebank.sweden.se