The Open Road Travel

When visiting the largest, most populous city in Sweden, narrowing down the top attractions can be quite a tall task. That’s why, in an effort to make your life a little easier, I have put together this list of the 10 best things to do in Stockholm.

While a city like Stockholm is understandably filled with things that could keep you occupied for days, this list features those locations that are simply too good to miss.

From history and culture to thrill-seeking and entertainment, I have included a little bit of everything that the city is known for.

So, sit back and relax, as I take you on a virtual tour of the city and show you the best things to do in Stockholm, to ensure you get the complete experience, no matter how long you plan to stay for.

First settled in 1252, Stockholm is the capital of Sweden, as well as its largest, most populous city. Considered the cultural, economic, media, and political heart of the country, it boasts one of the 10 best GDPs in all of Europe.

As the largest city in Scandinavia and the main centre for corporate headquarters in the Nordic region, it is an equally popular destination for both tourists and those travelling on business.

Among the major draws of the city are the Swedish National Football Team, who play their home games here, as well as the Swedish Parliament and royal family.

Combined with a number of prominent museums, world heritage sites, and entertainment venues, Stockholm has a range of attractions suited to people of all tastes and budgets.

When selecting the best time to visit Stockholm, most will prefer the period from early June to mid-September. This is the warmest, driest time of the year, as well as the only period when you are guaranteed it isn’t going to snow.

That means you will be able to enjoy all of the outdoor attractions in a pleasant temperature, without constantly worrying about the weather ruining your stay.

However, as with many European cities, there will be people planning to visit for the festive attractions on offer, such as the city’s iconic Christmas market in Skansen.

So, if you are visiting to get into the Christmas spirit, late November to the end of December would be the best time to visit Stockholm.

As we move on to our list of the 10 best things to do in Stockholm, I am going to suggest a broad range of options.

These will include things to appeal to travellers of all different interests, while ensuring you have something to cover everything that Stockholm is known for.

Known as “The Town Between The Bridges”, Gamla Stan is the historic heart of Stockholm. Comprised of four islands and islets that includes Helgeandsholmen, Riddarholmen, Stadsholmen, and Stromsborg, the area was first settled in the 13th century.

As one of the best-preserved Medieval town centres in all of Europe, Gamla Stan provides a fantastic opportunity to experience the city how it would once have looked and learn about its rich history.

Among the attractions you will find the Royal Palace, Mårten Trotzigs Gränd, the narrowest street in Stockholm, and Den Gyldene Freden, the oldest continually operated restaurant in the world, which has been in business since 1722.

Combined with a collection of stunning churches, museums, squares, and statues, there simply isn’t a better place to experience the culture and history of Stockholm, and perhaps even Sweden itself, than in Gamla Stan.

Stockholm Palace has been the official residence of the Swedish King and Queen since its completion in 1754. Designed in the Baroque style, it lies on the Stadsholmen island in the Norrstrom river, creating a destination that is as picturesque as it is historic.

Tourists flock here in their masses to explore its courtyards, marvel at its architecture, sculptures, and reliefs, and witness the iconic changing of the guard.

Guided tours are available to take guests around the building, letting them see iconic locations like the offices of the Royal Court Of Sweden, and regaling them with tales of the historic events that have taken place within the walls.

Those who want to learn even more also have four museums to explore within the palace, Gustav III’s Museum Of Antiquities, Livrustkammaren (The Royal Armoury), The Treasury, and The Tre Kronor Museum.

Two of the four are even free to enter, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to learn some Swedish history, regardless of their budget.

Stockholm Cathedral is known by many names, including Storkyrkan, The Great Church, and the Church Of Saint Nicholas. The oldest church in Stockholm, it was built during the 1200s and consecrated in the name of Saint Nicholas in 1306.

While its structure retains most of its original Medieval features, such as a vaulted ceiling and brick pillars, its façade boasts a distinctly Baroque style, due to the extensive developments added in the 18th century.

This creates a fabulous opportunity for fans of architecture to marvel at its beauty and appreciate the changing styles present in Sweden over the years.

Throughout its existence, it has been used as a prestigious burial ground, so houses numerous tombs of Swedish nobles and royals. It has also been used for Swedish royal weddings, including the wedding of Crown Princess Victoria and Daniel Westling in 2010.

Other historical artefacts found within include a legendary sculpture of George And The Dragon, as well as the oldest known image of Stockholm, Vädersolstavlan, painted by Jacob Heinrich Elbfas in 1636 from an original that is now considered lost.

The Vasa Museum centres around the 17th century, 64-gun Vasa Warship, one of the only ships of its type and age that has ever been salvaged.

Sunk only a mile into her maiden voyage in 1628, the Vasa was retrieved from the sea floor some 333 years later, almost fully intact.

The most visited museum in Scandinavia since it opened in 1990, it provides fans of maritime history the opportunity to step back in time and see one of these imposing warships first-hand.

Between this and the nearby Stockholm Maritime Museum, you can learn about the history of the ship and the events that occurred on that fateful day, as well as see how Swedish naval operations have evolved through the centuries.

There are even two more modern ships docked in the adjacent marina, where you can see in detail how these vessels have gradually been developed and improved.

The Nobel Prize Museum was first established in 2001 in the former Swedish Stock Exchange building. It is designed to honour the founder of the Nobel Prize, Alfred Nobel, who was born in Stockholm, as well as all of the recipients of the prestigious awards.

The Nobel Prize includes the five categories of Chemistry, Literature, Peace, Physics, and Physiology Or Medicine. These awards are handed out to the greatest minds and activists of their time, to give recognition to the effort they are making to change the world for the better.

Guests will find exhibits dedicated to all of the previous winners, Alfred Nobel, and the awards themselves, including illustrations, photographs, and documents, as well as detailed explanations about each person and their work.

The Nobel Bistro is also a fabulous opportunity to try some traditional Swedish cuisine, serving delicacies like tea, chocolate, cakes, and ice cream, as well as lunch and dinner.

Depending on when you visit, you may even be able to attend a talk or special exhibit, both of which are held on a regular basis and deal with a variety of issues.

Grӧna Lund is the oldest amusement park in Sweden, first opened in 1883. Located near the Old Town, Grӧna Lund provides a unique opportunity to combine culture with thrill-seeking, as you take in stunning views from atop its collection of exhilarating rollercoasters.

With a selection of 36 attractions, including a variety of rollercoasters and children’s rides, Grӧna Lund is the perfect destination for a fun filled day out with the whole family.

On occasion, Grӧna Lund also hosts special events and concerts, with legends like ABBA and Bob Marley having played here in the past. Anyone visiting at such a time can look forward to one of the most memorable days they will ever experience.

Skansen is an open-air museum and zoo that was the first of its kind in Sweden when it opened in 1891. It was designed to show the difference between the way of life before and after the industrial revolution in different parts of the country.

The primary attraction is a full-scale replica of a 19th century Swedish town. Recreations of shops feature actors in authentic costumes demonstrating how people like bakers, blacksmiths, and tanners would have operated, while a small tobacco patch is used to make traditional cigarettes.

The zoo holds animals historically found throughout Sweden, such as bear, bison, lynx, moose, otter, reindeer, and seal, while homesteads feature collections of rare and unusual farm animals.

Depending on when you visit, you may be able to attend its legendary Christmas market or watch some folk dancing in the summer. Those who want the complete experience can also ride to and from Skansen in a historic funicular railway that has been in operation since 1897.

The Stockholm Globe Arena is an indoor arena that is capable of holding more than 17,000 people and holds the record as the largest hemispherical building on the planet. It hosts some of the largest events in the city but is primarily used for concerts and ice hockey.

Built from a combination of concrete, glass, and steel, between 1986 and 1989, it was designed to represent the Sun in the in the Sweden Solar System, the largest, permanent scale model of the Solar System on Earth.

A fabulous place to enjoy some top-level entertainment in an iconic building, it also boasts a gondola ride that carries you to the top of its 130 metre (426 foot) roof, where you can take in some truly breathtaking views of the city.

In 2021, it was renamed as the Avicii Arena, in honour of Stockholm born DJ Avicii, who sadly committed suicide in 2018.

To mark the occasion, the Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra recorded a cover of the Avicii song, “For A Better Day”, with 14-year-old Stockholm singer Ella Tiritello providing the vocals.

Open since 1967, the Museum Of Spirits provides guests who like a drink from time to time to learn a little more about their alcoholic beverage of choice.

Originally designed to teach about the history of wine and spirit production in Sweden, it has expanded to include every aspect about the country’s drinking culture.

Exhibits detail everything from the production methods and bottling techniques used for different beverages through the years to pieces of art and historic labels from different types of alcohol. It is also home to the official art collection of Absolut, a popular Swedish brand of vodka.

A range of temporary exhibits changes on a regular basis, meaning there will always be something new or interesting to discover here, even if you have visited before.

Once you are done, there is also an onsite bar and restaurant, where you can enjoy a meal and sample some of the drinks you have just learned about.

Fans of legendary Swedish pop group ABBA simply can’t pass up the opportunity to visit the ABBA Museum during a trip to the city. Opened in 2013, it features a range of interactive exhibits, where visitors can have fun and learn more about the band.

Among the attractions are an audio guided tour written by the writer of the movie Mamma Mia!, a piano connected to the one in benny’s home that plays when he does, and numerous pieces of memorabilia linked to the history of the band.

Faithful recreations of locations important to the band offer an immersive history lesson, such as their recording studio, the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest which they won, and the site where they first met.

Dedicated fans even have the opportunity to dress up as members of the band if they wish.

The Victory Hotel is a beautiful, historic, 4-star hotel, located in the heart of Stockholm’s Old Town. In the spirit of the surrounding area, the Victory Hotel features a naval theme, with both rooms and communal areas decorated with antique furniture and paintings.

Modern amenities like flat screen TVs, Wi-Fi, and underfloor heating provide a perfect balance to the more stylish and cultured surroundings.

The on-site restaurant prepares fabulous dishes from locally sourced, organic produce, while lounge and wine bars offer you a choice of options for where to enjoy a relaxing drink of an evening.

Other attractions at the property include a sauna and plunge pool, while the closest metro station is just a short walk away.

Stockholm is a truly wonderful city, and it is no surprise that it is one of the most visited destinations in Sweden.

This list should hopefully have helped you create an itinerary for when you visit it yourself, to ensure you don’t miss out on any of the things that make it so wonderful.

That means all that’s left is to start getting things booked, so you don’t risk your favourite hotels or attractions filling up before you arrive.