When to visit Stockholm
While there are historical sites to visit in Stockholm throughout the year, the city possesses an enduring beauty that takes on different aspects as the seasons change. During the summer, Stockholm charms visitors with long days of sunshine and flower-filled parks; the chillier spring and autumn seasons offer opportunities to explore the city’s romantic landscape, and winter presents sparkling snow-covered streets and frozen lakes.
Things to see and do in Stockholm
Gamla Stan (Old Town)
Dating to the 13th century and considered one of Stockholm’s top tourist attractions, Gamla Stan has an otherworldly vibe, featuring cobblestone streets, pastel-colored buildings, and structures like the Royal Palace. In addition, the district is known for its hip cafes, boutiques, and galleries.
Vasa Museum
The Vasa Museum houses the remains of the Vasa, the best-preserved 17th-century warship in the world. The museum is a must-see attraction in Stockholm for history buffs, featuring not only the ship itself, but a series of exhibits focused around its history and the era.
Skansen Open-air Museum
In addition to being the world’s oldest open-air museum, the Skansen Open-air Museum houses the Stockholm Zoo, a children’s petting zoo, and two aquariums! This family-friendly attraction is best known for its “Sweden in miniature”, consisting of more than one hundred farms and dwellings representing different parts of Sweden. Visitors will also find gardens and dining facilities at the Skansen Open-Air Museum, as well as guided tours.
Drottningholm Palace
On the UNESCO World Heritage list, the magnificent 17th-century Drottningholm Palace is one of Stockholm’s most important historical sites. While the palace still serves as a residence for the Swedish Royal Family, parts of the building, as well as the theater and the grounds, are open to visitors. Guided tours are available.
Stockholm Metro Stations
Stockholm’s metro has been given the nickname of the “world’s longest art exhibit”, thanks to the striking murals, sculptures, and other installations found in each station. Visitors can even take a tour of the most photogenic stations!
Dining in Stockholm
Stockholm’s dining scene presents excellent opportunities to sample traditional Swedish cuisine as well as contemporary flavors. We’ve listed some of Stokholm’s must-try dishes below.
Swedish meatballs
Swedish meatballs, an iconic Swedish dish, are traditionally served with mashed potatoes and cranberry jam.
Seafood
As a city surrounded by waterways, Stockholm has a plethora of fresh fish and shellfish — as well as a wide selection of terrific seafood restaurants ranging from rustic to ritzy.
Knackebröd
The traditional crispbread of Sweden, knackebröd, is dry, crunchy, and lightweight, making it a superb delivery mechanism for delicious Swedish cheeses or pâtés.
Events in Stockholm
In addition to housing numerous historic sites and places to visit, Stockholm hosts several prominent festivals each year. For instance, June’s food festival offers opportunities to sample Stockholm’s local flavors, while the Stockholm Street Festival energizes the city with art, music, and dance events.
Urban transportation in Stockholm
The majority of the city’s major attractions are easily accessible by foot, which is good news for visitors who may find Stockholm’s public transportation fares to be slightly higher than in other European cities. However, the transport system is comprehensive, including buses, ferries, and trains, most of which operate frequently, even at night. Taxis tend to be expensive in this beautiful city.
