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The city of Stockholm is a popular destination for those looking to explore the northern regions of Europe. With beautiful buildings alongside glistening ocean views, there’s no wonder it’s been nicknamed a ‘beauty on water’.
This city has more to offer than just its aesthetic appeal, however. Founded in the 13th century, Stockholm prides itself on a rich history while also nurturing a bustling present. It is known for being home to artistic, forward-thinking residents, as well as one of the best biotechnology industries in Europe.
So whether you’re just passing through or planning to stay, you’ll never get bored in this oasis city. Check out our list of things to do in Stockholm, Sweden, and you’ll be ready for your next adventure!
Get to know Sweden’s history
As we mentioned, Stockholm has a long and interesting history. This history is preserved in the city’s many museums, all of which have something unique to offer. For tourists with only so much time to spare, however, there are a few must-see museums that you can’t pass up.
One of these is the Vasa Museum. This spot boasts the title of the most visited museum in Scandinavia and is home to the most well-preserved 17th-century ship. This warship sat at the bottom of the ocean for 333 years before being retrieved and serves as the centerpiece of the museum. The many exhibits surrounding the ship explore what it can tell us about life on board (and off) through video, paintings, recreations, and artifacts.
Not too far from Vasa lies the Skansen museum. Considered the world’s only open-air museum, Skansen is comprised of various homes and farmsteads showcasing snapshots of what life was like for people of the past. You will see how poor farmers lived along with wealthy residents of 18th-century mansions, all illustrated with the help of costumed actors in character. Oh, and don’t forget the Skansen zoo, home to moose, seals, wolves, wolverines, lynxes, and more!
If you want to see museums and get a sense of Swedish royalty, a visit to the Royal Palace is in order. With over 600 rooms, this building houses five different museums and is the official residence of His Majesty the King of Sweden. You can see how the royal live, their costumes and carriages throughout the years, and also witness the daily changing of the guard ceremony.
From all of our examples, it’s clear to see that Stockholm’s museums alone could keep you busy for a whole week!
Get out in nature
When you think of Sweden do you immediately think of cold and snow? Well, that’s not too far off the mark. Much of Sweden, in the north especially, experiences rough winters that last for many months. In the city of Stockholm, however, residents do enjoy a beautiful summer.
If you plan your visit during the right months, you too can enjoy the warmth of a Stockholm summer with long days of sun. This is the best time to take advantage of the pleasant weather and get to know everything the outdoors has to offer.
A well-known park and popular spot for locals is Djurgården (or Game Park in English) and is also where Vasa and Skansen Museum are located. This park is actually an island accessible by bus, ferry, and tram from the center of Stockholm, and you will see lots of plants and greenery along with plenty of family attractions.
Tourists should also take a walk down Monteliusvagen to catch the best views of the skyline. This cobblestone path is only half a mile long, but runs along the Södermalm cliffs and is a popular spot for sunrise or sunset photo-shoots of the city over the water. So grab that camera and get to walking!
If you’re ready to take a break from the city and don’t mind doing a bit of traveling, check out The Green Trails around Stockholm. You can see Swedish nature and wildlife or even arrange kayaking trips. Stockholm is a part of 30,000 islands, after all, and it would be a shame not to explore those waters.
Make sure you don’t spend all of your time cooped up in a museum, or you might miss out on the gorgeous landscape of this city.
Shopping galore
As many locals will tell you, Stockholm is also known for being something of a shopper’s paradise. Its many neighborhoods offer a wide variety of shopping experiences, but we’ve collected a few of the best:
Sture Gallerian is the place to go if you’re looking for high-end boutiques. Find one-of-a-kind shoes at Novita, colorful bags and jackets at Maruschka de Margò, and the trendiest baby clothes at Baby Shop. This one is for those with some extra kronor to spend.
If unconventional and vintage are more your thing, try taking a walk along Bondegatan. Here you will find the famous vintage shop Lisa Larsson and other eccentric spots.
And of course, you cannot leave without seeing Stora Nygatan in Old Town. This shop is also off-beat and vintage and is positively overflowing with strange trinkets. It’s a good place to start before exploring the rest of Old Town, where’ll you’ll find plenty of tourist memorabilia you can take home to family.
With museums, nature, and shopping, there are plenty of things to do in Stockholm, Sweden. And this is only the tip of the iceberg! So pick a couple of your favorite spots, do some exploring, and ha en trevlig resa!