Originally published on GoWorldTravel.com
Though it may not be as well known as Paris, London or Rome, Stockholm is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe – and it’s not to be missed. The Swedish capital stretches across 14 islands, with more than 30 percent of the city made up of waterways and another 30 percent made up of parks and green spaces.
Just beyond Stockholm is the Stockholm Archipelago, which has more than 24,000 islands. This island world is the size of Connecticut, and it’s the summer playground for many Swedes.
During the summer, Stockholm is at its best. The city streets are lined with flowers, and the days are long and warm. Start your visit with an afternoon in Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s Old Town.
Gamla Stan’s charming cobblestone alleyways and pink, ochre and yellow historic buildings will have you pulling out your camera. Many cafés and restaurants in Gamla Stan have outdoor patio seating, which provides the perfect opportunity to people watch and soak up the Swedish sun.
There is a little something for everyone in Stockholm. But here are our suggestions for the top 10 things to do in Stockholm
1. Sample Swedish Cuisine
One of the best ways to experience a culture is through its food. Swedish food is much more than Swedish meatballs. A renaissance has been going on in the city for years, and Stockholm is home to top chefs and exceptional cuisine. In the summer, be sure to sample the city’s fresh berries, from strawberries to lingonberries, and crayfish parties or kräftskivor are popular in the warm summer months. One of our favorite Swedish restaurants is Tradition (located on on Österlånggatan in Gamla Stan), for traditional Swedish dishes. If you try the Tradition Tasting Menu, you can sample a variety of local specialties from cured salmon with mustard sauce to smoked reindeer with horse radish, whitefish on black rye bread, and meatballs with the classic trimmings.
2. Skansen Open Air Museum
