What to See and Do in Stockholm

Though it may not be as well known as Paris, London or Rome, Stockholm is one of the most beautiful cities
What to See and Do in Stockholm
Stockholm, Sweden stretches across 14 islands. (Janna Graber, Go World Travel Magazine)
4/9/2015
Updated:
4/9/2015

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

An historic sod roof house in Skansen. (Janna Graber, Go World Travel Magazine)
An historic sod roof house in Skansen. (Janna Graber, Go World Travel Magazine)

This museum is a favorite for locals and tourists alike. Located on Royal Djurgården, the massive living museum offers a walk through the Sweden of yesteryear. More than 100 historic farms and houses were moved here from regions all over the country. Costumed reenactors bring those times to life. Many Swedish traditions, such as Walpurgis Night, are celebrated here.

3. The Vasa Museum

Located on the island of Djurgården, the Vasa Museum houses the only completely intact salvaged 17th century ship in the world. More than 95 percent of the ship is the original. The ship sank on its maiden voyage and was salvaged 333 years later. After much hard work, the ship’s restoration is quickly approaching its original glory. The Vasa is a treasured part of Swedish culture, and no visit to Stockholm is complete without a stop to see the Vasa.

4. Nordiska Museet

The Nordiska is Sweden’s largest museum of cultural history. The museum houses works from the 1520 to the contemporary period, and it’s very well done. Founded by the same man who founded the Skansen Open Air Museum, Artur Hazelius, it is a must see for history buffs. The museum has over 1.5 million objects in its collections.

5. Stockholm Cathedral

This medieval cathedral was built in 1279 and houses many unique historical items. These include the St George and the Dragon sculpture, built in 1489, and more. Now a Lutheran church, there are a variety of religious services performed here, as well as concerts.

6. Royal Palace

Visitors relax in the King's Garden. (Janna Graber, Go World Travel Magazine)
Visitors relax in the King's Garden. (Janna Graber, Go World Travel Magazine)

One of the largest palaces in Europe, the Swedish Royal Palace is home to His Majesty the King of Sweden. This large palace has more than 600 rooms and is open to the public. There are several museums in the palace for visitors to explore. Built in the Italian Baroque style, the palace is a sight to see. It is also home to the Armory, with armor and costumes. If you’ve visited the glitzy palaces of France or Austria, you'll note a decided difference in the more understated style of the Swedish royals.

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Copyright © 2015 by Go World Travel Magazine. This article was written by Janna Graber and originally published on www.goworldtravel.com.

Janna Graber has covered travel in more than 55 countries. She is the editor of three travel anthologies, including “A Pink Suitcase: 22 Tales of Women’s Travel,” and is the managing editor of Go World Travel Magazine.
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