Been to Stockholm yet?
If the answer is no, why not? And what are you waiting for?
This waterfront city, spread across multiple islands where Lake Mälaren meets the Baltic Sea, has something for every kind of visitor, from nature, history, and museums to stellar dining and an incredible nightlife.
Once you’ve landed at Stockholm Arlanda Airport, getting to the city center by train is easy. Just hop on the Arlanda Express at the airport for a quick 20 min train trip to Stockholm Central station. Once you’re in the city, boats, trams, buses, and metro lines are your designated drivers.
Here are some of the top things to do in Stockholm, Sweden.
Image Credit: Getty Images, © Marco Bottigelli. Image Location: Gamla Stan, Stockholm, Sweden.
Gamla Stan: explore the old town
Walking is a great way to explore a city like Stockholm. The city’s old town, known as Gamla Stan, is one of the largest and best-preserved medieval city centers in Europe. Book your hotel here or plan to spend at least a day getting lost around its picturesque streets. The Royal Palace and Parliament House are both grandiose sights, so make sure to add these to your itinerary.
Dive deeper into the city's culture with a visit to the Nobel Prize Museum. Or head to a local bookshop, like the popular Gamla Stans Bokhandel, and indulge in a delicious brunch down the street at the Bistro Marie, a very Instagrammable spot in the area.
For dinner, make reservations at Den Gyldene Freden, which opened its doors in 1722, and is not only beautiful, but known for serving classic Swedish favorites like meatballs and lingonberries. Then, head for drinks by the waterfront at Mister French. For a more laidback atmosphere, go next door to Miss Behave Bar.
Lastly, and for the brave-hearted, finish your day by booking a ghost tour of Stockholm’s old town—one of the coolest ways to learn more about the city’s history.
Remember: If walking is not your jam, public transportation is readily available and easy to navigate. The green and red metro lines can get you to Gamla Stan train station, which is just one stop away from Stockholm’s Central station. The journey takes just five minutes.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Jorg Greuel. Image Location: Österlanggatan, Stockholm, Sweden.
Indulge in the cuisine
Another way to explore a city and its culture is through food, and Swedish cuisine is some of the world’s best.
Make time to stop at Östermalms Saluhall, a top-rated food market hall from the 1880s. You’ll find yourself surrounded by some of the freshest and most beautiful seafood displays, in addition to a large assortment of meat offerings. Plan to get there hungry, as you’ll want to sample the different types of open-sandwiches and seafood salads. Top picks for food and drinks are Lisa Elmqvist and Melanders.
If you get there early before the hall opens for lunch, Paulas is great for breakfast. Alternatively, head there after lunch and indulge in fika, the Swedish tradition of enjoying coffee and pastries while hanging out—like afternoon snack time in the States.
More culinary food highlights in Stockholm include Bistro Arsenalen for fresh oysters, cocktails, and dinner. Restaurant Tradition for high-end Swedish cuisine, and the popular spot Riche for late-night drinks and possible celebrity sightings.
Image Credit: Getty Images, mikdam. Image Location: Vasa Museum, Stolkholm, Sweden.
Go to Djurgården island
Experience nature, art, and all sorts of fun by heading over to Stockholm’s Djurgården island, which can be reached via the Djurgården ferry leaving from Gamla Stan.
The island boasts an abundance of gardens, the Gröna Lund amusement park, ABBA The Museum, the Vasa Museum, and the world’s oldest open-air museum, Skansen.
Image Credit: Getty Images, alxpin. Image Location: Södermalm island, Stockholm, Sweden.
Go further to Södermalm island
Travel further south to Södermalm island, a neighborhood rich in restaurants and bars. Both the red and green metro lines run to Slussen station in Södermalm.
Here you’ll find the world-famous Fotografiska museum, which offers not only an array of thought-provoking photography exhibitions, but also several world-class bars and restaurants with stunning views of the water.
Download the Trainline app to stroll the cobblestone streets of Stockholm.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Vladislav Zolotov. Image Location: Gamla Stan, Stockholm, Sweden.