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When I visited Stockholm, Sweden, I spent about 10 days exploring the beautiful city and surrounding areas. I feel like I got to know what Stockholm has to offer. Stockholm is very walkable, but they also have a vast public transportation system that is not only convenient but affordable too. Their transportation system is called SL and includes, trains, subway, trams, buses, and boats! With all these options, you can get anywhere you need to go throughout the city. Speaking of the city, there is so much to do and see that it’s hard to do it all. So, here are my Top 10 Things to Do in Stockholm.
The Vasa Museum is a museum built for the ship named, Vasa, after King Gustav II Adolf Vasa. It was built as a war ship in 1618. The ship was supposed to be unsinkable, but due to poor design, it sunk within minutes of its inaugural sailing. The top was simply too heavy with canons and the base was too narrow. The slightest breeze toppled it over. Amazingly, the ship sat preserved in the brackish waters of the harbor until the 1960s when it was discovered and raised to the surface. It has since been chemically preserved and you can visit the museum located in Djurgarden.
The Nordiska Museet, or Nordic Museum, is a cultural museum depicting what life was like in Nordic history. There are different exhibits showcasing their traditions, jewelry, and even table settings. Currently, you can see an exhibit on the Arctic and why it is melting, as well as fashion from Paris.
Skansen is an open-air museum located on Djurgarden. This museum depicts Swedish history come to life. You can see reenactments of how the Swedish lived centuries ago. It is also a zoo and farmstead. It’s very kid friendly, but expect a lot of walking.
The Abba Museum is a must if you are a fan of their music. Or maybe even if you aren’t! It’s a fun little museum to experience Abba’s music. There is even a hotel you can stay in for the diehards.
Stromma is the top tour company when it comes to canal tours. It’s a fun way to spend the afternoon, whether you are traveling down the different canals to see a different view of the city or heading to some of the islands for a day trip. It is definitely a must do! Each boat also has a café offering traditional Swedish Fika. An audio guide is included with your admission.
If the Stromma tour is not in the budget, you can always take the SL ferry from Gamla Stan to Djurgarden for an equally scenic view (albeit shorter) for a fraction of the price.
The Changing of the Guard ceremony is about 10-15 minutes long and located at the Royal Palace on Gamla Stan. It’s worth watching if you are in the area. If you are able to catch a mounted parade through the streets of Stockholm leading to the ceremony, that is almost a must see. It is not available everyday though, so be sure to check the calendar first.
The Medeltidsmuseet, or Medieval Museum, is located on Gamla Stan under the bridge leading to the Royal Palace. There are stairs (and an elevator) to take you to a gorgeous garden and the front door of the museum. Inside you will find information on what Stockholm was like in medieval times, including a city wall from the 16th century that was found when trying to build a parking garage! The museum was built around the wall so the wall stands in its original location.
- Sigtuna
Sigtuna is one of two day trips outside of Stockholm that you simply must visit. The town is quite small, but it’s so worth it. There is a beautiful lake you can sit by for hours, a quaint pedestrian street filled with shops and cafes, and even St. Olof’s church ruins you can visit.
- Uppsala
Uppsala is the second city you should visit as a day trip from Stockholm. It is a university city in Sweden and as a result, feels very lively. It has the most beautiful canal situated beside a lovely street where you can buy ice cream and sit and relax. A visit to the Uppsala Cathedral is also worth stopping in as it is also the burial site of King Eric IX.
The Ice Bar is exactly what you would expect. It’s a bar made of ice and it is located inside the Hotel C in Stockholm. With your visit you are allowed about 45 minutes inside the Ice Bar, but that’s all you will really need. Before you go inside, you are suited up with a fur lined, water proof poncho and gloves, not only to protect yourself from the cold, but also the ice from you. Your admission includes 1 drink, which you can choose from the menu carved in ice. Each year the Ice Bar is completely rebuilt and received a new theme. In 2022, it was the 20th anniversary and thus, Turning 20! was the theme. Reservations are not required, but recommend during peak times.
Honorable Mention – Narrowest Street
The Narrowest Street in Stockholm, Mårten Trotzigs gränd, is an honorable mention. It truly just looks like a sidewalk between some buildings, but it is considered a street. It is located on Gamla Stan.
There are many other things to do not mentioned here (such as Drottingholm Palace!) but this list is a great start when planning your trip to Stockholm! I’ve also put together a list of Dos and Don’ts for when you visit Sweden. And as always, you can also watch my vlog about Stockholm here:
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