Stockholm is a historic heart with lovely buildings, fascinating museums, and a laid-back tradition that’s good for any espresso connoisseur. Whereas the Vasa Museum is a superb addition to any itinerary to Sweden’s capital metropolis, there’s a lot extra to discover while you go to!
From experiencing “fika” — the Swedish espresso break — to the unimaginable subway artwork to the Previous City of Gamla Stan and extra, I’ve rounded up a few of the coolest actions in Stockholm that ought to high your Sweden itinerary.
Listed here are one of the best issues to do in Stockholm!
MÖRBY CENTRUM
See Stockholm’s Subway Artwork
Probably the greatest examples of Stockholm’s artwork scene is seen contained in the subway system.
Beginning within the Fifties, these makeshift artwork galleries had been created as a method to make artwork accessible to the typical individual, and to at the present time, lovely works of unique artwork in a wide range of types cowl the partitions of the town’s public transportation methods.
You may spend your time exploring to seek out your favourite artistic endeavors whereas additionally navigating the town as you usually would. Be sure that to take a look at my information to Stockholm’s subway artwork to see one of the best of one of the best!
Discover the Neighborhood of Södermalm
The ultra-hip and classy neighborhood of Södermalm was as soon as a working-class space and all through its historical past, it has grown into a stylish vacation spot with loads of outlets, eating places, and occasional outlets to discover. Spend a day visiting Fotografiska, a singular images museum I loved.
For a deeper dive, positively take a look at the following pointers for exploring Södermalm.
Try Traditional Swedish Food
Take yourself on a tasty tour of the city. Or, better yet, book a guided food tour experience to study all of the culinary delights Stockholm has to supply.
You’ll have heard of Köttbullar, which is a kind of Swedish meatball that’s usually served with mashed potatoes and lingonberry jam (sure, Ikea’s iconic meatballs had been impressed by this!).
You’ll most likely additionally encounter herring-based dishes, as that kind of fish is extraordinarily widespread within the nation. Pickled herring is sort of widespread, and also you may even encounter Surströmming, which is a fermented kind of herring that is named one of many strongest smelling meals on the planet!
Don’t fear, if pickled fish isn’t your jam…there are a ton of candy treats that could be extra up your alley!
For a sweeter possibility, strive kardemummabullar, a cardamom-spiced roll, or kanelbullar, a cinnamon-spiced selection. Cardamom is fairly widespread in Sweden together with cinnamon, so these buns are positively one of many important meals to strive in Stockholm.
See the Old Town of Gamla Stan
Gamla Stan is Stockholm’s historic Old Town neighborhood and is an incredibly well-preserved medieval city center.
Wander down the Mårten Trotzigs Gränd, which, at 90 centimeters wide, is the narrowest alleyway in the city. You can also see the Stockholm Palace, which is the official residence of Sweden’s royal family, and the historic Storkyrkan (Stockholm Cathedral) from the Stortorget, which is the largest public square in the city.
It’s a popular tourist spot throughout the year but is especially worth visiting during the Christmas season thanks to the market that takes place there every year.
Archipelago Boat Tour
You might not think of islands when you think of Stockholm, but there are actually a fair few that are part of the city!
Spend an afternoon taking a boat tour of the archipelago with an experienced tour guide. Stromma Tours affords a three-hour expertise with a ship that features a restaurant and bar on board, in addition to free Wi-Fi.
Not solely will you get to see extra of Stockholm than you in any other case would, however you’ll get a singular perspective on the historic buildings and buildings of the mainland a part of the town.
*picture courtesy of the Ice Bar
Cool Down on the Ice Bar
One of many coolest bars on the planet is unquestionably the IceBar Stockholm at the IceHotel! The bar is actually made out of ice and also you get to see some wonderful ice sculptures earlier than you arrive on the bar.
The bar, the artwork, and the lodge is sculpted yearly by artists and infrequently tackle a brand new theme every time. The theme in 2022 is “A Neon Celebration” which contains basic neon signage into the designs.
So enjoyable!
While you e book your go to to the IceBar, you get 45-minutes to see the artwork and eat your drink, served in a glass made from ice.
You’ll additionally get a comfortable winter cape and a pair of thick gloves so that you don’t have to fret about bringing your cold-weather gear from dwelling.
A Day Journey to Djurgarden
The island of Djurgården is a stupendous and peaceable place to go to in Stockholm that’s lengthy been widespread with locals and vacationers alike. There are a number of museums, historic websites, and locations for outside recreation accessible.
You need to positively take the time to go to Skansen, which is the primary open-air museum within the nation.
It was opened in 1891 to focus on life in Sweden earlier than the commercial period. You may see a number of animals which might be native to the area and through December you possibly can expertise an thrilling Christmas market that has been held within the space since 1903.
Östermalms Market Corridor
Browse the Ostermalms Market Corridor
Typically thought of one of many world’s finest meals halls, Östermalms Market Hall is a improbable place to seize a chunk to eat, sip on some wine, or fill up on some groceries.
The market dates again to 1888 and most of the current-day distributors have been there for generations.
There are three flooring of meals stalls the place you will discover contemporary seafood, produce, baked items, and extra — plus, you possibly can go to the cafes and bars which might be situated inside as properly!
Take pleasure in a Fika Espresso Break
“Fika,” which is each a noun and a verb, is a Swedish custom that actually interprets to a espresso and dialog break through the day.
It’s advanced into extra of a common observe of taking a break, consuming a snack, and having fun with a second of peace. You may take a fika break while you’re in Stockholm at one of many many wonderful espresso and pastry outlets within the metropolis.
Listed here are 4 of one of the best cafes the place you possibly can fika at:
Get Your Groove on on the ABBA Museum
In 1972, singers Agnetha Fältskog, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, and Anni-Frid Lyngstad got here collectively to kind a pop singing group ABBA. They gained Eurovision in 1974 with their tune “Waterloo,” which was the precursor to a legendary pop profession.
While you go to Stockholm, make sure you take a look at the ABBA Museum. Though it doesn’t have any artifacts from ABBA’s historical past, it has some actually cool reveals which might be certain to impress even probably the most informal followers of the band.
One of the vital distinctive is Benny’s Piano, a self-playing piano that’s linked to a piano that Benny Andersson has in his dwelling and “performs” when he’s really taking part in.
Bonus: Gröna Lund
For a thrill, head to the historic amusement park often known as Gröna Lund. Positioned in Djurgården, this attraction first opened in 1883 however has saved up with the latest developments in theme park rides to supply a singular historic and adrenaline-filled expertise.
One of the vital thrilling rides, Insane, has riders the other way up for over half the experience. Jetline can be a preferred possibility and recognized all through the world for its curved hill carry, which is an uncommon function for a curler coaster to have.
Gröna Lund can be dwelling to a live performance sequence — artists similar to Paul McCartney, Bob Marley, and Sweden’s personal ABBA are only a few of the enduring acts which have carried out right here.
Ultimate Be aware
All that mentioned…the Vasa Museum may be very cool and price testing throughout your journey. Sweden is constructed on a cherished maritime custom, and the Vasa Museum is one of the best place to study this and see an actual seventeenth-century warship.
When you’re planning on testing the museum in addition to different vacationer points of interest in Stockholm, take into account getting the Stockholm Pass, which lets you go to an extended record of museums and websites for a flat price.
What do you assume are a few of the high issues to do in Stockholm? Let me know within the feedback under!
Heading past Stockholm’s metropolis limits? Take a look at this final information to touring to Sweden that can assist you put together!
