Things to do and see in Stockholm

10 June 2021

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Friendly disclaimer! We want to be as accurate as possible, but given these challenging times, we urge you to recheck that the venues are open when you decide to visit.

 

Stockholm is a city of contrasts. It is simultaneously urban and nature-bound, and water is an ever-present feature in this city where lakes meet the sea. Stockholm today is a hub of innovations in design, music, technology and fashion, making it an exciting place for the youth who seek to explore new trends and opportunities. For the traveller, there is no dearth of trendy bars and exquisite restaurants that exist shoulder-to-shoulder with historic cafes and cozy neighbourhood pubs.

The Nobel Museum

Be inspired by ideas that changed the world. The Nobel Museum contains all essential information about the most prestigious prize in the world, Alfred Nobel and the Nobel Laureates. Guided tours, films, and diverse objects take you from knowing about the historic prize to the Nobel Banquet. The Bistro Nobel serves lunch and special items such as the Nobel ice cream, Nobel chocolates and more.

 

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Old Town – Gamla Stan

Stockholm’s oldest attraction is much more than the ultra-touristy street of Västerlånggatan. Here you will find some of the city’s best restaurants and several bars with live music. Gamla Stan also has small curiosity, antique and handicraft shops, a multitude of cafés  and small hotels, as well as several gay bars and cafés.

Royal Swedish Opera

Kungliga Operan has been the Swedish national venue for opera and ballet since January 18, 1773. You can visit Kungliga Operan as a member of the audience at one of the performances or take a guided tour. On the tour, you will have the opportunity to look backstage, visit the royal rooms, and peer down into the orchestra pit. Learn about the fascinating history of Kungliga Operan and get a glimpse of what backstage life is like today.

 

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Vasa Museum

With over one million visitors a year, Vasa Museum hosts the only preserved 17th century ship in the world. This 69-metre long treasure sank in 1628 and was salvaged in 1961, 333 years later.

 

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ABBA The Museum

Finally, the music, the clothes, the lyrics, musicals and films of ABBA have been gathered in Stockholm and will be displayed in a permanent exhibition. Try your luck with an impersonation of Sweden’s most famous band on the karaoke stage, dance it out and catch a virtual glimpse of behind-the-scenes.

 

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Millesgården

The spectacular museum built on terraces is the former home of artists Carl and Olga Milles. In the park, some of Carl Milles’ most famous sculptures are on display. Original castings and tools are shown in the large studio. Besides, the museum offers an art gallery, a museum shop and a bistro.

 

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National Museum of Fine Arts

After years of renovations, the National Museum of Fine Arts (Nationalmuseum) reopened in 2018. Located on the peninsula of Blasieholmen, it displays drawings, paintings and other artworks from the Middle Ages to the 1900s, and also features modern art. Except for certain exhibitions, the admission is free, so do not miss out on one of Sweden’s finest museums.

 

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Take a swim

The waterways of Stockholm are not only beautiful to look at, but also very clean and inviting, such that you can take a dip right in the middle of town. There are not a lot of cities in the world that can make that claim! Check on several lovely beaches to bask on and cliffs to jump from around the city. Here are a few examples:

 

  • Smedsuddsbadet: This swimming beach at Rålambshov Park Beach is popular with families. The sun-worshipping Stockholmers choose neighboring Rålambshov Park instead.
  • Långholmen: This green island is a popular destination for swimmers.
  • Brunnsviksbadet: A swimming beach in Frescati Hage at Brunnsviken in the Ekoparken park.
  • Haga Park: Charming inlets and beaches near this park are ideal for experienced swimmers. Walk or take the subway to the Universitetet station.
  • Fredhällsbadet: Experienced swimmers will enjoy swimming from the rocks with a view of Lake Mälaren. Take the green subway line to Kristineberg and walk along the water’s edge to the swimming area.
  • Fjäderholmarna: Take a trip out to the swim-friendly rocks of Stockholm’s nearest archipelago island, only 25 minutes by boat from Slussen or Nybroplan.



Paddle in the city

Get a duck’s eye view of Stockholm! Rent a kayak or canoe and paddle your way from island to island. See the Town Hall, Gamla Stan (Old Town) and many other attractions; because in Stockholm, there is water everywhere!

 

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Stockholm Ghost Walk

Walk through the winding alleys in the Old Town (Gamla Stan) and listen as your guide tells you about Stockholm’s darkest history and secrets with only a torch lighting up the dark street, where anything can lurk in the shadows; a tour through the district of Södermalm.

 

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Stockholm Subway 

Riding the subway (or tunnelbana) in Stockholm is a truly unique experience. Since 1950, artists have worked to turn the city’s underground system into a big art installation. Out of the 100 subway stations, over 90 are decorated with sculptures, paintings, mosaics and cave-like features. A good way to see them is to buy either a 24 hour-ticket or a single journey ticket, which is valid for 75 minutes. Tickets are available through the SL app, ticket machines and ticket booths at the stations, and Pressbyråns.

 

Another tip is to visit them by the colour of the lines. The most impressive ones are on the blue line. So, get your camera ready, watch out for the commuters and be prepared to be amazed by the artworks displayed on the walls.

 

Here are our Top 10 stations not to be missed while in the Swedish capital:

  • Solna Centrum (Blue line)
  • Stadion (Red line)
  • Tekniska Högskolan (Red line)
  • Kungsträdgården (Blue line)
  • T-Centralen (Blue line)
  • Rådhuset (Blue line)
  • Tensta (Blue Line)
  • Mörby Centrum (Red line)
  • Thorildsplan (Green line)

 

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Timings: Metro stations are open from around 5am–1am



Stockholm City Hall

Stockholm City Hall, with its spire featuring the golden Three Crowns, is one of the most famous silhouettes in Stockholm. It is one of the country’s leading examples of national romanticism in architecture, designed by the architect Ragnar Östberg. Note that the City Hall can only be visited with a guided tour.

 

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Royal Canal Tour

This tour will take you through the greener parts of Stockholm. The tour runs from downtown through Djurgårdsbrunnskanalen and around Djurgården, (which is located in the Royal National City Park), past historic buildings and lush nature. Daily departures take place from April to October.

 

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Millennium Tour

The Stieg Larsson’s Millennium Tour is the Stockholm City Museum’s guided city-walk in the foot-steps of Lisbeth Salander and Mikael Blomqvist. During the tour, you will get additional background information about the characters and the author. On the way, you will also learn more about historical and contemporary Stockholm and its inhabitants.

 

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The Royal Palace

The Royal Palace (Kungliga Slotten) is one of Europe’s largest palaces. This is the official residence of the Swedish king and it features more than 600 rooms and 5 museums. You should not miss the parade of soldiers and the daily changing of the guard.

 

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Drottningholm Palace

Take a day trip to Drottningholm and experience a historic milieu of the highest standard. Drottningholm Palace is Sweden’s best preserved royal palace constructed in the 17th century, the permanent residence of the royal family and one of Stockholm’s three World Heritage Sites.

 

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Gröna Lund

Experience the joyful and magical world of Gröna Lund, Stockholm’s amusement park. A day spent at Gröna Lund is a memorable one, whether you dine in one of the restaurants, enjoy a pentathlon, a live concert or one of the 30 exciting rides.

 

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Junibacken

The Story Train takes you on an amazing journey through the magical fairy tale world of Astrid Lindgren. Meet Mardie, Emil, Karlsson on the Roof and many others. Experience a treasure trove of Swedish children’s books through playful exhibits and a well-stocked children’s bookstore.

 

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Moderna Museet

Experience one of Europe’s foremost collections of art from the 20th century till the present day, featuring works by artists including Picasso, Dali, Derkert and Matisse. The museum’s large collections and temporary exhibitions present contemporary art side by side with the modern classics.

 

Moderna Museet is located on Skeppsholmen island, a setting of natural beauty. The building was designed by Spanish architect Rafael Moneo. The museum offers a first-class program of temporary exhibitions, a children’s workshop, a store and an enjoyable restaurant with a beautiful view of Djurgården and Strandvägen.

 

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Nordiska Museet

Nordiska Museet contains Sweden’s largest museum of cultural history. Explore their collections of fashion, folk art, textiles, furniture, table settings, jewellery, and life and work in Sweden. Also check out their temporary exhibitions, e.g. about the melting ice of the Arctic. If you happen to visit on Tuesdays between 1 pm and 5 pm, the entrance admission will be free.

 

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  • Location: Djurgårdsvägen 6-16, 115 93 Stockholm
  • Website: www.nordiskamuseet.se/en
  • Timings: September–May: Mon & Tue, Thu–Sun 10am–5pm, Wed 10am–8pm. June–August: Daily 9am–6pm



Waldemarsudde

Prince Eugene’s former home is one of Sweden’s most popular art museums. Visit the prince’s reception rooms and see his collection of early 20th century Nordic art as well as temporary exhibitions. A flower and sculpture garden surrounds the museum.

 

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Skansen

Meet historic Sweden! Skansen is home to 150 buildings and farms transported from different parts of the country. Stroll among the beautiful gardens with flower beds and functional plants. See Nordic animals, particularly predators and native Swedish breeds. Celebrate this year’s traditional festivities and enjoy the wide variety of programs. Also, pay a visit to the museum shop with handicrafts and Swedish design.

 

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SkyView

SkyView takes you on an exciting journey along the outside of the Ericsson Globe. From the top, 130 meters above the sea level, you enjoy an unbeatable view of Stockholm. SkyView consists of two glass gondolas, that each can hold 16 people. The ride takes about 20 minutes.

 

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Swedish History Museum

Explore Sweden’s history from the Stone Age to the present day. Meet people from prehistorical times, admire 52 kilos of gold and 200 kilos of silver treasures in the Gold Room. Here you can also trace the Vikings – the admission is free.

 

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Stockholm Concert Hall

The blue Konserthuset is situated on Hötorget in the heart of Stockholm. One of Sweden’s architectonic masterpieces in the Neoclassical style, the Concert Hall was built especially to house the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra. Apart from being a venue for world-class concerts, it hosts the annual Nobel Prize Award Ceremony and the Polar Music Prizes.

 

The famous Orpheus Group by the main steps was created by sculptor Carl Milles. Unveiled 1936, it is one of Stockholm’s best-known landmarks and a popular meeting spot. During summertime, the Stockholm Concert Hall is open daily from 11 am to 5 pm.

 

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Museum of Medieval Stockholm

The Museum of Medieval Stockholm (Medeltidsmuseet) focuses on people and retells stories from the everyday life of medieval Stockholmers. Encounter the tales of Jöns Skomakare, Sketna Gertrud Syltekona and many others. The museum includes Stockholm’s city wall from about 1520 preserved as a fixed ancient remnant 55 meters (180 feet) long. Its entrance is located under Norrbro, Stockholm’s oldest stone bridge.

 

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Tom Tits Experiment

A world without limits: Tom Tits Experiment opens the door to a world where you can choose whether to dive deep into a mixture of creativity and knowledge or simply draw your finger across the surface. There are experiments and lots of fun activities for people of all ages, both indoors and outdoors (garden open May–September). Programmes and shows run on weekends and school holidays.

 

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