Stockholm is truly a city you will love to visit and want to come back to again and again. Its mix of historical charm, modern hotspots, islands, and relaxed atmosphere make it a wonderful destination that has something for everyone. Planning to visit Stockholm? If so, we'd love to share five of our favourite spots - from the old town to the tranquillity of the nature surrounding the city. So grab your checklist and discover Stockholm at its best!
Let's start with the oldest and perhaps most photogenic part of Stockholm: Gamla Stan. This medieval district is like a living open-air museum. It's lovely to walk through the narrow, cobbled streets and look at the colourful houses - perfect for some great photos! Don't forget a visit to the Royal Palace, either. You might even see the changing of the guard! Here you'll get a taste of Stockholm's historical side and get a good idea of what the city was once like.
Djurgården is the island where nature and culture come together. This island is super green and perfect for a quiet day in Stockholm. Here we find the iconic Vasa Museum, where you can see a huge and almost completely intact warship from the 17th century. Really impressive, even if you're not necessarily into history! There is also Skansen, a cosy open-air museum and zoo. Djurgården is one of those places where you can spend a whole day without getting bored, especially on sunny days. It's great to walk or cycle along the waterfront here!
For a creative and laid-back atmosphere, Södermalm is the place to be. This is the district for art, vintage shops and boutiques you won't find anywhere else. Our favourite spot here is Mariatorget, a cosy square where there is always something going on. From there you can walk towards Monteliusvägen for great views over Stockholm. This is a great spot, especially around sunset. Södermalm has a hip atmosphere that makes it a nice change from the more formal neighbourhoods.
On the island of Skeppsholmen, we find Moderna Museet, Stockholm's modern art museum. This is one of our favourite museums, not only because of the collection (which includes works by Picasso and Dalí, to name a few), but also because the building and location are really special. From here you have a great view over the water and the Stockholm skyline. If you like art, we highly recommend visiting Moderna Museet.
One of the best things about Stockholm is its proximity to nature, and the archipelago is the best example of this. This collection of islands lies just outside the city, and you can easily take a day trip there. Vaxholm, Sandhamn and Grinda are popular islands that are easily accessible. It feels like being away from the city for a while, enjoying the peace and quiet of Swedish nature. A boat trip through the archipelago is a unique experience that makes Stockholm truly special!
So whether you like history, art, nature, or just some relaxation, Stockholm has it all. These five places give a good first impression of the city, but believe us, there is much more to discover!