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 unbelievable subway artwork to the Previous City of Gamla Stan and extra, I’ve rounded up among the coolest actions in Stockholm that ought to prime your Sweden itinerary.
Listed here are one of the best issues to do in Stockholm!
MÖRBY CENTRUM
See Stockholm’s Subway Artwork
The most effective examples of Stockholm’s artwork scene is seen contained in the subway system.
Beginning within the Nineteen Fifties, these makeshift artwork galleries had been created as a method to make artwork accessible to the common particular person, and to at the present time, lovely works of authentic artwork in quite a lot of kinds cowl the partitions of town’s public transportation programs.
You’ll be able to spend your time exploring to search out your favourite artistic endeavors whereas additionally navigating town as you usually would. Make certain to take a look at my information to Stockholm’s subway art to see one of the best of one of the best!
Discover the Neighborhood of Södermalm
The ultra-hip and stylish neighborhood of Södermalm was as soon as a working-class space and all through its historical past, it has grown into a classy vacation spot with loads of outlets, eating places, and occasional outlets to discover. Spend a day visiting Fotografiska, a novel images museum I loved.
For a deeper dive, positively try 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 might have heard of Köttbullar, which is a sort of Swedish meatball that’s typically served with mashed potatoes and lingonberry jam (sure, Ikea’s iconic meatballs had been impressed by this!).
You’ll in all probability additionally encounter herring-based dishes, as that sort of fish is extraordinarily in style within the nation. Pickled herring is kind of in style, and also you may even encounter Surströmming, which is a fermented sort of herring that is called one of many strongest smelling meals on the earth!
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 choice, attempt kardemummabullar, a cardamom-spiced roll, or kanelbullar, a cinnamon-spiced selection. Cardamom is fairly in style in Sweden together with cinnamon, so these buns are positively one of many important foods to try 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 provides 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 novel perspective on the historic buildings and constructions of the mainland a part of town.
*picture courtesy of the Ice Bar
Cool Down on the Ice Bar
One of many coolest bars on the earth is certainly 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 resort is sculpted yearly by artists and sometimes tackle a brand new theme every time. The theme in 2022 is “A Neon Celebration” which contains traditional neon signage into the designs.
So enjoyable!
If you e-book your go to to the IceBar, you get 45-minutes to see the artwork and devour your drink, served in a glass fabricated 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 lovely and peaceable place to go to in Stockholm that’s lengthy been in style with locals and vacationers alike. There are a number of museums, historic websites, and locations for out of doors recreation out there.
It’s best 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’ll be able to see a number of animals which are native to the area and through December you’ll be able to 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 implausible place to seize a chew to eat, sip on some wine, or top off 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 yow will discover recent seafood, produce, baked items, and extra — plus, you’ll be able to go to the cafes and bars which are positioned inside as nicely!
Get pleasure from 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 throughout the day.
It’s advanced into extra of a basic apply of taking a break, consuming a snack, and having fun with a second of peace. You’ll be able to 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’ll be able to 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 received Eurovision in 1974 with their tune “Waterloo,” which was the precursor to a legendary pop profession.
If you go to Stockholm, be sure you try the ABBA Museum. Though it doesn’t have any artifacts from ABBA’s historical past, it has some actually cool displays which are positive to impress even probably the most informal followers of the band.
Probably the most 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. Situated in Djurgården, this attraction first opened in 1883 however has stored up with the latest traits in theme park rides to supply a novel historic and adrenaline-filled expertise.
Probably the most thrilling rides, Insane, has riders the wrong way up for over half the journey. Jetline can also be a preferred choice and identified all through the world for its curved hill carry, which is an uncommon function for a curler coaster to have.
Gröna Lund can also be dwelling to a live performance collection — artists equivalent 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 Word
All that stated…the Vasa Museum may be very cool and value trying out 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.
In the event you’re planning on trying out the museum in addition to different vacationer sights in Stockholm, contemplate getting the Stockholm Pass, which lets you go to an extended checklist of museums and websites for a flat price.
What do you assume are among the prime issues to do in Stockholm? Let me know within the feedback under!
Heading past Stockholm’s metropolis limits? Take a look at this ultimate guide to traveling to Sweden that will help you put together!
