Stockholm, sweden
Attractions Guide

Introduction

Sweden's capital city of Stockholm is full of many lovely vibrant colored homes and buildings, spread out across many islands, with the Gamla Stan Old Town at its center.

Gamla Stan Old Town

The most scenic part of the city is the Gamla Stan old town, which is located on a small island with many historic buildings that you should walk around and explore. One of the most photogenic spots is Stortorget Square, a medieval cobblestone plaza surrounded by colorful old houses and buildings which is also known for its seasonal Christmas Market.

In Gamla Stan you'll find the city's top attraction, The Royal Palace, a massive 18th century baroque palace with opulent interiors within which you'll find several museums. Also within Gamla Stan is the towering medieval German Church with its lavish historic interiors.

Just across from the Royal Palace is the Museum of Medieval Stockholm, housing medieval ruins and fascinating artifacts from this time period. Across from this museum is the impressive Parliament House building.

Be sure to also walk around the tiny island of Riddarholmen nearby, where you can admire many old palaces from outside. Adjacent to Riddarholmen is the 17th century House of Nobility, a former meeting place for the nobles of Sweden, which features historic and finely decorated rooms with many coats of arms.

Gamla Stan Viewpoints

Just to the south of Gamla Stan is one of the best spots to take in views of the city, from the clifftop Mariaberget viewpoint within Ivar Los Park. For more amazing views over the city, you can continue a bit west to the Skinnarviksberget viewpoint, which is about a 0.4 mile (0.6 km) walk away from Mariaberget.

Norrmalm Neighborhood

Just to the north of Gamla Stan you'll find the giant Kungstradgarden Park, Stockholm's central urban park which sits surrounded by large buildings and significant structures such as the Royal Swedish Opera and the photogenic St. Jacobs Kyrka church. You can tour the stunning decadent interiors of the Royal Swedish Opera if you like.

Underneath Kungstradgarden Park is the Kungstradgarden Subway Station, one of Stockholm's unique and stunningly designed subway stations.

Kungsholmen Island

To the northwest of Gamla Stan in the Kungsholmen Island neighborhood you'll find the Stockholm City Hall building. This stunning waterfront structure offers highly extravagant interiors that you can tour. Inside you'll find the decadent Golden Hall, as well as an observation deck providing amazing views overlooking Gamla Stan and Riddarholmen from high above.

Very close-by the city hall building is Stockholm's most incredible sights, the Radhuset Subway Station. This underground station is extremely photogenic and is known for its eccentric red rock design.

Ostermalm Museums

To the east of Kungstradtgarden Park in the Ostermalm neighborhood are two notable museums, including the Swedish History Museum, which features many archaeological finds throughout Sweden's history in addition to an impressive Gold Room and other interesting exhibits. Nearby you might like to visit the Army Museum with many exhibits on Sweden's military history and weaponry.

Djurgarden Island Museums

Just south of the Ostermalm museums and to the east of Gamla Stan is Djurgarden Island, where you'll find several more great museums and attractions.

The most popular attraction on the island is Skansen, a huge open-air museum and zoo featuring many historical Swedish sturctures alongside recreations of traditional Swedish life. Nearby is the extremely popular Vasa Museum, which contains a fully-intact 17th century warship and other maritime exhibits.

Other popular nearby museums on the island include the Nordic Museum containing Nordic ethnological exhibits, and the ABBA Museum dedicated to the famous Swedish band. You might also like to visit the seaside Grona Lund amusement park nearby, which features roller coasters and other rides.

More Museums

Another great museum within the city is the waterfront Fotografiska, a popular museum of contemporary photography exhbitis. This museum is located southeast of Gamla Stan in the Katarina-Sofia neighborhood.

Nearby the Fotografiska museum you might like to see the highly photogenic Sofia Church. With its green spired clocktower and impressive architecture, this church is a noteworthy sight to briefly admire from outside.

Quite far north of the city center you might consider visiting the giant Museum of Natural History, which is housed in a grand structure hosting countless great exhibits.

Castles of Greater Stockholm

Drottningholm Palace

Located approximately 20 minutes by car or 35 minutes by public transportation to the west of Central Stockholm is the elegant Drottningholm Palace, a UNESCO world heritage site and must-see attraction. This 16th century royal palace contains decadent interiors and massive sprawling gardens.

Gripsholm Castle

One more attraction to consider visiting is the Renaissance-era Gripsholm Castle, a majestic royal castle with historic interiors which sits atop its own island. This highly ornate castle was also built in the 16th century and is very impressive. The Gripsholm Castle is approximately 50 minutes from Central Stockholm via car, or 1 hour away via public transportation.