Stockholm has a vibe like no other city, that is sophisticated, historic, modern and hip all in one. Truly, it’s one of my favorite cities in the world, plus it’s very clean with a lot of green space. As an Acupuncturist-at-Sea, I spent many days exploring and love sharing these Stockholm top 10 attractions.
Background of Stockholm
Stockholm is the capital city for the Kingdom of Sweden, stretching over 14 islands with 50 bridges. It’s continuous with the Stockholm archipelago of 30,000 islands. Also, Lake Mlaren flows from the city to the Baltic Sea. The city center is on the Riddarfjarden Bay of the Baltic Sea. The city first developed wealth and prominence through being a part of the Hanseatic League for Baltic trade.
This populated area of 1.6 million people is almost a third on water and a third with green space. It’s reputation for green and sustainable living earned it the first to win the European Green Capital Award in 2010. The main neighborhoods to explore are the Gamla Stan (Old Town), Djurgården (island with museums and parks), Norrmalm (downtown) and Sodermalm (hip & trendy).
Stockholm Top Ten Attractions
Gamla Stan (Old Town)
This Old Town is where Stockholm was founded in 1252. Even though it is a bit touristy, the atmosphere is intriguing and full of historical landmarks. It makes for a wonderful walking tour through the narrow, cobblestone alleyways amidst colorful medieval buildings, cafes and squares. The neighborhood is home to some of the top attractions, such as, The Nobel Museum, Royal Palace, Stockholm Cathedral and Parliament.
Nobel Museum
The Nobel Museum is located in the former Stock Exchange Building in Gamla Stan (Old Town). I was inspired by an exhibit showcasing all of the Nobel prizewinners and their accomplishments. Also, this is where I first learned about the founder of the prize, Alfred Nobel, a Swedish Chemist. As a wealthy man, Nobel donated his entire fortune to the Nobel Peace Prize and its program. Overall, the museum has guided tours, films and various displays to learn about this amazing prize, the founder and winners.
Royal Palace
Located in Gamla Stan (Old Town), the Royal Palace is a stunning 18th century Italian Baroque-style attraction. This massive palace has more than 600 rooms. It’s the Swedish king’s residence and visitors see the Royal Apartments and 3 museums. Also, don’t miss the Changing of the Guard Ceremony every day at 12:15 pm from April – August.
Royal Canals or Water Taxi
Because a third of Stockholm is on water, taking the water taxi is a fun way to get somewhere plus have a panoramic view of the city. For something more in depth, there is also the Royal Canals Tour. This starts from the Stromkajen in the center of Stockholm. It goes to the Djurgarden island, through its canal to see historic buildings, museums and historic areas. Additionally, it includes a view of the Stockholm skyline on the way back.
Rosendals Garden (Djurgarden) Tour
Djurgarden (The Royal Game Park) is an island in the middle of Stockholm, abundant with refreshing green spaces, museums, monuments and historic buildings. It’s relaxing to explore by walking, biking and a great place for a picnic at the Rosendalls Tradgard public garden. Here the market garden showcases orchards, flower beds and rose gardens. Overall, this island is the sanctuary filled with some of Stockholm’s most popular attractions, such as, Vasa Museum, Grona Lund Amusement Park, ABBA Museum and Skansen Open-air Museum.
Vasa Museum
Tip: Either buy tickets online or go on tour to avoid the long queue.
The Vasa Museum is the most visited museum in all of Scandinavia. In 1628, the massive Vasa capsized in the city’s harbor. Centuries later, the colossal 226-foot ship was completely salvaged from the surface of the seabed. Immaculately restored 95%, the Vasa is the only preserved 17th century ship in the world. Additionally, the museum exhibits and films educate on the history of the ship and the era’s stories and relics.
ABBA Museum – Stockholm Top Attractions
This upbeat ABBA Museum is also on the vibrant Djurgarden Island. It celebrates the 70’s Swedish Pop Band’s catchy, disco music. Overall, it’s an interactive museum where visitors virtually immerse with the full gamut of ABBA. For example, you can try on the costumes of Benny, Bjorn, Frida or Agnetha. Also, you can join them and sing along to “Mama Mia” or Dancing Queen.
Fotografiska – The Photography Museum
I walked by their sign on a rainy day in Stockholm, saying “World’s Most Open Museum.” This contemporary photography museum or Fotografiska is open every day, even more till 1 am on Thurs – Sat. This is probably because the bar/café is integral in the museum. I relaxed in their café for fika, a delicious Swedish pastry and coffee break, while gazing out the window at the view of the water.
Also, as a photography buff myself, I thoroughly enjoyed viewing the exhibits. The food photography really caught my eye, such as my photo of the red pear and oozing gold brie. Overall, the museum aims to showcase a mix of unknown talents, as well as big names, like Annie Leibovitz and David LaChapelle.
Sodermalm
This hip neighborhood aka Soder or the southside is the equivalent of New York’s SoHo. Transformed from an industrial area, it now is a vibrant neighborhood with trendy shops, intimate cafes and historic sites. My favorite Stockholm museum, Fotografiska (see above), is congruently located here. One thing I noticed in Stockholm in general and specifically in Sodermalm is the eclectic and awesome vintage or second-hand shops for chic and hip clothing. My Inner Fashionista fell in love with these thrift shops with clothing gems like no other, although not necessarily low-priced.
Also, in Sodermalm is a half-mile long pathway named Monteliusvagen for some of the best views of Stockholm. The scenic path goes along a cliff looking out over Lake Malaren, Riddarhomen Island and City Hall. The City Hall is where the annual Nobel Prize award ceremonies happen.
Stockholm Metro Station Art
In the Stockholm Metro Station, you get another glimpse of quintessential Stockholm, with art murals brightening the Metro Station. The Stockholm subway system displays the world’s longest art exhibit at 110 km long. Since the 1950’s, 150 artists contributed paintings, sculptures and mosaics to this colorful subway canvas. It’s very inspiring and truly one of the most beautiful subway systems in the world.
Overall, Stockholm Top Attractions
Stockholm is an outstanding city in so many ways. Overall, with its numerous museums, historical architecture, waterways and green space this is a benchmark for urban life. It’s balance of nature and culture is in harmony with a sustainable future for tourists and locals to enjoy for years to come!
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