Built on 14 islands, connected by 57 bridges over Lake Mälaren and the Baltic Sea, Stockholm is like Venice’s sleek and chic Scandi sister. This quietly confident capital is blessed with beauty (some of it man-made, the rest courtesy of Mother Nature) and overflowing with places where you can shop, eat and dance until you drop, or simply pause and watch the world go by. Why visit Stockholm? Simply put, this sublime city has it all, and more. Let’s explore some of its highlights.
- Stockholm is Beautifully Built
- Stockholm is An Island Paradise
- The Museums are Magnificent
- Stockholm is the Perfect Place to Enjoy Sweden’s Coffee Culture
- It has a Vibrant Food Scene
- The Shopping is Insane
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Stockholm is Beautifully Built
Sweden’s stunning capital is awash with beautiful buildings. Of course, there’s Gamla Stan, the picturesque Old Town, which is home to some of Stockholm’s most impressive architecture including the Royal Palace, Nobel Museum, the Opera House and historic Storkyrkan cathedral. Storgorget, the city’s oldest square, is bordered by pretty buildings in shades of mustard, rust-red and brown adorned with ornate windows, and if you walk over Riksbron Bridge, you’ll find the sprawling complex of the Swedish Parliament. Striking modern architecture is spread across the city too, such as at the futuristic waterfront, the award-winning Victoria Tower and Stockholm Stadsbibliotek. If you want to delve deeper, a private walking tour is one of the best ways to learn about the stories and legends behind Stockholm’s doors, both old and new.
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Stockholm is An Island Paradise
Perhaps the most striking thing about Stockholm is its gorgeous waterfront setting. The city itself is made up of 14 islands, and the nearby archipelago boasts some 30,000 more, a mere ferry ride away. One of the best ways to experience them is to sail the waterways on a sightseeing tour to admire the islands’ untouched nature and hear from an expert guide. Öland, the biggest island in the group, is a popular summer stop for travellers and locals alike, known for its beaches, windmills, and historic sites like Borgholm Castle. We also love Björko – meaning ‘island of birches’ – where you can indulge your inner Viking visiting Birka, Sweden’s oldest town.
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The Museums are Magnificent
One thing’s for sure, Stockholm is an excellent city for a culture fix, with over 100 museums to choose from. A firm favourite of ours is the Vasamuséet, home of the 17th-century warship Vasa, which tragically sank on her maiden voyage. After lying in mud at the bottom of Stockholm harbour, Vasa has been restored to her former glory and sits proudly at the helm of the city’s extensive museum scene. If contemporary art’s your passion, you’ll find it at the acclaimed Moderna Museet, as well as in more surprising settings such as Stockholm’s subway. Said to be the ‘world’s longest art exhibit’, 90 of the city’s subway stations feature paintings, sculptures, installations and other works by a host of artists. The constantly evolving collection means you can enjoy outstanding art while enroute to seeing, well, more outstanding art. Other highlights include the fun and interactive ABBA Museum, open-air museum and zoo Skansen, and Spiritmuseum which explores the history of alcohol.
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Stockholm is the Perfect Place to Enjoy Sweden’s Coffee Culture
Fika, pronounced ‘fee-ka’, is alive and kicking in Stockholm. The ritual of taking a break to enjoy a cup of coffee — and perhaps a slice of cake or a cinnamon bun — is a national pastime, and the perfect moment of calm during a busy day spent sightseeing. Fika is a great excuse to check out Stockholm’s cool cafes, indulge your sweet tooth, and people watch. Come evening, you’ll be spoilt for choice should you wish to swap your latte for an espresso martini. Stockholm is home to excellent bars and cool clubs, and you can enjoy drinks with a view at a host of rooftop venues such as SUS and Naboterrassen, perched atop NK Parkaden. Microbreweries are another key fixture of Stockholm’s evening scene with a slew of places selling excellent artisan beers and brews.
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It has a Vibrant Food Scene
A major highlight of discovering somewhere new is sampling the local cuisine, and Stockholm is heaven for foodies. Fine dining is driven by the New Nordic movement which focuses on fresh ingredients, sustainable seafood and local produce. Leading the pack, with two Michelin stars each, are Frantzen and Aloë, but you’ll find starred restaurants aplenty. Traditional fare is on the menu even at some of Stockholm’s more contemporary eateries, where you can try reindeer, moose and wild boar, alongside fishy favourites like pickled herring and cured salmon, as well as plenty of veggie and vegan-friendly options. The city’s multi-culturalism is highlighted in the food halls which serve an array of international bites from Turkish Kofte to French-Vietnamese fusion sandwiches, while the city’s indoor food markets and open-air farmers’ markets are great places to stock up on fresh produce as well as gourmet souvenirs such as speciality cheeses and handmade chocolates.
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The Shopping is Insane
Stockholm is an excellent place to shop for stylish souvenirs that will spark fond memories of your trip. The area of Drottninggatan is choc-a-bloc with small boutiques, Swedish one-offs and just about every type of retailer imaginable. Those into high-end fashion can find their heaven at Biblioteksgatan, between Stureplan and Norrmalmstorg, which stocks international brands including Gucci, Prada and Marc Jacobs alongside local labels like Acne, Whyred and Hope. MOOD Stockholm is an all-in-one concept store, providing a lively mix of shops and restaurants close to both Östermalm and City. Browse the incredible interior design items, visit the spa or make a night of it at Boqueria where DJs play from dusk till dawn. For vintage, try the SoFo area featuring Skånegatan and uber-trendy Nytorget.
If you’ve switched camps from ‘why visit Stockholm?’ to ‘when?’ get in touch with one of our Sweden specialists to start planning your trip.