12 best places and attractions to visit in Stockholm, Sweden

Stockholm spans 14 islands in a picturesque archipelago in the Baltic Sea. From its quaint cobblestone streets to colorful buildings and fascinating cultural attractions, this vibrant capital city will draw you in with its collection of parks, museums and outdoor spaces. Here are our picks for the best things to see if you have planned to travel in Stockholm this summer.

Stroll through Gamla Stan (Old Town)

Going back to the year 1200, a stroll through Gamla Stan offers you the opportunity to step back in time. It is one of Europe’s largest and best-preserved medieval city centers, where you’ll find pedestrian streets dotted with museums, attractions, restaurants, cafes and bars. Shop in its quaint stores to discover unique handicrafts and stop to admire its beautiful churches adorned with golden tones and frescoes from the Middle Ages.

Visit the Gronalund amusement park

If you’re traveling with children, you can’t miss a visit to the Gronalund amusement park in summer. You’ll find entertainment that appeals to visitors of all ages, including the Viking boat ride that showcases rich Scandinavian traditions. You can easily spend a day enjoying the exciting rides, while also having plenty of food on site to keep you energized and live concerts. Be sure to time your visit right, as it is only open from late spring (April/March) through September.

Explore the famous Vasa Museum

The highly decorated warship Vasa sailed from Stockholm on its anticipated maiden voyage and sank in 1628. It was afloat for only minutes before capsizing in front of spectators in the city’s harbor, and hundreds of years later, the 226-foot-long ship has been completely destroyed. Its extensive restoration is a delight for history enthusiasts, as it is the only preserved 17th-century ship in the world and has an on-site museum displaying exhibits on the ship’s history.

Watch the Changing of the Guard

You simply can’t visit Stockholm and not see the iconic changing of the Royal Guard. Seeing the tradition is not only part of the city’s rich history, but it’s a completely free activity. The Royal Guard, which is part of the Swedish Armed Forces, has around 30,000 guardsmen. You can visit and watch the elaborate 40-minute event that takes place every day in front of the residence of the King of Sweden.

Djurgården Island Tour

The perfect opportunity to experience the Swedish countryside, take a walk around Djurgården Island to discover the quietest place in the city. The island is located right in the middle of the city and has beautiful green spaces to enjoy the outdoors on a bike tour, an afternoon picnic or a romantic stroll. You can even explore the canals in a canoe or stay there for several days, booking a room in a hotel, that can be found at https://karta.com . It’s also a treasure trove of cultural attractions, from Rosendals Garden to Skansen and the famous Vasa Museum.

Step back in time at Skansen

Skansen is the world’s oldest open-air museum. Sitting on the island of Djurgarden, it is a family attraction where you can experience a dose of Sweden as it once was. It showcases five centuries of Swedish history through historic buildings and cultural displays of characters in period costume. Admire the 19th-century town, watch glassblowers and visit the on-site zoo, which features various Scandinavian animals, such as wolverines and grizzly bears.

Admire the colorful exhibits at Rosendals Garden

Take a break at Rosendals Garden to admire its beautiful displays of colorful foliage in its rose garden, orchard, flower beds and greenhouses. Immerse yourself in the tranquil natural surroundings, while those visiting with children can have an educational experience in the children’s garden and visit an artisan bakery and farm store. Come summer, you can pick flowers for purchase on the property or nibble on casual bites at the café that sources vegetables grown on site.

Marvel at the Royal Palace

While many visitors only come to the Royal Palace to watch the changing of the guard, it has much more to offer. It’s one of the largest palaces in Europe and is the official residence of His Majesty the King of Sweden, with 600 rooms showcasing 18th-century Italian Baroque style. See the ornate interiors of the reception rooms, Queen Kristina’s silver throne and the Gustav III Museum of Antiquities. You can even see royal costumes and coaches in the Armory.

Explore the exhibitions at Fotografiska

Fotografiska, one of the world’s largest venues for contemporary photography, hosts four major exhibitions and 20 smaller exhibitions presented annually, showcasing a variety of photography styles and subjects. You can wander the halls to see portraits, landscapes and black-and-white photos by local artists and notable international names such as Annie Leibovitz and David LaChapelle. From the top floor café, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the city.

Enjoy the great outdoors at Royal National City Park

When you need a break from sightseeing, head to Royal National City Park to relax in the lush expanse. The six-mile-long park winds through Stockholm and encompasses three other parks – Djurgarden, Haga and Ulriksdal. It is the world’s first national city park, offering a beautiful green space for locals and visitors alike to come and relax while watching wildlife, such as moose, foxes and deer, on scenic nature trails past century-old oak trees, streams and lakes.

Explore the history of music at ABBA The Museum

If you’re a music fan, you shouldn’t miss the opportunity to explore the famous ABBA The Museum. It is the world’s first official ABBA museum, where you will discover interactive exhibits dedicated to the pop group. It displays a variety of collected works about the group, housed in the Swedish Music Hall of Fame in Djurgarden, and showcases memorabilia such as gold records, stage costumes and personal items from the band. You can even sing your best ABBA tune in Polar Studio.