Stockholm is the capital and largest city in Sweden. It is the seat of the Swedish government and parliament and the official residence of King Carl XVI Gustav. The city of Stockholm (Stockholms stad) or, more officially, the municipality of Stockholm (Stockholms kommun) is, with its 920,000 inhabitants, the largest of the 290 Swedish municipalities. The urban unit is, with its 1 300 000 inhabitants is the largest urban unit in Scandinavia. Greater Stockholm, i. e. the county of Stockholm, has a population of more than 2 million people over an area of almost 6,600 km2. Situated on the Baltic Sea coast, the city is partly built on several islands at the mouth of Lake Mälar, which, like other European cities, has earned it the nickname of Venice of the North (also given in Bruges (Belgium), St Petersburg (Russia) and Amsterdam (Netherlands).
Stockholm, a paradise for boats
A boat trip is the best way to visit Stockholm from an interesting angle. There is no shortage of excursions to choose from: you can embark on board a hop-on-hop-off boat (boat lines where you can embark and disembark whenever you want), take a boat trip to visit the city's bridges and canals or simply rent a rowing boat or canoe to visit the city at your own pace. You can also head off to the Stockholm archipelago. Made up of 30,000 charming islands and islets, this archipelago is a popular holiday destination for Stockholmers who like to spend their summer holidays in their second home. If you plan to visit Stockholm in 2 days, the boat trip is a must.
Visit the Royal Palace
What to see in Stockholm? Home to more than 600 rooms, it is one of the largest palaces in Europe. Although the Royal Palace is the official residence of the King of Sweden, the King does not live there - King Charles XVI Gustave lives in Drottningholm Castle - a palace situated in the outskirts of Stockholm and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built during the 18th century, the Royal Palace houses five museums and the Royal Arms, where you can admire a vast collection of armour, costumes and carrioles. Try to plan your trip so that your visit coincides with the changing guard - a sumptuous, colourful show. If you don't know what to see in Stockholm, this place of interest seems unavoidable.
Visit the Vasa Museum
On its maiden voyage in 1628, the Vasa - a huge warship - sank in the middle of Stockholmn, only a few hundred metres from where it was built. The ship was refloated in 1961 and has been beautifully restored. When you enter the Vasa Museum, Stockholm's major place of interest, you will no doubt be struck by the size and beauty of the Vasa. The exhibitions located all around the boat will allow you to learn more about the life of the sailors who embarked on the first (and last) voyage of Vasa. This Stockholm museum is a must-see.
Enjoy Swedish food at Östermalm's covered market
What to do in Stockholm? Discover gastronomy of course. Opened in 1888, the Saluhall Market retains many of its original features, including complex sculptures in dark wood that separate the stalls from the restaurants. In this gourmet paradise, you will be able to taste the best Swedish products, such as seafood, elk and moose meat, bread, pastries and chocolates. Don't miss out on a visit to the Saluhall Market during your stay in the Swedish capital. This is also a visit to Stockholm.
Go back in time to Skansen
Visit the world's first open-air museum and see what everyday life in Swedish cities and farms looked like over the centuries. Situated in a large park with more than 150 buildings - including the oldest dating from the 14th century - Skansen will allow you to discover how people lived in a bygone era. Children love this museum because you can visit farms, glassworks, potters and cobblers with actors dressed in period clothes. You can see traditional craftsmen in action. The park also houses a zoo where you can admire the main Scandinavian animals such as bears, wolves, lynx and elk. This place of interest in Stockholm is a pleasant journey through time to discover if you want to visit Stockholm in 3 or 4 days.
Be a dance queen at the ABBA Museum
If you are looking for something to do in Stockholm, don't miss the ABBA Museum. It is impossible to visit Stockholm without visiting this major place of interest. You will be able to discover many memories of the Swedish band and will be as transported in the 1970' s: you will be able to sing with holograms of the band, you will be able to show off on the dancefloor and see what you would look like if you were a member of the band by wearing a digital version of their costumes. You can film yourself and bring your memento home simply by scanning your ticket. Whether you're a fan of ABBA or not, you'll have a great time visiting this Stockholm museum.
Miles Garden
Milles Garden is the garden of Carl Milles (1875-1955), a famous Swedish sculptor. Its terraced gardens are decorated with works by Carl Milles and fountains. You can also visit the house where Carl and his wife Olga lived with his collection of antique objects. A sublime place. It's a very charming place inspired by Italy, an oasis of art and peace on the island of Lidingö overlooking the sea, it's one of my favorite places in Stockholm, it's like the Mediterranean coast.
Gröna Lund amusement park
Gröna Lund is a pleasant amusement park right in front of skansen. Manèges and company of course, but also a place to dance for adults where salsa is danced on weekends and a concert stage where the artists follow one another in summer, so watch the program because you will see the concert with only the price of the entrance fee of 12 euros.
Stockholm City Hall
Stockholm City Hall is located on the corner of the island of Kungsholmen and is one of the emblematic works of the city of Stockholm. You can walk in the garden for free but also visit the interior, it's really worth it. The Blue Hall (blue Hall) is a beautiful red brick room? and it is here that the Nobel Prize Banquet takes place every year on December 10. The Golden Hall (golden hall) is really impressive also with its 18 million pieces of fine gold mosaics at 14.5 carats, the guide will explain that it was less expensive than marble.
