Top 10 things to do in Stockholm
1. The home of the Nobel Prize
The Nobel Prize award ceremony and dinner, held in the Blue Hall, is hosted yearly by the Stadchuset (city hall). The astonishing Golden Hall can be seen on a guided tour. Incredible work of 18 millions golden mosaic pieces depicts the halls’ walls. The hall is home of the legendary 10,000 piped organ and the Nobelmuseet. The eminent Nobel winners with their greates achievement are displayed in the museum. Another imposing fact is that the architect Ragnar Östberg needed 8 millions red bricks to build this immensely beautiful hall. Visiting this landmark is the first top thing to do in Stockholm.
2. Jump from One to the Other Island
Positioned on 14 islands and connected with 57 bridges this town is one of the most beautiful towns in Scandinavia. Added to that, Stockholm’s Archipelago has over 30,000 islands. The central island Djurgården was turned into a national park, the most prominent one. The island is home of many animals, aquarium, open-air museum, amusement park and children’s museum. The city center is also positioned on three islands. Take the advantage of the ferries and get to the beach, fish on the coastal rock or just wander around. If 14 islands are not enough, try to visit all the archipelago’s islands. Only 150 islands are inhabited.
3. Majestic View from a Spherical Building
The world’s largest spherical building Ericson Globe offers the most extraordinary experience to see Stockholm from 130 meters height. SkyView is a majestic glass gondola that takes you soaring above the city, along the outer side of the Globe. The view from the top is spectacular, but even more impressive is the ride to the top. The gondolas depart six times per day, and each ride takes around 20 minutes. Beside that, tours inside the Ericson Globe are also possible.
4. Art is Everywhere in Stockholm
You will find contemporary art everywhere is Stockholm from streets, parks, buildings, underground, theaters, galleries and museums. If the street art gets you attention then you should definitely visit: Teater Giljotin, Moderna Musset and the Vasa Museum. Powerful, provoking and dramatic expressionist art is offered in the Teater Giljotin. The prominent collections from Dali, Picasso and Warhol attract the most attention in Moderna Museet. The only survived warship from 17th century is in Vasa Museum. If you a looking for a spine-tickling experience check out this Museum and admire the incredible ship that sank on its maiden voyage right after 20 minutes of sailing. For 333 years this ship was sleeping on the seabed.
5. Where the King and Queen of Sweden Live
The Roman palace, which is 250 years old, is the official Royal Palace. Positioned in the old town Gamla Stan, the only access to it is by bridge. This is one of the top things to do in Stockholm. The palace is open daily offering guided tours through the main part of the palace. This palace has 600 rooms, but not all of them are open for public. A magical fairy tale experience is what this palace offers. The royal family does not live in this palace, they house the Drottningholm Palace.
6. Impossible to Miss
Walking around the streets of Stockholm there is one thing you should not miss, Gamla Stan. It is the oldest medieval quarter in the city, the hearth of Stockholm. The old town spreads on three islands Riddarholmen, Stadsholmen and Helgeandsholmen. The Royal Palace, small squares, cobblestone alleys, ancient churches, the parliament house, the Stockholm’s cathedral (Storkyrkan), the Stortorget (the central square), Bonde Palace and Riddarhuset (the most beautiful houses in Stockholm), taverns, restaurants and museums make the Old Town charming and adorable. This is the best place to see the original Stockholm. Bring good shoes and set for venture the cobblestoned street.
7. Unforgettable Kayaking
For a change instead to kayak in canyons and blue turquoise waters, try kayaking in Stockholm. Undoubtedly extraordinary experience is to rent a kayak and paddle through the downtown’s streets. Discover the town from another point of view. Many people would agree that Stockholm is built on nothing else but the water. To rent a two seated kayak the price varies from 35 to 45 EUR for couple of hours. Stockholm also offers boat trips that will take you around the islands but that is not as exciting as kayaking.
8. Visit a Garden where you Learn about Gardening
Rosendals Trädgård is a garden next to the Rosendal Palace and is open for public. Frequent ferries connect this garden (central island Djurgården) with the rest of the city. This garden stands out from the rest because it allows visitors to get in close touch with the nature and learn how culture affects gardening. In the garden’s café organic food is served. The garden’s bakery is the most famous one in Stockholm. With a coffee and a seasonal cake from this place savor the life.
9. Go swimming no matter the Season
The small island of Långholmen is the most popular swimming place in Stockholm. On the northern shore there is a sandy bay where you can relax, swim and enjoy the view. The water is warm all year round, due to the Atlantic drift. Also a wooden pontoon is built on the shoreline which is overcrowded in summer. This place was a former prison and that gives this place a mystery experience. One thing that Swedes love to do is swimming in cold water. They believe this is the most rejuvenating thing to do in life.
10. Free Panoramic Photo
Even tough the elevator is closed since 2010 a quick walk on the stair will get you right on the top. The Katarina Lift connects Slussen with Sodermalm (the bohemian part of the city). The view form the top is magnificent and you can see the old town (Gamla Stad) and other landmarks. It is hard to find another high point from where you can see this part of the town. This is a perfect and free thing to do if you want to have a panoramic photo of the town.