Set over a series of 14 islands where Lake Mälaren meets the Baltic Sea, the historic city of Stockholm enjoys one of the most picturesque, and unique, locations in Europe. Home to a world class restaurant scene, a vibrant nightlife, great shopping and fantastic museums, the city is an excellent destination for visitors who want to enjoy a slice of Scandinavian culture. Swimming, kayaking and al fresco dining are the order of the day in the light bright summers, while the winter months give visitors the chance for skiing, ice skating and sampling delicious local cuisine.
Areas & Neighbourhoods in Stockholm
Gamla Stan – The old town of Stockholm is made up of a network of cobbled streets, 17th century houses and pretty squares. It’s the perfect place to start a sightseeing tour of the city. Admire the atmospheric streets, enjoy an al fresco meal at one of the many restaurants in the area or pick up a souvenir at one of Gamla Stan’s choice of tourist boutiques.
Södermalm – The island of Södermalm forms the southern part of central Stockholm. One of the trendiest parts of the city, this is the area to go for bohemian cafes, independent galleries, vintage shops and cutting edge restaurants.
Norrmalm – Considered to be the main centre of Stockholm, Norrmalm is home to several department stores, museums, shopping malls, hotels and restaurants. It’s also the location of most of Stockholm’s main theatres, making the area a great destination for a day of culture.
Östermalm – One of the more affluent parts of Stockholm, Östermalm is home to the expansive Nationalstadsparken, the upmarket Stureplan Square and the Skansen open air museum.
Things to See in Stockholm
Stockholm is home to many of Sweden’s best known sights including Gamla Stan, Stockholm Palace and Stockholm City Hall. Many of the country’s best museums are also found in Stockholm with Skansen, the ABBA Museum, the Nobel Museum and the Moderna Museet among the most popular. Another important Stockholm site is Drottningholm Palace, a 17th century royal castle with beautifully landscaped gardens. Visitors to Stockholm can see many of the city’s beautiful islands from the ferries that crisscross the lakes or hire kayaks and see Stockholm’s sights from a different perspective.
Things to Do in Stockholm
Though museums, galleries and palaces are open throughout the year, many of the activities on offer in Stockholm vary dramatically depending on the weather. In the summer months, visitors can swim in the lakes that surround the city, dine at al fresco restaurants and go hiking and biking in the islands and forests around Stockholm. During the winter, snow blankets the city for much of the year, turning it into a winter wonderland. Visitors can join a long distance skating tour on the nearby lake or practice their skills in the rinks that spring up across the city. Skiing and other winter sports are also available nearby.
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