The capital of Sweden, Stockholm, is its largest city. The Swedish capital is not only the most populous city in Sweden but also the most populous one among all the Nordic countries. 

Like any other capital in the world, Stockholm, too, has a lot to offer. From small, cosy pubs to crazy fancy restaurants, big malls to designer boutiques, From natural parks to amusement parks, Stockholm has a never-ending list of things to do in the town.

Life in Stockholm is fast, and people are generous, kind and helpful. Fashion plays a big part when you are in Stockholm. Everyone in the capital has an amazing sense of style and a wardrobe for every occasion.

Though Stockholmers are obsessed with clothes, there is one thing to make a note of. They love their things to be vintage or upcycled, and they prefer and promote local brands over international ones. They love their pets and are famous for their perfect work-life balance called “Lagom“.

Stockholm’s contribution to Swedish GDP is around 30%, and the capital of Sweden is situated in the region, which is also the meeting point of the Baltic Sea and Lake Malaren. The city comprises 17 islands, of which 14 are an essential part of the Swedish capital.

About Stockholm

The official capital of Sweden, Stockholm, is also financially strong as it houses some of the largest companies and banks in Sweden and some major insurance companies. The city has four distinct seasons, and the climate is pretty moderate to live in despite its location.

Summer is the best season to check out the Swedish capital, with mid-July being the hottest month, with average temperatures varying from 20°C to 22°C.

Between September and November, the number of tourists falls along with daytime temperatures being as low as 4°C and the months from December to February witness freezing temperatures of -5°C at night.

While summer is bright, sunny and beautiful, winter in Stockholm is dark, wet and gloomy, often referred to as “mörkt”. 

Also, one of the most environment-friendly country’s capitals, Stockholm, has so many stores selling upcycled items, and people are quite obsessed with them. The city is also crazy about vintage clothes; it is considered best to shop from vintage boutiques.

History Of The Capital Of Sweden: Stockholm

Swedish Vikings inhabited the land that now Stockholm occupies for the first time after an exceptionally long era of the ice age. Birger Jarl founded the city to protect Sweden from foreign invasions through the sea.

With time, and after a trade agreement with a German city, Sweden’s capital, Stockholm, became an economic and cultural hub, due to which a city council was put in place in the 13th century. Then a member of the Kalmar Union, Sweden was able to get back the throne from under Danish rule.

Places To Visit In Stockholm

When you visit Stockholm, there is so much to do and see. Stockholm, built on fourteen islands, is full of historical buildings and famous attractions and is located where Lake Malaren and Salt Bay meet.

Stockholm is one of those welcoming cities in the world with a rich history, significant GDP and green spaces and is home to tens of thousands of people from different backgrounds, religions and financial statuses.

Sweden’s largest city, Stockholm, has come a long way from being founded by Birger Jarl and officially regarded as Sweden’s capital in 1436 to be an ideal city for people of every race, religion and colour. It is why thousands of members of the LGBTQ community visit the Stockholm Pride Festival every summer.

Stockholm is home to many historical buildings, notable buildings and fascinating museums. The old town has its charm, while National Urban Park attracts tourists and crowds that admire the standards maintained by the capital of Sweden.

So let’s dive into some places you should see during your visit to Stockholm.

1. Gamla Stan

Gamla Stan, now known as the old town, is located in the city centre with several award-winning restaurants, cafes, pubs and boutiques.

Gamla Stan is home to Stockholm Palace, the Swedish monarch’s royal residence, along with the offices of many royal family members. Sitting in a central location, Gamla Stan represents the royal power.

2. Skansen

Skansen, also popular as the world’s first open-air museum, is hip among adults and kids. Skansen is a unique place that showcases the history and Swedish tradition in quaint wooden houses.

When you visit Stockholm, a quick visit to Skansen is a must.

3. Fotografiska

Fotografiska is a group of high-class exhibitions and museums showcasing photographs of world-class photographers. It has branches worldwide, including in New York and Shanghai.

4. Vasa Museum

Located in central Stockholm, Vasa Museum is a relic from the reign of the legendary king of the Swedish Empire, King Gustavus Adolphus.

It showcases “The Vasa”, a 64-gun warship that sank on its first sail in 1628. It was buried deep under the sea until 1961 when it was lifted to the surface.

5. Nordic Museum

Locally known as Nordiska Museet, the Nordic Museum is Sweden’s largest museum that showcases the cultural history and everyday lifestyle of the people living in the North of Europe.

6. Modern Museum

Moderna Museet showcases more than 130000 modern and contemporary artworks, including works by prominent artists such as Picasso, Dali and Warhol.

You can also check out the restaurant and the shop attached to the museum for a fun-filled visit.

7. The Abba Museum

As the name suggests, the Abba museum is about the most famous music band of all time- ABBA.

If you are interested in booking an audio guide, you can hear band members sharing their stories in their own words.

8. Skogskyrkogården

Also known as Woodland cemetery, Skogskyrkogården is a UNESCO World Heritage designed by Gunnar Asplund and Sigurd Lewerentz.

It has such unique architecture that tourists from around the world visit it.

9. Nobel Museum

Nobel Museum, as the name suggests, is a museum dedicated to the noble prize and its founder, Alfred Nobel.

Nobel museum’s vision is to share stories of Nobel laureates to influence common people and learn from history to improve the future.

10. Gröna Lund

An amusement park with 29 rides, food and stalls also offer numerous concerts, dance events and children’s activities.

The park also hosts several concerts and festivals from time to time to attract big crowds.

11. Millesgården

This is one of those interesting art galleries in Stockholm that attract a crowd interested in sculptures. It is an oasis just 20 minutes away from downtown Stockholm and was built by artistic couple Carl and Olga Milles.

12. Visit Unique Shops

Sweden is famous for its design. The best way to witness it is to visit unique shopping stores in Stockholm designed by some of Sweden’s best designers. Some of these stores are Malmstenbutiken and Svenskt, Tenn, located on Strandvägen. One can also visit the hip district of Södermalm for an outstanding shopping experience.

13. Junibacken

A theme park based on children’s stories by Astrid Lindgren, Junibacken, is designed to engage children in fun-filled activities by kindling their natural curiosity.

The park features tunnels and small houses for children to play in, along with the country’s largest children’s bookshop, where one can buy books from various renowned authors.

14. Stortorget

Sitting conveniently in the heart of Gamla stan, Stortoget has witnessed its share of drama, including the bloodbath caused under Danish rule where 90 people were mercilessly executed in the square.

Centuries-old gabled houses are the main attraction of Stortorget, while the street’s Christmas markets are ones not to be missed.

15. Drottningholm Palace

Drottningholm Palace is designed in French style and is one of Sweden’s three World Heritage sites.

The Palace is located in the western suburbs of the capital and is one of the popular attractions visited by tourists daily.

16. Södermalm

This district is one of the most quirky places in Sweden, with unique designer boutiques, restaurants, cafes and vintage shops.

Mosebacke is another place to go shopping from designer stores, listen to live music and have a coffee or craft beer on the side.

17. Norrmalm

Norrmalm is heaven for fashion-conscious crowds as this part of the island is full of malls, department stores and all kinds of chain stores.

This part of Stockholm has replete international stores attracting young crowds, making it heaving with people on weekends.

18. Monteliusvägen

If you are a fan of scenic views, this cobbled path above the Northern section of Södermalm is a trail with amazing views of the sunsets and sunrises. You can also witness big ships sailing through Lake Malaren, and there are quite a few places nearby to grab a nice and cosy Fika.

19. Canal Trip

Waterways in Europe are known for their charm. And out of all the cities in the world, Stockholm has one of the most beautiful water systems.

Try heading out east on Djurgårdsbrunnskanalen, a canal that runs alongside Djurgården. It is pure bliss to witness the magical waters of this beautiful town.

20. Kungsträdgården

Last but not least, is a garden just behind the Royal Palace. A garden that has, always something happening.

The park is flooded with people from all over the country and worldwide, especially in April when its cherry trees bloom. The town witnesses the spectacular views of Japanese cherry blossoms right in the country itself.

In summer, you can look for tiny temporary festivals, and in winter, an ice skating rink can be seen that attracts tourists from all over the north.

Some Other Options That Are Worth A Visit

Stockholm is rich in culture and history, so if you have more time in this beautiful town, you must try other options to pay a visit other than the most famous ones. Let’s have a look.

• The Medieval Museum

• Swedish History Museum

• The City Hall

• Strandvägen

• Prins Eugen Waldemarsudde

Conclusion

The capital of Sweden, Stockholm, is the most populous city in the Nordic region. Numerous languages are spoken in Greater Stockholm, including Finnish, English, Albanian, Bosnian and many others; this makes the city unique.

The Island is perfect for visiting during summer, and if you have more time, you can go exploring Swedish neighbours- Finland, Denmark and Norway.

I recommend you take your time with the city as it is full of experiences. Wander in Gamla Stan, explore Archipelago, window-shop or shop (whatever suits your wallet) at the design-oriented stores of dynamic Stockholm.

If you like the city enough, I bet you would like to stay longer. You can always explore your options for living in the town on a tourist visa and working for a fuller experience.

Hop bars, go partying, eat smörgås, get a Fika, try meatballs, witness the beauty of the capital at night on foot, and meet the wonderful people of Sweden.

So, before the season ends, plan your perfect travel to the wonderful city of Stockholm and see as much as you can. Travelling is not just to see, but to learn, experience and enjoy! Bon Voyage!

Last Updated on July 11, 2024 by Sathi Chakraborty