The unavoidable

Automatic translation

Located at the crossroads of the Baltic Sea and Lake Mälar, Stockholm is built on 14 islands linked by 57 bridges, thus nicknamed the "Venice of the North" for its multiple waterways and its endless archipelago. The royal city lives in harmony with nature, its surface is made up of 1/3 water, 1/3 green spaces and 1/3 urbanized area. Its charm lies in this perfect balance that appeals to visitors: grandiose architecture, postcard landscapes, lively shores, sea air, unique cultural attractions, art galleries, magnificent parks and the sweetness of life in the Swedish way!

Stockholm may seem vast and expansive at first glance, but the city can be easily explored on foot or by bike! In addition, most of the more notable sites are concentrated in the same areas. Whether you are visiting Stockholm for a weekend or for an extended stay, make the most of your time to be sure not to miss any of the capital's top activities! No worries, we've rounded up the must-see attractions and experiences for a stay in Stockholm here. An anthology of ideas of visit according to your desires!

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Explore Stockholm's Old Town: Gamla Stan

It's hard not to fall under the spell of Gamla Stan! Dating back to the 1200s and packed with must-see sites, attractions, cafes, authentic restaurants and shops, the Old Town district is a true open-air museum. Strolling through this historic district is often the first step in a stay in Stockholm to soak up the city's traditional architecture with its colorful houses with picturesque facades, stroll through its small alleys, immerse yourself in its atmosphere and relax. familiarize with its culture. A journey that literally takes visitors back to medieval times as it winds its way through a surprisingly charming labyrinth that converges on the main public square Stortorget. The district is home to unique sites to visit: Stockholm Cathedral (Storkyrkan, or Stockholms domkyrka), the Nobel Prize Museum (Nobelmuseet) and the Royal Palace of the Swedish monarchy that spans the centuries.

If you visit the city in winter, the Christmas market (Julmarknad) invites you to have a wonderful experience!

Watch the Changing of the Guard at Kungliga Slottet, the Royal Palace

This popular and free event is held at the Royal Palace at 12:15 a.m. Monday to Saturday and 1:15 p.m. on Sunday. On the training ground of nearly 300 royal soldiers and 80 horses, this show allows you to discover the traditional military ceremony of the Royal Guard which parades for 40 minutes in front of the king's residence. A meticulously orchestrated military march to the sound of the fanfare which incorporates classics as well as popular covers into its repertoire. A great moment of emotions for young and old!

The Royal Palace is also a must-see attraction to visit. Built between 1697 and 1770, it consists of more than 600 royal rooms and apartments as well as a Tre Kronor Museum, guardian of the crown jewels.

This daily ceremony is subject to schedule variations depending on the season, please inquire so as not to be disappointed. From September 1, the parade usually takes place on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, departing from the Army Museum at 11:45 a.m., and at 12:45 p.m. on Sundays and public holidays, accompanied by a military band. If there is no musical accompaniment, the Royal Guards parade from the obelisk at 12:14 p.m. or 1:14 p.m..

From November 1, the parade usually takes place on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays, departing from Mynttorget at 12:09 p.m., 1:09 p.m. on Sundays and public holidays. If there is no musical accompaniment, the Royal Guards leave the obelisk at 12:14 p.m. or 1:14 p.m.

Discover Sweden's maritime past at the Vasa Museum (Vasamuseet)

Sad fate was that of the warship Vasa, which was to be the pride of the Swedish imperial fleet. The majestic 64-gun vessel sank on its maiden voyage in 1628 and remained submerged for 333 years under the mud before the incredible 1961 rescue operation that pulled it out of the waves. Thus constituting the only almost entirely intact 17th century ship, its three masts have been reconstructed identically to the originals. Exhibited as the centerpiece of Sweden's most visited museum, it stands alongside a variety of other historic ships including an icebreaker, a flagship and a torpedo boat. Over a million visitors a year come here to enjoy the various exhibits and watch the captivating film about the history of the ship!

• Address: Galärvarvsvägen 14, 115 21 Stockholm

Explore Stockholm aboard a boat for a guided tour

Crossed by the many inlets of the archipelago and surrounded by water, the city of Stockholm lives to the rhythm of the comings and goings of boats of all shapes and sizes. As a couple, with family or friends, this is the perfect place to take a cruise through the city, contemplate its tourist hotspots and its most exclusive coastal landscapes, with your eyes riveted on the horizon. Stockholm is a magnificent city seen from the water and many boat trips are offered: the "Tour de l'Archipel" circuit, the "Under the bridges of Stockholm" circuit , the "Royal Canal" circuit Tour" and the “Tour of the Archipelago in winter” which last between 2 hours and 3 hours. Great views guaranteed with very rewarding explanations! The Stromma company also offers the "hop-on, hop-off" option, with a ticket valid for 24 hours, allowing you to stop at various points of interest. These cruises run all year round and are suitable for all ages.

A stroll on the island of Djurgården to discover its curiosities

Like an oasis of tranquility in the heart of the city, the island of Djurgården is a protected area stretching over 27 km² between Stockholm and the neighboring towns (Solna and Lidingö). A true tourist attraction, the island is popular with locals and tourists alike especially during the summer months to enjoy the other side of the city: the peaceful waters of the Baltic Sea, the lush greenery of Djurgården and the fun of a walk in the heart of nature. The park is part of the Royal National City Park, it is popular with families because it is an exotic place to picnic, walk or bask in the sun. The island is home to several of Stockholm's main museums and attractions: Vasa Museum, ABBA Museum, Skansen Open Air Museum, and Gröna Lund Amusement Park. The Rosendals café and its terrace set up in front of the boats in the marina is one of the unusual and gourmet secrets of Djurgården. Ideal for having a coffee and enjoying a famous Swedish fika. A beautiful nature break!

visit The Skansen Open-Air Museum

Explore the oldest open-air museum in the world, Skansen, which opened in 1891 on the island of Djurgården! This tourist attraction offers a taste of the authentic Sweden of yesteryear: the living environment, the works and the traditions. Skansen covers 75 ha and is home to 150 buildings, 50 to 600 years old: distinct city districts, including mansions, a bakery, the beautiful wooden church of Seglora, a pottery, a farm, all run by characters dressed in period costume. Focused on a philosophy of memory, the idea of the founder, Professor Arthur Hazelius, was to preserve cultural heritage and bring history to life for educational purposes for future generations. Each building was dismantled from its usual environment and transported here. Skansen also has an aquarium and a zoo which is very popular with children, with many species from Scandinavia such as wolves, bison, elk, gray seals, lynx, brown bear, great owl. duke… For the traditional Swedish Smörgåsbord , head to the Solliden restaurant.

• Address: Djurgårdsslätten 49-51, 11521 Stockholm

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Fotografiska, a must-see museum

An institution for photography lovers and art lover, this must-see modern museum is located in the vibrant Södermalm district. Fotografiska is Stockholm's museum for contemporary photography and hosts an eclectic mix of exhibitions throughout the year. It is the third most visited site in Stockholm after Vasamiseet and Gamla Stan! Opened in 2010 in an Art Nouveau- style industrial building built on the quayside in 1906 by Ferdinand Boberg, the red brick complex includes a café, restaurant, boutique and galleries. Recognized as one of the main photography museums in the world, you will find here all the big names in this artistic discipline through retrospectives and temporary exhibitions. Under the roofs, the café restaurant offers one of the most breathtaking panoramic views of the city! The setting is design and the atmosphere Zen, the cuisine is organic, the weekend brunch is a favorite of the locals. The gallery also hosts concerts and young talents throughout the year.

• Address: Stadsgårdshamnen 22, 11645 Stockholm

Visit the historic Stockholm City Hall (Stadshuset)

Nestled on the waterfront and topped with three golden crowns, the Town Hall (Stockholms Stadshus, or Stadshuset) is one of Stockholm's most emblematic buildings and can be visited, to everyone's delight! Dating from 1923, this famous architectural work by Ragnar Östberg was inaugurated on Midsummer's Eve, a sacred date in the Swedish calendar. This brick building, whose large square tower revolves 106 meters high, is characteristic of the romantic national style, with large arcades overlooking the water. The interior houses meeting rooms, offices, gala rooms, works of art and of course all the administrative bodies of civil democracy. In the council room, 101 members sit including 52 women!

Every year, on December 10, the prestigious Nobel Prize banquets take place in the town hall. The winners first dine in the Blue Hall (Blå hallen), then go to the official ball in the Golden Hall (Gyllene salen), whose walls are adorned with 18 million gold mosaics that tell the story of the country. and its Christianization. You have the possibility to climb the 400 steps of the famous Tower, the Stadshustornet, to admire the city from a unique point of view (between May and September).

• Address: Hantverkargatan 1, 111 52 Stockholm

Discover the Moderna Museet - the Museum of Modern Art

Located on the picturesque island of Skeppsholmen, the Moderna Museet is one of the city's greatest cultural references, plunging its visitors into the heart of one of the most important art collections from the 20th century to the present day! The museum covers 5000m² and offers temporary exhibitions of the greatest international artists of the century: Picasso, Dali, Derkert, Matisse, Magritte, Dubuffet, Warhol, Ernst, Chagall, Duchamps… On the photography side, find works by Doisneau, Capa, Brandt … The museum exhibits a wide range of works: from modern classics to contemporary art, films, photographs, drawings, prints and fanciful outdoor sculptures. The Moderna Museet building, designed by the Spanish architect Rafael Moneo, also houses the Center for Architecture and Design. In addition to its program of temporary exhibitions, the museum offers workshops for children, a shop, a library and a pleasant restaurant with lovely views over Djurgården and Strandvägen.

• Address: Exercisplan 4, 111 49 Stockholm

A shopping session in Östermalm

Much appreciated for its yacht club atmosphere along the Strandvägen where tall wooden sailboats are moored, the Östermalm district is a shopping paradise! In Biblioteksgatan you will find a multitude of renowned stores and designer boutiques, as well as around Stureplan. Lovers of art and interior design will appreciate Svenskt Tenn and Malmstenbutiken, at the beginning of Strandvägen near Nybroviken. The best Swedish antique dealers can also be found in the Kommendörsgatan district. The Östermalmshallen halls are a source of wonder and olfactory and taste experiences: you will find the specialties of Swedish gastronomy and plenty of fresh products to delight your taste buds!

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Take to the skies with the SkyView Globe!

Located on the southern outskirts of Stockholm, SkyView takes you to the top of the world's tallest spherical building, the Ericsson Globe, one of Stockholm's modern landmarks. At an altitude of 130 meters above sea level, you enjoy an exceptional view of the whole city. Tours last approximately 30 minutes. There is also a restaurant and souvenir shop on site.

• Address: Globentorget 2, 121 77 Stockholm

climb the Kaknästornet, the television tower

This tower in the Ekopark houses the operational center for Swedish radio and television broadcasts. Inaugurated in 1967, it is the tallest building in Stockholm with a height of 155 m and 34 floors that the elevator rises at a speed of 5 meters per second! The tower also offers a restaurant and café on the 28th floor with a magnificent view of Stockholm. Weekend brunches are very popular so remember to book in advance!