Things To Do in Sweden

Attractions and Museums in Stockholm

Gamla Stan

Gamla Stan, or Old Town, is the original Stockholm, dating back to the 1200s. This area features the royal palace, Nobel museum, and a myriad of alleys. Filled with charming restaurants, cafes, and eclectic boutiques, this is an excellent place to visit for a taste of old Stockholm. Den Gyllene Freden offers a classic Old Town dining experience. Link: https://gyldenefreden.se/

Djurgården

Loved by locals and visitors alike, Djurgården is a tranquil oasis in the middle of Stockholm. Like no other place in Stockholm, it collects many of the city’s most famous museums and cultural attractions (the Vasa Museum, Gröna Lund, the Abba museum, and Skansen to name a few) with nature, parks, and family-friendly activities. Kara loves the lunch at Rosendals trädgårdskafé on Djurgården. Highly recommended. Link: https://www.rosendalstradgard.se/kafe/

Södermalm

Sprawling Södermalm island has a relaxed, creative vibe, with artsy shops, eclectic cafes and the stylish Fotografiska, a contemporary photo gallery in a former industrial building by the water. Classic Swedish restaurants and hip breakfast spots surround leafy Nytorget Square and dot the bustling Hornstull area.

Skansen

Skansen is the oldest open-air museum and zoo in Sweden located on Djurgården. It was opened on 11 October 1891 by Artur Hazelius to showcase the way of life in various parts of pre-industrial Sweden.

Vasa Museum

An awe-inspiring relic from the 17th-century reign of the all-conquering King Gustavus Adolphus has been revived at this museum on the west shore of Djurgården. Highly recommended. The Vasa was a 64-gun warship that went down on its first voyage in 1628. It remained on the seabed until 1961, when it was lifted to the surface and painstakingly restored. The vessel has almost all of its original material and is the only 17th-century ship of this scale to make it to the present day. Highly recommended!

Restaurants, Bars and Cafes in Stockholm

Glashuset Restaurant & Bar

One of many cute pop-up restaurants along the docks of Strandvagen. Come here for fun drinks, good vibes, and pretty views.

Svartengrens

Excellent drinks and meat heavy selections. Highly recommended. Kara's a fan.

Aifur

Ever wondered what the Vikings really ate? Well, ostensibly, the only Viking krog (tavern) in the world is right here in Stockholm! Feast like a true Viking (reservations needed).

Mosebacketerrassen

Possibly one of the best views of Stockholm. A local favorite. A wonderful spot for day-drinking or to enjoy beers or a glass of wine before dinner. Very popular on a sunny day.

Hermans

Cool spot serving vegan selections, buffet-style. Perfect complement to a drink at Mosebacketerrassen.

Skeppsbro Bakery

Excellent cafe serving cinnamon buns and other Swedish delights. A favorite!

Places to Visit in Sweden

Abisko National Park

For those inclined, a trip up to Abisko in the north features stunning landscapes, midnight sun (the sun never sets), hiking, and culinary adventures.

Gotland

Gotland is a summer paradise, featuring rich medieval history, architecture, beaches, and summer fun. The renowned Swedish director, Ingemar Bergman, spent much of his life on a small Island (Fårö) off Gotland. Approximately 3.5 hours from Stockholm by ferry.

Smögen

The Smögen-area is another Swedish summer paradise on the west coast. Think beaches/swimming, a unique rock-island archipelago, and renowned seafood.

Additional Suggestions

Systembolaget

Systembolaget, colloquially known as "systemet" or "bolaget", is a government-owned chain of liquor stores in Sweden. It is the only retail store allowed to sell alcoholic beverages containing more than 3.5% alcohol by volume.