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Gamla Stan
Stockholm
Built on a string of islands connected by bridges, and surrounded by woods, Sweden's stunning capital is one-third water, one-third parks, one-third city. Stockholm is green, clean, and underrated, bubbling with energy and history. Crawl through Europe's best-preserved old warship and relax on a scenic harbor boat tour. Browse the cobbles and antique shops of the lantern-lit Old Town. Take a trip back in time at Skansen, Europe's first and best open-air folk museum. If you have more time and want to immerse yourself in some simple Swedish nature, consider spending a day or two exploring the incredibly scenic islands of Skärgården, an archipelago stretching 80 miles out into the Baltic Sea.
At a Glance
▲▲▲ Skansen Europe's first and best open-air folk museum, with more than 150 old homes, churches, shops, and schools.
▲▲▲ Vasa Museum Ill-fated 17th-century warship dredged from the sea floor, now the showpiece of an interesting museum.
▲▲▲ Skärgården Scenic archipelago easily reached by half-day cruises.
▲▲ Military Parade and Changing of the Guard Punchy pomp starting near Nybroplan and finishing in the Royal Palace's outer courtyard.
▲▲ Royal Armory Fine collection of ceremonial medieval royal armor, historic and modern royal garments, and carriages, in the Royal Palace.
▲▲ City Hall Gilt mosaic architectural jewel of Stockholm and site of Nobel Prize banquet, with tower offering the city's best views.
▲▲ Drottningholm Palace Resplendent 17th-century royal residence with a Baroque theater and expansive gardens.
▲▲ Swedish History Museum Collection of artifacts spanning Sweden's entire history, highlighted by fascinating Viking exhibit and Gold Room.
▲ Kungsträdgården Stockholm's lively central square, with life-size chess games, concerts, and perpetual action.
▲ Sergels Torg Modern square with underground mall.
▲ Nobel Prize Museum Star-studded tribute to some of the world's most accomplished scientists, artists, economists, and politicians.
▲ Royal Palace Museums Complex of Swedish royal museums, the two best of which are the Royal Apartments and Royal Treasury.
▲ National Museum Convenient, crowd-free gallery with the works of Swedish masters, along with Rembrandt, Rubens, and Impressionists.
▲ Nordic Museum Danish Renaissance palace design and five fascinating centuries of traditional Swedish lifestyles.
▲ ABBA: The Museum Super-commercial and wildly-popular-with-ABBA-fans experience.
▲ Fotografiska Fun photography museum focusing on contemporary and international work, with eye-popping views from its top-floor café.
▲ Millesgården Dramatic cliffside museum and grounds featuring works of Sweden's greatest sculptor, Carl Milles.
Plan
Photos
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Read
- Cycling Through Stockholm
- Europe’s Best Island Getaways
- Relaxing in Stockholm’s Idyllic Archipelago
- Sightseeing — and Coffee Sipping — in Super, Sleek Stockholm
- Stockholm’s Delightful, Diverse Day Trips
- Stockholm’s Noble Past and Present
- Time Traveling at Europe’s Open-Air Museums
- Wrecks, Rafts, and Replicas: Scandinavia’s Remarkable Maritime Museums