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Garbo, ABBA, and IKEA are all internationally acclaimed exports of Sweden. What do they have to do with Stockholm? Sweden’s capital city embodies the seductive beauty of Greta Garbo, the fun-loving spirit of ABBA, and the modern style of IKEA. It’s a destination like no other.

Floating on 13 islands on Lake Malaren and the Baltic Sea, Stockholm is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Home to over one million people, it’s also a lively city with a thriving cultural life. There are more restaurants, cafes, and museums (per capita) than any large city in the world. Although a major metropolitan area, Stockholm has the feel of a smaller town. Perhaps it is the clean and quiet streets, or the beautifully landscaped gardens and parks that make the city feel so spacious and friendly. Or it could be the water, which is a major part of the city’s character. Whatever it is, Stockholm is a lively international city sure to please.

You can visit Stockholm anytime, but late May and late July are the best times to come. Festivals and markets are a tradition in Sweden, and during the summer there is always something going on. Many youth hostels, camping grounds, and attractions open only in summer. Traveling in winter is a bit quieter, but it’s a good time to go if you want to see how Swedes really live.

Stockholm Pictures

Things to do in Stockholm

The Royal Palace of Stockholm, located on a hill in Gamla Stan overlooking a harbor, was completed in 1760 after the previous castle burnt down. Tours of the castle are available; here you’ll be able to see the daily changing of the guard and visit the Royal Armory in its lower floors. Storkyrkan, a 15th century church, where Swedish kings were crowned until the early 20th century, is behind the castle. Another notable site is Stockholm’s city hall is Stadshuset, home to the Nobel Prize Ceremony.

One historic site and museum worth visiting is the underground Museum of Medieval Stockholm. Remnants of the old Stockholm were discovered when construction crews dug a new parking garage for the parliament building. Some of the discoveries included a portion of the city wall, a cemetery, and a tunnel leading to the palace. The ruins are now the Medieval Stockholm Museum.

Stockholm is the home to more than 70 museums, including Skansen, one of the world’s largest open-air museums, and the Wasa Museum, which contains a 17th century warship. The recently renovated Museum of Modern Art on the island of Skeppsholmen has works from many major artists of the 20th century, including Picasso, Dala , Pollock, and Warhol, in addition to special exhibitions. Skeppsholmen, the National Art Museum, houses a collection of paintings and drawings from all over Europe.

Nightlife in Stockholm

This is the country that brought us ABBA, so you know things definitely rock. The hotspot for students is Sodermalm. This area south of the city is very popular with young people due to the number of relatively inexpensive nightspots for music, theater, and for just hanging out. The other main area for nightlife is Ostermalm (east side of the city), this section is much more expensive and trendy. You’ll find a super trendy and beautiful crowd in Stureplan. You can’t go wrong with the nightlife in Stockholm.

Dining in Stockholm

The best in Swedish eating is seafood, and, of course, the Swedish smorgasbord. Pickled herring is a Swedish staple, and crayfish are popular in August. Specialties include reindeer (surprisingly delicious), gravlax (cured salmon); weinerbrot (the best pastry you can imagine); and toastskagen (the best shrimp salad you can imagine).

Shopping in Stockholm

Shoppers will enjoy Stockholm. There are three shopping malls downtown – PUB, Gallerian, and Sturegallerian – all within easy walking distance of each other, as well as numerous boutiques and shops. For high quality and equally high prices, visit NK (Nordiska Kompaniet), which has everything from clothes to Swedish crystal. Near the PUB shopping center is Hatorget, which has an outdoor fruit market and an underground international food court. Gamla Stan is a good place to shop for souvenirs and antiques.

Typical Swedish exports include crystal, furniture (IKEA is one of many great brands), and textiles. Handicrafts form a significant part of Sweden’s cultural heritage and are great souvenirs. The wooden Dala horse, a symbol of Sweden, makes a great gift. The glass design of Smaland is famous worldwide.

After cruising the stores and boutiques, make sure to visit some of Stockholm’s famous food markets. They are great for shopping, as well as for getting a sense of Swedish culture. One of the more interesting and international food halls is located beside Stockholm’s Concert House (which is also home of the Nobel Prize Ceremony).

Stockholm Travel Tips

• The currency is SEK with 1 SEK equally about .15 USD.
• Bungee jump in the summer and hit the slopes in the winter!/li>
• A great reason to visit Stockholm is that it is the cleanest city in Europe!