10 Must Visit Attractions In Stockholm

Stockholm is loaded with things to do, but there are certain must-see attractions that should definitely be on your list of activities when visiting the Swedish capital.

# ABBA: The Museum

It’s the number one attraction in Stockholm and for good reason: not only is the interactive ABBA section wildly fun and informative, the Swedish Music Hall of Fame is in the same building (and included in your ticket price) and is in and of itself beautifully presented. ABBA was intimately involved in conceptualising the entire thing, and it shows.

# Vasa Museum

It was called the mightiest warship of its time, and set sail in front of hundreds of people from Stockholm harbour – then sank less than 30 minutes later. And there it lay for more than 300 years, finally being raised in the mid-20th century in what became a world-renowned salvage operation. The museum where it sits today is a fascinating look into Swedish history.

# The Royal Palace

Stockholm’s Royal Palace is the official residence of His Majesty the King, but also houses a number of excellent attractions open to the public, such as the Royal Apartments, the Royal Treasury and the Museum of Antiquities. It’s a great place to spend the day (be sure to catch the changing of the guard) before heading over to Gamla Stan (The Old Town) next door.

# Skansen

With more than 150 buildings – homes, churches, schools, shops and workshops – transported from around the country, Skansen is a miniature historical Sweden. In addition to the buildings, the world’s first open-air museum also has native animals such as bears, wolves and seals, a children’s zoo and craftspeople creating items such as blown glass and pottery on-site. This is one for the whole family, with plenty of activities to hold everyone’s attention for the entire day.

# Grona Lund

Stockholm’s amusement park overlooks the water. It is not just filled with the usual rides and games, it also has a number of great restaurants and bars and hosts a series of summer concerts that attract top international acts. Be warned, though: these shows are incredibly popular, so plan ahead.

# Gamla Stan

One of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe, Stockholm’s Gamla Stan is filled with award-winning restaurants, cafés, bars, shops and a number of fantastic museums. The cobblestoned streets are pedestrian friendly and there you’ll find both the oldest street in Stockholm (Köpmangatan), and the narrowest (Mårten Trotzigs Gränd).

# Moderna Museet

Located on the incredible island of Skeppsholmen, Moderna is home to an excellent collection of Swedish (and international) modern and contemporary art – think Picasso and Giacometti. It also hosts numerous exhibitions, such as the recent visit by celebrated performance artist Marina Abramović. Several excellent restaurants and an absolutely amazing gift shop round out the offering.

# Fotografiska Museet

Since the moment it was opened by Annie Leibovitz in 2010, Stockholm’s Photography Museum has been a wildly popular attraction in the city. Each year, four major exhibitions are staged, complemented by around 20 smaller ones. The café on the top floor offers spectacular views across the water to Djurgården, and the gift shop is a treasure trove.

# Junibacken

Revisit your childhood at Junibacken, which takes you into the world of Astrid Lindgren, Sweden’s world-renowned children’s author. Pippi Longstocking is of course an integral part of the museum, but you’ll also meet Emil, Karlsson on the Roof, The Brothers Lionhearted and many more. The Story Train exhibitions were designed by the Royal Dramatic Theatre, the bookshop is extremely well stocked and the restaurant offers not just great traditional Swedish food, but also killer views.

# Spritmuseum

The Museum of Spirits isn’t focussed on ghosts, it’s focused on booze. Housed in Stockholm’s only two remaining 18th-century naval buildings, the museum looks at Sweden’s complicated history and relationship with alcohol. Sponsored by Absolut, the museum is home to the vodka-maker’s best-known art works, as well as different experiences, such as a room where you can experience what it feels like to be drunk. Unsurprisingly there’s a bar on the premises – and a very good restaurant.