Stockholm reveals the many sides of a city that, in recent years, has gained a prime spot among Europe’s capitals, showcasing a vibrant energy unlike the past.
- Where is Stockholm?
- Stockholm points of interest
- 1 Stockholm Archipelago
- What to visit in Stockholm
- 2 Stockholm city center: Gamla Stan
- 3 Stockholm City Hall
- What to see in Stockholm
- 4 Royal Palace: Kungliga Slott
- Stockholm museums: art in Stockholm
- 5 Modern Art Museum and Swedish Museum of Architecture
- 6 Vasa Museum
- 7 National Museum of Fine Arts
Stockholm: what to see. Here you’ll find tips for visiting Stockholm, from what to see and do, to how to get around, where to stay, and where to eat in Sweden’s lively capital. Weather in Stockholm, must-see places, and insider info—this guide to Stockholm covers it all.
Where is Stockholm?
Where is Stockholm located? Stockholm is unique in its setting, stretching across 14 islands connected by bridges and facing the Baltic Sea, surrounded by thousands of smaller islands best explored by boat.
Locals call it the “garden of rocks”: the Stockholm Archipelago—an extraordinary sprawl of 30,000 islands, islets, and rocky outcrops dotted with colorful cottages. During the warmer months, sailboats crisscross these waters in a truly spectacular show.
Stockholm points of interest
1 Stockholm Archipelago
No trip to Stockholm is complete without discovering the Stockholm Archipelago, where stunning vistas unfold amid hundreds of small islands and lovely houses. Even with limited time, a boat trip to at least one of these islands is highly recommended. The archipelago is divided into northern, central, and southern zones. Vahholm is inhabited year-round and is perfect for understanding the archipelago’s lifestyle, while Fjaderholmarna is the easiest to reach—only 25 minutes by boat, with ferries departing from Nybroplan.
What to visit in Stockholm
2 Stockholm city center: Gamla Stan
Stockholm’s heart boasts many magnificent, well-preserved monuments, where centuries of history are visible—starting from its medieval core Gamla Stan (the oldest island) and Riddaholmen. Both date back to the 1200s, and together form one of Europe’s largest and best-preserved historical centers, home to the Royal Palace with its lavish interiors, the Treasury (where the Crown Jewels are on display), and the Royal Armoury. Also in the center: the Nobel Museum; Riddaruset; and the former Parliament at the House of Nobility.
Exploring is easy on foot—everything is within walking distance, and Gamla Stan (or Stadsholmen) is Stockholm’s largest island, famous for its historic buildings, residential quarters, and the main Cathedral.
3 Stockholm City Hall
Stockholm City Hall, with its striking square tower dominating the skyline, is known for its Blue Hall and Golden Hall—venues of the Nobel Prize banquet every 10th December. The city center is a maze of lanes, cobbled alleys, tiny squares, secret passageways, and an abundance of taverns, pubs, and shops. In December, Christmas markets and dazzling lights add to the magic.
What to see in Stockholm
4 Royal Palace: Kungliga Slott
Stockholm’s Royal Palace, Kungliga Slott, was built in the 18th century on the site of a former palace destroyed by fire, officially becoming the royal residence in 1754. Easily reached via the “Gamla Stan” metro station, the palace is open year-round (except during official state visits) and houses three museums with treasures and artifacts from the Swedish royal family.
Stockholm museums: art in Stockholm
Art lovers will enjoy the Modern Art Museum and the Swedish Museum of Architecture—both located on Skeppsholmen island. For a maritime adventure, visit the fascinating Vasa Museum.
5 Modern Art Museum and Swedish Museum of Architecture
Both museums, housed in a former military building on Skeppsholmen island, are true icons of Swedish design. The Modern Art Museum (Moderna Museet) features works by Picasso, Dalí, Matisse, and Magritte’s “The Red Model.” The Architecture Museum has a comprehensive exhibit tracing Swedish urban design and regularly hosts architecture exhibitions.
6 Vasa Museum
The Vasa Museum tells the story of the warship “Vasa,” which sank on its maiden voyage in 1628, just a mile off shore. Interactive and multimedia exhibits illustrate what remains one of the Swedish Navy’s greatest tragedies. The museum is open daily, 10:00–17:00, with extended summer hours, and is reachable by bus 47 or 69 from the central station.
7 National Museum of Fine Arts
The National Museum of Fine Arts in Stockholm houses a comprehensive collection of paintings from various eras, featuring major Swedish artists like Zorn and Larsson, plus exhibitions of Swedish design.
