Our local guide to Stockholm
My hometown, Stockholm is widely considered to be one the most beautiful cities in the world.
Anna Hård, one of our Swedish Destination Specialists, grew up in a small town situated an hour south of Stockholm in the beautiful archipelago of eastern Sweden. Anna shares her Stockholm suggestions below:
Stockholm is widely considered to be one the most beautiful cities in the world. The capital of Sweden, founded by Birger Jarl in 1252, lies at the mouth of Lake Mälaren and is built on 14 islands connected by 57 bridges.
Stockholm is home to the famous Vasa Museum, The Royal and the Drottningholm Palaces as well as the Riddarholmen church, built in 1270.
Stroll along the narrow, winding cobblestone streets in Old Town, the original city center, which is one of the best preserved medieval city centers in the world. Take your time and stop for photos in front of the beautiful facades of the buildings. While you are there, be sure not to miss the changing of the guard at the Royal Palace.
Find your favourite among thousands of cafés and go for a real Swedish Fika. If you are unsure of the exact meaning of that - friendly locals will be happy to explain it to you. Enjoy a walk along the waterfront on Strandvägen with its architectural gems in the background, then head over to Djurgården and find yourself in lush nature just minutes from downtown.
The clean water surrounding the city and its neighbouring archipelago is what defines Stockholm and gives it its unique character. The archipelago, consisting of 30.000 islands, is easily accessible for day trips or even overnight stays, with the ferry hub located in the middle of the city.
With a great mixture of vibrant city life, nature treasures, good food and interesting history - Stockholm has something for every taste.
My suggested guide to some hidden Stockholm highlights
WALK: Monteliusvägen
Take the red or green metro line to Slussen. Walk down Hornsgatan. turn right at Pustegränd, walk down the stairs and then left at Bastugatan. Here you will find yourself amongst charming old buildings and narrow alleys. Continue on Bastugatan and then turn right on to Monteliusvägen. Enjoy this 500 meters long walking path with a magnificent view of Lake Mälaren, Riddarholmen and the City Hall. The view is especially beautiful during sunrise or sunset.
BOTANICAL: Bergius Botanic Garden
Take the T14 metro line to the University and from there hop on bus number 50 or enjoy a 15 minutes walk to the entrance. Bring a picnic and sit down on one of the benches in the tranquility of the gardens. Enjoy the Japanese pond, the orchards and the rhododendron valley. The scents of flowers in the Edvard Anderson Conservatory is guaranteed to bring a smile to your face. In the tropical sections you will find plants such as coffee, cocoa, bamboo, cotton and different fruits. Visiting details here.
Not to Miss Stockholm Highlights and Easy to do
Changing of the guard at the Royal Palace in Old Town which takes approximately 40 minutes.
Where/When: Old Town Palace/ Weekdays and Saturdays 12:15, Sundays: 13:15. Year round.
Cost: Free
Of course, don't miss the classic Stockholm highlights:
1. The Vasa Museum
2. The Royal Armoury Museum
3. Gröna Lund Amusement Park
We offer guided tours to these musuems and attractions. Just ask us how!
My favourite local restaurants in Stockholm
Farang – high class asian tasting menus
ÅngbåtsbrygganÅngbåtsbryggan – Tasty food “out to sea” but still in the centre of town
Eriks Gondolen– Fine-dining with a view on top of the Gondola:
The Opera Basement– Fine-dining with great atmosphere
Teatergrillen– a mix of French and Swedish, where the Swedish celebrities mingle...
Gyldene Freden– high class traditional Nordic Food
Ångbåtsbryggan restaurant - perfect for a summer's day
Credit: Henrik Trygg, Visit Stockholm, Monteliusvägen, Tove Freiij/imagbank.sweden.se, Ångbåtsbryggan, Monteliusvägen, Tove Freiij/imagbank.sweden.se, Photographer: Eva Dalin, Bergianska Trädgården, Ola Ericson/imagebank.sweden.se