Charming, creative, tidy, multi-ethnic: Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, is a destination full of attractions and things to do, and worth a visit at any time of year. In winter you can immerse yourself in the magical festive atmosphere, whilst the extra-long summer days are perfect for long walks in the parks or boat trips between the islands. Stockholm actually stands on a large archipelago in the Baltic Sea, consisting of 14 small islands connected to one another by more than 50 bridges.
In Stockholm, the ancient buildings blend in with the modernist ones and the creations by contemporary architects, giving the whole city a picturesque and sophisticated air. The city’s old town is Gamla Stan, one of the most finely preserved medieval centres in Europe; dating back to 1252, it’s a lovely quarter, where you can lose yourself among the pastel-coloured houses, the old palatial buildings and the narrow streets lined with quaint little shops and welcoming cafés. The main sights in this district are the Royal Palace (Kungliga slottet), an enormous castle with over 600 rooms, many of which can be visited by tourists, the Cathedral, Storkyrkan, Gothic and Baroque in style and dating back to the 18th century, and the City Hall, one of the symbols of the city and where the Nobel Prizes are awarded.
Stockholm is a true paradise for art lovers, as the city boasts over 200 museums to suit all tastes and interests. The most popular are the Moderna, the Museum of Modern Art on the small island of Skeppsholmen, housing tens of thousands of artworks, the Vasa Museum, where the only original 17th century ship in the world is displayed, and Skansen, a very special, very old open-air museum dedicated to the history of Sweden. Skansen stands on the island of Djurgarden, the city’s wonderful ‘green lung’, and the perfect destination for the whole family; you will also find the Junibacken here, a children’s theme park dedicated to popular fairy tales.
Lovers of photography, meanwhile, can’t afford to miss out on Fotografiska, an amazing gallery dedicated to contemporary photography, located in the hipster area of Södermalm; you can also enjoy wonderful panoramic views of the Stockholm skyline from here.
Lastly, one unmissable experience is a boat trip to explore the city’s archipelago, perhaps crossing Lake Mälaren to Drottningholm Palace, the castle that is the residence of the Swedish royal family and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The large park surrounding the palace is the ideal spot for a relaxing break before you continue visiting the rest of the city.
