Spread over 14 islands, Stockholm is the culturally rich and naturally beautiful capital of Sweden. The city, situated on the edge of a 30,000-island archipelago, is a popular Scandinavian holiday destination. While several tourists arrive here from near and far, many prefer to reach Stockholm via the Baltic Sea. Ferries booked through Ferryscanner give travelers the possibility to appreciate the splendor of sailing through the archipelago at the very start of an eventful vacation. However, the top tourist attractions in Stockholm are not limited to memorable boat rides through the islands.
A contemporary town with a poetic soul, Stockholm is full of exciting opportunities. Offering educational and amusing tours and trips for the young and the young at heart, excursions in the city vary in nature. From artistic subway stations, gardens, and historical sites to theme parks, shopping extravaganzas, and literary destinations, there is never a moment to spare during a holiday in Stockholm.
Vasa Museum
The year is 1628. A 64-gun warship that took two years to build is finally ready to set sail. However, Vasa’s maiden voyage lasts only 30 minutes, as it soon sinks to the harbor’s bottom. Resurfaced in 1961, with help, and restored to its former glory, the Vasa is now an integral part of Stockholm. A must-visit city attraction, the ship in its present state is 98% authentic and a spectacular sight to behold, no matter your age or interest.
Besides hosting the body of the ship, Vasa Museum has several exhibition rooms. On display are artifacts recovered from the vessel that highlight the maritime heritage of the country. Audio-visual guides in different languages further explain the history of the Vasa and the tedious process of its renovation. An often-missed opportunity at the museum is a stroll through its garden. Keeping in tune with the ship’s history, you’ll find a variety of plants here, commonly grown in the region during the 1600s.
Gröna Lund
Situated on the cultural island of Djurgården is Gröna Lund, considered amongst the unmissable top tourist attractions of Stockholm. Opened in 1883, it is the “oldest theme park in Sweden.” However, modern-day Gröna Lund promises contemporary hair-raising rides you are unlikely to experience anywhere else in the world.
Although Gröna Lund is a world-famous concert venue, the theme park’s rollercoasters are its biggest draw. Monster, for example, rises to 34 meters and takes screaming passengers on loops and upside-down bends at 90 km/hr. Insane, on the other hand, is unique as its seats rotate freely on individual axis, assuring an unpredictable ride every time. As for something nostalgic, there is Twister, a wooden rollercoaster with a 480-meter-long track and speeds of 60 km/hr. However, there are several gentler rides throughout Gröna Lund, making it ideal for all ages to enjoy.
Ugglan Boule & Bar
Why is a bar one of the top tourist attractions in Stockholm? Because it’s not just a place to grab a drink but also among the hippest game centers in the city. Spread over 1500 sq. meters, this centrally located entertainment venue is a favorite among locals looking to relax after a hard day’s work. While a conventional bar at first glance, Ugglan opens up into a gaming center packed with all sorts of indoor activities.
So, what’s on offer, you may ask? There’s air hockey, board games, pinball, boule, billiards, foosball, darts, table tennis, and so much more. Adding to the upbeat and electric atmosphere are various gaming tournaments that are a regular feature, no matter when you visit. If planning to stay awhile and feeling peckish, pick Ugglan’s food and game package. It includes a buffet and is considerably cheaper in the end.
Skansen
A perfect family day out, Skansen is the easiest way to see the entire Sweden in one afternoon. Comprising of over 150 traditional houses, shops, and farm buildings, transported from across the country, Skansen is an open-air museum. In fact, it is the oldest of its type in the world. Since starting in 1891, it has given visitors an interactive, hands-on chance to learn about Sweden’s history from the 16th to the 20th-century. The focus, though, is primarily on how everyday people lived during this time.
Among the most engrossing attractions in Stockholm, Skansen combines history, education, and entertainment, packing it nicely into a day visit. Visitors to the museum can participate in various activities such as pottery making. For children, there is a petting zoo and one with bigger animals like bears and lynx. Moreover, to keep the atmosphere authentic, the staff wears traditional costumes to demonstrate the daily activities of Swedish homes from the past 400 years.
Gamla Stan
Dating back to 1252, Gamla Stan is the city’s oldest neighborhood. It is one of the most diversely interesting attractions in Stockholm. The thought of strolling around on cobblestone streets lined with pastel-colored residences already lures many tourists to this area. But if you want more, Gamla Stan is also famous for its cafes, churches, vintage stores, and gourmet restaurants.
Home to the Stockholm Royal Palace, another must-visit stop on a sightseeing tour of Stockholm, Gamla Stan further appeals to connoisseurs of the quaint. For it is here that one will find Stortorget – the oldest square in the city, Köpmangatan – the oldest street, and Mårten Trotzigs Grand – the narrowest street in Stockholm that is only 90 cm wide at one point.
Skyview
Don’t forget your cameras for this one because Skyview is quite literally one of the top tourist attractions in Stockholm. The place in town to capture breath-taking bird’s-eye views of the surroundings, Skyview consist of a visit to the Avicii Arena, “the world’s largest spherical building.”
However, reaching the arena is just the start of the excursion. After a short video explaining the construction of this architectural marvel and its many uses as an event space, tourists can then take a ride in a gondola to the top of the structure. The glass-domed carriage takes 30 minutes to reach the uppermost point, at the height of 130 meters above sea level. The gondolas move slow, allowing visitors to take in the views. While you can visit Skyview anytime from morning till late evening, sundown is when the city truly displays its panoramic beauty.
Astrid Lindgren’s Home
An essential stop for all bibliophiles, the home of Astrid Lindgren is a great place to spend an afternoon while sightseeing in Stockholm. 46 Dalagatan might look like an ordinary building from the outside, but it is here that one of the world’s much-loved authors lived from 1941 to 2002. Many believe that the author of Pippi Longstocking wrote some of her most famous works in this flat.
The apartment has been in the same state as the author left it when she passed away in 2002. Open to visitors with prior appointments since 2015, one can walk around the four-room apartment freely, admiring many of Lindgren’s literary belongings. You can see her collection of books, typewriter, desk, photos, and other paraphernalia. If searching for a more immersive experience, visit Astrid Lindgren’s World. It is an interactive theme park with music, dance, and literary goodness in the author’s hometown Vimmerby, three hours south of Stockholm.