10 Things to Do in Stockholm (That Aren’t the Vasa Museum) • The Blonde Overseas
Stockholm is a historic middle with stunning buildings, fascinating museums, and a laid-back tradition that’s good for any espresso connoisseur. While the Vasa Museum is a superb addition to any itinerary to Sweden’s capital metropolis, there’s a lot extra to discover while you go to!
From experiencing “fika” — the Swedish espresso break — to the unbelievable subway artwork to the Old Town of Gamla Stan and extra, I’ve rounded up a number of the coolest actions in Stockholm that ought to prime your Sweden itinerary.
Here are one of the best issues to do in Stockholm!
MÖRBY CENTRUM
See Stockholm’s Subway Art
One of one of the best examples of Stockholm’s artwork scene is seen contained in the subway system.
Starting within the Nineteen Fifties, these makeshift artwork galleries have been created as a option to make artwork accessible to the typical individual, and to this present day, stunning works of unique artwork in quite a lot of types cowl the partitions of town’s public transportation programs.
You can spend your time exploring to search out your favourite artworks whereas additionally navigating town as you usually would. Make certain to take a look at my information to Stockholm’s subway art to see one of the best of one of the best!
Explore the Neighborhood of Södermalm
The ultra-hip and stylish neighborhood of Södermalm was as soon as a working-class space and all through its historical past, it has grown into a classy vacation spot with loads of outlets, eating places, and low outlets to discover. Spend a day visiting Fotografiska, a singular pictures museum I loved.
For a deeper dive, positively try the following tips for exploring Södermalm.
Try Traditional Swedish Food
Take yourself on a tasty tour of the city. Or, better yet, book a guided food tour experience to find out about all of the culinary delights Stockholm has to supply.
You could have heard of Köttbullar, which is a sort of Swedish meatball that’s typically served with mashed potatoes and lingonberry jam (sure, Ikea’s iconic meatballs have been impressed by this!).
You’ll most likely additionally encounter herring-based dishes, as that sort of fish is extraordinarily fashionable within the nation. Pickled herring is kind of fashionable, and also you would possibly even encounter Surströmming, which is a fermented sort of herring that is called one of many strongest smelling meals on the earth!
Don’t fear, if pickled fish isn’t your jam…there are a ton of candy treats that could be extra up your alley!
For a sweeter choice, attempt kardemummabullar, a cardamom-spiced roll, or kanelbullar, a cinnamon-spiced selection. Cardamom is fairly fashionable in Sweden together with cinnamon, so these buns are positively one of many important foods to try in Stockholm.
See the Old Town of Gamla Stan
Gamla Stan is Stockholm’s historic Old Town neighborhood and is an incredibly well-preserved medieval city center.
Wander down the Mårten Trotzigs Gränd, which, at 90 centimeters wide, is the narrowest alleyway in the city. You can also see the Stockholm Palace, which is the official residence of Sweden’s royal family, and the historic Storkyrkan (Stockholm Cathedral) from the Stortorget, which is the largest public square in the city.
It’s a popular tourist spot throughout the year but is especially worth visiting during the Christmas season thanks to the market that takes place there every year.
Archipelago Boat Tour
You might not think of islands when you think of Stockholm, but there are actually a fair few that are part of the city!
Spend an afternoon taking a boat tour of the archipelago with an experienced tour guide. Stromma Tours gives a three-hour expertise with a ship that features a restaurant and bar on board, in addition to free Wi-Fi.
Not solely will you get to see extra of Stockholm than you in any other case would, however you’ll get a singular perspective on the historic buildings and constructions of the mainland a part of town.
*picture courtesy of the Ice Bar
Cool Down on the Ice Bar
One of the coolest bars on the earth is unquestionably the IceBar Stockholm at the IceHotel! The bar is actually made out of ice and also you get to see some superb ice sculptures earlier than you arrive on the bar.
The bar, the artwork, and the resort is sculpted yearly by artists and infrequently tackle a brand new theme every time. The theme in 2022 is “A Neon Celebration” which contains traditional neon signage into the designs.
So enjoyable!
When you ebook your go to to the IceBar, you get 45-minutes to see the artwork and eat your drink, served in a glass made from ice.
You’ll additionally get a comfy winter cape and a pair of thick gloves so that you don’t have to fret about bringing your cold-weather gear from dwelling.
A Day Trip to Djurgarden
The island of Djurgården is a wonderful and peaceable place to go to in Stockholm that’s lengthy been fashionable with locals and vacationers alike. There are a number of museums, historic websites, and locations for out of doors recreation out there.
You ought to positively take the time to go to Skansen, which is the primary open-air museum within the nation.
It was opened in 1891 to spotlight life in Sweden earlier than the economic period. You can see a number of animals which can be native to the area and through December you’ll be able to expertise an thrilling Christmas market that has been held within the space since 1903.
Östermalms Market Hall
Browse the Ostermalms Market Hall
Often thought of one of many world’s finest meals halls, Östermalms Market Hall is a unbelievable place to seize a chew to eat, sip on some wine, or refill on some groceries.
The market dates again to 1888 and most of the current-day distributors have been there for generations.
There are three flooring of meals stalls the place you will discover contemporary seafood, produce, baked items, and extra — plus, you’ll be able to go to the cafes and bars which can be positioned inside as properly!
Enjoy a Fika Coffee Break
“Fika,” which is each a noun and a verb, is a Swedish custom that actually interprets to a espresso and dialog break in the course of the day.
It’s developed into extra of a common observe of taking a break, consuming a snack, and having fun with a second of peace. You can take a fika break while you’re in Stockholm at one of many many superb espresso and pastry outlets within the metropolis.
Here are 4 of one of the best cafes the place you’ll be able to fika at:
Get Your Groove on on the ABBA Museum
In 1972, singers Agnetha Fältskog, Björn Ulvaeus, Benny Andersson, and Anni-Frid Lyngstad got here collectively to type a pop singing group ABBA. They received Eurovision in 1974 with their music “Waterloo,” which was the precursor to a legendary pop profession.
When you go to Stockholm, you should definitely try the ABBA Museum. Although it doesn’t have any artifacts from ABBA’s historical past, it has some actually cool displays which can be certain to impress even probably the most informal followers of the band.
One of probably the most distinctive is Benny’s Piano, a self-playing piano that’s linked to a piano that Benny Andersson has in his dwelling and “plays” when he’s truly enjoying.
Bonus: Gröna Lund
For a thrill, head to the historic amusement park often called Gröna Lund. Located in Djurgården, this attraction first opened in 1883 however has saved up with the current developments in theme park rides to supply a singular historic and adrenaline-filled expertise.
One of probably the most thrilling rides, Insane, has riders the other way up for over half the journey. Jetline can be a well-liked choice and identified all through the world for its curved hill elevate, which is an uncommon function for a curler coaster to have.
Gröna Lund can be dwelling to a live performance sequence — artists corresponding to Paul McCartney, Bob Marley, and Sweden’s personal ABBA are just some of the long-lasting acts which have carried out right here.
Final Note
All that mentioned…the Vasa Museum may be very cool and value testing throughout your journey. Sweden is constructed on a cherished maritime custom, and the Vasa Museum is one of the best place to find out about this and see an actual seventeenth-century warship.
If you’re planning on testing the museum in addition to different vacationer sights in Stockholm, take into account getting the Stockholm Pass, which lets you go to a protracted listing of museums and websites for a flat charge.
What do you suppose are a number of the prime issues to do in Stockholm? Let me know within the feedback under!
Heading past Stockholm’s metropolis limits? Check out this ultimate guide to traveling to Sweden that will help you put together!