Gamla Stan (Old Town)

Dating from the 1200s and crammed with must-see sights, attractions, cafés, authentic restaurants, and boutique shops, the area of Gamla Stan (Old Town) is a living-breathing museum in its own right. For many, this is the first stop on their journey of exploration. Certainly there’s no better way to instantly absorb the feel of Stockholm and get to grips with the city’s culture. Plenty of souvenirs and gifts are available in the Old Town, and you will find yourself transported back to medieval times as you meander through a bewildering labyrinth of tiny, winding streets. Mysterious vaults and ancient frescoes lurk behind picturesque facades. If visiting in winter, be sure to take in the marvellous Julmarknad (Christmas Market), an experience akin to being in a fairy tale. Stockholm Cathedral, the Nobel Museum, and the Royal Palace are all located here and should be high up on any sightseeing itinerary. If visiting the Royal Palace be sure to catch the changing of the guard.

The Royal Palace (Sveriges Kungahus)

A visit here could be a day out in itself. Located by the water’s edge on the periphery of Gamla Stan, this is the official residence of the King of Sweden. Interestingly, the Queen’s residence lies elsewhere, on the beautiful island and UNESCO World Heritage Site Drottningholm (Queen’s island), about a 45-minute ferry ride from Stockholm and an easy day trip. A rich taste of the once mighty Swedish Empire, the palace is one of the largest in Europe boasting in excess of 600 rooms and several museums. Dating from the 18th century and Baroque in style, the palace houses many gems. Here, you can see Queen Kristina’s silver throne and visit the Museum of Antiquities, the Armoury, the Tre Kronor (Three Crowns) Museum, and Treasury. Don’t miss the daily changing of the guard.

The City Hall (Stadshuset)

Nestled at the water’s edge and topped by three golden crowns, the City Hall is one of Stockholm’s most iconic buildings and stars in countless images and postcards of the city. Dating from 1923, the hall opened on that most Swedish of dates Midsummer’s Eve. Housed within are assembly rooms, offices, works of art, and the machinery of civil democracy. The prestigious annual Nobel Banquets are held here. Recipients dine first in Blå hallen (The Blue Hall) and then move on to the formal ball in Gyllene salen (The Golden Hall), which has no less than 18 million mosaics adorning its walls. A particular treat is the chance to view the city from the famous tower.

Stockholm sightseeing by boat

The sea flows through the arteries of Stockholm, and during the summer months, the city is quite literally awash with boats of all shapes and sizes. Many city-dwellers own summer houses on the islands of the skärgården (archipelago) and spend, if not the entire summer there, then most weekends. It all makes for a Friday evening commute like no other. Bearing all this in mind, to experience Stockholm from the water is surely a must-do for any visitor. Take a trip under the bridges of Stockholm or while away an hour or two on the Royal Canal Tour. There are also hop-on, hop-off options with a valid ticket lasting 24 hours.

Östermalm

If it’s Stockholm designer chic you’re after, then look no further. Östermalm is the most exclusive district in the city. Exclusive international labels rub shoulders with high-class Scandinavian design. On Biblioteksgatan, there’s an abundance of flagship shops and designer boutiques, while the neighborhood around Stureplan offers plenty of posh shops – some with sky-high price tags. Lovers of art and interior design will enjoy Svenskt Tenn and Malmstenbutiken, at the beginning of Strandvägen near Nybroviken. Many of Sweden’s top antique dealers lie around the Kommendörsgatan neighborhood. Be sure to drop by Östermalmshallen for the absolute best in Swedish fresh food and produce.

SkyView: The Globe

Situated on Stockholm’s southern fringe, SkyView takes you to the top of the world’s largest spherical building, the Ericsson Globe, one of Stockholm’s modern landmarks. From 130 meters above sea level, you’ll be treated to an unforgettable view over the entire city. Tours aboard the gondolas take about 30 minutes and depart every ten minutes, but be prepared for long lines at peak times of the day. After the trip, sightseers can visit the restaurant and souvenir shop.