Curator’s statement
Stockholm is a beautiful Nordic capital. It has a history dating back to Viking times, and much of that is on display throughout the city. The clean Nordic designs mix the classical and modern aspects of this vibrant city, which has something for everyone. It is a good destination for families, business travelers, foodies, cultural tourists, and history lovers, as well as those looking for an active vacation. Stockholm is a city with many possibilities.
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Things to do in Stockholm
The beautiful Mariaberget area of Stockholm
The Royal Palace is always a fun visit, with the Royal Armory, Royal Apartments, and Royal Treasury open to the public.
As with many European monarchies, if you time your day correctly, you can witness the formal Changing of the Guard in the Palace courtyard. 12:15 pm on weekdays and 1:15 pm on weekends.
The Vasa Museum hosts one of the most amazing exhibits of 17th Century shipbuilding anywhere with the intact Vasa, raised from the waters of the Archipelago where she sank in 1628.
Gamla Stan (The Old Town) is a quaint historic district with many narrow streets, shops, restaurants, and cafes. The perfect place to grab a Swedish Fika.
Visit Svenska Akademin (The Swedish Academy), home to the Nobel Prize Museum, and learn about Alfred Nobel and his legacy.
Gröna Lund is an amusement park which dates from 1833, and while small, is a fun place to go for both children and adults.
Discover the amazing treasures of the National Museum with its awe-inspiring exhibits that take you through the history of Sweden.
Take the opportunity to visit Östermalms Saluhall, a foodies delight where you can experience many Nordic foods.
Places to eat & drink in Stockholm
Östermalms Saluhall
Bellmans Café: A café with classic Swedish pastries such as princess cake and semlor. It is a perfect place for afternoon tea or Swedish Fika.
Den Gylene Freden: The oldest restaurant in Stockholm. Has served hungry diners since 1722 at the same address. The restaurant is run by the governing body of the Nobel Prize in Literature, Svenska Akademien.
Stockholms Gästabud: Laid-back restaurant serving hearty, traditional home cooking in snug surroundings.
Östermalms Saluhall: In this building, originally from 1888, you can find 18 different food vendors, many who have had the same stall for generations.
Sturehof: A Swedish menu with international influences. During the summer, they offer an outdoor patio service, which is very popular.
Meatballs & Pancakes: This is a newly opened restaurant in Södermalm that offers classic, homemade meatballs with mashed potatoes, lingonberry jam, and cucumber salad, in addition to Swedish pancakes. Everything is cooked from scratch and there are vegetarian and vegan meatballs available.
Torpedverkstan Restaurang & Bar: Industrial romance meets sea salt in a charming historic torpedo workshop dating from 1890. It is right on the water with lovely views of both the boats, Nybroviken, Strandvägen & Djurgården.
Skroten: This started at the old marine store on Skeppsholmen but is now located at the shipyard on beautiful Djurgården. A perfect place for a coffee or stay for a bowl of their famous fish stew and a glass of wine.
Need to know
Tipping in Sweden: Not expected, but appreciated. Either round up the bill or add 5–10 percent.
Health and safety: Stockholm is a busy city, but it’s easy to stay comfortable. Tap water is safe to drink, but if you’re traveling around the city, make sure to stay hydrated. Pharmacies are easily found, and English is widely spoken. Be aware of your belongings in busy areas.
Currency and payments: The local currency is the Swedisk Krona (Kr.). Cash is rarely used, so plan on bringing a credit or debit card. It *must* be a chip card or it will not work.
Dress code: Swedish style is very practical. Bring comfy shoes for walking, and pack layers. Weather can shift quickly. A light jacket or sweater is smart, and evenings can often call for a dress or blazer.
Signature dishes:
Swedish Meathballs: A Swedish classic, served with ny potatis (red potatoes) and lingonberries.
Wallenbergare: A patty made of ground beef, often served with cooked potatoes and lingonberries. It may come with gravy.
Toast Skagen: An open-face sandwich with shrimp, lettuce, tomato, mayonnaise, fish roe, and lemon.
Gravlax: A cured salmon in a sauce. The sauce can vary, but popular ones are a mustard sauce or a dill sauce. Served with cooked potatoes and a small salad.
Smörgåsbord: Traditional buffet style meal with pickled herring, gravlax, meatballs, breads, cheeses, and more.
Pea Soup: A split pea soup. Good for colder evenings.
Princesstårta: A sponge cake with rasberry and vanilla filling and a green marzipan covering.
Semla: A must-try. The cardamon-flavored bun is filled with marzipan and whipped cream.
Kanelbulle: A fluffy cinnamon bun usually topped with pearl sugar.
Rosehip Soup: Can be a main course or dessert, served warm or cold. Very filling and warms you up during winter nights.
Travel Advisor
Martin Lessem
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For more inspiration and insider recommendations, check out our Stockholm page.