13 must do’s in Stockholm

Let’s visit Stockholm in less than 3 days! Here are my 13 must do’s when you are visiting Stockholm, Sweden.

This trip was also the first time I flew in an AVRO RJ-100 model! This plane has 2 chairs on one side, 3 chairs on the other side. While flying I was a bit disturbed by how much turbulence there was but then I concluded it was due to the size of the plane (smaller than usual).

1) Travelcard

After landing in Bromma, we bought a 72-hours travelcard in a gift shop at the airport. The next step was using that card on the bus and explaining our driver where we were heading. That didn’t go well due to the hard pronunciation of the Swedish language. It sounded a bit like German to me but sometimes it was total nonsense! 😉  Once we got off the bus, we still had to walk a few minutes to our Hotel. Our first impression of the hotel was good, the hotel has a trendy vibe which we liked. Our rooms were spacious and very nice! The breakfast was also amazing! Definitely worth the money!

2) House of Culture & Sergels Torg

After installing ourselves in our rooms, we went to the House of Culture (a building known for diverse cultural activities) nearby Sergels torg (a square). The House of Culture consists of a city theater, a café and even a stroller park lot. Café Panorama is at the highest level of the building, where you can overlook the city. Like every other city in the world, you can enjoy yourself a free guided tour wich starts at Sergels torg.

Food Fact: Eat at the Michelangelo for a delicious pizza or pasta!

3) Free Tour Stockholm

There are several tours within the Free Tour Stockholm. You can explore the subway (home to the world’s largest art gallery) to getting an in-depth look at Old Town (Gamla Stan). We took one to discover Stockholm!

You’ll see the Main streets Drottninggatan and Kungsgatan, The Royal Palace, A real runestone, St George and the Dragon statue, Stockholm Cathedral and the smallest street in Stockholm (90 cm). You’ll also hear the story about the death of Princess Margaret, Vikings, etc. There was one Viking restaurant we would have liked to go to, but there was a long waiting line. The restaurant reminded me of the feast at the end of each Asterix and Obelix strip: long wooden tables, beer in wooden barrels, and loud singing and laughter!

Duration: 2.5 hrs

Fee: Free (tips not included)

4) Abba Museum

I would love to do this one but we didn’t have the time to do it, unfortunately!

5) Vasa

The Vasa was a Swedish warship from 1626. The ship was too heavy and sank just minutes after setting sail. It was salvaged and is now an exhibit at the museum. We couldn’t do this because it was closed in March.

6) The Royal Palace

Stockholm’s Royal Palace is the official residence of the King but he doesn’t live there. It’s used for representative purposes by the King. You can spend a day here but we didn’t do that due to our strict timeline. The Royal Palace is located near Gamla Stan and the Riksdag building.

7) Stockholm City Hall

The City Hall was built in 1911 and has a tower with 3 crowns on top of it. You can climb the tower for 50SEK to have a beautiful view of Stockholm.

Tip: You have a beautiful view of the City Hall from the bridge when there is a sunset!

8) Gamla Stan

Gamla Stan is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe and is the old town of Stockholm. Take a stroll through Gamla Stan and just take it all in. Go eat in an underground Viking Restaurant or have a drink in a basement bar!

9) Swedish Parliament

Sweden expresses its transparency by opening its Parliament (Riksdag) to anyone! Take a guided tour to learn more about its history!

10) Library

The library in Stockholm is very special! It has the shape of an arena with 3 levels. Free to visit and close to the Hard Rock Cafe!

Fun Fact: You can drink free tap water in every food establishment.

11) Stockholm’s Tunnelbana

Stockholm’s metro Tunnelbana is an attraction on its own. Take the metro and stop at artworks covering a total of 110 km.  

Language Fact: Hello is Hey and Tack is thank you!

12) Ice Bar by Ice Hotel

Once in your life, you must visit an ice bar! We did it in Stockholm. Our drinks were served in ice glasses, the tables and chairs were also made out of ice! Don’t worry about the cold, you get a warm poncho with gloves included!

13) Sundberg’s Konditori

Eat a cake and drink a tea in Sundberg’s Konditori! Super cosey!

Life of a Passion