Swedish capital city sprawling across 14 islands, with many different vibes.
Surrounded by water and spread across multiple islands, Stockholm is also called “the Venice of the north” or “the Venice of Sweden”. Somewhat similar to Amsterdam (the other “Venice of the north) but whereas Amsterdam is much more compact and dense and with much narrower weblike waterways, Stockholm feels like larger islands with larger bodies of water between them. Stockholm is also cheaper than other Nordic country capital cities.
3 days would be enough to enjoy the main sights. Visiting different islands to check out squares, restaurants, museums, and city views across the water. Also experience varying lifestyles between the busier islands and the quieter ones. Enjoying some nature and landscape. See some interesting architecture in the buildings and metros, perhaps take a boat ride.
Where to stay:
- I’m no expert on Stockholm neighborhoods because the vibe was nice everywhere that I went. Everywhere seems extremely safe and nearby nice restaurants and bars what not. You could pick something near the center and/or near a metro station that goes to the center.
- Center I would say is anywhere near Normmalm and Gamla Stan (Stadsholmen). And nearby edges of Ostermalm, Sodermalm, and maybe Vasastan (slightly out of center).
- Gamla Stan (Stadsholmen) – small island right in the center of Stockholm, geograhically, and is also the old town. It’s often referred to as just Gamla Stan or Old Town. Has the nice old buildings, the national cathedral and Nobel Prize Museum.
- Normmalm (downtown) – this is the most dense “city center” part of Stockholm with office buildings and skyscrapers. IMO, it’s the real city center more so than Gamla Stan. Lots of city events and festivals will happen around here. Study the tourist maps and you’ll notice little city parks, Kungstradgarden area, many museums and waterpoints.
- Ostermalm (nice area) – basically the nice, posh, fancy, expensive area. Borders Normmalm.
- Sodermalm (hip district) – is considered the revived and hip cool area of Stockholm. Lots of bars, nightlife, and culture. Bohemian, artsy, trendy, and not pretentious like the Ostermalm area. Hostels will probably be here. Also the cheaper area than the other more central areas.
Hostels:
- There are many. And public transportation is good and Stockholm is nice anywhere.
Neighborhoods & Walking areas:
- Old Town (Gamla Stan) – one of the largest and best preserved medieval cities in Europe. Is it’s own little island with water all around. See architecture here.
- Sodermalm – walk from Slussen metro station over to the Mariaberget observation, then also check out the streets nearby. Cafes, bars, nightlife.
- Normmalm – walk around the city downtown area, waterpoints, and Kungstradgarden. Many museums here here.
Activities to do:
- Buildings & architecture –
- Metro stations – Stockholm has several artistic-decor metro stations. Depending on your taste in art, you may find them fun, interesting, or weird.
- Parks, gardens, green spaces – Kungstradgarden, Eriksdalslunden.
- Beaches, bridges, water-points –
- Ride a boat – maybe a local friend’s? Or take a boat tour.
- Any water edges.
- Arts & museums:
- many museums worth seeing
- Vasa Museum – well preserved old 17th century warship, beautiful sight to see
- Viewpoints & sunsets –
- Mariaberget observation deck – this elevated walk along the water gives a nice view of the city (Gamla Stan) area.
- Riddarholmen – Gamla Stan’s sister island. Watch the sunset from the west side here.
Restaurants & Cafes:
- Herrängens Gård – if you’re around Segeltorp, Alvsjo, or surrounding area on a sunny day…this is a great lunch time place to have Swedish meatballs. Nice outdoor setting and peaceful residential neighborhood walk.
Bars & Clubs:
Miscellaneous tips:
Nearby towns:
- Uppsala
Unfiltered notes: