Best things to do in Stockholm

Experience centuries of Swedish history through architecture, reconstructed farms, and live reenactments at Skansen, one of the world's first open-air museums. The property, established in 1891, boasts 150 houses and other buildings that have been moved from different parts of the country to this site as examples of regional style. Here Scandinavian traditions are upheld through craft making and Swedish celebrations. Take in views of Stockholm from this vantage point--kids will especially like the Stockholm zoo and children's zoo. After exploring the museum and watching living history actors in period dress, stop into the museum shop to purchase national specialties and handicrafts.

See the only preserved 17th-century ship in the world at Vasa Museum, the most-visited museum in Scandinavia. This maritime museum on the island of Djurgården displays a 64-gun warship that sank during its maiden voyage in 1628. The structure on exhibit is almost the complete ship from the wreck, which was decorated with hundreds of original carved sculptures. After decades of restoration work (the ship was salvaged in 1961), the museum opened in 1990. Today more than a million tourists visit the site annually to view the ship's 10 exhibitions in 13 different languages.

In an Art Nouveau building in the heart of the city lies Fotografiska Stockholm, a large center for contemporary photography. Since it opened in 2010, this museum has presented a variety of renowned works from photographers like Annie Leibovitz and Robert Mapplethorpe, as well as popular events in its exhibit spaces, conference rooms, gallery, and academy. The site hosts four main exhibits and 20 smaller ones every year. Take in views of the city from the trendy cafe on site.

After the city's medieval castle was destroyed by fire, Royal Palace was built in the same spot and has served as the king's residence since the 18th century. Located in the city's old town area, this castle has over 600 rooms and five museums. Following the destructive palace fire of 1697, the current structure was built by architect Nicodemus Tessin in 1754. Tour the palace grounds and buildings to see its 18th- and 19th-century interiors, museums, and royal costumes. Many visitors like to catch the changing of the guard ceremony, which has been a tradition since 1523.

The site of the annual Nobel Prize banquet, Stockholm City Hall provides a good example of national Romanticism in Swedish architecture. This building has become one of the most famous tourist attractions in the city, and its shape is recognized as a symbol of the metropolis. Before entering the historical building, designed and built of brick by architect Ragnar Östberg, notice the national coat of arms made up of three crowns on the tower. Take a guided tour of the seat of the city's government and see its grand ceremonial halls and artwork displays. Look in the Blue Hall for the largest organ in the country, featuring more than 10,000 pipes. Climb to the top of the iconic tower to take in the views of Stockholm.

A part of the Swedish Music Hall of Fame, ABBA The Museum contains interactive exhibitions focused exclusively on the band ABBA. The museum pays homage to the band, which originated in Stockholm, by showcasing clothing, films, and more. Inspired by the Beatles museum in Liverpool, this site opened in 2013 as the permanent home of the previously traveling ABBAWorld exhibit. To get the feel of performing, visit the interactive audio and video displays that invite visitors to perform with the band.

Contained within the royal palace, Royal Armory represents the country's oldest museum and houses a vast collection of objects and artifacts from Swedish military and royalty history. King Gustavus Adolphus founded the museum in 1628 to preserve his costumes from a campaign in Poland. Since then, thousands of items have been added to this impressive collection. You'll experience Swedish history through the remnants of the country’s past, including belongings of kings and queens dating back to the 15th century. The site houses 17th-century coaches, robes from royal weddings, and blood-stained attire from historic battles, such as the tunic that Gustav II Adolph was wearing when he was killed.

Reflect upon centuries of Swedish culture and design at Nordiska Museet located on Djurgården. The collection includes 1.5 million items, with emphases on fashion, home, customs, and natural resources, from Sweden's Early Modern Age to today. Items on display range from clothes and jewelry, to folk art and furniture. Isak Gustaf Clason designed the imposing building, which was completed in 1907. The museum hosts visiting exhibits, festivals, and special events.

Spend some quality time outdoors at Kungstradgarden Park, once a royal kitchen garden and now one of Stockholm's favorite hang-out spots. It's a regular venue for various fairs, events, and open-air performances. Some of the park's most notable features are the two squares with statues of kings Charles XII and Charles XIII. The park's fountains include the Molin's Fountain depicting motifs from Norse mythology and the Fountain of Wolodarski surrounded by Japanese cherry trees. There is also a selection of cafes and restaurants where you can grab a drink or a snack. The park is well connected with the rest of the city by public transportation and many of Stockholm's important landmarks are nearby.

Built in the 16th Century, Drottningholm Palace serves as the private home of the Swedish royal family. Doubling as a popular tourist attraction, the palace treats visitors to an important lesson about history and architecture. A summer holiday home in the 18th century, the structure is now the royal family's primary residence and the best-preserved palace in the country. Optimize your visit by taking a guided tour through the varied sections, including a Baroque garden, theater, and Chinese pavilion.

Housed in what was once a home to Count and Countess von Hallwyl, Hallwyl Museum gives a glimpse into the life of Swedish royalty, particularly during the Victorian period. The estate was given to the Swedish government in 1920 on the grounds that it would remain unaltered. Today you can walk the halls of this preserved historical home, which exhibits about 50,000 objects and artifacts collected by its former tenants. The Countess acquired many pieces of art during her travels with the intention of eventually founding a museum. Along with the Skokloster Castle and the Royal Armory, this national museum is part of a government agency grouping that educates visitors on the history of Sweden.