Best things to do in Sweden

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

With over 30 rides, Grona Lunds Tivoli offers an amusing place for families with kids--and anyone else looking for some simple fun. Rides range from tame to scary. The highlight is the tilting drop tower, allowing visitors to drop from 80 m (262 ft) in less than 6 seconds--it's a brief drop, but the views of Stockholm are great, so keep your eyes open.

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.

Experience a range of excitement, from thrill rides to live events and holiday markets, at Liseberg Amusement Park, one of the most popular amusement parks in Scandinavia. This park is home to the Balder, a famous wooden-tracked roller coaster, as well as arcade games, a haunted hotel, and lots of other rides, including two water rides. Young children will want to try the kiddie rides, like the tea cups, bumper cars, and dragon boats. If you're looking for something more relaxing, enjoy quiet gardens, take in a show or concert, or, if the season's right, visit the park's Christmas market.

Enter a storyland of children's literature at Junibacken, a museum devoted to famous works for kids, especially those of Astrid Lindgren, who wrote "Pippi Longstocking." This children's museum was opened in 1996 and is one of the city's most-visited sites. In addition to its permanent exhibits dedicated to authors and illustrators, it houses a theater, restaurant, and temporary displays. Seek out the interactive exhibits, like the storybook square, where each house represents a different Swedish children's writer, or the train ride ending at the home of Lindgren's most famous character--Pippi Longstocking.