The Stockholm Sights Top-10 - What Every Tourist Should See

The Swedish capital has many points of interests. Most Stockholm sights are easily accessible for everyone and located in beautiful areas that are landmarks in itself.

Strolling through Sweden’s major city is always a joy.

No Stockholm tourist should leave the opportunity of making just a walk without clear destination.

It is inevitable you will find great views, beautiful buildings, nice parks or an interesting museum.

Don’t worry about your way back: Stockholm has so many landmarks that it’s difficult to get lost. And of course, no tourist can do without a map.

But there are Stockholm sights you should not miss. Therefore my Top 10 of suggestions for sightseeing in Stockholm.

• Gamla Stan (old centre)
• Skansen (open air museum)
• Archipelago
• Stadshuset (city hall)
• Sergels Torg (plaza)
• Vasa museum
• Kungliga Slottet (royal palace)
• Kungsträdgården (garden)
• Södermalm (neighborhood)
• Drottningholm (royal palace)

Read further for more details on each sight.

Gamla Stan
The old town centre and the most popular of all Stockholm sights. On this island Stockholm began – and never changed, at least not here. Medieval streets and buildings create an atmosphere where time stood still. Almost fairy-tale like at night. Most sightseeing trips start here.

Skansen
The world’s first open air museum, and still the most beautiful. Houses, farms and cottages from all over Sweden were rebuilt in this park-like area on the Djurgården island. Includes a zoo with Nordic animals. This is the only museum everybody loves. A great family attraction!

Archipelago
The biggest of all Stockholm sights: thousands and thousands of small and medium-sized green, rocky or sandy islands. The archipelago stretches out from the city centre to (almost) Finland. You haven’t seen Stockholm without a boat trip through the archipelago.

Stadshuset (city hall)
One of Stockholm’s landmarks, on the eastern point of the Kungsholmen island. The stately bell tower of the Stockholm city hall has become one of the city’s symbols. Bell tower and garden of this architectural masterpiece offer great views on other parts of the capital.

Sergels Torg
Another Stockholm landmark, Sergels plaza is the heart of the modern city. The area symbolizes the Swedish welfare state. The architecture is cool, controversial and timeless altogether. Underneath Sergels Torg is a shopping mall. Read more about central Stockholm.

Kungliga Slottet
Located at the north eastern end of Gamla Stan, this square royal castle was finished in 1754. It has no less than 608 rooms. Magnificent interior with all luxury you’d expect from a king, although he uses the castle only for official meetings.

Kungsträdgården
The garden of the king, translated. It now belongs to the people. This intersection between garden, park and event ground is one of the main meeting points of the Swedes. Great place to sit and relax. Free concerts make this one of the most popular places in summer.

Södermalm
Often overlooked by tourists, the island of Södermalm is one of my favorite Stockholm sights. The impressive traffic junction Slussen connects it with Gamla Stan. The neighborhood is for a large part old, quiet and picturesque. But you will also find here trendy boutiques and busy restaurants.

Drottningholm
The palace where the royal family lives. It is located on an island just outside the city. You can reach it by car, bus and (recommended!) ferry. Drottningholm is nicknamed the Nordic Versailles, which is not far removed from the truth. The most posh of all Stockholm sights!

I could go on and on, but unfortunately 10 means 10, and I don't want to take all your time.

Want more Stockholm sights?

Many other tips for sightseeing in Stockholm can be found in (printed) travel guides. My favorite is the Eyewitness Travel Guide to Stockholm, available from all major Internet book stores. It is beautifully illustrated and covers almost everything a Stockholm tourist wants to know about Stockholm sights.