Stockholm (Part 1): A Must See List of Unique Sites

Stockholm isn’t just Sweden’s capital. It’s a city spread across 14 islands, connected by 57 bridges, surrounded by over 30,000 more islands in the Stockholm Archipelago. That’s a lot of water. So much, in fact, that it often feels more like an urban archipelago than a traditional city.

But it’s not just the geography that makes Stockholm special. It’s the way history and modernity collide. You can wander through Gamla Stan, one of the best-preserved medieval old towns in Europe, then step into a cutting-edge photography museum, a floating sauna, or a futuristic subway station that looks straight out of a sci-fi movie.

Stockholm is a place where Nobel Prize winners celebrate, where Vikings once roamed, and where one of the world’s most influential music scenes was born (yes, ABBA fans, this is your moment). It’s a city that rewards those who explore—not just the famous landmarks, but also the hidden courtyards, the cozy cafes tucked into narrow alleyways, and the quiet waterfront spots where the city’s pace slows to a Nordic calm.

This guide isn’t just a checklist of tourist stops. It’s a deep dive into the must-see sights and the experiences that make Stockholm unforgettable. From royal palaces to underground art galleries, from scenic ferry rides to world-class museums—this is Stockholm at its best.

Stockholm’s Sites

Stockholm

Stockholm | Gamla Stan

Gamla Stan is Stockholm’s old town and one of the largest preserved medieval city centres in Europe. This area is full of museums, attractions, restaurants, cafés, bars and shops. Here you can also find the oldest square in Stockholm, Stortoget, a great place to have a coffee break. The Swedes have a lovely afternoon tradition of taking a coffee break, usually, with a delicious pastry – they call it ‘Fika‘. It would be best if you enjoyed a fika to feel like a local.

Gamla Stan | Stockholm

Stockholm | Stockholm Palace

The Stockholm Palace, or Royal Palace, is also located in Gamla Stan. It is the official residence of the Swedish monarch. In the summertime, you have a chance to watch the changing of the guard ceremony every day!

Stockholm Palace | Stockholm | Kungliga slottet, 107 70 Stockholm

Stockholm | Skansen

Skansen is the first open-air museum and zoo in Sweden, located on the island of Djurgården and opened in 1891. If you are interested in the way of life in the different parts of Sweden before the industrial era, you should not miss visiting Skansen.

Skansen | Stockholm | Djurgårdsslätten 49-51, 115 21 Stockholm

Stockholm | Vasa Museum

Vasa Museum is also located on the island of Djurgården. The Vasa ship capsized and sank in 1628 on her maiden voyage. After 333 years on the seabed, the mighty warship was salvaged. Today Vasa is the world’s best-preserved 17th-century ship and the most visited museum in Scandinavia.

Vasa Museum | Stockholm | Galärvarvsvägen 14, 115 21 Stockholm

Stockholm | Royal National City Park

Stockholm is unique, with the world’s first national urban park in the capital city, Royal National City Park. It is a green lung forming an arc of more than six miles long, stretching around and through the town. This is a place where you can relax and enjoy nature. Additionally, you can go for an adventure, see beautiful buildings, and visit castles and museums. Also, you might meet deer, hares, and foxes – just in the middle of the city.

Royal National City Park | Stockholm | Source: Visit Stockholm

Stockholm | ABBA Museum

Are you a big fan of Mamma Mia movies? Would you like to be a real dancing queen? Stockholm allows you to visit the ABBA museum. You can not only learn about the history of the famous Swedish band, but you can also try yourself on stage as an actual band member. Further, the museum offers plenty of fun activities.

ABBA Museum | Stockholm | Source: “ABBA Museum” Wikipedia | Djurgårdsvägen 68, 115 21 Stockholm

Stockholm | Nobel Prize Museum

If it comes to Stockholm, most people probably associate it with the Nobel prize. The city hosts the annual Nobel Prize ceremonies and banquets at the Convert Hall and Stockholm City Hall. In the Nobel Prize Museum, you can learn a lot about the Nobel Prize winners and details of their work. Lastly, the museum frequently offers creative exhibitions which can be visited temporarily.

Nobel Prize Museum | Stockholm | Source: “Nobel Prize Museum” Wikipedia | Stortorget 2, 103 16 Stockholm

Stockholm | Stockholm Metro

Last but not least, one of the most famous attractions in Stockholm is the metro system. It was opened in 1950 and is like an art gallery with unique decorations for each station. It is considered the world’s most extended art exhibit, with 110 kilometres and more than 90 stations decorated with sculptures, mosaics, paintings, installations, engravings and relics of over 150 artists.

Stockholm Metro Central | Stockholm | Centralplan 15, 111 20 Stockholm

Conclusion: Stockholm Leaves an Impression—Make Yours Count

Stockholm is a city of contrasts. It’s both historical and modern, fast-paced yet serene, urban yet deeply connected to nature. You can spend your morning exploring a 17th-century warship at the Vasa Museum, your afternoon kayaking through the Stockholm Archipelago, and your evening dining on New Nordic cuisine in a Michelin-starred restaurant.

But what makes Stockholm truly unforgettable isn’t just the landmarks—it’s the experiences. The feeling of standing in Gamla Stan at dusk, when the golden light makes the medieval buildings glow. The moment you step onto the rooftop of the Stockholm City Hall, overlooking the city and its shimmering waterways. The quiet thrill of discovering a hidden speakeasy behind an unmarked door in Södermalm.

To see Stockholm properly, you need to immerse yourself in it. Take a ferry to an island you’ve never heard of. Order a fika (coffee break) and slow down like the locals do. Wander without a plan. Embrace the unexpected.

Because this isn’t just another European capital. It’s Stockholm—a city that stays with you long after you’ve left.

If you want to learn more about Stockholm’s history and culture, book a custom tour with Amitylux! Let our knowledgeable guides show you the most exciting attractions in Stockholm.