Sweden

Stockholm: The City of Islands

Built on 14 islands, Stockholm has minimal high-rise buildings, while the colorful city buildings blend beautifully with leafy green tree lined streets, bridges between islands and bays that offer spectacular views of the city skyline. Walking or riding bikes around Stockholm is one of the best ways to enjoy the city. When you arrive in Stockholm, be sure to walk the 365 steps up the City Tower which is one of the must-see attractions. The Tower offers amazing views over Stockholm. If you are fascinated by gondolas, the thrilling SkyView gondola that climbs up the Ericsson Globe (the largest spherical building in Stockholm) departs every 10 minutes.

Walking Through Stockholm

Pack your sneakers as the best of Stockholm is seen on foot! Head to the historical heart of Stockholm and wander around the narrow alleys to the Royal Palace on the island of Gamla Stan. For the royalists, a wonderful walk is from Djurgården Bridge and along the waterfront to the Royal summer palace, Rosendal. The setting is idyllic and beautiful gardens are interconnected with water ways. To learn more about walking around the Stockholm royal castles, download the ‘Royal Walks’ app free from the Apple App Store and Google Play. Texts are in Swedish and English and are illustrated with historical and more recent images.

Travel on Local Ferries to Stockholm Islands

Walking around Stockholm is not the only way to travel. You can also enjoy taking the local ferry services between islands which makes for relaxing day trips at great prices. Departing from Nybroviken and Slussen in Stockholm, hop aboard and enjoy a short ferry ride out to the relaxing islands of Djurgården and Hammarby Sjöstad to see how the locals live and eat in traditional Swedish restaurants.

Stockholm Shopping

In Stockholm, there is no shortage of retail therapy. NK or Nordiska Kompaniet is Stockholm’s most luxurious department store dating back to 1915. It offers everything from Swedish and international fashion, cosmetics, jewelry, crystal and ceramics as well as fine foods and design. If you’re on a spending budget, no problem! The Hornstulls Marknad is an outdoor street market located in the western part of Södermalm and with waterfront views, this market has become one of Stockholm’s favorite Sunday activities.

Travel Tip: The Hornstulls Marknad is open every Saturday and Sunday from April to October.