Things to do in Sweden
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Top 10 attractions in Sweden
The Royal Palace
The Royal Palace is located on Stadsholmen Island in Stockholm's old town, built by the water as the official residence of the Swedish king. It remains the venue for the king's official duties, state receptions, and grand ceremonies, though the royal family's daily life mostly takes place at Drottningholm Palace in the suburbs. Its royal history traces back to a medieval defensive castle, while the current Baroque-style palace was rebuilt after the old castle burned down in the late 17th century. Designed by architect Nicodemus Tessin the Younger, its construction spanned over half a century. The entire palace is built of brick and sandstone, with four wings enclosing a square courtyard. Its thick, elegant exterior walls feature the iconic pair of bronze lion statues at the northern "Lejonbacken" entrance. The changing of the guard is a traditional spectacle performed here year-round: Around noon, royal guards in dark blue uniforms complete the handover ceremony in the outer courtyard to military band music. For some time slots, you can also see the procession marching through the old town streets to the palace, lasting approx. 40 mins. During peak season, the viewing area gets crowded, so arriving early to secure a good spot is recommended. Check the on-site schedule for specific arrangements. The sentries standing guard with rifles at the palace gates are also popular photo subjects for travelers. The open sections of the palace are equally worth exploring: the royal apartments used for state receptions and ceremonies boast exquisite halls, while the treasury basement displays crowns and scepters from various dynasties. The three crowns museum preserves relics and historical records of the medieval old castle, and the royal armory in the basement houses armor, swords, and gilded carriages of past royal families. Travelers interested in royal culture may want to allocate half a day for a thorough visit.Sweden · Stockholm
Vasa Museum
When you come to Sweden, you will be attracted by the variety of museums here, and the Vasa Museum is one of the more special museums. It was built for the exhibition of a wreck of the Vasa that was salvaged from the bottom of the sea. "Vasa" is an ancient warship of the seventeenth century. It was built in 3 years according to the will of King Gustav II of Sweden. Unfortunately, when the warship was on its maiden voyage, it was overturned by strong winds and waves, and the ship sank at an accelerated rate due to the excessive weight of the ship. It was not until 1961 that it was finally salvaged by the government and repaired in all aspects. Now walking into this museum, people can not only see the original appearance of the warship more than 300 years ago, but also appreciate more than 700 exquisite original sculptures on the ship. The decoration on this ship is very luxurious. If it weren't for those cannons, it is indeed difficult to associate it with warships. We have to marvel at the superb craftsmanship and carving craftsmanship of Swedish shipbuilding in the seventeenth century.Sweden · Stockholm
Stockholm City Hall
Stockholm City Hall is located on the island of Kungsholmen by Lake Mälaren. Today, it serves as both the office of the Stockholm City Council and the venue for the banquet held after the annual Nobel Prize ceremony. The entire building is constructed of dark red bricks, with its horizontally expansive main structure forming a sharp contrast with the towering spire. Viewed from the water, it resembles a giant ship docked by the shore and is one of Stockholm's most recognizable landmarks. The walls of the Blue Hall are actually red brick. It can accommodate over 1,000 guests and houses a large pipe organ with over 10,000 pipes. Ascending the stairs leads to the Golden Hall, where the walls are inlaid with gilded glass mosaics. The patterns are inspired by Swedish history, with the massive "Queen of Lake Mälaren" being particularly striking. The tower stands at the southeast corner by the water. The three golden crowns at the spire are a national symbol of Sweden. Beside the base of the tower stands a gilded cenotaph of Birger Jarl, who is considered the founder of the city. Climbing the tower requires ascending over 300 steps, though you can switch to an elevator halfway up. The floor where the elevator is located houses the Tower Museum. Standing on the observation deck at the top, you can take in the view of the Old Town, Riddarholmen, and the Södermalm area, with over a dozen islands connected by waterways and bridges spreading out beneath your feet.Sweden · Stockholm
Gamla Stan
Stockholm's Gamla Stan is located on an island in the city center. The area where the Royal Palace is located is all part of Gamla Stan, which has over 700 years of history and is the birthplace of Stockholm. Gamla Stan has narrow streets. Strolling through these ancient alleys, you will see many magnificent medieval buildings: the majestic Royal Palace, towering churches, and fragrant street gardens. The rich aroma of coffee wafts from the fairytale-like houses, allowing you to fully experience the blend of history and modernity. Because Sweden has not experienced war for over 200 years, Gamla Stan has well preserved its medieval character. From the mid-19th century to the mid-20th century, Gamla Stan was considered a slum, and many historic buildings fell into disrepair; after World War II, houses in 5 alleys were demolished to expand the Parliament Building. Since the 1980s, Gamla Stan has attracted a large number of tourists due to its medieval and Renaissance architecture, and the value of its buildings has been recognized. In addition to numerous historical sites, Gamla Stan also has many craft shops, boutiques, restaurants, and cafes. Gamla Stan's history dates back to the 13th century. The area features medieval alleys, cobblestone streets, and ancient-style buildings, heavily influenced by the North Germanic style. Because Sweden has had no war for 200 years, Gamla Stan is well-preserved and is well worth spending some time strolling through, especially along the streets by the river and the sea. The main attractions in Gamla Stan include The Royal Palace, Storkyrkan, the Nobel Prize Museum, and Riddarholmen Church.Sweden · Stockholm
Nobel Prize Museum
The Nobel Prize Museum is located in Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, serving as a comprehensive cultural venue that blends history with modernity. Through engaging exhibitions and interactive experiences, the museum showcases the historical background of the Nobel Prize, the stories of laureates, and their contributions to human society. Visitors can explore outstanding achievements in physics, chemistry, physiology or medicine, literature, and peace. The museum features multiple themed exhibition areas, such as "Journey of Discovery" and "Nobel Laureate Portrait Wall," allowing visitors to expand their knowledge in a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. Additionally, the Nobel Prize Museum regularly hosts lectures, workshops, and educational activities for children, offering diverse learning opportunities for visitors of all ages.Sweden · Stockholm
Baltic Sea
Baltic Sea is a semi-enclosed sea in Northern Europe, located between the Scandinavian Peninsula and the European continent, and connects to the North Sea via the Danish Straits. It is a young inland sea formed by water accumulation after glaciers retreated. Its salinity is far lower than that of the open ocean, making it a typical brackish sea. The average water depth is only tens of meters, with only the deep trenches near the coast of Sweden reaching over 400 m. Shallow waters, small waves, and salinity stratification make it more like a vast inland lake. Departing from Stockholm by boat, you can sail into the Stockholm archipelago, which features tens of thousands of islands and reefs. Sailing and island-hopping by ferry are classic local leisure activities. To the southeast, Gotland Island features uniquely shaped limestone rocky coasts and the well-preserved medieval town of Visby. The Åland Islands have flat terrain, suitable for slow travel by bike and ferry from island to island. This area was once a major shipping route during the Viking Age; a large number of Viking silver artifacts have been unearthed on Gotland Island, and many port towns along the coast still retain traces of the maritime era. In summer, the white sandy beaches stretching along the southern coast are suitable for sunbathing and water activities. Kayaking, diving, and coastal hiking are all popular, and many visitors swim once the water warms up. In the fall and spring, coastal wetlands and bays welcome flocks of migratory birds, attracting many birdwatchers who come specifically for this. The low-salinity environment nurtures fishery resources such as herring and cod, and many places along the coast have preserved traditional flavors featuring herring.Sweden · Stockholm
Skansen
The Skansen Park Open Air Museum was built in 1891 and is the oldest open air museum in the world. There are traditional 18th and 19th century buildings moved from all over Sweden, including farmhouses, barns, churches, etc., to show people the old Swedish folk life and traditions from all over Sweden. There is also a zoo in the museum showing animals living in Scandinavia. Skansen Park Open Air Museum is a theme park and museum where you can experience outdoor life. In the wave of the Industrial Revolution, ethnologist Arthur, because he was very worried that the traditional culture of Sweden in the old days would gradually be forgotten, he invested money and contributed to relocate many traditional old houses, churches, workshops and other buildings from all over the country to here. The Skansen Open Air Museum was officially established in 1891. Skansen is one of the main visiting places for foreign guests to visit Sweden, and it is very representative for understanding Swedish culture. The museum is cleverly built to take advantage of the hillside terrain, and there are traditional craft learning areas that can be experienced hands-on. In addition, the museum also has an open-air music platform, which often hosts wonderful theatrical performances.Sweden · Stockholm
Lake Vanern
Lake Vanern is located in west-central Sweden, spanning the provinces of Värmland and Västergötland. The shoreline is long and winding, with countless islands and reefs scattered near the shore, forming a vast inland freshwater archipelago. In the open areas, the water and sky merge, and the wind whips up waves, giving it the feel of an inland sea. Small lakeside towns like Mariestad are dotted along the shore, and fine sandy beaches are hidden among the near-shore islands. The Djurö Archipelago in the center is home to Djurö National Park, consisting of dozens of islands and reefs. It is one of Sweden's least visited national parks, suitable for boat tours, birdwatching, and camping. Kinnekulle on the southeast shore is a flat-topped mountain with an elevation of approx. 300m. The view from the top is expansive, offering a panoramic view of the archipelago. It is also home to landlocked salmon and trout that spend their entire lives in freshwater, making fishing a popular activity. Swimming, sailing, and kayaking along the lakeshore are also popular in summer. The eastern end connects to the Göta Canal, where you can continue your journey eastward by boat and experience a classic canal trip.Sweden · Mariestad Municipality
ABBA The Museum
Just opened in 2013, the ABBA Museum is a must-see for all ABBA fans. There are various collections of records and performance costumes of this Swedish band on display, as well as some fragments of the band's deeds and performances, and more importantly, there are many interactive devices here, which can make fans realize their dream of being on the same stage with idols .Sweden · Stockholm
Storkyrkan
Storkyrkan is located in the heart of the Old Town, nestled between the Royal Palace and the square housing the Nobel Prize Museum. Built of brick, it has undergone numerous renovations and expansions, resulting in a unique appearance that combines a medieval framework with a Baroque exterior. The church's signature highlight is the late 15th-century wood carving "Saint George and the Dragon," created by the Lubeck sculptor Bernt Notke. It was commissioned by Regent Sten Sture to commemorate the victory over the Danish army. The sculpture depicts Saint George on horseback, sword drawn, striking the dragon, with the rescued princess standing nearby. The figures of the man and horse are larger than life-size, and the dragon's fangs are even made of moose antlers, making the work full of dramatic tension. The church also displays the "Sun Dog Painting," which depicts the sun dog phenomenon over Stockholm. The painting captures the streets of the Old Town and the castle, serving as an early color depiction of the city.Sweden · Stockholm
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What travelers say about Sweden
Anonymous userSeptember 13, 2026
5.0
A wonderful, remarkable and outspoken place to tour.We were so astonished with the architecture, paintings and embroidery.A very beautiful palace.
The Royal Palace
YoomieSeptember 27, 2026
5.0
Standing next to a fully restored 1628 warship hits completely different in person 🇸🇪⚓️ The level of detail preserved on the Vasa is insane. Hands down one of the best museums in Stockholm! ✨
Vasa Museum
M20***37October 31, 2025
5.0
Autumn is beautiful; reservations are required online or on-site. Guided tours are available in English for 150 kronor. The city itself is wonderful to stroll around and relax in the parks.
Stockholm City Hall
Md Iqbal HasanAugust 13, 2025
5.0
Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s Old Town, is a charming maze of cobblestone streets, colorful 17th- and 18th-century buildings, and hidden courtyards. Founded in the 13th century, it’s one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval centers. The area brims with history, from the grand Royal Palace to Storkyrkan Cathedral and the Nobel Prize Museum. Cozy cafés, artisan shops, and atmospheric alleyways make wandering here a delight. In winter, festive markets fill the main square, Stortorget, with lights and warmth. Whether you’re after culture, architecture, or a leisurely stroll, Gamla Stan offers a magical glimpse into Sweden’s past while buzzing with modern Scandinavian charm.
Gamla Stan
Anonymous userFebruary 14, 2026
5.0
Super worth it! Its a very unique place, and since its literally at gamla stan, can just head over here and enjoy the museum while at it.
Nobel Prize Museum
DEAR张小球February 17, 2020
5.0
The Baltic Sea is very beautiful, and the water is particularly clear. We arrived here in the evening. There were not many people and it was a little cold, but the scenery was very good. It was also a very good scenery to enjoy the Baltic Sea under the sunset.
Baltic Sea
KayNojsOctober 21, 2025
4.0
Fun place for family and kids to explore.. It was a rainy day on our visit so that didn’t make it much pleasant but very fun for adult and kids to see the Swedish culture and more.
Skansen
Penny2026October 29, 2025
5.0
It was interactive and fun for all our family! Overall a great 2 hours!
ABBA The Museum
D了个YApril 14, 2022
4.0
The official name should be St. Nicholas Church. It is one of the oldest churches in the Old Town of Stockholm and was built in the 13th century. The cathedral is located on the island opposite the Riddarholmen, north of the Stock Exchange Building and close to the Grand Palace. It is the main access to the palace and the western apex of the palace slope. The cathedral slope, the main guard balcony and the narrow channel are located on its north and west sides respectively. The church displays the emblems of the royal knights of all dynasties and a famous wooden sculpture of St. George slaying the dragon, which is the largest wooden sculpture in Northern Europe. There is a statue in front of the church. I will study this later.
Storkyrkan