A First-Timer’s Guide to Stockholm’s Must-See Landmarks

Stockholm, Sweden’s beautiful capital, is a city filled with rich history, stunning architecture, and a unique blend of modern and traditional culture. For first-time visitors, it can be overwhelming to choose which landmarks to see and where to start exploring. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the must-see landmarks in Stockholm, giving you a clear picture of what you shouldn’t miss on your first visit.

Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s Old Town, is one of the best-preserved medieval city centers in Europe and the heart of the city’s history. Walking through the cobblestone streets of Gamla Stan is like stepping back in time, with narrow alleys, colorful buildings, and charming squares to explore.

One of the main highlights of Gamla Stan is Stortorget, the central square surrounded by colorful, iconic buildings. Here, you’ll find historic landmarks like the Nobel Prize Museum and the Stock Exchange Building. This is also the perfect place to enjoy a cup of coffee or Swedish fika at one of the many cozy cafés.

Don’t miss: Visit Storkyrkan, the grand medieval cathedral, and look for the statue of St. George and the Dragon, one of Sweden’s most famous artworks.

Located in Gamla Stan, the Royal Palace is one of the largest palaces in Europe and the official residence of the Swedish Royal Family. The palace is open to the public and offers a fascinating insight into Sweden’s royal history.

Inside, you can explore the Royal Apartments, the Treasury, and the Armory, where you’ll find impressive collections of royal armor and crowns. A visit to the Tre Kronor Museum is also a must, where you can learn about the original medieval castle that once stood on the site.

Be sure to catch the Changing of the Guard ceremony, which takes place in the courtyard of the palace and is a popular attraction for visitors.

Pro tip: Plan to spend at least two hours exploring the palace. Tickets are reasonably priced and include access to multiple exhibitions.

One of Stockholm’s most unique and popular attractions is the Vasa Museum, home to a fully intact 17th-century warship. The Vasa ship sank on its maiden voyage in 1628 and was salvaged over 300 years later in 1961. Today, it’s one of the best-preserved ships from that era and an incredible historical treasure.

The museum offers several floors of exhibits detailing the ship’s history, its tragic sinking, and the process of its recovery. You can also learn about life in Sweden during the time of the ship’s construction and the people who built and sailed it.

The Vasa Museum is a must-see for history enthusiasts, and the sheer size and preservation of the ship will leave you in awe.

Good to know: The museum is open year-round, and entrance is free for children under 18.

Stockholm City Hall is one of the city’s most iconic buildings, famous for its striking architecture and the annual Nobel Prize Banquet held in its grand halls. The building’s distinctive brick exterior and tall tower are easily recognizable, and it’s a must-see for first-time visitors.

You can join a guided tour to explore the Blue Hall, where the Nobel Banquet takes place, and the Golden Hall, adorned with over 18 million gold mosaic tiles depicting Swedish history. For the best views of Stockholm, climb the City Hall Tower (available during the summer months) to enjoy panoramic views of the city and its surrounding waters.

Insider tip: The guided tours are offered in multiple languages, so check the schedule before visiting to join the one that suits you.

If you want to get a feel for traditional Swedish life, Skansen is the place to visit. Located on the island of Djurgården, Skansen is the world’s oldest open-air museum, showcasing historic Swedish buildings, farms, and crafts from various regions of the country.

As you wander through Skansen, you’ll see everything from rural cottages to grand manor houses, all brought to life by costumed staff who demonstrate traditional Swedish crafts like glassblowing, weaving, and baking. Skansen is also home to a zoo where you can see native Scandinavian animals, such as bears, moose, and lynxes.

Skansen is a great destination for families, offering a mix of history, culture, and fun outdoor activities.

Plan ahead: Skansen is open year-round, but check for seasonal events like the popular Christmas market or Midsummer celebrations, which are highlights for visitors.

For music lovers, no trip to Stockholm would be complete without a visit to the ABBA Museum. Dedicated to the legendary Swedish pop group ABBA, this interactive museum allows you to learn about the band’s rise to fame, their music, and their personal stories.

You can even take part in fun, interactive experiences like singing along with virtual ABBA members, trying on digital ABBA costumes, or recording your own music video. The museum also displays original costumes, gold records, and memorabilia from the band’s career.

Even if you’re not a die-hard ABBA fan, the museum offers an entertaining look at one of Sweden’s most influential cultural exports.

Useful info: The ABBA Museum is cashless, so be sure to bring a credit card for entry and purchases.

For art enthusiasts, the Moderna Museet on the island of Skeppsholmen is a must-see landmark. This museum showcases an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art, with works from famous artists like Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí, and Andy Warhol.

In addition to its permanent collection, the museum hosts temporary exhibitions throughout the year, focusing on a variety of artistic movements and themes. The building itself offers stunning views over the harbor, making it a beautiful spot to explore, even if you’re not an art aficionado.

Bonus: Entrance to the permanent collection is free, making it a budget-friendly option for art lovers.

Conclusion

Stockholm is a city that beautifully blends history, culture, and modernity, and its landmarks reflect this unique character. Whether you’re wandering the medieval streets of Gamla Stan, marveling at the grandeur of the Royal Palace, or experiencing world-class museums, these must-see landmarks are sure to make your first visit to Stockholm unforgettable.

Plan your visit around these iconic sites, and you’ll get a true sense of what makes Stockholm such a captivating and charming destination.