Stockholm holidays

1. ABBA the Museum provides the perfect tribute to Sweden’s most famous pop quartet. Alongside the original costumes, gold records, instruments and other memorabilia, you can get interactive. Travel back in time to 1966, when Benny and Bjorn first met at the Folkpark, take to the stage as ABBA’s fifth member, take the ABBA quiz or perform some karaoke in a recreation of their famous Polar Studio where many of their hits were recorded.
2. Stockholm’s Viking Museum is an eye-opening treat for all the family with interactive exhibits blending myth, culture and reality. Travel in the footsteps of Harald and see through the eyes of an authentic Viking as he goes on a daring raid across 10th Century Europe and then reward yourself with a flight of meads in the museum’s Restaurant Eld.
3. The festive season is one of the most atmospheric times to visit Stockholm. Explore the city’s Christmas markets with a gingerbread cookie and warming cup of glogg. You can go ice skating for free in the picturesque surroundings of Kungstradgarden. See how the Swedes of yesteryear celebrated Christmas at the open-air museum of Skansen and enjoy the oldest traditional market in Gamla Stan, complete with stalls heaving with crafts, toys and tasty Swedish delicacies.
4. Celebrate Sweden’s swashbuckling maritime heritage by visiting the Vasa Museum. The Vasa sank on its maiden voyage back in 1628 but has been beautifully restored to its former glory since being raised from the deep in 1961. You can get authentic insights into life on board and get to know the vessel’s crew.
5. Open during the warmer months and on autumn holidays, Grona Lund is Stockholm’s diverting amusement park offering around 30 thrilling rides. There are inviting restaurants, mini games to play and the venue also hosts around 50 concerts per year. You can try your luck in some of the many fun pentathlon games while families can meet the park’s life-size mascots, such as Pelle the cat.

The best time to visit Stockholm is probably from June to August when you can expect maximum temperatures of 21-28C. If you can, visit during Midsummer Eve in June for Sweden’s main celebration where locals sing and dance around the maypole and eat pickled herring. Of course, Stockholm is especially charming to visit in November and December too, with temperatures usually between -2 and 6C.

Three days is the recommended amount of time to visit Stockholm. This should give you ample time to visit Gamla Stan, Djurgarden and a few of the city’s many galleries and museums, including the Vasa Museum. 

• Wander around a honeycomb of cobbled streets lined with golden-hued medieval buildings in Stockholm’s historic heart of Gamla Stan. Pop into quaint little shops offering a selection of handicrafts, curios and souvenirs. Or sit back with an ice cream and people-watch on the main square. With its beautiful Baroque architecture and breathtakingly opulent interiors, the Royal Palace is a must-visit. On the neighbouring island of Riddarholmen, take in the landmark medieval church and splendid Old Parliament building.
• Visit Kungsholmen and take in grand City Hall. Admire the impressive facade and gleaming trio of golden crowns that adorn its spire. Then head west for a refreshing beer or bite to eat at a choice of laidback bars and eateries. Treat yourself to some retail therapy at Vastermalmsgallerian shopping mall. Alternatively take a relaxing stroll through the lush greenery of Ralambshovsparken. Here, the sandy bay of Smedsuddsbadet is a perfect spot for a picnic with safe bathing for children.
• Set in a picturesque harbour location and also known as ‘the City’, Norrmalm is the commercial hub of Stockholm. Department stores, big-brand shops and specialist outlets jostle for position along the Drottninggatan. When you’re ready for a break from shopping, a generous array of eateries provides plenty of dining options. Culture lovers can browse works by Rembrandt, Renoir and eminent Swedish artists at the National Museum. Alternatively take in a mesmerising show at the stunning Kungliga Operan, or Royal Opera House.
• Vasastan is a largely residential area on the edge of Stockholm’s inner city. It’s characterised by striking 20th Century architecture, parks and literary history. There are numerous examples of Nordic Classicism dotted around, including the imposing Stockholm Public Library. There’s also a string of compelling museums to discover in this district such as Bonniers Konsthall, Sven-Harry's Art Museum, Carl Eldh's Studio Museum and the Strindberg Museum. There are also several parks worth a stroll, including Vasaparken, perfect for summer picnics or winter ice skating. Odenplan plaza is home to a key transport hub and the charming Gustaf Vasa Church.