Colourful buildings in Gamla Stan, image from https://www.originaltravel.co.uk/travel-blog/why-visit-stockholm.

Hej! God morgon.

My mum gifted me a book about Stockholm for Christmas – “Top 10 Stockholm” by DK Travel. For my sixth inquiry post, I thought I would go analog and do some good old-fashioned research on life in Stockholm. So, I poured over the travel book and took notes on must-see places.

Cover of my travel book. https://www.indigo.ca/en-ca/dk-top-10-stockholm-top-10-lists-for-your-perfect-trip-plus-an-all-weather-folded-map/9780241719787.html

Gamla Stan (Old Town)

Stockholm’s historic centre, Gamla Stan is known for its narrow cobblestone streets and colourful buildings.

Map of Gamla Stan area from “Top 10 Stockholm”. I can legally use thus because it’s less than 10% of the source material and for educational purposes.

The Vasa Museum (Vasamusset)

A great place to learn about the Vikings, the Vasa Museum houses a 17th-century warship. The ship sank on its first voyage, and was miraculously recovered from the sea floor nearly completely intact. A friend of a friend recommended the Vasamuseet to me way back in October at a Halloween party, before I was even sure I’d be going to Sweden. So, a must-see!

Screenshot from the Vasamuseet website: https://www.vasamuseet.se/en

Skansen Open-Air Museum

Skansen is an open-air museum showcasing Swedish life and culture.

Photo from https://www.skansen.se/en/ by Marie Andersson.

The Royal Palace

The Royal Palace is one of the largest palaces in Europe, and it is actually still used for official functions. I would love to learn more about Sweden’s monarchy and history, so I’ll be checking it out.

https://www.kungahuset.se/english/royal-palaces-and-residences

Fotografiska

Fotografiska is a contemporary photography museum with rotating exhibitions. I would love to get more cultured and artsy during my time abroad, so I’ll check it out.

Fotografiska

https://www.fotografiska.com

ABBA The Museum

This museum is dedicated to ABBA, one of Sweden’s most iconic cultural exports. It’s interactive (I believe you can see a hologram version of the band perform!) and focuses on the band’s music and legacy, which makes it a fun addition alongside the more traditional museums.

ABBA costumes on display at the museum, from https://abbathemuseum.com/en/exhibitions

Södermalm

Södermalm is described as one of Stockholm’s trendier districts, known for cafes, vintage shops, and a more local feel. My friend from Sweden says I NEED to go thrifting there because the clothes are amazing.

A vintage shop in Sofo, the “trendy” district of Södermalm:https://www.city-guide-stockholm.com/en/experiences/weekend-et-holidays/article-vintage-shopping-in-sofo-the-trendy-district-of-sodermalm-19.htm

Stockholm City Hall

City Hall is notable not just for its architecture, but also as the venue for the Nobel Prize banquet.

Nobel Prize banquet

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nobel_Banquet

Fika (coffee and pastries) – anywhere in and around the city!

Fika is the Swedish tradition of taking a break for coffee and something sweet, often in a social setting. I wrote about it in my very first inquiry post. I’m excited to try what the local bakeries and cafes have to offer.

Traditional Swedish pastries. Image from https://www.whetstonemagazine.com/journal/the-traditional-swedish-fika-and-its-pastries

More recommendations

I also asked ChatGPT for recommendations, which kind of goes against my whole analog research operation, LOL! Here are the places I didn’t see in my travel book that ChatGPT said I can’t miss in Stockholm:

  • Monteliusvägen: A short walking path with one of the best views of the city. It overlooks Lake Mälaren and Gamla Stan.
  • Djurgården: An island that’s basically a giant green space filled with museums, walking paths, and waterfront views.
  • Stockholm Public Library: Designed by architect Gunnar Asplund, this library is known for its circular main hall.
  • Östermalms Saluhall: A food market with traditional Swedish options.
  • Kungsträdgården: A central park that’s especially nice in the spring (cherry blossoms!).
  • Gröna Lund: An amusement park that I’ve actually heard about already, from another teacher candidate who went to teach in Nacka! Apparently the students rave about it!