Things to do in  Central Sweden

The Stockholm Royal Palace has everything you'd expect from a regal abode: think a baroque facade, lavish Royal Apartments, and museums, including an impressive treasury. Although the Swedish royal family now resides in UNESCO World Heritage–listed Drottningholm Palace, the Royal Palace still holds an important role as a historic monument, as court offices, and as the host of banquets and receptions.

Built to house the wreckage of the ambitious but ill-fated Vasa warship, which sank on its maiden voyage in 1628, Stockholm’s Vasa Museum (Vasamuseet) now draws over one million annual visitors—unsurprisingly as it’s the best-preserved 17th-century ship in the world. Like its sister museum, Vrak – Museum of Wrecks, the museum is located on Stockholm’s island of Djurgården.

With its tangle of cobblestone streets, brightly painted buildings, and bustling squares, Stockholm Old Town (Gamla Stan) is one of the Swedish capital's most photogenic districts. The historic center also boats the city’s oldest quarter—dating back to 1252—and plays host to some remarkably preserved medieval monuments.

Stockholm City Hall (Stadshuset) looms over the Kungsholmen waterfront and is one of the capital’s most impressive landmarks, with a redbrick façade and 328-foot (100-meter) tower topped with the Three Crowns of Sweden. Dating back to 1923, the hall contains elaborate ceremonial chambers which are open to visitors via guided tours.

Uppsala Cathedral (Uppsala Domkyrka) is one of the largest cathedrals in the Nordics, and is particularly notable for its towering spires. Originally built in the 13th century, the religious landmark is also the resting place of many important historical figures, including King Gustav Vasa of Sweden and Carl Linnaeus. Visitors flock to the cathedral to see its Treasury, home to a magnificent collection of medieval church fabrics and clothing.

The Royal Swedish Opera (Kungliga Operan) is Sweden’s national theater and houses the Royal Swedish Opera, Ballet, Orchestra, and Choir. It was founded in 1773 by King Gustav III who was an avid supporter of the arts and paid for the opera house’s operations out of his own pocket.

Located in the heart of Stockholm’s Old Town, the Nobel Prize Museum celebrates more than a century of natural sciences, arts, and culture, and the creative minds that have and continue to dedicate their lives promoting dialogue on their respect fields.

Uppsala Castle—a 16th-century fortress—is one of Uppsala’s most notable landmarks. Recognizable for its pink facade, the castle was originally built during the reign of King Gustav Vasa and has been the site of royal coronations, assassinations, and abdications throughout the centuries. Today, Uppsala Castle is home to three different museums, one of which is housed in its original ruins.

Affectionately called Kungsan, this public park smack dab in the middle of Stockholm is one of the city's most important public spaces. Surrounded by restaurants and cafés, the park is an ideal place to rest after your walk through central Stockholm. It comes alive with blossoming cherry trees in spring and an ice skating rink during winter.

Home to the Swedish Parliament, or Riksdag, the Parliament House (Riksdagshuset) is a major historical and political landmark within Stockholm’s Old Town, or Gamla Stan. Designed by Aron Johansson and featuring two attached buildings, it was built between 1897 and 1905, and occupies about half of Helgeandsholmen Island, in the heart of the city.

This up-and-coming island district in central Stockholm was once considered the slum of the city. But today Södermalm, often referred to simply as “Söder” (Swedish for “south”), is the bohemian sector of the area full of hip cafes, cool vintage shops, and fantastic waterfront views.

Located on Djurgården island in Stockholm, Tivoli Gröna Lund is Sweden’s oldest amusement park. Most of its structures are old commercial and residential buildings dating from the 19th century, giving it a uniquely historic look and feel. From roller coasters to rock concerts, Gröna Lund entertains visitors of all ages.

The private residence of Sweden’s royal family, Drottningholm Palace (Drottningholms Slott) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the country’s best-preserved 17th-century palaces. The opulent structure, inspired by French styles with lush rococo interiors, has been renovated over the years by successive royal residents. The surrounding park features naturalistically styled landscapes, elaborate baroque gardens, a Chinese Pavilion, and more.

Skansen is the world’s oldest open-air museum and zoo. Located in Stockholm, the museum was founded in the late 19th century by Artur Hazelius, originally as a branch of the Nordic Museum (Nordiska Museet). Today it illustrates the different ways of life prevalent in old-time, pre-industrialized Sweden.

The Nordic Museum is one of Stockholm’s leading museums for exploring Swedish cultural heritage and everyday life. Located in an impressive Renaissance–style building on Djurgården, the museum’s collection features everything from fashion to folk art, furniture, jewelry, and textiles. Spanning around 500 years, the exhibits offer insights into Swedish life, traditions, celebrations, and how society has changed over time.