Stockholm City Hall (Stadshuset) serves as the seat of the Stockholm Municipality and stands as one of the city's most iconic landmarks. Located on the eastern tip of Kungsholmen island, it overlooks Riddarfjärden and faces the islands of Riddarholmen and Södermalm, creating a picturesque backdrop that integrates the city's architectural heritage with its natural waterways.

The building is renowned for its striking National Romantic style, characterized by a blend of robust Northern European brick construction with elements reminiscent of Venetian Gothic architecture. Designed by architect Ragnar Östberg, the City Hall was the result of an architectural competition initiated in 1907, with construction taking place between 1911 and 1923.

A prominent feature of the building is its monumental tower, rising 106 meters and crowned with the Three Crowns, a symbol of Sweden. Visitors can access the tower by elevator or by climbing a 365-step staircase. At the base of the tower is a gold-plated cenotaph dedicated to Birger Jarl, a 13th-century Swedish statesman.

The interior of Stockholm City Hall is equally impressive, with its Blue Hall and Golden Hall serving as major highlights. The Blue Hall, despite its name, lacks blue decorations; instead, it features a grand organ with 10,270 pipes, the largest in Scandinavia, and is the venue for the annual Nobel Prize banquet. The Golden Hall, located above the Blue Hall, is adorned with magnificent mosaics made of over 18 million tiles, depicting scenes from Swedish history and created by the German firm Puhl & Wagner.

Surrounding the City Hall is a small park that features several notable sculptures, including works by Carl Eldh, such as the ensemble representing artists August Strindberg, Gustaf Fröding, and Ernst Josephson. Another striking sculpture is the pillar topped with a statue of Engelbrekt Engelbrektsson, a 15th-century Swedish rebel leader, facing Riddarholmen.

Why You Should Visit:
Imposing from the outside but once inside, with the free guided tour that runs every 30 minutes, the building reveals its treasures.
The wall art is interesting and well-preserved; courtyards are attractive and the gardens provide great views across the water.

Tip:
From May to September, for a small fee, you can climb the tower (or take the lift up if needed) where you have a wonderful 360-degree view of Stockholm.
If you're short on time and want to both take the tour and climb the tower, make sure you visit the website and make note of the time slots (entry only at scheduled times).

The Norstedt Building, located on the islet of Riddarholmen in Stockholm, is a prominent architectural landmark and the former headquarters of the publishing house P.A. Norstedt & Söner AB. This iconic building, designed by the architect Magnus Isæus, was constructed between 1882 and 1891. Its most striking feature is the spire-like roof, which has become a well-known silhouette on the Stockholm skyline, seemingly pointing toward the heavens and adding to the city's picturesque charm.

Perched on the eastern shore of Riddarholmen, the Norstedt Building is surrounded by water on two sides, enhancing its majestic appearance. The building is part of Gamla Stan, Stockholm's Old Town, an area steeped in history and brimming with medieval architecture. The proximity of the Vasabron Bridge, which connects Norrmalm to Gamla Stan, adds to the building's accessibility and prominence.

The Norstedt Building, with its historical significance and distinctive architecture, is not only a key feature of Stockholm's urban landscape but also a popular destination for visitors. The surrounding area offers breathtaking views and numerous opportunities for photographers and history enthusiasts to explore the rich cultural heritage of Stockholm. As one of the city's historical landmarks, the Norstedt Building stands as a testament to Stockholm's architectural and historical legacy.

The House of Nobility (Riddarhuset) in Stockholm is a significant historical and cultural institution that serves as a central hub for the Swedish nobility. The term "Riddarhuset" translates to the "House of Knights," a name that reflects its medieval origins when the Swedish nobility primarily consisted of knights, alongside higher-ranking titles such as counts and barons. Today, the institution also represents esquires and untitled nobility, a tradition that traces back to the time of the Kalmar Union and the era of Sten Sture, who was the sole knight in Sweden at the time.

The building itself has a rich history, having served multiple important functions over the centuries. From the 17th to the 19th centuries, the House of Nobility was a chamber of the Swedish Parliament (Riksdag) of the Estates, which was akin to the British House of Lords. During this period, the institution played a crucial role in Sweden's legislative process. Additionally, in the 18th century, the building was used for public concerts, further embedding it in the cultural life of Stockholm.

However, with the establishment of a new parliamentary system in 1866, the role of the House of Nobility shifted to a more symbolic one. It became a quasi-official representative body for the nobility, with oversight by the Swedish government. Since 2003, the House of Nobility has functioned as a private institution, dedicated to preserving and promoting the traditions and cultural heritage of the Swedish nobility.

Architecturally, the building is a historic landmark in Stockholm’s Old Town. Its construction was initiated by Simon de la Vallée, a French-born architect, and completed by his son Jean in 1660. The building features a Latin inscription celebrating ancestral virtues and includes a statue of Gustav Vasa, who was the King of Sweden from 1523 to 1560. The design of the House of Nobility has also had an influence beyond Sweden, inspiring architecture in other countries, such as the old main library in Turku, Finland.

The Bonde Palace (Bondeska Palatset) in Stockholm is a prominent example of Swedish imperial era (1611-1718) architecture, designed between 1662 and 1667 by Nicodemus Tessin the Elder and Jean De la Vallée. Originally built as a private residence for Gustaf Bonde, the Lord High Treasurer, the palace showcases the French Baroque and Renaissance styles. Its distinctive H-shaped layout includes southern and northern wings, a steep-pitched, copper-dressed roof, and facades adorned with Ionic pilasters.

The Bonde Palace's function has evolved significantly over the centuries. Following the 1697 fire at the Three Crowns (Tre Kronor) Palace, it temporarily housed the Royal Library and the Svea Court of Appeal. In 1710, a fire destroyed its intricate roof, although the original cupolas survived. By 1730, the palace had been acquired by Stockholm City and repurposed as the Town Hall. During this period, it was the site of significant historical events, such as the public flogging of Jacob Johan Anckarström, the assassin of King Gustav III, in 1792, and the mob murder of statesman Axel von Fersen the Younger in 1810.

Throughout the 19th century, as the courthouse's needs outgrew the palace, the building deteriorated and was nearly demolished in 1920. However, a restoration effort in 1925 and further renovations in the 1940s restored its historical appearance, utilizing original materials and craftsmanship. Since 1949, the Bonde Palace has served as the home of the Swedish Supreme Court. Today, it stands as a protected historical monument, preserving its rich architectural and historical legacy.

Marten Trotzig's Alley is a unique and historical street located in the heart of Stockholm's Old Town, Gamla Stan. This area is renowned for its charming, centuries-old buildings and labyrinthine streets that have stood the test of time. Mårten Trotzigs Alley is particularly notable for being the narrowest street in Stockholm, a characteristic that has made it a popular attraction for both locals and tourists.

The alleyway is so narrow that at its tightest point, it measures only 35 inches (about 90 centimeters) wide, barely allowing enough space for a person to pass through without brushing against the walls. This cramped passage is not just a walkway; it also includes a steep staircase that connects two of the main roads in Gamla Stan. The street is adorned with a few modest lamps hanging from the walls, adding to its quaint and historical atmosphere.

The name of the alley pays homage to Mårten Trotzig, a wealthy German merchant who settled in Stockholm during the 16th century. Trotzig amassed his fortune by trading in iron and copper, becoming one of the city's wealthiest citizens. He eventually purchased the land surrounding the alleyway and set up a shop there. Although the alley did not originally have a name, it quickly became associated with Trotzig, and thus it has carried his name ever since.

Mårten Trotzigs Alley remains a fascinating piece of Stockholm's history, offering a glimpse into the city's past and the daily life of its earlier inhabitants. Despite its narrowness, or perhaps because of it, the alley continues to captivate visitors who come to experience this small but significant piece of Gamla Stan.

The Old Town (Gamla Stan) is the historic heart of Stockholm. Officially known until 1980 as "the Town between the Bridges," this area is situated primarily on the island of Stadsholmen. Although the name Gamla Stan is colloquially used to refer to the entire Old Town, it also officially includes the surrounding islets of Riddarholmen, Helgeandsholmen, and Strömsborg. The area is home to approximately 3,000 residents.

Dating back to the 13th century, Old Town is a well-preserved medieval district, characterized by its narrow alleyways, cobblestone streets, and historical architecture. The influence of North German architectural styles is particularly evident in many of the buildings. The area has been shaped by some of Sweden’s most notable architects, such as Nicodemus Tessin and Carl Hårleman, who played key roles in the construction of significant landmarks like the Stockholm Palace.

Old Town is rich in historical buildings, including the Stockholm Stock Exchange Building, Bonde Palace (the seat of the Swedish Supreme Court), and the House of Nobility, which once hosted the Swedish parliament. In the heart of Old Town lies Stortorget, a picturesque large square surrounded by old merchants' houses and notable buildings such as the Stockholm Stock Exchange Building. Stortorget is also infamous as the site of the Stockholm Bloodbath of 1520, where Danish King Christian II ordered the execution of Swedish noblemen, leading to a revolt that eventually dissolved the Kalmar Union and saw the rise of King Gustav I.

Key landmarks in Old Town include the Stockholm Cathedral, the Nobel Museum, and the Riddarholm Church, which is the royal burial church. Another significant site is the Royal Palace, which was constructed in the 18th century after the previous palace, Tre Kronor, was destroyed by fire. The House of Nobility (Riddarhuset), located in the north-western part of Old Town, is another historic structure of note.

Old Town is also home to one of the world's oldest continuously operating restaurants, Den Gyldene Freden, located on Österlånggatan. Established in 1722, it has maintained its original environment and is now owned by the Swedish Nobel Academy, which holds weekly luncheons there. The Stockholm Cathedral houses the famous statue of Saint George and the Dragon, sculpted by Bernt Notke, while the Riddarholm Church (Riddarholmskyrkan) serves as the royal burial church.

Tip:
Some streets can be a bit too touristy to handle, so try and stay away from the beaten tracks and explore a bit, or come in the morning for a stroll.
If you look beyond the tourist shops, there are quite a few nice little fascinating stores.

Contrary to its name, Stockholm's "Grand Square" (Stortorget) was never a stylish showpiece unlike the ones in many other European cities during the Middle Ages. It was created gradually, with the surrounding buildings added haphazardly throughout the years.

Nowadays, this is the city's oldest square and an artistic and shopping hub, particularly renowned for its annual Christmas market with fun shows, traditional handicrafts, and sumptuous culinary delights.

It is also the location of the Stock Exchange Building (Börshuset) – home to the Swedish Academy, the Nobel Museum, and the Nobel Library – built in 1773 through 1776. The nearby well dried up in 1856 due to land elevation. It was then relocated to another square (Brunkebergstorg) but eventually moved back to its original location in the 1950s, and has been connected to the city water conduit ever since.

Grand Square sits at the highest point in Stockholm and presents a carefully restored rendition of the historical buildings. Among them is house No. 3 constructed in the 1640s, commonly known as Grill House (Grillska Huset), named after its owner, Antoni Grill. The nearby building No. 5 was also Grill's property. The buildings at numbers 18 and 20 were merged into one in the 17th century and named for Johan Eberhard Schantz, the secretary of King Charles X Gustavus. House No. 22, on the left side of the square, once occupied by one of the closest friends of King Charles XI, was built in 1758 and is easily identified by its green color.

The square had a violent history, ill-famed as the location of the Stockholm Bloodbath, which took place in 1520 and resulted in the beheadings of over 80 noblemen. Their bodies were left there to bleed out, leaving pools of blood running throughout the town. Eww...(((

Indeed, the antique cobblestones of Grand Square make you feel like stepping back into the times of Old Sweden, with the pastel buildings mimicking the colors commonplace in those days.

Why You Should Visit:
The Old Town is by far the most picturesque area in Stockholm, and while this square seems unpretentious at first sight, it has a unique ambiance.

Tip:
Make sure to stand in the middle and look all around you.

Stockholm Cathedral, also known as the Church of Saint Nicholas (Sankt Nikolai Kyrka), is the oldest and one of the most historically significant temples in Stockholm. Centrally located at the highest point of Old Town (Gamla Stan), it is flanked by the Stock Exchange Building and Stockholm Palace, forming an integral part of the city's Baroque architectural landscape.

The cathedral was consecrated in 1306, with its origins dating back to the 13th century. It features a late medieval hall interior, while the exterior showcases Baroque modifications added in the 18th century. As a crucial site during the Reformation, Stockholm Cathedral hosted the first Mass in the Swedish language. Since 1942, it has served as the seat of the Bishop of Stockholm, highlighting its ongoing religious importance.

The cathedral has a deep historical connection with the Swedish royal family, having served as the city's sole parish church for many centuries. It has been the venue for royal coronations and other significant ceremonies, including the wedding of Crown Princess Victoria in 2010. The cathedral continues to play a vital role in national events and memorials, such as the funeral of renowned Swedish author Astrid Lindgren.

Inside, the cathedral houses several significant artworks, including a medieval sculpture of Saint George and the Dragon and the Vädersolstavlan painting, one of the earliest depictions of Stockholm. The surrounding area of the cathedral is rich with historical courtyards and statues, including representations of Reason, Divine Love, Caution, and Hope. Additionally, a statue of Olaus Petri, a key figure in the Swedish Reformation, stands near the church's east facade, where the pavement also marks the former extent of a church choir demolished during the reign of King Gustav Vasa in the 16th century.

Why You Should Visit:
Architecturally interesting, culturally enriching, and very peaceful.

Tip:
Check for free organ recitals (usually at noon) and other events.
Make sure to pick up a brochure as it is very helpful in explaining several main focuses within the cathedral.

The Royal Palace in Stockholm, also known as Stockholm Palace, is the official residence of the Swedish monarch, although King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia primarily reside at Drottningholm Palace. Situated in the Old Town of Stockholm (Gamla Stan), adjacent to the Parliament building, the Royal Palace is a significant ceremonial venue for the King in his role as head of state.

This historic site has served as a royal residence since the mid-13th century, originally home to the Three Crowns (Tre Kronor) Castle. Following a devastating fire in 1697, the current palace was constructed, with its completion delayed until 1754 due to the Great Northern War. The palace is one of the largest in the world, boasting over 1,400 rooms, including state and guest apartments, the Hall of State, the Royal Chapel, and several museums.

Visitors are welcomed by the Swedish Royal Guard, a tradition rooted in medieval Sweden, adding to the palace's majestic atmosphere. The palace’s interior is notable for its exquisite copper roof and houses significant cultural artifacts, including the Bernadotte Library, the Royal Armoury, and the Three Crowns Museum.

One of the most distinguished features is Gustav III's Museum of Antiquities, one of Europe’s oldest museums, which displays over 200 sculptures acquired by King Gustav III during his travels in Italy. The palace also offers a unique shopping experience at the Royal Gift Shop, where visitors can purchase exclusive items linked to the Royal Collections. The shop is open daily with free entry, making it a popular destination for both history enthusiasts and those seeking distinctive souvenirs.

Tip:
While the rooms are well-marked in English, it's always good to go on a guided tour for a more personalized experience.
The Treasury room, with all the regalia, would justify taking the tour as you get to learn more about what you're looking at.

The Royal Swedish Opera, located in the heart of Stockholm, is a prestigious opera and ballet company with a rich history dating back to the 18th century. Situated in the Norrmalm district, the Opera House stands on the eastern side of Gustav Adolfs Torg, across from the former Arvfurstens Palats, now the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, and near other significant landmarks like the Royal Palace, Sager House, and the Riksdag building.

The opera company was founded by King Gustav III alongside the Royal Swedish Academy of Music. Its inaugural performance, Thetis and Phelée, took place on January 18, 1773, marking the first native-speaking opera performed in Sweden. However, the original opera house, commissioned by King Gustav III and designed by architect Carl Fredrik Adelcrantz, was not completed until 1782. This "Gustavian Opera" was an imposing structure featuring a Corinthian tetrastyle portico, a four-tiered auditorium, and a lavish neoclassical foyer. The building served as a cultural hub for over a century before being demolished in 1892 to make way for a new opera house.

The current Royal Opera House, designed by Axel Johan Anderberg, was inaugurated in 1897 by King Oscar II with a production of Franz Berwald's Estrella de Soria. This Neoclassical building, known simply as "Operan," features a grand, golden foyer (Guldfoajén) and a marble grand staircase leading to a three-tiered auditorium, which seats 1,200. While smaller than its predecessor, the new house maintains the grandeur and elegance befitting its royal patronage. The Royal Box, reserved for the Swedish Royal Family, is prominently located in the first tier above the orchestra pit.

The Royal Swedish Opera is renowned for its rich tradition of featuring world-class talent, including legendary singers like Jussi Björling, Birgit Nilsson, and Anne Sofie von Otter. The company performs a wide range of productions, mostly in their original languages with Swedish subtitles. The Royal Swedish Orchestra, or Kungliga Hovkapellet, is one of Europe's oldest orchestras, tracing its origins back to 1526.

Today, the Royal Swedish Opera continues to be a cornerstone of Sweden's cultural life, preserving and advancing the country's operatic and ballet traditions.

Why You Should Visit:
Beautiful inside and outside, this opera house is a gorgeously decorated edifice worth admiring by architecture lovers.
The actual stage and seating area are smaller than one might imagine, which makes for a very cozy and intimate setting.
The operas played here are usually of very high quality.

Tip:
You can well purchase your tickets for performances online, as the schedule is published for the whole season.
By taking a guided tour, you will have the opportunity to look backstage, visit the Royal Box, and look into the orchestra pit.

Kulturhuset is a cultural center, one of the largest of its kind in Northern Europe. For several years before 1983, it had provided temporary accommodation to the Swedish Parliament whose own building was under construction. Designed as a public space for all people in Stockholm, Kulturhuset Stadsteatern is the brainchild of architect Peter Celsing who strove to create a space fit to accommodate all forms of art. The renowned architect won the competition for a new cultural center in 1966. The glass front of the building facing Sergels torg enhances the idea of a shared common space, and, at night, creates a transparent view into the interior.

There are eight stages at Kulturhuset Stadsteatern used annually for over 2,000 shows of performing arts, and attended by audience of more than half a million people. Since 2013, Kulturhuset Stadsteatern has had its own dance company in residence.

Kulturhuset Stadsteatern hosts about six curated art, design and fashion exhibitions annually, and has six profile libraries catering to different audiences, of which three have a children’s and youth perspective. The building also houses a theater, restaurants, shops, several cafes, a variety of entertainment facilities, plus a Tourist Center run by external partners.

Any given day, the house offers new paths into diversity, be it film or debate, an exhibition, dance or musical performance, or just finding that special book you always wanted but never thought existed.

The Stockholm Concert Hall, located in the heart of Stockholm, is a prestigious venue renowned for its exquisite orchestral music performances and significant cultural events. Designed by the prominent architect Ivar Tengbom, the hall was constructed in the Neoclassical style, drawing inspiration from the ancient temples of Classical Greece. The building's striking bright blue façade and its elegant courtyard, surrounded by ornate porticos, make it an architectural landmark in the city.

The concert hall first opened its doors in 1926 and has since become the permanent home of the Royal Stockholm Philharmonic Orchestra, one of Sweden's most esteemed musical institutions. Founded in 1902, the orchestra has been captivating classical music lovers with its performances since 1914 and continues to receive support from the Swedish Royal Family. The orchestra plays a central role in the annual Nobel Prize ceremonies, which are held in the concert hall, adding to the venue's global significance.

In addition to hosting the Nobel Prize ceremony, the Stockholm Concert Hall is also the site of the Polar Music Prize, an international award established in 1989. This prestigious prize is awarded annually to one contemporary musician and one classical musician, celebrating their contributions to the world of music. Sir Paul McCartney, a founding member of the Beatles, was among the first to receive this distinguished award.

The Stockholm Concert Hall features two theaters that cater to different audience sizes. The larger theater can accommodate up to 1,600 attendees, while a more intimate adjoining theater seats up to 450 people, offering versatile settings for a variety of performances and events. Tickets for concerts typically go on sale two weeks before performances, allowing patrons to experience the world-class music and cultural experiences that the Stockholm Concert Hall has to offer.

Children's Museum (Junibacken) is located on the picturesque island of Djurgården in central Stockholm. Opened in 1996 by the Swedish Royal Family, it has become one of Stockholm’s most popular tourist destinations, ranking as the city's fifth most-visited attraction. The museum is dedicated to celebrating Swedish children's literature, with a special focus on the works of beloved author Astrid Lindgren, whose legacy is honored with a bronze statue at the museum's entrance.

The interior of the Children's Museum is a visual delight, thanks to the artistic direction of Marit Törnqvist, a Swedish artist known for her illustrations in more recent editions of Lindgren's books. The museum's design is immersive and whimsical, perfectly capturing the magical world of children's stories. Upon entering, visitors are greeted by a unique display of lockers shaped like giant book spines, each featuring titles of classic works such as Treasure Island and The Jungle Book.

One of the key attractions of the Children's Museum is the Storybook Square, a charming mock public square where each house pays tribute to a different Swedish children's author, from early pioneers like Elsa Beskow to contemporary writers such as Sven Nordqvist. The square leads to a replica of the Vimmerby railway station, which not only serves as a nostalgic nod to Lindgren's hometown but also showcases treasured memorabilia, including a letter of admiration for Lindgren from former Soviet Union President Mikhail Gorbachev.

From the station, visitors embark on a magical train ride through the enchanting worlds created by Astrid Lindgren. Each stage of the ride is dedicated to one of her famous works, such as Madicken, Karlsson-on-the-Roof, Ronia the Robber's Daughter, Emil i Lönneberga, and The Brothers Lionheart. The journey concludes with a delightful half-size reconstruction of Villa Villekulla, the iconic home of Lindgren's most famous character, Pippi Longstocking.

The Children's Museum also features the largest children's bookstore in Sweden, a theatre for live performances, a restaurant, and a space for temporary exhibitions. These exhibitions typically focus on a specific author or character and remain in place for about 11 months.

Tip:
Choose lunchtime wisely or make sure you take sufficient water/juice for your tot as the queues for dining can get quite long.
Make sure that you get tickets for the fairy tale ride, as that is the main attraction of the place.

The Vasa Museum is a unique maritime museum experience; in fact, it is said to be the most popular museum in all of Scandinavia. It houses a 17th-century 64-gun warship that has been meticulously restored and preserved. It is a grand lady of the sea, measuring 69 meters and was built under the rule of King Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden. Intended to be the flagship of the Swedish Navy, the ship sunk on its maiden voyage, barely making it out of the harbor, when high seas and wind overtook its deck.

Vasa is filled with some of the most ornate and exquisite carvings ever seen on a ship of its kind. It is located in a climate and humidity controlled environment and is constantly monitored and maintained to keep it in the most ideal condition for a relic of its age. The ship is a terrific photographic subject but expect its interior to be dark, making it difficult to get that perfect photo. Besides the ship itself, the museum is filled with tools of the maritime trade and traces the history of Scandinavian maritime society.

Why You Should Visit:
It's not much of a stretch to say that there are not many ships available to examine that were built in 1628. Inside, there are several levels so you can see it from all angles.
As a bonus, at the back of the building, you can visit three interesting boats belonging to the Maritime Museum – and for free!

Tip:
Allow a couple of hours for the visit and therefore arrive 2/3 hours before it closes – it will be much quieter then.