Spooktacular Stockholm: Top Ways to Celebrate Halloween

people enjoying a halloween party in full costume

Stockholm might be famous for clean design and midnight sun, but when October rolls in, this sparkling city leans right into Halloween. Think winding medieval streets that look extra mysterious by candlelight, museums with Viking spirits, and bakeries trading semla buns for spiced pumpkin treats. Whether you’re after family-friendly fun, a spine-tingling night tour, or just want to sample Sweden’s sweet side, Stockholm serves up spooky and snug experiences in equal measure. Planning a Halloween that’s as memorable as it is magical? Here’s where to start! 

The best Halloween experiences in Stockholm include: 

The Swedish History Museum 

The Viking Museum 

Skansen 

Stockholm Ghost Walk (Gamla Stan) 

The Royal Armoury - Livrustkammaren 

ICEBAR Stockholm 

Fotografiska 

Swedish Museum of Natural History 

Traditional Swedish Fika at Systrarna Andersson 

Gröna Lund Amusement Park 

The Swedish History Museum: Mystery, Myths, and Medieval Shadows 

If you want a little history with your Halloween, the Swedish History Museum sets the perfect scene. The atmospheric vaulted halls feel tailor-made for ghost stories and ancient secrets. Explore darkened galleries filled with Vikings’ battle axes, skeletons, and hauntingly beautiful artifacts—from golden helmets to pagan amulets. Special seasonal exhibitions often ramp up the spooky factor, with chilling tales of medieval plagues or Norse ghost legends. 

Kids will love hunting for cryptic runes and deciphering tales of long-ago kings, while grown-ups can ponder the real-life terrors faced by ancient Stockholmers. Visiting in October? Check their schedule for candlelit tours or special events—the museum knows how to set a spooky tone without losing its sense of adventure. Whether you believe in spirits or not, you’ll leave with goosebumps. 

The Viking Museum: Spooky Sagas and Ghostly Warriors

If you think Halloween is all about vampires and witches, think again: Stockholm’s Vikings have their own set of ghostly legends! The Viking Museum offers an interactive journey through northern folklore. Hop on Ragnfrid’s Saga, an immersive ride where eerie lighting and haunting sound effects bring myths to life—from cursed treasures to undead warriors lurking in the mist. 

Knowledgeable guides share lurid stories of Viking trolls, restless spirits, and rituals for keeping evil at bay. Kids can dress up in warrior cloaks or craft a “ghost amulet” like Vikings once did to ward off mischievous spirits. The museum’s dramatic storytelling makes it feel as though the ancient Norse world is just a heartbeat away. Come for the battle axes, stay for the spine-chilling tales. 

Skansen: Halloween in Sweden’s Oldest Open-Air Museum 

Ready for Halloween with a twist of Swedish tradition? Skansen transforms its historic village every October. Lanterns line the pathways, and costumed characters stroll the grounds, blending authentic All Hallows’ Eve customs with classic Swedish autumn fun. Kids can join apple bobbing, pumpkin carving, face painting, or hear old-time ghost stories next to flickering bonfires. 

The historic wooden houses look straight out of a storybook—especially once the sun sets. Don’t miss traditional “horror walks” where guides unspool spooky tales about everything from forest trolls to haunted barns. Local stalls tempt with caramel apples and warm cinnamon buns. Skansen’s Halloween is snug, not scary, with just enough mystery to delight every age. 

Stockholm Ghost Walk: Chilling Legends in Gamla Stan 

Ready to walk where spirits tread? The Stockholm Ghost Walk invites you into Gamla Stan—a medieval maze that feels extra eerie by lantern light. Your guide, clothed in cloak and carrying a flickering lamp, weaves stories of murders, hauntings, and curses that linger in Stockholm’s oldest alleys. 

You’ll visit haunted courtyards, pass by the city’s narrowest street (where restless spirits reportedly roam), and try your luck at deciphering mysterious runes etched into ancient stones. The storytelling is playful, with jump scares for the brave and fun facts for skeptic souls. Whether you believe in ghosts or just love spine-tingling anecdotes, this walk always delivers shivers—plus a fresh new way to see the city. 

The Royal Armoury - Livrustkammaren: Haunted Costumes and Royal Relics 

Deep beneath the Royal Palace, the Royal Armoury is packed with spooky potential. Imagine royal carriages from centuries ago, mysterious suits of armor, and ceremonial swords—all displayed in golden-lit underground vaults dotted with secrets. Uncover tales of dastardly plots, royal assassinations, and rumors of palace hauntings. 

We especially recommend the guided tours offered around Halloween, where curators add extra ghost stories and dark legends from Sweden’s royal past. Even if you’re just exploring solo, it’s easy to imagine the echo of footfalls from long-dead kings or the glint of candlelight on ancient steel armor. Afterward, stroll nearby Stortorget Square—one of Stockholm’s oldest, and home to more than a few spirited legends itself. 

ICEBAR Stockholm: The Coolest (and Chilliest) Halloween Party

Who says Halloween can’t be frosty? Step into ICEBAR Stockholm for a Halloween party set at -5°C. The entire bar—walls, glasses, barstools, and tables—is sculpted from sparkling Jukkasjärvi ice. The blue glow, icy fog, and crackling music create a magical, mysterious atmosphere that pairs perfectly with ghoulish costumes and berry-infused cocktails. 

Each Halloween, staff often add quirky themed décor—think frozen jack-o-lanterns and ghostly lighting. Don your provided thermal cape and gloves, then order a drink with a Scandinavian twist: cloudberry spirits and lingonberry juice abound. Take some chilly selfies and raise a toast to a Halloween you’ll never forget. It’s fun, unique, and guaranteed to give you goosebumps—literally. 

Fotografiska: Dark Art and Nighttime Chills 

If your Halloween style leans more ‘cultured creeper’ than classic ghost, Fotografiska delivers the drama. Stockholm’s top photography museum often features moody, boundary-pushing exhibits that fit October’s vibes. The soaring industrial gallery spaces, bathed in dramatic lighting, set the perfect eerie tone. 

Halloween frequently sees after-dark events, where the museum comes alive with spooky-themed musical performances, haunting art installations, or candlelit tours. Wind your way through thought-provoking images, then admire the nighttime city views from their stylish top-floor café. Order a steaming hot chocolate with cardamom while you swap scary stories with friends—as settings go, it’s hard to beat. 

Swedish Museum of Natural History: Monsters, Dinos, and Cosmic Mysteries 

For a Halloween that’s both fun and educational, swing by the Swedish Museum of Natural History. Start with the dinosaur halls—towering skeletons and gigantic jaws are sure to spook (and delight) little monsters. The museum’s darker displays showcase everything from mysterious meteorites to actual “monster fish” from deep beneath Swedish lakes. 

Check for their Halloween programming: workshops, wild science experiments, and costume contests for kids often feature throughout late October. The immersive Cosmonova IMAX theater sometimes screens nature documentaries with a Halloween spin—imagine massive sharks or ancient dragons looming above you on a three-story dome! It’s a spirited blend of learning and adventure, perfect for those who crave Halloween thrills with a scientific twist. 

Traditional Swedish Fika at Systrarna Andersson: Cozy Up with Spooky Sweets 

All that haunting calls for a sweet Swedish treat. At Systrarna Andersson, indulge in an authentic fika—a pause for coffee and cake, Swedish style. Around Halloween, this cheerful café in Kungsholmen dresses up for the season with pumpkin spice buns, gooey caramel brownies, and black licorice confections alongside their famous cinnamon rolls. 

The ambiance is all autumn warmth: flickering candles, vintage furniture, and big windows watching the golden leaves tumble past. Order a foggy-latte or a mug of hot chocolate stacked with cream, and savor the feeling of fall in the city. Whether you’re warming up after an outdoor adventure or just in the mood for hygge, Systrarna Andersson makes Halloween deliciously cozy. 

Gröna Lund Amusement Park: Haunted Houses and Halloween Fun 

Round off your trip with some old-fashioned Halloween thrills at Gröna Lund, Stockholm’s beloved amusement park on Djurgården. In October, it transforms into a haunted wonderland with costumed ghouls, glowing jack-o-lanterns, and enough spooky ambiance to keep the whole family buzzing. Expect plenty of treats (and a few good-natured tricks) as you wander through haunted houses designed to deliver just the right amount of shivers, whether you’re bringing brave little witches or adrenaline-loving teens. 

The park rolls out seasonal attractions like monster mazes, eerie funhouses, and night rides where the city lights twinkle across the water. You’ll spot scare actors popping up from behind gravestones and foggy corners, adding a playful jump-scare or two. Even classic rides like the rollercoaster and tilt-a-whirl get a Halloween makeover—watch out for the ghosts who might want to tag along for the ride! 

 

Whether you’re chasing haunted legends, getting creative with costumes, or simply craving autumnal flavors, Stockholm transforms Halloween into something uniquely Swedish—and totally memorable. So bundle up, bring your sense of adventure, and lean into the city’s playful spooky side. Every ghostly alley, candlelit museum, and cinnamon-dusted pastry holds a slice of Halloween magic in the Swedish capital! 

 

Enjoyed this? Check out our comprehensive guide to Fotografiska, and learn how to get from the airport to the city in style.  

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Stockholm's island archipelago
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Stockholm Airport to City Travel Options

Stockholm is the kind of magical place from which dreams are woven. This fairytale archipelago of 14 islands packs in a mind-boggling variety of attractions and activities, making it ideal for a city break in just about any season. We’re talking one of Europe’s most colorfully picturesque old towns, medieval cobbled lanes perfect for getting lost in, great swathes of picnic-perfect parkland, plus baroque palaces, great gothic cathedrals, world-class museums (ABBA, anyone?) and traditional Swedish spas galore. With so many great things to do here, you’ll naturally want to get to the heart of the action fast.  Most visitors arrive here by plane via Stockholm’s international Arlanda Airport, so we’ve put together a guide to the travel options that will get you into town as quickly, cheaply and efficiently as possible. Read on for everything you need to know about Stockholm’s airport to city travel options… Stockholm Arlanda Airport in Brief There are four airports serving Stockholm, of which Arlanda is the biggest and most used, serving as a major hub for flights operated by Scandinavian Airlines and processing around 3.5 million passengers every year. In fact, Arlanda is the largest airport in Sweden and third-largest in the Nordic countries (after Copenhagen and Oslo, fact fans). Stockholm’s other airports are Bromma (closer to the center, but mostly for domestic flights), and Skavsta and Västerås, both of which are geared more towards low-cost airlines and are located around 60 miles from Stockholm proper. Back to Arlanda, then, which lies around 23 miles (40 kilometers) north of Stockholm and is well-connected to the city center by bus, train and taxi. Just clear passport control, grab your luggage, and you can be indulging in the Swedish art of fika in Gamla Stan (Stockholm’s old town) in less than 20 minutes. How? Here’s how. Stockholm Airport to City by Public Transport By Train Want to get into Stockholm from the airport fast? The Arlanda Express is your friend. Hands down the quickest and most comfortable way of traveling into town, it takes just 18 minutes to reach Stockholm Central. It’s also very convenient: the service runs every 15 minutes throughout the day, breaking for a few hours between around 1AM and 4AM, meaning you’ll rarely have to wait long for a train to come along. It’s certainly not the cheapest travel option though. An adult ticket costs 340 SEK (around $30) one way, and it’s 640 SEK for a return. In short, this may well be the best option for solo travelers, but for groups of two or more, a cab is likely to be more cost-effective. Top tip: buy online in advance or from airport ticket machines for the best prices; you’ll pay a premium for purchasing on board. Slower commuter trains also depart Arlanda Airport twice hourly, taking 38 minutes to reach the city center. These are of course cheaper than the Arlanda Express and tickets can be bought at the station desk, via ticket machines or, perhaps most conveniently, using the SL smart phone ticket app.  By Bus Arlanda is well served by bus services. Both Flixbus and Flygbussarna run services to central Stockholm every 15-20 minutes during peak hours, with a journey time of just under 50 minutes. Prices start from 75 SEK ($7) one way, with discounts for return trips and group bookings. Top Tip: SL Travelcards  Commuter train travel from Arlanda Airport is covered by an SL travelcard, which also includes travel on underground trains, trams, buses and some ferry routes within the Greater Stockholm area. Passes are available in 24-hour, 72-hour and 7-day increments and will save you money (and time) if you plan to use public transport a lot while in town. Note that while you can also use the Arlanda Express with the SL travelcard, it carries a fairly hefty supplement of around 130 SEK ($12). Stockholm Airport to City by Private Transfer If, like many, all you want to do after your flight is flop into the back of a cab and be chauffeured through the unfamiliar city to the door of your vacation digs, you’re in luck. There are two cab ranks – one at terminal 2 and another at terminal 5 – where you can easily pick up a ride. Cab firms that operate here are contracted to Swedavia, the state-owned company that owns most of Sweden’s airports. That means peace of mind for you, thanks to regulations that include fare-capping within a designated zone. You should pay no more than 800 SEK ($75) for journeys with up to four people within the zone, and a maximum of 1,275 SEK ($120) for larger vehicles. That said, it always pays to agree a fare with your driver before you depart, especially if you’re going to be traveling beyond the designated zone. You can of course also use ride-hailing apps like Bolt and Uber, both of which operate in Stockholm, though these are unregulated and, as such, may end up costing you more, especially during ‘surge’ periods. Either way, the journey will generally take around 45 minutes in normal traffic, heading south into town straight down the E4 highway from Arlanda Airport. Stockholm Airport to City by Rental Car You’ll find several reliable car rental companies operating out of Stockholm Airport, including Sixt, Europcar, Hertz, Budget and Thrifty. Driving into and around Stockholm is relatively undaunting, with wide roads, straightforward signage and a populace that (largely) obeys the rules of the road. Some hotels will offer parking and there are plenty of parking garages around town if yours does not, though the cost of daily parking – around 300 SEK ($28) per 24 hours – can be high. It’s also worth noting that the city operates a congestion charge on weekdays, so the cost of having your own set of wheels will soon mount up, especially for stays of more than a couple of days. Our recommendation? Unless you have plans to take a scenic road trip to Sundsvall, Dalsland or even Oslo, you’ll likely find the city’s public transportation system more than sufficient for your needs. Save on Attractions, Tours and Activities in Stockholm Save on admission to Stockholm attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
Art depicting rainbows and blue skies on the platform of Stockholm's Stadion metro station
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Things to do in Stockholm When it Rains

If you're filled with dread by the idea of trudging through even the most beautiful of medieval European old towns during a torrential downpour, tearfully clutching your ineffective umbrella, fear not! We’ve put together the top things to do in Stockholm when it rains, meaning there’s no need to let a little thing like a downpour ruin your vacation. Highlights include: Nordiska Museet Covered boat tours The Swedish art of fika Steamy saunas A super (trouper) ABBA museum Stunning subway art Meatballs! Nordiska Museet What better way to spend a rainy day than exploring the numerous educational exhibitions at the magnificent Nordiska Museet? Sweden's Nordic Museum houses an impressive one-and-a-half million exhibits telling stories of life and culture in the Nordic region. The museum's latest exhibition 'The Arctic - While The Ice Is Melting' offers a captivating and thought-provoking exploration of the rapidly changing Arctic region. Investigating the effects of climate change, immersive installations, stunning visuals and interactive elements shine a spotlight on the Arctic's fragile ecosystem and its inhabitants. Seamlessly combining scientific research with personal narratives, you'll gain a deep understanding of our responsibility to protect and preserve this precious region for future generations! See Stockholm by Boat When wet weather messes with your plans... take to the water! With 14 main islands and many thousands more scattered along the length of its archipelago, Stockholm's no slouch when it comes to boat excursions. There’s a huge variety to choose from, ranging from straightforward guided tours of the city center that take in attractions including the old town and pretty Djurgården island to full-throttle three-hour voyages into the archipelago with expert commentary from your guide along the way. Fika Like the Locals To the Swedes, fika is so much more than a mere coffee break. It’s an art, a concept, a state of mind way more nebulous than any mere cup of espresso could ever accurately convey. We foreigners can merely study the locals carefully then do our best to emulate this fine tradition. Our recommendation: find a cozy café – ideally in the medieval old town with beautiful views of, say, a cobbled alley or that amazing rainbow of gabled townhouses on Stortorget square – order coffees and sweet treats like warm cardamom or cinnamon buns, and chat about nothing in particular to your companion as rain drums against the window outside. Perfection. Tom Tits Experiment Don’t be put off by the slightly unusual name (it’s named after an obscure 19th-century French cartoon character): Tom Tits Experiment is an exciting extravaganza of interactive science experiments to suit all ages, and is sure to add some sparkle and sunshine to any rainy day in Stockholm. We’re talking hundreds of mind-bending things to do, from cycling along a tightrope, finding out how a slinky behaves on a treadmill, defying gravity in a centrifuge and getting lost in the mirror maze. Don’t forget to bag more cool puzzles and experiments in the shop on your way out. Östermalms Saluhall Mosey on over to the hip and happening Östermalm district where a lovingly restored Victorian food hall holds enough delights to keep you occupied until long after the skies have cleared. Inside this hugely Instagrammable red-brick market, stalls groan with fresh fruit and vegetables, colorful homemade cakes, fish fresh from the Baltic Sea and meat farmed in and around Stockholm County. Pick up armfuls of supplies for lunch back at your Airbnb, or leave the cooking to the experts and settle in for an afternoon of gourmet Nordic treats at one of the fine restaurants here. Steamy saunas When in Stockholm, do as the Swedes do and treat yourself to a traditional sauna experience. One of the best and most popular in the area, Centralbadet is an art nouveau-style bath house located a few minutes north of the old town, offering aromatherapy herb saunas amongst other treatments. Or head out to Hellasgården for lake swimming (assuming you’re hardy enough to brave the chilly water) and lovely views of the lush green landscape from the comfort of the hot sauna. Note that it’s the norm to go nude in Swedish saunas (and bathing suits are actually forbidden in some), so remember to leave your towel (and prudishness) at the door. ABBA The Museum So guaranteed are ABBA to lift the spirits that their music should probably be available on prescription. Step out of the rain and into ABBA the Museum on the pretty island of Djurgården and you’ll soon see what we mean. Sure, there are amazing stage costumes, photographs, gold discs and other memorabilia to check out here, but what you really came for was the chance to get inside a karaoke booth and belt out Mamma Mia, right? Dancing queens can even bust out their best moves alongside holographic avatars of Benny, Björn, Frida and Agnetha. Sensational Subway Art Stockholm has a plethora of fine art galleries, including Fotografiska and the (free) Moderna Museet and National Museum. Descend beneath the streets to experience yet more eye-popping contemporary art. Down here, the subway network has been dubbed ‘the longest art gallery in the world’ thanks to the paintings, sculptures and mosaics on display in around 90% of the stations. Grab yourself a ticket and ride the metro to Rådhuset (pictured) for the unheimlich experience of being in the deepest bowels of the earth, to Odenplan for delicate fluorescent light tubes modeled on the cardio patterns produced by a newborn child’s heartbeat, and to Stadion for spirit-lifting blue skies and rainbows. Stockholm Public Library Hands down one of the best things to do in Stockholm on a rainy day is a visit to the city's vast Public Library (Stadsbibliotek). Fans of literature and fine architecture will be in clover inside this huge orange-red rotunda, where curved shelves crammed full of novels, poetry, reference books and more soar skywards in the cylindrical reading tower. There are plenty of English language titles here, so grab a selection, find yourself a cozy nook and get settled in until the storm outside passes. Vasa Museum You can’t miss the Vasa Museum on Djurgården island – it's the building with sails that protrude from its roof and rise high up above the treetops! Step inside to discover the forbidding royal warship that sank on its maiden voyage from Stockholm in 1628, lying untouched until its recovery centuries later in 1961. Discover the ship’s fascinating history, including why it sank and how it was salvaged, and learn about life on board through the various artifacts discovered inside the Vasa when it was raised from the harbor’s murky depths. Meatballs! Anyone who has ever spent an afternoon in IKEA will know that meatballs are as much a part of Sweden’s national identity as flat-pack furniture, ABBA, schnapps and summer crayfish parties. You’ll find these delicious little spheres of meat in any Stockholm café or restaurant worth its salt, but the aptly named Meatballs For The People in trendy Södermalm is as good a place to start as any. You can also, should you so desire, catch the complimentary bus from the city center to the world’s biggest IKEA store, a magical place where meatball dreams are made. Save on things to do in Stockholm when it’s raining Save on admission to Stockholm attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram and Facebook for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
Christmas market in Stockholm's old town
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Things to do in Stockholm

Connected by a whopping 57 bridges, Stockholm’s city center’s cluster of 14 islands are chock-full of amazing attractions, from baroque palaces and medieval churches to rickety rollercoasters and traditional meatball emporia. It’s a compact city, easy to get around on foot (or by tram, metro, bus and boat) and there are more than enough things to do in Stockholm to keep even the most jaded of sightseers busy for a good few days, perhaps even a week. Dive in for our guide to Stockholm’s must-see attractions... Gamla Stan There’s no better introduction to Stcokholm’s fairytale charms than a stroll through Gamla Stan, the city’s medieval old town. Start in Stortorget – the main square – location of the city’s most photographed buildings: a swoonsome row of gabled 17th-century townhouses in chili reds, turmeric yellows and mint greens. Delicious! Even more delicious are the still-warm cinnamon and cardamom buns you’ll see glistening in bakers’ windows here. Grab one (or two) for sustenance then get lost in Gamla Stan’s atmospheric cobbled streets. It’s along these narrow lanes that you’ll encounter such treats as Stockholm Cathedral (Storkyran), a medieval gothic confection with a beautiful copper-green bell tower, awe-inspiring vaulted interiors and artifacts that include a 15th-century sculpture of St George and the Dragon. The occasional candlelit concerts that take place inside are highly recommended, should your visit happen to coincide with one. Other highlights of a walk around Gamla Stan include the opulent Royal Palace (the Swedish monarch’s official residence, no less), where you can watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony. And Stockholm’s narrowest alley, which tapers to a mere 90 centimeters across at one point and may make you regret that second cinnamon bun. Also not to be missed is the quite extraordinary carving over the doorway of Skeppsbron 44, which depicts the distraught face of a cuckolded husband sobbing over his wife’s... how do we put this politely?... lady bits. Apparently commissioned by the husband himself, it’s well worth a look, especially on rainy days when tears appear to pour from his eyes. Stockholm’s Best Museums You’re pretty spoiled for choice when it comes to fine museums and galleries in Stockholm. Chief among these is Skansen, an exceptional open-air living history museum on the verdant island of Djurgården, where craftspeople in period costume demonstrate what life was like in 19th-century Sweden. Also on Djurgården are a museum containing a 17th-century royal warship, an interactive museum charting the history of the Vikings and the fantastically fun musical extravaganza that is ABBA: The Museum, where wannabe dancing queens can jive with holographic avatars of Benny, Björn, Frida and Agnetha, and belt out their best Waterloo in the karaoke booth. Elsewhere, both Sweden’s National Museum and the diminutive Moderna Museet are free to enter and between them contain artistic treasures by the likes of Dalí, Degas, Duchamp, Rembrandt, Rubens, Renoir and Picasso. Looking for things to do in Stockholm with kids? Interactive science museum Tom Tits Experiment is hard to beat. Once they’ve stopped giggling at the somewhat peculiar name, there are hundreds of hands-on experiments to get involved in, such as escaping a Houdini rope knot, seeing your shadow change color, becoming a human yoyo and getting all shook up in a simulated earthquake. Around 30 minutes by train from the city center, in Södertälje, it’s a little off the beaten track but well worth the effort. More Fun Things to do in Stockholm Old churches and musty museums a little too dry for you? Good news: Stockholm also has stacks of activities guaranteed to bring you joy and laughter. Take Gröna Lund on Djurgården. Here by the water in Sweden’s oldest amusement park you can scare yourself silly on 21st-century thrill rides galore, or enjoy the more sedate old-fashioned entertainments offered by the tunnel of love, amusement arcade and rickety old wooden rollercoaster. Young children will love nearby Junibacken, a fairytale theme park that brings characters from classic Swedish literature to life, primarily those of author Astrid Lindgren (best known for her Pippi Longstocking stories) and also, of course, the Moomins of Moominvalley. Since Stockholm is an archipegalo it is surrounded by water, therefore it makes sense to spend some time on the water during your visit. There are plenty of boat tours in Stockholm to take in the different city islands via the river. Most of these tours will offer some good food and drink options too. Ride Stockholm’s metro for a fun way to experience (free!) contemporary art and sculpture: the platforms and tunnels, particularly in and around the city center, are almost otherworldly. You don’t even need to have a specific destination in mind to do this: the metro network is an attraction all of its own. Expect burning hellscapes, beautiful blue skies and rainbows, and cute puffins perched high on ledges. Emerge blinking into the daylight at Globen station and hop aboard the SkyView – this 20-minute ride up the side of the spherical Avicii Arena building affords excellent views across the city, its lakes and the southern suburbs. Eat, Drink and Be Merry! All this activity making you hungry (and thirsty)? Culinary delights abound in Stockholm, from the legendary Swedish smörgåsbord to crayfish, pickled herring and meatballs. You’ll find some of the best meatballs in town at the aptly named Meatballs For The People on trendy Södermalm. Or, should you be so inclined, a free bus runs from the city center to the planet’s biggest IKEA store, almost as famous nowadays for its meatballs as it is for its flat-pack Scandinavian home furnishings. Afterwards, discover Stockholm’s boozy heritage and sample traditional schnapps, local craft gins and flavored vodkas at the magnificent Museum of Spirits. Skål! No list of things to do in Stockholm would be complete without mentioning the annual Christmas markets, which are among the best and most atmospheric in the world. Wrap up warm (temperatures don’t get much above zero in December) and make straight for Stortorget for the main event. Expect a heart-warming festive scene that includes a towering pine tree festooned with twinkling fairy lights and dozens of traditional wooden cabins hawking Scandinavian crafts, gifts, trinkets and sweets. Warm up with a hearty mug of spiced glögg (mulled wine) and a gingerbread cookie. Save on things to do in Stockholm Save on admission to Stockholm attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram and Facebook for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak

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