Stockholm’s Best Winter Markets for Cozy Shopping and Tasty Treats

Published: April 23, 2026
woman enjoying a winter market

Dreaming of a snow-dusted city break filled with fairylights, hot cocoa, and stalls brimming with gifts? Stockholm’s winter markets turn those holiday dreams into a delicious reality. Picture historic squares twinkling with lights, sweet aromas wafting through the chilly air, and enough seasonal snacks to keep your mittens busy all day. Whether you’re hoping for handcrafted gifts, unique Swedish eats or just that magical holiday feeling, we’ve rounded up the best winter markets and a selection of festive experiences in Stockholm to guarantee you make the most of your trip. Ready? Let’s get shopping—and snacking! 

Our top Stockholm winter market picks: 

Gamla Stan Christmas Market 

Skansen Christmas Market 

Stortorgets Julmarknad 

Drottningholm Palace Christmas Market 

Rosendal’s Garden Winter Market 

Swedish History Museum’s Christmas Market 

Kungsträdgården Winter Wonderland Market 

Nordiska Museet Christmas Fair 

Sigtuna Christmas Market 

ICEBAR Stockholm 

Gamla Stan Christmas Market

Step into Stockholm’s fairytale old town and you’ll encounter one of the city’s cosiest winter traditions. The Gamla Stan Christmas Market has roots tracing back centuries, so you’ll find old-world charm on every cobblestoned corner. Wooden stalls fill Stortorget Square, their rooftops dusted with snow and warm light spilling out. Vendors tempt you with Swedish sausages, crispy gingerbread hearts, and steaming glögg (mulled wine) to keep your hands toasty. Wander between stalls selling crafts, ornaments, sweets and hand-knitted mittens. 

It’s all about tradition here: the atmosphere feels like stepping into a cheerful holiday painting. The red-painted stalls and gentle chime of carols set the scene for some serious browsing. Kids will love the candied almonds and marzipan pigs, while adults can hunt for unique handcrafted gifts and classic Swedish Christmas decorations. Even if you’re not shopping, people-watching and sipping glögg in the square is pure December bliss. 

Skansen Christmas Market 

If you want winter market magic with a Swedish history twist, beeline to Skansen. This open-air museum transforms every Advent weekend into a festive wonderland. Imagine holiday stalls dotted among 19th-century farmhouses, folk dancing around bonfires, and wafts of freshly-baked saffron buns mixing with pine smoke. 

You’ll find Swedish Christmas treats like herring, homemade jams, cheese, and sweet pastries alongside traditional handicrafts and knitted goods. Skansen’s charm comes from its interactive, friendly vibe—join in folk dancing, take candle-making workshops, or stroll by the reindeer enclosure. It feels equal parts living museum and bustling winter market, making it an ideal spot for families or anyone who loves a side of history with their holiday shopping. 

Stortorgets Julmarknad 

Let’s be clear: Stortorgets Julmarknad and the Gamla Stan Market are one and the same—but this historic site deserves a special mention on any list, given its all-star status among European Christmas markets. Dating back to the 1300s, it’s not just Sweden’s oldest—it’s the definition of holiday ambience. 

Red wooden stalls, music in the air, and the scent of cardamom buns everywhere—this is where you want your perfect winter photos. The market is small enough to feel intimate, yet packed with treats from reindeer sausage to locally-made ornaments to spicy mustard. Sample a few snacks, warm your hands on a mug of glögg, and soak up seasonal cheer in the heart of the old city. 

Drottningholm Palace Christmas Market 

If you’re in the mood for a market with royal vibes, the Drottningholm Palace Christmas Market is your ticket. Held on the palace grounds just outside the city, this market is more than a shopping trip—it’s a winter excursion. Stalls line the long driveway, offering everything from artisanal cheese and sausages to handmade jewelry and Christmas crafts. 

There’s usually live music under the twinkling trees, and the palace itself looks downright magical in winter sun or falling snow. The setting is grand yet perfectly welcome to all, making this a market where you can browse for handcrafts one minute and snap regal photos the next. Don’t skip the bakery stalls—the saffron buns here are legendary. 

Rosendal’s Garden Winter Market

Rosendal’s Garden puts a modern, eco-friendly twist on the winter market tradition. Set in a botanical garden on Djurgården, this market is a treat for slow-food fans and anyone who loves sustainability and local produce. Their airy greenhouse fills with small producers during Advent weekends, selling everything from artisanal bread and honey to organic jams and festive wreaths. 

Sip on their locally-roasted coffee, munch a kanelbulle (cinnamon roll), and browse hand-picked gifts. The vibe here is light, fragrant, and green—perfect for escaping the city’s bustle for a peaceful hour or two. Don’t miss their cozy farm café, which serves warming lunches made from the garden’s bounty. 

Swedish History Museum’s Christmas Market 

History buffs and craft lovers, this one’s for you! For one weekend every December, the courtyard of the Swedish History Museum hosts a cheerful Christmas market featuring local craftspeople and food producers. Think embroidered textiles, forged ironworks, hand-carved Dala horses, and artisan honey—each with interactive stories to tell. 

The museum’s festive market is a great way to shop for one-of-a-kind gifts in a setting that feels both celebratory and educational. Inside, you can warm up as you explore Sweden’s Viking past (the museum’s artifacts are legendary), so it’s easy to fill a half-day here learning and browsing. Hungry? Try a traditional saffron bun or crisp ginger snap while browsing the stalls. 

Kungsträdgården Winter Wonderland Market 

Right in the city center, Kungsträdgården transforms into a vibrant winter playground every December. This isn’t just a market—it’s a destination packed with fun. You’ll find rows of stalls selling everything from artisan gifts to street food, plus a funfair vibe thanks to music, lights, and the city’s prettiest outdoor ice rink. 

Skate under the stars, grab a cup of mulled wine, and browse for Swedish gifts (think wool socks, wooden ornaments and hand-blown glass). The atmosphere is friendly and energetic—you’re as likely to spot locals after work as you are travelers exploring Stockholm for the first time. 

Nordiska Museet Christmas Fair 

The dramatic, castle-like Nordiska Museet gets all dressed up for its annual Christmas fair. Step inside and you’re greeted by stalls full of Scandi gifts—textiles, toys, sparkling decorations and edible treats. Jazz and folk musicians create a lively backdrop, and kids can take part in craft-making workshops or try their hand at baking pepparkakor (those addictive Swedish ginger snaps). 

The soaring, historic building makes a dramatic setting, and the focus on Swedish cultural traditions gives every visit a meaningful feel. Don’t miss the honey vendors or the opportunity to pick up unique Christmas presents from some of Sweden’s best designers and craftspeople. 

Sigtuna Christmas Market 

Want the full storybook experience? Take a day trip to Sigtuna—just outside Stockholm—for a winter market that feels straight out of a children’s book. Sweden’s oldest town sets its medieval main street aglow with stalls selling crafts, sweets and gifts, while traditional musicians play and children line up for pony rides or a visit with Santa. 

The scale is intimate, the shops are charming, and the pastries… well, we recommend buying at least two. The Sigtuna market is ideal if you’re after a tranquil, traditional day among locals in a beautiful riverside town. 

ICEBAR Stockholm 

Maybe not a market, but an experience that delivers peak winter vibes! Step inside ICEBAR Stockholm to sip cocktails from frozen glasses surrounded by glimmering ice sculptures. The staff kit you out with cozy gear, so you can toast the season in subzero style. The ambiance feels festive and fun, and it’s a great way to cap off a market-hopping evening with a little extra chill (of the best kind). 

 

Stockholm in winter is all about warmth—found in cheery lights, friendly stalls, and the scent of saffron buns floating through the air. Whether you’re sipping glögg in Gamla Stan or ice skating at Kungsträdgården, these winter markets bring a dose of festive magic to every trip. Pack your scarf, prep your appetite, and get ready to make memories among Sweden’s finest holiday spots. 

 

Enjoyed this? Check out our comprehensive guide to Fotografiska, and browse our picks of the best day trips out of the city.  

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Sip, Stroll, and Stare: Stockholm’s Best People Watching

Stockholm has a style all its own, and you’ll discover it fastest by settling into a seat, grabbing a coffee, and watching the world go by. From bustling squares brimming with locals to tranquil parks perfect for spotting the city’s unique characters, the Swedish capital rewards anyone curious enough to simply sit back and observe. Wondering where the best people watching in Stockholm happens? We’ve got you covered with squares, cafés, waterfront walks, and even museums where the city’s pulse is always on display. Get comfy—you’re in for a show that’s as full of personality as any drama at the Royal Theatre.  Our favorite Stockholm people watching spots include:  Sergels torg  Gamla Stan (Old Town) and Stortorget  Kungsträdgården  Nytorget and Södermalm cafés  Strandvägen waterfront promenade  Östermalmshallen food hall  Djurgården Island (especially by Skansen)  Kungsholmen and Norr Mälarstrand  Fotografiska café & terrace  Stockholm Central Station  Sergels torg  Step into the heart of Stockholm’s urban action at Sergels torg, the city’s busiest crossroads and a social theater like no other. Locals hurry from the subway, street performers put on impromptu shows, skaters try out new tricks, and students sprawl out on the wide steps to chat or scroll through their phones. The plaza’s checkerboard pattern often doubles as a rallying point for city events and gatherings—on any given afternoon, you’ll spot everyone from business types with takeaway lattes to teens trading gossip and grandparents watching the swirl.  The vibe here is energetic and democratic—anyone passing through Stockholm finds themselves at Sergels torg sooner or later. Surrounding cafés, including Espresso House with its big glass windows, let you sip something hot while enjoying a front-row seat to the crowd’s endless variety. Whether you’re after a fashion parade or curious about how Stockholmers socialize in the city’s center, this spot puts the city’s personality on full display.  Kungsträdgården  King’s Garden is a people-magnet all year round, famous for seasonal festivals and rows of pink cherry blossoms in spring. Locals and visitors mingle on the benches, runners cut through green lawns, and families spread out for picnics by the fountains. When the sun’s out, Kungsträdgården transforms into Stockholm’s communal lounge, with food pop-ups and live music luring an eclectic crowd.  The ice rink in winter draws skaters of every age showing off their best spins while bundled spectators cheer and sip hot chocolate from the park’s kiosks. With art installations, open-air concerts, and a steady parade of all-ages crowds, the park delivers classic people watching in a distinctly Swedish setting. Grab a park bench, treat yourself to a waffle cone, and let the city’s playful side unfold.  Nytorget and Södermalm Cafés  Nytorget square in the heart of Södermalm blends hipster cool, old-school tradition, and family-friendly buzz. Brunch-goers flock to Urban Deli’s outdoor terrace, groups of friends linger over frothy cappuccinos at Café String, and locals spill onto the grass with dogs and weekend papers. Artists, musicians, toddlers—everyone claims a patch here.  Cafés tuck into every corner, often decorated with mismatched furniture, vintage posters, and indie playlists to set the tone. Order a cardamom bun and soak up the neighborhood feel; people watching here has a creative twist thanks to Södermalm’s reputation as Stockholm’s quirkiest district. If you need a change of scenery, just wander the nearby streets—each block packs indie boutiques and lively corners full of local color.  Östermalmshallen Food Hall  Foodies will want to linger at Östermalmshallen, the city’s historic food hall. Here, culinary traditions meet contemporary taste—in both what’s on offer and the crowd that flocks to taste it. Market vendors serve everything from herring smörgås to salmon salads and champagne by the glass. Locals in business attire quiz butchers about today’s cuts, while tourists line up for shrimp sandwiches and plates of Swedish meatballs.  The covered setting means people watching happens rain or shine, all against a backdrop of ornate brick arches and gleaming counters. It’s easy to grab a barstool and spy on dining rituals, overhear kitchen chatter, and work up an appetite for your own lunch adventure. If you’re looking for a social crossroads as appetizing as it is entertaining, this is your spot.  Djurgården Island (especially by Skansen)  Djurgården brings together joggers, families, art lovers, and picnic planners in one gorgeous, green pocket. Near the entrance to Skansen (the open-air museum and zoo), energy peaks as everyone from school groups to grandparents stands in line, snacks in hand. Outdoor tables at Rosendals Trädgård bakery or the Blå Porten café give you a ringside seat for people watching with a side of garden scents and countryside views.  Boaters drift by on the canal, tourists plan their next museum stop, and locals unfold blankets for leisurely brunches among the apple trees. On weekends, street musicians often add a jazzy soundtrack to the laid-back scene. If you fancy pairing people watching with a dose of Stockholm nature, Djurgården offers the best of both.  Kungsholmen and Norr Mälarstrand  West of the city’s center, Norr Mälarstrand unfurls alongside shimmering Lake Mälaren. Joggers and cyclists keep pace with gentle waves, office workers unwind with gelato, and kids commandeer the playgrounds. The waterside walkway brims with outdoor cafés serving everything from fresh-pressed juice to piles of pancakes.  Stop at Mälarpaviljongen, a quirky floating bar-café decked with flowers and rainbow flags, and you’ll catch couples canoodling, dogs in dapper outfits, and sunbathers soaking up every drop of summer light. The pace here is easy-going and deeply local: perfect for kicking back, people watching, and feeling like you know Stockholm from the inside out.  Fotografiska Café & Terrace  Art meets urban pulse at the café atop Fotografiska, Stockholm’s world-class photography center. Indoors, you’ll spot an arty crowd debriefing exhibitions or scribbling in notebooks; outdoors, the terrace overlooks Södermalm’s rooftops and the glittering harbor. It’s a natural stop for lingering—over fair-trade coffee, plant-forward pastries, or a glass of organic white.  People watching here combines locals seeking creative inspiration, travelers swapping artistic insights, and stylish city dwellers capturing selfies with the view. Whether you visit for the contemporary art or just for fika with a panoramic backdrop, the atmosphere feels laid-back yet lively—a microcosm of Stockholm’s knack for blending style with ease.  Stockholm Central Station  For a different flavor of people watching, drop by Sweden’s busiest transport hub. Stockholm Central hums with travelers launching new adventures, business folk wheeling polished suitcases, and street musicians soundtracking departures. Elegant coffee stalls and bakeries provide refueling options, and the soaring architecture ensures a light, bustling setting even during the morning rush.  Every hour brings a fresh wave of faces—some greeting friends with hugs, some deciphering maps, and others lost deep in their phones. Even if you’re not heading anywhere, grabbing a warm kanelbulle and finding a spot on the mezzanine turns travel delays into a front-row seat to the constant drama and delight of public movement.    Stockholm’s people watching spots double as windows into Swedish city life—lively yet relaxed, fashionable without trying, and always inviting. Whether you find yourself perched on a park bench or soaking up the vibe from a busy café, you’re guaranteed to leave with a new appreciation for the city and its inimitable style. Happy observing!    Enjoyed this? Check out our guide to summers in Stockholm, and learn how to get from the airport to the city in style.   Step up your sightseeing with Go City®  We make it easy to explore the best a city has to offer. We’re talking top attractions, hidden gems and local tours, all for one low price. Plus, you'll enjoy guaranteed savings, compared to buying individual attraction tickets.  See more, do more, and experience more with Go City®– just choose a pass to get started! 
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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