Top Family Adventures in Stockholm: Kid-Approved Fun Awaits

Published: April 14, 2026
a young boy enjoying stockholm

Stockholm might be famed for island views and royal palaces, but for families, this city is one enormous playground waiting to be explored. Whether your kids crave museum discoveries, hands-on science, wild animal encounters, or just a place to burn off steam, Sweden’s charming capital delivers on every front. You’ll find vibrant museums, imaginative attractions, tasty treats, and gorgeous outdoor spaces—perfect for travelers both young and young at heart. Let’s dive into our favorite family-friendly things to do in Stockholm that absolutely delight kids (and secretly impress the adults, too). 

Our top things to do with kids in Stockholm include: 

Skansen 

Vasa Museum 

Tom Tits Experiment 

Stockholm Toy Museum 

Gröna Lund Amusement Park 

The Swedish Museum of Natural History 

The Butterfly House Haga Ocean 

ICEBAR Stockholm 

Traditional Swedish Fika at Systrarna Andersson 

Stockholm Hop-On Hop-Off Bus by Strömma 

Skansen

Ever wondered what Sweden looked like 100 years ago? At Skansen, children and grown-ups step into a storybook version of the past: cobblestone lanes, red wooden farmhouses, windmills spinning in the breeze, and even playful goats eager for a pet. This open-air museum is like a time machine—part living history, part zoo, surrounded by stunning Djurgården greenery. 

Tiny historians love seeing costumed craftspeople baking bread, making glass, and spinning wool. Animal-lovers can’t resist the Nordic wildlife park, with moose, bears, wolves, lynx, and cheerful piglets—you might even witness the zookeeper’s daily schedule! Don’t miss the children’s zoo, where pint-sized visitors can mingle with goats, rabbits, and pigs. For a treat, pop into the old-fashioned candy shop, grab a cinnamon bun, and ride the vintage carousel. 

The vibe at Skansen is busy and cheery, especially on weekends. Seasonal traditions—like Midsummer celebrations with flower crowns and maypoles—add extra sparkle. Skansen delivers on education and fun, making it one of Stockholm’s happiest escapes for families. 

Vasa Museum 

Step into the Vasa Museum and you’ll hear a chorus of “wow!” from every age. The real-life pirate ship at this world-famous museum is jaw-dropping—an enormous 17th-century vessel rescued from Stockholm’s harbor, now carefully restored and displayed like a time capsule. 

Kids immediately dart to the ship, marveling at its size and all the mysterious carvings of lions, angels, and warriors. Hands-on exhibitions bring the ship’s dramatic story to life—children can “steer” the ship, test the crew’s hammocks, and peek at underwater archaeology finds. Touch-and-try activities, costumed guides, and films keep younger minds engaged (and every grown-up learns something, too). 

The museum is bright and airy, with plenty of stroller space. Special activity trails and quizzes ensure the experience is just as entertaining for little learners as it is for history buffs. You’ll emerge with tales of shipwrecks, sailors, and Swedish adventure that your family won’t soon forget. 

Tom Tits Experiment 

A wonderland for curious minds, Tom Tits Experiment transforms science into pure play. Four floors of hands-on experiments and interactive stations invite kids to touch, test, and giggle their way through everything from bubbles and air cannons to holograms and gravity-defying puzzles. 

The joy here is unmistakable: children gleefully launch rockets, build bridges, zip down slides, and even ride a bicycle on a wire—if they’re feeling brave. Each exhibit uncovers a bit of science magic, with friendly staff on hand to explain the clever concepts behind the fun. The outdoor park ups the adventure in warmer months, with pedal-powered fountains and giant contraptions perfect for burning off energy. 

Bright, playful, and full of “aha!” moments, Tom Tits is a favorite for rainy days or anytime your family wants to unleash their inner inventors. 

Stockholm Toy Museum 

Imagine wandering through a secret cave packed wall-to-wall with toys from every era. The Stockholm Toy Museum (Leksaks-och-seriemuseet) sits inside a real former bunker, making the adventure feel a little bit like stepping into a hidden fortress. Inside, you’ll discover thousands of games, dolls, action figures, comic heroes, and childhood nostalgia from around the world. 

It’s a colorful treasure trove: Star Wars figures, Barbie dolls, Swedish classic toys, even a jaw-dropping model train that chugs around its own mini-city. Kids eye up the play corners and pile onto small rides, while parents whisper that “I had one just like that!” The museum regularly hosts workshops, storytelling sessions, and hands-on crafts. 

Don’t miss the life-sized comic strip murals and quirky toy displays. The playful, cozy vibe makes you want to stay all afternoon. If you’re already planning a visit to the bustling Djurgården district, it’s just a short tram ride away—perfect combined with a day out at Skansen or the Vasa. 

Gröna Lund Amusement Park

The moment your kids glimpse the towering rides and hear the joyous shrieks floating across the water, you’ll know Gröna Lund is a must. This classic amusement park, perched right on the edge of Djurgården, bursts with energy and color. Carnival games, family-friendly rollercoasters, spinning teacups, and funhouses guarantee smiles (and maybe a little nervous excitement!) for all ages. 

Gröna Lund’s layout is compact enough for little legs to roam, but big enough to thrill older kids and adults with wild rides, music concerts, and live performances. There are plenty of kid-oriented areas for mini-adventurers under 7, complete with gentle rides and themed play zones. 

Churros dusted with cinnamon sugar, candy stands, and Swedish meatball plates fuel all-day fun. The ferris wheel gives unbeatable views over Stockholm’s waterfront—a perfect wind-down before heading back to the city. 

The Swedish Museum of Natural History 

Dinosaurs, dazzling minerals, and a massive blue whale—The Swedish Museum of Natural History is a sanctuary for aspiring explorers and science fans. The galleries teem with interactive displays: kids can stand beside fossilized skeletons, experiment with earthquake simulators, and touch specimens ranging from meteorites to butterfly wings. 

One standout? Cosmonova, the museum’s gigantic dome theater, screens mind-blowing 3D nature films and space odysseys that make you feel a million miles from earth. The museum’s modern, light-filled galleries keep things breezy and exciting, while discovery areas let kids play paleontologist or biologist for the day. 

Easy to access from the center, this museum promises a change of pace—and enough discovery to fuel family conversations for days. 

The Butterfly House Haga Ocean 

A slice of the rainforest, right inside Stockholm! The Butterfly House Haga Ocean surrounds families in a lush, tropical glasshouse where hundreds of butterflies flit past your shoulder. Follow winding paths through greenery while searching for rainbow-winged butterflies, vibrant birds, and gigantic Koi fish circling placid ponds. 

The adventure continues in the ocean section, starring Scandinavia’s largest shark aquarium. Kids love watching rays, sharks, and coral reef fish up close, and the tropical warmth makes this a dreamy retreat when Swedish weather turns chilly. Educational exhibits and talks unlock fascinating facts—just watch out for magical butterfly landings! 

If you have more time, the surrounding Haga Park is perfect for picnics—the setting is pure Stockholm serenity. 

ICEBAR Stockholm 

Ready for something completely different? Cool off—literally—at ICEBAR Stockholm, where everything from glasses to walls and sculptures is carved out of crystal-clear ice. Kids are wowed as soon as they step into this frosty wonderland, donning cozy capes and gloves for a visit in subzero temperatures. 

Junior visitors sip on juice (grown-ups can sample bespoke cocktails) and pose for frosty photos, while admiring the intricate frozen carvings and vibrant lighting. ICEBAR rotates its theme yearly so there’s always something new to discover. The vibe? Pure fun, with just the right amount of chilly excitement. 

It’s an exhilarating 30-minute family adventure—a unique memory your kids will love retelling back home. 

Traditional Swedish Fika at Systrarna Andersson 

When in Stockholm, snack like a Swede! Fika—a ritual coffee-and-pastry break—is a treat for every member of the family, and Systrarna Andersson nails the vibe. This cheerful café in Kungsholmen offers a break from sightseeing and a crash course in Swedish sweetness. The counters here practically overflow with freshly baked kanelbullar (cinnamon buns), gooey cardamom rolls, and cakes that would make any dessert lover swoon. 

What sets Systrarna Andersson apart? Kids love peering into the open pastry kitchen to watch the bakers twirl buns by hand. Colorful chairs, friendly staff, and plenty of room for strollers mean even the youngest guests immediately feel welcome here—no shushing required.  

With its warm, homey décor and views out onto a leafy city square, Systrarna Andersson offers more than just a sugar rush. 

Stockholm Hop-On Hop-Off Bus by Strömma 

Exploring a new city with kids in tow? The Stockholm Hop-On Hop-Off Bus is your family’s golden ticket to stress-free adventure—and zero complaints about tired legs! Colorful double-deckers cruise right past all the city’s best sights, so you can hop aboard and see everything from Gamla Stan’s winding streets to grand royal palaces and bustling harbors, all without worrying about public transport logistics. 

Children love grabbing a seat up top (the views are best from the open deck on sunny days), and the friendly audio guide keeps everyone entertained with fun facts and quirky stories. You’ll catch plenty of “oohs” and “aahs” as you drive by Stockholm’s sparkling waters and dramatic cityscape. Need to burn off energy? Just jump off at any stop and explore at your own pace—the buses run frequently so there’s no rush. 

The Hop-On Hop-Off Bus is an easy way to tackle the “are we there yet?” question—simply relax and enjoy the city as it rolls by outside your window. 

 

Ready to build lifelong family memories in Stockholm? With fascinating museums, outdoor adventures, tasty treats, and hands-on excitement at every turn, Sweden’s capital is a dream destination for curious kids and their grown-ups. All that’s left is to dive in, explore together—and let the laughter and discoveries begin! 

 

Enjoyed this? Check out our picks of the best day trips out of Stockholm, and how to make the most of summer in the city.  

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Stockholm’s Snap-Happy Spots: Top Places for Perfect Photos

Planning that Stockholm trip and eager to fill your camera roll with swoon-worthy shots? The Swedish capital knows how to strike a pose. Medieval alleys, royal palaces, waterfront strolls, and sky-high views all clamor for your attention—and your lens. We’re sharing the ultimate photo stops around the city, each offering more than just a pretty picture. These places come with stories, vibrant vibes and plenty of moments you’ll want to remember. Let’s get exploring (and snapping)!  Our fave photo opportunities in Stockholm include:  Gamla Stan (Old Town)  The Royal Palace  SkyView Stockholm  Fotografiska  Monteliusvägen  Djurgården & the Vasa Museum  Skansen  Stockholm City Hall  Drottningholm Palace  Fjäderholmarna Island  The Royal Palace  Want a regal setting for your Stockholm album? The Royal Palace is more than photo-worthy. With over 600 rooms, it’s one of Europe’s grandest royal residences. Walking up the imposing steps, you’ll be greeted by uniformed guards and the imposing Baroque façade—a backdrop that says "I’m having a royal moment."  Don’t miss the daily changing of the guard, which brings pomp and tradition to your visit (and action shots to your feed). Pan out for sweeping plazas or zoom in on gold-trimmed doors and decorative statues. Feeling fancy? Pose by the stone lions for a classic Stockholm portrait. If you step inside, the gilded state rooms offer endless photo opportunities, especially the dramatic Grand Staircase and Hall of State. Every angle oozes grandeur.  Fotografiska  If you love photographing photos, Fotografiska is a must for its ever-changing gallery of world-class photography. But here’s the secret: the views from the top-floor bistro are just as impressive as what’s on the walls. The waterfront location means you can gaze out (and snap away) over the boats lining Södermalm and the rivulets of the Baltic Sea.  The vibe inside is laid-back and creative. Capture candid shots among the art, then reward yourself with coffee and a cinnamon bun as you shoot the city from above. At sunset, colors glow through the bistro’s windows, framing Stockholm in dramatic style.  Monteliusvägen  For that classic Stockholm panorama, Monteliusvägen steals the show. This leafy walking path sits on Södermalm’s clifftop, winding for nearly half a mile with nothing but cityscapes ahead. From here, you spot Gamla Stan’s spires, Riddarholmen Church, and the shimmering lake below—the entire city feels like a model village beneath you.  Photographers flock here at sunrise and sunset, when the sky puts on a daily show and the houses along the path glow warm and welcoming. Benches pop up at intervals so you can linger over the view, and the peaceful vibe adds extra magic to every shot. If you want to capture Stockholm’s skyline in one go, this is the place.  Djurgården & the Vasa Museum  Green, lush and surrounded by water, Djurgården flows with photo inspiration. Famous for its mix of parkland, handsome palaces, and waterfront trails, it also houses the Vasa Museum—a dramatic spot worth a starring role in any album. The museum houses the nearly-intact 17th-century warship Vasa, which looks like it’s ready to set sail any second.  Snap the ship’s intricate carvings and masts inside, then head outside for botanical gardens, swans floating by, and boats gliding past historic villas. From the water or one of the island’s bridges, you can score shots of the city skyline dressed with leafy treetops—a truly classic Stockholm look.  Skansen  For photos with a sense of Swedish tradition (and maybe a few furry friends), Skansen does the trick. The world’s first open-air museum is a patchwork of historic buildings, blooming gardens, and locals dressed in traditional folk costumes, all set against vistas of Stockholm’s waterways.  You’ll want to zoom in on red farmhouses and windmills, capture midsummer pole dances in June, or catch reindeer and moose in wintery enclosures. Little ones love peeking at the zoo animals, while adults can find perfect backdrops in the rose gardens or from hilltop cafés—don’t miss the cinnamon buns fresh from the wood-fired oven!  Stockholm City Hall  Few buildings cut a finer figure on the skyline than Stockholm City Hall, home to the Nobel Prize banquet and home to those glorious copper spires. The courtyard, ringed with arches and red brick, frames Gamla Stan across the water for symmetrical, storybook shots.  Views from the adjacent gardens are just as tempting—especially when the colorful buildings of Södermalm glint traffic-light red and gold in the afternoon sun. Between May and September, climb up the City Hall Tower for panoramic photos that put Stockholm at your feet. Tie in a guided tour and you’ll spot golden mosaics, grand halls and sweeping staircases inside, perfect for dramatic portrait opportunities.  Drottningholm Palace  Want a royal getaway without leaving the city? Hop a boat or train to Drottningholm Palace, the official private residence of the Swedish royal family. The pastel-colored palace sits by the water with immaculate gardens stretching into the distance, giving every photo a touch of fairy tale.  Spring and summer bring blooming flowers and long symmetrical avenues lined with marble statues for dreamy afternoon walks. The palace’s reflection in the canal makes for symmetrical, striking photos. Don’t skip the baroque theater next door—it’s one of Europe’s best-preserved, with ornate details crying out for a photo or two. Whether you pose on the palace steps or snap a candid by the topiary maze, this place has royal Insta-appeal.  Fjäderholmarna Island  If you crave salty sea air and classic Swedish archipelago photos, Fjäderholmarna is your answer—a tiny island just 20 minutes by boat from central Stockholm. Instagrammers love the candy-colored boathouses, pine-dotted coves, and photogenic picnic spots.  You’ll find craft shops and restaurants on the island—try Fjäderholmarnas Krog, where Swedish seafood dishes and harbor views give you even more reasons to keep your camera ready. Linger for a beer on a wooden deck, and as the sun sets behind sailboats and red cabins, snap the ultimate Swedish summer moment.    Can you capture all of Stockholm’s best sides in just one trip? With this list, you’ll be well on your way. Whether you’re drawn to fairytale streets, panoramic viewpoints or royal backdrops, the city offers endless chances to fill your photo album with one-of-a-kind shots—and unforgettable memories along the way. Happy snapping (and fika pausing)!    Enjoyed this? Check out our comprehensive guide to Fotografiska, and make the most of your summers in Stockholm.  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! 
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
New Year's Eve fireworks over Stockholm's old town.
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New Year's Eve in Stockholm

Scandinavian New Year is a cozy affair, all family dinners, steaming mugs of hot chocolate, and fireworks and fizz at midnight. And Stockholm is one of the very best places to experience it. Thinking of taking the plunge? To help you make up your mind, we’ve put together our top suggestions for things to do on New Year’s Eve in Stockholm, from munching freshly baked cinnamon buns in the old town to sweating out the festive toxins in a traditional Swedish sauna. Read on for our expert guide... In the Morning... Warm Buns in Gamla Stan There’s no better way to commence any morning in Stockholm than by greedily scoffing as many still-warm cinnamon and cardamom buns as you can, ideally washed down with a cobweb-blasting strong Swedish coffee or two. Hit up the old town’s perfectly preserved medieval main square (Stortorget) for some of the best buns – and IG photo ops – around. We’re talking rainbows of regal townhouses painted in fruity shades of lime green, lemon yellow and plum purple, with fairytale gabled rooftops that jockey for position with grand palaces, baroque cathedrals and several ornate statues and fountains. Almost, in other words, enough to distract you from your breakfast buns. Want second helpings? Find a traditional café for Swedish pancakes and waffles topped with fresh fruit, yogurt and tart lingonberry jam, or smothered in buttermilk syrup so good you'll swear it's heaven-sent. A Taste of Swedish Culture Stockholm’s veritable smörgåsbord of museums transports you to the very heart of Swedish culture. Take the Viking Museum, for example, with its immersive, time-traveling journey into the nation's origin story. Fast forward a few hundred years at ABBA the Museum, where the opportunity to belt out Dancing Queen in the karaoke booth or bust your best moves with Benny, Björn, Frida and Agnetha is just too good to miss. Learn about the country’s relationship with vodka at the Museum of Spirits, check out a beautifully preserved 17th-century Swedish warship in the Vasa Museum, and view masterpieces by Swedish artists and other European legends including Rembrandt, Renoir, Rubens and more at the exceptional Nationalmuseum. You can experience some of Sweden’s finest contemporary art absolutely gratis, simply by riding the subway! Dubbed ‘the world’s longest art gallery’, the network features show-stopping artworks in of 90+ of its stations. Don’t miss the delicate fluorescent ‘heartbeat’ lights at Odenplan and the extraordinary scorched earth hellscape at Rådhuset. But open-air living history museum Skansen may well be the best Swedish cultural experience of the lot, featuring, as it does, a replica 19th-century town that’s complete with craftspeople plying traditional trades like tanning, cobbling and glass-blowing. Keep it highbrow at Fotografiska, where contemporary photo exhibitions may well provide inspiration for your own holiday snaps and the eye-catching restaurant, with its splendid views across the water to the old town, is as good a place to pause for lunch as any. In the Afternoon... Bag a Bargain It may be New Year’s Eve, but you’ll still be able to pick up festive trinkets at Stockholm’s atmospheric Christmas markets, which don’t wind down until early January. Alternatively hit up the big-brand stores on Drottninggatan and in the grandly named Westfield Mall of Scandinavia for Boxing Day sale bargains. Over in trendy Södermalm, the area south of Folkungagatan is so achingly cool it’s even earned its own nickname: SoFo. This is where dedicated browsers of hip independent boutiques are rewarded with prizes including one-off vintage fashions, artisan jewelry, rare vinyl records, second-hand books and more. Do as the Swedes Do Can you really say you’ve been to Stockholm without experiencing a traditional Swedish sauna at least once? No, dear reader, you cannot. The lakeside sauna at Hellasgården is as Swedish as meatballs and flat-pack furniture, all natural oak paneling and forest views. There’s even a lake where, in the depths of winter, a hole is cut in the ice to permit hardier souls a rejuvenating dip. Or hit up the Norrmalm neighborhood’s popular Centralbadet complex, a kitschy art nouveau confection that contains several tiled saunas and a large swimming pool. Not Swedish enough for ya? Fika is the simple Scandinavian art of enjoying coffee and a sweet treat with friends. So: do as the locals do and cap off that epic afternoon of shopping and sweating with a well-earned sit-down and – yep, you guessed it – another face-sized cinnamon bun. In the Evening... Dinner with a Difference Stockholm has no shortage of superlative dining options, from down and dirty Swedish meatball joints (Bakfickan; Meatballs for the People) to upscale Michelin-star restaurants (Operakalleren; Gastrologik). Sweden’s traditional New Year’s Eve dinner tends to go heavy on the shellfish, so you’ll find langoustines and lobster on the menu in most restaurants worth their salt on the 31st. Try Knut for modern northern Swedish dishes like reindeer filet and Arctic char tartare, or bag some of the best views in town at Himlen, up top of the Skrapan skyscraper. Alternatively, while unlikely to offer the finest gourmet experience you’ve ever had, a dinner cruise around Stockholm’s picturesque waterways can be a fun way to see in the New Year – food, fizz, fireworks and all! Firework Frenzy New Year wouldn’t be New Year without a spectacular firework display, and Stockholm is no slouch when it comes to the midnight pyrotechnics. The aforementioned Skansen is one of the best spots. Indeed, this is the place from where the countdown is broadcast to the nation every year, so you’ll be in good company. Expect a busy entertainment program featuring some of Sweden’s biggest stars before, at midnight, witnessing a peculiar Swedish tradition: almost every year since 1896, a well-known public figure or celebrity has stood on this very spot and recited Alfred Lord Tennyson’s 1850 poem Ring Out Wild Bells (in a Swedish translation). The old town’s inner harbor is another great firework-watching location, and is particularly stunning and atmospheric by the Royal Castle or City Hall. Or join the crowds along busy Västerbron bridge for the win. Save on things to do 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

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