The heart of the city is filled with colorful architecture and medieval charm. Here you will find sites such as Storkyrkan Cathedral and the Parliament House (Riksdagshuset). Equally as intriguing are the cobblestone streets to wander through including Köpmangatan, one of the oldest streets in Stockholm, and Mårten Trotzigs Gränd, one of the narrowest.

Stockholm’s royal palace, located in Gamla Stan, is one of Europe’s largest, with 600 rooms and 11 stories. Explore the Tre Kronor Museum with remnants from the original structure, the Royal Treasury (Skattkammaren) with prized possessions such as crowns and swords, the Royal Apartments where the King and Queen receive guests, and if you are visiting in the summer, the Royal Chapel (Slottskyrkan).

This island in downtown Stockholm is home to some of the city’s most impressive museums. It includes Vasamuseet, a maritime museum renowned for having a well-preserved 17th century ship; Skansen, an open-air museum of Swedish history; ABBA:The Museum showcasing the famous Europop group; and Rosendals Garden, an expansive and picturesque public garden.

The imposing redbrick structure of Stockholm’s City Hall sits on the Riddarfjärden waterfront. Its opulent interiors include the Blue Hall, most famous for hosting the Nobel Prize banquet.

Many Swedes will tell you Stockholm is best experienced from one of the many waterways in the archipelago. The islands of Fjäderholmarna, a 20-minute boat ride from Stockholm, offer a charming seaside village of artisan shops, restaurants with local flair, and a slower pace of life.

This upscale neighborhood is known for its elegant boulevards, luxurious residences, and high-end shopping. Highlights include the Central Square (Östermalmstorg), Humlegården, National Library (Kungliga Biblioteket) and Östermalmshallen Food Market, a great place for a local Swedish meal.

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Södermalm is Stockholm’s artsy neighborhood with an abundance of cafes and clothing boutiques. It’s also home to Monteliusvagen, a nature pathway with sweeping views of Stockholm; and Fotografiska, a museum exclusively featuring contemporary photography, including works by Annie Leibovitz.

This understated neighborhood has a bohemian vibe and plenty of green space to enjoy, like Vasaparken and Observatorielunden. The food scene, centered along Rörstrandsgatan, mixes international and local delicacies. Cultural highlights include Gustav Vasa Church, Odenplan Square, and the Stockholm Public Library.