Stockholm is known as the Venice of the North, this metropolis is built on 14 islands and is part of an archipelago of about 24,000 islands, offering a breathtaking natural setting. But more than that, I was fascinated by the architecture, history and culture of this city. Here is the story of my discoveries and everything I learned about Sweden during my time in Stockholm region.
Day 1: Discovery of Gamla Stan, the Historic Center of Stockholm region
As soon as I arrived, I immersed myself in the history of Stockholm by discovering Gamla Stan, the old town. This historic area of Stockholm is nestled on three islands: Stadsholmen, Riddarholmen, and Helgeandsholmen. This city is a true architectural wonder where buildings, cobbled streets and squares form an almost fairy-like decor.
On the Stortorget square, in the heart of Gamla Stan, the colorful facades of the buildings are among the most photographed in the city. This square is also home to the Nobel Museum, which tells the story of the famous Nobel Prizes awarded each year in Stockholm. This museum has shown me how much innovation and research are valued in Sweden. I was able to explore exhibitions of past winners, and even consult excerpts from their speeches.
Nearby, the Stockholm Cathedral and the Royal Palace also attract attention. The Royal Palace is one of the largest palaces in Europe and impressed me with its splendor and opulence. I also attended the Changing of the Guard, a captivating traditional ceremony, punctuated by parades of soldiers in uniform and accompanied by an orchestra. This visit gave me a glimpse of the respect and admiration that the Swedish have for their monarchy, even if it is mainly symbolic.
Day 2: Contemporary Stockholm and the Norrmalm District
After the authenticity of Gamla Stan, I discovered another face of Stockholm by going to Norrmalm, the contemporary center of the city. This neighborhood is the crossroads where everything converges: shops, parks and cultural sites. T-Centralen is the intersection of all metro lines, it’s not only convenient but also serves as a true underground art gallery. The Stockholm metro is often considered to be the longest museum in the world, with its stations decorated with frescoes and sculptures.
On Drottninggatan, the main street, I found a dynamic mix of shops, cafes and craft shops. This street is perfect for observing Swedish urban life and immersing yourself in the current and cosmopolitan atmosphere of Stockholm. Later I headed to the National Museum, where I was fascinated by the collection of Swedish and Nordic art, including paintings and sculptures from the Middle Ages to the present day.
Day 3: Djurgården and the Vasa Museum
Djurgården is one of things to do in Stockholm, it’s an island dedicated to culture and leisure and was a fascinating stop on my trip. My first stop was the Vasa Museum. The ship sank in 1628 during its maiden voyage and remained intact on the bottom of the water for over 300 years before being raised in 1961.
The Viking Museum is also located in Djurgården. The interactive exhibits and reconstructions allowed me to discover the daily life of the Vikings, their navigation techniques, their culture and even their spiritual beliefs. It was a great way to learn about this fascinating period in Swedish history, which shaped the country’s cultural identity.
For lunch, I stopped with Youssef at the restaurant Eld, where I tasted traditional Nordic cuisine. Swedish cuisine is rich in flavors and based on local and seasonal products. The dishes are often simple, but the ingredients are of a high quality, making each bite delicious..
Day 4: Södermalm and its Magnificent Horizons make it one of places to visit in Stockholm
For my last day, I walked through Södermalm, the trendy and artistic district of Stockholm. Renowned for its scenic views, cozy cafes, unique shops and urban art, Södermalm exudes a relaxed and creative atmosphere.
The Monteliusvägen ride offers spectacular views of Lake Mälar and Gamla Stan. It is an enchanting place to admire the sunset and immortalize the splendor of the city. I also visited Skinnarviksberget, another lookout point from which you can see Stockholm in a golden light at the end of the day. These moments spent observing the city allowed me to grasp the serenity of Stockholm and understand the deep bonds that unite the Swedish with their environment.
The Södermalm area is also full of cozy cafes and craft shops. I was touched by the passion of artisans for their work, and brought back some outstanding memories. This immersion in the local culture made me realize how much the Swedish value quality and authenticity, both in their way of living and in their products.
My stay-in allowed me to discover many places to visit in Stockholm much more than just a metropolis; I immersed myself in a pivotal culture, rich in history, art and traditions. I have learned that Swedish values a good work-life balance, which is reflected in the serenity of public spaces and the warm welcome in cafes.
I also discovered the influence of nature in the daily lives of Swedish people. Stockholm, with its many green spaces, water views and respect for the environment, embodies the commitment of the Swedish to sustainable living. This ecological awareness is palpable, whether in the means of transport, where bicycles are widely used, or in gastronomy, which highlights local and organic products.
In short, Stockholm is more than just a tourist destination. It embodies a way of life, a balance between heritage and innovation, nature and urbanism. My four-day traveling in Stockholm has given me countless memories and valuable lessons about a Nordic culture that is able to combine elegance, simplicity and respect for its roots.