Need to know
Grand, scenic and avant-garde, Stockholm is a clash of ultra-modern fashion and traditional European style. Historically an important sea port, the city is spread out over 14 islands joined by a network of ornate bridges.
Stockholm is a global city and a centre of design, technology and art. The city is home to many interesting museums and galleries, including the famous Fotografiska Museet, a museum of contemporary photography. Almost a third of the Stockholm is made up of green spaces, and locals enjoy relaxing in its stunning parks and gardens. Head to Djurgarden for some tranquil inner-city relaxation and to explore Skansen, a miniature village and open air museum. Founded in 1891, it shows how Swedes from different regions lived in the past, and also houses a small zoo. The ABBA museum is another popular attraction in this area, an over-the-top shrine to the gods of Swedish pop.
Stockholm is separated into distinct neighbourhoods and there are many different shopping districts throughout the capital. Sodermalm has a captivating, creative vibe with lots of independant, vintage-style fashion stores, while Gamla Stan, also known as Old Town, generally stocks handcrafted trinkets, homewares and design pieces. The Gamla Stan’s cobbled streets and old buildings make up one of Europe’s most striking historic centres with fairytale-esque architecture, elaborate landmarks and ornate palaces. The Royal Palace, Sveriges Kungahus, is located nearby, while the world’s largest royal castle, Kungliga Slottet, which has more than 600 rooms, is also worth a visit.
Stockholm has a vibrant nightlife and dining scene, with many locals enjoying the native food and drink. Must-eats in the Swedish capital include gravlax, a type of cured salmon, Swedish cakes and buns, including Ostkaka, or Swedish cheesecake, and Swedish pizza, which can be topped with everything from beef to raisins.
Getting around
With most of the Stockholm tourist attractions and landmarks located within 2 km of the city centre, it’s easy to get around on foot. Travellers are encouraged to walk or bike around the city as the locals do. The city’s buses and trains are also efficient modes of public transport. The underground subway system is the easiest and quickest to navigate, and its stations are known as ‘the world’s largest art gallery’ as so many of them are covered in the work of artists.
The best time to visit Stockholm is during the summer months from June to August. Stockholm is beautiful during summertime, when the days are longer and the temperatures stay at a comfortable 20 degrees. The Midsummer Festival is also a popular event in June, where locals celebrate the summer with a big community picnic. dancing and flavoured schnapps. Travel in autumn for cheaper rates, but be aware that the temperature drops fast as autumn turns to winter.
Stockholm Arlanda Airport
Stockholm Arlanda Airport is the main international airport serving Sweden. Located around 40 kilometres north of Stockholm, the airport is the third largest airport of the Nordic countries. Flights travel to Stockholm Arlanda Airport from a number of destinations, including Moscow, London, Hamburg and Beijing. There are no direct flights available from Australia.
Stockholm Bromma Airport
Situated just over ten kilometres from downtown Stockholm, Stockholm Bromma Airport is the closest airport to the city. The airport specialises in domestic flights but also serves other destinations in Europe. Flights travel to Stockholm Bromma Airport from a number of destinations, including Denmark, Helsinki and Brussels. There are no direct flights available from Australia.