You’re never far from a shimmering view of the Baltic Sea in Stockholm. The Swedish capital spreads neatly across fourteen islands, linked by bridges and ferries. Each has its own distinct atmosphere, from the storybook scenery of Gamla Stan to the bohemian cafes of Sodermalm and bustling office spaces of Norrmalm.
The result is a city that easily mixes old with new. Innovative start-ups sit within gabled townhouses and contemporary art collections within palace gardens. Dive into its maritime history by touring the 17th-century Vasa warship, or take a walk on the kitsch side at the ABBA Museum. Take a break from sightseeing by exploring Stockholm’s stunning scenery in Langholmen’s woodland trails and beaches. You’ll find sleek Scandi design as a running theme throughout Stockholm’s shops, whether it’s handmade, organically curved ceramics or clean-lined garments.
The Royal Palace- The palace is the workplace of The King and Queen, and of the offices that are included in the Royal Court. The Royal Palace is a combination of royal residence, workplace and cultural-historical monument, and is open all year round to visitors.
The palace is built in baroque style by the architect Nicodemus Tessin and is formed as a Roman palace. The palace has more than 600 rooms divided between eleven floors with a state apartment facing the city and smaller living rooms facing the inner courtyard.
The palace contains many interesting things to see. In addition to the Royal Apartments there are three museums steeped in regal history: the Treasury with the regalia, the Tre Kronor Museum that portrays the palace’s medieval history and, during the summer months, Gustav III’s Museum of Antiquities. The changing of the guard and the Royal Gift Shop are particularly popular with visitors.
During the summer months the Royal Chapel is also open, as well as the Riddarholmen Church – the royal burial church five minutes walk from the Palace
Kungliga Djurgarden- The [Royal] Game Park’), is an island in central Stockholm, Sweden. Djurgården is home to historical buildings and monuments, museums, galleries, the amusement park Gröna Lund, the open-air museum Skansen, the small residential area Djurgårdsstaden, yacht harbours, and extensive stretches of forest and meadows. It is one of the Stockholmers’ favorite recreation areas and tourist destinations alike, attracting over 10 million visitors per year, of which some 5 million come to visit the museums and amusement park.
Stockholm Old Town– Old Town (Gamla Stan) is Stockholm’s original city centre and consists of Stadsholmen island and the islets of Riddarholmen, Helgeandsholmen and Strömsborg.The Old Town dates from the 13th century but most buildings are from the 1600s and 1700s. It is a glorious labyrinth of charming cobbled streets, alleyways, faded mustard and rust-coloured townhouses and meeting squares.
Some 3,000 people live in the Old Town and it is packed with cafés, restaurants, tourist shops, studios, galleries and museums, including the Nobel Prize Museum and the Post Museum.
It is hard to believe that the Old Town was once considered a slum when it is now a sought after address.
