10 Top Things To Do in Stockholm’s Old Town
It’s hard to pick the top things to do in Stockholm’s Old Town. In my view, the whole place is a top thing to do.
I fell for this irresistible place immediately when I visited at the start of my small ship luxury cruise of the Baltic Sea.
If you find yourself in Stockholm, you absolutely have to spend some time in Old Town, known in Swedish as Gamla Stan.
Visiting Stockholm’s Old Town might be the closest thing you’ll get to walking through a story book, set in the Middle Ages. The narrow cobblestone streets are lined with colourful old buildings, and the scent of cinnamon and cardamom buns wafts through the air.
In this post, you’ll find 10 things to do to pass the time in bliss in Old Town Stockholm.
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
About Old Town Stockholm
Things To Do in Stockholm’s Old Town:
1. Wander the ancient cobblestone streets
2. Take a guided walking tour
3. Relax in Stortorget: The Main Square
4. Visit Storkyrkan: Stockholm Cathedral
5. Go posh at the Royal Palace
6. Visit Sweden’s Parliament
7. Walk the narrowest street – Mårten Trotzigs gränd
8. Gain some luck at the smallest monument – The Iron Boy
9. Admire Riddarholmen Church
10. Try some fika at Chokladkoppen
Other Interesting Things To Do in Stockholm
About Old Town Stockholm
Stockholm’s Old Town is known as Gamla Stan in Swedish, short for the ‘town between the bridges,’ which is fitting, since the district sits on three islands.
This is where Stockholm was founded in 1252, and it’s considered one of the best preserved medieval city centres in Europe. It’s hard to believe that this charming area was a slum up until the 1970s when restoration began.
You could easily spend a day strolling through the warren of streets, with frequent breaks for pastries, of course.
And by the way, it is entirely possible to visit Stockholm on a budget.
Here are the top things to do in Stockholm Old Town:
1. Wander the cobblestone streets
My top choice on what to do in Gamla Stan is to just wander.
Västerlånggatan and Österlånggatan are the district’s main streets. Prästgatan is another popular street, so called because priests lived there, as did the city’s executioner.
You should also take a turn down the smaller streets and let yourself get lost and utterly charmed by the atmosphere.
If you’re visiting in peak season, you’ll find that the streets are quiet in the morning before 10 a.m. and in the evening, after dinner.
Bliss Tip! Where to stay in Stockholm:
I stayed at the Radisson Blu Waterfront Hotel, a short walking distance from the Old Town. It’s actually a business hotel, and was clean and comfortable, with reasonable pricing.
Check pricing and availability for the Radisson Blu Waterfront Hotel in Stockholm
2. Take a walking tour
You’ll learn a lot of quirky history about Gamla Stan and find all the nooks and crannies on a fun walking tour.
They’ll explain stuff like the meaning of the mysterious metallic house signs and why the King of Sweden doesn’t wear a crown. Because inquiring minds have to know.
Book the Stockholm Old Town Walking Tour here.
3. Relax in Stortorget: The Main Square
Stortorget is the oldest square in Stockholm, and probably one of the most photographed spots in Sweden.
On the walking tour, I learned that it was also the site of one of city’s darkest moments in 1520, known as the Stockholm Bloodbath.
At the time, Sweden was under Danish control, and the new King executed 92 members of Swedish nobility who attended his coronation party. On the red house in the centre of the photo above, you can see 92 grey stones in memory of those who lost their lives that day.
On a brighter note, the square is also where you’ll find the Nobel Museum and the Nobel Library. Entrance to the Museum is free of charge on Tuesday evenings.
4. Visit Storkyrkan: Stockholm Cathedral
The Great Cathedral of Stockholm towers over the Old Town. This is where the Swedish Royals get married and crowned.
Built in 1279, it houses historical paintings and sculptures under its Gothic-style vaulted ceiling. Classical music concerts are often held here.
You can see what’s on and check the visiting hours here.
5. Go posh at the Royal Palace
Beside the Cathedral, you’ll find the Royal Palace, one of the largest palaces in Europe with over 600 rooms. The Palace was built over 60 years during the eighteenth century, after the original burnt down.
Visitors can see the reception rooms, the silver throne, five museums and the Armory, which contains royal costumes and armour, as well as coronation carriages from the Royal Stable.
The Palace is the official residence of the King of Sweden, although the royal family doesn’t live here. On the walking tour, the guide told us that the family represents regular Swedish society, dishing with stories about how the King married an interpreter and made her Queen, while a Princess married her personal trainer.
Sweden’s Royal Family actually lives at the Drottningholm Palace, built in grand Baroque style in 1662, and well worth a visit, also.
6. Visit Sweden’s Parliament
Sweden’s Parliament , the Riksdag, takes up the island of Helgeandsholmen.
The parliamentary library dates back to 1851 and is one of the few in the world that is open to the public. You can find information on visiting here.
7. Walk the narrowest street – Mårten Trotzigs gränd
Mårten Trotzig’s alley is only 90 centimetres wide at its narrowest point and is a popular spot for tourists.
Mårten Trotzig was a wealthy merchant who thought a street should be named after him. This is what they gave him.
It’s said that if you pass through keeping both hands on the walls, you’ll have the same fortune as Mårten Trotzig.
8. Gain some luck at the smallest monument – The Iron Boy
If you like the narrowest street, you may also enjoy the smallest public monument in Stockholm.
The sculpture, called Järnpojke or Iron Boy, stands 15 centimtres high. It’s located behind the Finnish Church near the Stockholm Palace.
The sculpture is said to bring good luck to anyone who caresses the boy’s head or offers small gifts to him. People seeking some luck often knit him hats and scarves, so Iron Boy sports a new look almost every day.
9. Admire Riddarholmen Church
Riddarholmen Church, which also sits on a separate island, is Stockholm’s only remaining medieval abbey, built in the late 1200s.
It is the last resting place of the Swedish monarchs and aristocracy.
It’s open for visitors between May and September. You can check the visiting hours here.
10. Try some fika at Chokladkoppen
After seeing the biggest palace and the smallest street, you should take a break and have fika.
The Swedes do fika, with coffee and a sweet, almost any time of the day. A great place for it is Chokladkoppen. Aside from having a delicious sounding name, this café at idyllic Stortorget Square has great pastries to enjoy as a sweet ending to a day visiting enchanting Gamla Stan.
Learn more about Sweden’s food traditions on this delicious Nordic food tour.
But, no matter what, you absolutely must try a Swedish cardamom bun. They’re much like cinnamon buns, only made with cardamom. You’ll notice the heavenly scent wafting through the streets. Follow your nose!
Other Interesting Things To Do In and Out of Old Town Stockholm:
If you have a longer trip in Stockholm than I did and have more time to visit, there are lots of interesting things to do and see throughout Stockholm.
Here are a few things you might want to add to your itinerary:
- The Stockholm Public Library is a Swedish architectural icon you don’t want to miss!
- The Nobel Museum
- The Vasa Museum to see the world’s best preserved 17th century ship
- ABBA, The Museum, a fun interactive museum dedicated to the pop group
- The Theatre of Death
- Medeltidsmuseet, The Museum of Medieval Stockholm
- Riddarhuset, the House of Nobility
- Storkyrkobadet, a tiny old-fashioned bath house
- Skyview, the world’s largest spherical building
- See Stockholm from the water on a 2-hour boat tour
- And of course, don’t miss the art in the Stockholm subway
More Information:
Tour details at: Stockholm Old Town Walking Tour
Tourism Information: Visit Stockholm, Visit Sweden
Cruise Details: Windstar Cruises
Where to Stay: I stayed at the Radisson Blu Waterfront Hotel, which is a short walk from the Old Town. Get all the details in this review.
Suggested Reading: Rick Steves Snapshot Stockholm
See also: Why You Should Visit Stockholm by Jo Castro from Lifestyle Fifty
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I’d wander those cobblestone streets for hours Cindy. What a lovely city! Stockholm looked awesome enough from the sky, all those little islands surrounding the place. Inspired to actually be walking the streets, enjoying the place from the ground level. Thanks for sharing the rocking post!
Ryan
Thanks Ryan. I hope you get the chance. The streets in the old town are truly magical.
This architecture is so beautiful! Thanks for putting Stockholm on my travel radar!
Thank you Jennifer. I just loved the Old Town in Stockholm and hope to go back.
Great photos and it looks so inviting. Walking tours are really a fun and informative way to get to know your destination. Who would not enjoy coffee and a sweet?
Thanks Haralee! I enjoy a sweet far too often, but that’s allowed when traveling.
I love that Mårten Trotzig’s alley – how unusual is that? I’d love to visit Stockholm and you’ve given me even more inspiration
Thank you Michele! I really fell for this place, and I’m sure you would too.
We were at Stockholm Old Town in 2015. The Royal Palace and the Cathedral beside it are in Stortorget: The Main Square. But we especially liked the Nobel Museum at the other square, Stortorget 2.
Thanks Carol. It sounds like you enjoyed Stockholm’s Old Town too!
I loved exploring the old town and the narrow streets with those colorful storefronts and homes, it really is a fantastic place to explore and your beautiful photographs show it.
Thanks so much Noel. I just loved exploring it too!
I love wandering cobblestone streets and making discoveries, so I know I’d enjoy Stockholm’s Old Town. With some tasty food breaks, it’s a sure thing!
Thanks Carole! I’ve never met a cobblestone old town, or a pastry, that I didn’t like!
I have never been to Stockholm, but I know when I do visit I will head for Old Town!! Your descriptions and photos are so inviting. I love history and culture and exploring beautiful neighborhoods!
Thanks Marilyn! I hope you get a chance to visit Stockholm. You will love it.
We did a few of these things when we visited Gamla Stan. Absolutely loved the area and wouldn’t mind going back 🙂
Thanks Kemkem. I would love to go back too!
I love your “wander strategy.” What beautiful architecture (and photography:-)
Thanks so much Irene. I must admit that I apply my wandering strategy to most places I visit, but it was especially rewarding in Gamla Stan.
How i’d love to wander all those cobblestone streets. I am hoping to get to Stockholm this summer and will surely follow lots of your trips for exploring on foot!
Thank you Alison. I hope you go – – you will love it!
Stockholm seems astonishing, Cindy! Seeing your pictures made me fall in love with Stortorget. How long would you recommend staying to experience all these things?
Thanks Lydia. I really fell for Stockholm too. I was there for almost three days, and there were some things I still wanted to see. I think four days would be perfect for Stockholm to see the old town and beyond.
Awesome photos brigns out Stockholm well. Love the architecture.
Thank you David. Stockholm certainly has beautiful architecture.