Euro-Fabulousness in Stockholm, Sweden - 24-Hour Travel Guide

clear blue skies over the harbor

harbor reflections at night

classic architecture

Overview - Stockholm is Sweden's capital and a Scandinavian paradise offering visitors a taste of all things Swedish - food, friendliness, and culture. Soak it up, from the historic Gamla Stan to the chic, modern shops found throughout the city.

Breakfast - As today is a busy day, fill up at the breakfast buffet in the restaurant, or at least grab some fruit on your way out.

Morning - The Gamla Stan (Old Town) is Stockhom’s historical center. Winding streets full of souvenir shops, cafes, and restaurants add a lovely touch to the atmosphere of the old world architecture. One of the highlights is the Riddarholmen Church (Riddarholmskyrkan), the only remaining medieval abbey in the city. Another important city center sight is the Stockholm City Hall (Stadshuset) where each year the the Nobel Prize Banquet is held. Take the guided tour to see the Blue Hall and the Golden Hall and marvel at the important events that take place here.

Lunch - Nystekt Strömming is a notable café serving up very typical Swedish food. Try the herring with mashed potato.

Afternoon - Take the Djurgården ferry, which is the easiest and most scenic route to the Vasa Museum (Vasamuseet), Unbelievably, this massive museum has only one item in its collection – a warship that sank and 1628 and was reclaimed from the harbor in 1961. The ship is in excellent condition and can be explored from top to bottom with ease.

Spend the rest of the afternoon enjoying a popular Swedish activity, shopping. Important stops include Åhléns City, one of Stockholm’s main department stores full of fashionable threads at a reasonable price. Another interesting stop is the DesignTorget, where up-and-coming designers of household wares can sell their creations. The result is buyers get amazing goods for discount rates, artists get their name out and attract the attention of the bigger market. It is a win-win.

Dinner - Den gyldene freden ( The Golden Peace) is a restaurant in the Gamla Stan. It is probably the most well-known restaurant in Stockholm because of its Guinness Book of World Records entry for ‘the oldest restaurant in the world to have the same surroundings’ – so that old world charm that you feel here is indeed the real thing. With such a resume, reservations are of course recommended.

After Dark - Bars can be found along the Götgatan (mostly cheaper pubs) and Bondegatan (a more trendy area). Keep in mind that with the high tax, Stockholm can be one of the most expensive places in Europe for drinks.

Sleep - Stay at the Scandic Continental Stockholm, conveniently located across from the main railway station. The staff delights customers with top notch customer service and the rooms are well appointed in a nautical theme.

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