A Downtown Walking Tour of Stockholm

Description:

The tower of the Town Hall offers marvellous views over the centre of the city, the Old Town, Södermälarstrand in Södermalm, and Riddarfjärden. It is open for access daily between May and September, and admission costs to this place are quite nominal.

Description:

When you are awarded the Nobel Prize, this is where you'll go to receive your acclaim and pick up the prize. Built in the "National Romantic Style," the Stockholm City Hall on the island of Kungsholmen is one of the finest examples of modern architecture in Europe. Designed by Ragnar Ostberg, it was completed in 1923. A lofty square tower bearing three gilt crowns, the symbol of Sweden, and the national coat of arms dominates the red-brick structure. In summer you can climb the 100m-high (328-ft.) tower for what we consider the finest panoramic view of Gamla Stan (Old Town) in the area. There are also two courts here: the open civic court and the interior covered court. The Blue Hall is used for banquets and other festive occasions, including the Nobel Prize banquet. About 18 million pieces of gold and colored-glass mosaics cover the walls of the Golden Hall. The southern gallery contains murals by Prince Eugen, the painter prince. The 101 City Council members still meet in the council chamber here.

Description:

The King of Sweden's official residence, Stockholm Royal Palace, which dates back to the thirteenth century is situated in the Old Town. The new palace was built between 1697-1754, according to the original drawings, in Roman Baroque style. With over 600 rooms, the palace is one of the largest residential castles in Europe. A number of museums are located within the walls, such as the Treasury, Gustav III's Museum of Antiquities, the Royal Armoury and the Royal Chapel. The changing of the guard is a treat to watch. See website for specific open hours of each attraction.

Description:

Storkykan or Sankt Nicolai church, is located between the Palace and the Stock Exchange in the Old Town. This single-nave church, built of brick, is the oldest congregation church in Stockholm. The Baroque façade, which is different from the Gothic-style interior, was designed by the city's architect J.E. Carlberg. Some annexes were built at the end of the eighteenth century, with an aim was to make the church more modern. Check the website for more details.

Description:

Riddarhuset (the House of Nobility) was built in the 1600s. It was commissioned by the Swedish nobility who needed a meeting-place in Stockholm. Simon de Vallée was contracted to design it, but he died in 1642 before construction could be completed. Simon's son Jean along with Jost Vingboons took over the architectural assignment and finished what is today one of Stockholm's finest examples of the Dutch Baroque architectural style. Every third year, it sees a meeting of representatives from all of the noble houses of Sweden. There is also a very busy genealogical department that has been responsible for documenting the family history of the noble houses for more than 200 years now. The genealogical department also manages Riddarhuset's extensive and invaluable library, which is visited by scores of historians and genealogists every year.

Description:

This cafe is located in the middle of Gamla Stan (the Old Town), among the cobblestones and the narrow alleys. You'll find many candles lit up inside and the home-baked cinnamon rolls you get here are really tasty. It's perfect for a romantic date. Located in an old stone vault, a lot of wood and stone have been used for the cafe's décor.

Our Local Expert Says:

There are always intriguing exhibits happening at Kulturhuset that will engage everyone of all ages. Its central downtown location means visitors can easily drop in for a few minutes or spend severally cultural soaked hours. Be sure to check out their website for an extensive list of festivals which are popular with culturally aware Stockholm locals.

Description:

The 'House of Culture' is a huge glass structure illuminated in red light, located in the center of Stockholm. You can find information on the latest happenings in music, art, dance, theatre, or any other area that could be classified as culture. It also hosts exhibitions by international as well as local artists. Admission is free and you can even check your email at the in-house café. See the website for list of individual attractions' hours of operation.

Our Local Expert Says:

This is the place to be if you want to get some serious Swedish people watching done.

Description:

If you are short on time or patience, or both, Drottninggatan is the place to go. There is an endless variety of small shops offering everything from mundane and commonplace stuff to exotic and unusual items. You will find antique booksellers, spiritual shops, souvenirs, hawkers, clothing boutiques, bargain outlets, record stores, make-up artists, furniture and home furnishing retailers, and much more. Drottninggatan is also home to the Skandia cinema, as well as a number of cafés and restaurants, so if you get tired you will not have to look far for a place to sit down and take a break.

Description:

With a major department store and a mall, as well as a tourist centre and a park, Hamngatan will fulfill most of your wishes and needs. Hamngatan is located between Sergels torg and Birger Jarlsgatan. Come here to spend a pleasant day with family or friends.

Description:

If you are looking for upscale designer clothes or shoes, Biblioteksgatan is definitely for you. This is a small, but mostly exclusive shopping street, lined with boutiques and trendy night spots. If you peruse the signs on one of the façades facing Stureplan, you will see Sturegallerian, a shopping mall, which is worth a visit. There are quite a few exclusive shops, and a café with tremendous pastries. Shoppers on a tighter budget can also find interesting things here.

Our Local Expert Says:

Always full of action - in the winter and summer. In the summer there are often temporary art exhibitions in the park worth seeing. In late spring come for the Taste of Stockholm festival.

Description:

The King's Garden is located in central Stockholm. This park serves dual purposes, as an outdoor concert venue in summer, and an ice-skating rink in winter. It also has an abundance of benches and is surrounded by fountains, restaurants, and cafés. During winter, you can hire a pair of skates and enjoy a few laps around the rink.