Stockholm: City of Islands

At the very center of Stockholm lies Kungsträdgården, the city’s most beloved park and a must-see for every visitor. Here, seasons transform the scenery: pink cherry blossoms in spring, open-air concerts in summer, golden leaves in autumn, and ice skating under twinkling lights in winter. Once a private royal garden, today it’s a vibrant meeting place where locals and travelers come together. Beneath your feet, the Kungsträdgården metro station hides remarkable archaeological remains and one of the world’s most artistic underground designs. Whether you come for photos, people-watching, or history, this is where Stockholm’s soul meets its scenery.

Commanding the skyline above the Old Town, the Royal Palace of Stockholm (Kungliga Slottet) is one of Europe’s largest and most active royal residences. With over 600 rooms, royal guards, and daily ceremonies, it’s a living piece of Swedish history. Built after the great fire of 1697, the palace blends baroque grandeur with centuries of royal intrigue and legend. Step close to the stone façade and you’ll sense stories of kings, queens, and even the ghostly “Grey Lady” said to walk its halls. Visiting this landmark isn’t just sightseeing — it’s stepping into the living history of Sweden’s royal heart.

The Royal Swedish Opera is a masterpiece of art, architecture, and emotion — a golden palace of music overlooking the water. Inside, crystal chandeliers sparkle above marble staircases, where Sweden’s most famous performers, from Greta Garbo to Ingrid Bergman, once began their journeys. But this beautiful building also hides a darker chapter: it was here that King Gustav III was assassinated during a masked ball, a moment that inspired Verdi’s legendary opera Un Ballo in Maschera. Today, the Opera remains a stage where royal passion, cultural heritage, and world-class performance come together — a must-visit for anyone exploring central Stockholm.

With its cobblestone streets, colorful façades, and centuries-old charm, Gamla Stan (the Old Town) is where Stockholm began. It’s one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval centers — a place where every corner tells a story. Here you’ll find the Nobel Prize Museum, Storkyrkan Cathedral, and the iconic Stortorget Square, site of the infamous Stockholm Bloodbath. Wander down Mårten Trotzigs Gränd, the city’s narrowest alley, or shop along Västerlånggatan, lined with centuries-old buildings. Gamla Stan is more than a historic district — it’s a living museum of Swedish history, best explored on foot and through the stories that echo between its walls.

Across the bridge from the Old Town lies Södermalm, the creative and bohemian heart of Stockholm. Once a humble workers’ district, today it’s a mix of panoramic viewpoints, indie boutiques, and buzzing cafés — the perfect place to feel the modern city’s pulse. From Monteliusvägen and Ivar Los Park, you’ll see breathtaking views over the water and the city’s skyline. Down below, the cobbled streets of Hornsgatspuckeln and Mariatorget reveal Stockholm’s artistic side, filled with history and heart. This is where old and new Stockholm meet, and where every sunset seems to turn the city into a painting.