There are many reasons why Stockholm is such a fantastic place to visit. The food, the people and the ease of using the city's public transport, to name but a few.
Likewise, there are countless ways in which visitors can choose to amuse themselves in the Swedish capital. Wandering the streets of the 13th-century old town, Gamla Stan. Taking a boat ride through the Stockholm Archipelago. Screaming at the top of your lungs while amusing yourself on any of the rides at Gröna Lund. Or spending a decent chunk of your time there exploring Stockholm's standout museums.
The city is home to many top quality museums and galleries, which stand. These are the ones I recommend visiting.
Fotografiska
Not to play favorites or anything, but Fotografiska is a special place. I'd heard rave reviews from friends and so was expecting great things. I wasn't disappointed.
The gallery is on the smaller side and can be seen in next to no time at all. I was unfortunately on a tight schedule and had to rush through. That being said, it would be best to give yourself a good chunk of time there to properly savor the experience. This is how all art should be consumed, in my humble opinion.
It would be best to get there first thing in the morning. Although I have to admit – I'd be intrigued by the prospect of spending a Friday or Saturday eve at the gallery. Beats a night out on the town, any day.
Opening hours: 9 a.m. – 11 p.m. Sunday to Wednesday, 9 a.m. – 1 a.m. Thursday to Saturday
Address: Stadsgårdshamnen 22, Stockholm
Price: Adults – 120 kronor ($14) / Students and Seniors – 90 kronor ($10.60) / Children under the age of 12 – free admission
ABBA Museum
In the interest of utter transparency, half the reason I wanted to go to Stockholm was to make a trip to the ABBA Museum. I've been somewhat obsessed with them for a very long time.
The museum did not disappoint. The experience of attending is both informative and interactive. Many of ABBA's famously glitzy performance outfits are on display, along with their many album covers and awards. You can tour through various display rooms that contain replicas of everything from their manager's office to the music room in a house by the sea, where Benny and Björn wrote many of the band's international hits.
Best of all, patrons are invited to put their pride aside and get as involved as possible. Dance in an ABBA music video, or test your karaoke skills in a voice booth. You can even take center stage to sing and dance with (a visual projection of) the band themselves!
Opening hours: 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Monday to Sunday.
Address: Djurgården 68, Stockholm
Price: It's cheaper to buy admission online, as over the counter tickets incur a service fee. Children aged 7 to 15 (under 7s are free) – 65 kronor ($7.70) / Adults – 195 kronor ($23)
Vasa Museet
Hearing the sad tale of this Viking warship is almost as enjoyable as seeing it in the flesh at the Vasa Museum.
The Vasa set off on its maiden voyage on the 10th of August 1628. It sailed for about 1,500 meters, before sinking, taking all on board (an estimated 30 people) down with it.
The ship was rediscovered within the Archipelago in the late 1950s and was salvaged in 1961. Since then, the utmost care has gone into preserving the ship, which is now recognized as being an integral part of Swedish history and cultural identity.
Seeing the warship in the flesh is an experience not to be missed, and it's no surprise that it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Stockholm today.
Opening hours: 8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Monday to Sunday
Address: Galärvarvsvägen 14, Stockholm
Price: Adults – 130 kronor ($15.35) / Students – 100 kronor ($11.80) / Children and young people up to 18 years – free admission
Spirit Museum
I'll admit, when I first heard about the Spirit Museum, I thought it might be a great place to learn about the spookier side of Swedish history.
It turns out it's not that kind of spirit! Rather, the museum is dedicated to alcohol and subsequently, the relationship that the Swedish people have with it.
It might be worth going just to eat at the restaurant, which looks out on the water (not a bad view at all). Although I didn't have a meal there myself, the food is said to be fantastic.
Opening hours: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday – Sunday
Address: Djurgårdsvägen 38
Price: Children aged 0-6 go free, 12-18 year-olds and students 90 kronor ($10.60) / Adults 100 kronor ($11.80) / Seniors 90 kronor ($10.60)
Admittedly, it's been awhile since I've had as much fun playing “the tourist” as I did during my time in Stockholm. No matter which museum you choose to visit, you won't be disappointed.
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