I learned on my recent trip to Stockholm and Copenhagen that I didn’t have to do everything and instead chose to visit the most important attractions on my list. I wanted to take my time, enjoy what I was seeing, and not feel rushed and I liked it this way. Stockholm was an absolutely beautiful and pristine city to see as I strolled through all the neighborhoods and around all the islands. It’s a very cosmopolitan city but there are parts of town where you can get away from the hustle and bustle for some peace and quiet which I loved. I had 5 days in Stockholm to explore so here are my top 5 attractions that I suggest you see as well:

Museum of Modern Art

Moderna Museet is located on Skeppsholmen island and houses all the modern art you would think of from Dali, Picasso, and Matisse. Be on the lookout for special exhibitions such as Siri Derkert, famed Swedish modernist who recently designed the Ostermalmstorg underground station in Stockholm, and Irving Penn, whose photographs of people in fashion or in far-flung locations are striking. A stroll around the island of Skeppsholmen after your museum visit is a must for views of the water and downtown Stockholm from afar.

Entrance to the museum

Stepping into the art

Breakfast and boats in Kungsholmen

Kungsholmen is a neighborhood away from the tourist attractions and an area of Stockholm worthy of a quiet breakfast and a stroll along Lake Malaren for boat watching. A friend recommended Petite France for pastries and coffee in the morning and since I’m a sucker for a French cafe I had to seek the place out. The food is delicious and close to the water so you can walk from there all the way to Gamla stan, taking in all the boats tied to the harbor. On a sunny day, it was one of the most beautiful views I saw in Stockholm.

Stop by the Nobel Museum in Gamla stan

Gamla stan, or the Old Town, is a gorgeous area to walk around on a lazy afternoon and if you are in that neighborhood you must visit the Nobel Museum. It is definitely worth your money as you learn about the history of the Nobel Prize and Alfred Nobel himself. Prized possessions donated by Nobel Laureates are on display with interesting stories behind the items’ significance explained. It’s a small museum so I didn’t feel overwhelmed and afterwards, Hermitage Vegetarisk is a  vegetarian restaurant nearby for a delicious meal that even a meat-eater like myself enjoyed.

Prized possessions from Nobel Laureates

Suggested reading perhaps?

Fotografiska

Fotografiska was by far my favorite museum in Stockholm. A brand new photography museum located in Stockholm’s Sodermalm neighborhood, I highly recommend this place for any photography lover. Contemporary exhibits revolve annually and my favorite at the time I visited was Jacob Fellander’s I Want To Live Close To You, photographs of cities such as Paris and Dubai meshed into one. The top floor cafe offers a stunning view of Tivoli and the water so make sure you stay there for a coffee or lunch.

I Want To Live Close To You

The Vasa Museum

Vasa Museet is a one of the most popular attractions in Stockholm and for good reason. Located on the island of Djurgarden, here you can view a massive salvaged ship from 17th century Sweden. As soon as you walk through the entrance, it is immediately apparent how impressive the ship is still intact. Seven floors of history surround the ship explaining who was on board, why it sank, and how it was rediscovered after more than 300 years. Add in a hearty meal at the cafe and a walk through the museum gardens and it all makes for a great morning activity to avoid the crowds.

Crew remains

Have you been to Stockholm? What’s your favorite attraction in the capital city?

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