Visit Gamla Stan, The Old Town of Stockholm

Gamla Stan is a must see when visiting Stockholm!  The island is just south of downtown Stockholm. The old town is just lovely with its narrow cobble stone streets and alleyways lined with shops.

Just taking the walk across the bridge and then down Västerlånggatan to the square is amazing!  There are so many shops with Swedish souvenirs and trinkets, along with cute cafes for a Fika break, and restaurants with delicious food.  For fun you can take a turn on one of the many narrow cobbled alleyways to the next street for more shops or a glimpse of the water surrounding the island.

If you are there during the morning, make sure to walk to the Army Museum for the Royal Guard military march and mounted parade or go to the Royal Palace for the Changing of the Guard after the parade.  The Royal Guard military march starts daily at 11:45am, except Sundays (Sundays they begin at 11:35am). The Changing of the Guards Ceremony immediately follows the march.  On special royal holidays, such as the Crown Princess Birthday, they will do a gun salute.

There is plenty of history on the island with the Stockholm Castle and the oldest town square where beheadings took place in 1520.  The island is also the home of the Old Stockholm Stock Exchange, now the Nobel Museau; Storkyrkan Cathedral, Stockholms oldest church; the Parliament; and many other museums.

Make sure to finish your day with a dinner at one of the many restaurants on the island followed by a stroll through the square or along the boardwalk.

For more information about the museums on Gamla Stan, read the Stockholm Museum Series.