Stockholm, the vibrant capital of Scandinavia is a picturesque city that is jam-packed with culture, history and charm. A visit to the city would not be complete without spending some time in Gamla Stan, or the Old Town, where Stockholm was founded and famous for being one of the most well preserved medieval centers in Europe. A pedestrian friendly district packed with remnants of medieval Sweden, whether you’re visiting Gamla Stan for a few hours or a day, this guide will help you get the most out of your time.
Visit Stockholm’s original city center
A great place to start when touring Gamla Stan is right in the center at the oldest square in Stockholm. Stortorget is surrounded by beautiful architecture, charming colorful aristocratic houses and is the location of the Stockholm Stock Exchange building and Well. This historical square attracts tens of thousands of visitors locally and from around the world every year and is a great spot to people watch.
The site of the Stockholm Bloodbath in 1520 today it is a less gruesome place, being the location of the traditional Christmas markets as well as performances, events and occasional demonstrations. The impressive Stock Exchange building also houses the Swedish Academy, the Nobel Museum and the Nobel Library.
Walk the winding streets of Gamla Stan
From Stortorget, visitors can get a true insight into life in medieval times with a walk down the oldest street in Stockholm, Kopmangatan. Dating back to the 14th century, the impressive street acted as the main connection between Stortorget and the fish market and in Swedish translates as ‘Merchant Street’.
Try award-winning Swedish food
Located on Osterlanggatan and featured in the Guinness book of records for being oldest restaurant in the world to have the same surrounds, little has changed since its establishment in 1722. Experience delicious Nordic home cooking with a contemporary twist at famous Swedish restaurant Den Gyldene Freden. Eating traditional cuisine in this 18th century medieval tavern in Stockholm is guaranteed to be a dining experience you won’t forget in a hurry.
Check out our guide to the top brunch spots in Stockholm!
Marten Trotzig Grand alley
Blink and you may miss Marten Trotzigs alley, named after the richest merchant in Stockholm and Gamla Stan’s narrowest alley. Leading down just 36 steps it measures just 90 centimetres at its narrowest point! Visitors can find the start of the lane at Vasterlangatan 81. It may be worth visiting the alley before dining at Den Gylden Freden, just to be on the safe side, or give it a wide berth if small spaces make you nervous.
Shop for a souvenir in Stockholm Old Town
One of the best places to pick up a gift is on Vasterlanggatan, Gamla Stan’s popular tourist street. For a memento that is more original, the Old Town is full of charming shops selling everything from Swedish glassware and beautiful fabrics to silver jewellery and antique maps. Lose yourself in the shops of the Old Town and a treat yourself to a keepsake of your trip to Stockholm.
Looking to experience something a bit different during your stay? Spice things up with some of Stockholm's unusual attractions.
Book a central Stockholm hotel
For comfort and location, you can’t beat the Radisson Blu Royal Viking Hotel, Stockholm when planning your trip to Stockholm. Offering all the mod cons, it’s just a 15 minute walk to picturesque Gamla Stan. For business and leisure travellers, this stylish Stockholm accommodation will put you in the heart of this cosmopolitan city and its must-see tourist attractions. Looking to fly in and fly out for a quick trip to the city? The Radisson Blu Sky City Hotel, Arlanda Airport is conveniently based within walking distance of all terminals and you can easily get into the city with the Arlanda Express train, which takes you directly to the Central Station.
Explore the city with one of Radisson Blu's 5 stylish hotels in Stockholm!
