Making The Most Of Your Visit To Stockholm
Stockholm is often referred to as the city of islands. Geographically Stockholm is very large and occupies literally dozens of islands. With the Stockholm archipelago located some 27 miles from the Baltic, cruising in or out past incredible scenery is a memorable experience.
Stockholm was founded in the 13th century, and has been the center for trade and politics in Sweden serveing as its capital since 1634. The city is known for its stunning architecture, including the Royal Palace with medieval Gamla Stan at its center, which is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe, with cobblestone streets and rich architectural heritage.There is much to see and do in Stockholm and with miles of amazing waterfront it’s a good idea to have a plan for seeing this city.
Where Your Ship Docks
Currently there are two cruise ship docking areas in Stockholm and if you are going to plan your time in this beautiful city it’s a good idea to check were your ship will be docking.
Stadsgården Cruise Ship Terminal is the largest cruise facility in Stockholm and offers a range of facilities including waiting areas, ticket offices,and shops and serves as a key point for many cruise departures. It is nearer to central Stockholm, making it easy to explore the city before or after the cruise and includes several Visit Stockholm tourist information offices. From Stadsgården Cruise Port to Stockholm’s City Center is less than a thirty or forty minute walk.
Frihamnen’s cruise terminal is located farther away at the northeastern part of the city at Lilla Värtan strait just in front of Millesgården statue-park and museum, a favorite in the city. There are 3 Visit Stockholm’s tourist information offices at Frihamnen’s Terminals.
Transportation
Public transportation includes buses, metro and ferries and is generally inexpensive. The best way to take advantage of Stockholm’s public transportation is to buy a TravelCard (SL-Access card). They can be purchased at the counter on underground stations, SL-centers and kiosks and many convience stores like Pressbyrån or 7-eleven as well as at some hotels.
The price for travelcards used on all public transportation in Stockholm is: 24-hour travelcard: 155 SEK (14.65 € / $16.10) adults. 72-hour travelcard: 310 SEK (29.35 € / US$32.10 / £24.85)
From Frihamnen’s cruise terminal you can choose to get to the city center by bus or by a combination of metro and bus. Getting to the city center by bus takes around 35 minutes. Take bus number 76 and get off at Slottsbacken bus stop which is located on the backside of the Royal Palace and very close to the famous Stortorget Square. The squaredominated by beautiful colored houses and is one of Stockholm’s most photographed areas. The bus will also take you to Djurgården island where the Vasa Museum, and the ABBA Museum are located.
From Stadsgården Cruise Port the island of Djurgården is less than 15 minutes away by bus. Take a taxi for about US$8 or the number 76 bus at the Frihamnen bus stop and get off at Djurgårdsbron. On this island is the Vasa Museum, The ABBA Museum, Skansen, Spritmuseum, the new Viking Museum and Stockholm aquarium.
To reach the southern island or Södermalm take bus number 76 to the northern entrance of the island at Slussen and from there get around by metro on the green line towards the southwest (Medborgarplatsen, Skanstull) and the artsy area at Folkungagatan or on the red line towards the southeast and Mariatorget, Zinkensdamm and Hornstull where you can visit the gardens at Tantolunden, Årsta Bay, the lookout at Monteliusvägen.
Two good options for seeing Stockholm are the Hop-On-Hop-Off Buss and Go City Stockholm pass.
The Go City Stockholm tourist visitor pass allows you to enter over 45 attractions and sights in the capital. https://gocity.com/en/stockholm
A 3 Day Go City pass is US$135
A 24 hour Hop-On-Hop-Off buss pass is US$39
Currency
One Swedish Krona equals 0.10 US Dollars. Credit cards are widely accepted and ATMs are available.
Tipping
Tipping in Sweden is not expected but always welcome. For good service the practice of rounding up or adding 10% to the bill as a tip is becoming common..
Attractions
Historic sites in Stockholm include the Royal Palace, an extraordinary architectural marvel that serves as the official residPence of the Swedish monarch.
Parks And Great Places To Hike
Djurgården, is a lush island in the heart of the city, features beautiful parks, open-air museums like Skansen, and a stunning waterfront.
Monteliusvägen, runs along the northeast edge of Södermalm island, a fantastic walking path and a great viewpoint of the city Stockholm. It offers a vista over Kungsholmen, City Hall, City/Norrmalm, Riddarholmen, Old Town/Gamla Stan, and Slussen.
Museums
The Vasa Museum which showcases the 17th-century warship Vasa, which sank on its maiden voyage is a must-visit.
Another favorite is the Abba Museum, a tribute to the popular Swedish rock group.
The Moderna Museum features one of Europe’s foremost collections of modern and contemporary art. Moderna’s permanent collection includes works by Dalí, Picasso, Derkert, Christo and Duchamp. Fotografiska opened in 2010 and has become one of the world’s premier venues for contemporary photography.
Stortorget Square features beautiful colored houses and is one of Stockholm’s most photographed sights.
The Intentional Travelers 