Nordic Countries - Must see in Stockholm

Hi all

We're off to Stockholm next month for 4 days but in reality we'll have two full days sightseeing.

We're going to get the 48 hr Stockholm card and are staying very central (Nordic Hotel).

Things that I've read as must sees

Vasa Museum
Royal Palace & Changing of the Guard
Gamla Stan (Wander around)
Boat Trip - Round the Islands

Now I know that this is asking how long is a piece of string but if you had two days what else would you guys suggest?

We're both active so are up for bike rides etc.

So over to you!

Thanks in advance

Benjurs ^:p:p

I quite like Moderna Museet (the museum of modern art); if you like art that should be on your list). Another museum that is very unique and that I like a lot is the Nobel Museum which is quite fascinating.

And dinner in an upscale restaurant should be on your list -- Stockholm has some wonderful food. My favorite is Wedholms Fisk -- simple seafood perfectly prepared.

Cheers,
T.

Of course, the Vasa Museum is the top attraction.

Much less well known is the Museum of National Antiquities’ Gold Room http://www.historiska.se/home/exhibitions/thegooldroom/ It's quite impressive.

You could also visit Skansen http://www.skansen.se/pages/?ID=221. However, since a visit there is time consuming, schedule your entrance to Skansen just before your second day expires. Once in, you can take your time and actually extend the 48 hours a few hours more.

Woodland Cemetery and chapel and the Stockholm Public Library.

August in Stockholm is beautiful!

IMPORTANT: days are very long, still often sunny until 11pm...so you can almost plan two days in one.
But with the 4 places you list, you are aiming for all the tourist places--and will spend time surrounded by other tourists.

So the key is to get away and out from regimented things with hordes of people.

Yes, Vasa is OK (though I had enough after 20 minutes)...but after that you can rent bikes somewhere near and go riding in the surrounding park, very beautiful.
Yes, watch the guard (follow the band all the way around the palace from the bottom of the hill, and don't get stuck in the courtyard with all the other tourists...)...and then leave--and walk across the bridge to the wharfs opposite the Grand Hotel- to the ferries for VAXHOLM or other parts of the archipelago. This is an absolute must. Stockholmers walk on and off the ferries very relaxed. You have not seen Stockholm or Sweden if you do not take a ferry--any ferry--out to the islands. Check opposite the Grand Hotel...it is very very easy to get on and off the ferries. If you go to Vaxholm, about an hour, you can have lunch, eat an icecream, walk around the island for an hour or so, then take the ferry back. You could be back by 4 or 5...with still about 6 hours to go. Most people by the way speak English, so you can easily do things on your own--you don't need packaged tours.
Walk all around Stockholm--it is flat, easy to explore. Get a map, walk.

You can take a ferry from just near CITY HALL (itself very interesting) and go along the lake on the old ferry to DROTTNINGHOLM PALACE...about an hour, dine on the ferry, eat lunch, or eat cloudberries and cream, sip wine or beer.
It's lovely and restful, you see the region.
At Drottningholm you can take a quick tour of the impressive palace--then walk through the beautiful park to the CHINESE PAVILION...one of the most beautiful, small pavilions...lovely...walk back, take a quick look at the opera house, walk to the ferry all very relaxed...the last ferry leaves around 9pm or so...you will feel so relaxed. No regimentation--you are independent, and have your own personal experience.
It will still be light around 10pm when you get back to the city. You can explore, go and get a drink or icecream in Gamla Stan. What a day!
Nordic Hotel: the IceBar is opposite, right? It's a trip--I found it too cold but lots of people love it...
Food is great in Sweden (I never saw meatballs on a menu) and especially the fish.
LUNCH: go to the OSTERMALM FOOD HALL and at LISA ELMQUIST have smoked salmon or fresh fish or trout or other seafood...beautiful, fresh, lovely atmosphere, not expensive, mostly locals.
HAVE A GREAT TIME. Plan long days--even after dinner I've gone out into the islands on the ferry...you can do a lot. But be sure to get away from the tourists...do a little research to have your own experiences and adventures.

I quite like Moderna Museet (the museum of modern art); if you like art that should be on your list). Another museum that is very unique and that I like a lot is the Nobel Museum which is quite fascinating.

And dinner in an upscale restaurant should be on your list -- Stockholm has some wonderful food. My favorite is Wedholms Fisk -- simple seafood perfectly prepared.

Cheers,
T.

YES, i second that. You could be out on the terrace--or get a window table to see the water and the view. Lovely place, unpretentious.

I really appreciate all your advice!

I have taken all on board and will use it all!

Brilliant! only FT could do this!

Anyone need any advice on London/Cambridge then please let me return the favour!

Cheers

Ben^^^^^

I second what has been posted :
- Museums : Vasa + Modern art
- touring : explore Djurgarden Island with rented bikes : Rosendals Garden, Prins Eugen's house etc...
- Drottningholm castle by boat