Exploring Stockholm's Gamla Stan Through 17 Instagrams

Stockholm’s Gamla Stan (Old Town) is among the most Instagramable parts of the city – it’s charming and well-preserved but not Disney-fied. People still live here, companies have offices here, but it is also home to some of the best attractions, restaurants, and bars Stockholm has to offer. Use these 17 Instagrams to explore and get inspired.

Cobblestone streets and alleyways have extra charm during the rainy autumn months, when things look that much more antiquated and you can almost feel what the city was like hundreds of years ago.

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Mårten Trotzigs gränd is the narrowest street in Stockholm, and if you get here early (or late) enough, you can take the time to discover that it’s more than just an alleyway that gets you from one area to another.

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Seeing Gamla Stan from a distance gives a real appreciation of the unique and colourful buildings, as well as the wonderfully diverse and compact skyline.

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Views to other areas of the city, such as Södemalm, can be discovered around every corner. Perfect for the shutterbugs out there.

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There’s a great live music tradition in Gamla Stan. Engelen in the perfect place to enjoy some blues on a Saturday afternoon. Stora Nygatan street is the place to discover the best live acts.

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The bars, cafés and restaurants that line Stortorget in the warmer months are the perfect place to watch both locals and tourists go about their business.

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Storkyrkan is just one example of the fantastic architecture you’ll find in Gamla Stan. It’s also where Royal weddings are held, as well as a number of other official events.

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If you’re coming to Stockholm at Christmas, be sure to stop by the Christmas Market in Old Town. Sip some glögg, nibble on some pepparkakor, and pick up some old-fashioned candy.

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The pedestrian walkway leading to Gamla Stan passes by the Houses of Parliament, as well as the Royal Palace. This is where government business has been going on for hundreds of years.

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The Nobel Prize awards are a highlight of the annual calendar in Stockholm – learn more about the history and past winners at the Nobel Museum in Gamla Stan.

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To really go behind the scenes, join a tour group. Some of them are free and all of them are rich with history and knowledge about the origins of the city.

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Sweden’s beloved troubadour, Evert Taube, is honoured with a wonderful piece of public art in Gamla Stan. It captures his humour and warmth, and the views from his vantage point are wonderful.

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The Royal Armoury at the Royal Palace is filled with priceless treasures, quite a few of which date back to the early days of Stockholm.

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Gamla Stan is a perfect place to pick up souvenirs of both Stockholm and Sweden, including the famed Dala horses and hand-blown crystal.

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Beneath the cobblestone streets of Gamla Stan you’ll fine restaurants, wine bars, and plenty more – and these are some of the finest places for food and drink in the city. Take time to discover them.

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The Changing of the Guard happens twice daily and includes music, horses and the requisite stern soldiers. The guards come from their barracks on Östermalm, so the spectacle can be seen long before you get to Gamla Stan.

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No visit to Stockholm or Gamla Stan is complete without a visit to the Royal Palace. Tours are available and very comprehensive but you’re also welcome to wander around areas open to the public on your own.

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