The Top 10 Things To See And Do In Östermalm, Stockholm

Sweden’s glittering hub for performing artsEstablished in 1788, the Dramaten (Royal Dramatic Theatre) is Sweden’s national theater, and is the nation’s hub for the most intriguing performing arts. The use of white marble stones with glittering gold decorations highlight the elegance of the building that stands right opposite to the Royal Palace. The Dramaten tour is highly recommended, as it guides you through this exquisite theater, including the backstage and the wardrobes. If you are a big fan of performing arts, then you should definitely buy a ticket to watch the most authentic Swedish dramas.

Opening hours: subject to your tour reservation

DesignHouse Stockholm
Shopping heaven for minimalist enthusiasts
As the name suggests, DesignHouse Stockholm is the center of Sweden’s most fabulous and chic designs. For those who want to buy products with Swedish modern and minimalist designs, this is a place that you don’t want to miss. DesignHouse Stockholm offers a wide range of home decorations, clothing, and kitchenware, which are designed with strong Scandinavian influences. The success of this brand has been internationally recognized, but it seems a perfect way to explore Scandinavian designs in the brands’ origin, Stockholm.

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 10am-8pm; Sat 10am-6pm; Sun 11am-5pm

An oasis in Östermalm

Want to experience the city like a local? Then Humlegården may be a great place to be. Humlegården was the Royal Fruit Garden in the 16th century and was completely opened for public access in the 18th century. Many locals love to have lunch in the park, where the greenery provides a great atmosphere for them to unwind after the stress from work. It is a great place for you to picnic and spend a day under the Nordic sun. You will be amazed by how good the Swedes are in landscaping the park. Humlegården © Björn Olsson/Flickr

Get to know the royal horses

If you are fascinated by the royal history of Sweden, then why not visit the Royal Mews and learn more about how the royal family was transported in the olden days? The stables were built in the time of King Gustav Vasa, and the horses and carriages stored there were used for ceremonies and visits. Today the stables showcase this heritage to the public. There are guided tours all year round and you are recommended to take part in them. Experienced guides will take you through the history of the Swedish Royal family, and you will be amazed by the spectacular Nordic garden in the Mews.

Opening hours: Sat guided tour starts at 2pm The Royal Mews © Nenyaki/Flickr

The world’s largest Viking exhibition

A big shout out to history lovers, Historiska Museet (Sweden History Museum) is heaven for you. Being one of the largest museums in Sweden, Historiska Museet is surely unique and worth a visit. The museum houses the world’s largest exhibition on Viking history and thousands of medieval artifacts. For families, the interactive exhibition ‘Meet the Vikings’ is surely a great place for children to learn more about Viking history through crafts and games. It is true that the Sweden History Museum can cater to the interests of everyone.

Opening hours: 10am-6pm daily (1 Jun-31 Aug); Tue, Thu-Sun 11am-5pm; Wed 11am-8pm (1 Sep-31 May)

Concert venue for breathtaking Swedish classics

Your visit to Sweden can’t be complete without Swedish music. Berwaldhallen is one of the major concert venues in Stockholm and was opened in 1979. This building is modern, with designs influenced by geometry. This concert hall houses the Swedish Radio Symphony Orchestra and the Swedish Radio Choir, which are among the best in their respective fields. For those who are enthusiastic about live music, make sure you check out which shows are available and book your ticket in advance. You will be taken on an elegant adventure in Swedish classical music.

Opening hours: 12pm-6pm Daily and Subject to concerts Berwaldhallen © Estonian Foreign Ministry/Flickr

Gourmet shopping in one of the world’s best food halls

Östermalms Saluhall is seen as the world’s seventh best food hall, which means this food hall houses many local and international delicacies that will excite your taste buds. Established in 1888, the food hall gives a strong nostalgic vibe with a Gothic touch. There are 17 traders in the food hall, with many of them running a family business. All are dedicated to preparing food for you using the best ingredients and most authentic Scandinavian preparation techniques. The food hall also offers a lot of traditional Swedish snacks and sauces, which you can take home to continue your Swedish food journey when you are away.

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 9.30am-6pm; Fri 9.30am-7pm; Sat 9.30am-4pm Östermalms Saluhall © Billy Lok Ming Poon

Luxurious and relaxing nineteenth-century spa

If you are looking for a relaxing and luxurious way to unwind yourself in the Swedish capital, Sturebadet is a must for you. Established in 1885, the founders of Sturebadet discovered medical treatments using spa, swimming, and massage. Today Sturebadet offers a wide range of medical treatments, such as Turkish baths and massages, to reduce the stress of their guests. Sturebadet’s architecture gives a strong vintage feeling, with a touch of Swedish influence, which makes your bath extra rewarding and relaxing.

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 6.30am-10pm; Sat-Sun 8.30am-8.30pm Sturebadet © Patricia Fabre/Flickr

See Sweden’s military power

Sweden’s history is never complete without military input. That’s why visiting Armémuseum (Swedish Army Museum) will offer you a more comprehensive view in Sweden’s past. Spread across three floors, the museum is spacious and holds a wide range of historical artifacts and battlefield reconstructions. Through viewing various artifacts and narratives, you will get a glimpse of how soldiers and their families lived during the various periods of war throughout Swedish history. In this museum, you may choose to enroll yourself on a guided tour, or use the audio guide provided free of charge.

Opening hours: 10am-5pm daily (1 Jun-31 Aug); Tue 11am-8pm; Wed-Sun 11am-5pm (1 Sep-31 May)