If you are living as an expat in Sweden’s capital and largest city, Stockholm, there are plenty of things you can do on a Sunday afternoon whether it’s December or the height of the summer. Although Stockholm, with its population of less than 1 million people is not a very large capital, at least in comparison to some other capitals internationally, it is a vibrant and dynamic city that combines modernity with history. Here are our tips for spending a Sunday afternoon in Stockholm.
Gamla Stan is Stockholm’s Old Town and walking around the cobbled streets, medieval alleyways and colourful historical buildings, you’ll have the chance to immerse yourself in the city’s history. The old town dates back to the 13th century and while up until the mid 20th century it was mostly left in disrepair, many of its building were restored in the 1980’s. In Gamla Stan, you’ll also have the chance to see and visit the Royal Palace, gothic churches and to stop and relax for a coffee or beer in one of the area’s local cafes or bars.
Stockholm is a unique city, as it consists of 14 large islands right next to the Stockholm archipelago. This means that over 30% of the city’s area is actually made up of waterways. Going on a boat tour to discover the city and the surrounding archipelago is a great way to spend a sunny Sunday afternoon. You can find a wide range of different boat tours, whether you just want to see the main sights of the city or prefer to do some sightseeing combined with an early dinner. You can also go kayaking or canoeing around the city.
As a third of the city’s area is made up of green spaces and parks, you can choose from a great variety when planning where to have your Sunday afternoon picnic or which park to choose to meet some friends. The city has 26 parks, including Hagaparken, Ralambshovsparken, which even has a beach and the Royal National City Park, where you can go to spot wildlife, such as heron, deer and foxes.
Whether you are keen on a hike in the woods, sunbathing on the beach, camping or swimming, Stockholm’s beautiful archipelago is a great place to visit. Some islands are more accessible with hotels, inns, restaurants and cafes, while on others, you’ll be able to enjoy peace, quiet and nature’s purity, but will need to take your own food and hiking boots. If you are looking for a more tourist-oriented island, check out Fjaderholmarna or Grinda, and if you want to explore the wilderness, check out Bullero or Svartloga.
If you are stuck for something to do on a dark wintery evening, you can ice skate on one of the city’s frozen lakes, for example lake Norrviken or Malaren or on one of Stockholm’s ice rinks. When the city’s waterways get frozen, it’s also great fun to try out your skating skills on these. If you are looking for a bigger challenge, you could also try cross-country skating on natural ice.
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