Gamla Stan (The Old Town)

What could be better than soaking up the historical sites of Gamla Stan in Stockholm: we’re talking cobbled streets, original buildings from the 17th & 18th centuries, a royal palace, hidden alleyways…I could go on…you get the idea.

Dating back to the 13th century, Gamla Stan was the original Stockholm. The area has Stockholm’s biggest ranges of restaurants, tourist shops, studios and museums, so you are sure to find something to keep you entertained.

Allow plenty of time to wander lazily up & down the sleepy cobbles and alleyways, & don’t forget your camera. If you are in search of a decent cafe, you will find plenty along the main streets, side roads & squares such as Cafe Kaffekoppen – one of my absolute favourites in the Old Town. On Västerlånggatan (the main street), we like Cosy Corner Cafe & Cafe Muren.

There are still plenty of second hand stores in Gamla Stan & we would recommend Gamla Stan’s Stockholm Stadsmission store for a bit of antique & vintage shopping.

Top tip: It may be a good idea to take a guide book with you in your native language if you would like to learn more about the historical monuments, statues & buildings that dominate Gamla Stan, as many of the information plaques are just in Swedish.