Home of IKEA, H&M and Abba

A city made up of Fourteen islands intertwined by 57 bridges

One of the most scenic cities to sail in or out of, the archipelago or myriad of tiny islands are just begging to be photographed and admired

Gamla Stan the picture perfect old town is easily walkable from the cruise shuttle bus stop, passing the Royal Palace on the way. The Palace was open to the public pre COVID with tickets a bargain at around £15 each, home to the King, it’s one of the largest Royal Palaces in Europe and you can watch the changing of the guard daily, just like Buckingham Palace in London

The Museums (2019 prices)

ABBA The Museum: Probably top of many people’s bucket lists for their one day in Stockholm, entry costs 250 SEK (approx. £22) – cash is not accepted anywhere in the museum. I travelled there by ferry, and ferries are also included on the subway pass, with a day pass costing around £10

Vasa Museum: Home to the world’s only preserved 17th century ship 150 SEK (around £13). The Vasa actually sank on her maiden voyage in 1628 and was salvaged intact after 333 years on the sea bed

Other notable museums include:
Skansen open-air museum: The world’s oldest open air museum showcasing traditional Swedish life. The entry fee is cheaper in Winter at 160 SEK but then 220 SEK in Summer.
Swedish history museum: Not only is it one of the biggest museums in Sweden, it welcomes over 250,000 visitors per year and it is one of the best free things to do in Stockholm.
Fotografiska: One of the best photography museums in Europe and admission is 155 SEK (approx. £13)
Nobel Museum: Enjoy the work of over 900 creative minds and the discoveries of the Nobel Laureates 120 SEK (approx. £10)

On a cruise stop you will really only have time to take in one of the museums and possibly a couple of metro stations, or just have a good walk around. Most cruise ships offer tours to the various museums with excellent, knowledgeable guides. I found the walking tour of the city really good also

On a budget? After a walk round Gamla Stan, grab a metro ticket for around £4 and spend the 75 minutes travel time this affords you taking in the arty underground stations, some of the top ones include T-Centralen, Stadion for the rainbows, Kungstradgarden it’s wonderfully weird with even a Nordic nude, Tekniska Hogskolan full of tech, beside the technology centre, Solna Centrum jaw dropping black and red escalators and Thorildsplan for Pac-Man Those six should be do able in 75 minutes as trains are fast and regular

Coffee shops and cafes are very popular in Stockholm, obviously meatballs and cinnamon buns (think IKEA only better) are popular National dishes. After my visit to the ABBA museum on a sunny day, I cooled down and enjoyed some serious people watching with 2 bottles of this and a very delicious brownie at an outdoor cafe with a very cool vibe right below the bridge where the cruise shuttle buses stop. I confess though, I never actually had the courage to look at my credit card statement to see just how much that treat had cost!