Stockholm is beloved by many as one of the most beautiful cities to visit in summer, and you'll find no shortage of things to do in the sunnier months of the year. Enjoy popular outdoor sights around Gamla stan and the island of Djurgården or venture out into the countryside and explore the stunning scenery that surrounds the city.

Do some island hopping around the archipelago or visit one of the islands on Lake Mälaren, where you'll find sights such as Drottningholm Palace (Drottningholms slott) on Lovön island or the Viking town of Birka on the island of Björkö. The capital is also full of relaxing outdoor areas and urban bathing spots that are best enjoyed under the shining sun.

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    Explore the archipelago

    Boat your way from island to island

    Explore the archipelago
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    The Stockholm Archipelago is a string of picturesque islands which are simply waiting to be explored. You'll find everything from small-town idyll to untouched nature, plus small islets and skerries where others rarely set foot. On Vaxholm you'll find an old fortress by the name of Vaxholm Castle which sits on its own island away from the town.

    If you feel like venturing even farther out to really get a sense for archipelago tranquillity, set your sights on the island of Möja and have your lunch in its charming little guest house.

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    Långholmen

    Enjoy summer freedom with a brisk dip and captivating history

    Långholmen
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    Långholmen is an island in the heart of the city where you can combine an invigorating dip with some historical sights. On this island to the north of larger Södermalm, you can go swimming either at the sandy Långholmsbadet or the craggier Långholmens klippbad. Not far from both spots lies one of Stockholm's former prisons, which is now a museum where you can learn what life was once like for the prisoners interned here.

    If you're looking for a really captivating place to stay, it is even possible to spend the night in one of the cells. As you might expect, they're a lot more inviting nowadays!

    Location: Långholmen, Stockholm, Sweden

    Open: Långholmen Prison Museum is open daily from 11 am to 4 pm

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    Skansen

    Step back into the Sweden of days gone by

    Skansen
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    Skansen is an open-air museum where you can stroll around and experience life in Sweden as it once was in days gone by. The leafy park is full of historical buildings taken from various places across the country, and you will even have the chance to see and experience some of the handicrafts and daily activities that people used to do hundreds of years ago. Among other things, you can try your hand at glassblowing.

    Littler visitors will especially appreciate the Skansen Aquarium and the Children's Zoo (Lill-Skansen) with all its cute little animals. Skansen is centrally located on the island of Djurgården and is easy to reach by tram.

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    Location: Djurgårdsslätten 49-51, 115 21 Stockholm, Sweden

    Open: Daily 10 am to 3 pm, visitors can remain in the park for a few hours after closing time

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    Djurgården

    Stroll around the city's leafy island of culture

    Djurgården
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    Djurgården is the place to go if you feel like soaking up some culture in the green lungs of Stockholm. Here you will find the world famous Vasa Museum and the Nordic Museum (Nordiska Museet), as well as many other sights and attractions that not everyone knows about. For example, take a stroll to Rosendal Palace in the centre of Djurgården for a guided tour around the castle or take a leisurely walk through the beautiful gardens next door.

    There are also plenty of spots to enjoy a cup of coffee or a bite to eat in the area.

    Location: Djurgården, Stockholm, Sweden

    Open: Always open, museum opening times vary

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    Fjällgatan

    Draw inspiration from the best views in the city

    Fjällgatan
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    Fjällgatan is a street high up on the hills of Södermalm where you can stroll past some of the oldest buildings on the island, although it is perhaps better known for the magnificent views from its viewing platform.

    Look out over large parts of the city and water before taking a leisurely walk down to the Museum of Photography (Fotografiska) by the quay, a few flights of stairs below Fjällgatan. Then check out some of the independent boutique stores around Södermalm, or grab some lunch at one of the restaurants in the area. Fjällgatan is just a short walk away from Slussen Station on the island of Södermalm.

    Location: Fjällgatan, Stockholm, Sweden

    Open: Always open

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    photo by Carlo Pelagalli (CC BY-SA 3.0) modified

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    Changing of the Royal Guards (Högvaktsavlösningen)

    Witness a timeless and impressive ritual

    Changing of the Royal Guards (Högvaktsavlösningen)
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    The Changing of the Royal Guards (Högvaktsavlösningen) in Stockholm is a grand experience and a daily chance to catch a glimpse of the timelessness of Sweden and its monarchy. The Royal Guards at Stockholm Palace in Gamla stan are part of a tradition that stretches all the way back to the 16th century. The changing of the guard is a ritual of great pomp and circumstance which begins with a parade on foot or horseback.

    The route taken to the palace varies from season to season, and during the summer months the ceremony is accompanied by a marching band. Once in position at the outer courtyard, the much-loved ceremony begins. If you happen to be in Stockholm during a state visit, you will have the chance to watch an even more stately variant of the tradition.

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    Location: Slottsbacken 1, 111 30 Stockholm, Sweden

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    Golf Bar (Golfbaren Kristineberg)

    Enjoy mini golf and a pub crawl combined

    Golf Bar (Golfbaren Kristineberg)
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    The Golf Bar (Golfbaren Kristineberg) in Stockholm is the only place in town where you can play mini golf and enjoy a trip to the pub all at the same time. Located right next to Kristineberg Metro Station on the island of Kungsholmen, the Golf Bar offers you the chance to play some mini golf on courses designed by a two-time world champion.

    If you're of legal age then you will also be able to enjoy a drink of something sparkling as you play, while equally delicious alcohol-free options are also on offer for younger guests to enjoy.

    Location: Hjalmar Söderbergs väg 10, 112 52 Stockholm, Sweden

    Open: Opening hours vary depending on the season

    Phone: +46 8 618 61 05

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    Flea market

    Bag a bargain at a summer market

    Flea market
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    Summer is the perfect time to head out and hunt for hidden treasure among the stalls and sellers at one of Stockholm's many flea markets. Make like a real Stockholmer and head to Hågelby Park in the district of Tumba for a car boot sale of gigantic proportions.

    Or if you prefer to keep your bargain hunting closer to the centre, then visit the Hornstull Market, which is held from early April to late September by the water's edge and a great place to find everything from old antiques to vintage fashion. Be sure to also enjoy some delicious food from one of the many food trucks that tend to park up for the occasion.

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    Tantostranden beach

    Dip your toes in an urban oasis

    Tantostranden beach
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    Tantostranden beach is a gorgeous swimming spot in a central location, making it the perfect place to unwind after a long day of shopping or entertainment in the city. The beach is located in the district of Hornstull on the island of Södermalm, so it's great for a refreshing dip after a stroll in the adjacent park and a nice spot to enjoy the summer heat with an ice cream in hand.

    If you drop by after dark, you will be able to enjoy your evening swim against a backdrop of lights from the modern buildings on Liljeholm Quay to really max that urban feel.

    Location: Skarpskyttestigen 6, 117 41 Stockholm, Sweden

    Open: Always open

    Phone: +46 8 508 12000

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    Ulriksdal Palace Park (Ulriksdals slottspark)

    Enjoy beauty created by nature and man

    Ulriksdal Palace Park (Ulriksdals slottspark)
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    Ulriksdal Palace (Ulriksdals slott) lies just outside Stockholm in the satellite city of Solna and is home to a magnificent palace park with baroque details, romance and neoclassical beauty. The park began its history as a splendid baroque garden but then changed with the trends over time, with many traces of the various different styles visible in the park today.

    For example, there is an English garden in a Romantic style alongside flourishes of modern classicism in the form of the square water basin and its fountain. As well as its floral majesty, the palace park also boasts many stately sculptures and some exquisite architecture.

    Location: Slottsallén, 170 79 Solna, Sweden

    Open: Always open

    Phone: +46 8 402 62 80

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