5 Things to Do in Stockholm, Sweden

Last week, I was on the beach in Charleston, and now I'm freezing in Philly. My body is confused.

Stockholm isn't at the top of everyone's vacation list, but it should be. Sweden is a super friendly country with lots of cool history. It has beautiful cities and large forests, perfect for any traveler. Below are the top things I did while I was in the county.

Fika: This is a Swedish Coffee break that can happen anytime in the day. A traditional Fika consists of coffee with a cinnamon bun. We need to make Fika popular in the states!

ABBA Museum: ABBA fans will go wild here, but even non-fans will like this interactive museum. Learn how ABBA got famous and how their career developed over time. Link

Boat tour: Take a break from walking with a boat tour on the Söderström river. It's a great way to have Fika while learning about the history of Stockholm. There are many boat tours, so take one you're most interested in. Sign up for a tour with the Royal Canal Tour company.

Gamla Stan: The original city center of Stockholm has exciting sites like the Royal Palace, the Nobel Prize museum, and picturesque houses. The colorful buildings in this area were built in the 17th and 18th centuries. Devote a couple of hours, if not a day here.

Vasa Museum: The Vasa is a must-see as the world's only 17th-century preserved ship. The Vasa was designed to be the ultimate warship, but due to some weight miscalculations, this beast of a ship was sadly defeated by a gust of wind. After spending 333 years on the bottom of the ocean floor, it was recovered in 1961 and has been meticulously restored. Link

Changing of the Guard: Everyone knows about the changing of the guard at Buckingham palace, but the changing of the guard in Sweden is impressive too. This event occurs at the Royal Palace. The ceremony happens Monday through Saturday at 12:15 pm and Sundays at 1:15 pm. Get there 30 minutes before for a good spot.