Stockholm is considered to be an expensive city. However, in the Swedish capital there are lots of ways to spend time without spending a single crown. Today we tell about the 10 best free activities of the city.
1. The first thing that should be done by any tourist who arrives to Stockholm – to go to Gamla Stan. Walking through this quarter promises many discoveries. It was here in 1252 where the Swedish capital was founded. Nowadays, the old district – one of the largest and best preserved one since the Middle Ages among the city centers in Europe, and, simultaneously, one of the main attractions of Stockholm. And because of this all Gamla Stan and the adjacent islands look like a huge free open-air museum. Still, this region carries the risk for the purse: walking on the cobble stones of the narrow winding streets, you certainly will not be able to resist temptation to buy souvenirs from the locals.
2. Traveling to a foreign country, you usually want to get acquainted with its culture and history. You can hire a guide and hear his stories. But do not just hear but also see them for yourself. The easiest way to learn about the life of the Swedes will be available to those who visit the Nordiska Museum. It is the country’s larges place devoted to the local customs and traditions, clothing and fashion, everyday life of the ordinary people. On Wednesdays from 16.00 to 20.00 from September to May, the entrance to the museum is free. Do not miss this chance!
3.For those who are interested in history will be interesting to visit another cute place. In the heart of Swedish capital in 1986 Museum of Medieval Stockholm was opened. It is dedicated to the emergence and development of the city. The basis of the collection consists of items found during archaeological excavations. Now in the collection of more than eight hundred exhibits there are so many things to pay attention to that you will be transported into the past of this wonderful city. The doors of the museum are open for all visitors year-round.
4. One of the most interesting sights in Stockholm – Changing of the Guard. The ceremony has remained unchanged over the centuries, from 1523 and lasts for about 40 minutes. Today, it involves legions from all over Sweden. During the summer season from 23 April to 31 August, as a rule it can be seen in the western courtyard of the palace at 12.15 (Sundays and public holidays at 13.15). In winter it takes place on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 12.10, Sunday at 13.10. Do not forget to arrive a little early to choose a place more comfortable view, because at the appointed time on the area there are going to be quite a lot of people. If you are late, do not despair: the guard will be replaced as early as in 8, 10, 14, 16, 18 hours. This simplified ceremony is not as colorful as the main front door, but still it’s quite interesting.
5. Have you already heard about the famous Swedish design? To learn more about it, you can visit the Museum of Modern Art, and you can just walk around the Östermalm area, which is considered to be the most fashionable place in the Swedish capital and is filled with boutiques and art galleries. Going through it you will see more works of contemporary art, than if you visited an ordinary museum. This means that the lovers of the art will also get a chance to view all of the wonders of the contemporary art.
6. Not only the fans of ballet, but all passionate music personalities would be interesting to visit the unique Museum of Dance. It invites visitors absolutely free of charge to not only witness but also to join the great art. Multimedia exhibit contains information on the history of dances of various peoples from Europe and Asia to Africa and Latin America. The museum constantly provides free retrospectives, seminars and educational workshops. That’s one of the main reasons why the place is always rather crowded.
7. Those who have plans to learn many interesting things about alcohol, its consumption and production, listen to traditional Swedish drinking songs and songs all over the world will find a great opportunity of doing son in Stockholm. If on Saturday or Sunday from 10.00 to 12.00 you go to the country’s only museum of alcoholic beverages! Getting in at this time is absolutely free. And, since you saved at the entrance, you can get a guide who speaks your native language and who will tell you about the customs of the Swedish meal.
8. They say that Stockholm is made one third of the water, and a third – of the parks. Walking through the green spaces is one of the favorite activities of the local residents and I would say also of tourists! Enjoy yourself and get wild with the nature. Here you’ll be offered wonderful views of the town hall and Gamla Stan. People come here to play soccer, beach volleyball, do aerobics, yoga, or just spend time talking with friends. The life here is going with a rather crazy flow and everybody simply enjoys the healthy lifestyle.
9. If you’re going to walk around Stockholm in the summer, make sure worth taking a swimsuit. In the summer heat cool the clear waters attracts residents like a magnet. Do not miss the opportunity to swim for yourself: a little capital can boast of beautiful beaches in the heart of the city. Very popular beach is Rålambshov Park Beach. Families with children usually select a nearby beach Smedsuddsbadet. Opposite to it on the other side on the green Långholmen Island there is another city beach, where youth likes to spend time.
10. Escaping from the summer sun can be done in Stockholm subway tunnels. It is called “the longest art gallery in the world.” Entries in this underground museum are marked with a big letter T signs (T-Bana). Each line (a total of three – the green, ‘red’, ‘blue’) is framed differently. You are waiting for the fabulous grottoes, Greek sculptures, reliefs, mosaics and video installations. In addition, in the subway there are often arranged exhibitions of modern masters. The most beautiful and interesting line of the Stockholm metro – “blue.” To get into the wonderful world, you don’t nee to pay a fare- but you will still spend money on transport!
