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Why You Should Add Stortorget Square, Gamla Stan To Your Stockholm Bucketlist
Stortorget Square, Gamla Stan
Stortorget Square is one distinctively charming place in Stockholm that’s not only difficult to forget, but it is also very hard to dislike! Known as the Big Square, this small area in Gamla Stan is surely the most photographed old town in Sweden, because you’ll see so many visitors fluttering their camera phones and gadgets to take photos of the oldest square of Stockholm.
I wanted to go here, ever since I visited Malmo, because I heard from a local barista that the Stortorget Square in Stockholm looks more striking than that of Stortorget Malmo. I wanted to see for myself because… well, because I thought they might be bluffing and that they just wanted me to travel to the opposite end of Sweden – but no, they weren’t; they were telling the truth!
Traditionally renowned for their annual Yuletide market festivities, the Stortorget Stockholm has so many notable buildings and structures that looked so festive all year round, you’ll surely have to do a panoramic shot of the whole 360-degree area.
I wanted to go here, ever since I visited Malmo, because I heard from a local barista that the Stortorget Square in Stockholm looks more striking than that of Stortorget Malmo. I wanted to see for myself because… well, because I thought they might be bluffing and that they just wanted me to travel to the opposite end of Sweden – but no, they weren’t; they were telling the truth!
Traditionally renowned for their annual Yuletide market festivities, the Stortorget Stockholm has so many notable buildings and structures that looked so festive all year round, you’ll surely have to do a panoramic shot of the whole 360-degree area.
Stockholm’s old town or Gamla Stan, is officially recognized as the Staden Mellan Broarna. This town between bridges is overflowing with medieval narrow alleyways, deep-rooted cobble-stoned streets, and unbelievably beautiful archaic architecture.
The scenic center of Gamla Stan looked like a good mix of Northern European vibe, which later I learned that it’s actually of North German inspirations – Brick Gothic – which is very common in regions in and around the Baltic waters. The color of the buildings are bright, but it sure stands out peculiarly because of the bricks and ornaments used.
As I tried to find my way just to reach the Stortorget Square, I could see my old boots smiling every step of the way – it was almost worn out and I swore I could have seen my socks say hello! Yes, I decided to walk around nonstop as usual, with a 7 KG trolley bag! It was quite heavy, and it almost prevented me from swinging my SLR to the right direction.
The scenic center of Gamla Stan looked like a good mix of Northern European vibe, which later I learned that it’s actually of North German inspirations – Brick Gothic – which is very common in regions in and around the Baltic waters. The color of the buildings are bright, but it sure stands out peculiarly because of the bricks and ornaments used.
As I tried to find my way just to reach the Stortorget Square, I could see my old boots smiling every step of the way – it was almost worn out and I swore I could have seen my socks say hello! Yes, I decided to walk around nonstop as usual, with a 7 KG trolley bag! It was quite heavy, and it almost prevented me from swinging my SLR to the right direction.
Thinking of some things to do in Stockholm is rather not so fun, if you happen to find yourself just sitting around and relaxing at the Stortorget Square. True story. It serves as the main dish for all of the places of interest that you can find around Stockholm, especially if you prefer an activity that involves just sitting around all day and doing some people watching.
From Stockholm Gamla Stan Walking tours, Christmas Walking Tours, and even private tours around this area, the majority of the historic and colorful cultural experiences that you want to experience is here. Although admittedly, it can be very crowded with tourists, especially when a cruise chip docks in Stockholm, there are so many interesting facades, window shops, local cafes and restaurants to choose from.
From Stockholm Gamla Stan Walking tours, Christmas Walking Tours, and even private tours around this area, the majority of the historic and colorful cultural experiences that you want to experience is here. Although admittedly, it can be very crowded with tourists, especially when a cruise chip docks in Stockholm, there are so many interesting facades, window shops, local cafes and restaurants to choose from.
While I still recommend you going out and about to see the places within and outside the Gamla Stan, like the Stockholm City Hall, Stockholm Palace, and Södermalm, I won’t mind recommending the idea of staying more than half a day at the Gamla Stan. You can easily enjoy the Nobel Museum, which is the former Stock Exchange Building, before relaxing in one of the local cafes or restaurants available just within walking distance from the museum.
You can try the Grillska Huset, which offers great apple pastries; or maybe the Mäster Olofsgården, which is an obvious cultural institution; or the Chokladkoppen, a go to coffee place; or yes, the Cafe Järntorget, known for their ice cream and waffles. Needless to say, this is one of the Old Towns in Europe I would prefer to stay longer than usual, because why not? :-)
You can try the Grillska Huset, which offers great apple pastries; or maybe the Mäster Olofsgården, which is an obvious cultural institution; or the Chokladkoppen, a go to coffee place; or yes, the Cafe Järntorget, known for their ice cream and waffles. Needless to say, this is one of the Old Towns in Europe I would prefer to stay longer than usual, because why not? :-)
[SWEDEN TRAVEL] Read the rest of Explore Sweden Travel Blog Series:
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