How to Enjoy Stockholm for Free

Sweden's capital city of Stockholm, located on the country's East coast, has been a thriving financial and political center since the 13th century. It's a lovely city, filled with waterways and historic castles. It also has a reputation for being one of the most expensive cities in Europe. While that may hold true for hotels and restaurants, Stockholm offers a number of activities and attractions to enjoy without spending any money.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Explore the Djurgarden. Stockholm's "Game Park" (Djurgarden) is located on an island in the south-central part of the city. The popular recreational space is filled with museums, park land, cafes and monuments. Admission to the park is free, as is transportation to the park on the restored Djurgarden heritage trams.

2. Visit Parliament. Sweden's parliament, the "Riksdag," offers free tours in both Swedish and English. The tours explain a bit of the history of the building and the Swedish government as well as offer a peek at the current session, in season. The tours are offered on Saturdays and Sundays from September to mid-June. During the summer months, tours are offered every day. Check the Riksdag's website for tour times (see Resources below).

3. See the exhibits at the Swedish National Library. The Swedish National Library, located in Humlegarden Park, houses an extensive collection of manuscripts, posters, sheet music, maps and other printed matter. The library is open Monday through Saturday (hours vary) and admission is free.

4. Stroll around Old Town. Stockholm's old town dates back to the 13th century. It's the portion of the city that was first developed, although most of the current structures were built during the 17th and 18th centuries. Take time to walk along this neighborhood's cobblestone streets, admire the architecture and visit the historic Stockholm Cathedral.