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It’s easy to look up the names of European cities and add them to your travel bucket list, but what if you’re looking for something a little different than the usual suspects, like Paris, Rome or Barcelona?
Traveling north could be the answer you’re looking for – more specifically, to Sweden’s capital.
Stockholm is an enchanting place and offers you the chance to experience a different side of Europe that you won’t soon forget.
Here are 7 reasons why Stockholm deserves a spot on that bucket list:
Unique sights and attractions
Stockholm is a city like nowhere else: rich in nautical history and home to many fascinating museums, beautiful palaces and modern Scandinavian architecture.
Some things not to miss while exploring Sweden’s capital are the famous Gamla Stan region, the Royal Palace, the Town Hall and the Monteliusvägen.
The city is a criss-cross of bridges and waterways and is rich in green spaces, parks and areas where pedestrians and cyclists can move freely.
Flights to Sweden are becoming more and more frequent
It is becoming increasingly easier to fly to Stockholm from the United States.
Both Delta and United have done that plans available to expand their services to Stockholm Arlanda Airport from both Newark and JFK airports this summer.
At their peak there will be as many as 5 non-stop flights per day and around 30 per week.
You can also fly the New York to Stockholm route with Scandinavian Airlines (SAS).
Safe solo travel destination
Sweden is known as a generally safe destination for solo travelers – the country ranks in the top 30 of the latest Global Peace Index.
Stockholm epitomizes the safe feeling that Sweden has and is subsequently a favorite European city destination of many of our writers here at Travel Off Path.
The city is full of highly rated hostels at generally affordable prices compared to hotels, making it ideal for those who enjoy traveling alone.
The US State Department has ranked Sweden at level 2, which is mainly due to the possibility of terrorist attacks – these are obviously unlikely, but something you should be aware of.
Somewhere where you can avoid the crowds
If you’re worried about hordes of tourists spoiling your next trip to the European continent, Stockholm is a great place to go, as it was recently rated as one of the least crowded cities you’ll see in Europe this year can visit.
Sure, you won’t get the guaranteed warmth, sunshine and beaches you might expect in Spain or Portugal, but Stockholm has many of its own charms and can be quite pleasant even in mid-summer, despite how far north it is.
Stockholm’s cobbled streets, pretty bridges and delicious cafes are even more fun to explore without crowds of tourists.
See some of Europe’s most underrated islands
Once you’ve discovered the delights of the city, the best thing to do in the Swedish capital is to see the nearby archipelago.
This collection of more than 30,000 different islands of all shapes and sizes is easily accessible from the city by various boat services – you can be at some of the nearest islands in just 20 minutes.
These islands show you Stockholm’s connection to the water in a profound way and are perfect places for a picnic, scenic walks and even a bit of swimming if it’s warm enough.
Full events calendar this year
Stockholm is a city that comes alive as soon as spring and summer arrive, with a huge range of events, fairs and other entertainment that are truly worth a trip.
2024 will be no exception, with some highlights including Stockholm Culture Night (April 20), Stockholm Pride (August 5), Stockholm Culture Festival (August 14), the Baltic Sea Festival (August 23-31) and Stockholm Jazz Festival. (October 11-20).
Sweden is an atmosphere
It’s easy to lump the Scandinavian countries together in your head and think they’re all very similar, but that’s far from the truth.
Sweden has a unique culture that is relaxed and welcoming, and includes some delicious customs such as fika – a ritual where people take time out during the day to enjoy coffee and cake with friends.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
