Stockholm Gamla Stan

Gamla Stan is the old town of Stockholm, a small island of narrow ochre-and-red lanes, gabled merchant houses and cobbled squares where the city began in the 1200s. It holds the vast Royal Palace, the cathedral and Stortorget, the oldest square, and its water-ringed setting makes it one of the best-preserved medieval cores in Europe.

Highlights

• Stortorget - the oldest square, ringed by tall narrow gabled houses.
• The Royal Palace - one of Europe's largest palaces, with the changing of the guard.
• Marten Trotzigs grand - the narrowest lane in the city, barely a shoulder wide.
• The cathedral - Storkyrkan, with its medieval Saint George and the Dragon.

When to go

Summer for terraces and long evenings; December for a small, atmospheric Christmas market on Stortorget. Early mornings give you the lanes before the crowds and cruise groups.

Things to know

The main lanes are heavily geared to visitors, with souvenir shops and the prices to match, so wander the quieter side streets. It is small and quickly walked. The palace is a separate paid visit, worthwhile but extensive.

Nearby

The Vasa Museum and Skansen are on nearby Djurgarden; the City Hall stands across the water.