Will S.
Yelp
Great great history, Gamla Stan, Stockholm's old town, sits on an island-- which makes sense when you think the Royal Palace and the Royal apartments are there. They, meaning the royal family, had to be protected somehow. You can walk up to the palace and royal apartments without the equivalent of CIA agents scrutinizing your person. There are cameras everywhere :)) The views here are stunning and you can walk around most of the perimeter of the island literally in a short amount of time. Walking through here, one can easily get transported to old towns all over Europe, the architecture, the cobble stones, well built ancient structures still usable today. Many many many points of interest. The very well organized information/tourist office in the middle of Gamla Stan is at your disposal.
From the Centralstation, you walk through shopping street, myriads almost endless shopping stores similar to Strøget in Copenhagen, and at the end of this section; the environs are transformed to what the street and local scene were during Sweden's olden days. Well, to this day the entire area is beautiful, this old town stands testament for future generations to come. So what is here? the Royal Palace, the Royal Apartments, shoppes, museums, restaurants and for food enthusiasts places like Frantzién, Flying Elk, Corvina Enoteca, sushi, Swedish fare, amazing pastries, bars/pubs, many many places for shopping, beautiful bridges, juices stands and a few popup restos too. I went to a popup BBQ at one of the hotels in Gamla Stan the day before I flew back.
I loved coming here, it's old, herstoric, beaucoup places to shop and eat. I loved it so I came twice early morning and at sunset watching scenery and birds go by. And greatly avoided the selfie and snapchatty tourists between 10 and 5pm.
Visits: a few
Tip: Come here for the sunsets and the neighborhood vistas across from the island, super cool. It's packed during tourist hours For dining enthusiasts, you can end your day with a nice meal at Frantzién or his gastropub, Flying Elk or if you crave traditional Swedish fare, it's available here. There is a Gamla Stan stop on the T-bana (subway) so you don't have to drive the rental here. You can arrive at Gamla Stan via ferry from museums for a grand entrance into this island. There is a good information office as well and they really help you get around here.