10 Most Instagrammable Places in Stockholm

Stockholm's iconic City Hall (Stadshuset), located on the island of Kungsholmen, is something of a symbol for both Sweden and its capital, recognised far and wide as the venue for the world-famous Nobel Banquet. Guests dine in the Blue Hall while prize-winners and royalty mingle and dance in the Golden Hall. Even the spire on this hundred-metre tower is golden, and the entire iconic building shimmers in the water after nightfall.

You can capture a full shot of the building from several spots in the city, or take a short walk from Central Station to snap a few pictures from up close. An interesting fact is that the City Hall was actually built to look older than it really is, harking back to Sweden's history and in particular to the former Tre Kronor castle.

The picturesque street Mäster Mikaels gata and its historic surroundings make for a great place to snap some unforgettable photos, both during the day and at night. The small street stretches from Cornelis Park to Katarina Church and is within walking distance from Slussen Station and Medborgarplatsen square.

The old public lift offers one of the most epic views in the capital, a distinct contrast to the small wooden houses and colourful panelled walls on Mäster Mikaels gata. Another contrast to the street's charming ambience is its history: Mäster Mikael was an executioner who was ultimately put to death himself. The area was also ravaged by the infamous Catherine Fire almost 300 years ago.

The public art in Stockholm's metro system (or tunnelbana) is internationally renowned and certainly helps to liven up what would otherwise be a rather sterile environment. The various artworks are all very different from one another, especially those located underground. The local transport operator uses alluring terms to describe their stations, like 'cave stations' where craggy rocks are brightened up and painted in innovative ways, or 'bathroom stations' where tiles are used to create mosaics and wall art.

Efforts to make the stations and subways aesthetically pleasing have been part of the network ever since it opened, with more than 200 artists having added their personal touch. So download the SL ArtGuide, head underground and listen to interesting stories about selected artworks at central stations.

Gamla stan is a paradise island for photographers, and as if all of its own historical buildings and picturesque streets weren't enough, the island's quay is a great place to snap the centre. You won't be alone – the tourist hotspots around the Royal Palace (Kungliga slottet), Stockholm Cathedral (Storkyrkan) and the street of Västerlånggatan are usually crawling with snap-happy tourists. Step off to the side and you'll find narrow alleys, intricate building facades and exciting angles that offer unique compositions.

But the fairytale neighbourhood of Gamla stan also has a dark and blood-soaked history. If you're interested in the city's macabre past, there are plenty of places to check out – preferably on a cloudy day or a misty evening. Keep in mind that photography is banned in many of the museums, shops and pubs.

The gorgeous island of Riddarholmen is Stockholm's smallest neighbourhood and completely devoid of residents. The reason is quite simply that its grand buildings house government agencies, courts and offices. Among the most Instagrammable spots are the Svea Court of Appeal (Svea hovrätt) and Stockholm's only remaining medieval abbey, Riddarholmen Church (Riddarholmskyrkan), complete with royal burial site. If you want to visit the island's namesake, the House of Nobility (Riddarhuset), you'll have to go to Gamla stan, however, which is the adjacent island.

Riddarholmen's central location makes it an easy destination to reach on foot, without having to push through crowds. But Riddarholmen is also a great subject to photograph from across the water, e.g. from City Hall quay (Stadshuskajen), where it appears as a postcard-esque silhouette reflected in the water.

The Bergian Garden (Bergianska trädgården) is a sprawling, beautiful and abundant botanic garden which makes it the perfect place for a whole series of colourful IG stories. It's easily reached by train or metro from the Universitetet Station and located close to the Swedish Royal Museum of Natural History (Naturhistoriska riksmuseet), so you can hit up both spots in one afternoon. You don't need to be particularly green-fingered to enjoy a walk around this inspiring environment full of pathways, bridges and buildings by the Brunnsviken bay (Brunnsviken).

Be sure not to miss the dome-shaped house Victoriahuset with its giant water lilies, the gorgeous old orangery where you can grab an invigorating coffee, or the modern Edvard Anderson Conservatory and its photogenic mini-landscapes with Mediterranean and tropical themes. Simply grab your phone as soon as you spot a man-eating plant, a coffee bush or an alluring reflection in a shimmering pond.

Thanks to the modern graffiti on the street of Snösätragränd, a run-down industrial area has been transformed into one of the largest, legal street art exhibitions anywhere in Europe. Snösätragränd might sound like the sort of thing you'd find in fairy tale Gamla stan, but one reason why graffiti artists began to flock here is the area's isolated location. The easiest way to arrive is therefore by car, although a trip on the metro will give you a better sense for the incredible urban experience that awaits you. Get off at Rågsved or Högdalen and take a 15 minute walk to Snösätragränd.

When you arrive, you'll find murals and paintings that are teeming with history and alive with opinion. Greta Thunberg and Pippi Longstocking stand shoulder to shoulder with dinosaurs and imagery of war in a unique location where imagination runs wild. You'll even have the opportunity to pick up a paint can and add your own contribution.

You may not be able to snap the Swedish royal family at Drottningholm Palace (Drottningholms slott), but the entire world heritage area is most certainly postcard material. As you may know, the royal family doesn't reside at the Royal Palace in Gamla stan, but out on the more tranquil and verdant island of Lovön, about 6 miles from the city centre. You can get here by bus, bicycle or by taking a relaxing boat trip over Lake Mälaren from the City Hall quay (Stadshuskajen).

Once you've arrived, simply start strolling around the sprawling park and baroque gardens among all the photogenic buildings, such as the 17th-century palace, the Chinese Pavilion (Kina slott) and the Drottningholm Palace Theatre (Drottningholms slottsteater). Keep your eyes peeled for special events such as the Christmas market or jubilee celebrations.

Djurgården is home to many of Sweden's most-loved attractions all in one place, as well as a gorgeous park-like environment where you can take a snap-happy stroll. You can get here by metro or by taking the Djurgården Ferry, which is an experience all of its own, or simply stroll over from the central neighbourhood of Östermalm. The first thing you'll see is the grandiose Nordic Museum (Nordiska museet) and the fascinating Vasa Museum (Vasamuseet). Deeper into the island lie the Skansen open-air museum and zoo, the Gröna Lund amusement park, and many more exciting destinations.

If you feel like stretching your legs, stroll through the Royal National City Park (Nationalstadsparken) towards Waldemarsudde and Rosendals Trädgård. And don't worry about hunger pangs along the way – there are more than 30 places to grab a bite on this beautiful urban island.

The iconic Katarina Lift (Katarinahissen) and its incredible views await anyone travelling from the centre towards Slussen and Södermalm. The lift not only saves tired feet, but offers an incredible view over Gamla stan and the city centre, both night and day.

The cherished and functional lift building with its huge billboards has changed form many times over the years. It has been recently renovated and now boasts advanced LED signs which display the time and temperature. If the lift is closed, then take the stairs up to the popular viewing platform which you'll find located above a classy restaurant.