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Stockholm must-see sights

Photo by Jan Židlický from Pexels

Stockholm is a beautiful city, filled with so many amazing sights it can be overwhelming to narrow down the ones to see first. Hopefully, our Stockholm must-see sights list can help shed some light on the sights you simply can not miss. 

  • The Abba museum 
  • Skansen 
  • The Royal Palace
  • Skyview
  • Royal National City Park
  • Gamla Stan
  • Paradiset Nature Reserve
  • Birka 
  • The Nobel museum 

The Abba museum 

When you think of Sweden it’s almost impossible to not think of Abba. The band’s career defined a decade and their influence can still be heard in today’s music industry. You can take a deep dive into the legendary back catalogue of Abba at the Abba museum. Unlike any other museum, this is an interactive experience which encourages visitors to dance, play, and, most importantly, have fun. You can try on Abba’s infamous costumes, mix their original music, and even perform with them live on stage. You may walk into the museum, but you will certainly be dancing on your way out. 

Image by Mike Licht

Skansen

If you want to learn about the history of Sweden, visit Skansen. It is the world’s oldest open air museum, where the past meets the present in perfect harmony. Opened in 1891, more than 150 buildings from across Sweden were collected and reassembled to create a traditional Swedish town. Once you have wandered around the manor houses, bakeries, and churches of times past, you can visit the Skansen aquarium and zoo. Home to more than 200 species from around the world, you can marvel at bears, wolves, and seals, before aweing at the marine life on show. Skansen is the perfect day out for all ages. 

Image by Holger.Ellgaard

The Royal Palace

The Royal Palace is the official residence of His Majesty the King and one of Europe’s largest and most dynamic palaces. Built in a baroque style, the palace has more than 600 rooms, divided over 11 floors, including 3 museums. Guided tours are offered around the palace and it’s grounds, however, even if you don’t take a guided tour, the palace is a striking building to admire and a definite must-see sight. 

Image by Mariano Mantel

SkyView

The best way to view Stockholm is by taking the SkyView. Travelling up Stockholm’s Avicii Arena, the world’s largest spherical building, in a clear glass pod, you will be treated to 360 degree, panoramic, views of Stockholm. Each trip takes roughly 30 minutes, so you will have plenty of time to take in the sights before heading to one of the Avicii Arena’s legendary shows. 

Image by kallerna

Royal National City Park

The Royal National City Park was the first urban park in the world. Stretching 6 miles long, the park joins the city of Stockholm with the neighbouring forests, meaning an array of wildlife can be spotted roaming the fields. You could spend days getting lost in the confines of the park, exploring the lakes and rocky hilltops. Nestled within the park are an abundance of attractions, including museums, an amusement park, and sports facilities.

Image by Mariano Mantel

Gamla Stan

Gamla Stan is where Stockholm was founded in 1252. It is one of the largest and well preserved city centres in Europe, and acts as a fully functional museum. As you journey through winding cobbled streets you can admire cellar vaults from the Middle Ages, alongside restaurants, cafes, and bars. Within Gamla Stan you will find some of Stockholm’s most iconic buildings, including Sweden’s national cathedral and the Royal Palace. Gamla Stan has historical significance hidden behind every corner, so make sure that you take a full day to fully explore its alleys. 

Photo by Katie Evensen from Pexels

Paradiset Nature Reserve

The Swedish interpretation of paradise can be found at Paradiset Nature Reserve. A popular spot for hikers, the reserve is formed from untouched forests, lakes and cliffs. Nestled within the depths of the reserve are small cabins that are free to stay in overnight. They operate on a first come first serve basis so it’s best to snap one up ASAP. Paradiset Nature Reserve is the perfect place to get away from the city and escape into nature. 

Image by Holger.Ellgaard

Birka 

Founded in the 8th Century, Birka is Sweden’s oldest town. What was once a flourishing Viking trading town is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site that can easily be visited by boat. Whilst visiting Birka you can experience what life would have been like for a viking. You can stroll through an exact replica of a Viking village, meet the Elk Man from the 8th Century, and discover objects found from archaeological excavations. It’s a true deep-dive into the history of Sweden. 

Image by chas B

The Nobel Museum 

Opened in the Spring of 2001 to celebrate The Nobel Prize’s 100th anniversary, The Nobel Museum provides information about the Nobel Prize and past Nobel Prize winners. Through a combination of films, theatre plays, and debates, the work of Nobel Prize winners is immortalised within the walls of the Nobel Museum. You can even take a piece of The Nobel Prize away with you when you visit the gift shop.

Image by Tuomas Vitikainen

Whilst you are out exploring Stockholm, we can explore your laundry basket. Simply head to the Laundryheap website or download the free Laundryheap app to book your order. 


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Top things to see in Doha

Doha is the capital city of Qatar. Encased within the city is an abundance of cultural, historical, and fun things to see. 

  • Souq Waqif
  • Museum of Islamic Art 
  • MIA park 
  • 7 by Richard Serra 
  • Qatar National library 
  • Banana Island 
  • Katara Beach 
  • Aspire Park 
  • Pearl Monument 
  • Golden Mosque

Souq Waqif 

Souq Waqif is the social heart of Doha. It’s built on an ancient market site where, centuries ago, sheep, goat, and wool were traded. Nowadays, the market site has been redeveloped to look like that same 19th-century souq, complete with mud-rendered shops and exposed timber beams. The shops you will find here are like museums. You will find swords, shipping memorabilia, and jewellery from the Arab world.

Many of the stalls at Souq Waqif close at 1 pm and re-open at 4 pm, however, if you want to stay in the area, there are many restaurants and cafes that are open all day. 

Museum of Islamic Art 

The Museum of Islamic Art has the largest collection of Islamic art in the world. Spread over the first and second floors of the museum are the permanent collections, including textiles, ceramics, and enamel work. Downstairs, you will find a café and museum shop, and on the top floor you can dine in the IDAM restaurant. 

The museum itself was designed by IM Pei, the same architect of the Louvre in Paris. It is shaped like a post-modern fortress, with minimal windows that reduce energy use, and incredible views across the water.  

MIA Park 

After you have visited the Museum of Islamic Art, head to the MIA Park. It is one of the most beautiful parks in Doha, with breath-taking views of the Doha waterfront. Within the park, you can find food trucks to feast from, a child’s play area, and a 1km pathway around the park. As well as enjoying the general splendour of the park, there are an abundance of events that are put on seasonally, including weekend markets, an outdoor cinema, and fitness sessions. 

7 by Richard Serra 

Nestled within MIA Park you can find 7 by Richard Serra. 7 is a steel sculpture, made from 7 steel plates that stand 24 meters high. Visitors can walk through the sculpture, and gaze up at the Doha skyline from inside. 7 is the first of 2 installations by Richard Serra to be commissioned by the Qatar Museums Authority. 

Qatar National Library 

If you’re looking for a quiet space amongst the hustle and bustle of Doha, you will find it at the Qatar National Library. Nestled within a spaceship-like building, you will find 2 million books, some dating back to as early as the 15th century. Choose a book of your liking, and relax in one of the many egg chairs dotted around the library. Alternatively, you can work at any of the workstations available, or relax in the cafeteria-style restaurant. If you are visiting the library with children, there is a children’s library that is guaranteed to keep them entertained. 

Banana Island 

Banana Island is a tropical paradise. The crescent shape of the island is covered with 800m of golden sand, tropical plants and greenery, and is surrounded by crystal waters. Asides from the beautiful beach of Banana Island, there are six restaurants to dine at. After you’ve fuelled your body, you can enjoy one of the many activities on offer, including Segway rides, beach diving, and bowling. You can reach the island via catamaran. 

Katara Beach 

Katara Beach is a 1.5km beach that is a stone’s throw away from the city of Doha. You can wander across soft sand, swim in the crystal blue water, or take part in the variety of water sports on offer, including parasailing and wakeboarding. If you are enjoying the beach with children, there is an inflatable play structure that will offer endless hours of entertainment.

Be aware that women will not be allowed to swim unless completely covered, and men must not wear speedos. 

Image by Jaseem Hamza

Aspire Park

Covering 88 hectares, Aspire Park is Doha’s largest park. It is home to extensive fields, running tracks, a children’s play park, and exercise equipment. You will also find the only lake in Doha nestled within the park, where you can see many birds, ducks, and geese cooling off. Throughout the year there are festivals, fun runs, and exercise classes put on. 

Pearl Monument  

Before Qatar found oil, pearling was one of the countries most profitable industries. Today, pearls are a significant emblem for the country. You can find the Pearl Monument at the entrance to the dhow harbour. The statue and fountain is a very popular spot for tourist photos, and comes complete with a spectacular view of the city. 

Golden Mosque

Doha’s Golden Mosque is one of the most striking things you will see on your trip. It is an Ottoman-style Mosque that is covered in thousands of golden tiles that shimmer in the sun. Only practicing Muslims can venture inside, however, even if you can’t go indoors, it is worth seeing from the outside. 

Doha has an array of beautiful things to see, and you wouldn’t want to miss out on any of it because of your laundry. Book your Laundryheap service by heading to the Laundryheap website or downloading the free Laundryheap app.