Stockholm

Stockholm is a beautiful city. We've been there twice. Things we've done that I would recommend: Skansen, boat trip through the archipelago, the history museum, Old Town, Vasa museum, steamboat ride to Drottnholm palace. We've done other things there too, but these were our favorites. We've spent quite a bit of time outside of Stockholm, but mostly in the south or in the glass country. Not sure if you're wanting to venture that far.

Most definitely take some kind of boat ride through the archipelago. The ferry to Helsinki is the best way but otherwise there are excursions. If you like art, Milles Garten is wonderful.

Don't miss the Ostermalms Saluhall - the central food market in Stockholm. And be sure to try a slice of eel at one of the fish stalls - I was leery but it tasted great.

We were really impressed with both Vasa and the sea lane through the archipelago that comes into Stockholm. You can best see the archipelago by taking a ferry to either Helsinki, Tallinn or Gdansk for a day. Skansen was so-so, some interesting buidings but the staff weren't knowledgable at all. I expected the staff to be like Williamsburg, VA but they were really only people in period costumes with no particular knowledge of life in historic Sweden. Rick's walk through downtown is worth doing to pick up a little history and flavor of the city. If I had six days, I would try to visit Uppsala - it's both historic and a lively college town.

I'll bet you never thought of going to Helsinki, like the others suggested, but Let me say, given 6 days in Stockholm, taking the overnight ferry RT to Helsinki is one of the absolute best things you could possibly do. It is economical. It only costs a bit more than the cost of a hotel room (and it is your lodging, too!) plus a great day's entertainment, the best way to see the archipelago, and a great way to briefly see another great and seldom visited city. It's sights are near the harbour and can bee easily seen in a few hours, though an overnight would be better. Be sure to google "The Church In The Rock Helsinki" and make a stop there. Stockholm is a BEAUTIFUL city, but it doesn't take six days to see. Spend 3-4 nights there and two nights on the ship, or fly open-jaw from Helsinki and then you only need the ship once. I'm not kidding. It's worth it. There is a reason why this is one of the most popular things to do in Stockholm.

An absolute must is The Vassa Museum. It's an old ship that sunk hundreds of yrs ago (a few min into its maiden voyage!). After it was discovered (I believe in 1950s or so), they dedicated an entire museum to it, with the ship itself (which you can walk onto) as the highlight. Facsinating! Def spend time wandering around the Gamla Stan (old town) and its cobblestone streets. Another highlight I enjoyed was The Skansen open air-museum. It gives a good overview of how Swedes have lived for hundreds of yrs. Also, Stockholm City Hall (where they hold Nobel Prize ceremony). Tour the inside (gorgeous wall mosaiics) and go to very top of outside tower for a GREAT view of city. Can get some terrific pics up there. While planning your trip, DEFINITELY get Rick's Guidebook on Scandinavia (AND, of course, take w/ you!). As with ALL his books, he lays out exactly how to efficiently spend your time, so that you won't miss any of the "must-sees." I TOTALLY agree w/ posts above re: Rick's suggested side excursion to Helsinki, Finland on either the Viking or Silja cruise lines (I took Silja.) Overnight ferries that go b/w the 2 cities. You depart in evening & arrive Helsinki next AM. Best part- NOT expensive! The lure for Swedes is the duty-free shopping on board, so the cost of an overnight cabin is very reasonable. Was great fun- smorgasboard dinner, pool/sauna/steam, bar, casino, nightclub, etc. Beautiful scenery/views out on deck. Cabin was small but very clean. Next AM, tour Helsinki all day, then back on boat for return trip to Stockholm in evening. I hadn't planned on doing this, but made for a VERY fun side excursion. Have fun. Stockholm is a terrific city (and, an under-rated one, IMHO). Enjoy!