Gamla Stan means “Old Town” in Swedish and is where Stockholm actually began in the 1200s. It’s considered one of the best preserved medieval city centres in Europe and is a great place to wander around. I loved this part of Stockholm and would go back in a heartbeat.
Our first stop was the Royal Palace. The offices of the King, the other members of the Swedish Royal Family, and the offices of the Royal Court of Sweden are located here. King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia actually reside at Drottningholm Palace
No photos allowed inside, but I remember that it was pretty grand. Here’s one shot I was able to find on the web:
via free-city-guides
One of the guards. They’ve been guarding the place since 1523.
After touring the palace, we had a couple of hours to eat lunch and sightsee on our own. We headed straight for Stortorget, the oldest square in Stockholm.
Such a beautiful part of Stockholm! So colorful with lots of sidewalk cafes and nice shops.
We were lucky enough to get a table outside under that orange awning at Grillska Huset. It was cafeteria style, but quite good. Here are some of the desserts:
Could have stayed there all afternoon, but our time was limited and we really wanted to see the rest of Gamla Stan.
The nearby Stock Exchange.
As you can see, Gamla Stan has really narrow, crowded streets. It wasn’t overwhelming, though. Everyone seemed so happy to be there.
A little more space here.
Storkyrkan or Stockholm Cathedral is the oldest church in Gamla Stan. Alas, no time to go inside!
Some simple shabby chic.
Great weekend, everyone!
{carole}
Pearls & Prose 
Wonderful pictures, Carole, I like this city so much, very bright one!
Thank you! I would love to spend more time there.
I love those colour buildings and the narrow streets – so charming! Too bad you weren’t allowed to take photos inside the Royal Palace – I bet it was pretty spectacular:)
It was very beautiful, much more so than Drottningholm. Not sure why they don’t allow photos, but that is happening more and more, unfortunately.
So many beautiful sights, but I think my favorite sight is the dessert case. 🙂 They look delicious.
Ha! They did look incredible and I’m sad to say I didn’t get one. No time! We made up for it on the ship, believe me. 🙂
Ah, Carol that makes me wishing to go back to Stockholm, where I was over a month ago. I just fell in love with the city , the people and Sweden. I have taken some pictures of your views as well, not hard to miss those views.
Oh, lucky you! I could go there every summer, Cornelia. Copenhagen too.
Thanks for an enjoyable trip. It does look like such a lovely city center.
Probably one of my favorite destinations now, Caroline.
By the way, thanks for recommending Damages. I’m watching now and it’s riveting!
I’m glad to hear you like it.
I haven’t been to Sweden, but your pictures take me there. Maybe someday…
I consider it a must-see!
Wow what wonderful pictures! My grandparents were Swedish! love this!
Oh, how nice! I had a Norwegian grandmother, so I’m dying to go there too.
My daughter went to Stockholm when she studied abroad. Very nice post!
nice buildings 🙂
Yes, great architecture. 🙂