How to Spend a Weekend in Stockholm

From getting on stage with ABBA to visiting a 17th-century warship, Stockholm has plenty to do. You can enjoy seafood at a number of world-class restaurants, or 'Fika' at a trendy cafe-the local cuisine will delight. However, Sweden's cool and contemporary capital isn't short of natural beauty either. It lays across a collection of 14 islands, is home to expansive parks and has an archipelago comprising thousands of islands. Click through this slideshow to help make the most of your time in Stockholm.

Did you know that Stockholm only gets 6 hours of average daylight in the wintertime? So when it's finally sunny, Swedes really make the most of it by spending every minute soaking up the warm daytime. If it's a nice day, make sure to buy a sandwich and take it to your nearest park, you'll probably find half of the city waiting there for you.

Any place that has "crayfish parties" must have great seafood. There are numerous world-class restaurants where you can eat fresh salmon, prawns, or mussels, but if you happen to be in Sweden during the summertime, order crayfish. Most popular in August, Swedes regularly host gatherings with friends and family to celebrate the changing seasons and enjoy some crayfish.

Built on a collection of islands, there aren't many better ways to see the city of Stockholm than by boat. Take a city boat tour, or venture out to sea to explore the Stockholm archipelago comprising thousands of islands. You can stop at uninhabited natural hideaways, or visit the sophisticated Sandhamn island.

Cherry blossoms bloom all over the country in the spring, but the most visited place to these pink flowers is located in Stockholm. If you want to see gorgeous uniform rows of cherry blossoms forming a beautiful pink canopy, visit Stockholm's Kungsträdgården. Additionally, there's an annual Japanese festival taking place in April in the central park.

Regardless of your taste in music, a visit to the ABBA museum is a fun and interactive experience that gives you a look into one of Sweden's favorite cultural icons. ABBA was a Swedish pop band from the '70s and the second most famous pop-music group after the Beatles. You can find the ABBA museum on the Djurgarden island.

Although quite small compared to other amusement parks, Gröna Lund is a fun place to spend an enjoyable day for the whole family. The amusement park is located along the waterside on the island of Djurgården. There are always concerts and festivals taking place at this fun venue. Also, make sure to ride the spinning 'wave swinger' to soar above the nearby bay.

Stockholm's Royal Palace is located in the heart of the city and is the official residence of the royal family. It is one of the largest palaces in Europe and was built in the 13th century. Be sure to catch the daily changing of the guard, every day at noon, before heading over to the Old Town. Surprisingly, this royal family has some international roots as well-there was a French/Swedish king.

Stockholm's photography museum, Fotografiska, offers some of the best contemporary photography in Europe. The main exhibits feature world-famous photographers and changes four times a year. However, the minor exhibits are continually being updated and feature some rising stars. Make sure to make your way to the cafe on the top floor for one of the best views of the city.

The maritime Vasa Museum is the most visited museum in Scandinavia and holds an intact 17th-century warship! The historical Vasa ship was salvaged from the bottom of Stockholm bay, after having sunk only 1500 yards into its maiden voyage. In addition to the famous warship, inside the Vasa museum, you can find replicas and collections of various maritime historical relics. Make sure to bring the family because if you are 18 and under you get free entry!

Stockholm is one of the most-preserved medieval cities in Europe, making its famed 'Old Town' feel like a genuine trip to the past. There are a number of award-winning cafes, bars and restaurants to eat at, as well as many shops to buy traditional souvenirs. However, a trip to Gamla Stan isn't complete without getting lost in the narrow alleyways that surround the main cobblestone street.

Known as the most prestigious street in Stockholm, Strandvagen is home to everything elegant. Situated along the waterside, you can find high-end fashion boutiques, lavish restaurants and stunning architecture. The harbor running parallel to Strandvagen is packed with luxury yachts and traditional wooden ships, some available for charter.

Djurgarden, an island in Stockholm, is home to beautiful parks, expansive museums, and waterside amusement parks. As you stroll past old wooden houses and beneath a metal Ferris wheel, you'll find yourself immersed with the old and the new. You can take a tram or ferry to the front gates of the 'Royal Game Park.'

Skansen is an open air museum, zoo, circus, and home to many local festivals. By combing zoo and museum, some animals such as horses and birds wander freely within the old town. You can visit Skansen during the summer to see Midsummer, or brave the cold during the winter for Christmas festivities. From culture to animals and traditions to trends, there's always something to see in Skansen.

Sweden's parliament, called Riksdag, welcomes all visitors to attend a debate or public hearing. If you're not up for attending a debate, you can also visit the central chamber with a guided tour. The Parliament building stands next to the Royal Palace on its own small island overlooking Gamla Stan.

If you are a fan of the theater, make sure to buy a ticket to watch authentic Swedish dramas at the Royal Dramatic Theatre. Known as Dramaten, Sweden's national theatre performs around one thousand annual shows. The beautiful building is made of white marble stone with glittering gold decorations. The daily tour will take you backstage and through some of the wardrobes.

Stop by Stockholm's largest department store for all your shopping needs. The enormous Nordiska Kompaniet department store was founded in 1915 and currently receives about 12 million visitors annually. You can find the luxury department store, which almost takes up the whole block, on Hamngatan in the central part of the city.

The newly renovated National Museum is a premier hub of art and design. There are multiple floors holding both historical relics and contemporary works and the entire museum contains a treasure trove of Swedish history. The 150-year-old building sits along the waterfront overlooking the royal palace and old town.

Sitting opposite the royal palace, the five star Grand Hotel is the definition of luxury. Here you can see where the royals, artists, actors, and diplomats stay when they visit Sweden. The beautiful hotel was built in 1900 and has a lively bistro and renowned restaurant.

The Royal Swedish Opera House has been Sweden's national stage for opera and ballet since the late 1700s. Inside you are sure to find top-level talent gracing the stage amidst a beautifully decorated interior. You can book a private tour to see backstage, the orchestra pit, as well as learn about the history of the building.

Stockholm's Södermalm is the epitome of new-school hip and cool. It's known for trendy cafes, contemporary galleries, retro shops, and a plethora of bearded hipsters. In addition to this underground culture, you can find some of the cities best restaurants in Sodermalm, each with its own unique flavors and local charm.