A First Timer's Perfect Guide to Stockholm

• Vasa Museum

This is the most popular and most-visited museum in all of Scandanavia, and for good reason. You will find the meticulously preserved Vasa Ship from 1628 at this museum. The museum is so much more than looking at this grand ship, as it discusses the preservation process, how they recovered it and what it looked like in the 1600's. Plan for spend at least three hours here, as they have a great audio guide and movie, as well as the many exhibits.

• ABBA Museum:

Only a few minutes' walk from the Vasa Museum is the beloved ABBA museum. This interactive exhibition takes you through the life of all the ABBA members, how they started, how they rose to success and how they ended. It is filled with memorabilia and fun activities, including the opportunity to get up and perform your favorite ABBA songs! It's one of the funnest museum experiences.

• Nobel Prize Museum

While this might sound quite boring, it is actually a fascinating museum. There is so much to learn about how and why the Nobel Prize was created and how it the winners are chosen every year. Each winner is able to leave one item in the museum, and this is what occupies most of the museum. You can learn about their lives, why they left their particular item and what they won for. They also have free guided tours that are quite informative. Also, in the square of this museum, you will find some of the most famous, historically colored buildings that are left, which have been preserved with the traditional architecture.

• Ostermalm Food Market Hall

This was the biggest highlight of my trip to Stockholm. I strongly recommend it. Our guide, Lina, led us on a private tour sharing the long history of the food hall and the renovation process. We were able to try six different local dishes, including meats, cheeses, fish, berries and chocolate. Tasting each one of these delicacies gave such a clear look into the culture.

• Royal Dramatic Theatre

If you are a theater fan, you have to see a show at the Royal Dramatic Theatre. I saw 77 Messages in their smaller space. The show was in Swedish, but we were able to follow along on an IPAD with English subtitles. It is such an amazing experience to see live theater in another language, and the space is beautiful.

• Polkagris Kokeri

When you are exploring the Old Town, make sure to stop by this store. You can watch the staff make "candy canes" the traditional way, live in front of you. There are so many flavors to try. If you have time, you can join them for a class where you can learn to make your own!

• Royal Palace and Changing of the Guards:

The changing of the guards happens every day in front of the Royal Palace and is narrated in both English and Swedish. This ceremony is so different from the English changing of the guards and a must-see for your visit. Afterwards, you can head into the Palace and the Royal Apartments to learn more about the history of the Swedish Royal Family, which is quite fascinating. Also, make sure to stop by the cathedral.

• The Royal Armory

This is a separate museum from the Royal Palace, even though it is all connected. It displays ceremonial equipment, weapons and costumes from Sweden's royal history. It also walks through all the different eras and rulers, giving you a clearer picture of how Sweden was ruled.

• Archipelago Boat Tour

Stockholm is made up of a bunch of different islands called archipelagos. Taking a boat tour is a great way to get out and explore the variety of the area, see all the cute houses and learn more about the history of the area. The scenery is also stunning.

• Fika

You can't possibly go to Sweden without taking a Fika break! Fika is a Swedish tradition that involves taking a break to enjoy a hot drink and a snack, often with friends, family or colleagues. It is a big part of the culture. You can find places all over the city. Make sure to try a cinnamon or cardamom bun.

• Meatballs for the People

This place can get crowded, but it is so much fun! They locally source all of their meat and you can try many different types of meatballs with lingonberries and mashed potatoes. Traditional food with a hip flair.

• Ulla Winlbladh

This is a beautiful restaurant located on the "green island." It is a bit more upscale, with delicious traditional foods.

• Operakallaren:

This may be one of the BEST meals I have ever had in my life. It is a must for anyone traveling to Stockholm. This Michelin-starred restaurant is in the Old King's Chambers of the Opera House, so the location is stunning. The staff was kind, fun, respectful, but also had the best service I have ever experienced. The night began with a drink and some small bites in the lounge room. Then we moved into the main dining room and began your leisurely meal. The food was absolutely outstanding, but the large bread course had to be my favorite.