Bucket Lists Archives — To Europe And Beyond https://www.toeuropeandbeyond.com/category/bucket-lists/ A Solo Female Travel Blog Tue, 03 Jan 2023 19:58:32 +0000 en-CA hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.3 https://www.toeuropeandbeyond.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/cropped-cropped-Capture-décran-le-2019-01-11-à-17.28.29-1-32x32.png Bucket Lists Archives — To Europe And Beyond https://www.toeuropeandbeyond.com/category/bucket-lists/ 32 32 Your Copenhagen bucket list: 26 places you can’t miss https://www.toeuropeandbeyond.com/things-to-do-in-copenhagen-bucket-list/ Sat, 12 Feb 2022 15:00:00 +0000 http://www.toeuropeandbeyond.com/?p=17809 Copenhagen is a city of contrasts. On one side you have this stoic, righteous, Nordic attitude; and yet on the...

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Copenhagen is a city of contrasts. On one side you have this stoic, righteous, Nordic attitude; and yet on the other, you have this incredibly quirky and alternative vibe that unbalances everything you thought the Danish capital would be.

This is precisely what makes Copenhagen so riveting and captivating. Out of all the must-see landmarks and pop-up restaurants and edgy boutiques, not one is like the others.

First-timer to Copenhagen? Here are the 26 places you’ve got to see and things you’ve got to eat. Velkommen til Danmark!

Nyhavn

The ultimate Copenhagen postcard! Dating back from the 17th century, Nyhavn was constructed on orders of King Christian V from in 1673 by Swedish prisoners from the Dano-Swedish War of 1658–1660. Much like Amsterdam and other trade ports in the Early modern period, Nyhavn definitely wasn’t the chicest place to be; in fact, it was considered to be Copenhagen’d Red Light District, where drunk fishermen happily “mingled” with prostitutes. I swear it’s nothing like that today! ;-)

Amalienborg Palace

things to do in Copenhagen

Dating back from the 1700s, this Rococo gem is the winter residence of the Danish royal family and is actually made up of four identical palaces forming a square upon which the statue of King Frederik V keeps a watchful eye. Amalienborg is where the daily changing of the guard ceremony occurs between 11:30 and 12:00.

The CopenhagenCard grants visitors access to Amalienborg and about 30 other landmarks in and around the city.

Church of Our Saviour

This otherwise unexciting church is noticeable from all over Copenhagen thanks to its 90-metres high golden helix spire. If heights weren’t one of the things I’m most scared of, I wouldn’t have hesitated to climb the 400-step outdoor staircase to enjoy yet another beautiful viewpoint of Copenhagen.

Christiansborg Palace

things to do in Copenhagen

Copenhagen’s second most visited palace – which technically houses the Danish parliament, the prime minister’s office, and the Danish Supreme Court – does not disappoint. The palace itself is, naturally, absolutely splendid, but what really keeps drawing the crowds is the free-of-charge view from atop the 106-metres high central tower and the Queen’s exceptional collection of 11 French tapestries.

Guided tours

Canal cruise

things to do in Copenhagen

Although its canals are nowhere near as famous as that of Venice or Amsterdam, Copenhagen does have plenty of scenic waterfronts to be explored. Boat tours are a nice excuse to simply sit back and let yourself be entertained by the guide’s often witty commentaries with the beautiful city of Copenhagen as a backdrop.

Christiania

Call it a commune, call it a hippie paradise, call it whatever you like; the truth is that Christiania is unlike anything you’ve seen before. Characterised by its counter-culture that advocates for looser drug regulations and a freer, more democratic market, this neighbourhood is also home to inexpensive eateries, alternative art galleries, and collaborative workshops.

This guided tour focuses on alternative Copenhagen and includes time in Christiana, should you wish to visit with the commentary of a knowledgeable guide.

Whatever you do, though, do NOT take your camera out; locals do not take kindly to being photographed (hence the lack of picture for this entry).

Rundetaarn

Built as a scientific observatory back in the 1700s, the Round Tower is, to this day, the oldest functioning observatory in Europe. After a mind-boggling hike up the step-free spiral walk, visitors are rewarded with splendid 360° views of Copenhagen’s old town.

Botanical Gardens

things to do in Copenhagen

Housing over 13,000 species and 27 historic glasshouses over an area of 10 hectares, the Copenhagen Botanical Gardens are a must, especially considering they are free of charge. Tip: the wrought-iron staircase and mezzanine of the main building are a favourite spot among local Instagrammers.

Louisiana Museum of Modern Art

Although not in Copenhagen per se, this wonderfully contemporary museum is well worth the short train ride up north. It is often referred to as the epicentre of modern art, after all! It consistently welcomes bold yet captivating exhibits visited by art lovers from around the world.

Carlsberg Brewery

Located just a few subway stops west of Copenhagen’s centre, the 250-year-old Carlsberg Brewery hosts the world’s largest collection of beer bottles. It’s also an interactive and modern exhibit on the global history of beer, and that of Carlsberg’s more specifically. Like any brewery tour worthy of its name, the visit concludes with a generously-sized sampling.

Tivoli Gardens

The amusement park features a mix of modern and vintage rides that are very dear to local residents. Most notably, it includes one of the few remaining wooden roller coasters that still require a brakeman on board every train.

Kastellet

A great attraction to visit if you’re planning to see the Little Siren as they are both in the same part of the city. The Copenhagen Citadel is equal parts bucolic and historic; despite the abundance of joggers and young families on play dates, Kastellet is one of the finest examples of star-shaped fortresses in Northern Europe.

Rosenberg Castle & Gardens

things to do in Copenhagen

It’s not as lavish as Amalienborg and not as popular as Christiansborg. However, Rosenborg Castle deserves a visit if only for a glimpse of the Danish crown jewels. Its collection of thrones, portraits, tapestries, and other memorabilia commemorates battles between Denmark and Sweden at the time of the famed King Christian IV.

Magstræde

things to do in Copenhagen

It’s not featured in guidebooks. It’s not much of an attraction at all, actually. But this street has gained worldwide popularity thanks to its photogenic curb appeal and the colourful houses on either side of it. To be fair, though, it is one of the two oldest streets in the Old Town of Copenhagen; as such, it still features its original cobbling.

Little Siren

You can probably already tell by the lack of photographic evidence for this entry; I’m not the biggest fan of the Little Siren statue. I am just not sentimental in that way! And, anyway, my allegiance lies with the Lion King as far as children’s movies are concerned. But it nonetheless represents an important aspect of Copenhagen’s history. Indeed, the statue was commissioned by Carl Jacobsen of Carlsberg himself as a gift to the city in 1913.

Day trips from Copenhagen

Where to eat in Copenhagen

  • Grød
  • The Coffee Collective
  • Gorm’s
  • Sømods Bolcher
  • Nørrebro Bryghus
  • Aamanns smørrebrødsdeli
  • Café Auto
  • Street food at Pølsevogn Papirøen
  • Mirabelle

The best hotels in Copenhagen

copenhagen hotels

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The ultimate Harry Potter bucket list in England & Scotland https://www.toeuropeandbeyond.com/harry-potter-sites-england-scotland/ Fri, 02 Jul 2021 12:00:00 +0000 http://www.toeuropeandbeyond.com/?p=20380 Few predicted back in the 1990’s just how triumphant the Harry Potter series would go on to become. Sincere salutations...

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Few predicted back in the 1990’s just how triumphant the Harry Potter series would go on to become. Sincere salutations to the half-dozen, half-witted editors who turned down J.K. Rowling’s drafts in her early years as an author!

20 odd years later, the saga remains one of the most prosperous, irreducible franchises in film and writing. This has obviously translated into tourism as well, since both England and Scotland served as broody backdrops throughout the seven movies.

Here are 25+ real-life Harry Potter filming locations scattered across Britain that are open to wizarding visitors. From the Scottish Highlands to English castles and beyond!

Harry Potter filming locations in England

Oxford: Bodleian Library & Christ Church

The Great Hall - Harry Potter in Oxford

Do you remember when Harry went into Hogwarts’ library undetected due to his invisibility cloak? Well, the Duke Humfrey’s Library, the oldest reading room in the Bodleian Library, was where all that magic was filmed. Private tour are mandatory for this part of the library… unless you have an invisibility cloak! Let’s not forget that the Bodleian Library also acted as the infirmary in four of the movies.

Another important Harry Potter site in Oxford is Christ Church’s Great Hall. It’s so obviously the inspiration for the Hogwarts Dining Hall with its elongated wooden tables and vaulted ceilings.

When you visit Christ Church, take notice of the grand staircase leading into the Great Hall. This is the filming location for when the wizarding trio first arrives at Hogwarts and enters the Great Hall to meet Professor McGonagall.

Lacock Village and Abbey

Harry Potter film locations
The cloisters of Lacock Abbey
Harry Potter film locations
Harry Potter’s childhood home
Harry Potter film locations
Horace Slughorn’s house in the Half Blood Prince

Lacock is one of the most popular stops for Harry Potter filming locations. With reason: several scenes were shot here over the course of the entire franchise.

Walk in the footsteps of Harry Potter and Hogwarts students as you explore the grounds of Lacock Abbey. It was used for multiple Hogwarts interior scenes. Firstly, the Mirror of Erised scenes, and secondly, Professor Snape’s and Professor Quirrell’s classrooms.

Further out in the village you’ll walk past Harry Potter’s childhood home and Horace Slughorn’s House. Now, remember that these are private residences. Please be respectful of the people living there!

“Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times,
if one only remembers to turn on the light.”

Additional Harry Potter locations in England

  • Alnwick Castle: The castle grounds are where Harry takes his first flying lesson in The Sorcerer’s Stone. Alnwick Castle is also where Harry learned the rules of Quidditch. Fun fact: the castle is fascinating and dates back to the 11th century!
  • Black Park Country Park: You may recognize it as the location of Hagrid’s hut during the first two films, as the Forbidden Forest, and where Hagrid takes Harry to see the dragons in The Goblet of Fire. Fun fact: Black Park appears at least once in every Harry Potter film.
  • Goathland Station: Does Goathland Station not ring a bell? That’s because Warner Bros. transformed it into Hogsmeade Station as the final stop of the Hogwarts Express.
  • Martins Heron: Only true Potterheads will take a trip to the suburbs to visit Harry’s childhood home. 4 Privet Drive was where we first met Harry and the unpleasant Dursley family in The Sorcerer’s Stone. Exterior shots of the house were filmed at 12 Picket Post Close in Martins Heron, in Berkshire.
  • Seven Sisters Country Park: The cliffs of Dover are in The Goblet of Fire. In the Quidditch World Cup scenes, look out for when Harry walks up the hill to find an ominous boot…
  • Durham Cathedral: The historic cathedral was in The Sorcerer’s Stone, when Harry releases Hedwig from his hand in the snow-covered quadrangle cloisters.

Harry Potter filming locations in London

Leadenhall Market

leadenhall market
Entrance of the Leaky Cauldron

London’s most beautiful Victorian market was the location of some of the Diagon Alley scenes. Leadenhall Market also houses the shop used as the entrance of the Leaky Cauldron in The Goblet of Fire.

Claremont Square

Harry Potter film locations
Grimmauld Place

Claremont Square is featured as 12 Grimmauld Place exterior shots in The Order of the Phoenix and The Deathly Hallows Part 1.

In real life, the Order’s headquarters are located just a stone throw’s from King’s Cross in Islington. The square’s odd shape is due to the fact that it used to be a… water reservoir!

“Things we lose have a way of coming back to us in the end,
if not always in the way we expect.”

The Wizarding World of Harry Potter

Naturally, I beelined for the Harry Potter Studios when I last visited London. I didn’t care how much of a nerd that made me! You can tell by watching the movies how much thought was put into details and how precise J.K. Rowling’s storylines are; they used advanced technology to bring dragons and talking dogs and basilisks to life. I truly enjoyed learning all those secrets and seeing the behind-the-scenes.

How, exactly, do you do justice to such an imaginative, unrealistic yet incredibly relatable story? I don’t want to reveal any secrets or take away the fun parts of the visit. But I will say this: this is definitely one of the highlights of my life as a Potterhead.

Kings Cross Station

The iconic and utmost secret entrance to Platform 9 ¾ is in the heart of King’s Cross train station in London. The station is either filmed or hinted at in the majority of the early films. There is a massive Harry Potter souvenir shop right next to the the halved luggage cart.

You can get your picture taken for free but not without patience. There are quite lengthy queues on any given day.

Millennium Bridge

St Pauls Cathedral and Millenium Bridge - things to do in London

The Millennium Bridge collapsed into the River Thames during the Death Eater chase in the opening scene of The Half-Blood Prince.

The special effects required in this scene are simply spectacular, with the cables snapping and the structure undulating worryingly.

While the Death Eaters destroyed the bridge in the film, in reality the pedestrian-only bridge still stands strong. It offers great photo ops of the Thames and of the St. Paul’s Cathedral.

Of course, it is happening inside your head, Harry.
But why on Earth should that mean it is not real?

Westminster tube station

Harry Potter film locations

Harry & Arthur Weasley had their hilarious encounter with the muggles in the very heart of the London undergoround. While on their way to the Ministry of Magic in The Order of the Phoenix, the odd pair of wizards used the tube. But not without a few technology-related hiccups on Mr Weasley’s part!

Fun fact: The station is one of the busiest in London due to its central location. It sits nearby the Houses of Parliament, the eponymous abbey, and the London eye. And yet it closed to the public for an entire day to allow filming!

Piccadilly Circus

piccadilly-circus

Think back to The Deathly Hallows – Part 1 when Harry, Ron, and Hermione had to leave Bill and Fleur’s wedding. Piccadilly Circus is featured in the scene where they are running through the West End.

Additional Harry Potter locations in London

  • Surbiton Railway Station is located on the South Western Main Line about 10 miles southwest of London. This is where professor Dumbledore tries to bring Harry back to the Wizarding world in this memorable scene. Additionally, the railway cafe is where Harry sits reading The Daily Prophet after Death Eater’s attack at the Millennium Bridge stands on Platform 1.
  • Australia House is the entrance to the goblin-run Gringott’s Bank and its perilous vault in The Sorcerer’s Stone. As indicated by its name, the building is currently the home of the Australian High Commission.

Harry Potter filming locations in Scotland

The Elephant House

Harry Potter film locations
Where Harry Potter was born

Grab a coffee and a good book so you can enjoy the coffeehouse where J.K. Rowling spent countless hours crafting the amazing world of Harry Potter.

Bring a marker so you can add your very own heartfelt message on the bathroom wall!

The Jacobite Train

Harry Potter film locations
Hogwarts Express

Nothing even compares to the 21-arched Glenfinnan Viaduct in Scotland for Harry Potter fans. Departing Fort William, the Hogwarts Express is open from April to October. Return tickets start at only £57.

In addition to being one of the major Harry Potter filming locations, it’s also one of Britain’s most iconic train journeys. It offers stunning views of lochs, mountains and Highland villages along the way.

Glen Coe

Glen-Coe-in-the-Scottish-Highlands-Scotland-Itinerary-1

Glen Coe is frequently featured in film multiple scenes. Moreover, it’s the location for Hagrid’s Hut and the bridge leading to the entrance of Hogwarts.

Lochaber & Loch Shiel

Harry Potter film locations
Loch Shiel

Loch Shiel was one of the two gorgeous lakes used for Hogwarts Lake. Firstly in The Prisoner of Azkaban, where Buckbeak dipped his feet in the water while Harry rode on its back. Secondly in The Half-Blood Prince, where Harry and Hermione looked across Hogwarts Lake from the Astronomy Tower at the end of the movie.

“Never trust anything that can think for itself
if you can’t see where it keeps its brain.”

Additional Harry Potter locations in Scotland

  • Loch Eilt stood in for exterior shots of the Hogwarts grounds and as the island location of Dumbledore’s grave.
  • Balmoral Hotel: In room 552 of this five-star hotel is where J.K. Rowling completed the final book of the series, The Deathly Hallows. You can book the J.K. Rowling Suite and a package that includes a private tour and Harry Potter-themed cocktails starting at £2,500 per night.

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London bucket list: 33 things you need to see and do https://www.toeuropeandbeyond.com/things-to-do-in-london-bucket-list/ Sun, 13 Sep 2020 00:00:00 +0000 http://www.toeuropeandbeyond.com/?p=17381 London and I go way, way back; in fact, as far back as 2008, when I bluntly decided to move...

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London and I go way, way back; in fact, as far back as 2008, when I bluntly decided to move there despite never having been out of my home country of Canada. Eight years and eleven trips to London later, our love affair is still going strong. I’ve visited the majority of noteworthy landmarks and explored its incalculable quaint streets; I think it’s fair to say I’ve got a pretty grasp of what parts of the city must be seen in a lifetime.

Are you indeed a first-timer to London? Here are the 33 places you’ve got to see and things you’ve got to do during your visit. Welcome to London!

Historical London pubs

Whether you’re on the prowl for a cask ale or an atmospheric pub, London has no shortage of watering holes; in fact, there are over 7000 pubs in the city! I am well on my way to sampling them all but for now, my two favourite historical London pubs are the Churchill Arms in Kensington (once the local of Churchill’s grandparents), the Holly Bush in Hampstead (200 years old, features a fireplace), and the Nag’s Head in Belgravia (quiet mews pub that tourists don’t know exist).

Buckingham Palace

world war II sites in europe

It would be rude to not pop in to say hello to Lizzie! You’ve got two options: opt for a visit of the state rooms (limited openings throughout the year, plan accordingly) or simply catch the changing of the guard every other day at 11.

Houses of Parliament & Big Ben

London Big Ben

A visit to London is not complete without a selfie with its very emblem! Make sure to visit on the hour, when the legendary bell chimes. History buffs should book a tour inside the Houses of Parliament to learn more about the world’s most famous bell.

Borough Market

Best markets in London

London’s oldest market —a ripe 1000 years old— features dozens of foodie stalls. A great place to watch locals and purchase gourmet gifts. Note that the market is only open from Wednesday through Saturday.

London Eye

London Eye review

The view from the London Eye, especially of the Houses of Parliament and the River Thames, is simply unparalleled and is well worth the cost. The Ferris wheel was, at the time of construction, the world’s tallest at 394 feet.

Hampton Court Palace

Castles in London

The stern, Tudor-style royal palace is one of only two surviving palaces owned by King Henry VIII and features several exhibits about the life and death of this infamous womaniser. You can even book a bike tour of the grounds!

A themed London walking tour

Colourful Places in London

Natural History Museum

Welcome to Darwin’s former playground—indeed, many specimens found inside this London landmark building were collected by the scientist himself. The total collection comprises 80 million items within five main collections: botany, entomology, mineralogy, palaeontology, and zoology. The NHM is famous for its award-winning dinosaur skeleton exhibit. Why not book a skip-the-line, private visit while you’re there?

Curry on Brick Lane

Indian restaurants in London

For the longest time I suspected that all of Brick Lane’s curryhouses shared the same underground kitchen; that is until I stepped in Aladins. Listed by the BBC as «one of the world’s best curryhouses», Aladin is a traditional Indian eatery with scrumptious and shareable dishes.

A Thames River cruise

Where to Stay in London

Only Taylor Swift can afford to hire a luxury speedboat to cruise the River Thames; if, you too, are a mere ordinary mortal, cruising on the Thames is London’s most scenic mode of transportation, all the way from Putney to Greenwich.

Kew Gardens

UNESCO World Heritage Site home to the world’s largest and most diverse collection of living plants, as well as a stunning Victorian glasshouse. I could’ve spent a full day exploring the seemingly never-ending gardens! Plus, Richmond is an absolutely idyllic riverfront district with plenty of quaint pubs. More recently, this is also where Ted Lasso was filmed!

Harry Potter studio

Indulge your inner Potter fan at the studios where they filmed most of the scenes. Learn about the casting process, the special effects, and the clever tricks used throughout all eight films, drink butterbeer, and visit Diagon Alley and Godric’s Hollow.

Tower Bridge & Tower of London

Tower Bridge - Tower of London

If you can handle crowds, stick around for a free guided tour led by the infinitely knowledgeable Beefeaters. The historic fortress and UNESCO World Heritage Site was built by William the Conqueror in 1078; this is where Elizabeth I was imprisoned and where Ann Boleyn was unfortunately beheaded for her poor taste in husbands; in fact, much of England and Britain’s history was played within these very walls. Also where the regal Crown Jewels of England are stored. All in all, a definite must-do!

Primrose Hill

The 213-feet high hill is set in one of London’s most affluent locales—Primrose is the place to stalk incognito celebrities—and offers great views of the London skyline; the perfect place munch on a picnic and indulge in peoplewatching. Visit the world’s oldest scientific zoo just south if you’ve got time!

A gourmet London walking tour

Regent’s Canal

The best way to explore London from Maida Vale to Hoxton, in my humble opinion, is to wander aimlessly along the bucolic Regent’s Canal, one of the city’s most underrated attractions: marvel at mansions, take a stroll in Regent’s Park, eat at Camden Market, embark on a cruise. You can even shop for second-hand books on the word on the water barge!

Camden Town

Browse the market’s eclectic stalls (leather goods, jewellery, clothing, vinyls, etc.), watch colourful barges being eased through the historic Regent’s Lock, grab a bite at the canalside market square, or catch a weekend showing of cult movies with a pint and a burger at Backyard Cinema.

Hyde Park and Kensington Palace Gardens

My absolute favourite park in central London. From the Italian fountains of Lancaster Gate to the lush expanses by Kensington Palace and the Serpentine’s swans and barges, everything here is idyllic.

Notting Hill

An Instagram lover’s paradise, this romantic neighbourhood is filled with records shops, vintage boutiques, and rainbow-coloured townhouses. I even put together a bespoke photography walking tour of Notting Hill, which will take you to the best-looking streets in the area. You’re welcome.

Rooftop Film Club

Rooftop Film Club is a unique outdoor cinema experience screening classic and cult films on London’s most scenic rooftops, with the iconic skyline as a backdrop. Also has a full bar service, blankets, and street food!

Shoreditch street art

Shoreditch-street-art---things-to-do-in-London

London’s Shoreditch (and East End in general) is nothing short of a mecca when it comes to street art – not to mention hipsterism and curry houses, but that’s a story for another time. Having been graced by the works of Banksy, Stik and Invader to name a few, Shoreditch has become a must-do for anyone with a keen eye for art and, possibly, an Instagram account.

Wallace Collection

art museums In London

Arranged into 25 galleries, the Wallace Collection comprises a world-famous range of fine and decorative arts from the 15th-19th centuries established from the private collection mainly created by the Marquess of Hertford. Easily my favourite art collection in the city, if only for the quietness and colourful rooms of this lavish-townhouse-turned-museum.

Millenium Bridge

St Pauls Cathedral and Millenium Bridge - things to do in London

Flanked by the Tate Modern and the Globe theatre on one side and St. Paul’s Cathedral on the other, this footbridge was featured in Harry Potter’s sixth movie and offers A+ views of the River Thames.

Tea masterclass

Tea tasting at Twinings - things to do in London

Jump right in Britain’s love affair with tea in historic Twinings, England’s premier tea brand, whose shop has open since 1706. Embark on a geographical and gustatory odyssey led by a Twinings Master Blender. A veritable treat for tea lovers!

Columbia Road Flower Market

Bustling flower market flanked by over 60 independent, quirky Victorian shops. Give it a go, even if you don’t intend on buying flowers; the photos and the atmosphere are both well worth it. Open every Sunday from 8am to 3’ish.

Afternoon tea in London

afternoon tea at sketch london - 21

While there are many options as far as London afternoon teas are concerned, I do have a personal favourite: the sketch pink experience. I couldn’t believe how stunning sketch looked; it felt like I had entered a parallel universe. And the food? Scrumptious and flawless.

Make your own gin at Ginstitute

Things-to-do-in-London---making-gin-in-London-Ginstitute
The Distillery and the Ginstitute in Notting Hill

Artisan gin in England is not difficult to find. For instance there is the Beefeater Gin Distillery, the City of London Distillery, the East London Liquor Company and Sipsmith, to name a few, each with their own on-site activities and personnality.

But what if I told you there is a way you can actually craft your own gin? That’s the promise at The Ginstitute. Enroll in a gin masterclass to learn the checkered history of this now ubiquitous spirit and to create your bespoke gin in the Blending Room, which is full of pure botanical distillates you can choose from with the insight of the Ginstructor. You’ll be drinking plenty of generously-infused gin and tonics (word of advice: eat a little something beforehand) along the way, and you’ll also be leaving the session with a bottle of your own personal blend to take home.

If you’d rather be more active and taste several different gins, there are also plenty of gin tours to choose from:

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Your Stockholm Bucket List: 26 Things You Need To See And Do https://www.toeuropeandbeyond.com/things-to-do-in-stockholm-bucket-list/ Sun, 25 Jan 2015 13:00:23 +0000 http://www.eurotriptips.com/?p=8592 Gamla Stan Welcome to the oldest part of Stockholm. Yes, it’s touristy, and yes, it’s overpriced — but as I always...

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Gamla Stan

Welcome to the oldest part of Stockholm. Yes, it’s touristy, and yes, it’s overpriced — but as I always say, it’s popular with tourists for a reason. It’s gorgeous! The buildings are ancient and colourful, the streets are winding and beautifully uneven and the Swedish flag is omnipresent. Gamla Stan is also home to the loveliest square in the city as well as the Nobel Museum.

Royal Palace

Take an art tour of the metro

Vasa Museum

Things To Do In Stockholm

The warship sank on its maiden voyage in the early 1600s and wasn’t salvaged until the 1960s, a mere 300 years later — in an almost intact state. The vessel was supposedly one of the largest, luxurious (have a look at those carvings!) and heavily-equipped warships of the time – too bad it was short-lived! The museum as such explains a lot about the “Swedish Golden Age” and the importance of the Kingdom in the 17th century. Quite fascinating to say the least!

Day trip to Drottningham

things to do in stockholm

Take the ferry to Djurgarden

Things To Do In Stockholm

The ferry service is part of the Stockholm Transportation office, and valid with your transportation title. There are several boarding spots spread around the city, making it very easy to hop on and hop off as you wish. It’s a really fun thing to do on a sunny day, and gives a whole new perspective on the city.

Stockholm City Hall

Things To Do In Stockholm

The Nobel banquet is perhaps the biggest selling point of this attraction, with reason – every single one of the 18 million pieces mosaic-like wall was assembled by hand, and while it looks perfect, there’s a slight flaw that only the most attentive visitors will notice. I won’t spill all the secrets just yet but know this — nothing is quite what it seems at the City Hall.

Fika in Stockholm

Day trip to Vaxholm

Things To Do In Stockholm

Archipelago boat tour

Admire the view from Ivor Los Park

Other things to do in Stockholm:

Ostermalm’s Saluhall

Things To Do In Stockholm

Bakfickan

Things To Do In Stockholm

Snickarbacken

Fabrique

Things To Do In Stockholm

Fotografiska

Things To Do In Stockholm

Other places to eat and drink in Stockholm:

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