
Stortorget Stockholm
Stockholm's oldest square, Stortorget, captivates with its vibrant medieval architecture and historic charm. A must-see in Gamla Stan.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light

Stortorget Stockholm
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Stockholm's oldest square, Stortorget, captivates with its vibrant medieval architecture and historic charm. A must-see in Gamla Stan.
"Stortorget is the heart of Stockholm's Old Town, a picturesque square with iconic colorful buildings."

🎯 Wear Comfy Shoes
Cobblestone streets in Gamla Stan require comfortable footwear for exploring Stortorget and beyond. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Find the Cannonball!
Challenge yourself to spot the famous cannonball embedded in one of the buildings. :camerawithflash:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Iconic Colorful Buildings
Stortorget Square
Admire the vibrant, historic facades that define this picturesque medieval square. A true Stockholm postcard moment!

Stortorget Christmas Market
Stortorget Square
Experience Sweden's oldest Christmas market, a magical festive tradition with treats and crafts.

The Cannonball Mystery
Stortorget Square
Hunt for the legendary cannonball lodged in a building wall – a quirky historical detail.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit to Stortorget
Navigating Gamla Stan
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Wear Comfy Shoes
Cobblestone streets in Gamla Stan require comfortable footwear for exploring Stortorget and beyond. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Find the Cannonball!
Challenge yourself to spot the famous cannonball embedded in one of the buildings. :camerawithflash:
🎄 Visit the Christmas Market
Experience Sweden's oldest Christmas market for festive vibes and traditional treats. :gift:
🚶♂️ Explore Gamla Stan
Stortorget is the heart of Old Town; wander its charming alleys for more discoveries. :world_map:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Wear Comfy Shoes
Cobblestone streets in Gamla Stan require comfortable footwear for exploring Stortorget and beyond. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Find the Cannonball!
Challenge yourself to spot the famous cannonball embedded in one of the buildings. :camerawithflash:
🎄 Visit the Christmas Market
Experience Sweden's oldest Christmas market for festive vibes and traditional treats. :gift:
🚶♂️ Explore Gamla Stan
Stortorget is the heart of Old Town; wander its charming alleys for more discoveries. :world_map:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Stortorget is widely praised for its stunning, colorful architecture and its role as the historic heart of Stockholm's charming Old Town. Visitors love the festive atmosphere during the Christmas market and the unique historical details like the cannonball. Some find it can get very crowded, especially during peak times and the holiday season.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Stortorget is located in the heart of Gamla Stan (Old Town). The easiest way to reach it is by taking the Stockholm Metro (Tunnelbana) to Gamla Stan station. From there, it's a short walk through the charming streets to the square. Many visitors also arrive by ferry, docking near the Royal Palace, which is also a short stroll away.
Yes, Stortorget is very accessible by public transport. The Gamla Stan metro station is the closest, and numerous bus routes also serve the surrounding area. Walking from nearby attractions like the Royal Palace is also a popular option.
Driving directly to Stortorget is not recommended as Gamla Stan is largely pedestrianized and has limited parking. It's best to park in a designated parking garage outside the Old Town and walk or take public transport.
The best way to explore Stortorget and the surrounding Gamla Stan is on foot. Wear comfortable shoes as the cobblestone streets can be uneven. Consider a guided walking tour to learn more about the history.
Taxis can drop you off at the edge of Gamla Stan, but they cannot drive directly into Stortorget due to pedestrian restrictions. You can find taxi stands near major transport hubs or book one in advance.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Stortorget itself is a public square and is free to enter and explore at any time. There are no tickets required to walk around the square and admire the buildings.
Stortorget is an open public square, so it is accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. However, shops and museums around the square will have their own operating hours.
The Stortorget Christmas Market is free to enter. You only pay for any food, drinks, or crafts you wish to purchase from the stalls.
There are no booking requirements to visit Stortorget. It's a public space meant for everyone to enjoy.
Yes, Stortorget is often the venue for special events, most notably the Christmas market. During these times, it can be more crowded but also more festive.
📸 📸 Photography
The most iconic photo spots are directly facing the colorful merchant houses that line the square. Try different angles to capture the entire square or focus on individual buildings. The area around the fountain is also popular.
Early mornings offer fewer crowds and softer light, ideal for capturing the square's charm. Late afternoons can provide beautiful golden hour lighting. During winter, the Christmas market adds a magical glow.
Don't forget to look for the cannonball embedded in one of the buildings – it makes for a unique and memorable photo! Capturing the details of the architecture and the lively atmosphere during the Christmas market are also great opportunities.
Drone usage is generally restricted in densely populated urban areas like Gamla Stan due to privacy and safety concerns. It's best to check local regulations before attempting to fly a drone.
A wide-angle lens is excellent for capturing the entire square and its colorful buildings. A standard zoom lens is versatile for details. Even a smartphone camera can capture stunning shots due to the square's inherent beauty.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Stortorget is surrounded by numerous restaurants, cafes, and pubs offering a variety of cuisines, from traditional Swedish dishes to international fare. Many have outdoor seating, perfect for people-watching.
Near Stortorget, you can find classic Swedish dishes like meatballs (köttbullar), herring (sill), gravlax, and pea soup (ärtsoppa). Look for 'fika' – a coffee break with pastries like cinnamon buns (kanelbullar).
While some restaurants directly on Stortorget can be pricier, venturing a few streets into Gamla Stan can reveal more affordable cafes and eateries. Grab-and-go options like hot dogs or pastries are also available.
Many restaurants in Stockholm, including those near Stortorget, offer vegetarian and vegan options. It's always a good idea to check menus or ask staff about plant-based choices.
The atmosphere varies from cozy and traditional to lively and modern. Many offer outdoor seating with views of the square, making for a charming dining experience, especially during warmer months or the Christmas market.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
During the Christmas season, the Stortorget Christmas Market is a must-visit. The festive atmosphere, twinkling lights, and sweet treats like gingerbread cookies and hot chocolate provide a magical experience for all ages. While Gamla Stan's cobblestone streets require sturdy footwear, the manageable size of Stortorget makes it easy for families to navigate. Consider visiting a nearby attraction like the Royal Palace or the Nobel Prize Museum to round out your family's day.
📸 Photographers
The best light for photography is typically during the early morning hours to avoid crowds and capture soft, natural light, or during the late afternoon golden hour. If visiting during winter, the Christmas market offers unique opportunities with festive lights and a lively atmosphere, though it will be significantly more crowded. Don't forget to frame shots that include the fountain and the unique cannonball detail for added interest.
🎄 Christmas Enthusiasts
Immerse yourself in the holiday spirit with stalls selling traditional Swedish crafts, decorations, and delicious seasonal treats like glögg (mulled wine) and gingerbread cookies. The charming, historic setting of Stortorget, adorned with twinkling lights, creates an unforgettable festive atmosphere. Be prepared for crowds, especially on weekends, but the magical ambiance is well worth it.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Stortorget
One of the most significant historical events to occur here was the Stockholm Bloodbath in 1520. Following the Danish conquest of Stockholm, King Christian II ordered the execution of around 80 Swedish nobles and citizens in the square. A memorial stone marks this grim event, though the infamous cannonball lodged in a building is a more visible, albeit debated, relic of past conflicts.
Today, Stortorget is a beloved tourist destination, preserving its medieval charm while buzzing with modern life. It's a place where history is palpable, from the cobblestones underfoot to the architecture that has witnessed centuries of Stockholm's evolution.
Experiencing the Stortorget Christmas Market
Visitors can expect a charming array of stalls selling traditional Swedish handicrafts, Christmas decorations, and seasonal treats. Popular items include handmade woolen goods, wooden toys, and intricate Christmas ornaments. The air is filled with the enticing aromas of mulled wine (glögg), gingerbread cookies (pepparkakor), and roasted almonds. It’s a perfect place to find unique souvenirs and soak in the holiday spirit.
While the market is free to enter, be prepared for crowds, especially on weekends. It’s advisable to visit on a weekday if you prefer a more relaxed experience. The magical atmosphere, combined with the historic setting of Stortorget, makes this market an unforgettable part of a Stockholm winter visit.



Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit