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Sommar i Stockholm. Solnedgång över Vasastan

Photo: Visit Stockholm

Categories: Tourist attractions

Things to do in Vasastan

Publish date: 24 November 2023

The streets of Vasastan have a homey feel to them, as this is mostly a residential area. But there's also a lot of culture to explore in this northern neighborhood of Stockholm.

Vasastan lies at the northern edge of inner-city Stockholm, with Kungsholmen to the west, Östermalm to the east, and the city center to the South. Up until the 1880s, it was the location of several large estates. But as the population of Stockholm grew exponentially in the wake of industrialism, the city was in desperate need of new housing.

The fields of Vasastan were one of the areas deemed for re-development. Most of the buildings are from the early 20th century, although you'll find several examples of contemporary architecture as well as the Norra Tornen-high rises.

The public library in Stockholm. A cloudy spring day. People are seen in the park adjacent to the iconic building.
The Stockholm Public Library was designed by Gunnar Asplund, and opened up in 1928. The iconic building has become a prime example of the Swedish Grace architectural style.Photo: Visit Stockholm

This makes Vasastan a must-see for architecture buffs wanting to see examples of Nordic Classicism. The buildings in Atlasområdet, for example, and maybe most notably the Stockholm Public Library with its characteristic rotunda.

Speaking of literature, Vasastan was Astrid Lindgren's home for 60 years. The beloved author had an apartment at Dalagatan 46, and just a couple of doors down, at Dalagatan 34 is another literary address.

This is where the murderous sharpshooter in Maj Sjöwall and Peter Wahlöö's The Abominable Man sets up his eagle's nest, as well as the crime novel's 1976 film adaptation The Man on the Roof. While on the subject of film, movie buffs will be glad to know that one of Stockholm's most popular independent cinemas Bio Capitol is located in Vasastan, where film aficionados can enjoy something to eat and drink while enjoying a movie.

Museums in Stockholm Carl Eldh's studio museum. Statutes stand in what was once the famed sculptors studio.
Sculptor Carl Eldh passed away in 1954. His studio and home was subsequently turned into a museum, where visitors get an intimate look into his artistic process.Photo: Visit Stockholm

The fine arts can be enjoyed at one of Vasastan's several museums. Bonniers Konsthall, Sven-Harry's Art Museum, Carl Eldh's Studio Museum, and the Strindberg Museum are all located in the district, each offering a distinctive program. Anyone interested in culture of the digital variety has several options as well.

Inferno Online, one of Stockholm's largest gaming halls, is located in the area. Next door to Inferno is Red Bull Gaming Sphere, another gaming hall but this one caters to an adult audience with a bar serving cold drinks and beer. Located inside the pool hall RoQ you'll find the arcade hall Hey STHLM!, with pinball machines and arcade cabinets standing ready to test your reflexes.

View from observatorielunden in Stockholm, on a cloudy day.
The view point -and park Observatorielunden is next to Stockholm's old observatory. The weather station in the park has measured temperature and rainfall since 1756, which makes it the oldest facility of its kind in the world.Photo: Visit Stockholm

Vasastan also features several popular parks. The largest, Vasaparken, is perfect for picnics in the summer and ice skating in the winter. Vanadislunden and Observatorielunden, on the other hand, offer great views over Stockholm. And Tegnérlunden is a popular hangout for anyone who wants to enjoy their takeaway lunch outdoors in the summer.

Looking for more tips on Vasastan? Read our district guide for more inspiration and suggestions.