Jewel-encrusted swords, low-hanging crystal chandeliers and gold-embellished coronation carriages are just a few of the treasures found inside Stockholm’s Royal Palace. The official residence of the Swedish sovereign since the 1700s, it packs in more than 600 rooms, although only a small selection is open to the public. If you’re a history buff, take one of the 45-minute guided tours to get the most out of eighteenth and nineteenth century splendour on offer, but don’t expect your jaw to drop as far as it might in the grand reception rooms of Britain’s Buckingham Palace or France’s Versailles. To get a taste for Sweden’s royals without coughing up any cash, pass by the palace during the regular military parade and changing of the guard. The action peaks at 12:15pm most weekdays and at 1:15pm on weekends, but dates and times are subject to change, so check online before you plan your day around it.
Time Out tip: For a money shot photo, cross the bridge by the palace and get your camera out once you reach the waterfront The Grand Hotel.