Royal Palace

Stockholm's Royal Palace houses the Swedish monarchy across 608 rooms and seven floors, making it one of Europe's largest working royal residences. You'll walk through baroque State Apartments dripping with gilt furniture, crystal chandeliers, and royal portraits spanning centuries. The Treasury displays actual crown jewels including Gustav Vasa's ceremonial sword, while the Tre Kronor Museum shows ruins of the medieval castle that burned down in 1697.

The experience feels like wandering through a living museum where the king still conducts official business. Guards in dark blue uniforms patrol marble corridors lined with enormous tapestries and oil paintings. The Hall of State impresses most with its silver throne and soaring ceiling, while the Guest Apartments showcase how visiting dignitaries live when they stay over. Summer brings the changing of the guard ceremony to the outer courtyard, complete with military band and ceremonial marching.

At SEK 180, it's pricey but comprehensive: four museums plus the apartments justify the cost if you spend 2-3 hours inside. Skip the Royal Armory unless you're fascinated by medieval weapons, it's separately ticketed and repetitive. The Treasury delivers the biggest wow factor for your money, especially the coronation regalia. Most visitors rush through in 90 minutes and miss the stunning Bernadotte Apartments on the upper floors.