Point of interest
Gamla Stan
in Stockholm, Sweden
Stockholm's medieval Old Town is one of Europe's best-preserved historic centres, a warren of cobbled lanes and ochre merchant houses around the central square Stortorget.
Where it is
Gamla Stan is Stockholm's old town on the island of Stadsholmen, in the city centre between Södermalm and Norrmalm.
Address: Centralbron, 111 28 Stockholm
What it is
Cobbled lanes, ochre gabled houses and the famously narrow Mårten Trotzigs gränd make wandering a pleasure, while Stortorget square and Västerlånggatan are lined with cafés, boutiques and shops. The quarter is also home to some of the city's oldest LGBTQ venues and is best explored on foot.
History
Stockholm was founded here around 1252, and the core still preserves its medieval street pattern. For centuries this was the city's political and commercial heart; well into the 19th century it was known simply as 'the town between the bridges'.