Your Instagram page is missing Stockholm’s chic style

Here’s how to fix that. We’ve rounded up the best places to shop, eat, relax and stay.

SHOPPING

Stockholm plays host to some of the best stores showcasing Swedish minimalism.

If the multiple art galleries and museums haven’t satisfied your taste for Scandinavian design, take a walk to the design district of Ostermalm. Notable favourites are the interior design store Svenskt Tenn (Strandvägen 5) and furniture store Modernity (Sibyllegatan 6).

For high end Swedish fashion brands, try Weekday for Scandinavian fashion with an international edge. It’s also worth a trip to the original Acne Studios, a Swedish trendsetting brand going strong since 1997.

DINING

In the last decade Stockholm has made a name for itself in the world of fine dining.

Head to the Michelin-starred Agrikultur, which specializes in Swedish seasonal produce and is constantly reinventing its menu. Oaxen Krog, located in the south of Stockholm on Oxen Island, is known for its delicious casual brasserie and sea food.

For some elegant pre/post dinner drinks, Eriks Gondolen has the best view of the city. Set 33 metres above sea level, you can sip one of their signature cocktails while looking over Södermalm and the harbour. For a retro-lounge feel, Erlands in Vasastan is the place for drinks and jazz set against a backdrop of mid-century modern design.

For a break between outings in the daytime, treat yourself to Swedish ‘fika’ culture at one of Stockholm’s high-end coffee shops. ‘Fika’ essentially means the art of going out for coffee and cake in the afternoon (multiple times for locals) – try Snickerbacken 7, located in an old Gothic building. It’s part café and part art gallery, with excellent coffee, pastry and on-trend homemade ginger juice options. 

RELAXING

Stockholm is one of the best places to experience Swedish sauna culture. It’s an essential part of local life; remember nudity is a norm, the experience is supposed to be egalitarian.

One of the best luxury experiences is provided by Yasuragi, a Japanese inspired spa that includes baths and saunas in a gorgeous location right by the sea. If you don’t want to leave the city, the Grand Hotel spa is the place to go for a high-end sauna experience. The spa provides what they call the authentic ‘Nordic bathing experience’, which involves being in the sauna and then jumping into a pool of ice-cold water. (Bring your best quality camera for that shot).

STAYING

Stockholm’s hotels provide the highest level of elegance, Scandinavian hospitality and tasteful interior design.

The previously mentioned Grand Hotel is a classic choice; stop by the excellent Swedish Veranda restaurant and try the traditional smorgasbord. For something a little more modern, try the Hotel Lydmar, an upmarket hotel in the Swedish National Museum’s old archive building, with beautiful views on the old town.