Guides to Stockholm

If you want to enjoy a traditional Swedish "julbord" Christmas buffet in Stockholm in 2025 there are masses of fabulous alternatives - some classic, some slightly more modern and alternative. Some lay out all the festive favourites such as pickled herring, meatballs and Janssons Temptation, while ot...

Stilettos, moccasins, sandals, wedges, wellies, boots, ankle boots, knee highs, sneakers - little wonder the Swedes say that shoes are a woman's best friend, but they're often just as important to men too. And whether you're a serious shoe fetishist, love an on-trend trainer or are more of a comfy s...

As we all know, breakfast is the most important meal of the day and it can also be the best one. Is there anything better than piping hot, freshly-brewed coffee and the smell of homemade bread straight out of the oven? Well, we don't think so. As Stockholm has so much to offer when it comes to great...

The fragrant flavours, the spices, the colours - Indian food ticks all the boxes. From exotic tikka masala, Punjabi-grilled meats and delectable dhal dishes worth queuing for, Stockholm offers an abundance of excellent Indian restaurants. Indian cuisine is famous for its tender lamb dishes, indulgen...

Looking for a charming, intimate restaurant in Stockholm's most exclusive neighbourhood, Östermalm? It's not the easiest part of town in which to find that perfect little spot as the selection of restaurants is so large. Of course everyone has slightly different ideas about what makes for a really c...

With nearly 30,000 islands, Stockholm's archipelago has a lot to offer, from the north to the south the islets and rocks each have their own characteristics. Beautiful scenery, nature, wildlife and - believe it or not - restaurants. Escape the bustling city and enjoy the calm and fresh air. Several...

Are you in the mood for a relaxing facial, would you like to get your skin sorted, smooth out those lines or just have a little quick-fix before a night out? Follow our guide to Stockholm's best beauty salons when a peaceful session in the hands of specialists is what's called for. You'll find profe...

Stockholm's ever expanding restaurant scene is hotter than ever and the city is full of hidden gems, un-explored nooks and out-of-the-way surprises that should not be missed. Often cubbyhole-sized and off the beaten track, frequented by in-the-know regulars, the offering includes foodie havens, smal...

Hatha, bikram, ashtanga, vinyasa... The yoga mat has become an increasingly desirable time-out from a stressful urban existance of constand demands and digital connection. These days there's no shortage of different yoga styles - yoga grows ever more popular and there's something for everyone. Stock...

It would take almost your entire stay in Stockholm to experience everything Södermalm has to offer. This hip neighbourhood has hotels in all price categories and styles - but one thing they all have in common is that they're within walking distance of Söder's lively street life, restaurants and shop...

If you happen to be in Stockholm with your children over the Easter holidays, there's plenty to do both in the city and just outside. Visit one of the city's many museums, get creative with Easter arts and crafts or run and play outdoors. Stockholm is full of activities that are fun for both large a...

A good hotel, much like a good relationship, has that perfect alchemy of intrigue and indulgence, comfort and excitement. And finding your perfect match can be difficult. Choosing the most romantic hotel in Stockholm was never going to be an easy task. The choices are seemingly unending, but with ou...

Fancy seeing an art show this weekend but no idea where to go? Well look no further, Stockholm boasts an abundance of art galleries and exhibitions showcasing both Swedish and international talents, contemporary artists and established pioneers. Stockholm's cultural art scene is thriving with a litt...

The Swedish summer is hard to beat - weather permitting, that is. Stockholm is so beautifully situated by the water it would be a crime not to make the most of its seaside setting. Who wouldn't want to sit in the afternoon sun and listen to waves lapping against a jetty while enjoying a good meal in...

Going out for breakfast in the city can be a convenient option, as well as a tasty and nutritious start to the day. Within Stockholm city centre you'll find cafés, restaurants and fabulous hotels where you can enjoy your morning cup of coffee in peace and quiet or grab a breakfast deal with juice an...

Celebrate New Year's Eve in Stockholm and you can choose between everything from classic sit-down dinners to extravagant parties with champagne in front of the fireworks. If you want to make sure the evening's not an anticlimax and you don't end up with cold feet when the clock strikes twelve, a lit...

Intentionally putting yourself into a situation where your wits are put to the test and you have to figure your way out of a locked room is an increasingly popular activity. Zombie apocalypses, complex murder mysteries and spooky ghosts are just some of the things you might meet in these exciting es...

Stockholm is packed with celebrities and if you're au fait with the world of Swedish national and international film, music and tv stars, you're more than likely to spot a familiar face passing by on the street, sitting at a nearby restaurant table or on the underground. Several celebrities have joi...

Rainy, cold and windy in Stockholm? Relax, bad weather is a great excuse to do something really fun - or relaxing. We guide you to a whole range of different activities for rainy days in the city - all inside, of course. Maybe it's time to do a little bowling, mall shopping, or enjoy an entire spa d...

Tacos, noodles and Indian street food - street food has struck back and these days you're just as likely to find such dishes in restaurants as on street stalls and kiosks. Plenty of food trucks have parked up their vans and opened up restaurants on the back of their reputations for great cooking. Th...

Geographically, Lebanon is a small country, but gastronomically it's huge. Here in Stockholm, Lebanese cuisine isn't just popular for its delicious small dishes - meze - but also for main courses that include everything from lamb to vegetarian food. Take a seat among the lavish decor and feast on hu...

Pretty little dresses, smart shoes in mini sizes, gloves for tiny fingers, woolly hats with little ears... Going into a shop filled with cute clothes for babies and children can make you want to buy one of everything, but the most important thing is to find clothes that are hard-wearing, long-lastin...

Can't get enough of peaceful breaks and gorgeous spa treatments? Then perhaps it's time for a weekend at a spa in Stockholm. The city is full of calming spas perfect for relaxing and rebalancing. In this guide we list spa weekends far from the madding crowd, where you can get both reinvigorating spa...

Treating yourself to a meal out on the town is an unbeatable way to add a little sparkle to your working week. Stockholm isn't generally known for its cheap restaurants but there are plenty of reasonable places to eat out in Vasastan - as long as you know where to look. We've rounded up a selection...

A night of luxury, wrapped in a fluffy terrycloth bathrobe and room service aren't the only reasons to covet a night at a hotel. Hotel bars used to be a bit of an afterthought; these days, however, a hotel isn't complete without a sophisticated bar. Stockholm boasts an abundance of hotel bars, rangi...

The range of vegetarian and vegan food on offer in Stockholm is constantly expanding and there are plenty of places to eat breakfast, brunch, lunch and dinner meat-free or without any animal products at all. There's much more variation these days too, with everything from gourmet food to vegan fastf...

From long-standing gastronomic institutions to acclaimed neighbourhood restaurants and international gems - Vasastan has plenty of cosy restaurants for all tastebuds. Many of the restaurants combine ambitious cooking with intimate atmospheres and stylish interiors, and you'll often find them tucked...

There have always been plenty of taxi companies to choose from in Stockhom, but these days there are more than ever. A handy taxi is never too far away in Stockholm, but it's important to be aware of which companies guarantee good service and reasonable prices. There are numerous taxis which try to...

Stockholm has a selection of Irish pubs for anyone who enjoys beer, whiskey, live music and a friendly atmosphere - perfect for anyone looking for that "at home" feeling and wanting to socialise in unpretentious surroundings. Watch a sports match, join a pub quiz, eat and mingle with English-speakin...

In the mood for brunch, but tired of buffets? There are masses of great brunch spots in Stockholm that serve à la carte brunches at weekends. Perhaps you'd prefer a hamburger, some moules, American pancakes or a nutritious vegetarian brunch with chia pudding and avocado on toast? Follow our guide to...

Stockholm provides the best of both worlds. Global influences make their presence felt in the city's restaurants, hotels and cultural life, while its Nordic heritage is preserved in everything from Skansen to the traditional 'fika' coffee break and minimalist design. Getting around Stockholm is easy...

Since the turn of the millennium, a whole new generation has moved into the Kungsholmen district - and the ever-expanding range of bars and restaurants is an obvious result of the shift. These days you'll find well-established gems alongside hip upstarts that draw in Kungsholmen locals and visitors,...

Are you a fan of rich, forest flavours? Game may not be something most of us eat every day, more of an occasional luxury, but game meats such as venison and moose are growing in popularity as healthier and more humane alternatives to farmed meat. Restaurants with game dishes on their menus often ser...

These days, tattoos are more the rule than the exception on the streets of Stockholm. Almost every Stockholmer is inked and new tattoo parlours are constantly popping up. The modern tattoo trend hasn't just attracted a completely new clientele - the banker, hipster and Södermalm mother, for example...

Treating yourself to a good dinner is never wrong and it's always a bonus when the bill comes as a pleasant surprise. If you find yourself in Stockholm city centre looking for a good value restaurant, there are plenty of options to choose from. Whether you fancy Italian, Belgian or French cuisine, i...

Lucia has been a Swedish Christmas tradition since the end of the 18th century and is now one of the country's most popular and atmospheric celebrations. The festivities on and around the 13th December are associated with the darkest day of the year, saffron-spiced lussekatter Lucia buns and, of cou...

Östermalm isn't exactly one of Stockholm's cheapest neighbourhoods, but you can still find plenty of restaurants where you can treat yourself to a meal out that won't break the bank. The area is full of well-loved neighbourhood restaurants and popular regular haunts. Follow our guide to reasonable r...

Walpurgis Night, Valborgsmässoafton in Swedish, takes place every year on the last day of April. The holiday is celebrated in Estonia, Finland, Latvia, the Czech Republic, Slovenia, Germany and Sweden. The name Walpurgis is taken from the eighth-century English Christian missionary Saint Walburga bu...

Believe it or not, Stockholm is full of haunted houses and mysterious places that are said to be home to ghosts and spirits. If you like hair-raising adventures, there are plenty of haunted spots in Stockholm where you can experience a seriously spooky atmosphere, and perhaps even spot the odd ghost...

Whether you're marrying a local or considering Stockholm for a destination wedding, the city and surroundings have plenty of unique venues for your big day. Perhaps you want a city wedding, a fairytale archipelago wedding or to say 'I do' in a dreamy countryside castle? Follow our guide to romantic...

Hotel bars, rooftop bars, classic beer bars and historic premises - Stockholm city centre is packed with unique bars serving up fabulous cocktails created by skilled bartenders. Their central addresses make these bars ideal for dropping into after a day in the city or for staying late when you want...

Virtual reality is an unusual, thrilling and adrenaline-packed activity and there are several VR centres you can try out in Stockholm. Don your VR headsets and step into virtual worlds, where you challenge friends at games or experience new places. Try out how it feels to float around in space, batt...

Midsummer, probably the best-loved and most evocative of Swedish traditions, is typically celebrated in the countryside. But whether you'd rather experience a traditional celebration or party hard in town, there's still plenty to do in Stockholm on Midsummer's Eve 2025. We guide you to the midsummer...

No other part of Stockholm is as rich in history as the Old Town, or Gamla Stan. For several hundred years this small area made up the entire city, and its long heritage is clearly reflected in its range of hotels. The island's central location is within walking distance of the whole of central Stoc...

Meatballs, potato dumplings, pickled herring and of course lingonberry jam are all pillars of Swedish cuisine and popular additions to Stockholm's culinary offering. Distinguished establishments and modern eateries alike pay homage to traditional Swedish delicacies, serving Isterband sausages, north...

Many people believe breakfast is the most important meal of the day - we happen to think it's also the most delicious meal of the day and should therefore on no account be skipped. For anyone who deserves a little everyday luxury - and don't we all? - Östermalm has a number of excellent breakfast sp...

As the sun beats down and the mercury rises so too the need to cool off with a refreshing dip. Stockholm isn't exactly short on swimming spots but if you're not keen on swimming in the waters of the Baltic Sea or Lake Mälaren there are plenty of great outdoor swimming pools in the city. As well as l...

Stockholm has masses of great local restaurants where you can hang out and eat dinner in a relaxed setting, preferably in the middle of the week when you can't bear the thought of cooking dinner. A perfect option for anyone who would rather be spontaneous and forget planning and making reservations....

A lil' luxury never hurt nobody. Whether a tourist or inveterate city-dweller in need of a time out, Stockholm's seemingly unending hotel choices may seem daunting. But not to fear, we’ve got you covered. Boutique hotels offer more bang for your buck than big hotels, without compromising on comfort...

Deliciously creamy ice cream, authentic Italian gelato and vegan ice cream with exciting flavours and natural ingredients - Stockholm has all these and more for true ice cream aficionados. Cool off with an ice cream or sorbet this summer and follow our guide to Stockholm's best ice cream parlours.