Guides to Sweden

Time to organise a wedding, business do, julbord, graduation celebration or birthday party in Stockholm? Maybe you want to tuck into a large buffet and tasty canapés, or perhaps you're throwing a dinner party but haven't got the energy to cook? There are hundreds of reasons to hire a catering compan...

Whether you're a hardened clubber or in the mood for a rare night out while passing through town, it can be hard for even the most street-smart among us to find the right nightspot. To help guide you through the club jungle, we've collected Gothenburg's best nightclubs in one guide. We've summarised...

Finding somewhere to eat lunch out in Malmö means a plethora of options. To help you on your way, we've rounded up a list of really great lunch spots which combine excellent food with nice vibes. In the mood for a seasonal lunch in urban surroundings? Or perhaps your tastebuds are crying out for a q...

The gluten-free trend has exploded in Stockholm over the past few years. Finding gluten-free options at restaurants, cafés and bakeries is no longer a problem - perfect for anyone with a gluten allergy, intolerance, or who chooses to avoid gluten for other health reasons. While gluten-free used to b...

Getting a table at a restaurant when you're part of a large group can be easier said than done in Stockholm. But don't let that stop you. We've done the leg work for you so follow our guide to the restaurants that work particularly well if you're planning to take a big group of friends, or your enti...

In need of a change of scene? There are plenty of lovely places to visit just outside Stockholm. You don't need to travel more than an hour by car to find picturesque small towns, historical sites, idyllic archipelago islands, rolling countryside and magnificent castles. Naturally you can also trave...

The Vasastan culinary scene has a lot to offer and is home to some of the best restaurants in the city. Hidden gems, venerable institutions and chic industrial-style venues as well as exciting fusion concepts are all part of Vasastan's restaurant repertoire. We have created this guide to the best re...

Stockholm's nightlife has so many options the choice can feel a bit overwhelming - particularly when you want to be spontaneous. Perhap a visit to a restaurant feels too ambitious, beer too boring and cocktails a bit extra. In that case, there's a perfect alternative - one of the city's sophisticate...

Longing for distant shores, beachy vibes and exotic Thai food? Thai restaurants in Stockholm have a whole lot more to offer than the typical greasy Pad Thai. Stockholm has no shortage of eateries serving colourful curries, slippery noodles and fragrant stir-fries. Bypass the usual twinkling fairy li...

Each year the Michelin Guide awards its highly sought-after stars to restaurants all over the world, and naturally the Swedish capital is home to several renowned fine dining restaurants that draw in discerning gourmets from near and far. Time for a seriously deluxe dining experience? We guide you t...

On the hunt for a fascinating biography, a great novel, inspiring children's saga or thrilling fantasy book? Or perhaps some beautiful art books for your coffee table? There are plenty of wonderful bookshops in Stockholm where you can while away an afternoon browsing the literary treasures. Buying b...

Stockholm diners love exploring exotic flavours beyond Sweden's borders and native homecooking. Chinese cuisine has long been a popular part of the city's restaurant scene. But what the city hasn't always been overwhelmed with are really great restaurants where the food tastes as authentic as it wou...

Kungsholmen was previously somewhat neglected by restaurateurs. However this bleak moment in history is long forgotten, Kungholmen has redeemed itself, hosting some of the best restaurants in Stockholm. Chic industrial-style venues, waterfront views and quaint neighbourhood restaurants are all part...

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.

When the summer warmth finally spreads over Stockholm, you need to know where you can cool off with a refreshing dip. There aren't many capital cities where you can swim from sandy beaches and bathing rocks right in the city centre, but Stockholm is a real outdoor urban swimmer's paradise. Follow ou...

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...

With its proximity to water and abundance of leafy green spaces, Stockholm is the perfect summer city, both for locals and tourists. Whether you're staying in town for the whole summer or just passing through, there are masses of great ways to spend days off and sunny days in the capital. Kayak thro...

Time to unwind with a glass of wine, an ice-cold beer or a fabulous cocktail at a really great bar in Malmö? It's not always easy to find your way to the hidden gems, particularly if you're new to the city, so we've done the groundwork for you and uncovered the top players on the Malmö bar scene. Th...

Stockholm has been at the forefront of health and fitness trends for some time. Which means plenty of healthfood restaurants, as well as a huge selection of gyms. Whether you're a die-hard gym junkie who's new in town or, possibly even more likely - someone who has good intentions about getting off...

The first date can be really tricky. Where to go? What to do? How full-on, romantic or spontaneous should you be? The singles scene is as full of unwritten rules as Stockholm is full of date-friendly spots. To help you on your way we've rounded up some great ideas for things to do when you've taken...

Linnéstan is one of Gothenburg's most popular restaurant neighbourhoods. Linnégatan, which runs from Järntorget up to Slottsskogen, is lined with restaurants and bars, and you'll also find numerous foodie gems hidden away on the neighbourhood's smaller streets. To make it easier for you to choose, w...

Uppsala's lunch offering has never been as extensive and varied as it is today, but it can still be hard to find the right restaurant when hunger starts to set in. Whether you're looking for a restaurant for a long business lunch, a hole in the wall for something quick and tasty on the run or some g...

For many, prawn (or shrimp) sandwiches are synonymous with a visit to Gothenburg - if you're in town, you've got to eat at least one prawn sandwich. Opinions vary widely on how the perfect prawn sandwich should taste. Most agree on the basics - hand-peeled prawns, egg and mayonnaise - but after that...

The old-fashioned barbershop tradition has recently had a revival in Stockholm. Disposable razor blades and shaving cuts have been replaced by hipster beards, grooming products and traditional salon treatments. Book an appointment at a popular retro barber, lean back and relax in a refurbished 1920s...

Time to trim those split ends or go for a totally new look? Finding a cheap hairdresser in Stockholm isn't easy if you're not tempted by the real budget salons on the corner. But there is a middle road offering good value for money. Follow our guide to good value hairdressers in Stockholm who offer...

Whether you prefer yours filling, healthy, light or smothered in dressing - a salad is always a good idea. Stockholm is packed with restaurants and cafés with salads on the menu, but sometimes you need a proper salad bar where they really know how a salad should taste. We guide you to some really gr...

Songbird or tone deaf - if there's one activity that's great fun for everyone it's singing karaoke. There are more karaoke bars in Stockholm than ever before, both private karaoke rooms and open mike, all perfect for hen and stag dos and spontaneous nights out with friends. Take your inspiration fro...

Does a dinner-and-a-movie date feel a bit old hat? Whether your relationship is still in the early stages, or if you've been a couple for a while, it's always fun to find something exciting and a bit different to do together. If you want to surprise your crush or partner with an unusual experience,...

Going out for lunch mid-week is standard practice in Gothenburg. But what could be nicer than taking a break from your Saturday shopping trip with a long weekend lunch? You can find weekend brunch spots all over the place but if you don't fancy a buffet full of hangover casualties, a proper à la car...

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...

Södermalm is full of fabulous brunch spots. Whether you're in the mood for a juicy burger, some small sharing plates, something healthy or a generous brunch buffet, you'll find what you're looking for here. Stop in Sofo (South of Folkungagatan) for a weekend brunch or settle in for a long lazy lunch...

Staying in a hotel is a luxury in itself but if you want to add a cherry on top there's a wide range of hotels in and around Stockholm with spas. Whether you're celebrating a birthday, anniversary, hen do or a just treating yourself and someone special to a weekend away, an overnight stay complete w...

More and more people are becoming vegans and the vegan trend is growing in kitchens at home as well as out at restaurants. Pure vegan restaurants focusing on healthy plant-based food are opening all the time, while more and more "ordinary" restaurants are choosing to include not just vegetarian opti...

As everyone knows, dogs are a man's best friend, so it's a shame when our four-legged friends aren't made as welcome out in town as their human companions. But dog owners can relax; Stockholm has a number of dog-friendly cafés and restaurants where you can bring your doggy along to enjoy the company...

Pubs - a classic British phenomenon - have also become an intrinsic part of the Swedish social scene. Whether you're looking for a quiet local, you're a connoisseur on the prowl for Stockholm's best craft beer, ale or lager, or just in need of a couple of pints and traditional pub grub we've got you...

The mighty meatball is probably Sweden's most famous foodstuff. Few homecooking classics are as popular and in Stockholm you never need to go too far to find your next fix. The city is full of restaurants where meatballs retain a permanent place on the menu, year in and year out. But where to find t...

Going out to eat with the whole family may sound like a nice idea. But finding a restaurant in Gothenburg with space for buggies, a children's menu and tolerance from fellow guests when the kids start to get restless can be a challenge. We've picked out family-friendly restaurants in Gothenburg that...

Whether you want to get a group of friends together for a weekend treat, surprise your beloved or just ward off the effects of the night before, a hearty brunch is always a winning concept. Brunch is a more luxurious, relaxing and tasty alternative to a hotel breakfast and allows you to enjoy an ext...

Gothenburg city centre isn't exactly short on restaurants, but it's not always easy to know which ones are best. There are plenty of really good central restaurants and whether you want to round off a shopping trip around Kungsportsplatsen or kickstart an evening out on Magasingatan there are plenty...

DJs are all well and good, but it's hard to beat the thrill of good old-fashioned, rhythmic, pulsing live music. Stockholm is bursting with places that appreciate the magic of live music, so it can be hard to keep track of them all. This guide helps you find just the right spot to suit your taste in...

Vasastan's selection of lunch restaurants includes everything from classic Swedish homecooking to innovative green concepts. You'll find options for both business lunches and lunch dates, but make sure you get to the most popular restaurants in good time. To help you find the right spot, follow our...

Who doesn't love the fragrant smell of freshly-baked cinnamon buns? Sweden's favourite pastry is widely available in Stockholm but the quality can vary wildly. Fortunately, there are plenty of bakeries who know how to make these sweet, coiled delicacies exactly right. Follow our guide to the bakerie...

Stockholm's Old Town used to have a reputation as a bit of a tourist trap but in recent years it's become one of the city's culinary meccas - not least on the bar front. Some of the absolute best cocktail bars in town can be found here, serving up everything from innovative and ambitious creations t...

There's no place like home - or so the saying goes. Hence the process of decorating your humble or not-so abode is an important task, make sure its furnished with a hefty dose of both style and function. Adding a personal touch, with unique pieces is the key to success. Whether you let your home evo...

Whether you're out on the tiles for a smart dinner, party or an evening of dancing you want to look fantastic and feel comfortable at the same time, but finding that perfect special occasion outfit isn't always easy - especially if you're a visitor in town. Whether you're after a slinky little black...

If you happen to find yourself in Hammarby sjöstad or Sickla with a rumbling tummy, there are plenty of places to choose from - you just need to know where to go. Perhaps you're staying in the neighbourhood or just want to check out a different part of town? We've surveyed the neighbourhood and can...

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...

The best thing you can give as a present and the loveliest way to prettify your home? Flowers of course! There are masses of shops in Stockholm where you can buy flowers - not to mention all the market stalls. But which florists are the best and what sort of range is there? We guide you through the...

Are you heading to Gotland this summer? Summer visitors have long been drawn to this Baltic island for its long beaches and magical countryside, but it's also home to excellent restaurants and cafés. Fly or take the ferry from Stockholm for a mini-break or spend the whole summer exploring Gotland's...

The restaurant scene is constantly evolving but traditional flavours and tried-and-tested recipes will always influence modern cuisine. Home cooking is a perennial favourite and there are plenty of places in Gothenburg still rolling meatballs and frying herring the way grandma used to. We've gathere...