Guides to Sweden

There are plenty of restaurants in and around the ski resort at Åre - and the selection is growing all the time. The range of restaurants in Åre includes everything from South American and Asian to Nordic, Spanish and Italian cuisine. There's something for all groups and occasions, whether you want...

Södermalm is packed with charming neighbourhood restaurants and cosy, atmospheric places to eat. Everything from candlelit French bistros and Persian restaurants to romantic elevated restaurant experiences with spectacular views. Slink into a relaxed little joint in SoFo, have a glass of wine on Mar...

There are few activities that can beat a classic bowling match. There are masses of great places to bowl in Stockholm - from old-fashioned bowling halls to large activity centres and laid-back pubs. Whether you fancy a post-work game, a whole night out or a day with the family, you'll find the place...

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...

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...

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...

Stockholm's restaurant scene is flourishing - outside the city centre. There are masses of exciting restaurants to discover if you've got time for a short detour. Those of you looking to explore new culinary ground will find everything from idyllic archipelago inns to critically acclaimed party spot...

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 Disposable razor blades and shaving cuts have been replaced by hipster beards, grooming products and traditional salon treatments.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...

With so much happening on the Malmö restaurant scene it can be hard to keep track of all the hottest must-visits. But never fear, we've got our finger firmly on the pulse. From Michelin-starred restaurants and foodie favourites to hidden gems - these are the restaurants you shouldn't miss when you'r...

It's not always easy to find peace and relaxation among the stress of everyday life. Sometimes you need more than a cup of tea in front of the telly to really let go of everything, and that's when it's time to check in to a great spa for a few hours. A facial, massage and pedicure later, or perhaps...

Gluten-free, vegetarian, raw food and locally-grown - Stockholm's choice of healthy lunch spots has exploded to meet the increased demand over the past few years. A welcome trend, which has made it easier than ever to make healthy choices. Whether you're interested in green juices and fresh wraps on...

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...

Working with the entire city as your workspace is becoming more and more popular, and city-dwellers and visitors alike are choosing to swap their office or library for a welcoming café with wifi. Gothenburg is packed with fantastic cafés and most of them offer free wifi connectivity al...

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...

Italians love their coffee - but so do Swedes; Sweden is one of the top ten coffee-consuming countries. Hence, in a city like Stockholm the coffee competition is steep. The city hosts an ever-expanding array of espresso bars, coffee shops, baristas and cafés. Whether you fit into the on-the-g...

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...

Looking for something fun to do with family, friends or work colleagues, or have you got a special occasion to celebrate? It's not always easy knowing what to do in a new city, particularly if you're just passing through. We've made the job a little easier for you by gathering together some of the b...

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...

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...

Sportlovet - the February half-term holiday - is a wonderful opportunity to spend some time with the family and engage in some fun activities together. Whether you fancy some snowy winter sports, getting fit on a sandy beach or doing something completely non-sport related, there are plenty of exciti...

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 re...

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...

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...

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...

The range of hotels in Östermalm includes accommodation to suit almost all tastes. This upscale residential area naturally includes several of the city's most exclusive hotels, but there are also trendy boutique hotels and other gems. Large and elegant or small and intimate - there's something for e...

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...

Hungry and on the run? No worries, just follow our guide to the best takeaway joints in Stockholm, from classic pizzerias and popular sushi spots to well-loved restaurants with ready meals and take-away menus. Or why not explore everything an entire food court has to offer? We also link to other rel...

Healthy and organic food has never been more on trend and the city's food stores and restaurants are very much in step with the increase in awareness about healthy eating and sustainability. Stockholm has a great deal to offer when it comes to organic and health-conscious options - including restaur...

Looking for a vegetarian or vegan restaurant in Gothenburg? We've picked out the greenest and best places in Gothenburg serving plant-based food. Perhaps you're a dyed-in-the-wool vegetarian or vegan, you want to take a plant-based pal out to dinner, or just vary your own eating habits and flavour e...

Explore Malmö's LBTQ+ scene! The city's known for being open-minded and inclusive, with plenty of places for to hang out for queers and allies alike. Whether you're looking for a relaxed atmosphere, a gastronomic experience or a lively nightclub, there's something to discover in Malmö. We follow the...

Stockholm is chocablock with antique shops and retro stores. As more and more people strive for a more sustainable lifestyle, vintage interiors with an emphasis on timeless design, form and function have become a trendy and timely alternative to mass produced and brand new furniture and objects. Add...

Djurgården, the former royal hunting grounds, attracts countless visitors for its leafy green areas, museums and attractions, but it's also a great destination for foodies. You really need to know your way around, though, because in amongst the hot dog stands and tourist traps there are some really...

You'll find plenty of restaurants and cafés in Vasastan and Kungsholmen that serve up a great weekend (and in a few cases weekday) brunch. Whether you're in the mood for something healthy or decadently delicious to fill your belly with, there's a restaurant in these central neighbourhoods to...

It's hard to beat a really good kebab - served in wraps, on platters, in salads or as a pizza topping (yes, kebab pizzas are a thing here). If you're dreaming of a hearty helping of kebab, generously topped with tasty sauces and other appropriate accompaniments, there are plenty of places in Stockho...

Staying at a hotel is a luxury in itself, but if you want to add icing to the cake there's a wide selection of hotels with spas in Gothenburg. Enjoy steaming hot tubs, massage, energising yoga and a glass of bubbles before heading back to your comfy hotel room. Whether you're celebrating a birthday,...

Whether you're visiting Gothenburg for the first time or enjoying a staycation, being pampered at a hotel is always a pleasure. Several hotels in Gothenburg offer luxurious package experiences and have top-notch restaurants, allowing you to stay "at home" for your entire stay. Why not check into an...

Stockholm's skybars, roof terraces, rooftop gardens and other well-loved vantage points provide gorgeous views and a real natural high. What could be better than the view over Stockholm from a really cool skybar? Or eating a romantic dinner as the sun sets over the water? Many of these places are un...

The smart, somewhat sleepy northeastern part of the city is home to numerous traditional cafés and patisseries that have been around for generations. Filter coffee with free refills accompanied by classic cakes and buns is the norm in Östermalm and even the more recently opened caf&eacut...

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 us...

Children have a magical ability to play with pretty much anything - sticks, pine cones, a scrap of material or a made-up imaginary friend. But sometimes it's even more fun to play with 'proper' toys as they can really fire the imagination and help the child learn new things. Save the world in a Batm...

Whether you're looking for a relaxing mid-week treatment, a deep-cleansing facial after work or to sweat out the stress and toxins in a sauna there are some fabulous spa facilities to choose from in Gothenburg. Treat yourself to a moment of peace and quiet in one of the city's oases with our guide t...

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...

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...

There's nothing like a really good hotel breakfast to start your day in the right way. Whether you're a hotel guest or just want to enjoy a luxurious breakfast, Malmö's finest hotels open their doors for breakfast to everyone. Freshly-baked bread, plenty of toppings, pancakes, coffee and refreshing...

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...

The Swedish tradition of fika (taking a pause for a coffee and something to eat at least twice a day) isn't just a wonderful part of our everyday culture, it's also made dedicated coffee-lovers into serious café connoisseurs. As a result, there's a large and ever-growing group of really great...

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,...

Eating out on a budget's all well and good - but sometimes you just want to go all-out and make lunch out in town a really special occasion. If you're looking for somewhere to go for a seriously luxurious gourmet lunch, we've rounded up the city's finest bistros and most glamorous restaurants. From...

There can't be many towns as packed with cafés as Uppsala. Cosy cafés, classic konditoris, fragrant bakeries and slick franchises can be found on every street corner, sometimes right next door to each other. In a city full of hard-working students and ambitious businesspeople it's not...

If you fancy going out for brunch in Östermalm there are plenty of popular spots in the neighbourhood to choose from. Take a break from shopping or a long walk, or just relax with a long, relaxing weekend lunch. We guide you to Östermalm's and Djurgården's best brunch spots, whether...