Guides to Sweden

Not everything that glitters is gold... Diamonds do too! Diamonds are said to be a girl's best friend and they may just help in the quest for her heart. If you're in the market for a bit of bling, follow our guide to jewellers and jewellery shops in Stockholm. Stockholm is world-renowned as a design...

Stockholmers love moule marinières (mussels steamed in white wine) and it's a favourite dish on countless brasserie menus all over Europe. Whether you prefer your mussels served with fresh baguette to soak up the juices or with chips and aioli, this classic French dish can get addictive. We've scout...

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...

Celebrate the new year in style at a nightclub in Stockholm! New Year's Eve doesn't have to be all about fireworks and midnight countdowns - if you'd rather dance the new year in there are plenty of fun events to choose from. So don your glad rags and welcome 2025 with your hands in the air at the c...

Italian restaurants are popping up all over Gothenburg. In certain parts of town, Italian restaurants are a dime a dozen, but who cares - we love Italian food! Several places make their own pasta from scratch and cook it using both traditional and modern recipes from all over Italy. In the mood for...

Gothenburg is famous for being a fantastic shopping destination with several different retail areas around town, all charming in their own way. The city offers everything from huge department stores to small stores with unique designs and flagship stores with exclusive ready-to-wear fashion. Wander...

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...

Mexican cuisine has given us something that is now an integral part of Swedish culture – tacos. Stockholm's restaurants have tacos for both the traditionalist and the modern taco lover, from authentic Mexican flavours to innovative interpretations and fusion. Exactly what belongs and doesn't belong...

Borås is often referred to as Sweden's fashion capital and the city has become a meeting place for innovative design, creativity and world-leading research in textiles. As well as fashion and shops, Borås is full of really good restaurants. You'll find cuisines from all over the world, served in bot...

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...

What would a great weekend be without brunch? As the culmination of a long Sunday morning, a vital pick-me-up after a late Friday night, or just as an excuse to eat waffles and scrambled eggs on the same plate, brunch is hard to beat. Since globalisation introduced Swedes to this fantastic American...

Stockholm city centre doesn't have exclusive rights to really great cafés. You'll also find plenty of fab cafés outside the city limits where you can fika, eat lunch or just grab a cup of good coffee to-go in whichever neighbourhood you find yourself. Several of these are so popular th...

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...

Staying at a really comfortable hotel is a large part of the holiday experience, whether you're new to town or treating yourself to a staycation. Wherever you're staying, your hotel is your sanctuary; a bad hotel can ruin your whole trip while a great hotel can give even the most stressed traveller...

Fast food has always been a popular choice but recently the quality has improved markedly. People are increasingly conscious of what they choose to put in their bodies and, as a result, fastfood chains and restaurants are raising their game. There are now numerous fastfood spots in Stockholm serving...

Kungsholmen is an island and a surprisingly centrally located part of Stockholm. From the easterly and central parts of the neighbourhood it's just a short walk to the city centre and the central train station. The range of hotels isn't particularly large but it still offers everything from charming...

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...

Fancy alternating lazy days with energetic activities or gathering together a group of friends for an adventure in the heart of the city? Malmö has plenty of activity options for when you're in the mood for doing something fun and active. Whether you want to make the most of the sun with outdoo...

A great hairdresser should treat your hair the way you want, but also be able to see the potential in your crowning glory and give you tips and advice on how to update and maintain your style. Craftsmanship and skill is at least as important as an awareness of trends and fashions. Getting on with yo...

The most central part of Stockholm has a huge choice of accommodation - perfect if you want to nip back to your hotel when you're out and about. You'll find everything from urban hotels under ground (!) to elegant classics with waterfront views. We guide the way to the best hotels in the city centre...

Monumental buffets, scrambled eggs, pancakes and nowhere to be. Brunch is a favourite weekend treat among Stockholmers but it's not always one of the most wallet-friendly. But going out for brunch doesn't need to cost the earth. In our guide to cheap places to go for brunch in Stockholm we've rounde...

Really great restaurant experiences don't always have to mean gourmet deluxe. More and more restaurants in Stockholm provide ambitious, out of the ordinary gastronomy, without ascending to the luxury stratosphere. Forget classic fine dining restaurants with tasting menus, wine packages and ten minut...

Looking for a really good restaurant in Halmstad? You're in luck - this city on Sweden's southwest coast has a wide selection of restaurants to suit all tastes. Its proximity to the sea means fish and shellfish play a starring role on many menus, but Halmstad also has plenty of other kinds of restau...

As a LBTQ+ visitor to Gothenburg, there are plenty of rainbow-coloured places to hang out. Several have a specific LBTQ+ focus, others have occasional LBTQ+ clubs and events. This guide points the way to places in Gothenburg where the rainbow flag flies high, from restaurants, bars and cafés...

In a country whose capital city is regarded as one of the world's most fashion conscious, it's not surprising many visitors' thoughts turn to shopping. Malmö's shopping scene includes plenty of Stockholm names and international design, along with their own fashion and interiors gems. Browse amo...

Out with the old and in with the new! The last weeks of the year tend to fly by and before long it'll be time to don your gladrags and welcome in 2026. How to celebrate the new year in Gothenburg? Many of the city's restaurants and bars are preparing for a glamorous end to the year so follow our gui...

Culture vulture, history buff, art lover or just curious and hungry for knowledge? Stockholm is a gold mine for everyone who enjoys visiting museums and the choice has grown and grown over the past few years. There are plenty of great museums for children, museums young adults will enjoy and of cour...

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...

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...

In Stockholm, the suit has become a indicator of style, sophistication and character; an item of clothing you don't have to save for special occasions. But finding the perfect suit which reflects out your personality and is comfortable at the same time demands a little thought. After all, a new suit...

Eating chocolate releases endorphins which make us feel good, it includes a caffeine-like substance that gives us energy and it's also said to increase our life expectancy. People consume chocolate all over the world; we eat it on its own, use it in drinks and pastries or even as an ingredient in sa...

Looking to escape the city centre during the lunchtime rush hour? Stockholm is packed with fantastic restaurants outside town, well worth a short trip. Just a few minutes journey from the hustle and bustle of the big city you'll find waterfront restaurants and award-winning suburban gems. Jump on th...

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...

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...

We all love Italian food - especially when it comes to really delicious pasta. Visit one of Stockholm's Italian restaurants and fill your belly with pasta vongole, truffled macaroni or some other tasty dish, served "al dente". Below you'll find our recommendations for restaurants with particularly g...

There's plenty to do in Gothenburg during the winter months, whether you want to get out into the open air, treat yourself to some rest and relaxation or find a fun indoor activity. There are plenty of lovely parks and recreation areas when you want to take a walk or enjoy winter activities, such as...

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...

Fancy rounding off the week with a leisurely brunch in the heart of Stockholm city or among the cobblestone alleyways of the Old Town? There are plenty of restaurants to choose from, whether you're in the mood for a classic brunch buffet or a sit-down à la carte brunch. Tuck into goodies such...

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...

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...

Visby doesn't just draw in the crowds with its beautiful sights – the historic town is also full of really good restaurants. Classic restaurants sit side by side newly opened hotspots, sought-after outdoor dining and other favourites that encourage foodies to make a pilgrimage to the island all year...

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...

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...

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 exa...

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...

There's not much that beats enjoying the warmth of the summer sun at an al fresco dining spot. Who wouldn't want to kick off the weekend with something good to eat, a glass of wine, a cold beer or a tropical cocktail - and get some colour in their cheeks at the same time? We've listed the best and b...

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...

If you prefer your experience of the great outdoors to come complete with comfortable beds, wood-fired stoves and a breakfast basket served to your front door, glamping - glamorous camping - is definitely for you. A couple of places in and just outside Gothenburg have hopped on the glamping trend, p...

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...

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 g...