Guides to Sweden

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...

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 co...

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 rea...

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...

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...

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...

Having a dry month, health-conscious, pregnant or teetotal? Just because you don't drink alcohol doesn't mean you can't go to pubs and bars. Plenty of bars and restaurants in Stockholm mix up delicious mocktails and other alcohol-free drinks for anyone who wants to avoid alcohol, and some raise mock...

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 reasona...

There's something really special about sipping a perfectly blended cocktail while you enjoy panoramic views from rooftop bars. There are several rooftop bars, roof terraces and sky bars to visit in Gothenburg, if you prefer hanging out at high altitude. Take the elevator up to renowned hotel bars, a...

There aren't many things that will refresh and re-energise your body and soul as quickly as a peaceful timeout at a spa, and Malmö has some wonderful oases to choose from when you're in need of some serious pampering. A deep body scrub, relaxing massage or invigorating spa treatment for your fa...

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...

Stockholm's restaurant scene is fit to burst with hip and trendy concepts. Therefore, it is particularly exciting to return to the classics - the most prestigious restaurants in Stockholm, that exude timeless elegance and tradition. We have sought out the absolute gems in an attempt to guide you to...

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...

Whether you live in the city or are just passing through, Stockholm is a fun and atmospheric place to be over the Christmas holidays, with plenty of activities for old and young alike. You'll find festive activities to boost your Christmas spirit, but also activities for when you need a break from a...

Bubbles, lobster and elegant desserts - New Year's Eve is almost upon us and if you're planning on hosting a New Year's Eve dinner at home this can mean a lot of planning and preparation. But you can make life a little easier on yourself and still impress guests with delicious food and an elegant fi...

Finding somewhere to eat good grilled food in Stockholm is no problem - the city is full of smoking hot restaurants serving everything from hearty steaks to grilled fish, grilled vegetables and other top notch ingredients. Whether you prefer charcoal grilled, BBQ, Japanese grill techniques, stylish...

With its close proximity to the sea, Gothenburg has a deservedly good reputation for excellent fish and shellfish. There are a number of well-known fish restaurants in the city which have long held a special place in the salty, sea-loving hearts of locals. True seafood enthusiasts should also take t...

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...

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...

Whether you're just passing through the city or you live in Malmö and are planning a spoiling staycation, a night or two in a really great hotel is always a good idea. Malmö has masses of fantastic hotels boasting first-class facilities and central locations close to the city's squares, re...

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...

The city of Västerås on the shores of Lake Mälaren is Sweden's sixth largest city and offers both history and modernity. From impressive Västerås Castle and the charming old city centre to the city's lively cultural life and historic industrial buildings that are buzzing with life. Västerås offers s...

Longing for distant shores across the pond? Stockholm boasts an abundance of American restaurants, steakhouses and sleek New York-style bistros. Think hearty comfort food, flaming grills and a slice of pecan pie and you’re on the right track. US cuisine has so much more to offer than the obvio...

Moussaka, grilled fish and meat, halloumi and creamy tzatziki. Greek cuisine doesn't just transport us to sunny islands, it also serves up familiar dishes which have become firm favourites in Sweden and beyond. Fancy eating out? We guide you to Stockholm's best Greek restaurants - count on authentic...

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 Walbur...

You don't get much more traditionally Swedish than a really classic julbord Christmas buffet. Tables groaning with cured hams, meatballs, prinskorv chipolatas and Janssons Temptation laid out on special festive tablecloths. Escape the midwinter cold and darkness, cosy up next to a crackling log fire...

Whether you're visiting Växjö for the very first time, or you want to get to know the city better, there's plenty to explore here, in the heart of Småland. With both charming cobbled streets and a lively cultural scene, Växjö has something for everyone. To make it easier for you to navigate the town...

Norrköping has masses to offer visitors and locals alike. As well as yellow trams, beautiful promenades and attractions for all ages, the town boasts a rich restaurant scene, as well as numerous cosy cafés and stylish bars. Travellers, or locals who want to treat themselves to a staycation, also hav...

The historic city of Jönköping, on the southern shore of Lake Vättern, has masses to offer both locals and visitors. Whether you like nature, culture, food or nightlife, there's something for all tastes and stays. In this guide, we've collected our best tips on hotels, restaurants, cafés and experie...

Are you looking for fun activities on Gotland? Lots of tourists head straight to Visby with its cobblestones, restaurants, bars, shops and historic attractions. But Gotland is an island with a lot to offer even outside the historic city, all year round. With this guide to fun activities on Gotland,...

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...

Take a break from the festive frenzy, book yourself a Christmas lunch and enjoy a classic julbord buffet with all the traditional Swedish flavours, or something with alternative flavours. If you don't feel like spending an entire evening celebrating Christmas, a Christmas lunch can be a slightly mor...

The beautifully preserved medieval town of Visby is home to a wide selection of charming hotels and other places to stay. Thousands of tourists come to this city of roses and ruins every year to relax and explore. Particularly popular weeks are Almedalen Week, Medieval Week and the notorious Stockho...

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....

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 j...

On the plains of Östergötland, just south of where the river Stångan runs out into Lake Roxen, is the city of Linköping. The city is Sweden's eighth largest urban area and one of the country's most popular university towns. The cathedral, Old Linköping, the Trädgårdsföreningen garden society, Kinda...

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...

There's never been a better or easier time to be a vegan. Plant-based food is taking up an ever-increasing amount of space on the menus of Stockholm's cafés and restaurants - offering tasty and healthy choices for everyone, whether you're a vegan, carnivore or omnivore. The city has several c...

Time to find somewhere to stay on Gotland? The island is Sweden's largest and it's a well-loved tourist destination, especially during the summer, so it's important to think ahead if you need to book a hotel. Most people might associate Gotland with Visby, but there are so many other beautiful place...

Gothenburg has everything you could wish for as a tourist: a rich cultural life, world-class food and drink, great shopping, fascinating history and proximity to the sea and the countless islands of the archipelago. In other words, there's plenty to do. In order to tailormake your holiday in Gothenb...

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...

Stockholm's historic Old Town, with its narrow alleyways and romantic cellar vaults, is packed with cosy restaurants just waiting to be discovered. Whether you prefer French, Italian or Swedish cuisine there's something for everyone looking for a memorable evening out and to make your search easier...

From classic opera to experimental theatre, famous museums, concert houses and contemporary art galleries - Stockholm's cultural life has lots to offer. Whether you spend the weekend going to exhibitions, listening to jazz, going to the ballet or watching a certain type of films, the city is full of...

Umeå, the cultural centre of northern Sweden, provides a mixture of culture, history and beautiful natural surroundings. The city, known as the “City of Birches”, has a wide selection of restaurants and bars and spectacular views. Whether you want to sit for a while with a cup of coffee, visit fasci...

If you find yourself in Stockholm around the time of the Swedish autumn school break (October 30 - November 3) you'll find a wide range of great activities on offer for kids. Halloween falls on this week, so there are plenty of spooky happenings and ghostly goings-on. The guide includes current muse...

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...

Everyone deserves to feel good about themselves, and treating yourself to a pampering beauty treatment can often be just the pick-me-up you need. In this guide we've gathered together Gothenburg's best beauty salons. It includes specialists in everything from eyebrows to advanced skincare, hi-tech m...

Are you visiting Örebro for the first time, or just want to take a deeper dive into what the city has to offer? Either way, you've come to the right place. We've gathered our best tips for hotels, restaurants, bars, cafés and activities well worth a visit, whether you're passing through or are a loc...

Christmas presents, traditional food and a festive atmosphere - Stockholm's Christmas markets have all that and more. Find original gifts for your loved ones, drink glögg, browse handcrafts and get into the Christmas spirit. Find a market close to where you're staying or head out of town for a...

Are you in need of a little glamour and glitter to brighten up a dreary week? We've listed Stockholm's best champagne bars for anyone with a thirst for fizz - whether you're a true champagne connoisseur, a sucker for Roaring Twenties nostalgia or just want to take a prosecco pause in the middle of y...