Apr 28, 2025
SWEDEN
Stockholm City Guide: First Impressions and Favorite Finds
In that liminal season where winter still holds the city but spring quietly stirs beneath, we found ourselves in Stockholm for the first time together. The Swedish capital surprised us with how naturally it balances grand architecture with laid-back creativity. This guide captures the spots that made us understand Stockholm's appeal—from cultural and historical spots to conceptual spaces and curated bookstores.
Itinerary, with Quick Links to Every Stop
Drop Coffee
Cafés & Restaurants
Kaffekoppen
Located in a 17th-century building in Gamla Stan, Kaffekoppen offers a cozy setting with period charm. Surrounded by old stone walls in a vaulted cellar, we enjoyed the soup of the day, hot chocolate, coffee, and an excellent carrot cake — a must-try.
Rating: 7,8/10
Café & BaGERI Pascal
Café & Bageri Pascal blends minimalist Scandinavian design with a warm atmosphere. Known for expertly crafted coffee and a relaxed vibe, it became a favorite on the trip. Highlights included the kimchi toast and pistachio bun.
Rating: 8/10
Drop Coffee
Tucked away in Södermalm, Drop Coffee is dedicated to high-quality brews. Each cup reflects the care behind bean selection and roasting. We paired a fruity, mango-noted coffee with their chocolate and coconut cake — a simple yet perfect fika treat.
Rating: 7,5/10
Tyge & Sessil
Tucked away in Östermalm, Tyge & Sessil is a cozy natural wine bar with a focus on small-scale producers. They also serve great middle sized dishes, with the highlight being the raw beef — rich in flavor and perfectly textured — paired with a vibrant orange wine.
Rating: 8/10
Augustas Folksalong
In Gamla Stan, Augustas Folksalong transports you to another era with its 19th-century setting. We enjoyed hearty kroppkakor, fruity teas, and a warm, candlelit atmosphere surrounded by antique décor and a distinctly nostalgic charm.
Rating: 8/10
Lennart & Bror Fisk
Lennart & Bror Fisk is a casual, modern spot for seafood lovers, serving lobster rolls, grilled fish, and octopus in a lively, industrial-style setting. We shared a lobster roll and enjoyed well-cooked cod. The vongole was a bit overpowered by seasoning and parsley, but overall the food was fresh and well-prepared — and the banana split with salted nuts was a fun, retro-style way to end the meal.
Rating: 8,5/10
Lennart & Bror Fisk
Augustas Folksalong
Grandpa
Design & Concept Stores
Grandpa
Grandpa is a lifestyle store that blends fashion, interiors, and vintage finds, offering a curated mix of rugged charm and Scandinavian cool. The store’s unique pieces evoke a sense of effortless style and nostalgia.
Best for: Quality fashion brands, shoes & interior
Brandstationen
Best for: Unique modern & second hand interior pieces
Aplace
Bringing together Swedish and international fashion under one roof, Aplace focuses on independent, carefully curated brands. It’s a go-to destination for those seeking unique pieces and fresh inspiration.
Best for: Unique fashion brands & lifestyle picks
6/5/4
6/5/4 embraces a streetwise, curated style that blends raw, urban aesthetics with a touch of luxury. Expect standout pieces suited for city life, the outdoors, and travel — all with a creative edge.
Best for: Surf gear, streetwear, outdoor & casual wear
SNS
Combining minimalist & modern vibe with sneaker culture, SNS (Sneakersnstuff) is a fashion and lifestyle hub for quality footwear and standout streetwear. The staff was super friendly and knowledgeable, and we really enjoyed the relaxed and welcoming vibe.
Best for: Sneakers & streetwear
A Day's March
A Day's March specializes in elevated basics, offering timeless, minimalistic pieces crafted from natural materials. Their focus on muted colors and high-quality fabrics makes it a go-to for timeless wardrobe staples.
Best for: Elevated scandinavian fashion basics (casual & dressed)
Konst-ig
Bookshops
Gamla Stans Bokhandel
Tucked away in Stockholm's Old Town is Gamla Stans Bokhandel, a charming bookstore that offers a carefully curated selection of books in a cozy, inviting space — perfect for thoughtful recommendations or quiet browsing
Söderbokhandeln
Söderbokhandeln is a book lover’s paradise in Södermalm, with shelves stacked from floor to ceiling and a thoughtful selection of both international and Swedish titles. Ladders help you reach the upper shelves — and don’t be surprised if you lose track of time.
The English Bookshop
A warm and inviting space for English-language readers, The English Bookshop offers everything from beautifully bound classics to sharp contemporary fiction and rich fantasy worlds. Thoughtfully curated and full of charm, it's a haven for any book romantic
Konst-ig
Konst-ig is a thoughtfully curated space dedicated to art, architecture, and visual culture. With its selection of high-quality, thought-provoking titles, it’s an ideal stop for creative minds seeking inspiration or a visual escape.
Gamla Stans Bokhandel
Söderbokhandeln
The Royal Palace
See & Do
Skansen
Open-air and rich with character, Skansen brings Sweden’s past to life through traditional architecture, countryside settings, and cultural heritage. We especially enjoyed wandering among the historical buildings, exploring the aquarium and terrarium — and spotting some of the native Scandinavian wildlife along the way.
Nordiska Museet
The Royal Palace
One of Europe’s largest still-in-use palaces, The Royal Palace in Stockholm offers a glimpse into Swedish monarchy through its grand halls, royal apartments, and daily guard ceremonies. We managed a peek inside, catching sight of the ornate ceilings — and for those curious to explore further, there’s also the opportunity to visit the Royal Treasury.
Gamla STan (OLD TOWN)
Gamla Stan, Stockholm's Old Town, remains one of Europe's best-preserved medieval city centers. Walking these narrow alleys reveals contemporary life nestled within ancient walls—small design shops and cafés tucked into medieval buildings, retaining authentic charm . despite being a tourist destination.
Nordiska Museet
Skansen