The El Camino Travel Guide to Stockholm, Sweden
Written by Kayla Doris
Touchdown in Stockholm and one of the world's most beautiful waterfront capitals awaits. Built across 14 islands, Stockholm is often called the "Venice of the North" due to its stunning waterfront views, colorful historic buildings, and scenic bridges. Balancing nature and urban life, and innovation and history, the city embodies the Swedish philosophy of lagom (not too much, not too little, but just right). While it’s known for its modern architecture and minimalist design, the city is also home to one of the best-preserved medieval city centers in Europe, Gamla Stan, full of cobblestone streets and preserved 17th-century buildings. Its other neighbourhoods are just as distinctive—wander through Södermalm’s creative streets of indie boutiques and buzzing cafés, or explore the upscale Östermalm where you’ll find elegant architecture and designer stores. The city has a lot to brag about—not only does it consistently rank among the world’s best cities for quality of life, but it’s also one of the world's most sustainable cities and one of the safest. This makes it a great destination for family travel, with many public spaces being designed with kids in mind, free public transport for those under seven, and plenty of family-friendly restaurants and activities at hand. Whether you’re here with family, friends, or flying solo, Stockholm is sure to deliver.
We’ve collaborated with local insiders, Ellen Pettersson—owner of Hotel Frantz and Hotel Ruth, Zandra Lidén—Esteriör cofounder, and Susanna Månsson—art director at Grandpa to curate a list of insider recommendations for eating, drinking, shopping, and sightseeing your way through the city.
Eat
Enjoy a cozy dining experience at Bachanale in Södermalm. Recommended by Esteriör cofounder, Zandra Lidén, the restaurant is influenced by classic French and Southern European cuisine. Dishes such as tender pork chop with onion sauce, and confit duck leg with broad beans and savoy cabbage, are complemented by carefully selected wines from the wine bar. Dine amongst candlelit interiors, or make the most of the outdoor seating during the summer months.
Also included in the guide:
Traditional Swedish dishes at a historic restaurant with grand wood-panelled interiors
The best cinnamon buns in town
Dishes so beautiful they’ve made reservations hard to come by
Image credit: Esteriör
Stay
Check into a beautiful family-run boutique hotel located between Gamla Stan and Södermalm. Set within a historic brick building dating back to 1647, Hotel Frantz pays homage to the original building owner, master tailor Frantz Bock. The rooms have been individually designed to reflect the character of the house; think modern luxury with elements of a traditional residence with colored tiled bathrooms, freestanding baths, vintage-style taps, brass details, and plush bedding. Downstairs you can dine in the homely restaurant with dishes that emphasize vegetables, complemented by carefully selected meats and fish. The same family also runs Hotel Ruth, another stylish stay that has mastered unpretentious luxury.
Also included in the guide:
A small eclectic hotel that boasts a sunny courtyard and informal wine bar
The unique hotel concept that’s been designed to feel more like a private home
A newly opened hotel that celebrates the city’s cultural heritage and offers a sauna, cold plunge, and courtyard
Image credit: Bachanale
Shop
Find one-of-a-kind, vibrant homewares at Esteriör, where color, shape, and personality reign supreme. Recommended by the team at White Label Project, the store and design studio offers eclectic ceramics, furniture, lighting, potted plants, posters, and various design accessories. The retail space also features a cafe that operates an ‘everything is for sale’ policy—all furnishings can be bought to take home, from the coffee cups and milk jugs to the chair you sit on and the vintage lamps on the ceiling.
Also included in the guide:
A small vintage shop with a wide selection of clothing, from the 60s, 70s, and 80s
Stylish fits, gorgeous homewares, and all-around good vibes
An iconic book store for art and design lovers
Image credit: Hotel Frantz
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