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A cultural guide to Stockholm
Island hop in Sweden’s cool capital, where elegant architecture rubs shoulders with ultra-modern galleries and an unrivaled food scene
KEY NEIGHBORHOODS
Norrmalm
Overview
For a first-time visitor, Norrmalm offers the best jump-off point for the Swedish capital. Facing south onto the expansive waterfront and just north of the buzzing public square at Kungsträdgården, this is where you’ll find Stockholm Central Station, the shops and department stores around Sergels Square and the cultural centers of the Kulturhuset and the Royal Dramatic Theatre. It’s also a short walk south onto the island of Gamla Stan, where you’ll find the old town’s maze of winding streets and brightly colored houses.
What’s Nearby
Östermalm
Overview
This is Stockholm’s upscale district. The main road bordering it to the west (Birger Jarlsgatan) is lined with luxury boutiques, while the streets to the east of Humlegården park are a design lover’s delight. Explore mid-century modern furniture at The Modern Sthlm, Nordiska Galleriet and Modernity. For streetwear, the Junkyard Skate Shop, Our Legacy and Nudie Jeans‘ flagship store are close by, while anyone looking for vintage Danish interiors will lose hours in the Re: Deco second-hand store.
Enjoy the scent of the plentiful summer flowers at Olas Blommor, then recover with fika (coffee and cake) at the hidden-away Stora café, or an uncommonly flavored gelato at Triple Oh! (fresh lemon and rapeseed oil was selling out fast on our visit).
What’s Nearby
Södermalm
Overview
This trendy area sits to the south of Stockholm’s main island. Originally dock buildings and farmland, it has gained a reputation as a relaxed, creative district, just 10 minutes from Stockholm Central Station. The steeply sloped streets offer a wealth of galleries from the Press Photographers Club-owned Galleri Kontrast to the street art collection at Gallery Steinsland Berliner.
Walk the length of Hornsgatan Street across the north of Södermalm, taking a detour a few blocks south to recharge at local institution Drop Coffee. Finish by Slussen station for the perfect view across Stockholm and the water.
What’s Nearby
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