With its sapphire blue summer skies and cheery inhabitants – considered some of the nicest people in the world – Stockholm is a must-visit for any globe-trotter, even more so now that it’s having its creative moment when it comes to contemporary design. Here are our top tips to ensure you enjoy the capital like a true Swede on your next visit.
Shop: Nordiska Galleriet
The best design collections can all be discovered in one building: Nordiska Galleriet. Found on the corner of Nybrogatan and Riddargatan, the building was built in 1912 by a farmer’s son, who also opened a store within the location to show and sell pieces he had brought home with him after travels throughout Europe. In time, the shop became an internationally acclaimed institution for modern design. Today in Nordiska Galleriet you can expect collections from leading brands from the Scandinavian region as well as across the globe.
Explore: Södermalm
If you’re looking to take a piece of Scandinavian style home with you, the creative and bohemian district of Södermalm – nicknamed SoFo for its South of Folkungagatan address – is the place to go. The streets here are filled with a melting pot of bars, restaurants and shops – one of the most popular shops being Grandpa (pictured). Since its founding in 2003, the quirkily named establishment has offered up fashion and home decor items amidst a cosy atmosphere with stellar service.
For jewellery, visit Mumbaistockholm, where the owner aims to re-invigorate the traditional craft of working with precious stones. At the showroom – which is open by appointment only six days a week – you can buy rings, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. You can also get your old gold jewellery reworked into new pieces.
See more: What you need to know about Stockholm Furniture & Light Fair
Eat: Usine
Combine Scandinavian minimalism with an industrial aesthetic and you get Usine, a multifunctional space in Södermalm designed by Richard Lindvall. Originally a site where sausages were made, the 21,500sqft space with its soaring, 13ft ceilings is now a popular gathering spot for designers, professionals and young trendsetters. Great food, a wide selection of cocktails and a pleasant, cosmopolitan vibe definitely help add to the allure.
See: Fotografiska
Stockholm is full of amazing historical buildings. One of them is Fotografiska, an impressive art gallery with a beautiful view of the city, founded in 2010 by brothers Jan and Per Broman. Peruse photography and other artworks and meet other creatives in the former industrial building, which was designed by renowned Swedish architect Ferdinand Boberg in 1906. Even if you aren’t an art aficionado, the structure is worth a visit for its inimitable Art Nouveau style and original brick facade alone.
See more: The design guide to Venice: the best places to eat, drink and shop
Stay: Miss Clara by Nobis
Miss Clara by Nobis is a unique design hotel where Art Nouveau has been carefully combined with timeless Scandinavian design. Architect Gert Wingårdhs transformed what was previously a 18th century girl’s school into 92 personalised rooms and suites. Sustainable material and intuitive functionality are both cornerstones in the boutique hotel’s charming design. Everything from the reception to the bars and restaurants harmonically blend in with the urbane feel of its neighbourhood in the heart of the city, making for an excellent base for exploring the city. Happy travels!
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