Your complete guide to Stockholm, according to our editors

Spread across 14 bridge-connected islands, Stockholm – the crown jewel of Sweden – boasts all the ingredients for an unforgettable city break: world-class cuisine, endless shopping opportunities, stunning architecture, cultural hotspots, bustling nightlife, and pristine natural beauty. A unique blend of old-world allure and modern flair, the Swedish capital offers heaps to explore, from the medieval winding streets of Gamla Stan (Old Town), lined with snug cafés and quirky boutiques, to the vibrant city centre and the serene surrounding archipelago – no matter the time of the year you’re in town.

With endless options to fill your visit, let Vogue Scandinavia be your insider guide to making the most of your next Stockholm escape. Below, we’ve compiled the ultimate in-the-know list of the can’t-miss spots, hidden gems to discover, the best stay to book, tasty restaurants to try, and shops to peruse – all recommended by our editors.

When booking your urban retreat, it’s crucial to opt for a conveniently located stay that doesn’t compromise on quality or desired facilities. Hence, Vogue Scandinavia’s choice for accommodation in Stockholm is the cosy and stylish Radisson Collection Strand Hotel. Nestled in the heart of the city and perched on the waterfront overlooking the harbour and Strandvägen, one of the most prestigious streets in town, the elegant hotel is just a stone’s throw away from popular attractions like Gamla Stan, the Royal Palace, Stureplan, the Modern Museum and the beloved department store Nordiska Kompaniet.

Steeped in history, the hotel’s roots stretch back to the early 20th century, when it was built to host the influx of visitors flocking to the capital for the 1912 Stockholm Olympics. Since then, the luxe site, lodged in a beautiful Art Nouveau building, has become the go-to destination for tourists, business travellers and locals indulging in a rejuvenating staycation. Formerly known as The Strand, the hotel entered a new era as a Radisson Collection destination following a complete renovation in 2018 by renowned architectural studio Wingårdhs. Over the years, the site has also cemented its place as an oasis for A-listers, with stars like Greta Garbo, Ingrid Bergman, Audrey Hepburn and Frank Sinatra once considering it their cherished stopover while in Sweden.

Today, the hotel comprises 170 refined rooms and suites, each enhanced with premium amenities. A warm, inviting atmosphere permeates the entire property, bolstered by spacious rooms rendered in calming neutral tones and sleek Scandinavian design by Danish brand Fritz Hansen. Upon arrival in the suites, guests are greeted by lofty ceilings and eclectically decorated spaces featuring an earthy colour palette punctuated by opulent jewel tones, echoing the building’s Art Nouveau heritage. Expansive windows provide sprawling views of Östermalm and a picturesque seascape of the nearby islands. One of the hotel’s stand-out accommodations, the luxe two-story ‘Tower Suite’, even boasts its own rooftop terrace with unparalleled vistas over the city.

For those yearning to stay active during their trip, the Radisson Collection Strand Hotel features a fully equipped gym. If the weather allows, numerous scenic running trails snake through the surrounding area, offering a wonderful way to get to know the city. Alongside the nutritious breakfast and brunch buffet, the hotel’s restaurant, Issei, serves up delectable Nikkei cuisine – a fusion of Peruvian and Creole flavours harnessing Japanese techniques. At the bar, relish a broad selection of inventive cocktails, delicious wines and non-alcoholic beverages.

Although it’s the largest city in the Nordics, Stockholm has a homely vibe, and the capital is easily explored via bike or public transport. In fact, we encourage you to take a peek at the metro stations, many of which have morphed into veritable art galleries showcasing the works of local emerging artists.

Stockholm has a bevvy of lush parks for a leisurely stroll, and our favourites for a breath of fresh air include Millesgården – the location for the stunning cover shot of Giovanna Engelbert in our latest issue. Here, you’ll discover dynamic sculptures by Carl Milles sprinkled throughout the park, along with an art gallery. As mentioned earlier, there’s a slew of running trails starting from the doorstep of the Radisson Collection Strand, inviting you to experience the city’s beauty on foot. One of the best routes for a walk or a jog leads from Strandvägen all the way to Djurgården, one of Stockholm’s most idyllic islands. While you’re there, be sure to stop by another unmissable outdoor destination, the Rosendal Trädgård. “[Rosendal Trädgård is] a playground for garden-lovers in the heart of Djurgården with a café, nursery boutique, flower fields and apple tree orchards,” says Clare McInerney, the digital editor of Vogue Scandinavia.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the city, another route peppered with sweeping views beckons to be explored. “On a lazy Saturday, there is nothing I love more than taking the scenic route along Monteliusvägen, a footpath nestled next to steep cliffs on Södermalm with a view of all of Stockholm city,” says Josefin Forsberg, our beauty and fashion news editor. “Moving from Slussen towards Hornstull, you’ll end up at Pang Pang brewery, the first microbrewery in Stockholm, where fried crab cakes, boquerones and small-batch beer awaits.”

If rain puts a halt to your outdoor plans, a boat trip across the breathtaking Stockholm archipelago allows you to marvel at the moody scenery from the warmth of the indoor seating. For more culture-forward activities on drizzly days or when the temperatures dip too low, our top picks include the famed photography museum Fotografiska, Thielska Galleriet, Liljevalchs art gallery, Carl Eldhs Ateljémuseum and Moderna Museet. And, of course, this list wouldn’t be complete without the iconic ABBA Museum, where you can dive into the nostalgic, dazzling universe of one of Sweden’s best-known bands.

Following in Copenhagen’s footsteps, Stockholm has become a culinary hotspot for those seeking Michelin-starred experiences as well as diners who enjoy more casual yet equally delicious eateries. And with fika as a cherished afternoon ritual, expect to find a range of cafés offering freshly baked kanelbullar and an array of other Swedish treats.

Swedes take their breakfast and brunch seriously, and Stockholm has a wide range of options to choose from – from healthy and light to hearty and indulgent. For plant-based, French-inspired plates, we recommend the locals’ favourite, À la Lo café & cantine. Other go-to breakfast and coffee spots among the Vogue Scandinavia team include Pom & Flora, Bullar&Bröd, Storabageriet (the ‘Danish Breakfast’ is a must-try) and Café Pascal. Haven’t tried the quintessential Swedish delicacy, meatballs, yet? We suggest lunch at Riche, which serves some of the tastiest meatballs in town alongside various mouth-watering dishes.

Options for a great dinner in Stockholm are virtually endless. Still, you can’t go wrong with Italian favourites like Café Nizza, Trattoria Montanari, 800 Grader (known for the best pizza in town) and Gazza. For Nordic flavours, consider buzzy eateries like Bar Agrikultur, PA & Co and Lilla Ego. Prefer French and Mediterranean cuisine? Be sure to give Främmat, Bord and the unpretentious yet oh-so-tasty Bambi a go. “Främmat is quite simply my favourite restaurant in Stockholm for its potent mix of good vibes and good food,” says Vogue Scandinavia’s print editor Allyson Shiffman.

And when it comes to Asian and Latin-American bites, Stockholm doesn’t disappoint, either – spots like Tako and Canta Lola (try the oysters’ Chalaca’ topped by cucumber and jalapeno foam and the parmesan gratinated scallops with trout roe) are places we keep returning to.

If you’re keen to extend your evening after dinner, vibrant, winter-friendly rooftop bars like Pelago and Himlen and Hernö Bar offer a broad range of crisp drinks, including non-alcoholic options, providing the perfect end to your day.

Stockholm’s shopping scene caters to every need, from fashion and beauty to furniture and niche culinary delights. Sartorial savants searching for vintage and second-hand clothing should head to Napoli Centrale, Judits Second Hand and Siv & Åke in Södermalm and Arkivet in the city centre. For pre-loved furniture, we love rummaging through shops like Brandstationen and Cirkuläret and the treasure trove of all the antique stores clustered on Upplandsgatan, near Odenplan.

On the hunt for designer fashion? Hit the department store Nordiska Kompaniet or Bibliotekstan, a downtown district packed with high-end stores that boast the boutiques of beloved luxury houses like Chanel, Celine, Gucci, Acne Studios and Louis Vuitton. Meanwhile, Jus on Brunssgatan is a great in-the-know spot for uncovering pieces from brands like Rick Owens, Comme des Garçons, Hodakova, Maison Margiela, and more. Die-hard Acne Studios fans (aren't we all?) must check out the Acne Archive, featuring some of the brand’s most coveted past and present pieces. As for all your beauty buys, look no further than Cow Parfymeri, smack dab in the middle of the city.“If there’s a one-stop shop for beauty-loving Stockholm visitors it would be Cow Parfymeri. I could botanise in this little haven of heavenly curated beauty essentials for hours,” Forsberg says.

Food-wise, our top pick is the Supermercado deli in Östermalm, where you’ll find all the Spanish goodies to transport you straight to southern Europe. “I didn’t realise how much I would visit a Spanish delicacy store until it opened just outside my house. If you are planning on hosting a Spanish night, or just want to treat yourself to really good food for a decent price – Supermercado is your next destination,” says Amelie Langenskiöld, Vogue Scandinavia’s junior fashion editor.