Taste of Stockholm

During the last two decades Stockholm has seen an ever increasing number of new high standard eating places. Today Stockholm can offer an impressive amount of high quality restaurants, cafes, pubs and bars. In addition to the well established restaurants that serve traditional Swedish dishes, a variety of ethnic restaurants have sprung up during the last two decades. Fish has a prominent place in the modern Swedish cuisine, do not leave town without tasting it. Not only is Stockholm a beautiful city to look at, it is also clean, really organized, funky and stylish. The people are gorgeous and really know how to enjoy life. With its great food markets, fairs, shops, restaurants and waterfront you'll never be short of things to do there. The city is made up of fourteen main islands, so there are bridges and waterways everywhere, which is why it is often called 'the Venice of the North'. The old town, Gamla Stan, is one of the most beautiful medieval cities around.

Shopping in Stockholm

Stockholm is known as a leading design centre, and design in the broadest sense – both contemporary and traditional – is an important part of the city’s exciting shopping scene. Stockholm attracts shopping-hungry visitors from all over the world. And compared to other international cities, Stockholm is reasonably priced. In the city district you’ll find the big department stores and chains, with affordable shopping, especially for the young trendy crowd. Stockholm is filled with shop after shop of dazzling merchandise -- often at dazzlingly steep prices that reflect the high esteem in which Swedish craftspeople are held. Bargain shoppers should proceed with caution. Some good buys do exist, but it takes a lot of searching. If you're a casual shopper, you may want to confine your purchases to handsome souvenirs and gifts. Swedish glass, of course, is world famous. Swedish wooden items are works of great craftsmanship, and many people like to acquire Swedish functional furniture in blond pine or birch. Other items to look for include playsuits for children, silver necklaces, reindeer gloves, stainless-steel utensils, hand-woven neckties and skirts, sweaters and mittens in Nordic patterns, Swedish clogs, and colourful handicrafts from the provinces. The most popular souvenir is the Dala horse from Dalarna. Östermalm is Stockholm’s most exclusive district, offering the finest of everything interior design, international fashion, jewellery, etc. The blocks south of Folkungagatan are packed with interesting, cool and creative shops specializing in clothing, design, jewellery, knickknacks, vintage and second-hand. Several fashion brands have their own stores in this district. There are also scores of restaurants, cafés and galleries. The atmosphere is laid-back, yet highly aware. In the warm months, Nytorget Square is a bustling social atmosphere. Typical tourist shops are in Gamla Stan, the old town in the heart of the city. If you are looking for souvenirs you’ll certainly find something in Västerlånggatan, the busiest street in Gamla Stan. Prices are high. Nevertheless, many find a cuddly elk or a straw puppet dressed in Swedish yellow and blue hard to resist.