Things to see and do in Östermalm
Sights in Östermalm
Östermalms Saluhall is a classical food hall with everything from meat and seafood to fresh produce and sweet treats. The hall is home to several restaurants where you can enjoy a meal or sip a glass of wine. Originally built in 1888, the historic building reopened in 2020 after an extensive renovation, seamlessly blending old-world charm with modern design.
The National Library of Sweden (Kungliga biblioteket) collects and preserves most of the Swedish publications, and is Sweden’s primary repository for printed and audiovisual materials. The library was founded in the 16th century during King Gustav Vasa’s reign, and has been located on the same place right by the Humlegården park since 1877. The library is open to the public, and houses around 18 million objects, which includes books, posters, images, manuscripts, and advertising prints.
The Royal Dramatic Theatre (Kungliga Dramatiska Teatern), or “Dramaten” as the locals call it, is Sweden’s national stage. Founded by King Gustav III in the late 1700s, it has been in continuous operation ever since. Outside the building, on the western corner, you’ll find a statue of the Swedish actress Margaretha Krook. Touch the statue’s stomach—it’s always kept at body temperature, no matter the season.
Strandvägen is a street with some of Stockholm’s most exclusive addresses. The street starts at Dramaten and follows the waterfront all the way to Djurgården. Along the quay, several boats depart for the archipelago, and there are many restaurants and cafés by the water.
Museums in Östermalm
Army Museum (Armémuseum) showcases Swedish military history from the 16th century until present time. The museum provides an immersive experience, allowing visitors to explore the living conditions of soldiers, their families, and the general population during both wartime and peacetime.
The Swedish History Museum (Historiska museet) showcases Swedish history from the Viking Age onward. Its exhibitions feature a wealth of original artifacts, complemented by interactive digital screens that provide deeper insights into the displayed items..
The Economy Museum (Ekonomiska museet) shares its building with the Swedish History Museum. Although small, the museum offers great value, as the entrance fee also grants access to the Swedish History Museum. It explores the history of money through collections of Swedish coins and bills, along with interactive displays.
At The Stockholm Transport Museum (Spårvägsmuseet) showcases the evolution of Stockholm’s public transportation over the past 150 years, from horse-drawn trams to modern vehicles. The museum reopened in Östermalm, in May 2022, after relocating from its previous site at Södermalm. Founded in 1933, the Stockholm Transport Museum is one of the world’s older transportation museums. It not only preserves vehicles but also maintains an extensive archive, photo collection, and reference library.
The Swedish Museum of Performing Arts (Scenkonstmuseet) showcases the history and development of dance, theater, and music. They have over 50,000 objects in their collection, including instruments, costumes, theater puppets, and stage design models. The exhibitions feature many interactive elements, making it a fun experience if you’re visiting with children.
Restaurants in Östermalm
Luxury restaurants in Östermalm
Ekstedsts specializes in fire-based cooking, using Scandinavian wood and charcoal to craft dishes that highlight natural flavors. The menu evolves with the seasons, and the tasting menu is highly recommended for a memorable dining experience.
Adam/Albin blends Nordic ingredients with global culinary influences. The menu focuses on creativity, offering dishes that are as visually stunning as they are flavorful. They have a great attention to detail and ability to surprise diners with unexpected flavor combinations.
Ergo emphasizes seasonal ingredients and minimalist presentation. This is one of the newest additions to Stockholm’s fine dining scene and the restaurant is innovative and attentive to creating a unique gastronomic journey.
Petri offers a refined modern Scandinavian dining experience, celebrated for its innovative use of local ingredients. The atmosphere is intimate, with a focus on delivering well-thought-out dishes and exceptional service.
Black Milk Gastro Bar is an omakase restaurant that blends Japanese flavors with ingredients from around the world. The dinner experience is paired with cocktails that go excellent together with the food.
Mid-range restaurants in Östermalm
Hantverket features dishes inspired by Swedish and European home cooking, prepared with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. Signature dishes include Hasselback potatoes and modern takes on rustic classics. The name Hantverket means craftsmanship in Swedish and is a take on emphasizing the craftsmanship behind the food and the dining experience.
Chez Jolie is a French-inspired bistro that offers a chic and vibrant ambiance paired with classic French dishes like steak frites and oysters. They have a good wine selection and are ideal for casual dinners.
Brasserie Astoria blends French and international cuisine, and is one of chef Björn Frantzéns restaurants. The elegant setting combines modern luxury with vintage charm in a historic building that used to be a cinema.
Stim specializes in charcoal grilled seafood, with dishes such as grilled sea bass and lobster, often accompanied by sides inspired from German cuisine. The ambiance is relaxed and cozy.
Omaka is both a restaurant as well as a brewery and bar. The restaurant’s menu is designed to complement the house-brewed beers, which include several creative beers including a variety of unfiltered draft beers. Omaka has an open kitchen and a spacious beer garden with views of the brewery, creating a laid-back yet stylish atmosphere.
Sturehof is an iconic restaurant that has been a cornerstone of Stockholm’s dining scene for over a century. Located in Stureplan, Sturehof offers a blend of Swedish and French cuisine with an emphasis on seafood. It’s a bustling venue perfect for everything from casual lunches to late-night dining.
Budget restaurants in Östermalm
Bruno’s Korvbar is a popular sausage kiosk with a variety of sausages, both from Sweden and other countries. It’s especially great for a quick, satisfying meal that’s a bit different from the usual street food.
Dell’Attore offers a selection of classic Italian pizzas in a cozy, rustic setting. Decorated with movie posters, its name—‘the actor’s’ in Italian—reflects its cinematic theme. Here, you can enjoy some of the best pizzas Stockholm has to offer.
Cafés in Östermalm
Fosch Artisan Pâtiseerie offers a refined and elegant selection of pastries, cakes, and French-inspired treats. The café is known for its high-quality ingredients and delicate craftsmanship, focusing on creating visually stunning pastries and desserts. They often feature both traditional French pastries like croissants and tarts, as well as innovative creations.
Stora Bageriet is a charming bakery offering a wide range of artisanal breads, cakes, and pastries. This bakery is beloved for its traditional Swedish baking. They also provide an assortment of sandwiches and savory pastries. It’s a perfect spot for breakfast and they have a large outdoor patio popular in the summer.
Á La Lo is a family run café that serves a mix of Swedish and French plant-based pastries. The café is run by mother and daughter and they bake the pastries themselves and import the coffee from a French coffee roastery in Paris. Their menu is fully plant-based and they have a modern take on some classical recipes.
Tössebageriet is a bakery that serves classic Swedish cakes, breads, and pastries. Their menu also features a variety of savory items like sandwiches and pies. This is a cozy spot for a fika and some Swedish pastries.
Mr Cake is a modern patisserie and café blending the Swedish fika with American recipes. Established in 2017 by renowned pastry chef Roy Fares, Mr Cake has become a popular destination for anyone with a sweet tooth.
Saturnus blends French and Swedish traditions and is best known for its famously large cinnamon buns. A staple of the Stockholm café scene for ages, it’s one of the go-to spots for the quintessential Stockholm fika experience..
Bars in Östermalm
Lucy’s Flower Shop is a secret, speakeasy-style cocktail bar with an intimate and moody atmosphere. It’s hidden behind a discreet door in central Stockholm, which is a part of the charm.
A Bar Called Gemma serves a mix of classic cocktails and inventive creations. It’s a small and intimate bar with some of Stockholm’s best cocktails.
Coquetel Social is a modern, stylish cocktail bar that radiates a warm and inviting ambiance. True to its name, it’s all about fostering sociability and creating memorable moments.
Riche is a Stockholm institution blending a brasserie-style restaurant with a lively bar scene. It’s upscale yet unpretentious, often buzzing with a mix of locals and tourists.
Stjärtilleriet is a quirky and playful cocktail bar, with a cheeky name (which translates to “The Rear Artillery”). The bar serves cocktails with a creative twist. The menu often draws inspiration from Swedish flavors and ingredients.
Tyge & Sessil is a wine bar with a modern, minimalist design and a relaxed, intimate setting. It’s all about natural and organic wines. Ideal for wine enthusiasts or those looking to explore something new. It pairs well with a quiet evening.
Accommodation in Östermalm
Luxury hotels in Östermalm
Ett Hem, meaning “a home,” is a luxurious boutique hotel, housed in a 1910s townhouse. The hotel offers 22 rooms, each uniquely styled to feel like a cozy, curated home. Guests can enjoy shared spaces like a lush garden, a kitchen where they can help themselves to food, and wellness amenities, including a gym and sauna.
The Sparrow Hotel is a stylish boutique hotel located near Stockholm’s vibrant Stureplan area, with shopping and nightlife. It features a blend of French-inspired interiors and Swedish design. This hotel is celebrated for its bistro and wine bar, which emphasize organic and locally sourced ingredients. Its central location makes it convenient for exploring shopping streets, cultural attractions, and nightlife in the heart of the city.
Hotel Diplomat is a luxurious waterfront hotel located on the iconic Strandvägen boulevard. Celebrated for its stunning Art Nouveau architecture, it features elegant rooms adorned with classic Scandinavian interiors. The on-site restaurant blends Swedish and international cuisine, and offers afternoon tea in their tea saloon. Guests can also enjoy the great views of Stockholm’s harbor and Nybrokajen.
Villa Dagmar is a boutique hotel located adjacent to the iconic Östermalm Saluhall food hall. Combining contemporary design with historic charm, the hotel features stylish rooms and suites, an upscale restaurant with Mediterranean influences, and wellness facilities. Its location in the heart of Östermalm makes it a prime choice for those looking to experience Stockholm’s luxury shopping and dining scene.
Mid-range hotels in Östermalm
Best Western Hotel Karlaplan is located in the area Karlaplan, close to Karlaplan Metro Station and within walking distance of attractions like the Vasa Museum and Djurgården. It has 101 rooms, some with exclusive designs.
Clarion Collection Hotel Wellington is located a short walk from the area Stureplan and the Royal Dramatic Theatre. It has a homely atmosphere and attentive service.
Mornington Hotel Stockholm City has a Scandinavian design, and offers a chic yet welcoming ambiance. It’s centrally located in Östermalm, making it easy to explore shopping streets and cultural attractions. They also have a popular restaurant, a library lounge, and a fitness center.
Elite Eden Park located by the Humlegården Park is a great hotel at a central location. It boasts elegant rooms and upscale amenities, including a gym, sauna, and an acclaimed Asian-fusion restaurant.
Story Hotel Riddargatan is a trendy boutique hotel close to Stureplan and offers a mix of industrial chic and artistic touches. Known for its creative interiors, Story Hotel appeals to design-savvy travelers. The on-site restaurant and bar are popular spots, adding a lively atmosphere.
Scandic Park offers spacious rooms, a modern fitness center, and a restaurant serving seasonal Swedish dishes. Its peaceful setting is a contrast to the busy city center while still being accessible.
Budget hotels in Östermalm
Östermalm is an upscale district and therefore there are no budget hotels in Östermalm.
Hostels in Östermalm
Östermalm is an upscale district and therefore there are no hostels in Östermalm.