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Pickled herring trio and a plate of boiled egg, cheese and potatoes at Restaurant Tradition

Restaurant Tradition Stockholm Review: Traditional Swedish Food in Gamla Stan

Tradition offers a retreat from Gamla Stan’s tourist crowds – a quiet courtyard restaurant steps from the Royal Palace where you can experience traditional Swedish cuisine. The menu features several Swedish classics, such as Swedish meatballs, kroppkakor (meat-filled potato dumplings), and cured salmon with creamy dill potatoes, all served in a contemporary Scandinavian setting. They … Read more
Rigatoni with burrata and basil at Villa Dahlia restaurant

Villa Dahlia Restaurant & Bar

While most hotel restaurants play it safe with international menus, Villa Dahlia takes the opposite approach: authentic Italian small plates served in a Scandinavian-minimalist space overlooking a quiet park. The 2024 opening brought serious Italian cooking to a neighborhood better known for modern international eateries and wine bars. As we enter, we’re greeted by a … Read more
Diners at the window counter of Fotografiska's restaurant overlooking the water toward Djurgården

Stockholm’s best restaurants for solo diners

Stockholm is a great city for eating out on your own. You’ll spot plenty of locals eating alone at lunch counters, wine bars, and food halls throughout the week. The key is choosing restaurants with bar seating, community tables, or stadium-style seating where you can watch the crowd. These restaurants make solo dining feel natural … Read more
Djurgården ferry crossing the water past snowy Skeppsholmen and the Gamla stan skyline in winter

Things to do in Stockholm in winter – top activities and tips

Visiting Stockholm in the winter months, you’ll notice something interesting: the city leans into its short days, long nights, and cold weather. From mid-november the city switches on the Christmas lights and the streets feel cozy. From there it’s just under a month to Lucia on December 13 (a candlelit tradition with choirs and saffron … Read more
Deck chairs by a twig-covered wall and tall cocktails with orange garnish at a day spa lounge

Guide to the best day spas in Stockholm

Visiting a day spa is one of the simple pleasures of spending time in Stockholm and works in every season. A few hours in warm water and a quiet relaxation room can ease jet lag and help you recharge after days spent exploring the city’s museums, restaurants, and sights. If you’d rather recharge outdoors, our … Read more
Fairy lights fan out over the statue at Kungsträdgården's ice rink at night

The best places to see Christmas lights in Stockholm

Every November, Stockholm lights up with elaborate Christmas displays, turning the Swedish capital into an atmospheric winter destination. Streets and squares turn into open-air galleries of decorations, sculptures and light installations. When you walk the streets this time of year, look up at the windows of residential buildings. You will see glowing Christmas stars, Advent … Read more
A vegan bowl of black rice, sweet potato and red lentils with coconut yogurt, lime and herbs, served with coffee at Mahalo

Mahalo Södermalm

A pink neon sign spelling “Mahalo” glows against the building’s yellow brick facade. Inside, weekend brunchers are filling the lively café. It smells of freshly brewed coffee and toasted grains. We already know this will be a good experience. Mahalo is a plant-based café serving breakfast and lunch. They serve breakfast until 11 am on … Read more
Crowds and a lit Christmas tree with a 'Varm Glögg' stall at Stortorget market in Gamla stan

Best Christmas Markets in Stockholm 2026

Stortorget in Gamla Stan is Stockholm’s oldest and most famous Christmas market, held on the Old Town’s main square since 1837. It’s far from the only one. From mid-November until December 23, markets pop up in royal stables, design-school greenhouses, neighborhood squares and castle courtyards in and around the city. Below you’ll find our picks, … Read more
Illuminated vertical sign reading 'Misshumasshu' at the restaurant's entrance in the arcade

Misshumasshu Stockholm Review: Tokyo Meets Stockholm in a Historic Arcade

Misshumasshu is a Japanese-European fusion restaurant located in Stockholm’s historic Birger Jarlspassagen arcade. Its unique concept combines the culinary traditions and flavors of Tokyo and Stockholm, with a name derived from the Japanese pronunciation of the word “mishmash”. When is Misshumasshu open, and how do you book? Misshumasshu, sometimes searched as Mishumashu, serves lunch and … Read more
Wall display of Fjällräven Kanken backpacks in dozens of colors at a Stockholm store

Swedish clothing brands to buy in Stockholm

One of the best things about shopping in Stockholm is discovering clothes from Swedish brands. Many department stores feature a wide selection, but what makes Stockholm special is that so many of these brands have their flagship stores here. Fashion is a big part of the city’s identity, and Swedish design is known for being … Read more