The design-lovers guide to Stockholm, Sweden
Welcome to Stockholm, the vibrant capital of Sweden and a paradise for design lovers where the past and present thrive together. Stockholm is a commendable assortment of creative and eco-friendly lifestyles, innovative startup companies, a flourishing indie music scene, a hipster café culture, and an undying love for the outdoors due to its vast archipelago and proximity to water.
Every year, the city comes alive during Stockholm Design Week, an event that showcases the best of Scandinavian design and architecture. With Stockholm Design Week just around the corner, we’ve put together a travel guide featuring our favourite places to eat, drink, sleep and explore in the city.
Stockholm Furniture Fair
The Stockholm Furniture Fair, which runs from 7–11 February 2023, is the mecca for Scandinavian Design. With over 400 exhibitors in the furniture and lighting industry, the fair attracts professional visitors from over 100 countries.
Be sure to visit the installation at Hall C, Stand 04:11 where Bolon presents New Dimensions of Bolon. The stand embodies bursts of colour, edge and passion to present Bolon R, Bolon’s new rug concept. Imagine Bolon flooring on your own terms.
Stockholm Furniture Fair, Hall C, Stand 04:11
Districts + Places
For the city’s most exciting districts, head over to Östermalm to hobnob with Stockholm’s elite in Michelin-starred restaurants and upscale clubs, or wander around Södermalm, Kungsholmen, and Hornstull for eclectic shopping, excellent fusion restaurants, and cool indie nightclubs. If this is your first time in the city, Stockholm’s Old Town, Gamla Stan is a must-see. It’s the medieval heart of the city where you’ll find the most famous landmarks and attractions. It’s filled with narrow cobblestone streets that lead to cute cafes, hidden wine bars, and artisan boutiques.
Let’s Eat
After a long day of exploring, it’s time to refuel with some delicious Swedish cuisine. Treat yourself to traditional dishes like meatballs and lingonberry sauce, or sample some of the city’s delightful seafood.
Prinsen
A classic brasserie and bistro in the heart of Stockholm, Restaurant Prinsen opened in 1897 and has long been the place for creatives to mingle. A true Stockholm institution, the history is deeply rooted, yet the restaurant feels modern and timeless. Swedish with a touch of French influence, the restaurant is full of culinary classics, however best known for their meatballs and extensive wine list.
Astoria
The spot for urban Stockholmers back in in the 20s and 30s, Astoria has a history of international glory. In a time where war and depression created a need to escape the harsh reality, the former cinema became a place where entertainment and socializing was in focus. Today, the restaurant is known for its elegance and warmth, where several dishes are finalized at the table and presented on serving carts. Astoria has a large dining room as well as a generous bar area with an ambitious cocktail list, a wine bar, and a separate intimate dining room with its own entrance only for drop-in guests. A true treat for all occasions and senses.
Bar Agrikultur
If you are looking for big food in a small restaurant, visit Michelin praised Agrikultur’s baby sister restaurant Bar Agrikultur. Bar Agrikultur is a place that reaches beyond the boundaries of culinary tradition, while honouring food, flavour, sustainability, and community. Guests enjoy seasonal Swedish produce and gin made in-house in a warm and social atmosphere.
Schmaltz
Schmaltz is influenced by the European as well as the Swedish cuisine, with inspiration from the deli culture in New York, where pickles, pâtés, charcuterie and smoked fish are given a large place on the menu. Enjoy a Reuben sandwich and a glass of wine in less than 20 minutes. Perfect for a quick bite on your way your next Stockholm Furniture Fair event.
Pom & Flora
Pom & Flora is a traditional café that instigated Stockholm’s breakfast culture. Characterised by a distinctive and bright home atmosphere, the restaurant offers breakfast and lunch favourites including toast with peanut butter and banana and oatmeal bowls, perfect to enjoy before a day at the Fair.
Art & Museums
Museums in Stockholm provide inspiration, insights, and a deeper understanding of the history and evolution of design. Looking for respite between Fair events and happenings, look no further than the museums on offer.
The Swedish Centre for Architecture and Design
Want to know more about the history and contemporary practice of architecture and design in Sweden? The Swedish Centre for Architecture and Design features exhibits on prominent architects and designers, as well as interactive installations that explore the relationship between design and everyday life.
Moderna Museet
Moderna Museet, Stockholm, Sweden, is a state museum for modern and contemporary art located on the island of Skeppsholmen in central Stockholm. Experience one of Europe’s foremost collections of art from the twentieth century to today, featuring works by artists including Picasso, Dali, Derkert, and Matisse. Moderna Museet is located on Skeppsholmen island, a setting of natural beauty. The building was designed by Spanish architect Rafael Moneo.
Fotografiska
On Stadsgårdshamnen lies Fotografiska, an ode to photography and the world’s largest museum of its kind. Displaying photographs and exhibitions that are equal parts mysterious, glamorous, and controversial, the 2,500 square meter exhibition space hosts work by the likes of Annie Leibovitz and David LaChapelle alongside courses, lectures, and workshops for both beginners and professional photographers.
The space also features Bolon flooring, chosen to compliment the design aesthetic and to withstand millions of footsteps over time.
Prins Eugens Waldemarsudde
Arguably Sweden’s most beautiful art museum, Prins Eugens Waldemarsudde used to belong to Prince Eugen but opened up to the public in 1948, after his death. Prince Eugen was an art collector of note, with special emphasis on Nordic and French art. The Collections number around 7,000 works and comprise painting, sculpture and crafts objects. In addition to the permanent exhibition of works, guest exhibitions and events also take place throughout the year.
The National Museum of Fine Arts
This museum houses an extensive collection of Swedish and international art, including furniture, and decorative arts from the 16th century to the present day. The 18th-century Gustavian furniture collection is particularly noteworthy, offering a glimpse into the elegance and grandeur of the era.
Sleep
The best hotels have a few things in common: they feel intimate and personal (regardless of size or number of rooms), have a distinctive vibe, deliver impeccable service and the architecture and interior design are unique and full of character. Here’s our list of our favourite hotels to offer reprieve after thousands of steps and a long day absorbing design inspiration at Stockholm Furniture Fair.
Stay at Six
Hotel At Six is a destination where contemporary art, fine dining, and exquisite interior design meet to create a modern luxury hotel in central Stockholm. During the turn of the 19th century, Brunkebergstorg was once the meeting grounds for Stockholm’s high society and cultural elite. Today, it’s the location of Hotel At Six and the square on which it stands has regained its former prominence. The ultra-cool decor, dramatic city views, and superb dining options make At Six one of the top hotels in Stockholm.
Nobis Hotel
Enjoy contemporary luxury – a relaxed, classic, and elegant experience in the heart of Stockholm. With old charm style, Nobis encompasses two 19th century buildings and is situated close to Stockholm’s exclusive shops and bars. Classic architecture sits artfully alongside the buzz of Stureplan nightclub district as well as the city’s theatres. Foodies will love the fine cuisine served in Restaurant Noi and Italian dishes in the Bistro.
Miss Clara
Once the largest girls’ school in Sweden, this historic building is now an exclusive boutique style hotel. Conveniently located in downtown Stockholm, the hotel takes its name from a former headmistress at the school, and also in a nod to its historic past, it retains many original features which are complimented by hip furnishings and an Art Nouveau style. Each of the 92 rooms and suites have been designed to communicate a stylish yet intimate expression and this flows throughout the entire hotel. Grand windows within guest rooms present beautiful views across the city, some rooms feature chaise lounges, and some suites include sitting areas, and some are split-level.
Shop
For lovers of Scandinavian design, Stockholm has a lot to offer. But navigating the city’s spread-out retail landscape might feel a bit daunting with the many options available. Here’s our top picks of design shops and showrooms in and around the Swedish capital.
Bolon Lab Store
The Lab Store is a space for designers, architects and enthusiasts to meet and exchange ideas. This is a place where ideas flow freely, and guests are treated to the latest in product development and research.
Building a community among designers, industry leaders, experts and manufacturers is an integral part of Bolon’s DNA, and the new Lab Store extends this sense of community into a concept store experience. Experience Bolon’s collaborations with other creative souls and interact with the exhibitions on display. Be sure to visit the space during Stockholm Furniture Fair or the next time you visit the capital.
Birger Jarlsgatan 32 A, Stockholm
The Modern Sthlm
The Modern (located across the street from Schmaltz) offers an eclectic injection of hand-picked vintage and emerging designers. Founded by mother and daughter, Camilla and Charlotte, the interior design store offers unique furniture, accessories and exclusive vintage pieces.
Nordiska Galleriet
A Stockholm institution when it comes to interior design. Nordiska Galleriet mixes contemporary interior and eternal classics with both International and Scandinavian design. Discover furniture, lighting and details from the world’s most iconic brands and leading designers.
Oscar & Clothilde
Design inspiration is endless at Oscar & Clothilde. The store is a trove or products that reflect cultures from around the world, in keeping with the whimsical back story that is based on the imaginary Oscar & Clothilde travelling the world to collect beautiful items to offer their Stockholm clientele. No two items are the same, so if you’re looking for that personal touch to add to your home, this is the place for you.
Stockholm Design Week is a true celebration of the city’s design heritage and creativity. With so many exciting events and destinations to explore, it’s the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of design.
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