The last time I visited Stockholm I was in elementary school. I still remember bits and pieces like the one time we went to the outdoor museum. Or how impressed I was about the many islands of Stockholm. But my memories end here. I certainly don’t remember Stockholm’s shopping and design scene. Probably because I was more obsessed about Pippi Longstocking and soft serve than groovy clothes and stylish chairs. Fair enough, I was a kid after all.
So coming back to Stockholm in November this year felt like visiting the city for the very first time. Yes, the timing was quite risky. After all, Scandinavia is not known for its beautiful, sunny and warm weather in late fall. But we had a few extra vacation days that we wanted to spend before Christmas. And flights to Stockholm were somehow cheap. Luckily, there often isn’t much thinking and evaluating involved in our travel planning process. Usually we try to visit new countries or cities we’ve never been before. For Felix, it was his first time to Sweden and thus Stockholm. I however spent most of my childhood summers all over Scandinavia. Since my childhood is a long time ago, I now started revisiting places I went to as a child. And I definitely wouldn’t mind coming back to Stockholm during summer again. I hear the vibe is very different on warm summer days.
But the cold and rain didn’t bother me too much as this was the perfect opportunity for shopping. I have to admit I don’t go shopping often in Istanbul as most things are not my taste. In Stockholm however I felt like every street and every corner had a shop that was meant for me. I bought plants, food souvenirs, clothes, kitchen tools and much more.
Also online brands like Swedish brand NA-KD have a fantastic selection. To bring you home a little bit of Sweden, I’ve partnered up with NA-KD to offer you a discount of 20% on one purchase at NA-KD. Just enter 20kati at check-out. But hurry up, the code is only valid for 48 hours (until 26th November). Here is just a short list of my favorite pieces of their current collection:
Printed Leopard Coat
High Neck Lace Dress
Off Shoulder Wide Sweater and Slit Midi Skirt
Embroidery Long Dress (the one I’m wearing in the photo below)
But if you are heading to Stockholm for an extended weekend or even longer, here are a few tips on where and what to shop.
A visual summary of (almost) all my Stockholm shopping finds
A Quick Shopping Guide to Stockholm
Brandstationen
This must be my favorite shop in Stockholm. The owners are the same as for Herr Judith Vintage (see below). So the vibe is as hip and trendy but it still has a down-to-earth touch. Brandstationen feels like entering another world, almost like a jungle. With the difference that a jungle doesn’t come in pretty pots and with stylish sofas. The love for detail and the careful selection of design pieces makes Brandstationen one of the best shops I’ve ever visited.
Hornsgatan 64, 118 51 Stockholm, Sweden
Fabrique
When I asked my Instagram followers for food recommendations in Stockholm, I think Fabrique was most mentioned. At first I thought this is probably yet another commercial bakery and I’m sure I find independent pastry shops that are much better. Boy, was I wrong. Fabrique is the real deal for everything bun- and bread-related. I had one of their sweet buns (cardamom, cinnamon and my favorite saffron) every single day. We also took home a massive loaf of dark rye bread with fruits and nuts. We just stored it in our hand luggage and had no issues at security and passport control.
Drottninggatan 102, 111 60 Stockholm, Sweden & other locations
Grandpa
Grandpa is hipster. It’s as simple, yet as wonderful as that. The selection of clothes for men and women as well as little design and interior accessories hits the current pulse. The atmosphere is chill; you can even stay for a coffee or drink at their flagship store on Kungsholmen. A great shop that created a happy and inspiring shopping experience for everyone.
Södermannagatan 21, 116 40 Stockholm, Sweden
Myrorna – Second Hand Store
My dear friend Sara of Shiso Delicious recommended Myrorna to me. It might not look as stylish as all the other shops. It’s not even close because in the end it’s a thrift shop. But, and there is a big BUT, this is a food stylists dream come true. They sell the most amazing little knick-knacks at cheap dirt prices. If you are lucky, you even find copper pans and pots.
Norrtullsgatan 9, 113 29 Stockholm, Sweden & other locations
Claes Göran
We stumbled upon Claes Göran by chance. I especially loved its rough and wild characteristics. The clothes are more on the expensive side but I was lucky to snap some sturdy winter boots for half price off. Now I’m all equipped for a trip to the wild Swedish forest.
Haberdash
At one point on your visit to Stockholm you might think “Oh, yet again a beautiful shop. How come the Swedish have so many and I don’t have a single one where I live?” Haberdash is one of those shops you wish you could stop by every now and then. A coffee bar welcomes you at the entrance followed by a stylish selection of men and women clothes.
Upplandsgatan 50, 113 28 Stockholm, Sweden
Pärlans konfektyr
I never knew I liked fudge until last weekend when I tried Pärlans konfektyr caramels. Vanilla and sea salt as well as Salty Liquorice are just to die for. And it’s baked according to old-time recipes.
Nytorgsgatan 38, 116 40 Stockholm, Sweden
Designtorget
If you walk into Designtorget it feels like walking into (affordable) design heaven. It’s also the perfect shop for buying souvenirs or Christmas presents. I still regret I didn’t by the knot pillow and salt grater. But at the time I discovered Designtarget my suitcase had no space left. Note to myself, bring a bigger handbag next time you travel to Stockholm.
Kulturhuset, Sergelgången 29, 111 57 Stockholm, Sweden & other locations
House of Rym
I found House of Rym by browsing design bloggers from Sweden. It’s a vibrant love story of Swedish design and Tunise herritage. Every single piece of their kitchenware, rugs, blanket and other interior accessories is beautifully designed.
118 49, Hornsgatan 73, 118 49 Stockholm, Sweden & other locations
Urban Deli
Delicatessen supermarket / Deli / Bar / Restaurant / Coffee Shop, there are not enough words to describe Urban Deli. Another recommendation from my Instagram followers that kept on coming up in my comments and messages. The supermarket part of Urban Deli is small but the selection of food items is all the better. Think local produce like ham and cheese and international organic items as well as ready made meals.
Nytorget 4, 116 40 Stockholm, Sweden & other locations
Herr Judith Vintage
A vintage shop for men only but it’s still a bliss browsing through the well-selected items. The vibe of Herr Judith Vintage is hip, creative and relaxing. Entering the shop transports you right to another time when pink sneakers didn’t belong to a men’s closet (though I don’t mind bright sneakers on men, just saying the store is everything but that). In general I found that Stockholm is very shopping-friendly for men.
Hornsgatan 65, 118 49 Stockholm, Sweden
Granit
I discovered Granit through a recent post of Green Kitchen Stories. It’s a design shop that offers everything from tableware to lamps and beautiful linen. I’d say the prices are similar to those of ikea’s interior accessories. The style and quality however is much more unique. Granit combines swedish simplicity with stylish functionality. One of the favorite things I bought at Granit is this plant hanger.