Stockholm

It is hard to name the best place to experience Swedish design, not because of any shortage, but because design permeates everything—from the streets to shops and restaurants. Stockholm has four shopping neighbourhoods, each with its own special character.

City/Norrmalm
City is a hub for malls and department stores. Major clothing chains are also found here. Fashion is geared toward a younger crowd and tends to be affordable. By all means, don’t miss any of the newer malls and department stores, PUB, Illums Bolighus and MOOD, or the exclusive NK.

Östermalm
Östermalm is Stockholm’s exclusive neighbourhood. Most international brands and speciality shops focusing on design, fashion and jewellery are around Stureplan and Birger Jarlsgatan. Find Sweden’s leading fashion brands around Biblioteksgatan and the area known as Bibliotekstan. Auction houses and exclusive antique shops are located along Arsenalsgatan and Nybrogatan. The area bordered by Sibyllegatan, Östermalmstorg, Karlavägen, Stureplan and Strandvägen has some of the city’s best interior design shops.

Gamla Stan
Gamla Stan is so much more than Västerlånggatan, the touristy souvenir street. Visit Gamla Stan in your hunt for authentic handicrafts, art and curiosities. Many small speciality shops and true gems can be found here, especially along Köpmangatan and Österlånggatan. Stroll along Lilla and Stora Nygatan, or lose the map and wander freely. Gamla Stan is not big.

Södermalm
The southern island, Södermalm, is like a city within a city with its characteristic relaxed, bohemian vibe. Here you will find many speciality shops, particularly ones featuring design and vintage fashion. Central areas of Södermalm include Götgatan, Skånegatan and the area known as SoFo, which stands for South of Folkungagatan. A cluster of handicraft shops can be found around Slussen and along Hornsgatan, while Hornstull and Mariatorget are popular up-and-coming neighbourhoods.