Introduction.
Stockholm is one of my favourite cities in Europe and although I am lucky enough to have family there I haven’t ever really had the chance to explore the city and hunt out the best places to eat, drink and stay so I was extra excited about the opportunity to spend 24 hours there on behalf of Moss Bros.
I was kitted out in an grey Cerruti suit that sits within the iTravel range. A perfect product for a travelling worker like myself. Even with packing light I was able to get the suit in and out of my carry on case without problems with creasing and ruining the appearance and smartness of the suit once it was on.
This guide was created as part of a series of four for Moss Bros. For the other cities guides hosted on the Moss Bros site please click below:-
But for now back to Stockholm! If you don’t know Stockholm well trust me when I say it will be one of the most beautiful and calm cities in Europe you’ll ever visit. The city itself is comprised of 14 islands, 50 bridges and is therefore surrounded by endless amounts of water and the air feels cold, crisp and fresh.
What to See - key landmark(s) - Gamla Stan (The Old Town)
When you’re short of time in Stockholm but have an appetite to get to know the city I recommend focussing on the islands of Södermalm and Gamla Stan. The former being where the up and coming trendy part of town where you will find the best coffee, bakeries and gift shops around.
Gamla Stan though is top of my list of places to see. You need to make this a priority for sure. This part of own dates back to the 13th century and consists of medieval alleyways, cobblestoned streets, and colourful archaic architecture — mostly in that “Stockholm yellow” that you may have be familiar with. There is a ton of viking based history to this small island and it was the locations of the infamous 1520’s Stockholm Bloodbath.
My top tip is to get lost within the maze of streets but make sure you swing by Prästgaten a beautiful narrow yellow street. It’s so close to the main and more touristy streets yet somehow it’s always completely quiet. Lush.
I also enjoy taking a little boat ride when in Stockholm. Its a shame not to do this when in a city surrounded by water. On this trip I took a boat from Söder Mälarstrand brygga to Klara Mälarstrand (see the video below for the view) which passes by either side of Gamla Stan and ends at the impressive Stadshusparken palace.
Where to Eat & Drink
Lunch — The Greasy Spoon is a vibrant all day breakfast slash american diner style cafe that helped introduce a whole new brunch movement into Stockholm’s restaurant scene. They’ve got the classic All Day Breakfast which I shamefully have to admit I went for (…but really enjoyed and I couldn't resist it as they had HP sauce in stock!) however whats great is that they offer an extensive choice of dishes and weekly specials which allow them to get creative and add themed and fusion dishes. I followed up my breakfast with the incredibly indulgent chocolate french toast with thick peppermint cream topping.
Greasy Spoon Cafe for brunch!
Dinner — Hobo is technically a hotel but I wanted to head here going on my personal research of “what’s hot” in Stockholm right now. Its described as low-key but with a “cool” vibe and attracts a young crowd. They have a pop up shop which rotates products from local creators and start-ups and it appears that they want to be as green and eco-friendly and the hotel has a huge array of hanging plants which are seen as you enter. For the food on offer they also only use local and organic ingredients. Bonus points there. I had the pork belly with fermented cabbage. Delish.
Bar — just above the Hobo is another 1 year old venue (highlighting how quickly Stockholm’s bar and restaurant is improving so swiftly) called Tak bar. It’s got stunning rooftop views and we were lucky enough to get shed loads of sun up here! Its outdoor space is actually huge and very spacious. I can imagine its vibe in summer is trebled.
The cocktail list is inventive and exciting. I am a huge Negroni fan and went for this classic but with a Tak twist. The gin was replaced with Mezcal, which gave off an instant and enjoyable smokey taste, and the Campari was infused with chocolate; the sweet taste hitting you after you swallow. Stockholm can be quite pricey but the cocktails here were priced in line with what you’d normally expect to pay here. It was worth it for the view and feeling that we were experience something unique and new on the Stockholm scene.
Amazing view from Tak bar.
Where to Stay.
I recommend the new Scandic hotel called Downtown Camper - just over the road from the dinner and drink option here too - in the heart of Stockholm. The entrance is wooden and has curves which give it the appearance of an urban skate park. In fact there are longboards right in the middle of reception which guests can pick up and use at their own will; theres also the option to get around town on bikes if you’re not feeling so brave.
lovely quirky entrance to the Downtown Camper.
This hotel is great as it has alot to offer all under one roof. Not just a great bar, out-of-office working spaces and a top restaurant but there is a huge noticeboard sharing what activities are on offer each day — from special dj appearances, craft workshops, yoga sessions, film nights to motivational speaker spots.
The bedrooms are filled with framed art, dark walls and tweed and checkered cushions which give the rooms a modern masculine vibe. Stay here for sure if you can!
Dusk on Sodermalm toward the end of my full day out.