Neighbourhoods
Djurgården
The city’s water-framed green oasis.
The green island of Djurgården is right in the middle of the city and is easily reached by ferry from Slussen or by tram from the city centre. Once there, spend a few hours meandering through the bucolic landscape – there are wild deer and centuries-old oaks – then sit down for lunch at Rosendals Trädgård, a seasonal café that serves produce from its biodynamic gardens. Don’t miss Skansen, which is both a zoo that houses Nordic animals and an open-air museum showcasing the country’s architectural history through historic structures that have been reassembled on site.
If you happen to be visiting in June during midsummer, a holiday full of pickled herring, new potatoes, grilled meats, strawberries and plenty of liquor, then pop by Skansen to experience the occasion in its most traditional form, complete with singing and dancing around the festival pole. Djurgården is also home to the Nordiska Museet whose programming focuses on the region’s history. You’ll also find the theme park Gröna Lund where great concerts are held throughout the summer. While you’re in the area, it would be remiss not to visit the Vasa Museum, Abba The Museum and the nearby Slipen for bistro-style Nordic food.
Södermalm
Discover Stockholm’s creative heartbeat.
Södermalm (or Söder, as locals call it) has long been where Stockholm’s creatives live and work. Visit to soak up the laid-back atmosphere and peruse independent boutiques such as Tambur and Herr Judit. The beaches are well worth a visit during all seasons: head to Tanto Strandbad and warm up in the sauna before a cold dip in the water or go to Långholmsbadet, which is located on a small island off Södermalm’s northwestern edge. And make sure to also check out the red wooden buildings perched on the highest points across Södermalm – you can follow the winding cobblestone streets for a closer look at these marvels that date back to the 1700s.
When the weather is good, head to Skinnarviksparken for an impromptu picnic with spectacular views of Stockholm or make your way to Vita Bergsparken open-air theatre. Saunter down the hill to dine at Urban Deli or grab a drink and light meal at the fabulous outdoor terrace at Bleck in Lilla Bleckhornsparken.
Vasastan
Where to find the city’s architectural wonders.
Vasastan used to be considered, rather unfairly, a boring outpost in the northwestern part of the city. But as of late, it has come into its own and is filled with great cafés such as Ritorno, which serves excellent pastries, and restaurants, including Babette. Street after street, gorgeous residential buildings are painted in lovely hues of greens, pinks and yellows – Tomtebogatan and Sankt Eriksgatan have plenty of well-kept examples.
Besides prominent art institutions such as Sven-Harrys Konstmuseum and Bonniers Konsthall, Vasastan is also home to late sculptor Carl Eldh’s studio, an intimate space where you can get a close look at his creations. The building was custom-designed by Eldh’s friend and architect Ragnar Östberg, featuring a dark-wood façade and a charming garden. For the best views over Stockholm’s red-and-black rooftops, head south to Observatorielunden.
