See the best of the Swedish capital with Monocle’s guide to Stockholm

Stockholm is easy to explore, especially because you can traverse its islands on foot – something that I highly recommend to all first-time visitors to the archipelago. Though I’ve spent decades living abroad, I’ll never tire of my hometown’s natural beauty, from the beaches hidden along the shoreline of Lake Mälaren to the city’s lush parks that turn into winter wonderlands during the colder months. Even if you don’t like snow and ice, there’s many a cosy café to enjoy a coffee and cinnamon bun.

Like many other big cities, the Swedish capital faced a spike in rental prices and crime in the years following the coronavirus pandemic. However, Stockholm is now back on its pre-pandemic trajectory, reclaiming its position as a premier Nordic destination with a truly international outlook.

Indeed, you cannot help but notice a sense of liveliness about the place. Gone are the shuttered Sundays when street life petered out early in the afternoon. Instead, as you’ll find in Monocle’s City Guide to Stockholm, the culinary scene and retail landscape are full of verve and energy. The city’s restaurants and wine bars rival the best on the continent and traditional shops, including old-school department stores and heritage ceramicists, can be found alongside envelope-pushing fashion and design labels. Add to that a cultural scene that’s brimming with established venues, such as the Nationalmuseum, as well as up-and-coming galleries promoting emerging young talent. 

While the city renews popular attractions and urban projects, including the harbour on the island of Södermalm and an ambitious overhaul of the city centre that connects to the Old Town, it still has a sense of fierce independence. So pack your bags – remember to bring some good footwear and a sweater even when travelling at the height of summer – and make tracks to our recommended nooks.