Lifestyle in Stockholm

The lifestyle in Stockholm offers a smorgasbord of entertainment and shopping options. Stockholm has something for everyone, from museums and restaurants to activities for kids.

If you love nature, you’ll also find plenty to do outdoors, whether it’s sunny or snowy. Plus, with daily fika (coffee breaks), you’ll enjoy a great quality of life in Stockholm.

Shopping in Stockholm

Stockholm has great shopping, but it can be expensive. One of the best areas to explore is the Old Town (Gamla Stan). It might be a bit pricey, but if you’re looking for antiques, Västerlånggatan is the street to visit.

Another popular shopping spot is Kungsgatan. Here, you’ll find the Drottninggatan pedestrian mall, where there are well-known high-street shops along with smaller speciality shops.

If you love fashion, head to Bibliotekstan near Östermalm to check out what Swedish designers have to offer. For luxury shopping, visit Birger Jarlsgatan in Östermalm, where you’ll find many high-end designer shops.

For a more unique shopping experience, visit the famous SoFo district in Södermalm. SoFo (South of Folkungagatan) is full of quirky, trendy, and creative boutiques.

Nightlife in Stockholm

If you’re looking for exciting nightlife, Stockholm has plenty to offer. The city is full of bars and clubs, many of which stay open late, but be prepared for high entry fees and pricey drinks.

Some of the best areas for nightlife in Stockholm are Stureplan, Södermalm, and Djurgården. Don’t miss the Ice Bar, located near Central Station. Everything inside is made of ice from a river in northern Sweden, but fortunately, you can borrow a warm hat and gloves to stay cosy.

If you enjoy theatre or jazz, Stockholm has great options for you. For something different, you can check out Sweden’s famous heavy metal scene.

When it comes to food, Stockholm has something for everyone. Whether you like classic gourmet dishes, modern experimental cuisine, or more laid-back dining, you’ll find plenty of restaurants to satisfy any taste.

Sports and outdoor activities in Stockholm

Stockholm is full of green spaces and waterways, offering plenty of outdoor activities. You can try hot air ballooning, golf, fishing, or hiking along nature trails just outside the city.

One of the best ways to get around Stockholm is by bike. The city has many cycle paths, and renting a bike is easy. You can ride through places like Djurgården, where you’ll find both attractions and beautiful natural scenery.

If you’ve just arrived in the city, renting a kayak or canoe is a fun way to explore. Paddle between the islands or rent a boat to see some of Stockholm’s famous sights. You can also experience the beauty of Lake Mälaren and settle down for a bite to eat at the end of your adventure.

See and do in Stockholm

A city surrounded by water, blessed with spectacular scenery and loads of green spaces, and coloured by a storied history, Stockholm has plenty to see and do. Whether you are interested in the city’s ancient origins or exploring the tranquil waterways of the Stockholm archipelago, the city has something for various tastes and preferences.

Royal Djurgården

Djurgården Island is in the centre of Stockholm and is home to many museums, restaurants, and parks. You can shop for souvenirs at Handarbetets Vänner or have fun at Gröna Lund, Sweden’s oldest amusement park. If you’re with children, they’ll love seeing Nordic animals at the zoo and playing at the Junibacken fairytale fun centre. The best part? It’s only a 10-minute walk from the city centre.

Royal Palace and Gamla Stan

No visit to Stockholm would be complete without seeing the Royal Palace and spending some time in Gamla Stan. You can visit some of the palace’s 608 staterooms, the Hall of State, and the Royal Treasury. You can also witness guard changes, which is an experience in its own right. The streets of Gamla Stan are lined with restaurants and boutiques. We also recommend a trip to the Storkyrkan Cathedral, which dates back to the 13th century.

Stockholm City Hall

A major landmark, Stockholm City Hall is located in Kungsholmen. Architecture enthusiasts will appreciate the building’s practical red-brick exterior, the three golden crowns on top of its tower, and its Art Nouveau interior with its vaulted ceilings. Those looking for a spectacular view of Stockholm will find it at the top of City Hall’s tower.

Stockholm Globe

If you love sports, you’ll enjoy visiting this huge arena, which is the largest spherical building in the world. Even if you’re not into sports, there are plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops to explore. You can also take a ride on SkyView, a glass lift that takes you up the outside of the building to the top.

Annual events in Stockholm

Whether during the seemingly endless daylight of summer or winter’s biting cold, you can always choose from a variety of events in Stockholm.

Stockholm Marathon (May/June)

Keen runners have been participating in the Stockholm Marathon since 1979. The course loops around the city twice and finishes in the iconic 1912 Olympic Stadium. Every year, more than 20,000 runners take to the course and are cheered on by thousands of spectators. Participants enjoy some of the city’s most famous attractions, while spectators can take in the lively atmosphere and cheer on the athletes.

Stockholm Pride (July/August)

Stockholm Pride, which began in 1998, takes place every year from the end of July to the beginning of August. It’s a week full of celebrations, performances, and educational events. The main event is the Pride Parade, which is the largest in Scandinavia, attracting around 60,000 participants, with up to 600,000 people watching each year.

Stockholm Jazz Festival (October)

The Stockholm Jazz Festival, first held in 1980, is one of the oldest festivals in Sweden. Originally an outdoor summer festival, it now takes place indoors in autumn at various of the city’s premier jazz venues over the course of the week. The one thing that has stayed constant is that the festival continues to attract jazz superstars from all over the world and is a must-see, whether you are a jazz aficionado or an uninitiated novice.

Nyårsafton New Year Celebrations (December)

Held annually at Skansen, Stockholm’s open-air museum, the city’s residents brave the cold to enjoy lively celebrations illuminated by spectacular fireworks displays. At midnight, the Skansen bells chime, and the New Year is ushered in by Alfred Lord Tennyson’s famous poem, ‘Ring Out, Wild Bells’.

Many city residents simply enjoy the celebrations from the comfort of their homes or at other sites, such as the Västerbron Bridge, which provides breathtaking views. Wherever they are in the city, you should be sure not to miss the revelry.

Where to meet people and make friends in Stockholm

Finding new friends can be one of the most intimidating aspects of moving to a new city. One of the best ways to start meeting like-minded people is to join a local club or meet-up group. Here are a few suggestions.

Expats in Stockholm and Sweden

This Facebook group has close to 30,000 members, making it the perfect place to meet expats from all walks of life. Here, you can join or arrange events to get to know fellow group members.

The English-Speaking Community Club (ESCC)

ESCC is a club primarily comprised of English-speaking expats from the US and the British Commonwealth, but English-speaking expats from other countries are also welcome. Members can enjoy various regular events, from picnics and brunches to ‘armchair philosophy’ sessions.

Stockholm Mountain Club

Join the Stockholm Mountain Club to take advantage of Stockholm’s beautiful natural surroundings. The club offers weekly hikes year-round and longer overnight expeditions in summer.