Shopping
Shopping in Stockholm: Biblioteksgatan, Östermalm and SoFo
Stockholm is one of the best shopping cities in the north, with Swedish brands, design stores and vintage on Södermalm. Here is our guide area by area, with hotels right in the middle of it all.
A fresh breeze off the water, coffee and a cardamom bun in hand, and windows full of Swedish labels in muted colours. Stockholm is a city made for a shopping weekend, with clothing, interiors and design to fill several visits. The big question is which area to start in.
We have split Stockholm into four shopping areas, from the luxury boutiques around Norrmalmstorg to the vintage shops of Södermalm, and picked hotels you can walk to and from in each.
The links to the hotels are partner links. If you book through them, Picolo may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
How to choose the right shopping area in Stockholm
Luxury and Swedish designers: Biblioteksgatan and Norrmalmstorg.
Department stores and chains: NK on Hamngatan, Åhléns and Drottninggatan.
Interiors and food: Östermalm with Svenskt Tenn and Östermalms saluhall.
Vintage and local labels: SoFo on Södermalm.
Souvenirs and crafts: Gamla stan.
Norrmalm: Biblioteksgatan, NK and Drottninggatan
Biblioteksgatan, running up from Norrmalmstorg, is Stockholm’s street for luxury brands and Swedish designers. Close by is the NK department store on Hamngatan, an institution selling everything from fashion to kitchenware. Drottninggatan is the long pedestrian street of chain stores that leads you all the way down towards Gamla stan.
Bank Hotel
In a former bank by Norrmalmstorg
Bank Hotel: luxury in a former bank
Bank Hotel is just off Norrmalmstorg, in a former bank building. Biblioteksgatan and NK are around the corner, with Kungsträdgården next door.
The rooftop bar has views over the city and is a good place to count your bags at the end of the day.
Book your shopping break: See rooms at Bank Hotel
At Six
An art hotel on Brunkebergstorg
At Six: the art hotel on Brunkebergstorg
At Six is on Brunkebergstorg, halfway between Drottninggatan and NK. It has an impressive art collection and a lobby bar that draws a local crowd.
A modern hotel for anyone who wants everything within a few minutes’ walk.
Book your shopping break: See rooms at At Six
Östermalm: design, interiors and the food hall
Östermalm is Stockholm’s most elegant district. Svenskt Tenn on Strandvägen is famous for Josef Frank’s patterns and furniture, and the surrounding streets, such as Sibyllegatan, have small fashion boutiques and antique dealers. Östermalms saluhall is the city’s classic food hall, perfect for lunch and edible gifts.
Hotel Diplomat
Art nouveau on Strandvägen
Hotel Diplomat: art nouveau on Strandvägen
The Diplomat stands on Strandvägen, with boats moored outside and Svenskt Tenn a few hundred metres away. The building is an art nouveau mansion from the early 20th century.
For anyone combining interiors shopping with long walks along the water.
Book your shopping break: See rooms at Hotel Diplomat
Ett Hem
A small hotel in Lärkstaden
Ett Hem: like staying with friends who have great taste
Ett Hem is a small hotel in an old townhouse in Lärkstaden, close to Östermalm. Expect fireplaces, books and a kitchen where guests gather.
A hotel that feels like a home, for anyone who wants peace and quiet after a day in the shops.
Book your shopping break: See rooms at Ett Hem
Södermalm and SoFo: vintage and Swedish labels
SoFo is the area south of Folkungagatan on Södermalm, home to vintage shops, Swedish fashion labels, record stores and coffee bars. Götgatan runs through the district with several well known Scandinavian brands, and Hornsgatan has galleries and small shops.
Hotel Rival
On Mariatorget in Södermalm
Hotel Rival: Södermalm on Mariatorget
Hotel Rival is on Mariatorget in Södermalm and is known for being owned by Benny Andersson of ABBA. It has its own cinema and a lively bar.
A perfect base for vintage shopping in SoFo and evenings on Södermalm.
Book your shopping break: See rooms at Hotel Rival
Gamla stan: crafts and souvenirs
The narrow lanes of Gamla stan are full of souvenir shops, but also craftspeople, glass shops and small antiquarian bookshops. Step away from Västerlånggatan into the side streets for the most interesting finds.
Grand Hôtel
On Blasieholmen facing Gamla stan
Grand Hôtel: the classic on Blasieholmen
The Grand Hôtel stands on Blasieholmen, looking across the water to the Royal Palace and Gamla stan. Norrmalmstorg and Gamla stan are both a few minutes away on foot.
The classic choice for a grand hotel, a spa and one of the best views in the city.
Book your shopping break: See rooms at Grand Hôtel
Tax free shopping and opening hours in Stockholm
Sweden is in the EU, so visitors who live outside the EU, including UK residents, can reclaim VAT when they spend over a minimum amount in the same shop. Ask for a tax free form and have it validated before you leave.
Most shops in the centre open on Sundays. The big sales start between Christmas and New Year and again at the end of June.
When should you book your hotel?
December: the Christmas market in Gamla stan and party season fill the hotels.
Summer: high season, but also the city’s most beautiful time.
Flexible rates: choose a cancellable room if you are booking far ahead.
Frequently asked questions about shopping in Stockholm
Where is the best shopping in Stockholm?
Biblioteksgatan and NK around Norrmalmstorg have luxury and well known brands, Drottninggatan has the chains, Östermalm has design and interiors, and SoFo on Södermalm is best for vintage and Swedish labels.
Can UK visitors shop tax free in Stockholm?
Yes. UK residents live outside the EU and can reclaim VAT when they spend over a minimum amount in the same shop. Ask for a form at the till and follow the instructions to have it validated before you leave.
What is SoFo in Stockholm?
SoFo is the area south of Folkungagatan on Södermalm. It is known for vintage shops, Swedish fashion labels, coffee bars and a relaxed atmosphere.
Are shops in Stockholm open on Sundays?
Yes, most shops in the city centre open on Sundays, often with slightly shorter hours than on weekdays.
Where should I stay for shopping in Stockholm?
Bank Hotel and At Six are right in the shopping area around Norrmalmstorg and NK, Hotel Diplomat is in Östermalm, and Hotel Rival is perfect for SoFo and Södermalm.