Shopping in Stockholm
Explore the wide array of items, like the characteristic wooden horses, designer furniture, and Viking horns in Stockholm's shops. Uncover the stories behind each of these iconic Swedish products.
What to buy in Stockholm
1. Dalahäst (Wooden Horse): This hand-painted red and blue wooden horse, known as Dalahäst, originated as a cherished toy for children in the Dalarna province. Today, it stands as a symbol of Sweden and a delightful souvenir found in every Stockholm store.
2. Antiques: Navigate the narrow streets of Gamla Stan, Stockholm's historic center, to encounter numerous antique shops. These stores offer a fascinating journey through Stockholm's history, showcasing an array of objects—from early ABBA records to vintage brass boxes adorned with Swedish lettering.
3. Wooden Clogs: Embrace traditional Swedish footwear with the classic wooden clog. Stockholm's stores showcase a blend of modern designs alongside the timeless appeal of traditional wooden shoes, making for a stylish and enduring fashion statement.
4. Swedish Crystal: Renowned worldwide, Swedish crystal is a sought-after product. While many gift stores in Stockholm feature small crystal figurines as souvenirs, exploring specialized artisan shops provides a deeper insight into one of Sweden's signature products.
5. Furniture: Stockholm's streets reflect the Nordic passion for design and furniture. Amidst the capital, numerous stores offer a variety of interior decorations, furniture, and design objects. Notably, the global giant Ikea, originating in Sweden, boasts its largest headquarters in Stockholm.
6. Viking Accessories: Immerse yourself in Viking culture with distinctive accessories such as horned hats, axes, false beards, and signaling horns. Stockholm's stores, complemented by the Viking Museum, provide an array of items reminiscent of this warrior people.
7. Trays: Uniquely, Swedes have a fondness for breakfast trays. Stockholm's stores showcase trays adorned with geometric shapes, Swedish words, or picturesque fjord landscapes, adding a touch of Nordic charm to daily routines.
8. Sweets: Experience the Swedish love for pastries and sweets, essential components of fika (coffee break). Stockholm's streets boast bakeries and coffee shops where you can find an array of delectable treats, often accompanied by the quintessential blueberries.
Streets and shopping areas
Explore Stockholm's vibrant shopping districts:
1. Drottninggatan: Serving as Stockholm's premier shopping street, Drottninggatan spans nearly 3 kilometers, hosting a variety of souvenir shops, clothing stores, cafes, and more. This bustling pedestrian avenue seamlessly connects the modern and old parts of Stockholm, making it a must-visit for tourists.
2. Gamla Stan (Old Town): The historic heart of Stockholm, Gamla Stan, offers another shopping haven. While specializing in souvenirs and antiques, the stores in this charming area also feature designer items and cutting-edge furniture, adding to the allure of this historic quarter.
3. Östermalm: For a taste of luxury and exclusivity, Östermalm stands out as one of the prime shopping districts in Stockholm. Renowned for housing luxury stores and exclusive boutiques, these streets seamlessly blend the offerings of global designers with those of esteemed local talents.
4. Södermalm: If your quest involves discovering design treasures, handcrafted wonders, or alternative stores, look no further than the Södermalm district. Known for its distinctly hipster atmosphere, Södermalm boasts the most diverse and unique shopping experience in Stockholm.
Shopping malls in Stockholm
1. Åhléns City: Positioned in the heart of Stockholm and just a ten-minute stroll from the Royal Palace, Åhléns City stands as one of the city's largest shopping malls. Boasting a diverse range of clothing, accessories, beauty stores, and dining options, Åhléns City's central location makes it a popular choice for both locals and tourists.
2. NK (Nordiska Kompaniet): With over a century of history, NK is one of Stockholm's oldest shopping centers. Nestled in the Norrmalm neighborhood, it features exclusive stores, boutiques, and beauty salons. While designed for luxury shopping, NK also attracts many visitors exploring the vibrant Norrmalm area.
3. Gallerian: A shopping icon since the 1970s, Gallerian has maintained its prominence as one of Stockholm's premier shopping malls in the city center. Boasting 801 stores, cafés, and restaurants, Gallerian continues to be a go-to destination for a diverse and satisfying shopping experience.
4. Mall of Scandinavia: Recognized as the largest shopping mall in Scandinavia, Mall of Scandinavia is situated 7 kilometers from the city center, requiring transportation by cab or public transit. For avid shoppers, the journey is well worthwhile, offering an extensive array of shopping opportunities.
A word of advice
When shopping in Stockholm, remember to request a Tax-Free invoice to reclaim national taxes later. Upon reaching the airport, present these receipts at the customs office to recoup up to 25% of the expenses. It's a savvy way to save money!
