Stockholm

🛍️

Boutiques and Local Shops

Explore small boutique stores and independent shops offering unique goods, vintage items, and handmade products.

Sections

Popular Shopping Areas in Stockholm

  1. Drottninggatan (Queen Street)

    • Overview: A bustling pedestrian street in central Stockholm, Drottninggatan is lined with a mix of international brands, Swedish chain stores, and smaller boutiques.
    • What to Expect: Affordable fashion, home goods, and souvenirs.
    • Price Range: Moderate to budget-friendly.
    • How to Get There: Take the metro (Tunnelbana) to T-Centralen or Hötorget stations.

  2. Gamla Stan (Old Town)

    • Overview: Stockholm’s historic district is home to charming cobblestone streets filled with artisan shops, antique stores, and boutiques selling Swedish handicrafts.
    • What to Expect: Unique souvenirs, handmade jewelry, and traditional Swedish items like Dala horses and Sami crafts.
    • Price Range: Moderate to high.
    • How to Get There: Take the metro to Gamla Stan station.

  3. Östermalm

    • Overview: Stockholm’s most upscale district, Östermalm is where you’ll find luxury boutiques, high-end Swedish designers, and flagship stores.
    • What to Expect: Designer fashion, fine jewelry, and premium home goods.
    • Price Range: High-end.
    • Key Streets: Biblioteksgatan, Birger Jarlsgatan, and Stureplan.
    • How to Get There: Take the metro to Östermalmstorg station.

  4. Södermalm

    • Overview: Known for its bohemian vibe, Södermalm is the go-to area for vintage shops, independent boutiques, and trendy concept stores.
    • What to Expect: Quirky fashion, second-hand treasures, and eco-friendly brands.
    • Price Range: Moderate to high.
    • Key Streets: Götgatan, Skånegatan, and Hornsgatan.
    • How to Get There: Take the metro to Medborgarplatsen or Slussen stations.

  5. Mood Stockholm and NK (Nordiska Kompaniet)

    • Overview: Mood Stockholm is a stylish shopping mall with a curated selection of boutiques, while NK is Stockholm’s iconic luxury department store.
    • What to Expect: Designer brands, Swedish fashion, and gourmet food.
    • Price Range: High-end.
    • How to Get There: Both are located in central Stockholm, near T-Centralen station.

Types of Boutiques Available

  1. Swedish Fashion Designers

    • Brands to Look For: Acne Studios, Filippa K, Tiger of Sweden, and House of Dagmar.
    • Where to Find: Östermalm and NK.

  2. Eco-Friendly and Sustainable Shops

    • Examples: Nudie Jeans (sustainable denim), Grandpa (concept store with eco-conscious brands).
    • Where to Find: Södermalm.

  3. Vintage and Second-Hand Stores

    • Examples: Beyond Retro, Judits Second Hand, and Emmaus Stockholm.
    • Where to Find: Södermalm and Hornstull.

  4. Home Decor and Design

    • Examples: Svenskt Tenn (classic Swedish design), Designtorget (innovative local products), and HAY.
    • Where to Find: Östermalm and central Stockholm.

  5. Artisan and Handicraft Shops

    • Examples: Iris Hantverk (handmade brushes and home goods), E. Torndahl (traditional crafts).
    • Where to Find: Gamla Stan and Södermalm.

Price Ranges

  • Budget-Friendly: Chain stores like H&M, Lindex, and Monki (Drottninggatan).
  • Mid-Range: Independent boutiques and Swedish brands like COS, & Other Stories, and Grandpa (Södermalm, Östermalm).
  • High-End: Luxury designers and flagship stores like Acne Studios, Louis Vuitton, and Gucci (Östermalm, NK).

Shopping Hours

  • Weekdays: Most shops are open from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
  • Saturdays: Typically open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
  • Sundays: Many shops open later, around 12:00 PM, and close by 4:00 PM or 5:00 PM.
  • Exceptions: Smaller boutiques and shops in Gamla Stan may have shorter hours, especially on Sundays.

Payment Methods

  • Cards Preferred: Credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, and sometimes American Express) are widely accepted.
  • Cashless Society: Sweden is largely cashless, so it’s rare to need cash.
  • Mobile Payments: Swish is a popular mobile payment app, but it’s primarily used by locals.

Local Customs and Tips

  1. Tax-Free Shopping: Non-EU visitors can claim VAT refunds on purchases over SEK 200. Ask for a tax-free form at the store and present it at the airport.
  2. Eco-Conscious Shopping: Many Swedes prioritize sustainability, so consider supporting eco-friendly and second-hand stores.
  3. Politeness: Swedes value personal space and quietness, so avoid loud conversations in shops.
  4. Bag Fees: Stores charge for shopping bags to reduce plastic waste, so bring your own reusable bag.

Unique or Must-Visit Shops

  1. Svenskt Tenn

    • What It Offers: Iconic Swedish home decor and textiles.
    • Location: Strandvägen 5, Östermalm.
    • How to Get There: Take the metro to Östermalmstorg station.

  2. Acne Studios Flagship Store

    • What It Offers: High-end Swedish fashion in a stunning boutique.
    • Location: Norrmalmstorg 2, Östermalm.
    • How to Get There: Take the metro to Östermalmstorg station.

  3. Grandpa

    • What It Offers: A mix of fashion, home goods, and quirky gifts with a focus on sustainability.
    • Location: Södermannagatan 21, Södermalm.
    • How to Get There: Take the metro to Medborgarplatsen station.

  4. Beyond Retro

    • What It Offers: A treasure trove of vintage clothing.
    • Location: Brännkyrkagatan 82, Södermalm.
    • How to Get There: Take the metro to Zinkensdamm station.

  5. NK (Nordiska Kompaniet)

    • What It Offers: A luxurious department store with Swedish and international brands.
    • Location: Hamngatan 18-20, Norrmalm.
    • How to Get There: Take the metro to T-Centralen station.

Getting Around Using Public Transportation

Stockholm’s public transportation system is efficient and easy to use. The SL card (available at metro stations and convenience stores) gives you access to the metro, buses, trams, and ferries. Use the SL app or Google Maps for real-time directions. Most shopping districts are within walking distance of metro stations, making it convenient to explore multiple areas in one day.

With this guide, you’re well-equipped to enjoy Stockholm’s vibrant shopping scene. Whether you’re looking for high-end fashion, unique souvenirs, or sustainable finds, Stockholm has something for everyone!