Breadcrumbs [Home](/index%2Ephp/) > [An Insider's Guide To Stockholm](/index%2Ephp/markdownify/node/3588) ![An Insider's Guide To Stockholm](https://media.slman.com/y2e9QYuk9UaMkSBm3N0AFWGVYt8=/500x221/https%3A%2F%2Fslman.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F05%2Fsl-man-210525-site-assets-insiders-guide-to-stockholm-hero.jpg) ![An Insider's Guide To Stockholm](https://media.slman.com/asMZANxVzjisz3nhRRAG3Dfnzkk=/400x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fslman.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F05%2Fsl-man-210525-site-assets-insiders-guide-to-stockholm-hero-thumb.jpg) [Europe](/index%2Ephp/culture/travel/europe) / 21 May 2025 # An Insider's Guide To Stockholm --- Christian Larson is creative director of what might just be our favourite underwear brand: Sweden’s CDLP. He’s also a Stockholm local – and these are his places to know in and around the Swedish capital. Images: STOCKHOLM STADSHOTELL; TEJAS KOTHA/UNSPLASH; ETT HEM [ ![Stockholm Stadshotell](https://media.slman.com/aTHwxqrkLZ4TgvIjTmDWvNCIuK0=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fslman.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F05%2Fsl-man-inside-guide-to-stockholm-stockholm-stadshotel.jpg) ](https://stockholmstadshotell.com/) Stockholm Stadshotell **I’ve spent a few years living in London and LA,** but Stockholm is a place I always come back to. It has this balance of creative energy and calm. The city is beautiful in a way that doesn’t shout for attention. You’ve got the water, the historic architecture, and then these pockets of modern design. It’s a city where you can be productive but also escape into nature within minutes. **My top places to stay** are [Ett Hem](https://www.etthem.se/) and the newly opened [Stockholm Stadshotell](https://stockholmstadshotell.com/). Ett Hem is refined and personal – it feels like a private home, with service so thoughtful you forget it’s a hotel. Stockholm Stadshotell is a newer option, conveniently close to where I live, and I find myself going there often. **My favourite hotel bar** is the [Cadier](https://grandhotel.se/en/food-beverage/the-cadier-bar) at the Grand Hôtel. It’s a classic, with an incredible view over the water, perfect for a meeting or a casual drink. The bar at [Astoria](https://www.brasserieastoria.se/en/) always guarantees a good night. **For dinner with friends,** [Babette](http://babette.se/) is always my first choice. It’s a casual neighbourhood bistro with great food, a buzzing atmosphere, and the kind of vibe that makes you want to linger for hours. ![Skeppsbron](https://media.slman.com/KPqYwObXXdm9XHIBnw6O0p3lvvA=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fslman.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F05%2Fsl-man-insiders-guide-to-stockholm-credit-olaericson-skeppsbron.jpg) Skeppsbron ola ericson **The restaurant and bar at** **Stockholm Stadshotell** is one of the hottest places in the city right now. But I also like to revisit old classics, so I often end up at [PA & CO](https://paco.se/) in Östermalm, which remains a safe bet and always has something new to try. **My go-to restaurants for a business lunch** are [Brasserie Astoria](https://www.brasserieastoria.se/en/) and [Riche](https://riche.se/en/). Astoria is lively without being too loud, and the food is always stellar. Riche is another timeless classic that always has a great vibe. **When I’m craving traditional Swedish cuisine,** I go to [Prinsen](https://restaurangprinsen.se/). It has that old-school Swedish atmosphere — wooden interiors and classic dishes like meatballs and herring. It’s been around for years, and somehow gets better and better. **For breakfast or brunch,** I usually head to [Café Nizza](https://cafenizza.se/). They do a great brunch – simple but really high quality. [ ![Ett Hem](https://media.slman.com/XFTlaJOGDSwPfWc5LCZlVwb9QVY=/1920x0/smart/filters:no_upscale()/https%3A%2F%2Fslman.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F05%2Fsl-man-inside-guide-to-stockholm-ett-hem-full-bleed-new.jpg) ](https://www.etthem.se/) Ett Hem **My favourite bakery** is [Svedjan](https://www.instagram.com/svedjanbagerisoder/?hl=en) on Södermalm. Their croissants are better than ones you find in Paris (sorry!) and the cardamom buns are incredible. If I’m in a rush, I usually grab something from one of the many [Fabrique](https://fabrique.se/) cafés – they do the best traditional cinnamon buns. **My favourite coffee shop** is [Crum Heaven](https://www.instagram.com/crumheaven/?hl=en), where I go almost every morning. I’ve even become friends with the staff — the vibe is low key, and the team is always super welcoming. **For vinyl and books,** [**Papercut**](https://papercutshop.se/) **is my go-to.** They have everything from indie magazines to design books and limited-edition art publications. [**CDLP**](https://cdlp.com/) **aside, my favourite local menswear brands** are [EYTYS](https://eytys.com/) and [Our Legacy](https://www.ourlegacy.com/). For jewellery, I like [All Blues](https://www.allblues.se/) – it’s run by friends and always has something unique. I also love [Jus](https://jus.se/), a small concept store in the city centre. It’s a little shop that’s always carried the best pieces – from clothes to accessories – and the team there is great. [ ![Prinsen](https://media.slman.com/pSbqYcWYOScWCtL7cjiyeYxvLS0=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fslman.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F05%2Fsl-man-inside-guide-to-stockholm-ett-hem-prinsen.jpg) ](https://restaurangprinsen.se/) Prinsen ![](https://media.slman.com/XTAnQcZdQ4jvvXtHPXl73MEBcNc=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fslman.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F05%2Fsl-man-insider-guide-to-stockholm-credit-jessica-guzik-fuj-unsplash.jpg) jessica guzik Fuj/unsplash **Two Scandinavian menswear designers** **I think everyone should know about** are [Andy Carson](https://www.atelier-andycarson.com/), who always has something interesting on offer, and [Saman Amel](https://samanamel.com/?srsltid=AfmBOooFQT789x-ZDTJl2soNJZBX_Z9_ITuM0uLG18csHRNRv2GVyvVR), who does beautiful, refined tailoring. **For accessories** like shoes and sunglasses, I usually source vintage pieces, but I also love [Chimi Eyewear,](https://chimi-online.com/uk) a local brand run by friends. **When I’m looking for vintage or second-hand menswear,** I go to [Herr Judit](https://www.instagram.com/herrjudit/?hl=en). They have everything from designer coats to classic denim. [Brandstationen](https://brandstationenstore.se/?srsltid=AfmBOorrVKlOKlDO51ruBHH2Z0KpIb5cuge1H92Vrx0Oegj8fFUdbcW_), across the street, is a great spot for reclaimed furniture. **My favourite cultural spots in the city** include [Moderna Museet](https://www.modernamuseet.se/stockholm/en) and [Fotografiska](https://stockholm.fotografiska.com/en). Moderna always has great exhibitions, and Fotografiska consistently puts on something inspiring for photography lovers. [ ![Archipelago Trail](https://media.slman.com/5ZKpFSaeEAk31yDlXYvaMly8GJ0=/1920x0/smart/filters:no_upscale()/https%3A%2F%2Fslman.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F05%2Fsl-man-inside-guide-to-stockholm-rogerborgelid-stockholmarchipelagotrail-full-bleed-new.jpg) ](https://stockholmarchipelagotrail.com/) Archipelago Trail Roger Borgelid **For scenic walks or parks,** Djurgården is my top pick. It’s a beautiful mix of nature and history, with stunning water views. **One hidden gem tourists often overlook** is Fjäderholmarna. In spring and summer, take a ferry there for lunch – it’s the quickest way to get a taste of the archipelago. **The place that always inspires my creativity** is my home office in an old wine cellar. It has a moody, cave-like atmosphere that’s perfect for focus. When I want exterior inspiration, I hop on one of the archipelago boats and work from there. **My ideal weekend in Stockholm** starts with a slow morning at home – coffee, music and ease. Then I’ll meet friends for a long lunch at Stadshotell, go vintage furniture shopping around Södermalm, and finish with dinner at one of my favourite restaurants. **For a weekend getaway** **just outside Stockholm,** head to one of the archipelago islands like Möja or Sandhamn. You’ll discover a completely different world just a boat ride away. *Follow* [*@ChristianLarson*](https://www.instagram.com/christianlarson/?hl=en) *on Instagram* [ ![Ett Hem](https://media.slman.com/v6peWvZITlpIXTh3bzkjPfWxM_U=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fslman.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F05%2Fsl-man-inside-guide-to-stockholm-ett-hem-2.jpg) ](https://www.etthem.se/) Ett Hem DISCLAIMER: We endeavour to always credit the correct original source of every image we use. If you think a credit may be incorrect, please contact us at .