Where to go shopping in Stockholm

While there’s plenty of sightseeing to be enjoyed and history to unpack, Scandinavian cities like Stockholm have become the hottest travel destinations for culture and design. And Swedish fashion? Stockholm’s creatives leverage their design strengths and eye for cutting-edge aesthetics to offer one of Europe's most intriguing shopping landscapes. 

There are, of course, plenty of shopping streets in Old Town (‘Gamla stan’). This elegant district is not only lined with plenty of gift shops and boutiques, but you’ll want to explore it to get a sense of the place. But Stockholm’s many neighborhoods offer a diverse array of experiences, especially when it comes to shopping, from independent boutiques to Posh Living home goods at MOOD to giants like Louis Vuitton.

If you find you've done too much damage to your wallet while shopping in Stockholm, Bounce offers lots of convenient storage spots throughout the city where you can drop off the extra bags for a few hours while you continue the retail therapy. 

All you need to know when shopping in Stockholm

The city center offers a nice mix of shop-lined streets and a few shopping centers. So you'll be able to feel like you're exploring a new neighborhood and its many shops while also being able to rely on a dependable department store. While there are certainly flea markets in Stockholm it's not the main point of emphasis. As far as brands go, H&M, Ikea, Marimekko, and Tiger of Sweden are just a few of the major labels you'll see essentially everywhere when shopping in Stockholm. 

While fashion is ever-changing, the typical Scandinavian minimalist aesthetics are strong in Stockholm. These apply to both interiors and decor along with clothing and accessories. Even with the trends, the one thing you can't expect is quality. There's an emphasis on eco-friendly production methods, and many of the local brands are made in Stockholm. 

You won't encounter many surprises while shopping through Stockholm, as store hours and business practices are similar to other countries in Europe. Don't expect stores to be open late into the evening, but you can expect to be able to shop anywhere in the late afternoon. Outside of a few market stalls, credit cards are accepted basically everywhere. 

Unique shops to visit in Stockholm

The Swedish capital is home to many shops you simply won't find anywhere else. If you consider the culture's emphasis on quality and creativity, it shouldn't come as a surprise to find so many small shops and boutiques. 

Södermalm

This cosmopolitan district, situated on the island of the same name, is where you’ll find the best second-hand shops and specialty boutiques. It may feel out of the way when you look at the map, but it's a well-connected area (you can take the train to Stockholm South Station or use the metro) and one where you'll want to head for nightlife or cafés. If you’re into the “buy nothing new” concept, you're in luck as many of Södermalm’s top stores offer vintage threads (Mecca of Myrorna on Götgatan Street) or used vinyl records (Pet Sounds on Skånegatan).

• Pro tip: With so much to do, Södermalm sort of operates as a day trip destination (despite its proximity to central Stockholm and all the local hotels), so you can really benefit from Bounce luggage storage facilities either on the island or closer to central Stockholm. 

Designtorget

This charming little store is the perfect place for shopping for artsy gifts and decor. With everything from a book section (with some English titles) to decorative homeware made by local designers, expect the maximum amount of charm and the minimum amount of tack, as Designtorget’s eye for aesthetics elevates the normal souvenir buying experience. 

• Address: Sergelgången 29, 111 57 Stockholm

Asket 

In the past decade, this small local fashion house has steadily grown into one of Stockholm’s premier brands. While Asket would rightly still be considered an upstart in the wider fashion world, it’s expanded its offerings from sleek menswear to women’s clothing and accessories. The aesthetics showcase the minimalist ideal you'd expect from a Swedish brand, but the name of the game is quality. Ethically sourced materials go into each item that's handcrafted right in Stockholm, and production methods are sustainable. This one is well worth the short trek to Norrmalmstorg, and you can arrange for shipping large orders.

• Address: Norrmalmstorg 1, 111 46 Stockholm

Shopping in Stockholm beyond clothing 

Interior design is a major industry in Sweden (IKEA isn't an accident), and Stockholm’s shopping scene boasts plenty of world-class brands specializing in interior decor and thoughtfully designed home products. 

Sleepacy

If you need to immediately cure your jetlag, this truly unique concept store could definitely save the day. With an inventive science-backed approach, Sleepacy crafts modern products like beds, mattresses, pajamas, and sheets that will make you rethink bedtime. If you're struggling to get eight hours, stopping at this boutique in Stockholm might be the first step on your way to restful sleep patterns. If you're traveling to Stockholm, it's unlikely that you'll leave with a bed, but there are plenty of quality products you can pack in your checked bag. There's a helpful staff that can guide you in selecting sheets or unique items like scented candles. 

• Pro tip: If you end up with an unwieldy shopping bag, you'll be able to store it with Bounce because there aren't pesky size limits like luggage lockers. Stop by any location near Stockholm Central Station or in the city center to keep the shopping fun going as long as possible.
• Address: Norrlandsgatan 13, 111 43 Stockholm, Sweden

Birger Jarlsgatan

For fans of interior design, Birger Jarlsgatan is about to become your favorite street on the planet. Many of the top designers in Stockholm have set up their boutiques along this buzzy pedestrian street running along the Östermalm and Norrmalm districts. You’ll likely end up in the area if you're trying to hit trendy cafés or shop around, so it's easy to stop by the Library Quarter (or Biblioteksstaden) to window shop through the many boutiques specializing in interiors. The clientele certainly leans hip, and these trendy retailers absolutely know their audience. Everything is sleek, refined, functional, and (more often than not) made locally, so you can think of the street as one big artisanal IKEA.

 Östermalms Food Hall

‘Östermalms saluhall’ is situated in the district of the same name, which is where you'll want to head for any serious shopping spree. But all that walking around will require some refueling, which makes Stockholm’s top food hall an essential stop on your tour of the district. You’ll find artificial foodstuffs sold by vendors along with street food stalls and even a few restaurants. It's not a bad place to pick up supplies if staying long-term at an Airbnb. 

• Pro tip: If you’re exploring the area and want to stop by nearby attractions like the Army Museum, you want to stash any shopping bags with Bounce!
• Address: Östermalmstorg 31, 114 39 Stockholm, Sweden

Traditional shopping options in Stockholm

Stockholm has its fair share of shopping malls and department stores where you can expect to find the top international brands. While shopping centers might not paint the most accurate picture of the city, these are always useful for practical purchases for your trip.

Mall of Scandinavia

This massive shopping mall located in Solna boasts almost 200 stores and 50 restaurants at its shockingly great food court. You'll be able to grab a drink after your shopping spree on its outdoor terrace overlooking downtown Stockholm.

• Pro tip:  It's situated well outside of the city center, but the Mall of Scandinavia is easy to reach via the commuter train or even by streetcar. Its storage options are sadly lacking, so dropping by a Bounce location in central Stockholm is your best bet if you don't want to log the bags around the mall. 
•  Address: Stjärntorget 2, 169 79 Solna, Sweden

Nordiska Kompaniet 

Locals simply refer to this retail institution as “NK,” as the neon signs and ample advertisements suggest. American travelers who are familiar with the shopping experience at Macy’s will feel right at home shopping through this massive department store. There are locations throughout Stockholm, including the main one on Kungsgatan between Norrmalm and Östermalm. Many of the brands on offer won’t come as a surprise, but take a deeper look and you’ll find a few local gems. 

• Address: Hamngatan 18-20, 111 47 Stockholm, Sweden

Sturegallerian

This shopping center offers a little bit of everything. In fact, it's truly all over the place. Not only will you find dozens of familiar international brands across its expansive layout, but you'll find upscale restaurants, a nightclub, and even a spa housed in a former public bathhouse dating back to the 19th century. It's truly a “pick your own adventure” situation at this gorgeous mall in Östermalm. 

• Pro tip: Sturegallerian is easy to reach from Central Stockholm via the Metro or bus, but you may want to leave your bags with Bounce so you can more easily shop or visit the nearby Stureplan Square. 
• Address: Stureplan 4, 114 35 Stockholm, Sweden

If you're looking for the quintessential Stockholm shopping experience on a travel day, you won't want to be lugging around your bags the whole time. Luckily, Bounce places secure luggage storage facilities in the most convenient locations for shopping and sightseeing. So download the mobile app to start planning your trip!