RETURN FROM THE BEST CITY IN STOCKHOLM
RETURN FROM THE BEST CITY IN STOCKHOLM
Södermalm, one of the numerous islands that comprise Stockholm, has undergone a renaissance, emerging from its gritty industrial past as a hip destination. Like Brooklyn and Oakland, Söder (as the locals call it) is regarded as the hipper, more diverse, more down-to-earth portion of Stockholm, thanks to the artists and musicians who have brought it back to life. A strong café/vintage store/park scene exists. However, even more trendy neighborhoods that elevate things to a new level begin to appear when the mainstream begins to intrude, such as SoFo—South of Folkungagatan. (Never have I been more appreciative of an acronym.) These are five must-see spots in SoFo to pass the afternoon.RETURN FROM THE BEST CITY IN STOCKHOLM
Meatballs for the People
Besides having the best restaurant name in the world, Meatballs for the People is a legitimate take on Köttbullar, the classic Swedish meatball. The setting is lodge-like, with communal seating at rustic wooden tables and an animal skin rug. For lunch, it’s traditional meatballs with lingonberries and potatoes. But at dinnertime, the meatballs get really inventive—try salmon, falafel, or elk. Acne Studio
The upscale Swedish clothing label that started as an advertising agency before getting into jeans has their smaller, more humble outpost here. (Its bigger, ritzier store is in Östermalm.) The collection runs the gamut from jackets and shoes to sweaters and all kinds of casual-chic pieces for men and women, including their trademark jeans.
6/5/4
This eclectic café-boutique has a cool surfer vibe—the name is surfer lingo for thick wetsuits. Unlike 99.9% of stores, here you can sip espresso while shopping the packed racks of Patagonia, Scotch & Soda, and like-minded Nordic labels. It’s artsy with oriental rugs, but they’ve been known to pitch a tent in there. They also sell wetsuits and surfing gear, naturally.
Swedish Hasbeens
Another iconic Swedish item: clogs. This minimalist flagship store showcases their ‘70s-inspired-wooden-shoes in not-so-traditional styles on a long teak center counter and on white shelves lining the wall, with a few plush velour chairs to soften the sparse layout. They’ve got all kinds of shop-exclusive versions, which means you probably won’t leave with just one pair—at least I didn’t.
RETURN FROM THE BEST CITY IN STOCKHOLM
Urban Deli
This market is ideal for stocking up on picnic goods like cheese and charcuterie for a park visit at Nytorget. Alternatively, they serve coffee, wine, and cocktails and have sidewalk seating for my favorite travel activity: people watching.