Yes, yes, yes, all the stories and all the cliches are true; everything in Sweden is better. Unlike Amsterdam, the streets are spacious and buildings are stately. The people are friendly and all the girls are ridiculously beautiful. The city is clean and functions orderly. Though it was freezing, at this time of year the sun doesn't come up all the way but stays very low throughout the day, which means there is a permanent sunset over Stockholm. Magical. While writing this I miss it already! If you're heading north any time soon, here are a couple of places/shops that are definitely worth a visit:
Aplace - Götgatan 36
All the Scandinavian brands you hope and expect to see in Stockholm together in one store; Ann-Sofie Back, Carin Wester, Whyred, Hope, Acne, Nhu Duong, Wood Wood, they have got it all and more. I could spend hours in there.
Aplace outlet - Tjärhovsgatan 14
The Scandinavian concept-store also has an outlet a couple of streets away.
Granit - Götgatan 31
Can you imagine a Swedish version of Muji? This is it. Simple, basic, no fuss stationary and home accessories. Almost everything inside Granit is black, white or something in between.
Acne Archives - Torsgatan 53
Light pink bags with the four lettered black script on them are everywhere is Stockholm, it seems like there is an Acne store on every other corner. Though if you walk a bit further away from the centre, you will find Acne Archives; a boutique filled with items from previous collections, pieces that never made it to production and piles of jeans for only a fraction of their original price.
Mrs H - Birger Jarlsgatan 9
Ann Demeulemeester, Haider Ackermann, Helmut Lang, Maison Martin Margiela, Proenza Schouler, Alexander Wang...yes they carry all that. Need I say more about this boutique?
Konst-ig - Åsögatan 124
A cute bookstore specialized in art, design, architecture, fashion related books. Great place to get some visual inspiration.
Eat! - Tegnérgatan 3
When you're trying to eat healthy and vegan it is always hard to find food that is 'safe' in a city that you don't know. It was a shame that we only stumbled upon 'Eat' on the last day of our stay. It is a small all organic grocery store with lots of fresh food and healthy snacks. They also serve coffee and delicious vegan pastries which you can eat on their window sill.
Moderna Museet - Skeppsholmen
The museum of contemporary art, located on the tiny Skepsholmen island. This was probably my favorite place in Stockholm. In the same building there is also a permanent architecture exhibition. We arrived on a night that they just happened to stay open longer and for free, it was super busy in a good way. The current exhibition of Picasso vs. Duchamp and their permanent collection was impressive but most of all the relaxed atmosphere was nice, even the kiddo felt right at home at Moderna Museet.
