Often overlooked in favour of the terracotta-bathed cities of southern Europe, the cosmopolitan metropolises of the Nordic north are finally getting the recognition they deserve. In recent decades, travellers have woken up to the treasures such Scandinavian cities possess: they’re mind-bogglingly clean, popping with colour and among the world’s most innovative and eco-friendly urban hubs. Sweden’s cities fit in with the rest of the region - but even go the extra mile, delivering on world-class foodie culture, thoughtfully-curated museums and easily-accessible nature. Read on to discover our top picks for the best cities in Sweden to get inspired for your next Nordic city break.
Stockholm
It’s hard to beat the capital when it comes to the best cities in Sweden, and here’s why: a singular day in Stockholm can include walking through one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval centres, sampling affordable Michelin-starred food and kayaking in the tranquil bay. Lovers of architecture should make sure to dedicate a good few hours to discovering every nook and cranny of the old town of Gamla Stan, from the illustrious Royal Palace to the picture-perfect Stortorget Square and all the stylish storefronts of bistros in between. And speaking of eating, die-hard foodies are in for a real treat, as the capital offers a dizzying menu of great eateries - you can tuck into top-notch fine dining in award-winning ‘Slow Food’ restaurants, which focus on using fresh, local and ecological produce; sample high-quality dishes prepared by Michelin-starred chefs in bakficka (back pocket) restaurants, which aim to serve the finest cuisine in an accessible and affordable way; or grab a gourmet bite to eat form one of the city’s many trendy food trucks. And if you’re not too tired when the sun goes down, we can even organise an evening safari with a naturalist guide in the nearby wildlife-rich forests.
Gothenburg
Sweden’s vibrant second city, Gothenburg, is trendy and classy all at once. Along elegant Parisian-style boulevards, you can find creative boutiques set up and run by the city’s entrepreneurial youth, fashionable cafes perfect for enjoying fika (a coffee and cake break) and hip speakeasy-style bars where you can indulge in a locally-brewed beer. The iconic fish market of Feskekôrka (which translates to ‘fish church’ in reference to its architecture) is a Mecca for seafood lovers. You can soak in the ambience of fish-mongers flogging their finest catch of the day, before settling down in a nearby restaurant to tuck into a heavenly seafood dish. Stretching out from the centre of Gothenburg is a labyrinth of vibrant neighbourhoods and parks, including the old working-class district of Haga, which overcame near demolition to become one of the most desirable places to live; the modern centre of Avenyn and its network of glitzy and glamorous bars, restaurants and boutiques; and the beautiful Trädgårdsföreningen Park, which comes alive in summer with colourful flora, excitable children and picnicking locals.
Uppsala
For anyone keen to awaken their intellectual spirit, Uppsala is an absolute must. Located just outside of the capital, it is not only one of the best cities in Sweden, but also one of the easiest to discover in a day trip. The city is the nation’s centre of science, innovation and research and with so many museums on offer, it’s hard not to fill your head with a bewildering amount of encyclopaedic knowledge. You can head to the Linnaean Museum to learn about the life and work of the famed Swedish botanist Carl Linneaus, who created the system of using Latin names for flora and fauna; at the Museum of Evolution you can discover the ancient histories of botany, palaeontology and zoology; and at the Biological Museum you can admire models of animals in their natural habitat. And finally, thanks to the city’s huge student population, the cafes and bars have a youthful buzz, bohemian spirit and photogenic quality that is hard to beat. So make sure to let your brain rest for a minute with a warming coffee (or something stronger) and a bite to eat during your day of discoveries.
Malmö
Nestled along the south-western coast of Sweden is Malmö, a relatively small and very walkable city packed with ancient medieval sites, the best of modern nordic architecture and even one of the nation’s best beaches. The central square - or Stortoget - was, interestingly, one the largest square in Northern Europe and is a great place to start your adventure through the city. From here you can explore a whole host of architectural gems, including St John’s Church, Malmö Castle, Castle Mill and Malmö City Library. The Western Harbour is a great spot in the city to enjoy the excellent views of the Turning Torso, a twisting residential skyscraper that happens to be the tallest in all of Scandinavia. You can also get a great view of the Turning Torso and the wider cityscape from the nearby Ribersborg Beach, which is a popular swimming spot for locals in any season or weather condition.
Kiruna
And finally, travellers keen to spread their wings and veer off Sweden’s classic urban trail can wrap up warm and head up to the nation’s northernmost city: Kiruna. This pocket-sized urban hub spends most of the year under a blanket of thick snow, making it a true winter wonderland and the perfect place to soak in Arctic culture. The city has long been home to the indigenous Sámi population, whose fascinating way of life revolves around reindeer herding, artisanal handcrafting and ancient folk music. But the main attraction in Kiruna is the adventurous land that lies in its surroundings. We can arrange for you to spend your days in Swedish Lapland as a true Arctic explorer, enjoying dog sledding, ice fishing and cross-country skiing, and, of course, a spot of star-gazing under the Northern Lights. There is also the option to tick off the once-in-a-lifetime experience of staying in the nearby Icehotel, a beautiful hotel rebuilt each year entirely from natural ice and snow.
Also discover the hidden charm of Sweden with our article on the most picturesque villages in Sweden