Stockholm is one of those cities that demands proper exploration. Sprawled across 14 islands at the junction of Lake Mälaren and the Baltic Sea, the Swedish capital is as charming as it is trendy, and as hip as it is historic. Given its pleasing personality and lively atmosphere, there are a number of must-sees that showcase the city’s best side. Wandering around Gamla Stan (the Old Town), participating in its fika culture (complete with cinnamon buns) and visiting its many museums (the ABBA one is a highlight) are all essential parts of a Stockholm sojourn. But how about once you’ve accomplished these bucket-list no-brainers? Lucky for you, we’ve taken the time to venture into the city’s more concealed corners and uncovered some attractions that don’t normally make the headlines. Amble off the well-trodden track with our list of hidden gems in Stockholm.
Stadsbiblioteket
Calling all bibliophiles, Stadsbiblioteket is Stockholm’s public library and home to more than half a million books in over 100 languages. However, you don’t have to be a bookworm to appreciate the building’s distinctive design; with its cubic base and cylindrical tower, the library is a renowned example of the ‘Swedish Grace’ architectural style and was designed by famous Swedish architect Gunnar Asplund in the 1920s. Admire the unique ochre exterior, before stepping inside to see the exquisite panorama of books lining the library’s cylindrical walls.
Stockholm Tunnelbana
Our list of hidden gems in Stockholm extends underground into the depths of the Stockholm Tunnelbana – the city’s metro. More than just a subway system, Tunnelbana is also the world’s longest art exhibition, with works covering a total of 68 miles. Artists have been brightening the morning commute since the 1950s, demonstrating their creativity by displaying sculptures and paintings around various stations. Notable ones include Kungsträdgården, which features colourful murals and sculptures resembling ancient relics, and the busy T-Centralen station, with its giant blue vines intended to create a calming effect.
Monteliusvägen
Stockholm’s picturesque skyline has cemented the Swedish capital as an attractive city, complete with elegant bridges, charming bell towers and pastel-hued houses. If you’d like to enjoy this view for yourself, away from the tourist crowds, Monteliusvägen is a quarter-of-a-mile-long walking path along the northern edge of Södermalm Island. Set off at sunrise or sunset to see Stockholm City Hall, Riddarholmen Church and the Royal Castle silhouetted against the kaleidoscopic sky and reflected in the shimmering Lake Mälaren.
Skinnarviksberget
Continue westward along Monteliusvägen for around ten minutes and you’ll reach another of our hidden gems in Stockholm, Skinnarviksberget. As the highest natural point in the city centre, the hilltop offers unparalleled vistas of the Old Town and Kungsholmen Island below. Locals often frequent the area armed with to-go bites and bottles of wines, and we suggest you follow suit to make the most of the picturesque picnic spot’s sweeping views.
Hornstulls Marknad
We couldn’t compile a list of hidden gems in Stockholm without at least one foodie option – after all, food is a gateway into a country’s culture. Hornstulls Marknad is an outdoor street market situated in the Södermalm neighbourhood and one of the city’s best culinary discoveries (in our opinion), thanks to the variety of food trucks on offer. Running along the waterfront on the west side of the district, you’ll find everything from tacos and burgers to traditional Swedish baked goods and coffee. Once you’ve filled up on tasty treats, browse the myriad other stalls selling vintage treasures, antiques and artworks.
Written by Luisa Watts