Stockholm Old Town – history, fika and hidden gems in Gamla stan

It’s easy to dismiss an old town as beautiful but touristy. Stockholm’s Old Town is so much more than that. Behind the postcard façades is a thriving neighbourhood where people live, work and go to school, with the Swedish parliament and Royal Palace as neighbours.

Wander beyond the busiest streets and you’ll find winding alleyways, small squares and independent boutiques. Stay into the evening, when restaurants, atmospheric cellar bars and live music venues reveal another side to this centuries-old neighbourhood. Step into a glorious labyrinth of faded mustard and rust-coloured townhouses in what has been the heart of Stockholm since the 13th century.

Things to see and do in Stockholm Old Town

Start with these three must-sees, or join a guided walking tour to delve deeper into Gamla stan’s centuries of history.

• The Royal Palace: One of Gamla stan’s defining landmarks, the Baroque Royal Palace is the official residence of the King of Sweden. It has more than 600 rooms across 11 floors. Parts of the palace are open to the public, along with three museums.
• Changing of the guard: Time your visit to the Royal Palace to catch the changing of the guard in its Outer Courtyard. Depending on the season and day, the Royal Guards arrive on foot or horseback, sometimes accompanied by a military band.
• Stortorget: Gamla stan’s main square is also Stockholm’s oldest, framed by its distinctive colourful façades. It’s home to the Nobel Prize Museum and, in winter, one of Stockholm’s best-known Christmas markets. From here, stroll down Köpmangatan (Stockholm’s oldest documented street, dating back to 1323) for small galleries, crafts and vintage finds.

Where to fika in Stockholm Old Town

Gamla stan is a fine place to get acquainted with the Swedish tradition of fika. Take your pick from cinnamon and cardamom buns, classic cakes and pastries, served with a good cup of coffee.

• Grillska Huset: Set right on Stortorget, this traditional bakery and pastry shop makes everything from scratch and serves its bakes with coffee from a micro-roastery just outside Stockholm.
• Skeppsbro Bageri: This organic artisan bakery sits by the waterfront on Skeppsbron and regularly ranks highly when Stockholm’s best ‘semla’ and cinnamon bun are put to the test. In summer, look out for its homemade gelato, served in waffle cones, also made in-house.
• Panem: Part bakery, part patisserie, café and bistro, Panem is a good address for sampling Swedish classics. Expect everything from cinnamon buns to princess cake (‘prinsesstårta’) and raspberry caves (‘hallongrottor’), made with quality ingredients.

Restaurants in Stockholm Old Town

Swedish meatballs are easy to come by in Gamla stan, but there’s plenty more on the menu. From centuries-old dining rooms to fresh Swedish seafood and fine dining, here are three of many restaurants to know.

• Den Gyldene Freden: Step into a piece of Stockholm restaurant history at Den Gyldene Freden, which has been serving guests at the same address since 1722. The menu follows the seasons and is rooted in traditional Swedish cooking.
• Gamla Stans Fisk: Stockholm’s oldest fish shop doubles as a popular lunch restaurant. The focus is on fresh, seasonal fish and seafood sourced from Swedish seas and lakes.
• Leijontornet: A fine dining restaurant created, in its own words, for “hedonists and wine lovers”, with inspiration drawn from classic southern European cuisines. Around 100 wines are available by the glass, while the cellar holds more than 3,000 different wines.

Independent shops in Stockholm Old Town

Gamla stan has been a place of trade for some 700 years, and shopping remains part of its character. Alongside familiar names, you’ll find independent shops specialising in Swedish design, crafts and some rather more unexpected treasures.

• HildaHilda: Colourful textiles and home accessories designed, woven and made in Sweden. Some products are even sewn in the shop, with the range spanning cushion covers and pouches to trays and towels.
• Science Fiction Bokhandeln: Much more than a bookshop, this is a haven for fans of science fiction, fantasy and horror. Browse books alongside board games, comics, manga, puzzles, collectables and clothing.
• Öjbro Vantfabrik: Stock up for the colder months with patterned mittens, woollen socks and throws. The company creates its own contemporary designs, drawing inspiration from Nordic cultural heritage.
• Charlotte Nicolin: Swedish artist Charlotte Nicolin is known for her detailed animal portraits, inspired by a lifelong fascination with nature. Her Gamla stan shop carries the full collection, including prints, postcards, tote bags and mugs.

More information

For more inspiration and practical information, explore Visit Stockholm’s guide to Gamla stan and Visit Gamla Stan for local businesses, events and visitor information.