Stockholm Gamla Stan (The Old Town) and Other Shopping

Shopping in Stockholm: Gamla Stan (The Old Town)

Historic Stockholm beacons travelers with intimate streets, colorful buildings, and fabulous things to buy. Head for the Gamla Stan or Old Town for an authentic Swedish experience.

One of the best preserved old sections of any European city, Gamla Stan is a must-see in Stockholm. Head down Västerlånggatan and Österlånggatan, the region’s main streets for lots of small cafes and stores selling classic Swedish items.

Dining First 

Den Gyldene Freden is notable as the oldest restaurant in the world still in the same building. Head here for a mix of modern and old-fashioned Swedish food. For dessert, try the Gamla Stans Polkagriskokeri. This candy store has everything from candy canes to caramels. Nearby, you’ll find multiple cafes offering lots of coffees and teas to sample while you watch the crowds.

Things to Buy 

You’ll find lots of things to buy along the city streets. Handcrafted goods made of leather are popular, as are objects made of glass. You can also find other types of items such as those pertaining to the local culture. Norse replica pipes and flasks make a great souvenir.

There’s also lots of bookstores in the Old Town, including one with a huge selection of science fiction and one with lots of local books about the regional history. Small boutiques dot the streets. Many showcase regional arts from all over Sweden. Another popular item is textiles made from bright fabrics and patterns. This is also an ideal place to head during the Christmastime. Lots of stores offer hand-decorated ornaments and special Swedish Christmas candies.

Editor’s note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about shopping in Stockholm’s Gamla Stan.