Ultimate Guide to Stockholm for Design Lovers

Celebrated for it's incredible architecture, rich culture, and intriguing history, Stockholm is great place to head to if you're interested in exploring a city that boasts both traditional and modern design elements. 

With a range of unique attractions, hotels and restaurants, Stockholm is the perfect spot to visit for travelers with a keen interest in design.

Best Hotels in Stockholm for Design Lovers

Known for its rich culture and history, as well as its iconic traditional European architecture, visitors may be impressed when it comes to choosing a unique and beautiful stay in the heart of Stockholm. From renovated banks to renovated Boeing 747 Jumbo jets, there's a unique hotel experience here for everyone!

Whether you're interested in quirky and innovative design choices, or simply find traditional elements of a historic building a thrilling addition to the decor, Stockholm's diverse hotel scene ensures you'll find the perfect place to relax. Let's take a look at some of the city's best hotel options.

Villa Dagmar, Östermalm, Stockholm

Located in the trendy Östermalm neighborhood, Villa Dagmar is a gorgeous 5-star hotel that is conveniently situated near some of the city's greatest attractions, including the Army Museum, which is just a two-minute walk away, as well as the popular Stureplan square, which is just a five-minute walk away. Other popular spots nearby include Sergels Torg Square, the Vasa Museum, and the Royal Swedish Opera.

The hotel boasts great on-site facilities, and refined, relaxing decor and design elements throughout. From detailed wallpaper to luxurious furnishings, the charm this hotel exudes is noticeable as soon as you step foot through the door. With great amenities including private parking, room service, free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk, as well as an on-site fitness center, a spa, a restaurant (where guests can enjoy a buffet, à la carte, or Full English/Irish options for breakfast), and a bar, there's little left to wish for at Villa Dagmar.

Each of the hotel rooms is decorated in a timeless, classic European style, and is fully equipped with a desk, flat-screen TV, and a coffee machine. Some of the more exclusive rooms even feature a beautiful balcony.

STF Jumbo Stay, Stockholm Arlanda Airport, Stockholm

This extremely unique hostel is arguably one of the most unique on the planet. Created inside a former Boeing 747 jumbo jet it's an excellent place to stay for both aviation fanatics, and those simply interested in the unique and innovative design. Located next to Stockholm's Arlanda Airport, it's a great place to stay on the night prior to your departure, thanks to breakfast being served from 3 am! 

We recommend not spending your entire vacation staying here though, as many of the rooms are quite small. It's more of a unique and quirky one-night experience than it is a comfortable place to stay for a week or two. Nevertheless, it has some good facilities that make your stay comfortable, including the early breakfast (served from 3!), free airport bus transfers, free Wi-Fi, an on-site snack hub where you can purchase meals snacks, and coffee, and even a fully licensed bar! If that wasn't enough, there's also a shared balcony area that stretches out on the jumbo jet's wing!

The guest rooms are quite small, but amazingly innovative, and can be booked with either a private or shared bathroom. Each of the rooms boasts a flat-screen TV.

Downtown Camper, Norrmalm, Stockholm

Downtown Camper by Scandic is a centrally located hotel in the heart of Stockholm's Downtown area. It sits in close proximity to a number of attractions, including Sergels Torg Square, the waterfront, and Stockholm Central Station - which is only an 8-minute walk away! There's also a great array of shops, parks, and restaurants right on the doorstep, so it's the perfect place to stay if you enjoy getting out and about.

With modern and luxurious design elements throughout the building though, there's more than enough reason not to stray too far from the hotel itself, thanks not only to its inviting design but also thanks to its great on-site facilities and activities.

Guests can choose from a huge range of daily activities at no extra cost, including yoga, skateboarding lessons, movie nights, and even kayaking lessons! If you're already familiar with skateboarding or kayaking though, you're welcome to rent equipment for your own use in the foyer. After a fun-filled day of activities, be sure to visit Campfire, the on-site grill restaurant and bar, where you can indulge in international comfort foods made especially for sharing.

Other on-site amenities include The Nest, the hotel's wellness area, where you can find a rooftop sauna, a gym, and a pool that's open all year round with stunning views of the city for an extra fee.

Each of the rooms at this hotel boasts great amenities, including a flat-screen TV, a refrigerator, and free Wi-Fi.

Lydmar Hotel, Norrmalm, Stockholm

If you're a lover of European history and traditional design and architecture, then look no further, as the Lydmar Hotel is probably the best choice in the city for you. Originally built to serve as the Swedish National Museum’s archive building all the way back in 1829, this stunning canvas has since been renovated by the small luxury hotel group that has operated here since 2008. The design thoroughly encapsulates the traditional design of the building and showcases different designs across each room. Both the rooms and the rest of the hotel's interior are adorned with contemporary furnishings, and stunning artworks that range from the 1900's to the present day, and are displayed on rotation.

This stunning, chic hotel stands on the waterfront, where Archipelago boat tours regularly depart from Strömkajen Harbor, located just 328 feet from the hotel. It boasts stunning views of the Old Town and Royal Palace and has great attractions less than a 10-minute walk away, including the National Museum and Stureplan Square - a great spot for shopping and nightlife.

In terms of on-site attractions though, guests can enjoy dining at the popular bistro-style restaurant, which serves up elegant, European cuisine (we hear the Steak Tartare is simply to die for!). There are also on-site art exhibitions, free Wi-Fi, and a gorgeous outdoor terrace that opens during the summer months for sipping on cocktails and taking in the views.

Each of the spacious rooms at Lydmar Hotel has been individually decorated while allowing the traditional design elements to shine through. Think hardwood floors, original stucco work, wooden beams, and high windows. Despite their somewhat traditional appearances, these upscale rooms boast modern amenities including a TV, a mini bar, and air conditioning.

Bank Hotel, Norrmalm, Stockholm

Situated centrally in the downtown area of Stockholm is the stunning Bank Hotel. Located just a few minutes walk from the high-end shops in Strandvägen, and the fun-filled nightlife in Stureplan, it boasts a great location. There are plenty of Stockholm's best attractions nearby too, including Kungsträdgården Park,  the island of Djurgården, Gröna Lund Amusement Park, and the Royal Palace.

Housed in a former bank building, this hotel feels both regal and luxurious, but nothing like a bank at all! It boasts a great range of on-site amenities and facilities, including free Wi-Fi access in public areas and a fitness center. Although room service is available, there's a great, smart-casual restaurant at Bank Hotel as well as a cocktail terrace bar, Le Hibou, which can be found on the top floor of the building for stunning cityscape sights.

The interior design in this hotel leaves nothing to be desired, with plush furnishings, modern fittings, and stylishly designed rooms that feature flat-screen TVs, minibars, and coffee machines.

Best Restaurants in Stockholm for Design Lovers

Many people underestimate what Stockholm delivers on the culinary front, but rest assured that it's actually as diverse and vibrant as any other major city! Featuring a wide range of establishments that are innovative and creative in both interior design and their menus, there's something for everyone in this vibrant city.

From Sweden's very first sausage specialty restaurant to a retro-themed vegetarian establishment, there's plenty on offer across Stockholm's dining scene.

Pava, Norrmalm, Stockholm

Restaurang Pava, or as many people call it, Pava, is a stunning continental restaurant that truly leans into its unique and colorful Art Deco style.

Boasting marbled, chequered floors, brightly colored soft velvet furnishings, warm lighting, and large artworks adorning the walls, there's plenty to look at while relaxing on one of the plush sofas here.

Whether you're looking to sample cocktails at the bar or feast on a selection of beautifully created European dishes, there's something to tickle everyone's tastebuds here!

Rosetta's, Södermalm, Stockholm

Influences from a living room in Åkersberga combine with quirky, retro 1970s LA vibes to create the interior of Rosetta's. This truly outstanding vegetarian restaurant is a great choice for both a hearty meal or light bites over drinks, thanks to the varied menu.

Intriguing decor choices such as wood paneling, wall-to-wall carpets, subdued lighting, and vinyl-clad booths offer visitors the opportunity to step back in time while enjoying modern innovative treats from the menu.

Banger, Norrmalm, Sockholm

If there's one thing you'll want to indulge in when visiting a Scandinavian country, it is delicious meat, and what better place is there to do this than Sweden's very first dedicated sausage restaurant?! 

Whether you're looking for a place to grab snacks and drinks with a party atmosphere or enjoy a delicious meal in a fun-filled environment, Banger is a truly unmissable choice for those who love sausages of all kinds!

The interior here is just as fun as the environment itself, with a tufted bar, colorful furniture, and patterned floors!

Capricci, Södermalm, Stockholm

If you plan on celebrating a special occasion during your trip to the beautiful city of Stockholm, one of the best restaurants to choose for the occasion is Capricci. This upscale Italian eatery takes guests on a mini gastronomic excursion, with a mouth-watering menu of pasta, pizzas and delicious meat dishes.

The restaurant itself is equally as impressive as the food served here, with black-and-white checked floors, delicate light red decor throughout, and gorgeous leafy plants hanging down from the ceiling, it boasts a truly Italian atmosphere.

La Boca, Norrmalm, Stockholm

Hailed as a Nuevo Latino restaurant, you can expect both the design and the dishes of this restaurant to be as colorful and exotic as it sounds. 

As soon as you enter, you'll feel as though you've just stepped into a South American rainforest, with plants hanging from the ceiling, and uniquely shaped lamps casting a cozy glow over the interior. 

Dining at this restaurant is also an incredibly unique experience. We recommend ordering meat dishes to be shared around the table, and combined with an array of tasty sauces, small plates, and refreshing cocktails.

Best Activities in Stockholm for Design Lovers

If you're planning on a fun-filled stay in Stockholm where you can marvel at some of the city's most unique and unusual designs, then you're in luck! Whether it's a museum, an art installation, or even a metro station - This city has you covered!

No matter what you'd like to spend your time doing, let's take a look at some of the top design attractions Stockholm has to offer

Moderna Museet, Skeppsholmen, Stockholm

Moderna Museet is a stunning museum showcasing prominent 20th-century and contemporary art collections, alongside stunning photographic exhibits. While it's a stunning attraction (especially for lovers of art and design), it's also a great budget option for those able to visit on a Friday evening, thanks to the free entry offered on Fridays between 6 and 8 pm.

This gorgeous contemporary museum is also home to a bookshop café with a terrace overlooking the water, making it a stunning place to spend a quiet afternoon. The museum is accessible via footbridge from Kungsträdgården or by commuter ferry with your metro card. It is located on one of the smallest central islands, so be sure to pair it with a romantic brisk walk before your visit to enjoy some truly stunning city views.

Bio Rio, Hornstull, Södermalm, Stockholm

This iconic cinema almost hasn't changed at all since the 1940s, making for a truly unique experience should you wish to go see a film here! Not only are the red velvet seats both classy and comfortable, but the cinema also boasts fun breakfast screenings on Sundays at 10:30 am, making it the perfect attraction to visit after a night out drinking!

Indulge in delicious yogurt, muesli, fruit, and an open Swedish sandwich, alongside unlimited coffee while you watch either a retro or newly-released indie film. Don't worry if you don't excel in languages! Many of the films shown are already in English or are screened with English subtitles. Just be sure to check in advance so you don't accidentally stumble into a foreign-language film with Swedish subtitles!

Fotografiska, Katarina-Sofia, Södermalm, Stockholm

Located inside an old red-brick building sitting along the waterfront is a stunning photography gallery with wall after wall of intriguing images. Fotografiska is a great art museum to visit at any time of day, thanks to it's late opening hours throughout the week, and great range of rotating exhibitions, that focus on a wide range of subject areas, covering everything from feminism to global politics.

Fotografiska not only has a great photography collection, but it also boasts stunning views across the water, and is home to one of the sleekest bars and cafes in the city, from where you can enjoy the panoramic waterside views of the central islands.

The Metro! Stockholm

Recommending a city's metro network as its own attraction is almost unheard of, but there was simply no way to talk about the best attractions in Stockholm for design lovers without giving this one a mention.

Dubbed by many as "the world's longest art gallery", Stockholm's impressive metro stations all boast unique art in various forms. Since the stations were carved from rocks, may still feel like the inside of a newly discovered cave, many of them glittering with rainbow colors, wording, and futuristic patterns.

The Blue Line arguably has some of the best designs, so if you'd like to make a full day out of exploring this, we recommend starting at Kungsträdgården station, which feels like something that could be uncovered in a sci-fi film!

Be sure to purchase a 72-hour or 7-day SL metro card in advance to enjoy the best value for money!

Telefonplan tower, Stockholm

Head to Telefonplan Station at night time, and step outside to see this gorgeous light-up tower, part of the building that houses Konstfack, Sweden’s most significant design school.

This unique interactive art installation allows you to control the color of the lights in the windows, using the Color By Numbers app.