Six Things to Do in Södermalm, Stockholm

If you want a laid-back vibe with loads to do, Södermalm is the place for you. An island in the south central part of Stockholm, this is also one of the most densely populated boroughs in Scandinavia (so, good luck with your apartment hunt). The island is connected to Gamla Stan via Slussen, so the centre of the city is easily accessible.

If you’re planning to visit Stockholm, or you live there and want to explore this beloved district, here’s where to go in Södermalm:

Eat

A mix of charming cafes and seriously good food, Södermalm has a bit of everything. Start your day at the city’s best breakfast: Pom och Flora. If you have the time, this is the kind of place you can have a leisurely, luxurious meal that will fuel you up for the day. Otherwise, a coffee and a quick bite is possible too. Their sister restaurant, Pompadore, is a great spot for lunch, as is the lovely Urban Deli (where you can also buy grocery items for your own delish picnic).

For dinner, there’s loads on the menu at Nytorget 6 – both trendy and reasonably priced – or go for something Central European (sausage, anyone?) at Bar Centrale.

Stay

Cheap, clean, simple and in the centre of Södermalm, Hotel Söder is great for travellers just looking for a place to rest their heads. There are also a bevy of wonderful design-focused AirBnB options:

Center of Södermalm with a view

1920s Apartment in Heart of Södermalm

Coffee

Coffee lovers, rejoice! If you so wish, you could spend your whole life in wonderful Södermalm cafes. Local favorite Il Caffe has great coffees as well as excellent kanellbullar from Fabrique Bakery.

For something cosy and quiet, check out Garbo’s Cafe, where they also have salads and sweet treats.

Kaffebar on Bysistorget is a favourite with the locals, and really know how to brew their roast. Otherwise, Drop Coffee is a roastery as well as a cafe; this is serious coffee, so if you’re into finding the perfect cup, this is the place for you.

To end your afternoon right, try Parlans Konfektyr for a coffee (or tea) and their beloved, homemade flavored caramels.

Drink

You can catch a good cocktail or beer at some of the places we’ve already mentioned; most notably Nytorget 6 for a beautiful cocktail and Urban Deli for a rowdier bar experience (for drinking ease, across the street from each other!).

But that’s not all Södermalm has on the menu. Södra Bar, which is the bar section of Södra Teatern, has good drinks and a gorgeous view of the city. If you’re looking for a local-bar vibe, Folkbaren is the place, with beers, small tables and candlelight. Then there’s the industrial-chic Morfar Ginko, where they also have a DJ spinning.

Shop

Shopping in this neighborhood can get dangerous, if you’re not careful. With tons of great shops, you’re bound to find something you “need.” Grandpa is a great place to start, with items that all design & fashion lovers will drool over.

Sneakersnstuff has, well, sneakers. Some stuff, but mostly sneakers. Good ones too! One of several located in Stockholm, the Twist & Tango concept store is well-worth ducking your head in for basics and small design items. It’s Swedish minimalist heaven!

Stockholm Stadtsmission is a local favorite for second-hand finds, including loads of amazing Swedish fashion designers at a fraction of the price. If it’s raining, or is going to rain soon (you’re in Stockholm; it’s going to rain soon), you’ll want to hit up Stutterheim Store for the chicest raincoats in the city.

Weekly, the store and cafe that’s connected to Diamon consulting firm, has a wonderful selection of varied items like shoes (Veja), stockings, soaps by L:A Bruket and Victor Vaissier, and more, plus great coffee. It’s a bit out of the way but you’ll be glad you stopped by.

Walk

Being an island, Sodermalm has incredible walks and views of both nature and parts of Stockholm. Here are a few great spots that’ll make you feel like you’re in the forest or by the beach: