Lars’s Stockholm

Lars Linderoth, who moved to Stockholm in 2000, credits his natural curiosity with helping him to uncover the Swedish capital’s local secrets. “[I] never stop exploring—not on the road, not when I’m in my hometown,” he says. “There is always something to see.”

As Lars walked and walked, he fell in love with the hip coastal city and the friendly people he met on the streets. Now a full-blown local, but no less thrilled with his home base (“the beauty of the city is beyond words”), Lars shares his love for Stockholm by blogging about his favorite finds on Spotted by Locals. Here are some of the highlights.

Stockholm Is My City

When someone comes to visit me, the first place I take them is Mellqvist, a fantastic coffee bar.

The wintertime, especially around Christmas, is the best time to visit my city. When the snow falls and the water is covered with ice, the most relaxing feeling surrounds Stockholm. And cold walks punctuated by warm stop-offs in cafés, bars, and shops can’t be beat.

Locals know to skip Norrmalm, the city center, and check out the islands of Södermalm, Kungsholmen, and Djurgården instead.

Iris Hantverk is the place to buy authentic, local souvenirs.

In the past, notable people like tennis player Björn Borg, actor Joel Kinnaman, and DJ Avicii have called my city home.

My city’s best museum is Fotografiska owing to its inspiring photo exhibitions and fantastic food.

If there’s one thing you should know about getting around my city, it’s that the best way to explore Stockholm is by bike (there are rentals available at scores of stations all over town). In the winter you are stuck with the subway, but that is also quite nice (and a feast for the senses; the city’s metro has been likened to an art exhibit).

The best place to spend time outdoors in my city is Norr Mälarstrand, a street in central Stockholm.

My city really knows how to celebrate spring’s transition into summer. The whole town wakes up and the sidewalk cafés and restaurants pop open.

For a fancy night out, start with dinner at Matbaren, a magnificent restaurant that is an experience in itself. From there take a short walk to Riche, a vibrant bar where the champagne never stops flowing.

Just outside my city, you can visit the most beautiful archipelago (the Stockholm archipelago) in the world. The landscapes are stunning regardless of weather and time of year. Catch a boat from Nybrokajen and get going!

My city is known for being a beautiful summer city, but it’s really a place where all seasons of the year are fantastic in their own way.

The best outdoor market in my city is Bondens Egen Marknad on Södermalm island.

Petite France is my favorite place to grab breakfast, and Tranan on Odenplan plaza is the spot for late-night eats.

To find out what’s going on at night and on the weekends, check out the This is Stockholm site.

When I’m feeling cash-strapped, I take a walk in Gamla Stan (Stockholm’s Old Town). The small alleys and winding streets are simply magical.

To escape the crowds, I do my shopping on weekdays and hang out outside the city center on weekends.

The dish that represents my city best is an all-star gourmet hamburger, and drop coffee is my city’s signature drink. Sample them at AG and Johan & Nyström Concept Store, respectively.

Debaser is the best place to see live music, but if you’re in the mood to dance, check out Fasching.

In the spring you should head out to Djurgården island and visit Vårsalongen, an annual art exhibition held at Liljevalchs Konsthall showcasing work from talented new artists.

In the summer you should explore Kungsholmen island. Must-dos: Taking a walk along the water and stopping for ice cream at Kungsholmens Glassfabrik.

In the fall you should take a boat out to the archipelago and marvel at the amazing colors; there are almost no people on the islands at this time of year.

In the winter you should take a walk on the ice at Riddarfjärden, a bay in Lake Mälaren. Follow the locals, who know which areas will hold!

If you have kids (or are a kid at heart), you won’t want to miss the Tekniska Muséet (Technical Museum), which is packed with everything an inquiring mind might need.

The best book about my city is The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo because, apart from being a great read, it captures a lot of special places around town. There are even guided tours around the locations where the books and films take place.