Shop Therapy Like Only Stockholm Can Offer

Stockholm may have a reputation for being a more laidback, relaxed city than its European neighbors but its shopping options can shock anybody into serious shopaholic mode.  Keep in mind that the city is a leading design center and when we say, design center, we mean design encompassing the traditional to the contemporary in all things related to fashion, personal accessories, house ware and everything else in between.  Lest we forget, Stockholm is the birthplace of the world's biggest furniture retailer and designer - Ikea, of course! 

Pack It Up

But before you pack your bags for plenty of shock, er, shop therapy, we highly recommend booking your hotel accommodations via an online reservation site first.  You want to be shocked by the sheer variety of good available in Stockholm, not be hassled wasting the time in finding the best hotel when you can spend it shopping.  

Now that you have booked your hotel Stockholm, the next step is to pack your bags in preparation for shopping.  Or rather just pack the essentials like a few changes of clothes, personal hygiene materials and comfortable shoes.  The rest of your bags can be used to pack in your shopping goodies from Stockholm. 

Pack It In

When in Stockholm, there are three distinct areas dedicated to the millions of shopaholics who visit the city every year - the downtown area, the Östermalm and the Södermalm.  Yes, you had better learn your Swedish phrases if you want to navigate the aisles upon aisles of shelves and tables laden with goodies and treats for your hands and eyes to feast on. 

Let's start with the Södermalm, which is characterized by its trendy yet unique, charming yet contemporary boutiques in everything from personal fashion and interior décor to vintage merchandise and amazing curios.  The beauty of the area is that it is populated by small boutiques that specialize in one category of objects for sale, thus, making for a more intimate, personalized shopping experience. 

Now walk a little to the west and find shops with arts and handicrafts sharing space with vintage clothing stores and classic budget stores.  If you have had enough, put your feet up in one of the cafes and bars in the area. 

And then let's proceed to the exclusive, classic and timeless Östermalm.  And when we say exclusive, we mean it.  This is the home of world-renowned, high-end international labels as well as proudly Scandinavian design in everything from fashion to décor.  Throw in expensive items along the line of art and antiques and you have one part of Stockholm that can be characterized as the enclave of the idle rich. 

But of course, Stockholm is not all about snobbery, far from it.  Stockholmers love to play with their fashion, too, but without making a hole the size of Vänern in your pockets.  The downtown area is the place to be for hip, young and affordable fashion.  Here you can find the department stores and chain stores that offer just about every sort of fashion any Swedish youth is lusting after.

No matter the places where you shop, do not be shocked if you are asked to pay for taxes on the purchases you intend to take back home with you (Remember your many empty bags?) Still, taxes or no taxes, shopping in Stockholm is one retail therapy of a lifetime. 

More information about Stockholm travel guide?

 

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