A Guide to Eating and Drinking in Stockholm

  Swedish Meatballs

As a thriving modern city, one thing Stockholm’s not lacking is restaurants. And, while the city isn’t known as the cheapest place to eat and drink, those prepared to think explore its less central districts will find there are still some bargains to be had.

There are countless excellent restaurants across Norrmalm, Sodermalm and Gamla Stan. Those on a tighter budget should probably avoid the latter, however: attractive it may be, but that view is added onto the bill, particularly on the scenic Vasterlanggaten.

Dining out in a restaurant can be made a little more affordable by opting for the set lunch meals, or ‘dagens ratt’, as they’re known. The fixed price, which generally includes a drink, is an excellent way to refuel after a day’s sightseeing.

For the budget traveler, ‘Gatukok’ kiosks are by far and away the cheapest way to get some food in you. These fast-food dispensaries serve up burgers and hotdogs, as well as doner kebabs, pizza slices and the rest of the usual greasy fare.

A rash of such attractively priced fast-food options can be found out in Vasastaden, while there are plenty of cheap ethnic eateries catering for night owls and partying local students on Folkunggatan and Gotgatan in the Sodermalm quarter.

In Stockholm a night out can be a little on the pricey side, a fact that has to be offset in some way. And self-catering isn’t a bad start: the Kungshallen market has some good (relatively cheap) food stalls, ideal for getting supplies in.

And it doesn’t stop there: Stockholm is blessed with several excellent markets such as Ostermalm’s market (to the east) and Soderhallarna (in Sodermalm). The Hotorgetshallen market, meanwhile, also has a number of small cafés and ethnic food stalls.

Sweden (and Scandinavia, generally) is famous for the high price of alcohol. But on cold winter nights, ‘Glogg’ (a traditional beverage consisting of heated sherry, brandy and a variety of spices) is virtually essential for warming frozen hands and bodies.

On this note, the city is also blessed with a great café culture. An entire afternoon can be spent quite happily over a coffee and cake in the cozy sanctuary of a café, staring out of the window at the bustling throngs of people passing by.

Ultimately, Stockholm is the very definition of smart dining. But away from the elegant international restaurants lies another city: a city of markets, chic student cafés and cheap ethnic restaurants - somewhere, in short, the average backpacker can still find their feet.

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