"Hidden down a sidestreet in the Vasastan district, café Gast has been serving decadent kanelbullar (cinnamon rolls) since 2017. With a seasonal menu offering rich brunch platters, fluffy pancakes and coffee, it has established itself as a local favourite for daily fika coffee breaks. The interior is adorned with classic Scandinavian furniture that the owners acquired at auctions, to help the café’s visitors to relax in style."

"Ett Hem (A Home) is Stockholm’s finest hotel. The Ilse Crawford-designed space mingles modern swish, antiques, books, tasteful furniture and tactile finishes with the most pleasing results. Sit down in the restaurant and breakfast appears, or wander into the kitchen and pop your head in the fridge before chatting with the chef about what you’re after."

"This pocket-sized bistro started more as a hangout when five pals bought the space in 1986 to host their friends and family. Though it quickly grew in popularity, the intimacy is undimmed and the food as delectable as ever (it even released a cookbook in 2016 to mark the 30-year milestone). Dishes range from Swedish staples such as råraka (hash browns) and gravlax to simple continental plates, many inspired by Sweden’s longstanding dalliance with French cuisine. The whole grilled sea bass is worth every krona."

"Edin Memic Kjellvertz started collecting furniture on his travels while working for Acne Studios. When his stockpile grew so large that it could no longer be contained in his apartment, he and his wife Lina opened Dusty Deco. In 2017 they opened another space in Östermalm, where 1970s lamps from Murano heavyweight Venini sit next to upholstered ottomans by US designer Jonathan Adler. The outside looks more like a florist than a furniture shop but duck inside to uncover the booty."

"A 20-minute drive from the city proper you’ll find architect Johan Nyrén’s Artipelag art gallery, tucked away in a glade surrounded by forest. There are four main spaces that host exhibitions, past examples of which have included furniture designed by Mats Theselius, fashion by Lars Wallin and an Andy Warhol retrospective. The shop stocks Artipelag’s own creations including ceramics and tote bags. Its 1,100-seat Artbox music hall has hosted everything from grungy gigs to opera."

"White Arkitekter completed this project in 2011. It belongs to the Rezidor Hotel Group, holds 3,000 guests and encompasses offices and a hotel tower. Encased by 21km of stainless-steel bars (giving it the nickname Mälarkronan, or “the Crown of Lake Mäkaren”), it’s one of the world’s most energy-efficient buildings: its glass façade comprises more than 1,000 sq m of solar collectors and the building is cooled with water from the lake. The woody interior is courtesy of RPW Design."

"Swedes, on the whole, love a little sport in the water and kayaking is an agreeable way to see the city from a new perspective. Companies such as Stockholm Adventures offer two-hour guided tours around the harbour in two-seaters, starting at Djurgårdsbron, the bridge connecting Östermalm and Djurgården. If you’re feeling lazy, however, fear not. The many islands prevent stronger currents or riptides from holding sway or swell, allowing paddlers to enjoy smooth sailing all round. It’s worth heading out to the archipelago too. The pristine waters surrounding the island of Runmarö, an hour-long ferry ride from the capital, are a popular destination for day-long kayaking trips. The hardier can opt for a three-day jaunt, complete with camping on the remote isle."