What is it about Scandinavia that makes it so cool? There must be something in the air, or the fresh Nordic water. Whatever it is, Stockholm is the epicenter of all things trendy in Sweden (and most of Scandinavia). There are countless fashion shops, including independent designers and major Swedish fashion labels. From the perennially cheerful Happy Socks to well-fitting jeans from Acne, the Stockholm style is tastefully cool.

For any shopping holiday in Scandinavia’s coolest city, start with an exploration of the SoFo neighborhood. Most of the activity centers around Nytorget Square, a bustling hub of restaurants, shops, and a beautiful park popular with young families and hipsters during the summer months. You’ll find everything from vintage clothing to artisan coffee and beard grooming products available in the neighborhood.

One of the most unique shops in SoFo is the store, Sivletto. Located in a basement off of a side street, with a small sign outside making it easy to miss, Sivletto is one of those places where you can buy vintage jeans, art books, and manage to get a haircut and coffee all in the same place. The in-house barbershop is set up in the back with retro lighting, but the real attraction is the vast basement full of books, magazines and grooming products. Grab a coffee from the small cafe when you walk in, chat up with the salesperson, and you just might find yourself spending a few hours wandering through the vast array of products available.

Another shopping institution in SoFo is the Grandpa shop. The small design shop has a lot of the local Swedish design products you’ll find elsewhere in the city, but here, it’s all carefully curated alongside vintage finds and original art. From posters to furniture, socks, and backpacks, there’s something for everyone here. Don’t be turned off by the high prices, though. You’ll find little knickknacks and other goodies on the ground floor, while the most expensive work (mostly artisan furniture) is in the basement.

Nytorget Urban Deli isn’t really a shopping hotspot in the traditional sense, but any shopping holiday in Stockholm should include a visit to this Södermalm institution. As a restaurant and bar, you can grab a meal here day or night, but the small shop inside also sells a variety of foodie gifts and products. Go for the Swedish meatballs, but stay for the shopping! In the summer months, the outdoor terrace is the place to see and be seen in Stockholm—home to the city’s hippest hipsters.

There are plenty of places to shop for that sweet Scandinavian design here in Stockholm, but start with these delights and see where your exploration and inspiration lead you.

Have you ever been to Stockholm? What’d you think about it? Let us know your thoughts down below!

Also, join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest for more.