Whether you’re a seasoned shopper or just love exploring new stores and markets, Sweden offers a unique shopping experience for everyone to enjoy. From the buzzing atmosphere of Stockholm’s streets to the quaint boutiques in Gothenburg, this Scandinavian country boasts a diverse shopping landscape that blends traditional craftsmanship with contemporary style.
At Crown Currency Exchange, we believe that your holiday should be as enjoyable as possible, and that includes not spending hours figuring out where to go. So, to keep things in line with Swedish simplicity, we’ve created this complete guide to shopping in Sweden. Below, you’ll find some of the best places to splash some cash, some things you absolutely must buy when in Sweden, and some handy planning tips.
What to Buy When Shopping in Sweden
As you make your way around the streets of Sweden, you’ll find a treasure trove of delights waiting to be discovered! From stylish home interiors to delicious Swedish snacks, here’s a guide to what you should definitely add to your shopping list.
Scandinavian Home Decor
Local design shops and artisan markets throughout Sweden sell some beautiful items you can add to your home, including sleek furniture, minimalist textiles, and elegant tableware, all of which capture the essence of the famous Swedish design philosophy.
Prices across home decor vary depending on what you buy and where you buy it from, but you can find some very reasonable pieces without much effort. For example, a handmade rug from a market stall can cost around kr1,500 Swedish Krona ($210 AUD).
Design Books
Sweden is well-known for its style and design ideas, and throughout the country, you’ll find bookstores selling design books and magazines that celebrate this. Whether you’re interested in architecture or interior design, this is something any creative mind should consider buying when in Sweden.
Book prices will vary depending on many factors, but you can find some great deals and markets and secondhand bookstores if you’re trying to be as budget-conscious as possible.
Vintage Items
While you’re looking for design books in secondhand stores and markets, be sure to look at some other vintage finds that are waiting to be discovered. This includes things like retro Swedish clothing and accessories to unique home decor items, with neighbourhoods like Sodermalm and Linnegatan offering up some of the best finds.
Vintage items are usually quite inexpensive but, of course, this depends on what you’re buying. However, you should keep in mind that haggling is not a part of Swedish culture and can be seen as rude. So, if you see something you love when looking for vintage items, you’ll need to pay the requested price for it.
Fashion
Swedish fashion is also known for its clean lines and sustainable practices, and it’s definitely worth taking a look around markets and stores for some beautiful pieces you won’t be able to find back home.
Prices in stores will generally be more expensive than at markets, but with a little looking around, you’ll be able to grab some excellent deals. This is especially true if you’re in Sweden during usual sales periods, such as after Christmas or right before Midsummer in June.
Handcrafted Souvenirs
There’s no better way of remembering your trip to Sweden than picking up some handcrafted souvenirs from local artisan markets. There’s loads of choice here, too, much beyond the usual refrigerator magnet or postcard, and you’ll find some beautiful items made from glass, wood, and stone, each of which makes for a meaningful memento of your Swedish adventure.
Swedish Food
You’ll also find some delicious Swedish delicacies as you shop around Sweden, including lingonberry jam, crispbread, and smoked salmon. The best places to find these are in local markets, and you can also find some incredible artisan cheeses and craft beers, which are ideal souvenirs for food lovers.
One such souvenir is Vasterbotten cheese, which is a staple during Swedish holidays, and you can pick up a large piece of this from an artisan market for around kr280 SEK ($40 AUD). Or, for something a little less expensive, a bottle of craft beer would cost an average of kr55 ($7.80 AUD).
Best Markets in Sweden
There are so many wonderful places for shopping in Sweden, but getting around all of them is virtually impossible! So, to make things easier, we’ve listed some of our top shopping destinations below, starting with markets.
Ostermalms Saluhall
One of Sweden’s most historic markets, Ostermalms Saluhall is located in Stockholm’s upscale Ostermalm district and is packed with gourmet delights, fresh produce, and artisanal products, making it a must-visit for any foodie.
Gamla Stan
A mix of quaint boutiques, antique shops, and craft stalls, Gamla Stan is located on the cobbled streets of Stockholm’s Old Town. The market here is just one half of the magical experience, and as you make your way around the area you’ll see some of Sweden’s famous medieval architecture, as well as some fantastic restaurants.
Hotorgshallen
Set in the heart of Stockholm’s incredible Hotorget Square, Hotorgshallen is a food market where you can sample flavours from around the world. Not only will you find Swedish delicacies and ingredients here, but you’ll also get the opportunity to take home exotic spices, specialty coffee, and gourmet pastries.
Skansen Market
Located within the open-air museum, Skansen Market is a seasonal market that offers a nostalgic journey into Sweden’s rural past. Here, you’ll get the opportunity to wander through stalls selling locally made crafts, textiles, and traditional foods, all set amongst historic buildings and cultural exhibits. Keep in mind, however, that a seasonal market you’ll only be able to visit here if you’re in Sweden at Christmas time.
Best Department Stores in Sweden
As well as interesting markets to explore, there are some great department stores in Sweden selling all manner of things, from clothing to electronics and everything in between. Many also have dining and entertainment options, making them a great place to explore with a family.
Nordiska Kompaniet
Founded in 1902, Nordiska Kompaniet is one of Sweden’s most prestigious department stores and is renowned for its luxurious stores and impeccable service. Here, you’ll find a selection of high-end fashion brands, beauty products, and home decor, as well as fine dining restaurants that are ideal for shoppers looking for that extra touch of sophistication.
Ahlens
Ahlens houses a wide range of fashion, beauty, and lifestyle products and has stores all over Sweden, meaning no matter what area you’re visiting, it shouldn’t be too difficult to find one. One of the best things about Ahlens is that it is known for its affordability, offering a trendy yet accessible selection for all budgets.
Stockmann
Dating back to 1862, Stockmann is one of Sweden’s oldest department stores and is situated in Stockholm’s Norrmalm district. There is a wide range of fashion stores to explore here, as well as beauty products and home goods, and you also have the opportunity to visit the rooftop terrace after you’re shopping trip to kick back with a drink and admire the panoramic views of the city.
Illums Bolighus
Specialising in Scandinavian design, Illums Bolighus is a must-visit department store for lovers of minimalist aesthetics and functional elegance. Located in the Ostermalm district, you’ll find a carefully curated selection of lighting, home accessories, and decor from renowned Nordic designers.
Best Shopping Streets in Sweden
Like many places all over the globe, Sweden has some famous shopping streets lined with quirky boutiques, designer outlets, and restaurants. Here are some of our favourite shopping streets in Sweden.
Drottninggatan
Located in the heart of Stockholm’s city centre, Drottninggatan is one of the capital’s main shopping streets and boasts an eclectic mix of high-street brands, designer boutiques, department stores, and cosy cafes. This is a great way of getting across the city on foot while exploring shops, too, as the street runs from Sergels Torg to the historic Gamla Stan district.
Biblioteksgatan
Running parallel to Drottiningatan, Biblioteksgatan is a chic shopping street known for its luxury boutiques, flagship stores, and designer labels. This is the place to be if you’re looking for high-end fashion and beauty products like Gucci and Prada or if you’re simply looking to shop in an elegant setting.
Linnegatan
Situated in Gothenburg’s Linnegatan neighbourhood, this is one of the most picturesque shopping locations in Sweden and is lined with specialty stores, boutiques, and cafes. This is a great place to discover local fashion brands and interior design boutiques selling things that you won’t be able to find anywhere else in the world.
Best Places for Clothes Shopping in Sweden
Whether you’re a label-loving fashionista or you want to explore vintage stores, Sweden has some amazing places to find pieces and looks that you’ve never seen before! Some of the best places to go shopping for clothes in Sweden include:
Sodermalm
If you’re looking for a mix of vintage stores and independent boutiques that cater to diverse tastes and styles, you absolutely have to visit Sodermalm in Stockholm. There’s loads to explore here as the entire district is divided into several neighbourhoods, each with something new to offer, so it’s a great place to spend an entire day shopping.
Magasingatan
Located in Gothenburg’s Haga district, Magasingatan is known for its mix of independent retailers offering everything from fashion and design to artisanal goods. There are also several events and festivals held here throughout the year, including markets and art exhibitions, so depending on when you’re in Sweden, you could be in for a real cultural treat!
Sodra Forstadsgatan
You’ll find Sodra Forstadsgatan in Malmo, and along with a mix of eclectic stores selling all kinds of beautifully-designed clothing and accessories, you’ll find ethnic restaurants, cafes, and grocery stores, making it a one-stop shopping destination for a range of needs, including clothes shopping.
Top Tip: While some stores will accept card payments, doing this often results in fees being added to your account for using your card abroad. With this in mind, it’s best to use cash that you’ve exchanged before your trip, and you can find the best rates on AUD to SEK here.
Tips for Shopping in Sweden
Any holiday needs a certain amount of planning to help it run smoothly, and a shopping trip to Sweden is no exception. From knowing how to greet shopkeepers to saving money while you peruse the plethora of amazing products on sale, we’ve got some excellent tips for shopping in Sweden.
Shopping Etiquette and Cultural Sensitivity
One of the most important things you need to know about shopping in Sweden is that Swedes value their personal space, so you should take care to avoid standing too close to others while you’re browsing or waiting in line. Likewise, politeness is appreciated in all social interactions, including shopping, so be sure to greet a sales associate or stallholder with a friendly “Hej”, which means “Hello”, and “Tack”, which means “Thank you” when appropriate.
Unlike some cultures where small talk is common during shopping interactions, Swedes also tend to be more reserved and keep small to a minimum, instead choosing to keep interactions brief and focused on the transaction at hand. Knowing this before your shopping trip is very important, as while you may feel it feels a little awkward or rude, this isn’t the intention at all.
Another thing that Swedes value is punctuality, so be mindful of store opening and closing times, so make sure you arrive during regular store hours and leave yourself enough time to browse and shop without delaying the store from closing.
Practical Advice for Shopping in Sweden
As well as remaining culturally sensitive, there are certain practicalities you need to think about when shopping in Sweden. For instance, you should make sure that you dress comfortably if you plan on doing a lot of walking or trying on clothes, taking care to remember that Sweden’s weather can change quite quickly, so ensure you have layers available to accommodate a change in temperature.
Sweden also has a huge environmentally friendly ethos, so it’s a good idea to bring reusable bags with you for shopping. You can also save some money when you do this, as some stores do provide bags, but charge you a small fee for them, so not only is it more sustainable but also more cost-effective to invest in a reusable tote.
Another great, practical money-saving tip is that you may be eligible for tax-free shopping in Sweden if you’re visiting from a country outside of the EU. Look for stores displaying the “Tax-Free Shopping” logo and ask at the checkout about the process for claiming VAT refunds on certain purchases.
Budget Your Money for Shopping in Sweden
Ahead of your trip to Sweden, it’s also important to create a travel budget. This should cover your accommodation costs, and travel expenses, and, of course, have a portion allocated to shopping! Doing this means that you’ll have enough to spend on the things you want to buy without accidentally overspending or not being able to do some of the activities you were looking forward to.
When creating your budget, it’s also a good idea to add 10%-20% on top and leave that untouched for emergencies. Even if you have a travel insurance policy, there’s no guaranteeing what might happen, so having this buffer means you’ll be covered without having to dip into your shopping budget to cover it.
Get the Best Rates on Swedish Krona at Crown Currency
No matter what you want to buy or where you want to go shopping, Sweden offers a unique shopping experience that you can enjoy while you soak in the atmosphere of Swedish culture and design. However, planning is essential, and if you want to avoid International Transaction Fees for using your cards in Sweden, it’s best to get ahead of the game and buy some Swedish Krona before you leave.
At Crown Currency Exchange, you’ll find the best rates on AUD to SEK with zero commission fees and no hidden costs, keeping more money in your pocket. Head to one of our many locations today, and we’ll get you one step closer to your Swedish trip of a lifetime.
