Olesia guiding our guests through Stureplan
What if a city could also tell its story through its buildings, public spaces and shops? Last Friday, I joined our Architecture & Design Tour in Stockholm to find out.
Instead of just passing by the main sights, we explored hidden details, design choices, and spaces that reveal the city’s character in subtle ways.
Sture Gallerian: blending history and modernity
Our day started at Sture Gallerian, a central shopping mall. Walking through its corridors, it was easy to notice how older architectural elements coexist with modern updates. The bright, open layout makes it feel spacious, and the subtle details in the ceiling and flooring hint at the building’s long history.
Östermalms Saluhall: more than a market
Markets are usually all about food, but this one felt like a small cultural experience in itself. The high ceiling, tiled walls, and open stalls made it visually striking, while the variety of produce, pastries, and artisanal products reflected the local character.
Nordiska Galleriet: where classic meets contemporary design
Our journey continued at Nordiska Galleriet, which showcases both classic and contemporary Swedish and European design. As I walked around the shop, I noticed how the layout allows visitors to view each piece without feeling overwhelmed. The furniture, lighting and home accessories coexist with a simplicity that seems intentional rather than staged.
Svenskt Tenn: details that speak volumes
One of the spots that impressed me most was Svenskt Tenn. Every corner of the shop has been carefully curated: with vibrant prints, elegant furniture and small design objects combine to create a coherent story. It’s a space where you can appreciate the thought behind each item and how design can shape an experience without saying a single word.
Berzelii Park: a quiet break in the heart of the city
We wrapped up the tour with a stroll through Berzelii Park, a calm green space tucked amid the bustling streets. The park offered a peaceful contrast to the galleries and shops we had visited, and it was the perfect spot to reflect on the day. It reminded me that design isn’t only about buildings and interiors – it’s also about how spaces make people feel and interact.
Stockholm’s architecture and design are more than just visual details. From the way a gallery ceiling is restored to the layout of a market, these spaces reveal how the city balances history, functionality, and creativity.
The Architecture & Design Tour is a chance to see Stockholm from this perspective — structured, thoughtful, and full of subtle stories. If you’d like to explore the city this way, book your Architecture & Design Tour via our website. We look forward to hosting you on our next one!
Written by Laia Olivella de Barros