Must-Visit Cafes and Coffeehouses in Stockholm, Sweden

The island of Djurgården in Stockholm is a great place to enjoy a coffee
The island of Djurgården in Stockholm is a great place to enjoy a coffee | © Frank Chmura / Alamy Stock Photo
Billy Poon

The Swedish affinity for coffee, exemplified by their dedication to the kaffepaus (coffee break), is deeply rooted in the nation’s history and culture. Dating back to the 18th century, coffee became a fashionable beverage among the Swedish elite, with coffeehouses emerging as social hubs for intellectual discussions and gatherings. Over time, the coffee culture permeated all layers of society, becoming a cherished tradition. Today, Swedes continue to embrace their coffee culture with gusto, consuming an average of four cups daily. This penchant for coffee has secured Sweden a spot as the third-highest coffee-consuming nation globally, trailing closely behind their Scandinavian counterparts, Norway and Finland.
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Cafe Saturnus

Have you even been to Stockholm if you haven’t gorged on one of the oversized cinnamon buns served at Cafe Saturnus? Take in the elegant mosaic floor at this chic French-inspired spot on Eriksbergsgatan, try a delicious baguette or salad, and linger long enough to build up an appetite for the sticky, buttery cinnamon rolls that have made this cafe famous.

Kaffekoppen

This historic cafe, close to the Royal Palace in the heart of Gamla Stan, has exposed brick walls, flickering candles and a pavement terrace perfect for people watching. Tuck into hearty portions of lasagne, traditional skagen sandwiches and salmon pie, or wander down the spiral staircase to glimpse at the atmospheric cellar vault from the 1600s. Stay all day in winter, when the cafe serves mulled wine, saffron buns and hot white chocolate to die for.

Drop Coffee

Drop Coffee, award-winning coffee roasters, promote Swedish fika culture, which means to make time for friends over coffee and food. The cafe is well-loved for its rich coffee and is a Stockholm icon with over 50,000 Instagram followers. Working remotely? The wifi is reliable, and there are plenty of power sockets.

Kafé 44

Kafé 44, operated by non-profit organisations, is a popular choice for music and book lovers; it’s a coffee shop as well as a self-proclaimed “anarchist” book store and music venue. Drop in, and enjoy concerts by Swedish underground bands and singers. This cafe offers budget vegetarian food, with healthy sandwiches as its signature dishes.

Flickorna Helin Voltaire

Not quite a castle but a regal-looking destination, Flickorna Helin Voltaire is a sophisticated choice for coffee. It offers a variety of baked foods if you’re peckish, too. It’s located on the island of Djurgården, close to tourist attractions such as Skansen (the world’s oldest open-air museum) and Gröna Lund (an amusement park).

Färgfabrikens Kafé

Färgfabrikens Kafé, located in a former paint factory, is a large, airy cafe that’s a hit with locals. This cafe serves up lunch and brunch, along with numerous baked cookies. The building also doubles up as a contemporary art venue, and you’ll often find many people holding events here.

Johan & Nyström

Johan & Nyström was founded by a group of coffee enthusiasts who wanted to bring their idea of great coffee to Stockholm. They purchase their coffee beans from fair trade agencies and roast them in their own factory. There is loads of choice, but we recommend opting for their Roast of the Week. You can also pick up a bag of your own speciality coffee to brew at home.

Chokladkoppen

Visiting the Nobel Prize Museum or Royal Palace? Enjoy a Swedish coffee and pastry or sandwich from the Chokladkoppen afterwards. This cosy cafe in Gamla Stan is a stone’s throw away from these landmarks and a great place to relax and recharge. Its hot chocolate also comes highly recommended.

Konditori Ritorno

Established in 1959, Konditori Ritorno is a longstanding, beloved Stockholm coffee destination. The cafe is located in Vasatan, on the fringe of the city centre, and is decked out with old furniture and huge mirrors – creating a vintage vibe. The cafe favours traditional filtered coffee, so you’ll experience an authentic Swedish taste.

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