Stockholm’s 5 best bookshops

The English Bookshop is in the heart of Sofo on Södermalm. It draws the city’s English-speaking expats, but also those who prefer reading books in their original language or want to browse authors who never make it onto Swedish-language shelves. As well as books, the shop offers book clubs and curated book subscriptions, a great option for anyone who does not always want to choose for themselves.

Best for: English speakers, and those who prefer reading English books in the original language.

Södermannagatan 22, nearest metro: Medborgarplatsen. Open Monday-Friday: 10.30-18.00, Saturday: 11.00-17.00, Sunday: 12.00-17.00.

This is where you come before Christmas and buy all your gifts in one place. The latest Nobel laureate for mum: check. A classic for grandma: check. A crime novel for your cousin: check. Children’s books, toys and board games for the younger ones: check. Beautiful boxes, exclusive wrapping paper: absolutely, check. And then, of course, a little something for yourself.

At Bysis Bok & Papper, there is a good mix of genres, classics and new books, plus a well-stocked shelf of English titles all year round. The space is wonderfully inviting, with sofas dotted around, little corners and hidden nooks, and you always stay longer than you planned.

Best for: Anyone who wants to do all their Christmas shopping in one place.

Bysistorget 8, Hornsgatan 80, nearest metro: Mariatorget. Open Monday-Friday: 10.00-18.00, Saturday-Sunday: 11.00-16.00.

The shops on Västerlånggatan in the Old Town can at times feel a little too touristy, with their Swedish flags, ‘I love Stockholm’ T-shirts and Dala horses. Science Fiction Bokhandeln is a different story. Here, you leave the earthly behind for epic adventures, fantasy and Japanese textbooks.

What once began as a niche sci-fi shop has over the years grown into an entire universe of stories, worlds and collectibles. The shelves hold everything from Harry Potter and Star Wars to more obscure manga series, role-playing games and board games.

Best for: Fans of science fiction, manga, horror and urban fantasy.

Västerlånggatan 48, nearest metro: Gamla stan. Open Monday-Friday: 10.00-19.00, Saturday: 10.00-18.00, Sunday: 12.00-17.00.

March quickly down Götgatan and you could easily miss this literary hideaway. Söderbokhandeln is a bookshop with roots dating back to 1927, a few steps inside, shelves rise from floor to ceiling, and the long table in the middle is stacked with books chosen according to the state of the world, the season and the trends. To reach a book on the upper shelves, you will need the ladder. As for room to move, you will have to find that in the books. A few times a month, the shop hosts author talks, signings and other events.

Best for: Anyone after metres and metres of quality literature and author talks.

Götgatan 37, nearest metro: Slussen. Open Monday-Friday: 10.00-19.00, Saturday: 10.00-18.00, Sunday: 12.00-16.00.

Historic Rönnells has been open since 1929, and it shows, in the best possible way. In the tightly packed shelves, generations of books sit side by side, from worn paperbacks to exclusive first editions, and with three floors to make your way through, a visit is rarely brief. The shop regularly hosts author talks, readings and concerts that attract both established names and new voices.

Best for: Anyone who loves antiquarian bookshops, and wants to support a living cultural scene.

Birger Jarlsgatan 32B. Nearest metro: Östermalmstorg. Open Monday-Friday: 10.00-18.00, Saturday: 10.00-16.00. Sundays: closed.