Get off the tourist trail and discover Stockholm’s secret side — from storybook walks to quirky museums, here are 5 local-loved spots that deserve a spot on your travel list.
đź“Ť Table of Contents
- Rosendals Trädgård – A Garden Café in the City
- Monteliusvägen – The Sunset Spot Locals Keep Secret
- Fotografiska – Stockholm’s Edgy Photo Museum
- Stigberget Viewpoint – The Quiet Alternative
- Skogskyrkogården – Stockholm’s Spiritual Forest
🌿 1. Rosendals Trädgård – A Garden Café in the City
Tucked away on Djurgården Island, Rosendals Trädgård is a lush oasis in the heart of Stockholm. While most tourists stick to the main museums and amusement park on the island, locals know this spot as a perfect escape into nature — without ever leaving the city. The garden is rooted in biodynamic farming, meaning everything here is grown in harmony with the seasons, making it feel a little magical year-round.
What sets Rosendal apart is its atmosphere. You’ll find greenhouses filled with herbs and citrus trees, flower beds buzzing with bees, and even an orchard with picnic tables where families gather for afternoon fika. The on-site bakery produces fresh sourdough, cinnamon buns, and pastries daily — many made using ingredients straight from the garden. There’s a plant shop, an organic food store, and even a secondhand bookstall nestled among the trees.
Whether you’re a solo traveler looking to unwind with a book or a family seeking space for kids to run around, this spot delivers serenity and style in equal measure.
🌇 2. Monteliusvägen – The Sunset Spot Locals Keep Secret
If you’re searching for the best view in Stockholm, skip the crowds and head to Monteliusvägen. This narrow clifftop walking path is located on the northern edge of Södermalm and offers a postcard-perfect panorama of the city — all without the tourist hustle. The view includes the iconic towers of Gamla Stan, City Hall, and the gentle curves of Lake Mälaren.
What makes Monteliusvägen special is its quiet, residential charm. As you walk along the path, you’ll pass charming cottages, ivy-covered railings, and benches that seem perfectly placed for watching the sunset. The light here in the golden hour is pure magic, turning rooftops gold and casting long shadows across the water.
This is a great place for travel photography, quiet reflection, or even a romantic moment away from the main attractions. It’s just a short walk from Mariatorget metro station, but it feels worlds away from the city center.
📷 3. Fotografiska – Stockholm’s Edgy Photo Museum
Fotografiska isn’t your average museum. Located in a renovated industrial building in Södermalm, it’s one of the world’s top contemporary photography museums — and yet it often flies under the radar for visitors focused on history-heavy attractions. Inside, you’ll find bold, rotating exhibitions that tackle topics from identity and human rights to fashion and abstraction.
What really sets Fotografiska apart is its immersive experience. The lighting, layout, and audio design make each exhibition feel like stepping into someone’s world. You don’t just look at photos — you feel them. It’s accessible even if you’re not an art buff, and the storytelling is compelling and visual.
At the top of the museum, you’ll find a café with floor-to-ceiling windows and a view of the harbor that’s worth the entry fee alone. It’s a great spot to relax after browsing the galleries — and the perfect place for digital nomads to open a laptop for a while.
🧠4. Stigberget Viewpoint – The Quiet Alternative
While Monteliusvägen gets most of the glory, locals often prefer Stigberget — a quieter, more natural lookout point also located in Södermalm. It’s not marked by flashy signs or tour groups, but if you wander up past the Katarina Elevator, you’ll stumble upon this tucked-away gem with sweeping views of the water and old town.
The charm of Stigberget lies in its simplicity. It’s just a small park space with some benches, a few trees, and a lot of open sky. On a clear day, you can see boats glide across the harbor while the spires of Gamla Stan reach into the horizon. In spring and summer, wildflowers pop up along the path, making it feel more like a secret garden than a city park.
It’s an excellent stop for journaling, sketching, or just catching your breath between adventures. Pack a snack and take a seat — you might find it hard to leave.
🌲 5. Skogskyrkogården – Stockholm’s Spiritual Forest
Yes, it’s a cemetery — but Skogskyrkogården (The Woodland Cemetery) is so much more. This serene forest space, just a short subway ride from the city center, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site designed by renowned Swedish architects Gunnar Asplund and Sigurd Lewerentz. It’s where nature, architecture, and silence come together in perfect harmony.
The cemetery is laid out like a natural park, with gently rolling hills, winding paths, and minimalist chapels nestled among pine trees. It was built in the early 1900s with the idea that life and death are part of the same peaceful cycle, and walking here genuinely feels like a spiritual reset.
Visitors are welcome — and many come just to admire the landscape, the peaceful atmosphere, and the blending of Nordic design with nature. Greta Garbo is buried here, and her gravestone is often adorned with fresh flowers from admirers.
🎒 Final Thoughts
Stockholm may be known for its royal palaces and grand museums, but its real charm often lies in the places you won’t find in most guidebooks. From peaceful gardens to rooftop views and intimate art experiences, these five hidden gems offer a deeper, more personal connection to the city.
If you’re looking to go beyond the postcard-perfect stops and find places that locals love — The Rogue Oyster’s guide is your passport to the secret Stockholm.
