Stockholm: Nordic Food Walk & Östermalms Market Tasting

Summary

Cheese, game meats and fika in Stockholm’s old town streets

You’ll wander Stockholm’s markets and old town streets, sampling cheeses and smoked meats at Östermalms Saluhall before sitting down for classic Swedish lunch (yes, meatballs). With your local guide sharing stories—and sweets—you’ll get tastes and moments you’ll remember long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

We started in Östermalm, which I’d only seen in photos before—sleek buildings, people in dark coats moving fast. Our guide (Anna) waved us over with this big smile and launched right into stories about Swedish cheese. I’m not usually a cheese person but the sharpness of that Västerbotten kind of woke me up. The market hall was busier than I expected for a weekday morning—there was this smell of smoked meat mixed with fresh bread. Anna handed us a tiny glass of what she called “the gold of the north”—I think it was some kind of local beer? It tasted way lighter than it looked.

After that we walked towards the city center, passing by shop windows full of pastries I couldn’t pronounce. Lunch was classic: meatballs (with potatoes that were almost creamy inside), lingonberry jam on the side. Anna explained why Swedes pair sweet jam with savory food—honestly, it works. She laughed when I tried to say “köttbullar” and probably butchered it. We cut through King’s Garden where someone played accordion under the trees; felt like something out of an old movie.

The last bit took us through Gamla Stan’s winding alleys—cobblestones that made my feet ache a little but I didn’t care. Anna passed around little paper bags of salty licorice and some kind of caramel candy (I still think about that licorice). The buildings glowed yellow in the late afternoon light and there was this mix of tourists and locals just… lingering. We said goodbye near a medieval square, still tasting sugar on our tongues. I didn’t expect to feel so at home wandering those streets.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Swedish cuisine and Old Town

• Start at Östermalms Market Hall
• Taste cheeses, game meat, and beer
• Walk towards city center
• Enjoy traditional Swedish lunch
• Learn about Swedish meatballs
• Pass through Kings Garden
• Visit Vogue's third coolest district
• End tour in Old Town
• Taste traditional candy and sweets

Top questions

How long is the Nordic Food Walk in Stockholm?

The tour lasts approximately 4 hours.

Does the tour include lunch?

Yes, a traditional Swedish lunch is included during the food walk.

Are drinks provided on this Stockholm food tour?

You’ll get a glass of wine, water, and samples including local beer during tastings.

Where does the Stockholm food tour start?

The tour begins in the Östermalm area at Östermalms Saluhall market hall.

Will we visit Gamla Stan on this day trip?

Yes, the route includes walking through Gamla Stan (Old Town).

Is there vegetarian food available on this tour?

You can request vegetarian options when booking; changes aren’t possible once the tour starts.

How much walking is involved?

You should have at least moderate physical fitness as there is significant walking between stops.

What’s included

Your day includes all food tastings—from cheeses to game meats—plus a glass of wine, water, and a traditional Swedish lunch along the way. A professional guide leads you from Östermalms Market Hall through King’s Garden to Old Town, finishing with sweets before saying goodbye near medieval squares.