Jonny Johansson co-founded the Acne Studios creative collective with three friends in 1996. The name was an acronym for Ambition to Create Novel Expression.
“I wish we hadn’t called it that,” Johansson told The Guardian in 2013. “People said it was a weird name, and I agree with them.” But they attracted attention anyway. In 1997, they distributed 100 pairs of straight-legged jeans with red stitching to members of the Stockholm’s creative set. Articles in Wallpaper and French Vogue soon followed.
Twenty-eight years later, Acne Studios is world-renowned. In 2020, the brand opened its flagship store at a bank in the center of town where, in 1973, the robbery and hostage standoff that inspired the term Stockholm Syndrome took place. Just in time for summer—the city’s best season—Johansson shares his favorite spots in his hometown.
Ett hem
First thing you need to do is to find somewhere decent to stay. I would recommend Ett Hem, a place where you will feel at home—a good thing if you end up visiting Stockholm on a gloomy grey day. Spend the day at the hotel. You will enjoy it. (etthem)
ilcaffè
Second thing you need is things to eat. For coffee, visit my friend’s place ilcaffè. There are a few but I prefer the one on Södermannagatan, in the Södermalm district. (ilcaffe)
Pelikan
If you are up for some classic Swedish food in an old restaurant institution, I would recommend Pelikan. (pelikan)
café nizza
Another favorite place of mine is Café Nizza—great atmosphere and a good cacio pepe. (cafenizza)
freyja + Söder
Stockholm can offer beautiful views. Order a drink, food, or both, and enjoy it on Freyja’s terrace. (freyjasoder)
bord
The best dinner in town is at Bord. Don’t miss it! (bord.restaurant)
moderna museet
If you feel like going to a museum, I would recommend this modern and contemporary museum. It’s also a nice walk to get there. (modernamuseet)
No cricket
For shopping, check out No Cricket, a second-hand store and vintage archive. (nocricketstockholm)
svenskt tenn
You should also pay a visit to Svenskt Tenn for some beautiful Scandinavian furniture. You might not be able to carry anything out with you, but there are also smaller things. (svensktenn)
Centralbadet
Should you need to be inside, as you might want to during cold and dark winters, visit Centralbadet. (centralbadet)
MONTELIUSVÄGEN / djurgården
If you need to relax and unwind, take a stroll at Monteliusvägen, or visit Djurgården.
Landsort
Last but not least: make sure to visit Landsort and its old light house. Landsort is a small island far out in the open sea. You can also find good surfing on the nearby island of Torö.
