The Hipster Guide to Uppsala

Join us for a day filled with unique experiences beyond the big chains and traditional attractions. Uppsala offers many unique shops, charming cafes, and modern art galleries to discover!

Morning: Breakfast and Architecture Spotting in Rosendal

Start your day in the trendy Rosendal district with breakfast at the quirky café “Himlen är blå som en apelsin,” (translating into The Sky is Blue Like an Orange) offering all-day breakfast plates inspired by various cultures.

Then, visit Kvarteret, a curated space filled with interior décor, vintage items, furniture, gifts, lighting, and toys. The store also features a café – ideal for a cup of coffee, a sweet treat, a light meal, or perhaps a glass of wine or beer. When the weather allows, the outdoor seating area opens up, perfect for sunny afternoons and warm evenings.

Kvarteret is more than just a store. It’s a lively meeting place where events like Saturday morning music quizzes, themed wine tastings, live music, and other happenings regularly take place. With the atmosphere of a living room in the heart of the city, it’s a space designed for relaxation, inspiration, and good company.

Explore Rosendal’s diverse architecture and public art before heading to central Uppsala. The area is known for its many unique and sometimes quirky houses.

Late Morning: Second-hand Shopping and Unique Stores

Continue your day with some shopping. Visit Beyond Retro in Forumgallerian for American second-hand and vintage with a retro vibe. On Sysslomansgatan, Ruth & Raoul offers handpicked vintage clothing, and Restyle Second Hand & Records is the place to be if you want to browse street-style fashion and vinyl record.

For a unique shopping experience, visit the cute store Lilla Japan and check out Japanese food, candy, crafts, and home decor. The comic book heaven Seriezonen on Drottninggatan boats one of Sweden’s best selections of comics and also hosts occasional events with both local and international artists. For men’s fashion, head to Jocke och Nisse, known for their jeans and for serving authentic northern-style coffee to their customers.

Lunch: Exciting Set Menu at Yocha Studio

Take a break for lunch at Yocha Studio in central Uppsala, a tranquil oasis in the city center serving Chinese Kung Fu Tea, Bubble Tea, and an all-day lunch set menu with steamed dumplings, flavorful tofu, vegetables – and tea of course. Don’t forget to explore their small shop eastern style crafts and design items.

Afternoon: Art Galleries and a Pit Stop at the Beer Bar

After lunch, delve into Uppsala’s art scene. A visit to the city’s Art Museum might sound like an activity right up the beaten path, but this museum is located in a several hundred years old pink castle!

If you want to explore the local art scene, take a stroll in the smaller galleries like Zeitgeist for a local art in a wide range of styles, or Gallery Wildstyle for street art and graffiti. Kaleido is a cooperative with various artisans working with ceramics, textiles, jewelry, and more.

If you need a caffeine boost, stop by Café Varga for a coffee and select your favorite song on the jukebox. Or head back to the city center and the relaxed beer bar Taps which combines a super relaxed atmosphere with a very serious beer list. In addition to discussing sour beer with the friendly staff, you can also borrow different board games from the bar counter here.

Dinner: Bustling Local Restaurant or International Food Market

After a day packed with different activities, enjoy a great dinner at the lively newcomer DUO, a somewhat hidden local gem with a creative menu and good cocktails.

For a more laid-back option, visit the new Uppsala Matmarknad near Studenternas, a market offering street food from around the world, all year round. Take a seat at the communal table to meet new people.

Evening: Be Creative at Art Night or Laugh with Top Comedians

End your day with a fun activity. On Thursdays, you can join the locals at Art Night at Uppsala Art Museum for free themed evenings with open viewings, creative workshops, music, food, and drinks.

If you prefer some lighter entertaqinment, check out Uppsala’s comedy scene with stand-up shows at Kappa Bar, Fyris Comedy or Oslipat. Some of the events are in English or include English speaking comedians.

Accommodation: Hotell Botanika

Check-in at Hotell Botanika, a hotel decorated in green tones to match the adjacent Linnaeus Garden. If you don’t feel like going to sleep just yet, they have a bar offering fun activities like cornhole and shuffleboard. In the summer, you can enjoy a nightcap under the tree in their cozy courtyard.