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The most unmissable places to visit in Sweden

Feb 7, 2022 • 7 min read

Stretching from the Arctic tundra of Lapland to the sandy beaches of Skåne, Europe’s fifth-largest country has something for every interest © Jens Ottoson / Shutterstock

From ABBA to IKEA, Pippi Longstocking to The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo , the Nobel Prizes to Ingmar Bergman, Sweden has given so much to the world – and it's equally generous to travelers. 

Stretching from the Arctic tundra of Lapland to the fertile farmlands and sandy beaches of Skåne, Europe’s fifth-largest country has something for every interest: captivating cities, picturesque small towns, intriguing historic sites and pristine, diverse nature within easy reach, no matter where you find yourself. Here are some of Sweden’s most unmissable destinations.

Delve into history, culture and nature in Stockholm 

Few cities blend history, culture and nature as well as Stockholm . Founded around 1252, Sweden’s capital straddles 14 islands where Lake Mälaren meets the Baltic Sea. With scenic views galore, distinct neighborhoods and abundant green space, it’s a wonderful place to simply wander.

Explore the winding cobblestone streets of Gamla Stan , stroll along the waterfront boulevard Strandvägen, take a boat trip into the stunning archipelago or stop for a coffee and pastry at one of the city’s many cafés. For more focused sightseeing, Stockholm has endless attractions to keep you busy, from City Hall and the Royal Palace to top-notch museums such as  Skansen ,  Fotografiska  and  Vasamuseet .

Chic bars, stunning parks and ABBA: Stockholm's neighborhoods have it all

Get to know laidback Gothenburg

Sweden’s second city in terms of size, Göteborg , as it's known locally, has a laidback west-coast vibe that sets it apart. Streetcars rattle past 17th-century canals, lively squares and the broad boulevard Kungsportsavenyn, lined with pubs and restaurants.

Along with verdant parks, diverse walking neighborhoods and great shopping and dining, Göteborg has an excellent city history museum and an art museum with an outstanding collection of paintings by Nordic artists. Ship lovers won’t want to miss Maritiman , where you can climb aboard vessels including a historic lightship, a submarine and a destroyer.

Soak up the coastal scenery in Bohuslän 

Sandwiched between Göteborg and the Norwegian border, Bohuslän is an enticing mix of gorgeous coastal scenery, idyllic small towns and fascinating history.

Explore the impressive 17th-century Carlsten Fortress atop Marstrand island, ponder the mysteries of hundreds of ancient petroglyphs near Tanum, kayak the fjords around the region’s many islands, hike a coastal trail or just relax and soak up the natural beauty and lively summer atmosphere in picturesque waterfront communities, such as Smögen, Fjällbacka and Grebbestad.

Take in traditional arts and handicrafts in Dalarna 

Few places have shaped Sweden's international image as much as Dalarna , a region rich in cultural history and tradition. The area around Lake Siljan is a center for folk music, dance and handicrafts, including iconic wooden Dala horses, which you can see being carved and painted by hand at factories in Nusnäs .

In Falun, Sweden’s most important copper mine, which closed in 1992 after operating for a thousand years, is now a fascinating tourist attraction with underground tours. Other highlights include the homes of artists Carl Larsson and Anders Zorn and composer Hugo Alfvén . 

Get spiritual in Uppsala

Uppsala has been an important center for learning, religion, culture and power for at least 1500 years. At Gamla Uppsala , north of the city center, three large royal burial mounds attest to the site's importance in the 6th century, and its adjacent museum has fascinating exhibits about the area’s history.

In modern Uppsala, stroll along the river Fyrisån, and wander through the parks, squares and cobbled streets around the oldest university and the largest cathedral in the Nordic countries, both dating from the 15th century. Plant lovers won’t want to miss the university’s Linnaean Gardens of Uppsala , comprising a botanical garden, an orangery and a tropical greenhouse , among other attractions.

Tailor a trip to practically any interest in Lapland 

Sweden’s far north, Lapland is a huge area, so where to go depends on your particular interests. Looking for majestic alpine scenery and wilderness hiking? The region has both in spades, including several national parks and one of the world’s great long-distance trails, Kungsleden . 

Hoping to see the Northern Lights? Abisko National Park is particularly renowned for ideal aurora conditions, though you’ll have excellent chances all over northern Sweden in autumn and winter.

Want an unusual hotel experience? Head to the Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi or Treehotel in Harads. Want to learn about Scandinavia’s indigenous people? Jokkmokk is something of a Sámi capital, with an interesting cultural museum, Ájtte , and a vibrant annual winter market . 

Hike to great heights in Höga Kusten 

Between Härnösand and Örnsköldsvik, the High Coast has been rising steadily since the end of the last Ice Age, elevating the ancient shoreline as much as 286m (938ft) above the present-day coast. Hiking trails, a chairlift and a via ferrata lead to the top of Skuleberget, which has panoramic views.

Head to Skuleskogen National Park for more hiking trails showcasing the region’s fascinating geology, or explore the lovely islands just offshore, including Ulvön and Trysunda. Further south the E4 highway crosses Sweden’s longest suspension bridge; an overlook at the north end provides views of the impressive structure.

See a different side of Swedish history in Skåne 

Previously a Danish county, Skåne only became a permanent part of Sweden in 1658, and the region’s unique history is evident in its distinct dialect and in the half-timbered houses of its medieval cities and towns, such as Lund and Ystad. Malmö , Sweden’s third-largest city, is an eclectic blend of history, culture and cutting-edge architecture, including the iconic Turning Torso . 

Skåne also has tremendous natural beauty, from the white-sand beaches of Österlen and the jagged coastline of Kullaberg to deep forests and golden agricultural landscapes with vast skies, and its many splendid castles and palaces include Sofiero , known for its beautiful gardens. 

Sweden's most beautiful beaches: from sunbathing near the Arctic Circle to lakeside lounging

Go back in time in Kalmar and shop for glass in Glasriket

An important town during the Middle Ages, Kalmar has one of Sweden’s finest Renaissance castles , as well as a county museum with thousands of astonishingly well-preserved artifacts recovered from the royal ship Kronan, sunk nearby in a 1676 battle.

To the west is  Glasriket , a forested region known as the Kingdom of Crystal, that's home to more than a dozen diverse glassworks, where you can watch artisans work, shop at company stores and perhaps even try your own hand at glassblowing. The most renowned, Kosta Boda , dates from 1742.

Next door, the Kosta Boda Art Hotel has gorgeous art glass everywhere, including a stunning blue-glass bar. For a completely different style, head to Malerås , which produces unique painted and engraved art glass.

Have a medieval adventure in Gotland

A hotly contested hub of Baltic trade for centuries, Sweden’s largest island is dotted with sheep farms, fishing villages, ancient ruins, medieval churches and sea stacks ( raukar ) carved by the elements into fantastical shapes. Charming Visby , the largest town, has one of Scandinavia’s best-preserved medieval cores, a largely intact city wall and an excellent museum tracing the island’s history.

A short free ferry ride from Gotland’s northeastern tip lies stunning, windswept Fårö, beloved by director Ingmar Bergman . Off Gotland’s west coast, the island of Stora Karlsö is famous for its huge seabird colonies.

Get outside in Öland 

Just a bridge away from Kalmar, the long, narrow island of Öland is a world apart in terms of landscape and nature. Southern Öland has starkly beautiful scenery, with stone walls, wildflowers, windmills and rocky pastures. In the north lie Böda Sand, a spectacular, hugely popular beach, and Trollskogen , a magical forest with pine trees twisted by the elements into fantastical shapes.

Two scenic lighthouses, Långe Erik and  Långe Jan , punctuate the island’s northern and southern tips respectively. Other highlights include the impressive ruins of 17th-century Borgholms Castle and the lush park at Solliden Palace , the royal family’s summer home. Öland is also one of Sweden’s top birdwatching destinations, with several nature reserves that attract both resident and migratory species.

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Sweden ranked best country in the world for sustainable tourism

Scandinavia is renowned for its progressive attitudes so it’s no surprise that sweden is leading the drive for sustainable travel. olivia palamountain reports.

Sustainability is at the “forefront of global conscience”, says the Top Countries for Sustainable Tourism report released by global market research company Euromonitor International, with 66.4 per cent of international consumers wanting to have a positive impact on the environment through their daily actions in 2021.

The new report forms part of the Sustainable Travel Index , which assessed 99 destinations in 2020 through the lens of environmental, social and economic sustainability, sustainable tourism demand, transport and lodging, and country risk (in terms of geopolitics, natural disasters, man-made catastrophes and diseases ).

In breaking down attitudes and achievements by region, the report finds that Scandinavia is leading by example in its engagement and progress towards sustainable travel, with Sweden ranked first, followed by Finland, Austria, Estonia and Norway.

Top 20 destinations for sustainable tourism in 2020

• Switzerland
• Czech Republic
• Netherlands

“Sweden is a pioneer in lifecycle assessment research which is critical to understand the full impact of consumer behaviour and consumption patterns,” says Caroline Bremner, head of travel at Euromonitor International.

The Euromonitor report states: “Sweden is the birthplace of the flygskam (flight shaming) movement and home to climate strike activist, Greta Thunberg. Focused on devising a sustainable tourism strategy, Sweden is working to promote rural and regional tourism in core cities.

“The country also benefits from efficient transport infrastructure and alternative forms of travel besides air to help appease flight-shaming. For sustainable lodging, Sweden serves as a role model with its award-winning Nordic eco-chic architecture and design.”

In 1995, Sweden became one of the first countries in the world to initiate a carbon tax placed on carbon-intensive fuels such as oil and natural gas, something that cut down Sweden’s dependency on fossil fuels enormously.

The country is also highly engaged with the Sustainable Development Goals and preserves its Arctic ice and permafrost to help stop climate change, aiming to achieve net zero emissions by 2045.

Germany and France also show good progress in sustainable transport and lodging, as do the likes of New Zealand, Bolivia and Canada.

“There is globally a clear change in mindset and resistance in returning to a volume-driven travel and tourism model. Instead, stakeholders are rallying together to ‘build back better’ through value creation from sustainable tourism.

“As momentum grows in the run up to COP26, consumers, travel brands, destination marketing organisations and governments continue to align to avert the climate emergency,” says Bremner.

Top ten countries for environmental sustainability in 2020

One of many major challenges for the travel industry is making its consumption of resources, such as water, sustainable. The report states: “ Tourism is a heavy user of precious resources such as water for bathrooms, pools, golf courses and spas, leading to water supply and management challenges that can lead to conflict with local communities over resources. ”

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More From Forbes

How sweden celebrates midsummer, and why you should, too.

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The maypole and flower crowns are key elements of the Swedish midsummer celebrations.

Every year around the summer solstice, Swedes gather to celebrate Midsummer, a festival marking the longest day of the year.

Held on the Friday between June 19 and June 25, although often lasting the full weekend, the Midsummer celebration is a time for outdoor gatherings, singing, dancing, and indulging in traditional food.

Rooted in ancient pagan traditions, this celebration honors the arrival of summer and the fertility of the Earth.

Whether you're in Sweden or celebrating elsewhere, Midsummer is a wonderful way to embrace the warmth and light of summer, Scandinavian style.

Midsummer Celebrations In Sweden

The heart of Midsummer celebrations lies in the outdoor gatherings that bring together family, friends, and even strangers.

One of the most iconic symbols of Midsummer is the maypole, or midsommarstång . This tall wooden pole, often adorned with birch leaves and wildflowers, becomes the centerpiece of the festivities and is a real icon of Swedish culture .

People of all ages gather around the maypole to sing traditional folk songs and perform lively dances. One of the most popular dances involves participants mimicking the movements of little frogs!

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In addition to dancing, Midsummer is a time for enjoying delicious food. The traditional Swedish smorgasbord is a highlight, offering a variety of dishes that showcase the country's rich culinary traditions.

Pickled herring, known as sill , is a staple, often served with boiled potatoes, sour cream, and chives. Gravlax , or cured salmon, is another favorite, typically accompanied by a mustard-dill sauce. Small sausages, crispbreads, and various salads complete the feast.

Outdoor dinner parties are a common feature of Swedish midsummer celebrations.

To complement the meal, participants enjoy beer and snaps , a spiced, herb-infused liquor that adds a festive spirit to the occasion.

No Swedish Midsummer celebration is complete without the beautiful flower crowns, or midsommarkrans . These intricate wreaths, made from an assortment of summer flowers and foliage, are an integral part of the celebrations. Crafting these crowns is often a communal activity.

Why You Should Celebrate Midsummer, Swedish Style

Experiencing Swedish Midsummer offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in a vibrant and joyful celebration that captures the essence of Swedish and Scandinavian culture.

For travelers, Midsummer is an ideal time to visit Sweden. The country's natural beauty is at its peak, with long daylight hours providing ample time to explore the picturesque landscapes.

If you are planning to visit Sweden to join in the celebrations, Visit Sweden maintains a list of public celebrations in the big cities and beyond.

Even if you’re not in Sweden, there’s nothing stopping you from adopting the festive spirit and celebrating Midsummer in your own way.

Hosting a family-friendly party is a fantastic way to embrace the tradition. You can create your own maypole, prepare a smorgasbord of Swedish dishes, and invite friends and family to join in the fun.

Crowns of flowers are made by children in Sweden as part of the Midsummer celebrations.

Making flower crowns is a delightful activity that adds an authentic touch to your celebration.

Midsummer is also a chance to connect with nature and enjoy the longest days of the year. Even without a party, simply spending time outdoors, whether in your backyard, at a local park, or by a nearby body of water, aligns with the spirit of the holiday.

Swedish Midsummer Celebrations In North America

It’s not just Sweden where you’ll find Scandinavian-style midsummer celebrations. Parts of Norway, Denmark, and Finland also mark this joyous occasion.

The tradition has also crossed the Atlantic to North America, where vibrant Midsummer festivities can be found in several regions, notably those rich in Scandinavian heritage.

Andersonville, Chicago

The Andersonville Midsommarfest street festival is one of the largest of its type in the United States. It features extensive festivities, including a maypole, traditional folk dancing, live music, and a variety of Swedish foods and crafts.

Chicago’s Swedish American Museum is among the participants, running the Swedish stage and a beer tent. Visitors should note the festival is held almost two weeks before the summer solstice, on the weekend of June 7-9.

American Swedish Institute, Minneapolis

The American Swedish Institute hosts a major Midsummer celebration that includes maypole dancing, live performances, children’s activities, and authentic Swedish cuisine. This family-friendly event draws visitors from across the region and is a significant cultural highlight in Minneapolis.

Rockefeller Park, New York City

The Swedish Midsummer Festival , presented by the Consulate General of Sweden, New York and Battery Park City Authority, features dancing, Swedish music, and a market with Swedish foods and crafts. Located in Lower Manhattan, it showcases Swedish culture to a diverse, extensive audience in a vibrant urban setting.

Other Notable Celebrations

It’s impossible to list every Swedish midsummer celebration in North America, but other notable events include the Midsummer’s Festival at Lindsborg, Kansas, the Scandinavian Midsummer Festival in Golden, Colorado, and events organized by the Vasa Order of America.

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Danish King Frederik and his Australian-born wife visit Sweden on their first official trip abroad

From left, Sweden’s Queen Silvia, Denmark’s Queen Mary, Denmark’s King Frederik X and Sweden’s King Carl XVI Gustaf stand, at Skeppsbron, in Stockholm, Sweden, Monday, May 6, 2024. Denmark’s King Frederik X has arrived in Stockholm, accompanied by his Australian-born wife Queen Mary, as he embarked on his first official visit abroad as new Danish monarch. (Jonas Ekströmer/TT News Agency via AP)

CAPTION CORRECTS BYLINE Denmark’s King Frederik X is welcomed by Sweden’s King Carl XVI Gustaf, on arrival, at Skeppsbron, in Stockholm, Sweden, Monday, May 6, 2024. Denmark’s King Frederik X has arrived in Stockholm, accompanied by his Australian-born wife Queen Mary, as he embarked on his first official visit abroad as new Danish monarch. (Ida Marie Odgaard/Ritzau Scanpix via AP)

Denmark’s King Frederik X, foreground, stands by Sweden’s King Carl XVI Gustaf, with Denmark’s Queen Mary and Sweden’s Queen Silvia, in the Hall of State at the Royal Palace in Stockholm, Sweden, Monday, May 6, 2024. Denmark’s King Frederik X has arrived in Stockholm, accompanied by his Australian-born wife Queen Mary, as he embarked on his first official visit abroad as new Danish monarch. (Fredrik Sandberg//TT News Agency via AP)

CAPTION CORRECTS SOURCE Denmark’s King Frederik X, left and Queen Mary, are welcomed by Sweden’s Queen Silvia, centre right and King Carl XVI Gustaf, upon their arrival, at Skeppsbron, in Stockholm, Sweden, Monday, May 6, 2024. Denmark’s King Frederik X has arrived in Stockholm, accompanied by his Australian-born wife Queen Mary, as he embarked on his first official visit abroad as new Danish monarch. (Ida Marie Odgaard/Ritzau Scanpix via AP)

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COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) — Denmark’s King Frederik X arrived in Stockholm on Monday with his Australian-born wife Queen Mary, as they begin their first official visit abroad as new Danish monarchs.

The 55-year-old Frederik was proclaimed king on Jan. 14 after his 83-year-old mother, Queen Margrethe II, who was Europe’s longest-reigning monarch, abdicated.

In the Swedish capital, Frederik and Mary were first greeted by Crown Princess Victoria and her husband Prince Daniel, who boarded the Danish royal yacht Dannebrog.

They then took the gilded Swedish Royal Barge to shore and were welcomed there by King Carl XVI Gustaf, Sweden’s longest-reigning monarch, and German-Brazilian-born Queen Silvia.

The welcome also included a cannon salute and music by Sweden’s Royal Guards, lined up on the quay at the foot of the Swedish royal palace.

Relations between the two royal houses are close. Frederik’s grandmother, Queen Ingrid who died in 2000, was a Swedish princess.

The May 6-7 visit includes meetings with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kirstersson and the speaker of the Swedish Parliament. A visit to a military facility is also scheduled.

Danish government members also accompanied the royals, among them Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen and Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen.

Danish monarchs, whose roles are ceremonial, traditionally travel to other Scandinavian countries first. Although Frederik had a solo visit to Poland in January , it was planned before his mother’s surprise New Year’s Eve abdication.

Later this month, Frederik and Mary will travel to Oslo, where they will be greeted by King Harald V and Queen Sonja.

Frederik’s mother was t he first Danish monarch to voluntarily relinquish the throne in nearly 900 years, causing the Nordic nation to experience its first royal succession in more than a half century.

Denmark’s monarchy traces its origins to 10th century Viking king Gorm the Old, making it the oldest in Europe and one of the oldest in the world.

Sweden Tightens Security At Eurovision Amid Pro-Palestinian Protests

P erformers from across Europe and beyond will compete in the first semi-final of the 68th Eurovision Song Contest on Tuesday, amid heightened security prompted by pro-Palestinian protesters objecting to Israel’s participation in the competition.

The international songwriting competition kicked off over the weekend in Malmo, Sweden. The city already expected about 100,000 fans to visit, and amped up security for the event in anticipation of thousands of people protesting Israel’s participation in the contest. Protests are expected to take place Thursday and Saturday, coinciding with the competition’s second semi-final and the grand final, Associated Press reported. 

“I think it’s obvious that the world’s insecurity has also affected Eurovision,” Malmo Police Chief Petra Stenkula told BBC a few days before the event began. “In Sweden, and Malmo in particular, there have been protests against Israel taking part in the competition.”

While Stenkula told BBC that there were no specific threats to the contest, additional security officials have been called in from across Sweden, in addition to Denmark and Norway. Some officers may carry larger weapons as a precaution, and officials have also set up cameras around the venue.

Sweden had already been “on a terror level of four out of five,” Stenkula told BBC . The country increased the alert level in August 2023, after a spate of Quran-burning incidents sparked outrage and triggered protests in many Muslim-majority countries.

More than 150 million people from around the world watch Eurovision. Organizers insist the event is apolitical, and recently branded it with the slogan “United by Music.” Organizers have long banned most flags and signs from the contest—the only exceptions are participants’ national flags and the pride flag, meaning that Palestinian flags and pro-Palestinian symbols are not allowed inside the Malmo Arena venue.

Jean Philip De Tender is the deputy director general of the European Broadcasting Union, which organizes the competition, and he told Sky News that barring Israel from the competition “would have been a political decision, and as such (one) which we cannot take.”

Organizers did previously tell Israel to change the lyrics of its song, initially called “October Rain,” because of its apparent reference to Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack that killed about 1,200 Israelis. Organizers had said that they would disqualify participants who didn’t abide by Eurovision’s apolitical nature, according to Reuters . Israeli singer Eden Golan will still perform the song at Eurovision, but it’s since been renamed to “Hurricane,” Associated Press reported.

The war in Gaza has killed nearly 35,000 Palestinians, according to the Hamas-controlled Palestinian Ministry of Health .

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• Mexico’s MICHELIN One Star Taqueria: Taquería El Califa de León

The MICHELIN Guide Inspectors share a peek behind their decision.

Editor's Pick One MICHELIN Star tacos Mexico

Whether you’re in Miami, Manhattan, or Madrid, one thing remains constant in the restaurant industry: long-standing spots are hard to find. Enter Taquería El Califa de León . This humble taqueria in Mexico City’s San Rafael neighborhood has been in business for more than 70 years, and for good reason. They’re best known for their signature gaonera taco, an item our MICHELIN Inspectors took special note of during their multiple visits. Below, our Inspectors share a bit about what made them bestow One MICHELIN Star on this simple taqueria—with sensational food. 

The Setting

Think One Star dining is only elegant dining rooms with tables set with pressed white linens? Think again, as this taqueria is standing room only. To get a better sense of the place, one Inspector shared, “There are no tables and seats here—just a metal shelf-style counter to balance your plate.” Another noted, “it’s a humble spot that you could easily walk by. Obscured from view by clothing vendors and various shops, this taqueria is a mere slip of an operation dominated by a griddle, a tortilla press, refrigerator, and a short counter.” A third Inspector put the space in perspective: “The interior doesn’t allow for more than a handful of people to be inside at once.”

Naturally, it’s all about tacos here. The thinly sliced meats are prepared simply and skillfully on the plancha with some lard, coarse salt, and a squeeze of lime juice—that’s it. Handmade corn tortillas are made right alongside, and it’s all cooked to order. The menu is tightly edited with just four options: bistec (seared steak), chuleta (thinly sliced pork chop), costilla (fork-tender beef), and their signature creation, the gaonera, with whole steak. 

Why It Stands Out

It’s often said that you should do one thing and do it well, but in this taqueria’s case, they do four things well. Our Inspectors appreciated the simplicity of El Califa’s approach. “It’s about the meat and tortilla without any fuss or garnish to dress it up or hide behind.” High quality products and consistency are key to this taqueria’s success. “Their technical ability shines, and since they only have four options on the menu, it allows them to maintain their standards throughout.” Whether they visited in the morning or at night during the busy dinner hours, the quality remained the same on every visit.

The Tacos Tasted:

Bistec 
“Seared on the plancha with lard, lime and salt, the meat is especially tender and flavorful with a nice sear. It’s a wonderful taco with good quality steak and a great tortilla. The salsa really makes it come alive, adding a vibrancy that doesn’t overpower the simple taco.”

Chuleta 
“A thinly sliced pork chop that is nicely seared with a golden-brown exterior and a juicy interior, served on an excellent, freshly pressed masa tortilla.”

Costilla 
“This thin slice of beef was incredibly flavorful and so tender. The chef had my first two ready right away and timed it perfectly to hand me this just as I had finished my first plate. I got to eat it piping hot with the meat practically melting it was so tender.”

Gaonera 
“It’s a skillfully prepared ribeye even more tender than the bistec and served on a thin yellow corn tortilla. The meat is so flavorful it doesn’t need it, but there is an option to add their house-made tomatillo salsa. There is a purity and simplicity to what they are doing here.”

Tortillas Theirs are made by hand to order. “The masa is hand mixed with water to perfect the consistency to pass through the tortilla machine, and the resulting tortillas leaned a touch larger than some of the other tortillas seen in the city.” 



It's an “impressive” meal that is also affordable but be sure to bring cash, as they don’t accept credit cards. 

Hero image: The MICHELIN Guide

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Member privileges

The Plus program provides upgrades and amenities at participating hotels. For this hotel, Plus members will receive:

Non-members can add the privileges at checkout through our 30 day free trial, cancellable at anytime.