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The 20 essential travel tips for visiting Stockholm

Wondering whether to use cash, or whether to bare all at the sauna? We've got you covered.

You can plan out every minute of every day when visiting a city like Stockholm , and you’ll still get caught out by one tiny little thing. Train tickets. Cash only. That sort of thing. You might even get caught in an embarrassing foreign blunder, where you order a coffee at completely the wrong time. 

Anyway, this is as true in the Scandinavian capital of cool as it is anywhere else. Want to know which stations to avoid, and what time you should eat cake? Do you bare all at a sauna, or keep your pants on? From metro tickets to how to say ‘hello’, here is every travel tip you’ll need for your first time in Stockholm. 

RECOMMENDED: 📍 The best things to do in Stockholm 🍽️ The best restaurants in Stockholm 🏘️ Where to stay in Stockholm 🛍️ The best spots for shopping in Stockholm

This guide was updated by Madeleine Hyde , a writer based in Stockholm. At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines .  

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The ultimate Stockholm guide

1.  Access the airport the sneaky way

Many travellers don’t realise that apart from the expensive express train and coaches, you can get from Arlanda airport to the city centre by public transport. Follow signs to the local buses at any terminal, and look for the one that goes to Märsta station, which is on a commuter rail line. The whole journey to central Stockholm can be covered on a single ticket, which you can buy on the SL app.

2.  Don’t bring a ton of cash

Stockholm aims to become a cash-free city in the coming years, and in fact, many cafes, restaurants and hotels already enforce this policy. So on your trip, it’s best to bring your bank card and only use cash if you have to. 

3.  Look beyond the metro lines

Booking accommodation in Stockholm can be dizzying. Which island is best? How much should you spend? And most commonly asked: Can they all be accessed easily? In the inner-city, the answer is yes. But it’s worth looking further, too: the prices of accommodation go down if you look along the commuter rail lines, rather than just the metro lines. Don’t be intimidated by these local lines; they’ll often get you to the city centre just as quickly!

4.  Avoid the ‘stress tunnel’ at Centralen

An early sunset normally tempts Stockholmers to leave the office around 4pm and so for most of the year, this is our rush hour. Avoid the central station, ‘T-Centralen,’ at 4pm and at around 8 in the morning, if you can help it—this is when the ‘stress tunnel’ between the different metro lines is at its most congested.

5.  On weekdays, breakfast is simple and healthy

In cafes, you’ll find mostly muesli and yoghurt or bread rolls with ham and cheese served in the morning hours. On weekends, however, it’s a whole different story. Popular brunch spots like Kitchen & Table and Greasy Spoon fill up quickly, so be sure to book ahead!

6.  Pack your toughest boots

If you’re planning a winter trip, bring along some very sturdy shoes. From November through till March you can expect the ground to be covered in ‘slask,’ a grotty mix of melted snow and grit. It keeps you from falling over, but it will leave its mark on your footwear!

7.  Have a whole Swedish conversation with just two words

Swedes are well-known for their English skills; you’ll hear and see English all around you in Stockholm. Still, if you want to try out some Swedish, you can do so with minimal effort. You can say hello or goodbye with just ‘hej’ or ‘hej hej’ (where the ‘j’ is pronounced like an English ‘y’) and ‘tack’ means both thank you and please, so it’s extra easy to be polite.

8.  The flavours of fika

‘Fika’ is the Swedish coffee and cake ritual that means that the best cafes in the city will be full to the brim in the afternoons, especially on weekends. The traditional fika is with a cinnamon bun, but some cafes do their own variations: the rhubarb crumble buns at Fabrique, or the pistachio and blackcurrant version at Il Caffe are some favourites. It’s a crowded time, but well worth pushing in.

9.  Saunas are for revealing all

Another Nordic ritual is stripping down in the sauna. In Swedish culture, it’s generally encouraged to keep things private—except for when it comes to the sauna. Don’t expect to bring anything but yourself and a towel, which is mostly for drying yourself off after you plunge into an icy-cold lake.

10.  Save your clean-eating week for Stockholm

The vegan offerings in this city are unrivalled. You can order your coffee with oat, almond or soya milk in most cafes, get delicious vegan ice cream in stores or at Stikki Nikki, or try vegan pulled pork (called oomph ) in Max Burger, Vigårda and many other burger establishments.

11.  Spend late night at a gallery

If you’re a night owl looking for something more intellectually stimulating than a night on the tiles, thank goodness for Fotografiska, the photography exhibition on Södermalm’s northern waterfront. After the rest of the galleries have closed, this former factory stays open until 11pm.

12.  Lunch starts early in Sweden

Lunch is Sweden’s biggest meal of the day. Restaurants typically offer buffet lunches for a fixed price and start serving at noon sharp. Oh, and there won’t normally be any desserts on the table, but you can save your sweet tooth for later (see fika )!

13.  Down-time in the summer

Swedes take holidays very seriously—normally, by disappearing off to their countryside cottages or island retreats on the archipelago. This means that at certain times of the year, Stockholm is a bit of a ghost town, especially after Midsummer in June and July. On the plus side, visitors get the city to themselves!

14.  Island-hop in style for no extra cost

Your SL card (SL being the Stockholm transport system) can get you onto pretty much any transport, including some of the ferries that run between the inner-city islands. In the winter season, you can even use an SL ticket on ferries to the archipelago.

15.  Buying alcohol here is a bit… systematic

The Swedish government has a monopoly on alcohol—if it’s over 3.5% ABV, anyway. For the strong stuff, you’ll need to head to government-owned Systembolaget, which close early afternoons on Saturday and don’t open at all on Sundays. If you fancy a 2% beer (affectionately known to locals as folköl , or ‘the people’s beer’), you can get these in any regular store.

16.  Get a pint at 4pm

Rush hour is also the start of ‘After-Work’, a Swedish version of happy hour beginning around 4:30pm. Many pubs will serve a cheaper pint during these hours, and there’s even a club, Out of Office, that kicks off in the late afternoon instead of the late evening to cater to thirsty office workers. Download the club’s app for your free entrance ticket and dance your suit off.

17.  Culture without the entrance fee

If beer and sauna culture don’t cut it, you can spend your Tuesday afternoon at a museum instead, without spending anything. The Nordic Museum has free entry on Wednesdays from 5-8pm, and the Nobel Prize Museum from 5-8pm on Tuesdays. The Modern Art museum on Skeppsholmen, meanwhile, has free admission the whole week round.

18.  The two words you need for a cheap pint

Stockholmers are big beer lovers, and there are many great micro-breweries and craft beer establishments across the city to prove it. That’s not to say that your pint has to be anything fancy or expensive, however; at any bar, you can order their cheapest pint of beer simply by asking for a ‘Stor Stark.’

19.  Drink in the evening sunlight in summer

In the summer, drinking goes outdoors. Bars reveal themselves in all kinds of innovative outside spaces, including under a bridge: Trädgården (the garden) opens under Skanstull bridge at the end of May. As a bonus, if you get there before 7pm you’ll avoid any entrance free and be offered cheaper drinks deals.

20.  Plan ahead to avoid taxis

Taxis are very, very expensive in Stockholm. Especially boat taxis (yes, really!), which will come and get you if you’re stuck on an island in the archipelago. Plan ahead by checking the SL app for your best travel options. On weekends, the metro runs all night, but on weekdays your best bet after 1am might be a night bus.

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Stockholmers call their city 'beauty on water'. But despite the well-preserved historic core, Stockholm is no museum piece: it's modern, dynamic and ever-evolving.

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Stockholm Travel Guide

Evie Carrick is a writer and editor who’s lived in five countries and visited well over 50. She now splits her time between Colorado and Paris, ensuring she doesn't have to live without skiing or L'As du Fallafel.

Don't be surprised if you find yourself contemplating a move to Sweden after a visit to Stockholm; the city makes traveling feel easy and effortless (even for newbies). Locals tend to be welcoming and friendly, English is widely spoken, and everything from the subway system to city streets are clean and straight-forward.

But beyond ease of travel, Stockholm delivers a one-of-a-kind experience thanks to its placement on an archipelago of 14 islands that each offer a distinct feel—from the colorful buildings and cobblestone streets of Gamla Stan to the nature-rich isle of Djurgården. It's a place where you can hop on a public ferry and find yourself in a different world without ever leaving the city. And no matter where you end up, you'll find yourself at ease in the contemporary, urban feel Sweden is known for. Just make sure to make time for fika , a coffee and cake break, so you can slow down and enjoy life like the locals do.

Central European Time (GMT+2)

Best Time to Go

Sweden can be chilly, making the summer months an ideal time to visit. Between May and September, the days are long, the weather is temperate, and the country's biggest national festival, Midsummer, kicks off—just keep in mind the summer is the city's busiest time as well. For good weather and fewer tourists, shoot for September to early November, when you'll experience the shift to fall and the coziness of Stockholm as the days begin to shorten. If you time it right, you might even catch the Stockholm Jazz Festival (October) and Stockholm International Film Festival (early November).

Things to Know

Currency: Swedish Krona (SEK)

(Check the current exchange rate )

Language: Swedish

I don't speak Swedish: Jag talar inte svenska

I'm lost: Jag är vilse

I would like…: Jag skulle vilja...

Calling Code: +46

Capital City: Stockholm

How to Get Around

Trains: The city's underground subway network, known as the tunnelbana, is quick, easy, and much cheaper than hopping in a taxi. To ride, you can either buy a SL access card and load it with a single-use ticket (38 SEK, around $4) or pick up a travel card with unlimited access for a period of time (24 hours: SEK 160, around $18; 72 hours: SEK 315, around $36; and 7 days: SEK 415, around $48). Through the same transportation company you can get out of the city via an above-ground train.

Buses, Trams, Ferries: If you're just visiting Stockholm for a short time, you should be able to get around via subway, but if you need, the city also offers a bus system. In addition to buses, trams run on the island of Djurgården (where you'll find the Vasa Museum) and scenic ferries connect the islands. All three modes of transportation rely on the SL card (same as the subway and most trains).

Taxis: In addition to Uber, Taxi Stockholm offers a reliable track record and booking via their app. Just keep in mind that taking taxis around Stockholm can be expensive.

Car service: For a luxury private car service, check out Blacklane or Freys , who has been in operation for over 125 years.

Best Hotels

Address: Mariatorget 3 118 48 Stockholm Phone: +46 8 545 789 00 Website

It doesn't get more sunny and hip than The Rival, a luxury boutique hotel in the lovely neighborhood of Södermalm. In addition to designer rooms, you'll find gathering places for eating and drinking and an impressive theater showcasing some of the world's finest talent.

Lydmar Hotel

Address: Södra Blasieholmshamnen 2 111 48 Stockholm Phone: +46 8 22 31 60 Website

The Lydmar might be one of Stockholm's finest five-star hotels, but you won't find buttoned-up staff or a snobby air. The hotel strives for relaxed elegance in everything from their contemporary classic rooms (with pieces that will make you swoon) to the staff who are encouraged to share their local intel and let their personalities shine.

Red Boat Mälaren (The Red Boat)

Address: Södermälarstrand Kajplats 10 118 20 Stockholm Phone: +46 8 644 43 85 Website

As you might expect from a city built on the sea, Stockholm is home to a handful of boat hotels and hostels. The Red Boat and Ran of Stockholm offer both hotel and hostel-style rooms on Stockholm's most prevalent resource: water. Plus, the central location in the middle of Stockholm provides easy access to main tourist sites and the subway.

Villa Dagmar

Address: Nybrogatan 25-27 114 39 Stockholm Phone: +46 8 20 05 90 Website

This opulent property plops you right in the heart of Stockholm, minutes from the Royal Palace and Royal Swedish Opera. Each individually decorated guest room is as comfortable as it is lavish — and some have balconies. Don't miss a meal in the bright courtyard and garden for a visit to the gazebo with its curated gifts and fresh blooms.

Address: Sköldungagatan 2 114 27 Stockholm Phone: +46 8 20 05 90 Website

You won't find Sweden's iconic IKEA look at Ett Hem (which translates to "A House"). True to its name, the hotel is found in a private residence built in 1910 and offers up an at-home feel for each and every guest. The thoughtfully designed, cozy rooms are the perfect place to snuggle in when the weather cools and boast high-end features like marble bathrooms and local furnishings.

Hotel Skeppsholmen

Address: Gröna gången 1 111 86 Stockholm Phone: +46 8 407 23 00 Website

Surrounded by trees near the waterfront, this hotel is designed for lovers of clean simplicity and brunch (yes, you read that correctly). In addition to beautiful rooms and a central location you'll find Restaurant Långa Raden, which is known for its popular weekend brunch and brunch-inspired lunch menu.

Best Restaurants

800 grader (pizza).

Address: Sigtunagatan 17 113 22 Stockholm Phone: +46 70 858 95 98 Website

Even the Swedes need a reliable pizza spot, and this place is all that and more. Inside you'll find a cool, laid-back interior, friendly staff, and a simple menu of four or five pizzas. You can't go wrong. No reservation is needed and dining is indoors.

Vina (wine bar)

Address: Sofiagatan 1 116 40 Stockholm Phone: +46 70 406 66 26 Website

Vina—as the name suggests—is all about the wine, but the food menu stands on its own. The tiny space is near Nytorget, one of Stockholm's trendier areas, and will draw you off the street and into its cozy, romantic atmosphere. Dining is both indoors and outdoors (depending on the weather) and reservations are recommended.

K25 (food hall)

Address: Kungsgatan 25 111 56 Stockholm Phone: +46 8 21 29 29 Website

Have you really been to Stockholm if you haven't experienced one of their food halls? These spacious markets packed with food stalls offer everything from traditional Swedish cuisine to international classics. At K25, one of the city's best halls, you'll find sushi and dumplings alongside Swedish meatballs and burgers. Dining is indoors and market-style (no reservations needed).

Asian Post Office (Asian fusion)

Address: Regeringsgatan 66 111 39 Stockholm Phone: +46 8 20 60 10 Website

Half the fun of eating at the Asian Post Office is kicking back in the restaurant's sleek, modern interior. You can pair innovative cocktails (and mocktails) with Asian fusion bites like pork buns, gyoza, and udon noodles with kimchi and lobster. To make sure you snag a seat, book a table in advance.

Knut Bar (Northern Swedish)

Address: Regeringsgatan 77 111 39 Stockholm Phone: +46 8 30 40 57 Website

You can't leave Stockholm without trying out traditional Swedish cuisine, and when you're ready to try the local delicacies, this is the place to go. You'll find good northern Swedish dishes including venison, moose sausage, deer tartare, and plenty of local fish. Not into wild game meat? They have amazing northern Swedish-style pizza flatbread and lingonberry sorbet. Just make sure to book a table in advance and come expecting indoor seating.

Woodstockholm (contemporary)

Address: Mosebacke Torg 9 116 46 Stockholm Phone: +46 8 36 93 99 Website

Woodstockholm takes food seriously, so much so that they constantly change the menu theme, delivering fresh dishes under a broad theme—like 'Art'. no matter what "theme" you find when you visit, you're guaranteed local, sustainable foods paired with a wine menu that showcases smaller producers.

Things to Do

Vasa museum.

Ivey Redding/Travel + Leisure

Address: Galärvarvsvägen 14 115 21 Stockholm Phone: +46 8 519 548 80 Website

The Vasa Museum's main draw is the almost fully intact 17th-century warship—the Vasa—which sank on her maiden voyage in 1628. The boat has been preserved beautifully and is the main event, but you'll also get a realistic look at life aboard and get to know the people who went down with the ship.

Fjäderholmarna

Address: Fjäderholmarna 100 05 Stockholm Website

Taking a ferry in the archipelago is a must, and the island of Fjäderholmarna is an easy destination both in what it offers and its ease of access. It's a breezy, 20-minute boat ride to the island, which has a restaurant and cafe and small shops along with trails and swimming.

Fotografiska

Address: Stadsgårdshamnen 22 116 45 Stockholm Phone: +46 8 509 005 00 Website

If you like photography, even a little bit, this is the place to be. Heralded as the "largest photography museum in the world" you'll find a vast collection of thought-provoking photography around every corner.

Stockholm City Hall

Address: Hantverkargatan 1 111 52 Stockholm Phone: +46 8 508 290 00 Website

City Hall is one of Stockholm's most famous buildings, but beyond that, it gives anyone willing to climb the stairs in the tower an unparalleled view of the whole city.

Best Shopping

Address: multiple locations in Stockholm (Götgatan 31, Kungsgatan 42, Humlegårdsgatan 20, Långholmsgatan 36) Phone: +46 8 21 92 85 Website: granit.com/se

Granit has a West Elm feel paired with an eco-conscious mindset and that distinct clean Scandinavian look. Swing by for homegoods, gifts, and a calming escape from the city streets.

NK Stockholm

Address: Hamngatan 18-20 111 47 Stockholm Phone: +46 8 762 80 00 Website

NK—short for Nordiska Kompaniet—is a high-end department store with everything from Balenciaga and ba&sh to Hermès and HUGO. It's the place to go for a day of shopping at high-end retailers set in a relaxed environment.

Gina Tricot

Address: Götgatan 30 118 46 Stockholm Phone: +46 8 411 29 70 Website

Also known as Gina T, this Swedish boutique has a crisp, modern look that's coveted by women all over the world. The brick-and-mortar shop gives you easy access to the brand's feminine, stylish look.

Address: multiple locations in Stockholm (Drottninggatan 63, Götgatan 21) Phone: +46 8 642 02 59 Website

For an edgier take on Scandinavian style, check out Weekday, a beloved Swedish brand known for their minimal, street-inspired clothing.

Neighborhoods to Know

Gamla Stan (Old Town): It makes sense that the center of Stockholm, a city that's built on islands, is found on a compact island marked with cobblestone streets and colorful buildings. Gamla Stan, also called Old Town, is so picturesque, you won't be able to put down your camera. Swing by the medieval Storkyrkan cathedral or watch the changing of the guards at the Royal Palace before stopping for a fika at Stortorget, the oldest square in Stockholm.

Djurgården : To the east of Gamla Stan is the much-larger island of Djurgården, best known for the Vasa Museum. But the island houses more than the city's most famous museum, the tranquil island is full of parks with walking trails and green meadows perfect for midday picnics. For a next-level experience take a ferry from Slussen (in Gamla Stan), so you can arrive via water.

Södermalm : It doesn't get more hip than Södermalm, also known as "Söder" or "The South Side." In this uber-trendy neighborhood south of Gamla Stan, you'll find endless cafes and restaurants alongside boutiques and shops. If you're looking for an escape from the busy city streets, grab a sandwich to-go and find a nook in Rosenlundsparken, a sprawling neighborhood park.

Norrmalm : Stockholm's "downtown" is a must for first-time visitors. In Norrmalm, you'll find yourself smack dab in the middle of Stockholm's commercial area, home to everything from the opera and ballet to giant department stores, hotels, and trendy cafes. Make time to rest your legs and people watch at Kungsträdgården park and enjoy the views over the water toward Gamla Stan.

Östermalm : To the east of Norrmalm is Östermalm, a large district with high-end residential areas sprinkled with smart restaurants and classy bars. It's a great place to explore if you're looking to get away from the buzz of Norrmalm and Gamla Stan.

Spring: The start of spring marks a happy time for the Swedes, who welcome the longer days and first signs of color and life. Temperatures vary greatly—March and April tend to be cooler—with averages typically hovering between 30 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit. There's usually not a ton of precipitation, but you can expect a couple rainy days each month.

Summer: Summer may be tourist high season, but there's a reason for that—the months of June, July, and August are warm and pleasant, averaging temperatures in the low 50s to low 70s. The month of July tends to be the rainiest month of the year (around three inches of precipitation).

Fall: The weather starts to dip in the fall, when temperatures can get as low as the 30s and November marks the shift into winter. That being said, you'll find weather in the late 50s and early 60s in September. Precipitation is moderate, but might show up as snow in the later months.

Winter: As you might guess, winter in Stockholm can be chilly and dark. Temperatures range from the low 20s to mid 30s, and snow is a reality. When the weather shifts and winds blow in from the Baltic Sea, it's a good time to huddle in and enjoy a lavish fika.

Apps to Download

Uber: Ride hailing, electric bikes and motorized scooters, food delivery. iOs | Android

Google Translate: Word translation with offline capabilities. iOs | Android

SL – Journey Planner & Tickets: Stockholm metro map, route planning, route updates. iOs | Android

Bookatable: Restaurants near you with table booking. iOs | Android

Keyflow: What's going on in Stockholm nightly with in-app ticket purchasing. iOs | Android

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36 Hours in Stockholm

By Ingrid K. Williams Updated Oct. 13, 2022

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​​​​Swedes may be missing the long days of summer, but autumn is when Stockholm peaks. Crisp breezes and blazing foliage await visitors, as does the engineering marvel known as Guldbron, or the Gold Bridge, a massive slab of steel that was installed in 2020. Connecting the central islands of Gamla Stan and Södermalm, the bridge is part of an overhaul of the busy Slussen area that won’t be completed until 2026. But the rest of the city is humming with openings, from drinking and dining hotspots to cultural must-sees. And the recent rollout of an e-bike sharing program promises to make this accessible city even more so.

Recommendations

• Liljevalchs Konsthall , a renowned contemporary gallery, has a new bunker-like annex called Liljevalchs+.
• Prospero offers seasonal multicourse meals in minimalistic surroundings.
• Hagaparken is a reserve with 350 acres of wooded trails, grassy slopes and lakefront vistas.
• Eden is an open-air entertainment complex on Smedsudden, a long-forgotten peninsula.
• Nationalmuseum showcases classic art and sculpture on three floors.
• Djurgårdsbrunnsviken , a scenic bay ringed by gravel paths and tranquil parkland, is great for fall foliage.
• Fjärilshuset (the Butterfly House) offers the spectacle of exotic butterflies.
• Arkivet specializes in stylish used clothing from recent seasons.
• Acne Archive sells select pieces from past collections of the Swedish label Acne Studios.
• Björnö is a lesser-known nature reserve with windswept cliffs, pine forests and a long sandy beach.
• Ingrid is known for its apple cake and bargain lunch deal.
• Triple Oh! Ice Cream offers ice cream with Nordic flavors like cucumber-and-aquavit.
• Café Nizza is a corner bistro where locals go for drinks and Mediterranean-inflected food.
• Bar Ninja serves fun, funky wines from small, biodynamic producers.
• Café Pascal is a local favorite for breakfast, lunch and fika, the traditional Swedish coffee break.
• Villa Dagmar has a soaring glass-roofed courtyard that anchors this new boutique hotel in a series of Art Nouveau buildings. There are 70 luxurious rooms and suites (doubles from 3,090 kronor, or about $280).
• The 48-room, family-run Hotel Frantz , on a cobblestone street, opened in 2019 in a building dating to 1647. An ample breakfast is included (from 1,610 kronor).
• Centrally located, City Backpackers Hostel offers accommodations that range from a bunk in a 12-person dorm (from about 200 kronor) to private doubles (from about 740 kronor). There’s a restaurant, common areas, kitchen, free sauna and ice skates to borrow.
• Look for a short-term rental on Södermalm in the SoFo neighborhood, which is packed with restaurants and boutiques, and within walking distance of the subway and buses. One-bedroom apartments, many with balconies, go for around $150 a night.

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Cape Town: Take a food and storytelling tour, cruise one of the world’s most beautiful coastal drives and see contemporary African art  in this city with stunning views in every direction.

Sarasota:   Kayak through mangroves, take a Black history trolley tour and spot dolphins  from a white-sand beach on Florida’s Gulf Coast.

Mérida:   Rich in culture and history , this young and artsy Mexican city is an antidote to the wall-to-wall all-inclusive resorts of the Yucatán coast. ​​

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Easily Scandinavia’s most beautiful capital, Stockholm is an exemplary mash-up of creative and eco-friendly lifestyles, innovative startup companies, a flourishing indie music scene, a hipster café culture, and an undying love for the outdoors due to its vast archipelago and proximity to water. Geographically, Stockholm is spread out across 14 unique islands, from historic Gamla stan (old town)—with its cobblestoned streets, earth-toned buildings, and the Royal Palace—to lush Djurgården, with its forests, green parks, rose gardens, and biking paths. For the city’s most exciting districts, head over to Östermalm to hobnob with Stockholm’s elite in Michelin-starred restaurants and upscale clubs, or wander around Södermalm, Kungsholmen, and Hornstull for eclectic shopping, excellent fusion restaurants, and cool indie nightclubs.

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When’s the best time to go to Stockholm?

The best time to visit Stockholm is between the months of May and September, when the city emerges from a dark winter and fully comes alive. Summer temperatures are moderate, and Stockholm’s archipelago is at its most beautiful during the long summer days from June to August.

How to get around Stockholm

Stockholm is served by two international airports. Stockholm Arlanda Airport is the main gateway and takes 40–60 minutes from downtown, depending on traffic conditions. Stockholm Bromma Airport is located right in town and serves short-haul flights between Stockholm and a few Baltic and Northern European countries. Taxis are expensive, so avoid them. The cheapest way of getting from Stockholm’s Arlanda Airport to town is to take an airport transfer bus like Swebus , which gets you downtown in 45–50 minutes. The fastest way is to take the 20-minute Arlanda Express train from the airport directly to Stockholm’s Central Station.

Run by Storstockholms Lokaltrafik (SL) , Stockholm’s public transport system is comprised of subways (tunnelbana), bus and tram networks, ferries, and some long-distance trains. Tickets can be purchased at stations and kiosks showing the “SL” logo, and you can find departure times and schedules online. Alternatively, you can purchase the Stockholm Card , which provides unlimited rides on public transportation including access to over 80 attractions around the city.

Can’t miss things to do in Stockholm

Take a three-hour brunch cruise aboard the refurbished 1931 steamboat SS Stockholm to Vaxholm and back, and enjoy impressive views of Stockholm and its archipelago along the way from panoramic windows. You’ll dig into traditional Swedish classics like pickled herring ( sill ) and cured salmon (gravlax) alongside a variety of warm dishes, salads, potatoes, breads, and desserts. Pace yourself on the cold starters because once you start gorging, the tables are cleared to bring out sausages, meatballs, bacon, scrambled eggs, and other hot plates.

Food and drink to try in Stockholm

Eating out can dent your wallet, so choose wisely. Stockholm shines when it comes to seafood—think fish and small shellfish like crawfish and shrimp, but forget jumbo-sized prawns—and local game like reindeer, moose, and wild boar. While you’ll find some excellent restaurants that serve international fare such as Indian, Thai, Middle Eastern, and Japanese, the really excellent ones are few and far between. Be sure to “fika like a local” and dig into Swedish pastries such as kanelbullar (cinnamon buns) while you’re in town. For fine dining and upscale Michelin-starred restaurants, head over to Stockholm’s Östermalm and Norrmalm districts. You can find more laid-back yet high quality restaurants in the Södermalm, Kungsholmen, and Hornstull districts of town. Stockholmers love their happy-hour cocktails, and the city’s nightlife is hip, indie, and fresh. Most of its pubs and clubs are clustered around the neighborhoods of Östermalm, Gamla stan, and Södermalm.

Culture in Stockholm

Stockholm’s subway system, the tunnelbana , is the world’s longest art exhibition —110 km, with a variety of paintings, sculptures, mosaics, tiles, installations, and other durable art displays put together by 150 artists in over 90 of the city’s 100 stations. Stockholm also has dozens of offbeat museums that showcase its diverse interests—from the ABBA museum , dedicated to the legendary Swedish band, to Fotografiska , the city’s best contemporary photography museum, as well as Skansen , which opened in 1891 to spotlight pre–industrial-era Swedish lifestyles and now is the world’s oldest open-air museum.

When summer rolls around, Stockholmers are out and about celebrating numerous festivals. Summer begins with the most iconic, Midsummer , when both locals and visitors dance around maypoles with wreaths of wildflowers and garlands on their heads. Other popular festivals include Smaka På Stockholm (Taste of Stockholm), which is the country’s largest food festival; Kulturfestival and Street Festival , celebrating the performing arts; Stockholm Pride , Scandinavia’s largest LGBT parade; and various music festivals such as Summerburst.

Local travel tips for Stockholm

• Most locals know to ditch their cars. Frankly, most of them don’t own cars anyway, for good reason. Frequent traffic jams congest Stockholm’s narrow streets. But public transportation is extensive and punctual, so you won’t miss not having a car.
• Because eating out can add up quickly, locals also know to look for signs that read “Dagens rätt” or “Dagens Lunch.” This means “dish of the day”—often a discounted meal.
• If you plan on shopping, know that many stores and attractions open their doors late in the morning (10-11am) and close early (5-6pm). Plan accordingly to avoid surprises.

Local Resources

• Slow Travel Stockholm
• Visit Stockholm
• Spotted by Locals
• Totally Stockholm

Practical Information

• Most locals speak English, so you can get away with knowing only “hej” (hello) and “tack” (thanks) in Swedish.
• Many stores open around 9 or 10 a.m. and close between 5 and 6 p.m. On weekends they shut even earlier—and on Sundays they may not open at all—so plan your shopping accordingly.
• Many businesses operate on a queuing system using a number dispenser, so be on the lookout for these when entering a store.
• Sweden is an almost cashless society—everyone uses credit cards, though you should save a few coins for public toilets.
• The country is very environmentally conscious—from organic restaurants and cafes to recycling habits and ubiquitous biking culture—so be cognizant of this when using public spaces.
• If you’re pushing a stroller, you get to ride public buses for free.
• Tipping is not required in Sweden.
• Sweden uses the 230 volt Europlug—type C and F. Sweden’s currency is the krona.

Guide Editor

Stephen Whitlock is a Yorkshireman who moved to New York and then, a decade later, relocated to Stockholm, Sweden.

Lola Akinmade Åkerström is a Stockholm-based award-winning writer and photographer.

Stockholm Travel Guide

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“It is not a city at all. It is ridiculous to think of itself as a city. It is simply a rather large village, set in the middle of some forest and some lakes. You wonder what it thinks it is doing there, looking so important.”

Kungsholmen

Millesgården, old stockholm: gamla stan and around, skeppsholmen, swimming in stockholm.

Ingmar Bergman

Without a shadow of a doubt, Stockholm is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Built on no fewer than fourteen islands, where the fresh water of Lake Mälaren meets the brackish Baltic Sea, clean air and open space are in plentiful supply here. One-third of the area within the city limits is made up of water, while another third comprises parks and woodlands. As a result, the capital is one of Europe’s saner cities and a delightful place in which to spend time.

Broad boulevards lined with elegant buildings are reflected in the deep blue water, and rows of painted wooden houseboats bob gently alongside the cobbled waterfront. Yet Stockholm is also a high-tech metropolis, with futuristic skyscrapers, a bustling commercial heart and one of the world's hottest start-up scenes.

For most visitors, the first stop is the Old Town, Gamla Stan , a medieval jumble of cobbled streets and narrow alleyways huddled together on a triangular-shaped island. Close by is the tiny island of Skeppsholmen, home to the city's main modern art gallery and a quirky floating you hostel. To the north of the Old Town, the district of Norrmalm swaps tradition for a thoroughly contemporary feel: this is Stockholm's downtown area where you’ll find shopping malls, huge department stores and conspicuous, showy wealth. The Central Station and the lively park, known as Kungsträdgården – are located here too. Most of Stockholm’s museums and galleries are spread across this area and two others: to the east, the more residential Östermalm , with its mix of grand avenues and smart houses; and to the southeast, the green park island of Djurgården . Here the extraordinary seventeenth-century warship, Vasa , rescued and preserved after sinking in Stockholm harbour, and Skansen , the oldest and best of Europe’s open-air museums, both receive loud and deserved acclaim. To the south of the Old Town, the island of Södermalm was traditionally the working-class area of Stockholm, but is now a haven for hipsters. Its grids of streets, lined with lofty stone buildings, create an altogether more homely ambience than the grand and formal buildings of the city centre. It’s here, in a fashionable area known as SoFo (south of Folkungagatan) that you’ll find some of the city’s most enjoyable bars and restaurants. Crossing the narrow neighbouring island of Långholmen, known for its popular beaches, you’ll reach Kungsholmen, an island that’s fast becoming a rival to its southern neighbour for trendy restaurants and drinking establishments.

Brief history

Swedish stateman Birger Jarl founded Stockholm in 1255 in an attempt to secure the burgeoning city of Sigtuna from maritime attack. However, it was vibrant trade with other towns of the Hanseatic League, such as Hamburg, that helped give Stockholm, rather than Sigtuna, its prominent position within the Swedish realm during the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. Following the breakup of the Kalmar Union with Denmark, Swedish king Gustav Vasa established royal power in Stockholm, enabling the city to grow into the capital of one of Europe’s major powers by the seventeenth century. Military defeat by Russia in the Great Northern War (1700–21) put paid to Swedish territorial expansion in northern and eastern Europe, and, instead, Stockholm developed politically and culturally at the centre of a smaller Swedish state.

By the nineteenth century, Stockholm was still essentially rural, with country lanes, great orchards, grazing cows and even windmills in the centre of the city; the downside was the lack of pavements (until the 1840s) or piped water supply (until 1858), and the presence of open sewers, squalid streets and crowded slums. Having escaped bomb damage during World War II thanks to Swedish neutrality, the mid-twentieth century ushered in a huge modernization programme as part of the Social Democratic out-with-the-old-and-in-with-the-new policy: Sweden, and particularly the capital, Stockholm, was to become a place fit for working people to live. Old areas were torn down as “a thousand homes for a thousand Swedes” – as the project had it – were constructed. Today, Stockholm is a bright and elegant place, and with its great expanses of open water right in the centre, it offers a spectacular city panorama unparalleled anywhere in Europe.

To the west of the city centre, Kungsholmen has a very different feel, with wider, residential streets, larger parks, select shops and Stockholm’s Stadshuset (City Hall). Whereas Norrmalm is easy to get to on foot, Kungsholmen is best reached by T-bana (either Rådhuset or Fridhemsplan T-bana stations). Venture further into Kungsholmen and you’ll discover a rash of great bars and restaurants, and an excellent beach – Smedsuddsbadet – at Smedsudden, where you can swim in Lake Mälaren and enjoy fantastic views of the Stadhuset and the Old Town; to get to it, head through the popular park, Rålambshovsparken , or take bus #4 to Västerbroplan, from where it’s a five-minute walk.

Northeast of the city centre, Lidingö is a well-to-do commuter island, close to the ferry terminal at Värtahamnen serving Finland, Estonia and Latvia. The island’s main attraction is the startling Millesgården , the outdoor sculpture collection of Carl Milles (1875–1955), one of Sweden’s greatest sculptors and art collectors.

Phalanxes of gods, angels and beasts sit on terraces carved into the island’s steep cliffs, many of the animated, classical figures also perching precariously on soaring pillars, which overlook the distant harbour. A huge Poseidon rears over the army of sculptures, the most remarkable of which, God’s Hand , has a small boy delicately balancing on the outstretched finger of a monumental hand. Those who’ve been elsewhere in Sweden may find much of the collection familiar, as it includes copies and casts of originals adorning countless provincial towns.

If this collection inspires, it’s worth tracking down three other pieces by Milles in the capital– his statue of Gustav Vasa in the Nordiska Muséet on Djurgården; the Orpheus Fountain in Norrmalm’s Hötorget; and, out at Nacka Strand (Waxholm boat from Strömkajen), the magnificent Gud på Himmelsbågen , a claw-shaped vertical piece of steel topped with the figure of a boy, forming a stunning entrance marker to Stockholm harbour.

Three islands – Riddarholmen, Staden and Helgeandsholmen – make up the oldest part of Stockholm , a cluster of seventeenth- and eighteenth-century buildings backed by hairline medieval alleys. It was on these three adjoining polyps of land that Birger Jarl erected the town’s first fortifications. Rumours abound as to the derivation of the name “Stockholm”, though it’s now widely believed to mean “island cleared of trees”, since the trees on the island that is now home to Gamla Stan were probably felled to make way for the settlement. Incidentally, the words holm (island) and stock (log) are still in common use today. You can experience a taste of Stockholm’s medieval past at the excellent Medeltidsmuseet , at the northern end of the two bridges – Norrbron and Riksbron – which lead across to Gamla Stan.

Although strictly speaking only the largest island, Staden, contains Gamla Stan , this name is usually attached to the buildings and streets of all three islands.

Once Stockholm’s working centre, nowadays Gamla Stan is primarily a tourist hub with many an eminently strollable area, in particular around the Kungliga Slottet (royal palace), Riksdagshuset (parliament building) and Storkyrkan (cathedral). The central spider’s web of streets – best approached over the bridges of Norrbron or Riksbron – is a sprawl of monumental buildings and high airy churches which form a protective girdle around the narrow lanes. Some of the impossibly slender alleys lead to steep steps ascending between battered walls, others are covered passageways linking leaning buildings. The tall, dark houses in the centre were mostly owned by wealthy merchants, and are still distinguished by their intricate doorways and portals bearing coats of arms.

The main square of the Old Town is Stortorget , an impressive collection of tall pastel-coloured stone buildings with curling gables which saw one of the medieval city’s most ferocious battles, the “Stockholm Bloodbath”. Now, as then, the streets Västerlånggatan, Österlånggatan, Stora Nygatan and Lilla Nygatan run the length of the Old Town, although today their time-worn buildings harbour a succession of souvenir shops and restaurants. Happily, the consumerism here isn’t too obtrusive, and in summer buskers and evening strollers clog the narrow alleyways, making it an entertaining place to wander or to stop for a bite to eat. There are few real targets, but take every opportunity to wander up side streets, where you’ll find fading coats of arms, covered alleys and worn cobbles at every turn.

Off the western shore of Gamla Stan, the tiny islet of Riddarholmen houses not only one of Stockholm’s most beautiful churches, Riddarholmskyrkan , the burial place for countless Swedish kings and queens over the centuries, but also the Baroque Riddarhuset (House of the Nobility), a reminder of the glory days of the Swedish aristocracy.

East of Birger Jarlsgatan – the main thoroughfare that divides Norrmalm from Östermalm – the streets become noticeably broader and grander, forming a uniform grid as far as the circular Karlaplan, a handy T-bana and bus interchange full of media types coming off shift from the Swedish Radio and Television buildings at the eastern end of Kalavägen. Östermalm was one of the last areas of central Stockholm to be developed; the impressive residences here are as likely to be consulates and embassies as fashionable homes.

Off Gamla Stan’s eastern reaches lies the island of Skeppsholmen , home to two of Stockholm’s best youth hostels. However, it’s the eclectic clutch of museums and galleries, including the excellentModerna Museet, that draw most people here.

Whatever you do in Stockholm, don’t miss the delights of the city’s southern island, Södermalm , whose craggy cliffs, turrets and towers rise high above the clogged traffic interchange at Slussen. The perched buildings are vaguely forbidding, but venture beyond the main roads skirting the island and a lively and surprisingly green area unfolds, one that has, historically speaking, been working class at heart. After dark, you’ll probably end up in one of Söder’s bars or restaurants in the hip area known as So-Fo ; this is the handful of streets lined with cafés and restaurants which lie “ so uth of Fo lkungagatan” (hence the name), predominantly Åsögatan, Bondegatan and Skånegatan.

Fotografiska Muséet

A mere five minutes’ walk from Slussen along Stadsgårdsleden towards the Viking Line ferry terminal, Stockholm’s latest attraction, the Fotografiska Muséet , is housed inside one of the city’s former red-brick customs warehouses. Spread across three floors of airy exhibition space, the museum showcases the work of world-renowned photographers both in print and on film. Exhibitions change frequently though there’s every chance that one of the big names will be on display when you visit: recent displays have included Robert Mapplethorpe, France’s Sarah Moon and Scottish photographer Albert Watson, whose work featured on over two hundred magazine covers, including Vogue . For unsurpassed views of the Stockholm waterfront, head up to the museum’s top-floor café where the vistas are as breathtaking as the photographic work downstairs.

True to its name ("long island"), Långholmen is a skinny sliver of land that lies off the northwestern tip of Södermalm, crossed by the mighty Västerbron bridge linking Södermalm with Kungsholmen. There are a couple of popular beaches here. Leafy and peaceful, Långholmen is a delightful place to take a walk; on the way you’ll also get some stunning views of the city towards Stadhuset and Gamla Stan.

The water in Stockholm is clean and perfect for swimming during the long days of summer. The best beaches are all west of the city centre: on Långholmens there's Långholmens strandbad to the west of Västerbron bridge, and rocky Klippbadet to the east of the bridge; and across on Kungsholmen, Smedsuddsbadet has a large grassy area for sunbathing.

Alternatively, Södermalm is the place to go for swimming pools ; there are three in fairly close proximity: Forsgrénskabadet in Medborgarplatsen ( t 08 508 403 20; Medborgarplatsen T-bana); Erikdalsbadet, Hammarby Slussväg 20, ( t 08 508 402 58; Skanstull T-bana), which has an open-air pool; and the wonderful little Liljeholmsbadet, Bergsundsgatan 2, ( t 08 508 411 77; Hornstull T-bana), a pool in a boat-like pontoon contraption that floats in Lake Mälaren. The last of these is closed from mid-June to mid-August, and has nude swimming for women on Mondays, and men on Fridays; the water here is always 30°C. For unofficial nude bathing, head out to one of the islands in the archipelago and find your own private spot.

Top image: Things not to Miss: Rocky skerry in the outer archipelago of Stockholm, Sweden © Mikael Broms/Shutterstock

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updated 03.09.2021

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• Where to stay
• Travel advice

• 1 Districts
• 2.1 Sustainable technology
• 2.2 Climate
• 2.3 Tourist information
• 3.1.1 Arlanda Airport
• 3.1.2 Bromma Airport
• 3.1.3 Skavsta Airport
• 3.1.4 Västerås Airport
• 3.2 By train
• 3.4 By boat
• 4.1.1 Tickets
• 4.1.2 Stockholm Metro
• 4.1.3 Commuter rail
• 4.1.4 Light rail/tram
• 4.1.5 Buses
• 4.1.6 Passenger ferries
• 4.2.1 Bike rentals
• 4.3 By electric kick scooter
• 4.4 By taxi
• 4.6 By boat
• 4.7 By foot
• 5.1 Buildings and structures
• 5.2 Viewpoints
• 5.3 Museums
• 5.5 Fiction
• 6.1.1 By boat
• 6.1.2 By bus
• 6.1.3 By taxi
• 6.1.4 By bicycle
• 6.2 Swimming
• 6.3 Spectator sports
• 6.4 Doing sport
• 6.6 Amusement park and children's activities
• 6.7 Gambling
• 6.8 LGBT events
• 6.9 Outdoor life
• 8.1 Fashion
• 8.2 Glassware
• 8.3 Furniture and design
• 8.4.1 Norrmalm
• 8.4.2 Östermalm
• 8.4.3 Suburban malls
• 10.1 Retail drinks
• 10.2 Bars and nightclubs
• 13 Stay safe
• 15.2 Getting cash
• 15.3 Toilets
• 15.4 Laundry
• 15.5.1 Pharmacies
• 15.6 Embassies
• 16.1 Stockholm County
• 16.2 Uppsala County
• 16.3 Farther away

Stockholm is Sweden 's capital and largest city, with nearly a million inhabitants in the city, and 2.4 million within Stockholm County (as of 2021). The inner city is made up of 14 islands across Lake Mälaren and three streams into the brackish Baltic Sea , with the Stockholm archipelago with some 24,000 islands, islets and skerries. Over 30% of the city area is made up of waterways, and another 30% is made up of green areas. Air and water are said to be the freshest of any European capital. Stockholm hosts the Nobel Prize ceremony and has around 70 museums.

Stockholm is the hub of most Swedish rail and bus traffic and has two of the country's busiest airports nearby, so it is a good starting point for visiting other parts of Sweden.

Districts [ edit ]

Stockholm's suburbs sprawl out across most of Stockholm County . Stockholm's administrative division may be perplexing - municipal borders might cut right through neighbourhoods.

This article describes areas that are geographically close and easy to visit together as districts; the administrative borders of districts and municipalities may differ. The outer parts of the county consist of Norrtälje , Sigtuna , Norrort , Stockholm Archipelago , Södertörn and Södertälje .

Understand [ edit ]

Due to the post-glacial rebound , Stockholm is slowly rising from the sea. Mälaren was a bay of the Baltic Sea throughout the Viking Age of the 9th and 10th centuries; today's Stockholm was the waterway for the first Swedish cities; Birka , Uppsala , and Sigtuna . As Sigtuna was sacked by pirates in AD 1187, the Swedes needed to fortify the strait.

As the rising land cut off Mälaren from the sea in the 13th century, Stockholm became an important trading post. The city is said to be founded by Birger jarl ( jarl is a title corresponding to British earl ), who had a fortress built on an island later known as Gamla Stan . The first known written records that mention Stockholm date from 1252; this is the considered year of foundation. In the 15th century Stockholm replaced Uppsala as the effective capital. Stockholm was an associate of the Hanseatic League , and since its liberation from Denmark by King Gustavus Vasa in 1523, Stockholm has remained Sweden's most important center of commerce, although Gothenburg later became the largest international port. During the 17th century, Stockholm was the base of the Swedish Empire, with a land area twice the country's current size, nearly encircling the Baltic Sea.

Much of the inner city plan was laid out in the 19th century, and the inner city still contains buildings from all ages since the 15th century. Like the rest of Sweden, Stockholm was largely untouched by the World Wars, but, particularly between 1955 and 1975, hundreds of old buildings in Norrmalm were demolished in a large-scale modernization process, emulating similar projects in other European cities.

Since 1901, Stockholm has hosted the annual Nobel Prize ceremony for all categories except the peace prize, which is handed out in Oslo . In the 20th century, metropolitan Stockholm sprawled out across most of Stockholm County , with the development of the Stockholm Metro, famous for its contemporary art . 1950s suburbs such as Vällingby became a model for suburban development in other cities. While most of the attractions are in the inner city, a majority of the citizens live in the suburbs.

Otherwise a safe and calm city, Stockholm is also known for the term Stockholm Syndrome, which was coined to describe a hostage's sympathy for a captor during a bank robbery in Norrmalm in 1973.

Sustainable technology [ edit ]

As of 2023, Stockholm is striving to become a world-leading city in sustainable engineering, including waste management, clean air and water, carbon-free public transportation, and energy efficiency. Lake water is safe for bathing, and in practice for drinking (though not recommended).

Some new neighborhoods with state-of-the-art technology in this field are Hammarby Sjöstad, Norra Djurgårdsstaden and Hagastaden. See Stockholm environmentalist tour .

Climate [ edit ]

Despite its northern location, Stockholm has fairly mild temperatures throughout the year. The city sees a dramatic seasonal variation in sunlight, from more than 18 hours of daylight around Midsummer (03:30 to 22:00), to around 6 hours of daylight around Christmas (08:45 to 14:45). Stockholm has an average of nearly 2,000 hours of sunshine a year. Average yearly precipitation is 539 mm (21.2"), with July and August slightly the wettest months. Snowfall can occur from late November to early April, but the amount of snowfall and snow on the ground varies greatly from year to year, and through the winter. No date is a safe bet for snow in Stockholm; for real Scandinavian winter , visit Dalarna or Norrland .

In other words, May to September tend to have the most comfortable weather. From Midsummer to the end of July, most inhabitants leave the city, and some venues close for summer, making the city more dominated by tourists.

Tourist information [ edit ]

• 59.332035 18.064911 1 Stockholm Tourist Center , Kulturhuset, Sergels Torg 3-5 103 27 Stockholm , ☏ +46 8-508 28 508 , [email protected] . Open M-F 09:00-19:00, Sa 09:00-16:00, Su 10:00-16:00 . The official tourist center has a lot of information in several languages and helpful staff. They also sell local transport cards and tickets to museums and sightseeing tours.  

Get in [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ].

Stockholm ( STO  IATA ) is served by several international airports; Stockholm-Arlanda airport (near Sigtuna ) being the dominant one. Stockholm-Bromma is the only airport within the city. The airports in Skavsta (near Nyköping ) and Västerås also receive some international flights.

Arlanda Airport [ edit ]

59.6488 17.9361 1 Arlanda Airport ( ARN  IATA ) 40 km north of the city is Sweden's largest airport, and the destination for most flights to Sweden. It consists of four terminals under the same roof. There are several means of travelling between Stockholm and Arlanda:

By rail The dedicated Arlanda Express Train leaves from the basement level of each terminal (Arlanda South/Södra and Arlanda North/Norra) and runs non-stop to Stockholm Central Station in 20 minutes, departing every 15 minutes during daytime. Tickets are sold at kiosks at the platform, via app, or online (100 kr surcharge for ticket purchase on board). One-way tickets cost 300 kr for adults, 380 kr for two adults, 480 for three and 580 for four. 150 kr for youths <26. Youths and children travel for free with adults, and children for free with youths. The trains have free Wi-Fi.

Regular trains serve the airport through a third station, Arlanda Central, beneath Sky City between terminal 4 and 5. Commuter trains (pendeltåg) in Stockholm County are run by the public transport company SL (see also the #Get around ) section. Line J38 of the commuter train from Uppsala C via Stockholm Central Station to Älvsjö (with Stockholm International Fairs) calling at all stations between, with peak hour services continuing to Huddinge and Tumba . The train runs twice an hour and takes 38 minutes to Stockholm Central Station. Tickets can be used and bought at the entrance to the station, though everyone over the age of 18 has to pay the Arlanda passage supplement fee of 75 kr for passing between the trains and the airport terminal at Arlanda. A one-way ticket including the Arlanda passage supplement fee to Stockholm city costs 125 kr (110 kr for people under 20 or over 65). For 210 kr (or 90 kr for youth) you get a 24-hour travel card (this is reduced to 190 kr for adults and 70 kr for youth if you already have an SL Access card). These prices all include the Arlanda passage supplement fee. See SL's web page for local transport tickets.

There are faster regional trains on the Linköping - Stockholm - Gävle route, which cost 278 kr (2nd class) to central Stockholm if bought on the spot, though if booked approximately 45 days in advance, they can be as cheap as 95 kr. They take 20 minutes, like the Arlanda Express, but only operate hourly (with several strange gaps). Also, many inter-city trains bound for cities such as Umeå, Mora or Östersund, call at Arlanda. It is not, however, permitted to use these trains to travel from the airport to central Stockholm. See SJ's web page [dead link] for regional/intercity rail tickets.

By local bus and rail The cheapest ride between the airport and the central bus station is FlixBus . They are going 2-4 times per hour in either direction between roughly 05:00 and 23:00, travel time about 50 minutes, and prices starting at €3.90. Schedule and tickets via their app, using the free airport wifi if needed.

The second cheapest and usually slowest ride between Arlanda and Stockholm is by SL bus to Märsta, and changing to commuter train. Local bus 583 (from outside the terminals) connects the airport to Märsta railway station, connecting with frequent commuter trains (line J36 which arrives on platforms 15/16) to central Stockholm in 65 minutes, for a regular public transport fare, which is 60 kr for a one-way trip. Several kinds of discounted tickets can be purchased at the airport, making this route the cheapest, but the slowest, way to get to and from Arlanda; the pre-paid SL Access cards are valid for the whole journey. See Stockholm County#Public transit for more details on the SL services and ticketing system.

By airport coach Flygbussarna company run frequent bus service between airport terminals 5, 4 and 2 (terminal 3 via terminal 2) and City Terminal (Cityterminalen), just next to the Central Station in 45 minutes. Adult single ticket cost 119 kr (99 kr for people under 25), and adult return ticket cost 215 kr (179 kr for people under 25) if purchased on-the-spot. There is a discount if you purchase your ticket online or with your smartphone (some devices have a smartphone-friendly ticket). Tickets can be bought from ticket machines at the stops at T5, T4 and T2, and in the arrivals halls at T5 and T4 and from some 7-Eleven shops. You can't buy tickets with cash on board, but credit cards are accepted and during normal hours agents sell tickets at the airport stop. They stop elsewhere in Solna (Ulriksdal/Järva Krog, Frösunda, Haga Norra, Haga Södra), and Vasastan (Norra Stationsgatan and Sankt Eriksplan) before arriving at Cityterminalen. Flixbus follows the same route, but is considerably cheaper.

By taxi Major taxi companies operate on a fixed price basis between Arlanda and central Stockholm. Prices at the taxi stands range from 450 kr (Transfer Taxi) to 520 kr. Generally, you can freely choose among the waiting taxis, or ask the operator for a specific company. Beware of the smaller, expensive, taxi companies. Each taxi has a yellow and white price tag (per 10 km and 15 minutes) on the right rear window; prefer cabs where the price is no more than 350 kr. A taxi ride to central Stockholm takes approximately 40 minutes. With some companies, you can get a lower price if you pre-book your ride. See the Taxi section below for some general advice on taxi travel in Stockholm.

By car See the airport's webpage [dead link] for information on car rental at Arlanda Airport.

Bromma Airport [ edit ]

59.3554 17.9458 2 Bromma Airport , ( BMA  IATA ) in Västerort is a smaller airport 8 km west of central Stockholm, mainly used for domestic flights, but also Aarhus , Helsinki and Brussels .

From Bromma, it's easiest to take tram 31 from Bromma flygplats    31   to Alvik strand    30     31   . At Alvik    12     17     18     19     30     31   , you can change onto the green line of Stockholm's metro, which will connect you to T-Centralen, the central hub of Stockholm's public transit . Alternatively, to get to Sundbyberg and Solna, you can change trams at Norra Ulvsunda    30     31   heading towards Solna station with line 30. Getting to T-Centralen takes just shy of 30 minutes, with tramline 31 departing from Bromma every 20 minutes.

Skavsta Airport [ edit ]

58.785 16.9214 3 Skavsta Airport ( NYO  IATA ) is 100 km (62 mi) southwest of Stockholm, at the outskirts of Nyköping , making this airport's branded name "Stockholm-Skavsta" rather far-fetched. As of 2023, the airport is only used by Wizzair and Norwegian, with flights to Tirana, Sofia, Budapest, Skopje, Gdansk, Kraków, Warsaw, Bucharest, Belgrade, Alicante and Malaga. Budget air travellers landing here might find the transfer costing more time and money than the flight.

The most practical option is Airport coaches [dead link] to/from the City Terminal in Stockholm. Adults 199 kr online. The trip takes about 80 minutes. A sometimes cheaper option is to take take local bus 515 or 715 to Nyköping rail station ( alight at Nyköping Centralstation ), from where SJ regional trains ( timetable , direct services run to stations marked in white) on the Norrköping - Nyköping - Stockholm route connect to Stockholm. The fare starts 26 + 49 kr (16 + 49 kr for youth under 20) and tickets can be bought the following two ways:

• 1. Buy a combined ticket from Skavsta to Stockholm at SJ:s website [dead link] which is both valid on the local bus and the regional train.
• 2. Pay for the local bus on board with your VISA or MasterCard (cash is not accepted) and buy the train ticket at Nyköping station.

Schedules for public transportation is available at the Resrobot webpage.

Västerås Airport [ edit ]

59.60181 16.6282 4 Västerås Airport ( VST  IATA ) is 100 km west of Stockholm in Västerås , and serves Ryanair flights to/from London (Stansted). Like Skavsta, Västerås can be reached in two ways: Airport coaches [dead link] go to/from the City Terminal in Stockholm. 139 kr one way, 249 kr round trip, takes about 80 minutes. Alternatively you can take the public taxi shuttle (order can be made online , but the site is as of 2016 in Swedish only) that runs between the airport and Västerås rail station in 6–7 minutes, departing from outside the terminal 20 minutes after each flight arrival and costing 50 kr one way. From there regional trains on the Stockholm - Västerås - Örebro - Hallsberg - Göteborg route ( timetable , M-F = Monday-Friday, L = Saturday, SoH = Sunday and holidays) connect to Stockholm in 53 min at a price of 59 kr, resulting in a total fare of 10 kr. Total travel time Västerås Airport - Stockholm is 65 minutes, but this option is as much as 25 minutes faster, since the airport coach departs 10 minutes later from the airport and arrives there 10 minutes earlier.

By train [ edit ]

The main station, 59.3301 18.0579 5 Stockholm Central ( Norrmalm ), serves both commuter and long-distance routes. It is in lower Norrmalm, connected to T-Centralen , the central hub for the Stockholm Metro, and Cityterminalen , the long-distance bus station. The national rail company SJ , has a store inside the station and a travel planner with ticket booking service on its web page. Flixtrain serves the city.

Internationally, there are services from Copenhagen (Denmark) (5 hr) and Oslo (Norway) (4½-5 hr) with several direct connections daily. A daily sleeper train is available from Narvik (14 hr). From Trondheim , a quick change in Storlien and Sundsvall is needed (10 hr). An overnight train runs from Hamburg Altona taking 12 hours.

There are numerous direct domestic services to Stockholm from most major cities. There's high-speed SJ 2000 and SJ 3000 services from Gothenburg (3 hr), Malmö (4½ hr), Sundsvall (3½ hr) and Östersund (5 hr). Conventional trains mostly follow the same routes, and run slightly slower, but can slash prices considerably. Most other mid-sized cities in Sweden have a train connection with Stockholm. Malmö has an overnight service as do the northern cities of Luleå , Kiruna and Umeå . In fact, this service originates in the far northern Norwegian town of Narvik and offers spectacular views of Lapland along its journey to Stockholm.

By bus [ edit ]

The 59.3317 18.0563 6 City Terminal is the main bus terminal, wall to wall with Stockholms Central, and the T Centralen metro station. There are multiple daily departures to most other cities in Sweden, as well as a few international routes. FlixBus operates routes to Copenhagen and Oslo with several daily departures, and a twice-weekly service to Berlin . FlixBus also offers connections with Hamburg , Hannover , Cologne , Wuppertal and Berlin among other cities. NetBuss has a route to Oslo. Tapanis Buss has a route between Tornio , Finland and Stockholm running through road E4.

By boat [ edit ]

Stockholm is served by international luxury cruise ships (see cruising the Baltic Sea ), and the local Baltic Sea ferries ("ferry" is quite a misnomer, most are giant ships). The Baltic Sea ferries link Stockholm to Helsinki , Mariehamn and Turku (these ships are locally known as finlandsbåtar , "Finland boat"), Riga and Tallinn every day. They are by far the cheapest way to travel between these cities. Even if you intend to use the boats to travel to or from Stockholm, it is almost always cheaper to book a round-trip cruise ( kryssning ), which can be as cheap as 80 kr (!) for a full 4-person cabin and rarely (even for a weekend cruise in high season) exceeds 400 kr for the cheapest 4-bed cabin. A one-way ticket for a cabin, in comparison, usually exceeds 1000 kr.

There are three cruise ship terminals:

In northern Östermalm there are 59.3509 18.1092 7 Värtahamnen and 59.3436 18.1196 8 Frihamnen , one kilometre to the east from the former. These two are used by Tallink ; Frihamnen for ships from Riga , Värtahamnen for ships from all other destinations ( Turku , Helsinki , Tallinn , Mariehamn )

Värtahamnen is 400 metres from the Gärdet metro station; the route is signposted. You can also use bus 76 from Kungsträdgården. For Frihamnen, go to T-Karlaplan, take bus 72 from the avenue to Filmhuset, and then bus 76 to Magasin 3, which is outside that terminal. If you have a lot of luggage, or if your cruise ship is docked at Magasin 9, you may want to consider other means of transport.

59.3163 18.0965 9 Stadsgårdshamnen , Stadsgården , is in Södermalm , with an astounding view of the inner port area. Most importantly, it's used by Viking Line for ferries to Mariehamn , Helsinki and Turku and their 22-hour cruises to Mariehamn. If you travel on a "real" cruise ship , such as Holland America Cruises you will probably also dock here.

There are direct bus lines from Stockholm center to Stadsgården, lines 53 from nearby T-Centralen and line 2 from Kungsträdgården. To get there from the city center by subway, go to T-Slussen and go for the bus terminal. Take the 401–422, 442–449 or 471 bus one single stop to Londonviadukten and the port will be on your left. Alternatively normal town buses 53 and 71 link Slussen and the Viking Line terminal, albeit via the backstreets. Public transport tickets are not sold on board buses, but the tourist office in the terminal sells them (at least day passes). Alternatively, you can walk to Slussen (it's little more than a kilometre) and buy the tickets you need there.

Yet another convenient but more expensive alternative is the shuttle buses operated by Flygbussarna that go directly from the terminal to the central bus station (Cityterminalen) in the city center. The price for a ticket on these are 55 kr (single) and 90 kr (return) and tickets are sold on board, at Flygbussarna's and Viking Line's booths in the bus station, and if you want to buy the ticket on the bus you can do it but only pay with a credit card. There are multiple departures from the port 15–60 minutes after the ferry arrives and from the station 1–3 hours before the ferry departs. If you are driving to the boat, follow the signs to Slussen , then Stadsgårdsterminalen (Slussen is confusing even for locals, so don't feel embarrassed if you end up spinning in the intersection a few times) and then Finland/Viking Line .

Some cruise ships call at Nynäshamn 50 km south of Stockholm. The ferry terminal is served by SL commuter train line 43. There are also buses which are slightly faster, costing 109 kr for adults.

By car [ edit ]

European routes E4 , E18 and E20 converge in Stockholm. The few north-south bridges across lake Mälaren tend to be congested around rush hour. Roads in and around Stockholm are a toll zone (more exactly, "congestion tax"), and also foreign-registered vehicles are required to pay it – see more in the Get around section below.

Get around [ edit ]

Stockholm is easy to access by public transport, and on bicycle during the warm season. Travelling by car is suitable outside built-up areas.

By public transport [ edit ]

SL (Storstockholms Lokaltrafik) runs an extensive metro, commuter train and bus system, as well as some light rail and ferry services. They serve Stockholm County, with Sigtuna and Norrtälje in the north, and Södertälje and Nynäshamn in the south, with extensions to Uppsala , Gnesta and Bålsta for an extra fee (see below).

The SL website has detailed ticket and price information in English, and a journey planner. It is always updated.

Tickets [ edit ]

The simplest way to pay for tickets is to simply use your credit card to pay for tickets, by tapping at entry gates and electronic readers.

All SL services use an integrated ticket system with an RFID card called SL Access which triggers entry gates and other electronic readers. The card costs 20 kr to purchase and can load all SL tickets, but is being replaced with a new green card

There are two forms of ticketing, passes and coupons. Passes and coupons are bought at SL Center (in different stations, including central station and t-central), at all Pressbyrån stores, most supermarkets and some smaller kiosks. Tickets can not be bought on buses .

Passes are available for 24 hours, 72 hours and 30 days, and allow unrestricted rides on all buses, trams, T-bana, and commuter trains, as well as the Djurgården ferry. The 72-hour pass also confers free admission to Gröna Lund ( Djurgården ). A coupon ticket allows unlimited travel for 75 minutes including changes.

There is an SL app which can be used to buy single tickets and passes, which must be validated before use in the app (once validated the ticket appears as a large QR code). Alternatively coupons can be downloaded to the SL Access card, reskassa . , as well as paper tickets from vending machines, ticket booths and rail conductors.

It is possible also to use a contactless payment card (Mastercard, Maestro, Visa and Visa Electron) to buy a single ticket (75 min). As you board a public transport vehicle, you will be required to validate your trip every time by swiping the payment card at the rectangular validators in the front of the vehicle. If you hear a beep and see a green light, your trip has been validated.

Children under 12 travelling with adults travel free from mid-day Friday to midnight Sunday. Children under 7 ride for free with a paying adult.

SL tickets are not valid on airport coaches, Arlanda Express and regional trains.

Stockholm Metro [ edit ]

Stockholm has a rapid transit system called the Tunnelbana [ˌtɵnəlˈbɑːna] (sometimes abbreviated T-Bana or just T on signs). With 100 stations, it serves most of the inner city, as well as many inner suburbs. Trains run from 05:00 to 01:00 on weekdays, and around the clock on weekends. Night buses replace the trains on weeknights. It is in most cases the fastest mode of transportation.

Stockholm's metro system is known for its art installations, with nearly all stations offering some form of artwork on display. The art on the blue line in particular is of note.

Directions in Stockholm are often accompanied by the name of the closest metro stop, using T as an abbreviation for "Tunnelbana", e.g. " T Gamla Stan ". This practice is followed below when appropriate.

Commuter rail [ edit ]

Stockholm has a commuter rail network , pendeltåg , reaching 53 stations, including Uppsala , Knivsta and Bålsta in Uppsala County , plus Gnesta in Södermanland County . Stations are marked by a J sign. All city centre-bound trains now pass through the Stockholm City station which is across the street from the main Central Station.

SL tickets are valid on commuter trains, with the exception of Knivsta and Uppsala on line 38, which employ Uppsala's local transport fares, and Arlanda Airport (see #By plane above).

Light rail/tram [ edit ]

Stockholm has several light rail lines:

• Tvärbanan connecting Västerort to Söderort.
• Lidingöbanan connects Ropsten in Östermalm to Lidingö . Several archipelago ferries call at Gåshaga brygga at the east terminus.
• Nockebybanan in Västerort connects the district of Nockeby to Alvik on the green line of the Tunnelbana.
• Spårväg City is a city tram connecting the Central Station to Waldemarsudde ( Djurgården ).

Buses [ edit ]

Buses serve most populated areas where metro, rail or tram does not reach. Four inner city main lines numbered from 1 to 4 are operated by large blue buses (weekdays every 3–10 minutes), the other, generally less frequent lines (weekdays 7–20 minutes), by red buses.

The blue bus lines are:

• line 1 - from Frihamnen in Östermalm via Hötorget in Norrmalm and through Kungsholmen to the island of Stora Essingen in the latter district.
• line 2 - from Vasastan through western Norrmalm and the Gamla Stan to Sofia in eastern Södermalm
• line 3 - from Karolinska Institutet through eastern Vasastan , Kungsholmen , eastern Norrmalm and the Gamla Stan to western Södermalm
• line 4 - from Vasastan through Kungsholmen directly to Södermalm

Apart from those four, several lines running through outer districts and suburbs of Stockholm are designated as blue buses - apart from the colour, they are distinguished by the middle 7 in their three-digit line number.

Passenger ferries [ edit ]

There are also ferries to Djurgården and Skeppsholmen. Travel with the Djurgården ferry is included with any 24- or 72-hour pass, 7-day pass as well as the monthly pass.

SL passes are good on these passenger ferries:

• Sjövägen (80) [formerly dead link]  : Nybroplan–Allmänna gränd (Djurgården)–Saltsjöqvarn–Finnboda hamn–Kvarnholmen–Nacka Strand–Blockhushudden (Djurgården)–Dalénum–Frihamnen – hourly rides from Nybrokajen ( Norrmalm ), calling at several docks in Nacka , and Lidingö , ending in Ropsten ( Östermalm ). Some tours carry on to the small suburban islands Tranholmen and Storholmen. Standard SL fare. The ferry has a cafeteria with tea, coffee, snacks, beer and wine, and gives a great view of the inlet of Stockholm.
• Djurgårdsfärjan (82): Slussen (dock at southeast Gamla Stan)–Skeppsholmen–Allmäna gränd (Djurgården) – short ride between the old town and the garden island.
• Pendelbåt (83 and 83X): Strömkajen–Slussen–Nacka strand–Vaxholm–Grenadjärbryggan: long route (1.5 to 2 hours, 83X is faster) to Stockholm archipelago . Wi-Fi and café, possible to carry cycles if there is enough space.
• Pendelbåt (89): Klara Mälarstrand–Lilla Essingen–Ekensberg–Kungshättan–Tappström ( Ekerö ): long ride, return by bus 176 or 177 and metro 17, 18 or 19, stopping over at Drottningholm Palace.

By bicycle [ edit ]

Cycling is an attractive option during warm seasons, and there are many bike lanes. A bike ride across the inner city takes no longer than 30 minutes, and can be faster than travelling by metro or car. There are cycle paths along most major streets and drivers are generally considerate towards cyclists. In winter, when paths can be covered by ice, extra care should be taken. Bike paths have a bicycle painted on the ground and/or round blue signs with a white bike. Make sure you bike on the right hand side of the street, just as the cars.

Bike rentals [ edit ]

• RideMovi , [email protected] . Open all year . Rent e-bikes for 2 kr per minute or multi-minute packs from 69 kr to 198 kr . ( updated Sep 2023 )
• BikeSweden AB , Narvavägen 13-17 , ☏ +46 8-403 07 520 , [email protected] . Open 10:00-18:00 April–October. Call to rent bikes off season . BikeSweden offers a variety of high quality bikes in the center of the city. From mountain bikes to children's bikes and city bikes. Child carriers and child seats are available. Helmets are included in the rental price. The bikes have at least 7 gears and are maximum of two seasons old. 3 hours from 150 kr. Full day from 190 kr . ( updated Sep 2015 )
• Cykel- & Mopeduthyrningen , Strandvägen, Kajplats 24 ( T Östermalmtorg or T Karlaplan ). Only open in the summer months . ( updated Sep 2015 )
• Djurgårdsbrons Sjöcafé , Galärvarvsvägen 2 ( on Djurgården, just to the right as you cross Djurgårdsbron ). Only open in the summer months . Also rents roller blades and kayaks. Rents bikes for 250 kr per day . ( updated Sep 2015 )
• Gamla Stans Cykel , Stora Nygatan 20 ( T Gamla Stan ). Open all year . Rents three-speed city bikes for 190 kr per day or 500 kr for 3 days . ( updated Sep 2015 )
• Servicedepån - Cykelstallet , Scheelegatan 15 ( T Rådhuset ). Open all year . Rents 3-speed city bikes, 21-speed mountain/hybrids (200 kr/day), and racers. They have metal-stud snow tyres for winter ice use, but you will have to ask in advance. Helmets are free with the bike, other accessories like panniers can also be rented. Rental period is from 10:00-18:00, full 24 hours, or several days. ( updated Sep 2015 )

By electric kick scooter [ edit ]

It is possible to rent Swedish Voi , German Tier , American Lime and American Bird electric kick scooters for use in the centre. Install the smartphone app, check where the nearest scooter is, check price, unlock with the app, drive, park it in some sensible location in the allowed area (mind the vision impaired) and release it with the app. The scooters have a top speed of 20 km/h (12 mph), which is plenty; acquaint yourself with the scooter and its controls somewhere safe. Rules are the same as for bikes, but minimum age (imposed by the companies) is 18. In some areas the scooters enforce a lower speed (5–6 km/h). The companies aim to keep the scooters available also in winter, conditions permitting, but the vehicles are not ideal in snowy or slippery conditions.

In 2023 Italian RideMovi offers rental of electric kick scooters and e-bikes.

By taxi [ edit ]

Taxis are rather expensive. Even worse is the fact that some small dodgy operators charge high prices. The antidote is to always check the black and yellow price sticker on the rear window. The price shown in large digits is the maximum (for instance during night hours) fare for a 10 km, 15-minute journey and reputable companies charge around 300 kr for this. The price can legally be up to 499 kr; if the sticker shows a much higher price, stay away or be ripped off. The taxi market is deregulated, making it considerably easier to find a taxi, but the downside is that the rip-offs aren't even illegal, just "supply and demand"!

As long as you check the sticker you'll be fine, but if you're still nervous choose the major companies TopCab , +46 8 33 33 33; Taxijakt , +46 8 35 00 00; Taxi Kurir , +46 8 30 00 00; Taxi 020 , 020 20 20 20 (free calls from Swedish phones); and Taxi Stockholm , +46 8 15 00 00. Many minor companies use "Stockholm" in their names to mimic their competitor, so look for the phone number 15 00 00 which appears below the logo on all Taxi Stockholm cars.

Most taxi firms operate a fixed price regime between central Stockholm and Arlanda airport, mirroring the rates for the journey into town of around 450-500 kr. It is a good idea to check with the driver that you will get the fixed price before you set off - the meter price for the same ride may cost twice as much. The taxis often have big stickers advertising their airport price: do not confuse them with the black and yellow price sticker pictured in this article.

Authorized taxis have yellow license plates. Late at night in the city center, you may be offered a ride with an illegal taxi, svarttaxi (literally "black taxi"), usually by discreet whispering of "taxi". Illegal cabs are associated with other crime, and don't save you a lot of money, and legal cabs are usually available.

• Uber Stockholm . ( updated Jul 2020 )
• Bolt Stockholm . ( updated Jul 2020 )
• Cabonline . Offers TaxiKurir, Taxi 020, Sverigetaxi and TOPCAB taxis. Fixed price on all trips. ( updated Aug 2020 )

As central Stockholm has good public transit, a car is only needed for freight, or for visiting outer suburbs, or the countryside.

Cars driving into or out of central Stockholm between 06:30 and 18:29 are charged a congestion tax of 11 to 35 kr. Some car rental companies charge their customers separately for the cost of toll passages, while others do not. Taxis pass the tax onto the passengers. Foreign-registered vehicles are not exempt from tax (you'll receive an invoice). Taxes are not charged in most of July, on holidays (such as Sundays) or on the day before a holiday (such as Saturdays).

Parking is restricted and expensive in the inner city, and free parking is scarce even in the suburbs, except at external shopping centres.

The congestion tax, parking fees and fuel prices make driving costly around Stockholm.

While traffic congestion is not as bad as in other cities of similar size, the north-south divide is a chokepoint at rush hour; especially the Slussen area between Gamla Stan and Södermalm. In general, commuting south to north is slowest in the morning, while north to south is slowest in the afternoon.

As of 2019, many streets (especially in Norrmalm) are under reconstruction, with rerouting and limited capacity.

Remember to yield for pedestrians, who often cross smaller streets in front of cars even when they have red light.

The Stockholm archipelago is served by two major shipping companies.

Waxholmsbolaget [dead link] runs inexpensive public transit ferries, slowed down by stops at several different docks. Waxholmsbolaget also runs two steamboats, that offer even slower, but genuine, round-trips with classical Swedish cuisine.

Strömma [dead link] is a private company, aimed at international tourists, with fast boats and audioguides.

For the city area, there are two hop-on/hop-off boat tours that run loops between various sites in Stockholm. Each costs approximately 100 kr for a day long pass and has approximately 8 stops, including the cruise terminal, Gamla Stan, the Vasa Museum, Skansen, and Skeppsholmen.

By foot [ edit ]

Stockholm is a walking-friendly city if snow is not present and getting from one place to another by foot is safe and otherwise hassle-free, at least in the inner city. Stockholm's suburbs, on the other hand, are rather spread out.

• Drottninggatan, Västerlånggatan and Götgatan is a shopping and dining walk through the city.
• Stockholm history tour tells the history of Stockholm from Vikings to tech startups.
• Södermalm hill tour provides the greatest panorama photo views, as well as the arts and crafts scene.

See [ edit ]

Buildings and structures [ edit ].

Untouched by wars for a long time, Stockholm has some great old architecture to see. The exception would be Norrmalm , where much was demolished in the 1950s and 1960s to give place to what was then more modern buildings. Looking at it the other way around, if interested in this kind of architecture this is the place to go.

Stockholm's Old Town ( Gamla Stan ) , is the beautifully preserved historical center, best covered on foot, dominated by the Stockholm Palace (Stockholms slott). Other highlights include Storkyrkan , the cathedral of Stockholm, which has been used for many royal coronations, weddings and funerals, and Riddarholmskyrkan , a beautifully preserved medieval church, which hosts the tombs of many Swedish kings and royals, surrounded by former mansions.

Stockholm has several interesting churches , from medieval times to the 20th century. Most of them are in active use by the Church of Sweden. There is also a synagogue in Östermalm and a mosque on Södermalm . The Woodland cemetery, Skogskyrkogården , in Söderort is one of few UNESCO World Heritage sites from the 20th century. Also in southern Stockholm is Avicii Arena , also known as Globen ("Globe", in Söderort ), a white spherical building used for hockey games and as a concert venue. Occasionally, at least at game nights, it is lit by coloured light. The Globe is the heart of the Sweden Solar System , the world's largest scale model of any kind. With the Globe as the Sun, models of the planets are displayed at Slussen (Mercury), the Royal Institute of Technology (Venus), the Natural History Museum (Earth & Moon), Mörby Centrum (Mars), Arlanda Airport (Jupiter) and Uppsala (Saturn).

Viewpoints [ edit ]

The heights of northern Södermalm give a great view of central Stockholm, especially from the street Fjällgatan, the Fåfängan mountain just east of to Stadsgårdshamnen, and bars and restaurants such as Gondolen , Herman's , Himlen , and the penthouse lounge of Sjöfartshotellet . Further south in Söderort there's Hammarbybacken , a semi-artificial ski slope, walkable around the year, great during summer and Skyview [dead link] on the top of the Ericsson Globe (130 kr).

On Skansen there's the 19th century tower of Bredablick offering views. The Stockholm City Hall ( Stockholms stadshus ) on Kungsholmen is famous for its observatory tower, and for the Nobel Prize dining hall.

Drones are prohibited above Gamla stan, Norrmalm, and parts of Östermalm and Kungsholmen [dead link] . Södermalm and Djurgården are recommended for drone flight.

Museums [ edit ]

Stockholm has more than 70 museums , ranging from those large in size and scope to the very specialized, including the Butterfly Museum, the Spirits Museum, and the Dance Museum, to name but a few. As of 2016, many of them have free entrance. A brief selection:

• Östermalm : The Natural History Museum at T-Universitetet has extensive exhibits for all ages, and an Omnimax cinema. The Army Museum [dead link] displays Sweden's military history, with frequent wars from the Middle Ages until 1814, then followed by two centuries of peace. The Swedish History Museum features an exhibition on Vikings.
• The Museum of Modern Art ( Skeppsholmen ).
• Djurgården : The Vasa Museum displays the Vasa , a 17th-century warship that sunk in Stockholm harbour on its maiden voyage, and authentic objects from the height of the Swedish Empire. Skansen is an open-air museum in Djurgården, containing a zoo featuring Swedish fauna, as well as displays of Sweden's cultural heritage in reconstructed buildings. Nordiska Museet [dead link] displays Swedish history and cultural heritage. The Swedish Music Hall of Fame features ABBA The Museum .
• Millesgården , Lidingö an open-air sculpture museum.
• Fotografiska [dead link] Södermalm a photo gallery opened in 2010.
• Birka ( Ekerö )— For the real Viking buff, there's Birka [dead link] , the site of a former Viking city on Björkö. A replica of the old city has been built up. Boats to Björkö are operated by Strömma Kanalbolaget . Birka can also be reached by public transport to Rastaholm, and boarding a boat.

Art [ edit ]

Beyond the art museums mentioned above, Stockholm has a vivid art scene with many art galleries, exhibition halls and public art installation. Some of the galleries are Galleri Magnus Karlsson , Fredsgatan 12 ( Norrmalm ), Lars Bohman Gallery , Karlavägen 9 ( Östermalm ), Galerie Nordenhake , Hudiksvallsgatan 8 ( Vasastan ) and Magasin 3 [dead link] , Frihamnen ( Östermalm ).

The Royal Institute of Art ( Skeppsholmen ) and the University College of Arts, Crafts and Design ( Söderort ) hold regular exhibitions.

The Stockholm Metro has plenty of artistic decoration in its stations, and promotes itself as "the world’s longest art exhibition". Some stations worth to mention are the moody dark blue cave of Kungsträdgården ( Norrmalm ), the giant black and white "drawings" by Siri Derkert at Östermalmstorg ( Östermalm ) and the celebration of science and technology at Tekniska Högskolan ( Östermalm ). Rissne ( Solna ) has a fascinating timeline of human history on its walls. A written description in English to the art in the Stockholm Metro can be downloaded for free from the SL website [dead link] . See public transportation in Stockholm County for more information.

Fiction [ edit ]

Stockholm has been the setting of many books and films, including some of Astrid Lindgren's works and Nordic Noir works such as Millennium and Beck .

Do [ edit ]

Tours [ edit ]

There is a wide selection of guided tours available, by boat, by bus and on foot.

• Hop On - Hop Off Boat . daily 10:00-16:00 . Audio track in 11 languages. Two of the most frequented stops are at the Palace, and at the Gamla Stan, right across the canal from T Slussen . The recordings on this loop service are reasonably informative. 24-hr ticket from 180 kr . ( updated Sep 2017 )
• Under the bridges of Stockholm . Departing from Strömkajen by Grand Hôtel and opposite the Royal Castle ( T Kungsträdgården ), this tour on both the sea and on lake Mälaren passes under 15 bridges and through two locks. Several departures every day, depending on the time of year. 1 hour 50 min. From 260 kr . ( updated Sep 2017 )
• Royal Canal Tour . Departs from Strömkajen and takes you around the eastern parts of the city, passing through the lush Djurgården canal. 50 min. From 200 kr . ( updated Sep 2017 )
• Historical Canal Tour . Departs from Stadshusbron next to the City Hall ( T T-Centralen ), and passes Kungsholmen and other western islands of the city. 50 min. From 275 kr . ( updated Sep 2017 )
• Stockholm Grand Tour . Combines a boat and a bus tour. 3 hours 30 min, 450 kr. From 432 kr . ( updated Sep 2017 )

City Tours and Open Top Tours (also divisions of the Strömma group) offers bus tours:

• Stockholm Panorama . A tour of some major sights that departs from Gustaf Adolf Torg ( T T-Centralen ). 1 hour 30 min, 300 kr.  
• The Hop-on Hop-off Bus [dead link] is a tour with open top double decker buses that allows you to get on and off the bus as often as you want at bus stops along the route. The tour passes some major sights, but only in the central and eastern part of the city. 24-hour travel pass from 270 kr.

Stockholm Excursions also has a few specialized bus tours.

Taxi Stockholm , +46 8 15 00 00, offers a multimedia guided tours , allowing up to 3 people for a flat fare of 950 kr to explore sites and experiences in Stockholm linked to some poignant historic moments of its past, usually the dark ones, like the assassination of Olof Palme.

Talk of the town offers self-guided bike tours in six languages.

• Talk of the town . Memory card for your mobile phone can be rented at several bike rentals in Stockholm. Load your mobile phone with audioguides at 56 of the best sights in Stockholm. Rent by hour, 30 kr or day 125 kr.  
• BikeSweden , Narvavägen 13-17 , ☏ +46 8-667 57 02 . 10–18 April–October . BikeSweden offers several guided cycling tours and a variety of high quality bikes in the center of the city. Daily guided drop-in biketours form may-september). BikeSweden offers mountainbikes, children's bikes, racing bikes, trailers, child seats and city bikes.  

Swimming [ edit ]

There are several beaches in inner Stockholm, as well as the suburbs. The water in central Stockholm is mostly clean, even though it looks dark. The quality of the water is monitored by local authorities, and the reports for all the beaches in the city is available online. If there is a problem with the water, signs will be posted at the beach. During summer, the inner town beaches are rather crowded.

The Stockholm archipelago has enough beaches and rocks for everyone, and the right to access allows bathing nearly everywhere, if no notice of the opposite. As in the rest of Sweden, public adult skinny-dipping is not explicitly illegal, but frowned upon. The only sanctioned nudist beach is in Ågesta ( Söderort )

If the open water is too cold for your tastes, Stockholm has several outdoor and indoor swimming pools and spas . Besides the public baths, the more luxurious ones are Centralbadet ( Norrmalm ), Sturebadet ( Östermalm ), Eriksdalsbadet ( Södermalm ) and Yasuragi spa ( Nacka ).

Spectator sports [ edit ]

The most popular spectator sports are football (soccer) and ice hockey . Also, bandy has a cult following. Tickets for all games can be bought online from Ticnet [dead link] . Speedway is another big spectator sport in Sweden, performed on a race track in Gubbängen ( Söderort ).

The Swedish National Men's football (soccer) team plays international games on Friends Arena in Solna . The Swedish top football league, Allsvenskan , is weaker than most of its Western European sister leagues, but the fans are very faithful. The season runs from April until October. AIK plays on Friends Arena. Tele2 Arena ( Söderort ) hosts Djurgårdens IF and Hammarby . These three clubs are in constant rivalry, and the decision to share one stadium was not easy.

The Swedish top ice hockey league is the Svenska Hockeyligan (SHL; "Swedish Hockey League"), and the season goes from September to April. Stockholm has had no team in the SHL since the 2021–22 season; the city's two main clubs, AIK and Djurgårdens, play in the second level, HockeyAllsvenskan , as of 2023. Both clubs play home games at Hovet ( Söderort ).

Bandy is played from November to February. Dress warm, as the game is played outdoors in two 45-minute halves. Stockholm has only one team in the top men's bandy league: Hammarby . The final of the Swedish League takes place on Friends Arena ( Solna ) or Tele2 Arena ( Södermalm ).

These stadiums also host frequent concerts and stage shows; see Stockholm Live for calendar and tickets.

Doing sport [ edit ]

There are many opportunities to do sport in Stockholm.

Stockholm has many short slopes for downhill snowsports : Hammarbybacken ( Söderort ), Ekebyhovsbacken ( Ekerö ), Ekholmsnäsbacken ( Lidingö ), Flottsbrobacken ( Södertörn ), etc. with lifts and equipment rental when weather allows. The height is modest, but most hills have a great view, well worth a hike any season. Tracks for cross-country skiing are available throughout Stockholm; the ground is usually, but not always, covered by snow in January–February.

There are many open fields in Stockholm. Gärdet ( T Karlaplan or T Gärdet ) is good for outdoor sport. There are also horse riding venues and many golf courses open for visitors in the inner region.

If you would rather compete in an event, one of the most visible sporting events is the Stockholm [dead link] Marathon , held annually on a Saturday in late May or early June, when some 18,000 participants run two laps around the inner city. Another one is the Lidingöloppet , a 30 km cross-country race branded as the world's most attended, and a part of the Swedish Classic Circuit, on Lidingö in early September. For hardcore swimmers, Ötillö (literally island to island ) is an all-day swim-run race where teams of two swim between and run across many islands in the Stockholm archipelago .

Arts [ edit ]

Stockholm's national stages, the Royal Dramatic Theatre and the Royal Opera stage classic and modern plays, operas and ballets. There are many other playhouses, such as the Stockholm City Theatre . The theatre season generally runs from late August until the beginning of June. In the summer the Parkteatern stages free-entrance plays and monologues in the parks of Stockholm. During September–May, a range of international and local musicals, as well as other shows, are provided at the many theatres.

Cinema films are not dubbed, but subtitled. Except the multiplexes (most of them THX certified), a few classic cinema theaters remain: Rigoletto , Grand Sveavägen , Saga , and Skandia ( Norrmalm ) Park ( Östermalm ) and Victoria ( Södermalm ). While SF has a de facto monopoly for mainstream film, there are some independent cinemas.

A couple of large cultural events are arranged every year. Culture Night Stockholm takes place annually in springtime, with free admission to several museums, special performances around the city, from 18:00 until midnight. In August the Stockholm Culture Festival takes place, in tandem with the Ung 08 [formerly dead link] youth festival in Kungsträdgården. During this time of the year, the Stockholm International Film Festival also hosts an open-air cinema in the Tantolunden park during one week in August. The major Stockholm International Film Festival takes place in November, and draws large international crowds.

Stockholm has a growing scene for standup comedy in Swedish and English. The Big Ben Bar ( Södermalm ), Folkungagatan 97, has a free-entrance comedy club in English each Thursday at 20:00. Skrattstock is an annual comedy festival organized every summer.

The live music stage in Stockholm is something else. There are never any signs of anyone playing but a few posters in specific areas. Although a lot of the cities bars have live music, the most common place to find it is around Södermalm. There you will find places like Debaser , Hornhuset and Trädgården . Besides Södermalm both Norrmalm [dead link] and Vasastan [dead link] have a few interesting venues.

On Sunday evenings from September to May at Skeppsholmen there is live Swedish folk music at Folkmusikhuset . Go to listen or to dance Swedish folk dances. Free entrance.

Stockholm hosts many expos and conventions. The two largest facilities are Stockholm International Fairs ( Söderort ) and Kistamässan ( Västerort ).

Amusement park and children's activities [ edit ]

Stockholm's main amusement park, Gröna Lund is on Djurgården (accessible by Spårväg City , by the ferry to Djurgården or by bus 44). There are all sorts of rides including rollercoasters and during the summer the park hosts a large number of concerts by famous artists and groups, as well as popular dancing evenings. Opening times for the amusement park vary across the year. Check the website before visiting. The park generally is very crowded during weekends and concert days.

On Djurgården you can also find Junibacken , a theme park centered on children's books, especially Astrid Lindgren's stories . Skansen , Stockholm's zoo, is also on the island.

Gambling [ edit ]

Casino Cosmopol on Kungsgatan 65 ( Norrmalm ) has 37 gaming tables and almost 400 slot machines. In addition, several major nightclubs have blackjack tables and slot machines.

There are regular horse races at Solvalla ( Västerort ) and Täby Galopp ( Norrort ).

LGBT events [ edit ]

Attitudes towards homosexuality and transgender expressions are generally tolerant. In the summer (generally late July/early August), there is an annual LGBT pride festival, Stockholm Pride , which is the largest in Scandinavia. The national LGBT organization, RFSL , can provide information on other events and venues.

Outdoor life [ edit ]

There are many forests and lakes within commuting distance of Stockholm, with good chances to see wild animals such as moose, deer and boars. Much of outer Östermalm consists of forest and farmland within a walk from the metro.

In Södertörn , one can find Nackareservatet, Tyresta National Park and Bornsjön.

Learn [ edit ]

With about 80,000 university students at more than 20 universities and university colleges, Stockholm is the largest Nordic university city. The largest institutions of higher education are Stockholm University (Stockholms universitet), the Royal Institute of Technology (Kungliga tekniska högskolan), and Södertörn University College (Södertörns högskola). Karolinska institutet is a world-class medical university. There are also several fine arts university colleges. Study in Stockholm has information about university studies in Stockholm.

Buy [ edit ]

As in the rest of Sweden, VISA and MasterCard are accepted by nearly all stores, and ATMs are readily available. There are ATMs inside some nightclubs, where the bar might accept cash only. Very few venues accept foreign currencies, such as euros or US dollars.

In contrast to many other European cities, most shops in Stockholm (except the small independent ones) are open all week, including Sundays; only closed down for a few major holidays a year. Closing time tends to be rigid, though.

Fashion [ edit ]

Popular Swedish clothing brands that you can find in several major stores include Acne Jeans , WESC , Cheap Monday , J Lindeberg , Whyred , Tiger and Filippa K . There has been an explosion of young designers starting their own small labels. Many of these can be found in the small shops in the SoFo area on Södermalm (see below). Examples are Nakkna , Jenny Hellström , Fifth Avenue Shoe Repair and The Stray Boys .

Glassware [ edit ]

• The large department stores Åhléns and NK in Norrmalm all have a wide selection of glassware.
• Duka , several locations: Västerlånggatan 78 ( Gamla stan ), Sveavägen 24-26 and Kungsgatan 41, ( Norrmalm ). Duka is a Swedish chain selling both cheaper household items and a limited selection of glassware in several stores in central Stockholm.
• Nordiska Kristall , several locations: Kungsgatan 9 ( Norrmalm ), Österlånggatan 1 ( Gamla stan ), also in Strand Hotel, Grand Hotel and City Hotel. Nordiska Kristall is a high-end shop for crystal design glass. The Kungsgatan store has an art-glass gallery.

Furniture and design [ edit ]

Sweden is internationally known for its design, and Stockholm has many stores where you can find Swedish-designed clothes, textiles and interior decoration items. Hand-made and hand-painted glassware is also a famous Swedish speciality.

• DesignTorget at Sergels Torg ( Stockholm/Norrmalm ) and Götgatan 31 ( Stockholm/Södermalm ), a design store specializing in smaller items, ranging from the beautiful to the useful to the downright eccentric.
• Asplund furniture store, is an upscale store with world-class design. T Östermalmstorg .
• Room is another great furniture and design store locaded in the Pub mall, T Hötorget .
• Illums Bolighus is a high-end furniture, home decoration and glassware store specializing in Danish design. ( T Centralen , Hamngatan 27)
• Many antiquities shops are close to T Odenplan . Good place to stroll around.
• If second-hand is an option many Stadsmissionen and Myrorna (The Salvation Army) have fun vintage products, and contribute to a good cause. Especially Stadsmissionen Stortorget ( T Gamla stan ) has hand-picked design and classical furniture.

Major places for shopping [ edit ]

Norrmalm [ edit ].

Drottninggatan is dominated by major brands down at the Sergels Torg end before giving way to smaller and more specialised shops further north. Tourist shops occupy the southern end.

Also connected to Drottninggatan is the square of Hötorget ( T-Hötorget ). Here is a daily fresh food market outside as well as Hötorgshallen , an indoor food market.

Mood Stockholm on Norrlandsgatan opened in 2012. This mall contains a lot of interesting boutiques not represented elsewhere in the city. Hamngatan , Biblioteksgatan and Birger Jarlsgatan have a collection of high end shops including Gucci, Ralph Lauren, Louis Vuitton among others. NK [dead link] , is a classical department store on Hamngatan ( Norrmalm ).

Östermalm [ edit ]

Östermalmstorg has a well-reputed grocery hall, Östermalmshallen . Sturegallerian is an upmarket shopping mall at Stureplan, with some eateries. Fältöversten is a shopping mall at Karlaplan.

Suburban malls [ edit ]

There are a number of shopping centers and malls in the major suburban centers – see the district articles for details. While different in size, they all have a similar profile, with cheap restaurants, supermarkets and major fashion, electronics and interior design chain stores, as well as some smaller shops. Kista Galleria in Västerort has generous opening hours; from 10:00 to 21:00 all week. It is reached by the blue metro line with destination Akalla, get off the train at Kista .

Eat [ edit ]

Stockholm features a large variety of restaurants. However, dining in Stockholm can be expensive, if you aim for something else than the fast food bars, the run-of-the-mill British-style pubs or the ethnic restaurants that dominate the budget bracket. Be prepared to pay around 175-250 kr or more for most main courses at quality restaurants. If you are on a tight budget, self-catering is a good option.

Most hotels and hostels have a good breakfast buffet, in many cases included with the room.

Most restaurants have "dagens rätt" - a lunch offer, normally including a lower- or non-alcoholic drink, bread, butter, salad and coffee Monday - Friday, usually 11:00-14:00. Expect to pay between 65-100 kr. Generally more expensive downtown and cheaper in the suburbs. Many Asian, Indian, Mexican and fast food restaurants offer rather cheap "all you can eat" lunch buffets. Office workers usually go for lunch at noon, so try to show up well before, or past 13:00.

Most restaurants' kitchens close at 22:00 even on weekends, so don't get out too late. A glass of house wine costs in the range between 60 and 120 kr, or 400 to 700 kr for a bottle. Sweden has enforced non-smoking in all bars, pubs, restaurants and enclosed areas.

Many Stockholm restaurants are closed for vacation for a few weeks in July and/or early August. In December, many restaurants offer a " julbord " ("Christmas buffet"), a variation of the classic Swedish smörgåsbord with traditional Christmas dishes including Christmas ham, pickled herring and "lutfisk" (stockfish from cod or ling, prepared with lye), which might require advance booking, costing around 300-600 kr, beverages not included.

In this cosmopolitan city, traditional Swedish cuisine , known as husmanskost ("every mans food"), can be hard to get by. Many fine diners have a not-too-expensive husmanskost course: some other places to eat Swedish are the Nystekt strömming wagon at Slussen ( Södermalm ), Ät gott (S:t Göransgatan 74, ( Kungsholmen )) and Tennstopet (Dalagatan 50, ( Vasastan )).

Guide Michelin recognizes ten Stockholm restaurants: Three-star Frantzén , two-star Oaxen Krog and one-star Mathias Dahlgren Matbaren , Ekstedt , Gastrologik [dead link] , Operakällaren [dead link] , Sushi Sho , Restaurang Volt [dead link] , Aloë and Agrikultur .

Since 2016 Stockholm has a fish auction for seafood, and local catch can be found at many supermarkets and restaurants.

While the traditional Nordic cuisine is heavy on meat and fish, Stockholm has a strong vegetarian community . Most restaurants have at least one lacto-vegetarian option. For vegan food, look for the café chain Blueberry or Asian spots such as Ki-Mama and EatNam. The convenience chains Pressbyrån and 7-Eleven dotted around the city centre stock vegan sandwiches.

Stockholm has a fleet of food trucks , with high-end meals around 70 to 90 kr. See Hittatrucken for schedules.

• Sandys . Several locations throughout the city: Sergelarkaden 6 ( T T-Centralen ), Klarabergsgatan 31 ( T T-Centralen ), Stureplan 2 ( T Östermalmstorg ) and Götgatan 28 ( T Slussen ). A large Stockholm-based fast food chain focusing on submarine sandwiches, wraps and salads, Sandys offer a wide selection, reliable quality and acceptable prices, although not by any means a bargain. Sandwiches 49 kr (excluding drinks), XL sandwiches 59 kr, salads 65 kr.  

Cafés [ edit ]

Taking a break for coffee and a biscuit is a Swedish tradition, commonly called fika in Swedish, and there are many coffee-bars around the city. You also have a great number of the more traditional pasttiseries.

Traditional Swedish filter coffee is relatively strong when compared to American, but a far cry from the Italian espresso. Espresso, caffe latte, cappuccino and other varieties of Italian coffee are generally available. If you prefer tea, many cafés only offer a few flavours, but generally some black, red and green teas.

Don't miss the traditional Swedish "cinnamon bun" with your coffea. If you visit in January-March you also will have the possibility to try a "Semla", a popular local pastry with wheat bread, almond paste and cream. In November-December you can try one of the saffron buns, known as "lussebulle".

Starbucks competes with Swedish coffee shops: Wayne's Coffee , Robert's Coffee and Espresso House are the most common names here - that are strikingly similar in design. The small local cafés offer a more personal experience, and often better coffee. Expect to pay 25 kr and upwards for a cup of regular black coffee.

Don't hesitate to ask for a refill ( påtår in Swedish) at self-service cafeterias, as it is often free.

Drink [ edit ]

Retail drinks [ edit ].

Drinking retail alcohol is allowed in most public areas. Among the exceptions are schools, playgrounds, indoor malls, some city squares, and public transport areas. In some parks, drinking is prohibited from 22:00 or midnight. Map of dry areas

• [formerly dead link] Drottninggatan ( T T-Centralen ), Drottninggatan 22 . M-F 10:00-19:00, Sa 10:00-15:00, Su closed .  
• Klarabergsgatan ( T T-Centralen ), Klarabergsgatan 62 . Extra late hours: Closes 20:00 all weekdays .  
• Regeringsgatan ( T T-Centralen ), Regeringsgatan 44 . The largest Systembolaget store in Stockholm, with a special selection of exclusive wines  
• Vasagatan ( T T-Centralen ), Vasagatan 25 .  
• Nybrogatan ( T Östermalmstorg ), Nybrogatan 47 .  
• Folkungagatan ( T Medborgarplatsen ), Folkungagatan 56 .  

Bars and nightclubs [ edit ]

The cost for drinking out in Stockholm varies a lot. Expect to pay around 30 kr in the cheapest pub (55-75 kr in a trendier club or pub) for a beer or cider, and at least 95-150 kr for a long-drink or cocktail in a club. Bars usually have no cover charge, but may have an arbitrarily set (and arbitrarily enforced) minimum age limit (usually 21 or 23, sometimes as low as 18, other times as high as 27), while clubs usually charge 50-200 kr at the door (or more at special performances). Long, and very slow moving lines tend to form outside most popular clubs - expect having to wait as much as 1 hour or more if going to a trendy place after midnight, even if raining or snowing. Don't forget to bring an ID , as bouncers will (almost) always ask for identification at the door in both pubs and clubs.

Stureplan is a district dominated by dancefloor nightclubs, at the crossing of Birger Jarlsgatan , Kungsgatan and Sturegatan , ( T Östermalmstorg ). The mushroom-shaped rain shelter is a common meeting point. High entrance fees (200 kr or more) and long lines.

Södermalm is a district with many smaller bars and nightclubs focusing on art and electronic music. Look in nightlife magazines for places around Hornstull (such as Strand), Mariatorget (such as Sidetrack , Marie Laveau ), Slussen (such as Debaser , Kolingsborg ), Skanstull (such as Trädgården , Under Bron ).

Major bar streets are Götgatan (where most places are rather cheap pubs) and Bondegatan (with a younger and more trendy crowd), both on Södermalm, Rörstrandsgatan in western Vasastan (also rather trendy, but drawing a slightly older crowd) and the area around the Rådhuset and Fridhemsplan metro stations on Kungsholmen (with many small and relaxed places). Beer is usually really cheap in suburban pubs.

Most restaurants and bars close at 01:00, larger clubs usually at 03:00, and a handful at 05:00. More trendy clubs might have a long queue from midnight till closing time. Get out early (at least before midnight). Most late-night clubs (especially at Stureplan) have an informal or outspoken dress code, vårdad klädsel . Loudness and drunkenness are other common reasons to reject waiting guests. Drinking in the queue is a no-no, bribes are even worse.

If you can read Swedish, you can get more information about Stockholm's nightlife in the free monthly magazine Nöjesguiden , the newspaper Dagens Nyheter on Thursdays, the free QX gay magazine for LGBT events and the free Metro on Fridays.

Sleep [ edit ]

Stockholm is primarily a business city, so beside the Grand Hôtel ( Norrmalm ) and a few other luxury venues, Stockholm has several business (typically 4-star) hotels, which charge 900-1200 kr for a single room. They usually have vacancies during weekends and summers, and might give special offers for tourists.

Many hotels have basement rooms without windows, often smaller and more austere than the regular rooms, and significantly cheaper, especially the singles. The hotels make no secret of the fact that this room category has no window, but do make sure to read the description of your room carefully before you book to avoid unpleasant surprises.

The cheap bunks are in short supply. Look for hostels at Svenska Turistföreningen and SVIF [dead link] . Advance booking is usually needed, especially in summer, and for those in the inner city. Stockholm has some spectacular hostels, such as af Chapman ( Skeppsholmen ), Långholmen ( Södermalm ) and Jumbostay at Arlanda .

The lowest cost per bed can be found on the Baltic Sea ferries .

Hospitality exchange and home exchange options can be useful for Stockholm. The apartment rental market is strictly regulated, with waiting times over a decade.

When it comes to long-time accommodation, Stockholm has a harsh housing situation, with several years' waiting time for a rental apartment. Newcomers are dependent on the unreliable second-hand rental market. For consultants and other business visitors, a long-time hotel stay might be the most practical option.

Connect [ edit ]

As of Sept 2021, central Stockholm has 5G from all Swedish carriers, but this hasn't rolled out across the city, which mostly gets 4G. Wifi is widely available in public places.

Stay safe [ edit ]

For its size, Stockholm is a safe city by international standards. Still, travellers should use common sense to avoid crime .

While police officers can be spread thin, Stockholm has patrolling security guards ( ordningsvakt ) in central neighbourhoods. These are usually helpful to visitors. Security staff at nightclubs might be more harsh, especially at intoxicated patrons. Drunkenness is less accepted in bars and clubs than in smaller towns, and could lead to the security staff forcibly ejecting the trouble-maker. Bouncers in Stockholm are stricter than in other European cities, and you may be kicked out for no reason.

Most crimes against travellers are crimes of opportunity, such as pickpockets , bicycle theft, auto theft, and auto vandalism. As always, do not leave valuable items in your car, and watch your bag in crowded places. Most shops and all major taxi companies accept credit and debit cards, so there is no need to carry a lot of cash.

Stockholm's road traffic is not too dangerous. Use common sense, and beware of slippery roads when temperature is around zero (which can happen from November to March). Animal collisions are a risk factor even in the inner suburbs; watch out for deer in particular.

Taxis are required to post pricing information in the rear side window. The comparison price is for a 15 km ride and not the maximum price, which could be a lot more when venturing outside the inner city. While some independent driver charge the maximum allowed (499 kr), major cab companies ( Taxi Stockholm, Taxi Kurir , Taxi 020 / Sverigetaxi and Topcab ) are around 300 kr. With these cabs, you also have a better chance of having belongings lost in the car returned to you.

During summer, groups of street gamblers try to scam their audience in other touristed areas, by planting a few of their own in the crowd. Don't play, you will lose.

Though Sweden has an extensive welfare system, and Stockholm has far fewer homeless and impoverished people than other cities of similar size, homeless people can be seen begging around the city; several of them from other parts of the European Union. A responsible way to address their situation is to buy the street paper, Situation Sthlm , for 50 kr. Buying food or water for someone begging is also a good way of helping. While organized crime does exist, lawful visitors are unlikely to be affected.

Stockholm is friendly to sexual minorities. Homophobic and transphobic attitudes will be met with outright hostility from many Swedes. Same-sex couples will have no trouble living openly in Stockholm, which includes holding hands or kissing in public around the city.

Respect [ edit ]

When using escalators , stand on the right and reserve the left side for walking. Standing still on the left side might annoy people. On train and metro platforms, passengers should be allow to leave the car before passengers who want to board. When waiting in lines , be patient and polite. Swedes never jump queues - but make sure you actually stand in the line. If unsure, ask.

Avoid walking in the cycle lane. Dedicated cycle paths are clearly marked, but sometimes run directly next to the sidewalk. Stockholm cyclists are subject to a comparatively hilly landscape and are unwilling to slow down and lose momentum. Usually, however, they are careful, signal clearly and use their bells, meaning that straying tourists most often are just sworn at.

As most other Nordic people, Swedes value privacy, and are usually not open to strangers in public, especially in public transport. They may feel uncomfortable and embarrassed if you try to start a conversation. If you are lucky enough to be invited to someone's home, you will discover that Swedes behave very differently and will be very social.

Cope [ edit ]

Pack [ edit ].

Stockholm is best experienced on foot, so bring comfortable shoes. An umbrella or a raincoat for wet weather is also a good idea. Expect the temperature to be well under freezing during the winter months (add to that windchill and humidity), so if you plan to visit then, warm clothes in good materials are certainly recommendable. Long johns/stockings under your pants/skirt will keep you warm without looking like you wear your ski-outfit).

Eating out is generally rather expensive. If on a budget, supermarket food is a good alternative to restaurants.

Getting cash [ edit ]

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted even for small amounts, so you may not need much cash – many places don't take cash at all. Most places accept identification and a signature, but PIN-transactions are preferred.

There are many ATMs in the city, but some foreign card-holders, such as a Canadian, have reported trouble in using them, even when they purport to be connected to international networks their banks are part of, so consider doing some research before you arrive.

The main currency exchange is Forex, but they charge a whopping 50 kr commission on top of their buy-sell spread.

Toilets [ edit ]

Finding a good toilet in Stockholm can be tricky. Many department stores and fast-food restaurants have clean toilets, often for the charge of 5 kr. That is also the cost of public toilet booths found in most city squares (though these might be messy) so be sure to carry some 5 kr coins. Restaurants' toilets are often reserved for customers, and might be messy depending on the establishment. Some good, clean toilets are found in Max at Norrmalmstorg, and in the bar Sturehof (at Stureplan - the establishment is too big for crew to keep track of people borrowing the toilet). Urinating in town is illegal, but urinals are often free even if you have to pay for a WC. The libraries, museums, and government buildings often have free, clean toilets.

Most major hotels have clean lobby toilets. Some of them might be reserved for house guests and require an access code, but travellers can often get access to them on request.

Laundry [ edit ]

Since Swedish apartments either have a washing machine or access to a communal laundry room, there are virtually no self-service laundries to be found in Stockholm, with one exception:

• Tvättomaten ( T Odenplan ), Västmannagatan 61 , ☏ +46 8 34 64 80 . Open M-F 08:30-18:30, Sa 09:30-15:00 (closed Sa from end of June to mid-August, closed one week at the end of July) . Washing machines in Scandinavian countries are connected to cold water only, so the machine actually heats the water, taking up to 3 hours to do a load of laundry. Self-service price: 50 kr without drying, 84 kr with drying (per machine, up to 5 kg). Service price: 200 kr with drying (self-service option not offered). Cash only! (2023-08-17) . ( updated Aug 2023 )

Most youth hostels have washing machines. Some dry cleaners offer to wash shirts and bed linen as well, but this tends to be quite expensive.

Health [ edit ]

Swedish healthcare is generally of high quality, although there may be long waits in emergency rooms. How quickly one sees a doctor will depend on medical priority; money, name or title won't bypass the queue.

EU/EEA citizens with a European Health Insurance card pay the same (rather low) fee for emergency and necessary care as a local citizen. Others must pay the whole health care cost (which can be between 1,700 and 2,200 kr for a doctor’s visit at an emergency care unit at a hospital). More information on hospital fees can be found at 1177 Vårdguiden .

In an emergency , always call 112 for SOS Alarm, for ambulance, police, fire service, air and sea rescue, mountain patrol, or priest on call. English-speaking operators are available.

There are two hospitals with 24-hour emergency care units in the inner city:

• S:t Görans Sjukhus , S:t Göransplan 1 ( T Fridhemsplan or T Stadshagen ), ☏ +46 8 58 70 10 00 .  
• Södersjukhuset , Sjukhusbacken 10 ( Bus 3, 74 or 164 from T Skanstull, bus 74 from T Mariatorget or commuter train to Stockholm Södra ), ☏ +46 8 616 10 00 .  

For less serious illnesses and ailments, getting in touch with a local clinic, vårdcentral , is a much better option than the hospital emergency rooms. The Stockholm County healthcare hotline (+46 8 320 100) can give medical advice and help you find a doctor. While information is officially given in Swedish only, the doctors can often speak some English.

Pharmacies [ edit ]

Certified pharmacies ( apotek ) have a green cross sign. You can buy over-the-counter medicine in most supermarkets and convenience stores. Strong painkillers are only sold at pharmacies, though.

• Apoteket C W Scheele , Klarabergsgatan 64 ( T T-Centralen ), ☏ +46 8 454 81 30 . Open 24 hours, all days of the week, including holidays . This pharmacy is centrally located. Service is limited late at night, and can be slow, but they have a very large inventory of specialized drugs.  
• Apotek Hjärtat , Krukmakargatan 13, Södermalm ( T Mariatorget ), ☏ +46 8 454 81 30 . Extra long operating hours: 08:00-22:00 all days of the week .  

Embassies [ edit ]

Go next [ edit ], stockholm county [ edit ].

Outside the metropolitan area, Stockholm County contains cultural heritage as well as great nature, all within reach of the SL public transport network; most in less than an hour.

• Stockholm archipelago consists of thousands of islands scattered into the Baltic Sea. While many of them can be reached by road, others need a ferry. Many of those ferries call at central Stockholm.
• Ekerö is a less-known freshwater archipelago in Lake Mälaren, with two World Heritage Sites: Drottningholm Palace (the residence of the Royal Family) and Viking Age settlement Birka. Drottningholm is 10 km from central Stockholm, and can be reached by public transportation within 30 minutes, or a 1-hour ferry trip.
• Sigtuna is Sweden's first capital, a quaint town near Arlanda Airport, 40 km north of Stockholm.
• Norrtälje contains the northern part of the archipelago, and vast forests.
• Stockholm's northern suburbs have many opportunities for outdoor life, including three slopes for downhill skiing, and Viking Age heritage.
• Södertörn contains forests and lakes, especially the Tyresta National Park, and the Nynäshamn port city.
• Södertälje is a quaint port city.

Uppsala County [ edit ]

Uppsala , the seat of Uppsala County , was the political, cultural and religious centre of Viking era Sweden. Uppsala also hosts Sweden's first university and Uppsala Cathedral is the largest in the Nordic countries, and the seat of the Church of Sweden. 80 km north of Stockholm, it is a gratifying day trip destination, where many historic sites dating even farther back than some in Stockholm are within walking distance from the central station.

To get there, there are two rail options:

• SJ offers fast hourly service from Stockholm C to Uppsala, with a sporadic service to Gävle also calling at Uppsala. This option takes 30-38 minutes and costs 82 kr for adults (26 or older).
• SL offers a stopping half-hourly service from Stockholm C to Uppsala, taking 55 minutes and costing 110 kr (65 kr for people under 20), possession of an SL travel card (even 24- or 72 hour) will reduce the fare to 60 kr (35 kr for people under 20 or over 65).

Farther away [ edit ]

• Gävle is a town and a county seat with several museums, and the famous straw goat during December.
• Södermanland County has some destinations for day excursions, such as Strängnäs and Mariefred and Trosa .
• Gotland is an exotic island in the middle of the Baltic Sea, reachable by plane from Bromma Airport, or by ferry from Nynäshamn .
• Åland is an autonomous Swedish-speaking island between Sweden and Finland, served by most Baltic Sea ferries .
• Turku is Finland's oldest city, reached by day or overnight ferry.
• Helsinki is Finland's capital, reached by overnight ferry or airplane.

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The Ultimate 3 to 4 Days in Stockholm Itinerary

Last Updated on January 31, 2024

by Olivia Ellis

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

Planning the perfect 3 or 4 days in Stockholm itinerary can be a bit overwhelming when you consider how much this metropolis has to offer. The city of Stockholm is easily one of the most vibrant and cultured European and Scandinavian capitals.

The city itself boasts a wide array of art, gastronomic delights, green areas, fashion, and some of the friendliest people you’ll meet. The history of the capital goes back to 1252, and on a trip to the city, you’ll take a walk through time beginning in the regal roots of Sweden to bustling, innovative modern-day Stockholm.

Whether you’re visiting for a few days or a long weekend getaway, Stockholm deserves a spot at the top of your travel bucket list.

Table of Contents

How Many Days in Stockholm?

The city of Stockholm is quite large in comparison to neighboring Scandinavian capital cities (such as Copenhagen ). This in itself can make it difficult to decide how long to spend in the Swedish capital.

When planning how many days to spend in Stockholm, it’s important to take note of which aspects of a trip are most important to you as well as your budget.

If you’re hoping to see most of the main sites in the center and are on a budget in Stockholm , 2 days is sufficient but it’ll be more of a rushed stay in comparison with 3 days in Stockholm. An extra day is ideal to visit the main sites and get to know the city better without being in too big of a hurry.

Finally, if you’re hoping to either explore Stockholm more and explore its diverse neighborhoods or head out of the city for a day trip, spending 4 days in the Swedish capital is enough time.

Getting To & Around Stockholm

Arlanda Airport located in the nearby town of Arlanda is Stockholm’s main airport. Arlanda is also a main airport in Scandinavia so there are plenty of flights going in and out of other major European countries as well as internationally.

If you’re flying into the city, your best option to reach the city center is by train. The Arlanda Express is the only train system going to the city center (Stockholm Central Station) from the airport, which is different from other European airports that are connected by metro.

Tickets can be purchased at the airport kiosk outside of the terminal and cost 320 SEK on-way and 600 SEK return per adult and are free for children and reduced for youth. Another option for those not on a budget, is to organise a private transfer from the airport.

If you plan to reach Stockholm by train; either from another city in Sweden or perhaps neighboring Denmark or beyond, you’ll arrive at Stockholm Central Station. The city’s central station is conveniently located, with metro and bus transport available once you reach the station. You can view train schedules here .

The city of Stockholm is composed of an archipelago of islands and is quite a unique layout for a city. This makes the city much larger in comparison to other European capital cities. Although it’s a big city, the central part of the city is quite compact, making it easy and quick to get around.

It’s enjoyable to walk around the city, passing historical monuments as well as modern architecture while taking in everyday life in Stockholm. If you’d like to venture into other neighborhoods in the city, you’ll likely need to take advantage of the city’s brilliant public transportation system.

The city transport consists of bus, tram, metro, and ferry. Stockholm’s public transportation system is also known as one of the greenest in Europe – with many buses running on eco-friendly fuels.

If you’re someone keen on art, mainly eclectic street art, you’ll find the Stockholm metro to be a museum in itself. Many of the stations are art-clad with work by various artists and set the tone for the style and heart of the city. Many visitors say that Stockholm’s metro is one of the most unique in the world!

Tickets for Stockholm’s public transport are all inclusive of one cost, meaning the cost per ticket won’t change depending on your mode of transport. There are various ticket options such as a 75-minute single ticket or day passes from 24 hours to 72 hours.

If you plan on taking public transport multiple times during the day throughout your stay, the passes are certainly worth it and quickly pay for themselves. Tickets and passes must be purchased before embarking and can be purchased through ticket machines at the station, via phone app, or through contactless payment at the turnstiles.

Due to a combination of the size of the city as well as the functionality and efficiency of the city’s public transportation, I’d recommend against renting a car during your stay. Although, if you prefer independence and plan to leave the city for onward travels, renting a car while traveling in Sweden is a great option.

3 to 4 Days in Stockholm Itinerary

Stockholm tends to proudly claim the title of the capital city of Scandinavia, and during your time here, you’ll quickly understand why.

The city itself is the home to the most museums in the world (just under 100), as well as sleek Swedish design, stylish cafes, and rich, important history unknown to a lot of the world.

If you plan on visiting many of the paid attractions listed in this article, then consider purchasing a Stockholm Go City Pass to save money.

Day 1 – Gamla Stan and Royal Stockholm

Breakfast at bröd & salt .

There are few things more synonymous with Sweden than cardamom buns and coffee. Kardemummabullar (cardamom buns) are easily the most popular Swedish pastries and are divine.

Before heading to Gamla Stan to wander around the idyllic old town of Stockholm, I recommend fueling up with pastries and coffee at Bröd & Salt. Although the bakery is a chain, you’ll find splendidly made pastries to savor while you prepare for your day ahead and take in the surroundings.

I suggest heading to the location at the harbor across from Gamla Stan to enjoy stunning and caffeinated Swedish morning views.

Wander Around Old Town

If you’ve ever stumbled across photos of Stockholm in the past, they’re likely those of the picturesque Gamla Stan neighborhood. Although it is now quite a touristy area, it’s still completely worth spending time in.

Gamla Stan goes back to the 13th Century and this part of the city feels like you’ve stepped back into the medieval era. Strolling through the old streets and alleys of this classic and well-maintained area of the city is a true delight.

From the colorful buildings and cobblestoned streets to the all-around pleasant and delicate feel of the area, you’ll feel assured that you’re in for a treat while visiting the Swedish Capital City.

Most of the streets of Gamla Stan lead to/from Stortorget, the main public square, making it a great spot to first explore during your time in Stockholm. Spend a few ours getting lost here, but make sure not to miss sites like the Stockholm Cathedral, which is spectacular.

To learn more about the history of the area, consider booking this walking tour or this bike tour . You can also get a unique vantage point of the city by taking a short archipelago cruise .

Royal Palace

After eating decadent pastries and wandering through Stockholm’s Gamla Stan, head just a few minutes by foot to the Royal Palace, or Stockholm Palace to spend time at one of the largest palaces in Europe.

Today, the palace is home to the King of Sweden, and the palace was built in the 18th century in classic Italian Baroque style after the Tre Koner castle was burned down in 1697 in the same location. Thankfully, the palace is open to public visits and has a wide array of exhibits and rooms to explore during your visit. 

Don’t miss the parade of soldiers and changing of the guard to get an authentic Swedish royal experience every day at 12:15 PM.

Opening hours of the palace vary depending on the day of the week as well as the time of year, so plan before your visit.

Day 2 –  Stockholm’s Diverse Neighborhoods & Museum Visit

Norrmalm neighborhood.

Stockholm has an abundance of unique neighborhoods and throughout this itinerary, you’ll experience quite a few of them. On day 2, I suggest first heading to the Norrmalm neighborhood.

Norrmalm is known to many as the center of the city, and is also a major cultural center for Sweden and the city of Stockholm. In Norrmalm, you’ll find the Stockholm Central Station, the Royal Swedish Opera, art museums, and the Stockholm Concert Hall.

This is also one of the largest commercial centers of the city, with some of the best Scandinavian and Swedish shopping in Sweden.

After wandering around the shops, make your way to the Kungsträdgården Park in Norrmalm to get a nature fix within the city and grab a coffee at one of the lovely cafes nestled within the lush, green park.

Vasa Museum or Nobel Prize Museum

As mentioned previously, Stockholm has the wonderful reputation of being the city in the world with the most museums. With just under 100, there’s something for everyone and still more to visit and see beyond that. After spending time in Norrmalm, I suggest heading to a museum before grabbing dinner.

My recommendations for your first museum visit in Stockholm are the Vasa Museum and/or the Nobel Museum.

Located around 15 minutes from Norrmalm by metro on the island of Djurgården, the Vasa Museum is easily Stockholm’s, Sweden’s, and Scandinavia’s most visited museum. The museum itself is home to the Vasa Ship, a Swedish warship built in the 1600s that sank during its maiden voyage in 1628.

Incredibly, the entire ship was salvaged in 1961 after being located in the 1950s in the harbor of Stockholm. Witnessing the Vasa ship inside the museum is one of the most incredible experiences, taking in the complexity of such an old ship still in prime condition, with almost 98% of the ship in the museum still in its original form.

The Nobel Prize Museum is another superb museum option just a 20-minute walk from Norrmalm in Stortorget Square is the Nobel Prize Museum.

The Nobel museum displays information, history, and knowledge of past Nobel Prize winners, the past 100+ years of the Nobel Prize, and the founder of the Nobel Prize, Swedish chemist, engineer, inventor, businessman, and philanthropist, Alfred Nobel.

The museum is also located a close walk to the Stockholm City Hall where the Nobel Prize ceremony is held each year.

Dinner in Sodermalm  

One of the most densely populated and popular neighborhoods in Stockholm is the Sodermalm neighborhood. Sodermalm is easily one of the trendiest places to visit in the Swedish capital, with stylish restaurants, green parks, art galleries, and the best restaurant scene in the city. Spending some time here is easily one of the best things to do in Stockholm.

Known as “Soder” to locals, Sodermalm is also a great area to stay in if you’re looking for cheaper accommodation than other areas of the city, with still a thriving and pleasant atmosphere. 

Herein lies the best spot to have dinner to close your second day in Stockholm. My recommendation is to head to Restaurant Pelikan to enjoy amped-up versions of classic Swedish comfort foods in an old-school style interior.

If visiting during a busy period (summer, spring, or the weekend), I suggest making a reservation in advance to guarantee a table.

Day 3 – Skansen Open-Air Museum & Swedish Street Food

Skansen museum.

By day 3 you’ll probably have a pretty good feel of the city and will be ready to branch outward and explore beyond. This is the perfect opportunity to head to the world’s oldest open-air museum, Skansen.

Built in 1899, Skansen is an open-air museum located on the Djurgården island of Stockholm and makes for a really fun stop on this itinerary.

The thoughts and inspirations behind the museum were to showcase everyday life in different parts of Sweden before the industrial era. The museum almost feels more like an amusement park without the rides, with exhibits spanning 75 acres.

These include a replica of a 19th-century Swedish small town including workers dressed as different craftsmen or everyday people from the time recreating scenes. You’ll also find a large open-air zoo and homes/farmsteads from all different parts of the country. 

The best way to reach Skansen from the center of the city is by various bus routes, with a journey time of around 20 minutes. Once you arrive, you’re transported back in time.

If for whatever reason, Skansen isn’t in your interest, there are plenty of other museums worth visiting. Maybe head to Fotografiska Photography and Cultural Museum , ABBA the Museum , or the Nationalmuseum. You could even opt to visit some of Stockholm’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Woodland Cemetery or Drottningholm Palace.

Ö stermalm Neighborhood & Food Hall

After spending a day at the Skansen Museum, you’ll likely be hungry and ready to enjoy another delicious meal in the Swedish capital city.

For those seeing Stockholm in 3 days, this is also going to be your last day on the itinerary, so my recommendation is to make your way to the sophisticated Östermalm neighborhood to eat more tasty food at the Ostermalm food hall. Östermalm isn’t too far from the Skansen Museum, making it a great spot to head to close the day.

Spend time in this part of Stockholm with some of the highest property value while browsing the upmarket boutiques, more green parks, and maybe even The Royal Mews to get to know the horses of Royal Sweden. 

Afterwards, head to the Östermalm Food Hall, or Östermalm “Saluhall”. Sweden’s main food hall is easily one of the best in Europe and at the top of the list for best in the world.

Nowadays we’re more used to modern food halls in capital cities, but Stockholm’s goes back to 1888. You’ll find gorgeous Gothic architecture, traditional Swedish foods with exceptional ingredients, and many decadent Swedish foods and snacks to bring home.

Opening hours of the food hall vary depending on the time of year as well as the day of the week, so check the hours before visiting. You can book a food tour of this area as well if you want a guide to take you to some of their best spots!

Day 4 – Uppsala or Fjäderholmarna

After spending 3 days in Stockholm, you may be ready to head out of the city and into a different part of Sweden. Luckily, there are many wonderful day trip options close to Stockholm, and no matter the time of year, you’re bound to enjoy your time exploring other parts of the country.

Day 4 of this Stockholm itinerary highlights two wonderful day trip options from Stockholm, with one summer option and one winter option. 

Winter Day Trip – Uppsala

If you’re visiting Stockholm in the winter and would like to head out on a day trip, a great option is to head to Sweden’s fourth-biggest city, Uppsala .

Just a quick journey by train from Stockholm’s Central Station, Uppsala was first founded in 1164 and is a city full of culture and history as well as the home to Sweden’s oldest university.

Spend your day wandering the medieval streets of this gorgeous university town, visit the Uppsala castle, and enjoy a warm coffee at a cozy cafe away from the cold winter air.

Train journeys from Stockholm Central Station to Uppsala Central Station take between 20-50 minutes.

Summer Day Trip – Fjäderholmarna 

One of the best ways to experience Swedish summer like a local is to head to the water and enjoy the sun and nature.

A convenient way to experience this while visiting Stockholm without having to head too far is to head to the Fjäderholmarna, or “Fjäder”, an island group part of the Stockholm archipelago. You can easily reach Fjäderholmarna by ferry in just under 20 minutes from the Stockholm harbor. 

I suggest visiting Stora Fjäderholmen, the main island in the Fjäderholmarna. Here you’ll find a quaint atmosphere on a small island, with artistic shops and galleries, sweet shops, a brewery, summer restaurants with fresh seafood (I recommend the Skagen sandwich), and a lush green area in the middle.

It’s a tranquil and pleasant summer atmosphere wandering the small streets, eating a wonderful meal, and sitting by the shore enjoying the sea and warm Swedish sun. 

While best experienced in summer, it is possible to take a boat cruise out to the islands in winter as well.

Where to Stay in Stockholm

Scandic No 53 – Well-located close to Stockholm’s top attractions, this hotel is an excellent place to stay. Along with modern rooms, there is a bar, terrace and an exceptional breakfast each morning.

Downtown Camper by Scandic – Those looking for a bit of a luxury escape in Stockholm will love this 4-star hotel. Excellently situated close to the main sites of the Swedish capital, there are 2 on-site restaurants, a swimming pool, breakfast and lovely rooms to choose from.

Gamla Stan Apartments – If you’d like to experience Stockholm like a local or simply love the convenience of having your own space when traveling, these apartments are an excellent choice. There are a number of different-sized flats to choose from equipped with all the esentials.

Castanea Old Town Hostel – Budget and solo travelers will love this highly-rated hostel. It is centrally located within easy reach of all Stockholm has to offer, they have both dorm beds and private rooms available along with good common areas and self-catering facilities.

Not quite what you’re looking for? Click here to browse more Stockholm hotels!

Whether you’re someone who’s always wanted to visit Scandinavia or are already well acquainted with the Nordic region, Stockholm is a great place to begin or continue your travels. Whether you’re on a short visit, or your trip consists of visiting Stockholm in 4 days, you’ll easily fall in love with the vibrant Swedish capital, its people, food, culture, and scenery.

Are you planning a trip to Stockholm? Do you have any questions about this itinerary? Let us know in the comments!

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About Olivia Ellis

Olivia is a writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from Michigan, USA, she is currently living in Athens, Greece exploring Europe and filmmaking. When she’s not travelling or writing, Olivia can be found cooking delicious new recipes from around the world, reading, and spending time outdoors.

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Stockholm   Travel Guide

Courtesy of Domingo Leiva | Getty Images

8 Best Things To Do in Stockholm

Updated May 8, 2023

Stockholm is a great escape for the relaxed urban traveler. Here you can take a public ferry to the picturesque Gamla Stan or take a leisurely stroll among the relaxing grounds of the lush Djurgården park island. The capital is also perfect for those

• All Things To Do

Gamla Stan (Old Town) Gamla Stan (Old Town) free

In Stockholm, travelers don't necessarily need to venture to one of the city's museums to learn about its past. Instead, stroll through Gamla Stan, the neighborhood where Stockholm itself was founded in 1252. Cobblestone streets, winding alleyways and colorful, classic architecture abound, creating a medieval atmosphere  visitors can't seem to get enough of. But Gamla Stan's charming ambience isn't all the area has going for it. The neighborhood is home to some of the city's top attractions, including the Stockholm Cathedral, Parliament, the Nobel Museum (which houses exhibits about the Nobel Peace Prize and its laureates) and the Royal Palace . Gamla Stan is also where you'll find Stockholm's oldest street,  Köpmangatan, and Mårten Trotzigs gränd alleyway, the city's narrowest pathway at only 35 inches wide at its smallest point. 

Though travelers said there are plenty of cafes, shops and attractions here, some reviewers found Gamla Stan to be a tourist trap. Visitors said restaurants are often overpriced, and some were put off by the kitschy shops that catered to tourists. However, you don't have to spend money to get the best of Gamla Stan. Many tourists enjoyed simply strolling around the area and recommended everyone do the same, as they felt the scenery was the neighborhood's best asset. Gamla Stan is completely free to stroll through and aside from the various businesses that dot the area, is open for exploration 24 hours a day. For more information, visit the Stockholm Tourism Board's website .

Djurgården Djurgården free

In Stockholm, you don't have to travel far to experience the famous Swedish countryside. At Djurgården, you can get exactly that and so much more. The island of Djurgården is situated right next to the city center, accessible via various forms of public transportation (ferries included), as well as on foot thanks to the numerous bridges that connect to it from Östermalm. The island is one big green oasis, perfect for biking, strolling or picnicking. But there's more to this giant park than meets the eye. What lies within Djurgården is a treasure trove of activities, including some of the city's top attractions. Here, you'll find Rosendals Garden , Skansen , the Vasa Museum and 21 other museums, including one dedicated solely to the Swedish pop group ABBA. There's also an aquarium and amusement park, perfect for traveling families.

But don't worry, there are still plenty of spaces to unwind. Hit up one of the island's many coastal or canal pathways, or rest your legs at Isbladskärret, a small lake area home to numerous different types of birds and small herd of Scottish Highland cattle. In addition, there are plenty of eateries scattered around the island (previous visitors particularly recommend getting a bite at the greenhouse cafe at Rosendals).

Monteliusvagen Monteliusvagen free

If you're the kind of traveler who can't leave a new city without experiencing a vista or two, consider a walk along Monteliusvagen. At less than a half-mile long, this cobblestone-lined pathway may seem modest at first, but the views it offers of the Stockholm skyline pack a punch. The scenic path is perched atop the cliffs of Södermalm and faces Lake Mälaren, Riddarholmen (the small island adjacent to Gamla Stan ) and city hall, where some of the annual Nobel Prize award ceremonies and banquets are held. Sodermalm, the area where the Monteliusvagen is located, is akin to SoHo in New York City. The trendy neighborhood features a variety of shopping options, from designer to vintage stores, art galleries, bars and restaurants. And if you're still itching for more views during your time in Sodermalm, walk about a mile east and you'll hit the Fjällgatan viewpoint, found conveniently above Fotografiska .

Recent visitors said this short stroll is lovely and best experienced at sunrise or sunset. Some suggested taking food for a small picnic at the available benches, while others said those interested in photography would be hard-pressed to find a better place to take a photo of the city. Whichever way you choose to experience Monteliusvagen, you'll be greeted with fantastic views, according to reviewers.

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Vasa Museum Vasa Museum

On its maiden voyage in 1628, the most powerful warship in the Baltic, the Vasa ,  was afloat only minutes before capsizing in front of stunned onlookers in the city's harbor.  Hundreds of years later, the massive, 226-foot-long ship was completely salvaged. The ship was so big that it took more than a year for it to be raised from the surface of the seabed. The Vasa has been put back together and extensively restored since then, with more than 95 percent of the ship originally intact. Thanks to this meticulous restoration, the ship is considered the only preserved 17th-century ship in the world and the  oldest fully preserved warship in the world. Today, the Vasa Museum is the most visited museum in Scandinavia, drawing in more than one million visitors a year.

In addition to the majestic ship, the museum houses a number of interesting exhibits about the vessel's history, including a look into what life was like at sea during that era, stories of the people onboard and a collection of artistic relics found on the ship.  But the pinnacle for travelers is touring the Vasa itself.  Recent visitors were in complete awe of the ship's incredible size and  were amazed at the quality of preservation down to the smallest detail. Even those who admitted the attraction wasn't initially at the top of their must-see list left the Vasa Museum with a better understanding of why this facility is considered one of the city's top attractions. And speaking of the museum's popularity, don't be surprised if you encounter long lines and crowds during Stockholm's peak season (summer).

Skansen Skansen

Founded in 1891, Skansen is not only the world's first open-air museum, but also its oldest.  The attraction illustrates five centuries of Swedish history through its showcase of 150 historical homes and farmsteads sourced from different parts of Sweden. Visitors can stroll through an 18th-century wooden church, a farmstead from northern Sweden and the town quarter, which consists of various 18th- and 19th-century homes and shops as well as period garb-clad historical interpreters who can also showcase traditional activities, such as spinning and knitting, among many others.  Skansen is also home to a zoo, which features 75 different species and breeds of Scandinavian animals, including wolverines, otters and Scandinavian brown bears, to name a few. And if you start to feel peckish during your tour, there are five fine and casual dining options to choose from on-site. 

Recent visitors thoroughly enjoyed their time at Skansen. Travelers said the place is so big, you could easily spend all day there and never get bored. Many in particular loved the zoo animals and said this is a great place to bring kids. What's more, historical interpreters speak English (among other languages), so visitors were happy they didn't miss out on presentations offered. And if you're visiting in the warmer months, some recommend having a picnic among the property's scenic landscape. 

Rosendals Garden (Rosendals Tradgard) Rosendals Garden (Rosendals Tradgard) free

Rosendals Trädgård is a public garden located on the island of Djurgården. When you need a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, or simply a scenic place to rest your feet, Rosendals is your answer. The attraction is a market garden outfitted with fields, a rose garden, orchard, flower beds, a vineyard and green houses, offering plenty of opportunities to unwind alongside nature. There's also an educational garden specifically for children. In addition to plenty of green spaces, there is an artisanal bakery, farm shop that sells biodynamically grown veggies and a plant shop. In the summer months, visitors can go out and pick flowers for purchase on the property. There is also the regularly lauded Greenhouse Cafe. Located right alongside gardens of its own, the cafe serves casual bites, primarily sourcing from the veggies grown on-site. And recent visitors can taste the freshness. Many travelers found the food served at the cafe and bakery to be delicious, and dining alongside gardens significantly enhanced their experience. Others were happy they brushed elbows more Swedish people than tourists here. 

Unless you plan on eating or purchasing something at the on-site shop, the Rosendal's Garden is free to explore. Hours, however, vary. From May to September the attraction is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. (though closed from June 24th to 26th for Midsummer) and from October to December the garden is open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Due to weather conditions, the gardens are closed to the public from January to April. To get to Rosendals, take the No. 69 bus to the Djurgården stop, walk over the bridge and follow the canal; signs to the gardens will become present.  For more information, check out the garden's website . 

Fotografiska Fotografiska

Stockholm is full of unique museums. There's one dedicated to the band ABBA, another to a sunken warship (the Vasa Museum ), and of course there's Skansen , the world's first open-air museum. Fotografiska stands out in that it is entirely made up of contemporary photography. The museum  presents four large exhibitions and 15 to 20 smaller exhibitions throughout the year, showcasing a variety of photography styles and subjects. Portraits, landscapes, black and white photos, series about war and even pregnancy have passed through Fotografiska. The museum aims to present a mix of unknown talents as well as big international names, some of which have included Annie Leibovitz, David LaChapelle and Nick Brandt.

Recent visitors offered mixed reviews of Fotografiska. Many travelers enjoyed the museum, raving about the interesting and thought-provoking photographs, while others felt the attraction was overhyped and overpriced. Some of those, however, admitted they weren't photography buffs to begin with. But what many did agree on was the top-notch dining options, as well as the stunning views of the waterways found within.

Royal Palace (Kungliga Slottet) Royal Palace (Kungliga Slottet)

While Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia actually live at Drottningholm Palace (some 20 minutes west of Stockholm), Kungliga Slottet (Royal Palace) serves as their workplace and is the setting for most official receptions. It's also a popular tourist attraction. Visitors are allowed to tour the Royal Apartments, Treasury and the Tre Kronor Museum. The name apartments are given to signify a series of state rooms, and there are about four different sets of apartments within the Royal Apartments including the Orders of the Chivalry, Guest, State and Bernadotte  apartments – the latter of which contains 14 rooms alone. And we haven't even gotten into what's in the Treasury and the Tre Kronor Museum. Safe to say it would be hard to see the palace in one afternoon. But if you are short on time, don't miss royal relics, including crowns and swords, found in the Treasury, or the Hall of State, found in the Royal Apartments. Today, the Hall of State acts as the venue for official functions, but up until 1975 it was the meeting place for parliamentary sessions. It's also the home of a silver throne that was gifted to the former Queen Kristina for her coronation in the 17th century. Whichever room you decide to venture into, expect truly grandiose interiors throughout. 

Visitors were definitely impressed with the magnificent architecture and decor of the palace, and had a few suggestions on how to tackle the massive attraction. Many considered the Armoury a must-visit, as well as the changing of the guards ceremony. Others highly recommended paying extra for a guided tour, which some said greatly enhanced their experience of the palace. However you decide to tour the attraction, don't get discouraged if you don't see it all. With more than 600 rooms, it's one of the biggest palaces in Europe.

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Stockholm Travel Guide

Last Updated: August 17, 2023

Stockholm is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. No matter how often I come here, I am always amazed by it. Everything is just so photogenic and picturesque – the parks, the islands, the harbor, the historic colored houses dating back hundreds of years.

In fact, it’s so incredible that I even spent an entire summer living in the city!

Stockholm spreads itself out across fourteen islands (though there are thousands of islands in the archipelago) and has a ton of museums, attractions, parks, and art to see while getting lost among the historic streets and buildings. The people are wonderful too. While Swedes generally are quiet and reserved, they are happy to share advice with visitors.

Stockholm isn’t the cheapest place in the world so many backpackers rush their visit (or skip over the city entirely). That’s a mistake if you ask me as a visit here is worth every penny.

This travel guide to Stockholm can help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your visit to Sweden’s capital!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Stockholm

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Stockholm

1. Walk around Gamla Stan

This is the oldest part of the city, with centuries-old buildings, the Nobel Museum, the Royal Palace, cobblestone streets, and the historic homes of the aristocracy. I never tire of wandering through it. Get here early in the summer to beat the crowds and have the narrow, winding alleys to yourself.

2. Wander around Skansen

Skansen was the first open-air museum in the world. It’s also a zoological garden specializing in Nordic fauna, such as moose, reindeer, bear, wolf, lynx, and wolverine. Entry is 160-220 SEK depending on the season.

3. Tour the archipelago

Stockholm is surrounded by beautiful islands and waterways. You haven’t really seen the city if you haven’t explored the archipelago. The good tours take a full day, going out to more secluded islands. Tours only operate during the summer. Or take the ferry and island hop yourself!

4. Enjoy fika

Each day, Swedes pause to have a coffee (or tea) and a baked treat. This daily ritual is called fika . For Swedes, fika (or “to fika”) is a normal part of everyday life and can be done wherever you want, with friends or solo.

5. Tour the Vasa Museum

This museum houses the world’s only preserved 17th-century ship. The Vasa was so poorly built that it sank a mile from the dock. The cold sea preserved the ship and the museum does a wonderful job of putting the ship into its historical context. Admission is 170-190 SEK.

Other Things to See and Do in Stockholm

1. spend the day at djurgarden island.

Djurgarden is an island right in the middle of Stockholm. You can take a walking tour, eat at a relaxing restaurant, enjoy the amusement park located here, and visit a historic Swedish village. There are a lot of easy walking paths and it’s a popular spot for a picnic. In the summer, it’s a wonderful place for people watching or lounging with a book.

2. Take a bike tour

To explore all the city’s neighborhoods, rent a bike or treat yourself to a guided bike tour of the city. The city is not traffic-heavy and the winding streets are so much fun to explore on wheels. Expect to pay around 200-250 SEK per day for a rental while guided bike tours range from 200-400 SEK per person.

3. Enjoy Stockholm’s wild nightlife

Stockholm is known for its nightclubs and bars. It may be expensive, but Swedes love to go out and party. Hit the clubs and party with the locals. Watch out for the blackjack tables (they have them at every club!). My favorite places to go out at night are Debaser Hornstulls Strand, Anchor, Retro, Under Bron, Rose, and Soap Bar. The main nightlife area is called Stureplan. Expect to pay 100-260 SEK per club just in entrance fees!

4. Tour the Royal Palace

Built between 1697-1760 and located on the east side of the Old Town, the Royal Palace is a Baroque palace open to the public. It’s one of the must-see sights in Stockholm. The building dominates Gamla Stan. The royal family doesn’t live here anymore, but it’s still an important historical site. A combined ticket to visit the treasury, reception rooms, and museum costs 140 SEK. The palace is closed when dignitaries are being hosted.

5. See the art at the National Museum

The National Museum was founded in 1792 and contains works by Rembrandt, Rubens, Goya, Renoir, Degas, and Gauguin, as well as well-known Swedish artists such as Carl Larsson, Ernst Josephson, C.F. Hill, and Anders Zorn. The collection is quite robust, especially if you like Scandinavian artists. Admission is free, though temporary exhibitions cost 70-170 SEK.

6. Explore the Medieval Museum

Located underneath the Royal Palace, this museum is one of the better history museums in the city. The museum was built around excavated monuments and sections of the city wall so you can actually see and experience what the city was like 400 years ago. There’s also a medieval graveyard here and a warship from the middle ages. You learn a lot of details about medieval Sweden and life in Stockholm. It’s free too!

7. Tour city hall

Built in 1911, Stockholm’s City Hall is a historic brick building that features daily guided tours for 110 SEK. You’ll see the official areas of the hall and learn about the history of the building and local government. You can also go up the tower from May-September (for an additional 50 SEK) for amazing views of Gamla Stan and the city. Tours go through the areas where official council business takes place, as well as the ceremonial halls used for official city events and banquets.

8. Walk along Monteliusvägen

This is a mile-long walking path that offers fantastic views of Lake Mälaren. It’s one of the best places in the city watch the sunset from too. I love coming here for a sunset stroll.

9. Visit Fotografiska

Fotografiska features some of the best works in contemporary photography. It’s only a couple of floors, but its rotating exhibits are always top-notch so I’m always happy to visit. There’s a bar and café on the top floor that offers panoramic views of the harbor and Gamla Stan. Admission is 165-245 SEK.

10. Visit the ABBA museum

A visit to Stockholm wouldn’t be complete without checking out the quirky ABBA museum. Tickets are not cheap (admission is 250 SEK) but it’s a colorful way to experience Sweden’s legendary pop group (they’re one of the most popular pop groups of all time, with some 150 million records sold). The museum displays their original costumes and outfits, gold records, and props from the Mamma Mia films (which were based on the music of ABBA). There are lots of interactive displays highlighting the history and achievements of the group too.

11. Visit the Swedish History Museum

If you’re interested in Scandinavian history, this museum covers the Stone Age to the Vikings. Highlights include the Gold Room, which houses gold treasures from the Bronze Age to the 16th century. It’s a very detailed museum and I think they do a really good job explaining their Viking history. Admission is free.

12. Day trip to Uppsala

It’s easy to day trip from Stockholm, so take the train to Uppsala and enjoy this university town’s abundance of quaint shops, beautiful parks, and waterways. There are several fantastic museums as well. Sigtuna is another great day trip option, especially for its preserved medieval buildings dating back to the 10th century.

13. Have fun at Gröna Lund Theme Park

This 15-acre amusement park has over 30 attractions and is a popular venue for concerts during the summer. Originally opened in 1883, the park is located on Djurgården so it’s easy to access. Just keep in mind that the schedule changes a lot so be sure to check the website before you go. Admission is 120 SEK.

14. See the stunning subway art

Stockholm’s subway system also doubles as the world’s longest art gallery. Since 1957, artists have been invited to decorate the subterranean stations with their work, and today over 90 out of 100 stations feature public art. Kungsträdgården is one of the most famous stations and features a colorful abstract garden complete with sculptures formerly housed at the palace.

15. Visit Drottningholm Palace

Located just 30 minutes outside of the city, this 17th-century palace is the most well-preserved in all of Sweden. Modeled after the Palace of Versailles, the UNESCO-listed complex includes ornate gardens, a theatre, a Chinese Pavilion, and elaborately decorated interiors. It is the official private residence of the Swedish royal family and is only open on weekends. Admission is 140 SEK or 170 SEK including a guided tour in English.

16. Stroll Strandvägen

Hugging the waterfront in the prestigious district of Östermalm, Strandvägen is a boulevard lined with beautiful Art Nouveau buildings on one side and floating bars and cafes on the other. Finished just in time for the Stockholm World’s Fair in 1897, the promenade remains a popular place to spend an afternoon.

17. Take a canal tour

There’s no better way to learn about this maritime city than by taking to the water. Join one of the many different canal tours showcasing different aspects and areas of the city. A 1-hour tour generally costs around 240 SEK.

  For more information on other cities in Sweden, check out these guides:

• Gothenburg Travel Guide

Stockholm Travel Costs

Hostel prices – A bed in a 4-8-bed dorm room costs 200-260 SEK per night. For a private room, expect to pay at least 650 SEK per night. Most hostels in the city also add a 50-80 SEK surcharge for bed linen to offset the cost of cleaning (you are allowed to bring your own sheets, but sleeping bags are not permitted).

Fortunately, some of the hostels have some great perks. City Backpackers , for example, has a free sauna as well as free pasta while Skanstulls Hostel has free pasta, coffee, and tea. In expensive Sweden, free goes a long way to save money if you’re on a budget!

For those traveling with a tent, wild camping is legal outside the city. You just need to make sure you aren’t too close to someone’s house and are not camping in a cultivated field. But otherwise, Sweden’s Freedom to Roam law means you have a lot of leeway when it comes to wild camping.

Budget hotel prices – Budget hotels cost around 900 SEK per night. TV, free Wi-Fi, and coffee/tea makers are usually standard. Several hotels include free breakfast, so opt for these to save on your food budget.

Food – Food in Sweden is hearty and based heavily on meat, fish, and root vegetables. One of the most iconic and popular dishes is meatballs and a creamy sauce with potatoes and lingonberry jam. Crayfish, shrimp, mushrooms, and fresh summer berries are other popular staples. For breakfast, Swedes usually eat dark bread with cheese and vegetables. For fika, cinnamon buns are the go-to choice for many.

Like all of Sweden, eating out is expensive in Stockholm. You can get cheap food from outdoor street vendors starting at around 50 SEK, though these are few and far between. You can get hot dogs for around 30 SEK at places like 7-Eleven and Pressbyran.

Many convenience stores and cafes offer pre-packaged sandwiches and meals for 50-100 SEK if you’re on the go and want a quick bite. Whole pizzas cost around 65-95 SEK and most nice sit-down restaurant meals begin at 200 SEK for a main dish (for yummy pizza, check out Omnipollos Hatt).

If you’re looking for a drink, beer can be as cheap as 40 SEK, though 65-75 SEK is more common. Wine costs around 55-75 SEK at your average restaurant, and cocktails are around 100 SEK. If you’re on a budget and want to drink, stick to beer. You can buy your own alcohol at the government-run Systembolaget for even greater savings.

Some of my favorite places to eat are Herman’s, Omnipolls Hatt, Beijing8, Ramblas Tapas Bar, and Hattori Sushi Devil.

Grocery shopping costs around 600-700 SEK per week for basic groceries like pasta, rice, and veggies. However, if you cut down on your meat and cheese intake (some of the most expensive food items in Sweden) you can lower your costs significantly.

Backpacking Stockholm Suggested Budgets

On a backpacking budget, you should plan to spend 825 SEK per day. This is a suggested budget assuming you’re staying in a hostel dorm, cooking all your own meals, using public transportation, walking, limiting your drinking, and participating in free activities like visiting free museums and taking free walking tours.

On a mid-range of budget of 1,600 SEK per day, you can stay in private hostel rooms, get a public transportation pass and take the occasional Uber, eat some fast food, enjoy a couple drinks, and do some more paid activities like museum visits or a guided bike tour.

On a “luxury” budget of 2,330 SEK or more per day, you can stay in a budget hotel, eat out for all your meals, take taxis tog et around, drink more, do some excursions to the islands, and day trip to Uppsala. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in SEK.

Stockholm Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Stockholm may not be the most budget-friendly city to visit, but luckily there are a lot of ways to save money. It’s not too hard to save big if you know just a few tips. Here is how to visit Stockholm on budget:

• Purchase the Go City Stockholm Card – This pass gives you access to the city’s public transportation system and free entrance into 99% of the museums and canal tours. It’s well worth the money and definitely saves a lot more than it costs if plan to do a lot of sightseeing. It includes access to over 60 attractions and is 669 SEK for a 1-day pass or 1,569 SEK for a 5-day pass (which is a much better deal!).
• Stay with locals for free – Accommodation is expensive in Stockholm. Consider using Couchsurfing, a site that connects travelers with locals who offer a free place to stay. If you can cut out your accommodation costs, you will save a lot of money. It’s also a great way to get to know the local culture because you’re staying in someone’s home and you can ask them all the questions you want.
• Free walking tours – Free Tour Stockholm runs the best walking tours in the city. They offer a few different tours, including a tour of Gamla Stan. They generally last two hours and are available in English. Just be sure to tip your guide at the end!
• Drink beer – If you are going to drink, stick to beer. It costs about half as much money as mixed drinks or wine at bars and restaurants. For greater savings, buy your own alcohol at the government-run Systembolaget (it can be up to 50% cheaper that way).
• Avoid the big restaurants – Eating out in Stockholm is very expensive. If you want to eat out, try to stick to the outside grills you see on the side of the street. You can find a variety in them and they are under 100 SEK per meal (which is half the price you’ll pay at a sit-down restaurant).
• Try the lunch buffets – If you choose to eat out, the lunch buffets are an economical way to do so, often costing around 110 SEK. They are a popular option with locals. For a healthier option, try Hermans or Hermitage.
• Get a metro card – If you don’t plan to get the Stockholm Card, make sure you get a week-long metro pass. At 415 SEK for a week of rides, it is a better deal than paying 160 SEK for just 24 hours.
• Avoid clubs – Most clubs have a cover charge of over 250 SEK. Don’t waste your money.
• Refill your water bottle – Water is about 30 SEK per bottle. Since the tap water is drinkable (one of the cleanest in Europe!) you should just buy one bottle and reuse it. Not only will this save you money, but it will save the environment too! My go-to bottle is LifeStraw since they have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.
• Avoid the taxis – With the subway open late (or all night long depending on the day) you can avoid taking taxis. A typical ride costs more than 250 SEK, so avoid them at all costs! (Uber is cheaper than taxis but it’s still very expensive).

Where to Stay in Stockholm

Stockholm has lots of hostels and they’re all pretty comfortable and sociable. These are my suggested and recommended places to stay in Stockholm:

• Archipelago Hostel Old Town
• Generator Stockholm
• City Backpackers
• Skanstull Stockholm
• Castanea Old Town Hostel

How to Get Around Stockholm

Public Transportation – Public transportation in Stockholm costs 38 SEK per ticket, making the day pass (or multi-day pass) your best choice.

You need to purchase a reloadable card in advance or download the app. Cards cost 20 SEK and can be filled with as much credit as you need (including multi-day passes). A week-long pass is the best deal at 415 SEK, though you can also get a 24-hour pass for 160 SEK or a 72-hour pass for 315 SEK. These can be used on buses, ferries, and trains.

The subway is known as the tunnelbana (or T-bana). Subway trains operate 5am–1am on weekdays and all night on Fridays and Saturdays. Trains come every 10 minutes during the day and every 30 minutes at night.

When coming from Arlanda airport, the bus is your cheapest option. Flygbussarna runs shuttles regularly, with tickets costing 119 SEK (one way). The journey takes around 45 minutes.

You can also take the Arlanda Express train to Stockholm’s central train station. It’s 299 SEK for a one-way ticket. The journey takes around 20 minutes.

Taxi – Most cabs cost around 285 SEK and should be avoided as the trains and buses run all night. Avoid taxis unless you have no other choice as they will burn a hole in your budget!

Ridesharing – Uber here is a little cheaper than taxis but it’s still quite expensive. I don’t recommend using it unless you have to.

Bicycle – Stockholm is a very easy city to bike around. Many hostels rent bikes or organize bike tours. Rentals cost around 200-250 SEK per day and guided bike tours range from 300-400 SEK per person.

When to Go to Stockholm

The ideal time to visit Sweden is from June to August, when the weather is warm and the days are (really) long. Stockholm is at its liveliest during this time, with locals taking advantage of the good weather at every opportunity. The parks are always full, and there are always fun events happening around town. Temperatures are often in the 20s Celsius (60s and 70s Fahrenheit) during the summer.

The downside to visiting then is that, since Sweden has a very short summer, the city is rather crowded, so be sure to book your accommodation in advance. This is especially true if you are visiting during Midsommar, the big Swedish holiday at the end of June. It’s a great time to experience Swedish traditions (which involve a lot of drinking).

May typically has great weather with occasional rain, while September has cooler temperatures and changing leaves. You’ll beat the crowds and still be able to explore the city on foot without the weather getting in your way (too much).

Attractions begin to close around late September, and the days get dark early in October. Temperatures start dropping around this time too. However, prices also decrease, and you’re likely to find cheaper airfares and accommodations during this time. Be sure to pack layers if you plan on visiting during this time of year.

The winter is very cold and sees a lot of snow and darkness. In the depths of the winter, you only get a few hours of light each day and temperatures plummet below -0ºC (32ºF). The plus side of traveling during the off-season, however, is that you can get the cheapest accommodations, and fees for certain attractions will be lower as well. While Stockholm is quite beautiful in winter, you won’t want to be walking around as much, and since it’s a great city to explore on foot, you will potentially be missing out.

How to Stay Safe in Stockholm

Sweden is one of the safest countries in the world. In fact, it ranks 15th on the ranking of the world’s safest countries (for comparison, the USA is 122nd) it’s a great destination for solo travelers — including solo female travelers.

However, Stockholm is still a large city, so the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.). Keep an eye out for pickpockets, especially around the train stations and on public transportation.

As in any city, be aware of your surroundings and use common sense and you should be just fine. You’re not really going to find any scams in the city either. It’s pretty safe.

That said, always keep an eye on your drink when out at the bar and never walk home alone if intoxicated.

If you’re worried about getting ripped off, here’s a list of common travel scams to avoid.

If you do experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past.

Stockholm Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Stockholm Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Sweden and continue planning your trip:

The 6 Best Hotels in Stockholm

Where to Stay in Stockholm: The Best Neighborhoods for Your Visit

The 9 Best Hostels in Stockholm

Living Lagom in Sweden: An Interview With Lola Akerstrom

The Swedish Birthday Party

10 Ways to Visit Stockholm on a Budget

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Stockholm travel blog — the stockholm travel guide blog for first-timers.

Stockholm is also known as a city of water and trees, spreading over 14 islands, once dubbed the “Venice of the North”. Besides, the magnificent castles and poetic streets attract hundreds of thousands of tourists to the Swedish capital. If you have also been fascinated by this city, what are you waiting for without checking out some of the most economical Stockholm travel experiences and tips for this journey below. So, what to do and how to plan a perfect budget trip to Stockholm for the first-time? Let’s check out our Stockholm travel blog (Stockholm blog) with the fullest Stockholm travel guide blog (Stockholm guide, Stockholm tourist guide, Stockholm visitor guide) from how to get there, best time to come, where to stay, best places to visit and top things to do to find out the answer!

• My trip to Stockholm blog — Another capital of love
• What to buy in Sweden 2024? — 26+ must buy souvenirs, gifts & best things to buy in Sweden
• Scandinavia itinerary — How to make a best itinerary for Scandinavia for 8 days?
• What to eat in Sweden? — 21+ most popular, must eat & best food in Sweden
• Uppsala guide — What to do in Uppsala, discover a very different Sweden

Stockholm travel blog: Overview of the Swedish capital

As you can see on the map above, Sweden is part of the Scandinavian peninsula in Northern Europe. The beautiful country of Sweden is the 3rd largest country in Europe, the 1st in Northern Europe and shares a border with Norway, Finland, and Denmark.

The official language of Sweden is Swedish, but English is widely spoken here and the Swedes have the second best English speaking skills in the world. In addition, Swedish also has a great similarity with Norwegian and Danish, so if they speak slowly, people in these 3 countries can still communicate with each other. And in fact, many people think that Swedish is quite easy to learn because it is very similar to English. So if you intend to travel to Sweden, don’t worry about your communication skills.

Stockholm capital with more than 30% of the area is water, 30% is green vegetation, so this place is ranked as the capital with the 3rd freshest air in Europe after Berlin and Copenhagen. Stockholm has a harmonious combination of ancient architecture and modern architecture today with very unique designs. In my opinion, the Swedish capital is the most impressive city in the Nordic capitals I have been to.

Stockholm blog: When to come?

Having the characteristics of a country in Northern Europe, Sweden has harsh weather and long winters. However, in winter, sports activities are still taking place, so you can choose to go to Stockholm at any time of the year. The average temperature in winter is about -10 degrees Celsius and it often snows.

A small tip is that you should travel to Stockholm in the summer from May to August, when the weather is quite warm and pleasant, the temperature is from about 17-24 degrees Celsius with light sunshine and not too harsh, it does not make you suffocating, hot and uncomfortable, but warm and comfortable. Sunny days will last until September, so the city is quite crowded at this time.

In addition, May is also a good suggestion for those who like quiet because this is the low season but the weather is still quite mild and the cost of travel is also significantly reduced.

And the peak season from September, you can enjoy long sunny days. At this time, the price of hotels and services is a bit more expensive, but the attractions are also open for longer.

Note: If you intend to apply for a visa to Sweden, you should apply for a Schengen visa to able to travel to all EU countries.

Stockholm travel guide blog: Getting to Stockholm

You can fly, take a ferry or train to Stockholm from other European cities. To hunting cheap air tickets you can use Google Flights or Skyscanner , if getting to Stockholm by ferry, check departure points and timetables here . By other means of transport, check at OMIO.com .

Getting from the airport to the city of Stockholm

There are 3 ways to get to Stockholm city center from the main Arlanda airport.

• Arlanda Express, (€16), 20 minutes of riding
• Train: Costs €13.5 for 40 minutes
• Flygbussarna Airport Coach, costs €10.5 for 40 minutes

Stockholm guide blog: Getting around the city of Stockholm

Public transport.

A single ticket costs €4.3/trip, valid for 75 minutes.

Parents traveling with a stroller with a baby will be free of charge (like Finland). Please note that it is only free when taking a bus. Traveling by metro still has to buy tickets as usual. In the Finnish capital Helsinki, all vehicles are free.

Note: Tickets should be purchased at ticket booths or ticket counters, tickets cannot be purchased on vehicles.

• Stockholm Pass

With this pass you can take hop on – hop off bus, boat, ferry and free admission to all attractions in Stockholm. I find buying this ticket is also quite convenient because if you just take hop on – hop off bus, it costs €30, taking a boat also costs €24. So, you should spend a little more to get free entrance to famous tourist attractions such as Vasa Museum, Viking Museum, Nobel Prize Museum, very convenient.

Prices as follows:

• €62/adult/24h (children from 6-15 years: €32)
• €82/adult/48h

Stockholm Travel Card for tourists

This ticket allows you take all public transport in Stockholm city with the following prices:

• 24 hours: SEK 160 (adult fare); SEK 105 (discounted fare)
• 72 hours: SEK 315 (adult fare); SEK 210 (discounted fare)
• 7 days: SEK 415 (adult fare); SEK 280 (discounted fare)

If you have a travel card, traveling from the airport to the city center will be able to buy tickets with a discount of 11.6 euros at Skycity at Terminal 4, 5 (only applicable for train rides). And if you’re under 18, it’s free.

Hop On – Hop Off bus

• €31/person/24h
• €36/person/72h

Stockholm travel blog: Where to stay?

During my trip, I stayed at City Backpackers Hostel Stockholm ( Agoda.com or Booking.com ) : 500m from the pier and fully equipped, whether you stay in a double room or a dormitory room. Double room price €61/night and €16/dorm bed.

Below we recommend more best budget, mid-range and upscale hotels with good ratings and reviews you can refer to.

• Radisson Blu Waterfront Hotel ( Agoda.com or Booking.com ).
• Downtown Camper by Scandic ( Agoda.com or Booking.com ).
• Haymarket by Scandic ( Agoda.com or Booking.com ).
• Freys Hotel ( Agoda.com or Booking.com ).
• Scandic Grand Central ( Agoda.com or Booking.com ).
• Hotel Rival ( Agoda.com or Booking.com ).

Check out more top and best hotels in Stockholm on Agoda.com or Booking.com .

Stockholm travel blog: Where to go and what to do

Stockholm city hall.

This is the building of the Stockholm City Council. It is located on the eastern tip of the island of Kungsholmen, next to the northern shore of Riddarfjärden and opposite the islands of Riddarholmen and Södermalm.

The town hall was built in 1911 with 8 million pink stone slabs, 106 m high, where the annual Nobel Prize ceremony is held. The city hall was once ranked by the Swedes as the most beautiful architecture in the country.

Address: Hantverkargatan 1, 111 52 Stockholm, Sweden Hours: 8:30AM–4PM Opened: 1923

Stockholm Globe Arena (Avicii Arena, Stockholm Globe City, Ericsson Globe)

The Ericsson Globe is a white sphere-shaped architecture used to host grandiose sporting events that can accommodate up to 16,000 people. Built in 1989, it is now one of the iconic buildings of Stockholm and the largest spherical building in the world. Inspired by the solar system, the tilting elevator on its body called Skyview consists of 2 chambers, running parallel to each other on 2 rails. From here, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of beautiful Stockholm without being obstructed by anything.

Address: 121 77 Johanneshov, Sweden Height: 85 m Opened: February 19, 1989

Bromma Church

Bromma Kyrka Church is located in the western suburbs, is one of the oldest places in Stockholm and was voted the most beautiful place in this city. The church keeps many medieval paintings of the late 15th century.

Address: Gliavägen 100, 168 58 Bromma, Sweden Architectural style: Romanesque architecture

Old Town (Gamla Stan)

The Royal Palace (Stockholms Slott)

Located in Gamla Stan, Stockholm Royal Palace is a 20-minute walk from the centre. The Palace is open daily from mid-May to mid-September. For the rest of the year, the palace is open from Tuesday to Sunday, excluding major holidays. Visitors can sign up for a 45-minute guided tour in English.

This is a Baroque-style palace located in the Old Town. Built in the 1700s, today the Stockholm royal palace is the residence and workplace of the Swedish royal family. You should visit this seven-story Stockholm palace to explore some of its 1,430 rooms, as well as admiring Italian sculptures and witness the changing of the guard. The 40-minute ceremony includes a walking procession, followed by a military band and sometimes with the royal cavalry. Do not miss this tourist attraction and pay attention to the time when the changing of guards takes place.

Address: Kungliga slottet, 107 70 Stockholm, Sweden Hours: 10AM–4PM/Tuesday: Closed Construction started: 1697 Opened: December 7, 1754 Number of rooms: 1,430 (2008)

Nobel Prize Museum

Located in Gamla Stan, the Nobel Prize Museum is a short 15-minute walk from the Royal Palace of Stockholm and Storkyrkan from Central Station. These locations are very close to each other, so it is very convenient to visit.

At the Nobel Museum, visitor can explore the history of the Nobel Prize and learn about its founder and laureates. The museum has been open since 2001 in the Stockholm Stock Exchange Building, exactly 100 years since the first Nobel prize was awarded.

True to its name, the Nobel museum is home to an exhibition of Nobel’s wills and inventions as well as a list of winners of this prestigious prize. Here you will learn about his most famous inventions, including dynamite, detonators and why he decided to create this international prize.

In addition, visitors can also learn about the development of the Nobel Prize since its inception in 1901 such as a visual tour of Marie Curie’s laboratory and witness the moment Nelson Mandela was released from prison after 25 years in captivity.

Don’t forget to visit the museum’s restaurant to try Nobel Ice Cream. This is a dessert that was previously served only at the Nobel Prize Banquet reception.

If you come on Tuesday, you will be able to visit the Nobel museum for free, from 5 pm to 8 pm.

Stockholm Palace and Nobel Museum are two of the most famous tourist attractions in Stockholm that you should not miss when exploring the old town of Gamla Stan.

A 3-min walk from the Stockholm Palace Address: Stortorget 2, 103 16 Stockholm, Sweden Established: 2001

King’s Garden Park (Kungsträdgården)

King’s Garden Park is located in the heart of Stockholm and was opened to the public by King Gustav III in the late 18th century. Today, it is one of Stockholm’s most popular meeting places. In the center of the park is a neoclassical statue of King Charles XIII. Around the statue are four lions created by Swedish sculptor Bengt Erland Fogelberg.

I consider this a place worth visiting when exploring Stockholm because this park grows 100 cherry blossom trees given by the Japanese government to Sweden and the flowers usually bloom in April, which is extremely beautiful. Flowers with many petals, very beautiful pale pink, large flowers. In general, I have never seen such a beautiful cherry blossoms in Vietnam. If you want to see flowers, you should watch this time. You can update the cherry blossoms time on the facebook of Kungsträdgården park.

The park is located in the heart of the Swedish capital so it is very convenient to travel between places of interest in Stockholm. Only 10 minutes walk to Gamla stan Old town.

Address: Jussi Björlings allé, 111 47 Stockholm, Sweden

Vasa Museum

Vasa Museum is a 30-minute walk from Central Station. At the Vasa Museum (Vasamuseet), visitors can learn the history of a warship dating back to the 17th century, from its made to salvage and preservation.

In 1628, the warship Vasa sailed from the port of Stockholm to make her maiden voyage. However, the ship sank just minutes after departure. More than 300 years later, marine archaeologists salvaged the boat and in 1990 turned it into a public museum. For myself, this is my favorite museum during my recent trip to stockholm.

Address: Galärvarvsvägen 14, 115 21 Stockholm, Sweden Entrance ticket: Adults: SEK 150 (€15)/Peak season: 200-300 SEK/Under 18: Free Hours: Daily 10AM-5PM/Wednesday: 10AM-8PM/Peak season from June to August with different hours.

Kungliga Djurgarden

This park is extremely large, concentrating many museums, such as the Nordic museum, the Abba (Abba band) museum, etc. However, I want to mention the most famous museum here is the Nordic museum. There are other places you can go if you still have time. This place is very large. In general, the beautiful scenery in Sweden in the summer is really worth visit.

Nordic Museum

The Nordic Museum is about a 20-minute walk from the central King’s Garden park. The way here is beautiful. There are rows of trees that are cut into square blocks that look very nice. In addition, along the route is a harbor with many boats anchored. The panoramic view of the harbor from the museum is very nice.

You can learn about Swedish culture from the 16th century to the present by visiting this museum. The museum was founded in the late 1800s by Artur Hazelius, with many folklore artifacts, including costumes, furniture and photographs. Today, the museum owns more than a million artifacts and stores 7 million photographs.

The main hall of the museum has a statue of Gustav Vasa, the king who helped bring Sweden out of the Danish colonial yoke to become an independent country. In the interior exhibition area, there is a clear change in interior design style from the 1800s to the 2000s.

A 3-min walk from the Vasa Museum Address: Djurgårdsvägen 6-16, 115 93 Stockholm, Sweden Hours: 10AM–5PM Founded: 1873 Height: 75 m

ABBA Museum

A self-sufficient travel to Stockholm will be incomplete if you have not come to this interesting museum. Although admission isn’t cheap, it’s well worth it, as you’ll have a good time with this great band and music-related merchandise.

Address: Djurgårdsvägen 68, 115 21 Stockholm, Sweden Hours: 10AM–5PM Established: 2013 Admission: SEK 250 per adult and there are discounts for student, children and seniors.

National Museum

This lovely art museum displays art by world-renowned artists such as Rembrandt, Rubens, Goya, Renoir, Degas and Gaugin, along with renowned Swedish artists such as Carl Larsson, Ernst Josephson, CF Hill and Anders Zorn.

Address: Södra Blasieholmshamnen 2, 111 48 Stockholm, Sweden Hours: 11AM–5PM/Monday: Closed Opened: 1860

Swedish History Museum

If you’re interested in Scandinavian historical culture, this museum has everything from the Stone Age to the Viking Age, plus a wealth of antique treasures from the Bronze Age to the 16th century. This museum was opened in 1866, and over the centuries, it has collected the rich artifacts of today.

Address: Narvavägen 13-17, 114 84 Stockholm, Sweden Hours: 11AM–5PM/Monday: Closed Established: 1934

The village of Skansen

This is the world’s first open-air museum, and also a special zoological garden with Nordic animals (including deer, reindeer, bears and wolves). The museum and old village is located on the island of Djurgården. There are more than 150 ancient buildings from many centuries ago, from which you can get an interesting glimpse into the history of Sweden. Not only that, at this tourist attraction, the hosts are also wearing classic costumes, so you will have an extremely interesting experience, like stepping back in time. The host will perform a number of traditional crafts such as spinning, weaving and glass blowing.

Stockholm blog: What to eat?

Swedish meatballs.

During your trip to Stockholm, the first dish that you should try is Swedish meatballs, which many tourists choose to enjoy. Meatballs are usually made from beef, pork… After being chopped, it will be mixed with fresh milk and other spices such as flour, green onions, eggs, pepper, white salt… Continue to mix them well, round it and then deep fried in oil or can be grilled at the request of diners.

Blodpudding

Black sausage made from pig’s blood, milk, barley flour… doesn’t eat directly, but it’s fried in butter, or cooked with milk, and served with blackberry jam.

Gubbröra (Swedish egg-anchovy sandwich)

Quite popular in Sweden. People mix meat and anchovies in a specially recipe sauce and then served with bread. A very reasonable appetizer.

Pickled herring

You also should remember to try pickled herring, this is a traditional dish of the capital’s people. Fish after being caught will be washed, soaked in salt and fermented. Then it will be canned and eaten gradually. When eating pickled herring, you can eat it with bread and some other foods to enjoy the better taste.

It is a dish made from meat, with onions, sliced ​​potatoes and cherry tomatoes, then fried or boiled, eaten with eggs omelette and other ingredients.

Pea soup (Ärtsoppa)

A traditional Swedish dish, bean soup was usually enjoyed by the Middle Ages people in the middle of every Thursday. This dish is made from ingredients including: Sliced ​​salt pork, sliced ​​carrots, finely chopped onions, sliced ​​white garlic, thyme, marjoram, salt, bay leaves, and pepper.

Semla is a traditional Nordic cake, made from wheat flour, fragrant with nutmeg, in the middle of the cake is a thin layer of almond cream and greasy fresh cream. Normally, Semla is placed in a bowl with hot milk, but nowadays, this step is skipped and serve it directly with hot tea or coffee.

Stockholm travel guide blog: What to buy in Stockholm?

In previous articles, I have mentioned quite a lot about the culture and lifestyle of the Swedish people such as Fika culture . Along with that are many other famous Swedish brands such as Ikea, H&M, Ericsson, Volvo, Skype, Spotify… Check out the list of the following items if you need to buy in Stockholm:

• Licorice Candy: Honestly, I don’t like eating this candy at all. The candy is very strong with the smell of licorice, but this is an indispensable thing in many holidays in Sweden.
• Absolut vodka
• Dalecarlian horse or Dala horse: One of the symbols of Swedish souvenirs. It made from wood carved by hand or sewn from fabric. Originating from a traditional toy of children, Dala Horse has now become a symbolic gift of this land. Tourists often buy this gift. The small one costs about €5-10€, the big one costs €30.
• Gingerbread Cookies: This type of cake is often eaten at Christmas and is also quite popular in other nordic cultures.
• Lovikka Mittens: A type of woolen gloves often bought by the Swedes to give gifts at Christmas.
• Vasa ship model
• Swedish watches: There are quite a few types of swedish watches today that are making a big splash in the watch world. Some Swedish watch brands you can refer to and buy are Daniel Wellington, Gustafsson & Sjögren, Triwa, Epoch Stockholm, Sjöö Sandström.
• Abba’s CDs: If you’ve ever heard the song Happy New Year, the band that performed it is Abba from Sweden. Come here, don’t forget to buy their discs as gifts for music lovers.
• Akvavit wine (Aquavit): Produced mainly in Scandinavia in the Nordic region since the 15th century. The ingredients to made this wine are potatoes or grains, in addition to spices and flavors such as cinnamon, star anise, dill, cardamom… In Sweden it is a familiar drink during holidays.

Stockholm blog: Summary of Stockholm travel tips

• For me personally, I like Stockholm the most among the 4 Nordic capitals I’ve been to.
• Swedish people are friendly, speak English well. I remember the time when I fumbled to find Central Park. There were two Swedes who found me absentmindedly holding a map and they ran over to ask if I needed any help. In general, the Swedes are very sweet and hospitable.
• Swedish landscape definitely is beautiful! Especially – the capital of Sweden, which is known as the Venice of Northern Europe.
• If you plan to visit Stockholm for more than 2 days and want to access attractions, I recommend you buy a Stockholm pass for convenience and cost savings. This ticket is much more profitable than buying single tickets for each attraction.
• The Swedish currency is the kronor (SEK). However, I see that in tourist destinations in Stockholm still accepts euros, so it is not too serious to exchange money in Sweden or not. Visa debit cards are also widely accepted in the capital of Stockholm.
• About the price, of course, Stockholm, like other Nordic countries, is not cheap at all. The cost of accommodation, eating and travel in Stockholm for a day can be around €150. However, if you want to make the most of it, I think you can go to Lidl supermarket, you can walk between all the attractions.
• In addition, if you want to save money on hotels, you should take the train from Finland or another Nordic country and overnight on train to save accommodation cost. You can choose a cabin with full amenities like a hotel room, if you know how to hunt for tickets, it’s not too expensive. For example, Helsinki-Stockholm route with Vikingline round-trip tickets for 2 nights on the train are sometimes only about €20. You can see more tips on how to save while traveling in Europe in a previous article here .

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Stockholm you can refer to

• Stockholm City Hop On Hop Off Boat Tour
• Stockholm Red Bus Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Tour
• Stockholm Panorama Sightseeing Bus Tour
• Skansen Open-Air Museum Entrance Ticket in Stockholm
• iVenture Stockholm Unlimited Attractions Pass (1, 2, 3, 5, or 7 Days)
• Fotografiska Museum in Stockholm
• Drottningholm Palace Boat Tour & Entrance Ticket

Read more Sweden travel guide here .

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Wealth of Geeks

12 Things You Simply Must Do in Stockholm on Your Next Visit

Posted: December 25, 2023 | Last updated: December 25, 2023

Stockholm, Sweden isn’t just one of the most beautiful Nordic cities in Europe, but also the world. The capital of Sweden is a land of intriguing mythology, as well as the homeland of the Vikings. If you’re planning your next vacation to Stockholm, here are twelve things you need to do. 

12 Things To Do in Stockholm, Sweden

Today, Stockholm is a metropolis that can go neck and neck with some of the world’s most famous cities like New York, Rome , Paris or Los Angeles. With Sweden being one of the best countries to live in, Stockholm undoubtedly takes the crown as the best city in Sweden.

Considering all this information, there is no reason to skip visiting Stockholm on your European travels. That’s why we have devised a list of the best things to do in Stockholm that should make your visit simple!

1. Admire Drottningholm Palace

Drottningholm Palace is Sweden’s most famous royal place and home to Sweden’s royal family. For those who didn’t know, Sweden is still a monarchy and has been in continuity since the 10th century. That means Sweden still has kings, queens, princes, and princesses.

Speaking of the palace, it was built in the 17th century and is the best-preserved palace in Sweden. Since the 1980s, the royal family has called it its permanent residence.

2. Behold the Royal Palace

The Royal Palace in Stockholm is the official residence of His Royal Majesty the King of Sweden. It is an enormous building that contains over 600 rooms and five museums. It was built in the late 1700s and still stands strong today. It is one of those attractions you should take advantage of while staying in Stockholm. 

3. Visit the Breathtaking Vasa Museum

The Vasa Museum has to be one of the most interesting museums in the World. The word museum may mean something different than what you expect, though. The Vasa was a ship that sunk around 400 years ago near Stockholm. Due to the cold waters of the Baltic Sea and the lack of oxygen in the seabed where the wreck was located,  decomposition didn’t happen, so the ship stayed almost fully intact.

In an operation of the Swedish government in 1961, the ship was salvaged and floated back to the surface. It was transferred to a building specifically built for it, and there, a team of experts worked tirelessly to bring it back to its original glory, fixing every hole and polishing every plank on the ship.

4. Stroll Down Monteliusvägen

Monteliusvägen is a quarter-mile-long walking path near Lake Mälaren in Stockholm. It is a beautiful place where you can see some of the finest pieces of Swedish houses and buildings.

5. Have a Peek at the Fotografiska Museum and Restaurant

This fine piece of architecture is a museum of contemporary photography and hosts numerous exhibitions every year. But apart from that, it is also a world-recognized restaurant that gives you a 360-degree view of Stockholm. This is a perfect place for photography lovers because of the view and the museum!

6. Sing Along With Stars in the ABBA Museum

ABBA has to be one of the most famous European music groups ever. This Swedish group became a world phenomenon after winning the Eurovision Song Contest in 1974 with their mega-hit “Waterloo.” They were far from a one-hit wonder, with their music reaching every part of the globe.

The band’s hits like “Gimme, Gimme, Gimme, “Voulez Vous,” “Mamma Mia,” and many others are still sung to this day. The ABBA Museum in Stockholm represents a walk through the band’s history and its ups and downs. It has a few interactive parts where you can sing your heart out to your favorite ABBA hits.

7. Pay Attention at Moderna Museet

If you are an art geek, this is a perfect place. This gallery contains artwork of the world’s most famous artists, such as Picasso, Dalí, and many others. Make sure to check for hours and days open and give yourself plenty of time to explore. 

8. Sail Among Thousands of Islands

Sweden, like the rest of Scandinavia, is known for its vast number of islands. It is believed that Sweden has over 30,000 islands in its territory. Rent a boat and a skipper and enjoy a beautiful sail through cold northern seas.

9. Enjoy a Fika With Your Loved Ones

The Swedes describe Fika as a state of mind, an essential part of their culture. For people outside of Sweden, Fika probably means something similar to a coffee or tea break. The Swedish people consider it an essential part of their day. It’s a period where everything stops for a short time—a time for a warm cup of coffee and a nice talk.

10. Have a Relaxing Bath at Hellasgården

Hellasgården is an open sauna in the vicinity of Stockholm. It is located near a lake. Men and women are completely separated, so don’t expect to chill with your partner in the sauna. The rules of Hellasgården include being completely unclothed to enter, so don’t be surprised if you see unclothed swimmers in the nearby icy lake after their sauna!

11. Try the Local Food at Hornstulls Marknad

For almost half a year, the most famous local gathering place is Hornstulls Marknad. From late spring to early autumn, it is filled with food carts where you can enjoy local and international delicacies.

12. Experience Stockholm’s Old Town

While it may not be like other old towns in historic countries such as  Greece or Italy, Stockholm’s Old Town does have a soul. You can visit a variety of differently themed pubs and listen to live music performed by the town’s residents.

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10 Cities With the Best Public Transportation, From Medellín to Stockholm

By Laura Walsh

From the cable cars of Medellín to London’s double-decker buses, cities with the best public transportation systems make it easy to travel efficiently, affordably, and sustainably—all while offering a unique glimpse into a society's values.

In some cities around the world—as in Stockholm and Moscow —public transportation isn’t just about getting from point A to point B either. Instead, these transitory spaces have been elevated to become attractions in their own right, featuring impressive feats of art, architecture, and design. Most of the cities included on this list have also excelled at providing step-free access, making independent travel accessible for those using wheelchairs or strollers.

These are truly exceptional global systems: well-designed with residents and dignity at their core, but thoughtfully executed to warmly welcome travelers from around the world. Below, see the 10 cities with the best public transportation around the world—ranked in no particular order—based on a variety of factors including accessibility, sustainability, efficiency, dependability, cleanliness, and design.

1. Hong Kong

Hong Kong’s public transit system offers such extensive, affordable, and accessible service that the majority of residents do not own cars.

Hong Kong’s Mass Transit Railway has an unbelievable on-time rate of 99.9%, with 97 of its 98 stations accessible from the street level. Additionally, each station offers free WiFi, charging stations, and clean public toilets; many now include breastfeeding rooms, too. With rides that cost only about 60 cents, it is impossible to find a cheaper, faster, or more predictable way to get where you want to go.

You can also take in the spectacular sights of the city while riding the double-decker Hong Kong Tramway, or gaze down below from the impressively steep heights of the Peak Tram funicular. For island hopping, take the Star Ferry across the harbor from Hong Kong Island to visit Kowloon while enjoying the jaw-dropping skyline.

How to experience it: Take the 10-minute Star Ferry from Hong Kong Island to Kowloon for $3.70 HKD (US$ 0.50) for an upper deck seat.

The Delhi Metro is a beacon of cleanliness and a model of safety and efficiency. India’s largest mass rapid transit system connects the country’s capital to adjoining satellite cities with a total of 12 color-coded Metro lines and 288 stations (an additional 45 new stations expected by 2026). The Delhi Metro was also the world’s first transit system to receive UN carbon credits for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and today gets 35% of its power from renewable sources.

Trains run every 2-5 minutes during peak hours (and every 10 minutes during off-peak). With clean bathrooms and elevators at every station, the Delhi Metro is ahead of many in providing a transportation system that affords independent access with dignity for all.

To help prioritize a safe environment, the Delhi Metro introduced women-only carriages in 2010 that are now available on each train.

The trains and stations are all air-conditioned, making Delhi's metro a fast and comfortable way to traverse the vast city that’s often hot and humid. Fares are calculated based on distance and start at just $0.12.

How to experience it: Relax in Delhi on the Yellow Line: explore the Garden of the Five Senses (Saket Station) or Lodhi Gardens (Jor Bagh Station).

The Moscow Metro cruises onto this list thanks to its unwavering commitment to efficiency and its extraordinary stations. During rush hour, the trains of the Moscow Metro run every 90 seconds. But once you step into these breathtaking stations—also known as the “palaces of the people”—you may find yourself slowing down to take it all in. Emulating the grandeur of Russia’s historical palaces, Moscow’s Metro is an attraction in itself and demonstrates that even something as seemingly basic as public transportation is deserving of care and artistry.

The Moscow Metro probably won’t win any awards in the easy-to-understand category, but with almost 300 stations and 17 lines—including two circular lines which eliminate the need to travel to the city center for transfers—it is the fastest, most affordable, and the most inspiring way to get around.

How to experience it: Stations you won’t want to miss: Park Kultury, built with five types of marble and connected to Gorky Park, the stained-glass filled Novoslobodskay, and Mayakovskaya station, named for the famed Soviet artist.

Tokyo’s metro is vast, clean, fast, and reliable. It’s a breeze to figure out where you need to go—even if you don’t know the Japanese alphabet. Thanks to the sensible naming, numbering, and color-coding of the stops, there are numerous ways to locate your destination all while enjoying a comfortable ride (in almost virtual silence).

Convenient to almost every attraction in the city of Tokyo, the metro serves nearly 7 million people every single day and is globally recognized for its rigorous cleaning and maintenance (the trains are deep-cleaned every 15 days). Tickets are available for purchase at every station; adult fares start at 180 Yen (around $1) and increase depending on how far you’re traveling.

Many stations are equipped with elevators and lifts, making the metro accessible for those using wheelchairs or with strollers or luggage.

How to experience it: Check out Shinjuku Station, the Guinness Book of World Records holder for the world’s busiest train station serving over 2.7 million passengers per day on 12 different train lines.

Alex Erdekian

Charlie Hobbs

Steph Koyfman

5. Singapore

Singapore is a city and a nation rolled into one on an island nearly the same size of New York City. As the third-most densely populated country in the world, well-designed transportation that can move millions is essential for this small nation.

Singapore’s MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) currently has 6 lines with 140 stations and is scheduled to double in size by 2040. In a country of just over 5.5 million people, Singapore’s MRT carries an outstanding 3 million every day.

The MRT’s trains are fast and predictable, running every 5 to 7 minutes most of the day and every 2 to 3 minutes during the morning rush. The MRT’s reach is complemented by the LRT, a light rail system with 2 lines and another 40 stops.

With station signage and announcements in Singapore’s four official languages—English, Chinese, Malay, and Tamil—the MRT makes it remarkably easy to navigate without a car or a care. They have also installed protected walkways on every quarter-mile leading to every MRT station, making it easier to walk to transit, monsoon or shine.

How to experience it: Don’t miss Singapore’s breathtaking Garden by the Bay located at the MRT station with the same name on the Thomson–East Coast Line.

London’s transit is such an integral part of the city that their red double-deckers are instantly recognizable as national symbols of the UK. Pioneers of the world’s first underground railway, London’s transit system is vast and continues to expand. The “Tube” serves 5 million people every day on 11 lines and 272 stations—nearly half of which operate 24 hours a day.

Beyond the traditional Underground is the newest addition to London's transit system, the Elizabeth line . First launched in 2022, the new energy-efficient railway connects London's outer suburbs to the heart of the city, bringing an additional 1.5 million people within a 45 minute commute of central London. Visitors can travel from Heathrow Airport to central London in 45 minutes onboard Elizabeth line trains that run every half-hour.

Numerous above-ground options allow for simultaneous sightseeing, like the Overground with 6 lines and the iconic double decker buses with 675 routes, the IFS Cloud Cable Car, or the robust bikeshare system tied to an ever-expanding network of “cycleways.”

How to experience it: Stroll through one of London’s 3,000 parks, like Hyde Park, located at the Paddington Station on the Elizabeth line.

Seoul is home to some of the world’s largest, fastest, and most reliable public transit systems. The city goes the extra mile to make sure its public transportation is easily navigable by people from all over the world.

For example, stations have signage in Korean and English and stops are announced in Korean, English, Chinese, and Japanese. To make navigation even easier, each line is color-coded and numbered, and every station has a corresponding number for identification. Many stations also feature restaurants, shopping boutiques, convenience stores, and even surprise concerts.

Buses are also color-coded by distance and destination type, and all bus stops are clearly marked—plus, many offer heated seats. Every metro station is accessible by elevators, climate-controlled, and equipped with clean public restrooms and breastfeeding rooms.

Onboard the trains, every subway car has yellow “priority seats” reserved for the elderly, those with physical disabilities or illnesses, and people with young children. Additionally, every car has pink seats reserved for pregnant women.

How to experience it: Take Seoul’s metro to Anguk Station (Line 3) to the 1000-year-old Changdeokgung Palace , a UNESCO Heritage site with opulent grounds and gardens featuring 56,000 plants.

8. Medellín

Medellín’s metro system is a stellar example of how well-executed transit can be fun, functional, and help uplift an entire city.

The Metro de Medellín opened in 1995 and is the only rail-based transit system in Colombia . In addition to its clean and rapid rail options, the city is also served by a tram, a bus rapid transit line, and hundreds of other bus lines—many of which can be used in conjunction with the Metro.

The real show stopper is the Metrocable, a gondola lift system with a 7-line network that soars over the city and connects numerous neighborhoods.

Though cable cars have typically been used for tourism, Medellín was the first city to include them as part of a mass public transportation system. The cable cars connect downtown Medellín to communities isolated by the steep hills surrounding the mountainous city—in some cases cutting a 2 hour commute to just 30 minutes. Medellín’s Metro was thoughtfully-planned with community input and is a symbol of pride for the city.

How to experience it: Take in the lush hillsides around Medellin while riding Metrocable Line K to Parque Arvi where you can find unbeatable bird-watching, wildflowers, and over 50 miles of hiking trails.

9. Washington, DC

Washington, DC’s transit system is the second busiest in the United States and serves the nation's capital as well as surrounding areas in Virginia and Maryland. With extensive rail and bus service, complemented by a bikeshare system, the DC Metro makes it incredibly easy to live in or visit Washington, DC without a car.

Each Metro station is reachable by elevator, ensuring everyone, including those with strollers or wheelchairs, has access to the entire system to travel independently—without having to rely on the kindness of strangers.

DC’s Metro stations also demonstrate a commitment to health and hygiene. Last month, the Metro completed renovations of all 169 of its public restrooms, a massive undertaking that took 14 years.

Trips on the DC Metro start at just $2 within Washington, DC but traveling to/from Virginia or Maryland is distance-based.

How to experience it: The Smithsonian stop on the Orange, Blue, and Silver lines is home to numerous free museums like the African American History and Culture Museum and the Air and Space Museum .

10. Stockholm

Last but certainly not least is Stockholm . Sweden's capital city is made of 14 islands connected by a robust public transport network including a metro system with 100 stations, ferries, buses, and trams.

Stockholm’s metro, the Tunnelbana (or T-bana) forms the world’s longest art gallery . Though initially envisioned as a way to reduce traffic, Stockholm’s underground embraces another worthy goal: making art accessible to people of all economic backgrounds. Today, 94 of the T-bana’s 100 stations feature the work of 250 artists, including paintings, sculptures, and large-scale installations.

The art at most stations depicts the history and culture of the surrounding neighborhoods, providing a colorful escape from the city’s gray winters. If you have a chance to visit, don’t miss the otherworldly Rådhuset station or Solna Centrum. The red cave-like ceiling mimics a forest sunset—look closer and you’ll find sporadic wall illustrations depicting social commentary from 1970s Sweden. Free guided art tours are available from June to August every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday at 3p.m., starting from the SL Customer Centre at T-Centralen.

As you’d expect, the Stockholm metro is clean, climate-controlled, and sustainable. When you’re done soaking in the stunning stations of Stockholm metro, you can also see the city and attractions by ferry, for the same price as a bus or metro ticket (SEK 42 or about $3.86).

How to experience it: To see Stockholm from the water, hop on the SL ferry line 80 and visit popular tourist attractions such as the Abba museum or wander around nature in Djurgården, a National City Park.

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Nobis Hotel Stockholm

Centrally located on the historic norrmalmstorg square, nobis hotel is a short walk to the royal dramatic theatre and the high-end shopping of biblioteksgatan. housed in two 19th-century stone buildings, the hotel’s interior showcases a sophisticated blend of vintage pieces and modern nordic minimalism..

Experience the Lounge and order the signature cocktail from award-winning Guldbaren.

Rooms and suites feature contemporary décor marked by a muted gray palette and cozy textures, while large picture windows add natural light. Marble bathrooms include walk-in showers. Select suites include separate bathtubs.

Bino offers pan-European dishes with an innovative flair. NOI specializes in a fusion of Mediterranean and Scandinavian cuisine for dinner and an organic buffet for breakfast. Savor a creative cocktail in the Gold Bar or Lounge.

Unwind in the steam room or dry sauna. Work out at the 24-hour fitness center. Arrange for an in-room massage.

Explore the sites and stores of Norrmalmstorg Square. Visit the Vasa Museum, Skansen Open-Air Museum, and ABBA The Museum. Catch a performance at the Royal Dramatic Theatre. Tour Drottningholm Palace, home to the royal family since 1662. Take a day trip to the World Heritage Site Birka, an old Viking outpost and museum reachable by boat.

Norrmalmstorg 2-4. Stockholm, 111 86 Sweden

Stockholm-Arlanda Airport.

• Room upgrade at check-in, when available 1
• Experience Credit : $100 property credit to spend on qualifying dining, spa, and resort activities.

1 Certain room categories are not eligible for upgrade.

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Fine Hotels + Resorts Program:  Fine Hotels + Resorts ® (FHR) program benefits are available for new bookings made through American Express Travel with participating properties and are valid only for eligible U.S. Consumer, Business, and Corporate Platinum Card ® Members, and Centurion ® Members. Additional Platinum Card Members on Consumer and Business Platinum and Centurion Card Accounts are also eligible for FHR program benefits. Companion Card Members on Consumer Platinum and Centurion Card Accounts, Additional Business Gold and Additional Business Expense Card Members on Business Platinum and Centurion Card Accounts, and Delta SkyMiles ® Platinum Card Members are not eligible for FHR program benefits. Bookings must be made using an eligible Card and must be paid using that Card, or another American Express ® Card, in the eligible Card Member's name, and that Card Member must be traveling on the itinerary booked. The average total value of the program benefits is based on prior-year bookings for stays of two nights; the actual value varies. Noon check-in and room upgrade are subject to availability and are provided at check-in; certain room categories are not eligible for upgrade. The type of experience credit or additional amenity (if applicable) varies by property; the experience credit will be applied to eligible charges up to the amount of the experience credit. Advance reservations are recommended for certain experience credits. The type and value of the daily breakfast (for two) varies by property; breakfast will be valued at a minimum of US$60 per room per day. If the cost of Wi-Fi is included in a mandatory property fee, a daily credit of that amount will be applied at check-out. Benefits are applied per room, per stay (with a three-room limit per stay). Back-to-back stays booked by a single Card Member, Card Members staying in the same room or Card Members traveling in the same party within a 24-hour period at the same property are considered one stay and are ineligible for additional FHR benefits (“Prohibited Action”). American Express and the Property reserve the right to modify or revoke FHR benefits at any time without notice if we or they determine, in our or their sole discretion, that you may have engaged in a Prohibited Action, or have engaged in abuse, misuse, or gaming in connection with your FHR benefits. Benefit restrictions vary by property. Benefits cannot be redeemed for cash and are not combinable with other offers unless indicated. Benefits must be used during the stay booked. Any credits applicable are applied at check-out in USD or the local currency equivalent. Benefits, participating properties, and availability and amenities at those properties are subject to change. To be eligible for FHR program benefits, your eligible Card Account must not be cancelled. For additional information, call the number on the back of your Card. 

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