Stockholm is a must visit destination when it comes to experiencing the Nordic and the Scandinavian culture. This is a guide to take you through the key questions concerning what you need to know if you are visiting the city for the first time.
Why should I visit Stockholm?
Stockholm beautifully mixes old stories, lively culture, lots of parks, and tasty food. It’s known for having great places to eat, some of the best in Scandinavia. The city is a place where you can find top-notch museums and cultural spots. Spread over 14 islands, Stockholm offers lovely and amazing sights, with a nice mix of land and water.
For English speakers, Stockholm makes it easy to get around and communicate, since most of the locals are good at speaking English. The city has lots of things to see and do, like many different restaurants and cozy coffee shops, busy shopping areas, and quiet city parks. Stockholm has a lively nightlife, giving you plenty of options for things to do after dark.
How much time should I spend in Stockholm?
You can easily spend a week in Stockholm without being bored or running out of things to do and see. Summer is the high season and keep in mind there are seasonal attractions that are only available from spring to autumn. Most visitors are time constrained and usually spend a few days in Stockholm. However, if you have the time and want to get the full Stockholm experience, we would recommend a week to do the things you like.
We highly recommend that you visit and experience as many of Stockholm’s seven city districts as you have time. Each district has its own special character. Venture beyond the city limits for day trips to neighboring cities, and don’t miss the chance to immerse yourself in the archipelago – a truly one-of-a-kind Stockholm experience.
If you love culture, Stockholm is full of museums, art galleries, and shows. If you have the time, we recommend that you spend some time walking around to really take in the beauty of Stockholm’s watersides, buildings, and places. Walking is the best way to see what makes the city special.
We have plenty of tips and guides for staying in Stockholm both for a shorter or a longer trip. If you have not been here before, prepare for an unforgettable journey through this captivating city.
What should I see in Stockholm?
We recommend experiencing Stockholm as a whole. Spend time exploring the different areas, each with its own vibe, and check out the great museums. Enjoy being close to nature and the water, both in the city and the archipelago. Also take a moment to sit at a café, have a Swedish fika break, and really take in the city. See our Stockholm itineraries and guides for more details on what to do and see.
Which food should I try in Stockholm?
Stockholm has a large food scene ranging from street food to fine dining. There are plenty of restaurants to choose from in all price ranges. Try some traditional Swedish food, and also try some of the restaurants serving the New Nordic kitchen. Other than that we recommend you to mix in any restaurant according to your taste. See our Best Stockholm restaurants page for tips on which restaurants to visit. For the best experience you should also try the Swedish fika, with coffee or tea at a café.
Is Stockholm expensive?
Stockholm is cheaper than both Oslo and Copenhagen, so compared to other cities in the Scandinavian countries Stockholm is fairly priced. Check out our guide to visiting Stockholm on a budget to get some tips on how to avoid breaking your budget during your visit to Stockholm.
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How much cash should I bring?
You will not need much cash in Stockholm. Most of the places where you need to pay will accept credit cards, and many shops and restaurants will even be cash free, so they do not even accept cash payments. If you want to be on the safe side you can bring a small amount of Swedish krona in cash, but be prepared to not have to use it. You should however bring your credit or debit card, which you will use mostly.
Is it easy to find ATMs?
ATMs exist but are not as common as in many other European cities. You will find ATMs in the central parts of the city. There are two types of ATMS, Bankomaten, which are Blue and Kontante, which are orange. Most of the locals seldom ever pay with bills or coins.
When is the best time of year to visit Stockholm?
Summer is the high season for visiting Stockholm. Summer in Stockholm starts at the end of May and lasts until the beginning of September. During this period the daytime temperatures can hit 25°C (77°F) and the days will be long with the sun rising early and setting late.
July and August are the most popular times to visit and this is where you will find most tourists in Stockholm. This is also the best time for outdoor activities and for enjoying outdoor seatings at cafés, restaurants and bars.
For less crowds and better prices at hotels the spring and autumn are good choices to visit. During April to May the temperatures are getting warmer, and September to early October can still be fairly warm. For more details, see our guide to what time of year to visit Stockholm.
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Where should I stay in Stockholm?
There are many hotels to choose from when it comes to where to stay in Stockholm. For the best location we recommend to stay in one of the seven central districts. This will give you access to the subway lines and keep you close to most restaurants and attractions. The best districts to stay in are Norrmalm, Södermalm or Östermalm. For more details on where to stay see our where to stay guide.
What is the best way to get around in Stockholm?
Stockholm is a walkable city, you can make your way on foot through the whole of central Stockholm. When in a hurry or going from one district to another our first choice is most often the public transportation with the metro or the buses, which will take you through to all parts of the central districts.
At times going by car makes most sense. Uber and Bolt are both excellent options and will be cheaper than a taxi. If we go by taxi we usually choose one of the main taxi companies Taxi Stockholm, Taxi 020 or Taxi Kurir. They all have reasonable prices and you do not need to worry about being overcharged. Since the taxi transportation is not regulated in Stockholm, taxi brands can have more expensive rates compared to the main taxi brands, which is why it is usually best to stick to the main brands or Uber and Bolt.
From late spring and until early autumn (approx. May to September) you can rent electric bikes from RideMovi. They are appointed by the politicians in Stockholm as the official e-bike rent service in Stockholm, and you can park and pick-up their bicycles at designated areas throughout the city. You are however free to use other options for renting a bicycle. Cykelstallet at Kungsholmen offers a variety of bicycles for rent, and some hotels offer bikes for rent if you stay there, e.g. Downtown Camper, or via Weelo that rents both e-bikes and vespas.
Electric scooters are still fairly popular, though there are clearly fewer electric scooters now than a few years ago. Be mindful about your safety when you ride the scooters and be sure to park it in one of the designated parking areas.
Is Stockholm safe for travelers?
Compared to many other cities in the world, Stockholm is a very safe place to visit. The central districts of the city are well lit during night and often full with people even late at night. As in any other European cities pickpockets and tourist scams happen, especially during the high seasons during the summer months. As long as you are moving around in the central districts and are mindful about your valuables in crowded spaces, Stockholm will be a safe destination to visit.
Is it easy to visit Stockholm with kids?
Stockholm is one of Europe’s safest and cleanest cities and the design of the city and its activities takes the wellbeing of families into consideration. There are plenty of parks and green spaces, child-friendly attractions and family-friendly hotels. Stockholm is a great place to visit with kids.
How do I travel to Stockholm?
There are several ways to get to Stockholm, depending on where you are traveling from. Most visitors will get to Stockholm by plane. If you are traveling from Europe you can also go by car, by train, or by boat. Most of the visitors arrive by plane to Arlanda Airport, from where you can go to the central city by train, bus or taxi. For more details see our guide on how to travel from the airport to Stockholm. Visitors arriving by train arrive at the Central Station, right in the city center and visitors arriving by boat arrive at one of the several harbors, of which Frihamnen, in the eastern part of the city is the largest one.
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