Discover our top tips and hacks for an enjoyable stay in Stockholm. While some of these insights are well-known to locals, they can be challenging to uncover as a visitor.
Walk to your destination
Stockholm is a perfect city for walking; if you have the time, you can explore most of it on foot. It’s a nice way to notice new places that you pass, and to get a full experience with the surroundings, the waterfronts, the architecture and the whole vibe of the city.
Buy a daily or weekly travelcard card (SL travelcard)
While you can pay for each individual ride on buses and the metro, a much cheaper option will usually be to buy a daily or weekly travelcard (SL travelcard). SL is the company that runs the local traffic in Stockholm. The card is valid for all the rides on the metro, the buses, the commuter trains, and ferry boats operated by SL. It lets you travel across all zones of the city, making it convenient as you won’t need to buy a new ticket each time you use the public transport. The easiest option is to download the SL mobile app and then purchase a travelcard within the app. If you prefer a physical card you can get the green SL travelcard at any metro station (at the ticket counter), or at the convenience stores Pressbyrån or 7-Eleven. The physical card costs 20 SEK. The fare and ticket prices are the same whether you use the mobile app or a physical card. Using a physical card can be practical in case more than one person will share the same card.
Take an Uber or Bolt instead of a taxi
Taxi fares are high in Stockholm, so it will usually be cheaper to get an Uber or Bolt which are two of the common ride sharing services. If you are traveling within the central parts of the city the Uber and Bolt cars will usually be easy to find and are just as convenient as a taxi. If you go far out from the city center into where less people usually travel it can be easier to get a taxi as the ride sharing services will prioritize the inner city and the closest suburbs. If you go by taxi choose one of the established taxi companies, such as Taxi Stockholm, Sverige Taxi or Taxi Kurir. Because taxi prices aren’t regulated in Stockholm, smaller taxi companies might charge higher rates than expected.
Bring your headphones
Many of the museums in Stockholm provide audio guides, free of charge, to listen on your mobile phone. Just connect to the museum wifi and use the audio guide to guide you through their collections. You can of course also hold your phone close to your ear if you don’t have your headphones with you it will be a much better experience with headphones.
Use the public transport
Stockholm has an excellent system for public transport including the metro, buses, trams and ferries. Using public transport is cheaper than taking a taxi, or a ride sharing service, and if you are only going for a shorter distance within the city it can be as fast as going by car, during rush hours. We recommend using the SL mobile app and Google Maps to plan your journey.
Use the free public toilets
Most museums, restaurants, and cafés in Stockholm have toilets available for their visitors. Additionally, there are around 60 free public toilets throughout the city. However, some public toilets, like those at Central Station, require a small fee. To easily locate the nearest public toilet, you can use the mobile app ToaSverige.
Use your credit card instead of cash
Many restaurants and shops in Stockholm are cashless. Locals primarily pay with a debit or credit card, or with the Swish app. Since Swish requires a Swedish bank account, using your debit or credit card is the best option for payments almost everywhere in Stockholm.
Use fixed-price taxis for airport transfer
When taking a taxi from or to the airport make sure to take one of the major taxi companies, as they will have fixed prices for going from or to the airport. The taxi fares are not regulated in Stockholm, which means that a taxi company can really ask for any price they choose. To avoid overpaying for a taxi keep to the major taxi companies Taxi Stockholm, Sverige Taxi or Taxi Kurir. Read more in our article: Getting to and from Arlanda Airport
Check the museums’ free entry times
Some museums in Stockholm offer specific days when you can visit for free. These free entry hours are usually during less busy times, which can be perfect for a more relaxed experience. While on vacation, the timing might not be a big concern, and visiting when it’s less crowded can be enjoyable. Before you go, check the museum’s website for information on free entry days..
Stand on the right side of the escalators
In Stockholm, people stand on the right side of the escalators, leaving the left side free for those in a hurry. Embracing this simple custom not only helps keep things moving smoothly but also helps you blend in with the locals. Plus, it’s a fun way to avoid the “tourist” label and fit right in!