First time in Stockholm

Visiting Stockholm for the first time? This guide answers the questions first-time visitors ask most – how long to stay, what to see, what it costs and how to get around – written by locals.

Start with the quick answers below, then dive into the sections that matter most for your trip.

Why should I visit Stockholm?

Stockholm is built on 14 islands where Lake Mälaren meets the Baltic Sea, so water is never far away. You get a medieval old town, world-class museums, big green parks and one of the best food scenes in Scandinavia – in a city compact enough to explore on foot.

Getting by is easy: almost everyone speaks good English, signs are simple to follow and public transport is reliable. Between the sights there are cozy cafés, busy shopping streets, quiet parks and, after dark, a lively bar and club scene.

How much time should I spend in Stockholm?

Three to four days is enough to see the highlights. A week lets you slow down, explore more neighborhoods and add the archipelago or a day trip. Summer is high season, and some attractions – especially in the archipelago – only run from spring to autumn, so check opening times if you visit off-season.

Try to see as many of Stockholm’s seven central districts as you can – each has its own character. If you have time, take a boat out into the archipelago, a truly one-of-a-kind Stockholm experience, or go on a day trip to a nearby town.

Walking is the best way to get to know the city. Follow the waterfronts, cross the bridges between the islands and look up at the buildings – that is where Stockholm’s beauty is. Culture lovers will find more museums, galleries and shows than they can fit into one trip.

Whether you are here for a long weekend or a full week, our Stockholm itineraries help you make the most of your time.

What should I see in Stockholm?

Experience Stockholm as a whole – the different neighborhoods, the museums, the water and the nature that is never far away. If it is your first visit and you have two or three days, these are the things we would do first:

• Gamla stan – the medieval old town. Walk the narrow lanes early in the morning, before the crowds arrive.
• The Vasa Museum – a 17th-century warship that sank on its maiden voyage and was raised almost intact. Stockholm’s most visited museum for good reason.
• Djurgården – the green museum island, home to Skansen open-air museum, the Nordic Museum and ABBA The Museum.
• Södermalm – walk Monteliusvägen for the view over the water to City Hall, then explore the cafés and vintage shops. More scenic spots.
• Fotografiska – a museum of photography by the water, open late.
• A boat into the archipelago – even a short trip to Fjäderholmarna or Vaxholm shows you Stockholm from the water.
• A sauna with a cold dip – the most local thing you can do, all year round.
• Fika – coffee and a cinnamon or cardamom bun at a café, at least once a day.

Want a ready-made plan? Follow our two-day Stockholm itinerary, or browse all our Stockholm itineraries and guides.

Which food should I try in Stockholm?

Stockholm’s food scene runs from street food and market halls to New Nordic fine dining, with good options at every price point. Try at least one traditional Swedish dish – meatballs with lingonberries, pickled herring or a shrimp sandwich (räksmörgås) – and one restaurant serving modern Nordic food.

Beyond that, eat whatever you are in the mood for – see our pick of the best Stockholm restaurants. And don’t skip fika: a coffee and a cinnamon bun at a café is a daily ritual here. These are our favorite cafés and fika spots.

Is Stockholm expensive?

Stockholm isn’t cheap, but it is usually a little more affordable than Oslo or Copenhagen. Many museums and parks are free, and the weekday lunch deal (dagens lunch) is the best-value way to eat out. Read our guide to visiting Stockholm on a budget for more ways to save.

How much cash should I bring?

Hardly any. Cards and mobile payments are accepted almost everywhere, and many shops, cafés and restaurants don’t take cash at all. Bring a debit or credit card – contactless works best – and, if you want a backup, a small amount of Swedish kronor. For more on prices, read our take on whether Stockholm is expensive to visit.

Is it easy to find ATMs?

You will find ATMs in central Stockholm, in shopping centers and at the airport, but they are less common than in many other European cities because most locals rarely use cash. The blue Bankomat machines, run jointly by the big Swedish banks, are the most common. Independent ATMs can charge higher fees, so check before you withdraw. If the machine offers to charge you in your home currency, choose SEK – the exchange rate is almost always better.

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.

Related articles:

• Stockholm seasons guide
• Seasonal events and festivals in Stockholm

What is Stockholm like in winter?

Winter runs roughly from December to February. Days are short – in December the sun sets before 3 pm – and temperatures usually hover around or a little below 0°C (32°F). In return you get Christmas markets, candlelit cafés, Lucia concerts, ice skating and the city at its coziest. Pack warm layers and shoes with good grip. See our guide to things to do in Stockholm in winter.

Where should I stay in Stockholm?

There are hotels for every budget. For the best location, stay in one of the seven central districts – you will be close to the metro, restaurants and the main sights. Our favorites are Norrmalm, Södermalm and Östermalm. See our guide on where to stay for details.

What is the best way to get around in Stockholm?

Stockholm is a walkable city – you can cross the whole center on foot. When we are in a hurry or heading to another district, we take the metro (tunnelbana) or a bus, which reach every part of central Stockholm.

Sometimes a car makes more sense. Uber and Bolt both operate in Stockholm and are often, but not always, cheaper than a taxi. When we take a taxi we choose one of the large companies – Taxi Stockholm, Sverigetaxi or Taxi Kurir – which have fair, transparent prices. Taxi companies in Sweden set their own prices, so smaller operators can charge a lot more. Before you get in, check the yellow price label on the rear side window: the big number is the comparison price (jämförpris) for a 10 km, 15-minute trip. Read our Stockholm taxi guide for a full breakdown of companies and prices.

From about May to September you can rent shared e-bikes through the Voi and Bolt apps, picking them up and parking them in designated areas around the city. For a regular bike, Cykelstallet on Kungsholmen has a good range for rent, and some hotels lend bikes to guests, for example Downtown Camper. Weelo rents out both e-bikes and Vespas.

Electric scooters are still around, though far fewer than a few years ago – today you rent them from Voi and Bolt. Ride carefully and always park in a designated scooter parking area.

How do I pay for public transport in Stockholm?

SL runs the metro, buses, trams, commuter trains and some ferries on one ticket system. For a short visit, the easiest option is to tap your contactless bank card or phone at the gates or card readers – each tap buys a single ticket valid for 75 minutes, and each traveler needs their own card. If you will travel a lot, a 24-hour, 72-hour or 7-day travel card usually works out cheaper; buy it in the SL app or at an SL Center. Note that the Arlanda Express is not part of SL, and the commuter train to Arlanda adds an airport fee. Read which SL ticket is right for your Stockholm trip.

Is Stockholm safe for travelers?

Stockholm is a very safe city by international standards. The center is well lit and busy late into the evening. As in any big European city, pickpockets work the crowded spots, especially in summer, so keep an eye on your valuables on the metro and in tourist areas. For more, read our perspective on safety in Stockholm.

What else should first-time visitors know?

• Tipping: not expected – service is included in the price. Rounding up or adding around 10% for good table service is appreciated but optional.
• Tap water: excellent and free. There is no need to buy bottled water.
• Opening hours: shops and restaurants often close earlier on Sundays and holidays, and some museums close on Mondays outside summer – check before you go.
• The right to roam: Allemansrätten lets you walk, swim and even camp in nature, including on most archipelago islands, as long as you don’t disturb or destroy.

Is it easy to visit Stockholm with kids?

Yes. Stockholm is clean, safe and built with families in mind. There are parks and playgrounds all over the city, many museums are free for under-18s, and family-friendly hotels and restaurants are easy to find.

How do I travel to Stockholm?

Most visitors fly into Arlanda Airport. From there, the Arlanda Express train reaches Stockholm Central Station in about 20 minutes; the commuter train is cheaper but slower, and there are also airport buses and taxis. See our guide on how to travel from the airport to Stockholm. Coming from elsewhere in Europe, you can also arrive by train – right at Central Station in the city center – by car, or by ferry. Ferries from Finland and the Baltics dock either in the eastern harbors around Värtahamnen and Frihamnen or at Stadsgården on Södermalm, depending on the line.

Have more questions about visiting Stockholm? See our frequently asked questions about Stockholm.

Related articles:

• Getting to and from Arlanda Airport
• Stockholm airports
• Travel to Stockholm by boat