stockholm tourist center

16 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Stockholm

Written by Bryan Dearsley and Andrew Birbeck Updated Dec 24, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Known as the "Venice of the North" for its many waterways and lakes, Stockholm, the capital city of Sweden, lies on a number of islands and peninsulas at the outflow of Lake Mälar into the Baltic.

This vibrant, modern city offers an astounding number of historic attractions, from architectural splendors like the Royal Palace to entire neighborhoods like Gamla Stan , Stockholm's Old Town district. If you want even more history, you can visit world-class museums like the Skansen Open-Air Museum or the Stockholm Medieval Museum, and if you're here for Vikings, the Vasa Museum should be at the top of your list of things to do.

Stockholm is also home to excellent art galleries and other world-class museums, but if you want to spend more time outdoors, it offers both expansive parks and seemingly endless waterways and islands to explore. The UNESCO-listed Drottningholm Palace is just a ferry ride away, and the central location makes day trips from Stockholm easy.

To learn more about the many tourist attractions and places to visit in this attractive European city, be sure to read through our list of the best things to do in Stockholm.

1. Explore Old Town Stockholm: Gamla Stan

2. relive sweden's seafaring past at the vasa museum, 3. get your bearings aboard a stockholm boat tour, 4. be a star at abba the museum, 5. take a stroll and see the sights of djurgården, 6. skansen open-air museum, 7. tour the royal palace (sveriges kungahus), 8. fotografiska: stockholm's photography museum, 9. see historic stockholm city hall (stadshuset), 10. the national museum of fine arts: nationalmuseum, 11. moderna museet, 12. roam the royal national city park, 13. get lost in time at stockholm medieval museum (medeltidsmuseet), 14. visit storkyrkan: the great church, 15. shop 'til you drop in östermalm, 16. take in the perfect "skyview", tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to stockholm, where to stay in stockholm for sightseeing, map of attractions & things to do in stockholm, more delightful swedish destinations and day trips.

Dating from the 1200s and crammed with must-see sights, attractions, cafés, authentic restaurants, and boutique shops, the area of Gamla Stan (Old Town ) is a living, breathing museum in its own right. It's often a first stop for tourists in Stockholm and is among the most popular places to visit in Sweden .

Plenty of souvenirs and gifts are available in the Old Town, and you will find yourself transported back to medieval times as you meander through a bewildering labyrinth of tiny, winding streets, many of which lead to (or from) Stortorget, the main public square.

If you want to be sure you see all the main points of interest while learning about each site's historic significance, take a guided walking tour of Stockholm Old Town . It lasts two-and-a-half hours and includes visits to highlights like the Royal Opera House, several churches, and more.

If visiting in winter, be sure to take in the marvelous Christmas Market , Julmarknad , an experience akin to finding yourself in a real-life fairy tale and among the best Christmas markets in Europe .

Stockholm Cathedral (Storkyrkan, or Stockholms domkyrka), the Nobel Prize Museum (Nobelmuseet), and the Royal Palace are all located here and should be high up on any Stockholm sightseeing itinerary.

The incredible Vasa battleship, the main attraction at Stockholm's brilliant Vasa Museum ( Vasamuseet ) , was intended to be the pride of the Swedish Imperial fleet. Yet, in a forerunner of the Titanic disaster centuries later, this majestic 64-gun vessel sank on its maiden voyage in 1628.

An amazing salvage operation took place in 1961, and now you can marvel at this glorious time capsule, 95 percent of which is entirely original. The three masts on the roof of the museum are not just a tourist draw; they were reconstructed to the exact height and specifications of the original masts.

This is the most visited museum in Sweden , and rightfully so. More than one million people a year come here to enjoy the different exhibitions and watch the movie on the ship's history. A variety of other historic vessels are also located on-site, including an icebreaker, a lightship, and a torpedo boat.

Entry is free if you are under 18 years of age, and the museum offers a free phone-based audio guide just for kids. The museum is open daily (except holidays), and also offers a quality on-site restaurant.

Address: Galärvarvsvägen 14, 115 21 Stockholm, Sweden

The sea flows through the arteries of Stockholm, and during the summer months, the city is quite literally awash with boats of all shapes and sizes. Many city-dwellers own summer houses on the islands of the skärgården (archipelago) and spend, if not the entire summer there, then most weekends. It all makes for a Friday evening commute like no other.

Bearing all this in mind, experiencing Stockholm from the water is surely a must-do for any visitor. It's also a great way to get your bearings early on in your visit. Take a sightseeing cruise under the bridges of Stockholm or hop on one of the Stromma boat excursions like the Archipelago Tour.

There are also hop-on, hop-off options with a valid ticket lasting 24 hours. Best of all, cruises are available year-round and can be just as much fun in winter.

Few pop bands from the 1970s can still garner the kind of enthusiasm among fans that Sweden's ABBA does. To celebrate the continuing interest in Scandinavia's biggest music export, ABBA The Museum opened in 2013 and has attracted young and old alike with its unique interactive exhibits.

Using state-of-the-art technology, visitors can see computerized versions of themselves not only wearing the band's most iconic outfits, but can even dance and sing along with Agnetha, Björn, Benny, and Anni-Frid.

Other highlights include a visit to a reconstruction of their recording studio , where you can try your hand at remixing some of their best-loved tunes, as well as the unique experience of seeing Benny's original piano seemingly playing itself, but in reality, being controlled by the star from his home.

You can also enjoy a thrilling virtual helicopter ride and the Waterloo exhibit, which faithfully recreates the band's winning performance at the 1974 Eurovision Song Contest in Brighton, England.

English language audio and guided tours are available. The adjoining music-themed hotel, Pop House Hotel , is a fun place to stay, with a convenient location. It offers clean, bright, and affordable rooms, with a restaurant and gift shop located on-site.

Address: Djurgårdsvägen 68, 115 21 Stockholm, Sweden

A tranquil oasis in the heart of the city, the island of Djurgården draws crowds of tourists and locals alike. It's particularly busy during the summer months of long lazy days and short nights.

The park forms part of the Royal National City Park , which is the perfect place for a stroll and picnic, as well as being home to several of Stockholm's top museums and other attractions.

Scattered about are pleasant cafés, restaurants, snack bars, and hotels. You can rent bicycles to explore the forest trails or, if you're feeling adventurous, take to the waterways in a canoe. The popular Vasa Museum and ABBA the Museum are located here, as is the open-air museum Skansen and Gröna Lund amusement park.

A fun way to arrive is by ferry from Gamla Stan or Slussen , both of which are on the T-Bana. Alternatively, jump on a tram from Norrmalmstorg , take the bus, or stroll from the city center, a journey of only 15 minutes. Drop by the Djurgården visitor center for more information.

The oldest open-air museum in the world , Skansen opened in 1891 on the island of Djurgården. This is a wonderful attraction for families, particularly those with young children, although tourists of any age will enjoy the visit.

More than 150 different buildings and houses were collected from all around the country and reassembled here. On display are distinct town districts, including manor houses, a bakery, the beautiful Seglora timber church, and a pottery, all brought to life by costumed living history interpreters.

Not only will you be treated to an authentic taste of Sweden as it once was, but you'll also have fun at the wonderful Skansen Aquarium and the Children's Zoo . A wide variety of creatures can be seen at the zoo, including moose, bears, lynxes, wolves, and seals.

You can visit the aquarium for an extra fee and see more than 200 animals of all types from around the world, including not only fish but also furry friends like lemurs and many species of monkeys. For traditional Swedish Smörgåsbord pay a visit to the Solliden Restaurant.

Address: Djurgårdsslätten 49-51, 11521 Stockholm, Sweden

A visit here could be a day out in itself. Located by the water's edge on the periphery of Gamla Stan, Stockholm's Royal Palace (Sveriges Kungahus) is the official residence of the King of Sweden.

Interestingly, the Queen's residence lies elsewhere. It's on the beautiful island and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Drottningholm (Queen's Island), about a 45-minute ferry ride from Stockholm and an easy day trip .

A rich taste of the once-mighty Swedish Empire, this palace is one of the largest in Europe boasting in excess of 600 rooms and several museums. Dating from the 18th century and built in Baroque style, the palace houses many gems. Here, you can see Queen Kristina's silver throne and visit the Museum of Antiquities , the Royal Armoury , the Tre Kronor (Three Crowns) Museum , and the Treasury .

You won't want to miss the daily changing of the guard. Known as the Royal Guards Ceremony , it starts at 12:15pm each day (1:15pm on Sundays) and takes place in the palace's outer courtyard.

Location: Slottsbacken 1, 111 30 Stockholm, Sweden

Fotografiska is Stockholm's museum of contemporary photography and hosts an eclectic mix of exhibitions throughout the year. The complex encompasses a café, restaurant, store, and gallery, and from the top floor, you can enjoy one of the most enviable views over the city.

The museum is now acknowledged as one of the world's premier photography venues, and there are always a variety of themed exhibits on display, each featuring several photographers.

The museum's restaurant is just as popular as its exhibits — serving organic, sustainably-produced cuisine, the restaurant on the top floor is acclaimed as one of the city's coolest eateries. Its weekend brunch is particularly popular with locals.

The gallery also hosts cutting-edge live and club music throughout the year.

Address: Stadsgårdshamnen 22, 11645 Stockholm, Sweden

Nestled at the water's edge and topped by three golden crowns, the City Hall (Stockholms stadshus, or Stadshuset) is one of Stockholm's most iconic buildings and stars in countless images and postcards of the city. Dating from 1923, the hall opened on that most Swedish of dates: Midsummer's Eve.

Housed within are assembly rooms, offices, works of art, and the machinery of civil democracy. The prestigious annual Nobel Banquets are held here. Recipients dine first in Blå hallen (The Blue Hall) and then move on to the formal ball in Gyllene salen (The Golden Hall), which has no less than 18 million mosaics adorning its walls.

A particular treat is the chance to view the city from the famous tower.

Address: Hantverkargatan 1, 111 52 Stockholm, Sweden

Stockholm's impressive National Museum of Fine Arts , the Nationalmuseum, is a great place to get your art fix. Sweden's national gallery, it was established in 1792 as the Royal Museum and was renamed the Nationalmuseum after moving to its present location in 1866. It was fully renovated and modernized in 2018.

The architecture alone is worth seeing, particularly the interior with its massive central staircase and large galleries. Notable among its collections are over 500,000 drawings and sketches, numerous works by the Dutch Masters, including some by Rembrandt, as well as a sizable collection of sculptures. It also boasts the world's largest collection of portrait miniatures.

Guided tours are available, and a wide range of educational programs and workshops are provided. There's also a restaurant and gift shop on-site.

Address: Södra Blasieholmshamnen, Stockholm, Sweden

At Moderna Museet , you can dip your toes into one of Europe's foremost collections of art from the 20th century to today, featuring works by artists such as Picasso, Dali, Derkert, and Matisse. The museum exhibits everything from modern classics to contemporary art, including film, photography, drawings, prints, and whimsical outdoor sculptures.

Located on picturesque Skeppsholmen island, the building of Moderna Museet was designed by Rafael Moneo, a Spanish architect.

The museum offers a world-class program of temporary exhibitions, a children's workshop, a shop, a library, and a pleasant restaurant with beautiful views of Djurgården and Strandvägen . Guided tours are available.

The museum's second gallery lies in Malmö .

Address: Exercisplan 4, 111 49 Stockholm

The right-to-roam (allemansrätten) is an indelible part of the Swedish psyche. The Royal National City Park (Kungliga nationalstadsparken) is a six-mile-long, 27 square-kilometer green space surrounding and snaking into Stockholm and encompassing three royal parks: Djurgården, Haga, and Ulriksdal .

This, the world's first national urban park , is where tourists and locals flock to unwind. The forest harbors moose, foxes, deer, and many winged beauties, including rare birds. Fun things to do include enjoying the museums, castles, theaters, sports facilities, and historic homes.

Nature lovers will be in heaven exploring wilderness areas with centuries-old oak trees, streams, lakes, marshes, enticing swimming spots, and craggy hilltops. It truly is hard to believe you're in the middle of a thriving capital city.

Address: 115 21 Stockholm

Ever wondered what life was like in medieval Europe? Pay a visit to the Museum of Medieval Stockholm (Medeltidsmuseet), and you'll find out. Situated just a short distance from the Royal Palace, this fascinating attraction was built on an actual excavation site that unearthed and preserved a number of interesting finds from the medieval period.

The museum features a number of unique period structures, including part of the original city walls from the 1500s, old brick merchant's homes and workshops, as well as part of Stockholm's original port and its buildings. Interesting exhibits detail the city's history from around the 1200s through to the mid-16th century.

English language guided tours are available, and the museum also hosts walking tours with prior arrangements. If you want to bring home a bit of medieval Stockholm, be sure to visit their gift shop.

Address: Strömparterren 3, 111 30 Stockholm, Sweden

Located in the heart of Stockholm's Gamla Stan district, Storkyrkan is the city's oldest church . Also known as 'The Great Church," or Stockholms domkyrka, it was built in the 13th century and is a remarkably well-preserved example of medieval architecture.

Highlights of this simple yet impressive hall church include its brick pillar-supported vaulted ceiling, as well as the many Baroque flourishes that were added later in the 1700s. More recently, the church has been the scene of important national events, such as royal weddings and coronations.

Numerous artifacts and furnishings survive from medieval times and can be seen as part of a visit or tour.

Address: Trångsund 1, 111 29 Stockholm, Sweden

If it's Stockholm designer chic you're after, then look no further. Östermalm is the most exclusive district in the city. Here, international luxury labels rub shoulders with high-class Scandinavian design.

On Biblioteksgatan, there's an abundance of flagship shops and designer boutiques, while the neighborhood around Stureplan offers plenty of posh shops — some with sky-high price tags.

Lovers of art and interior design will enjoy Svenskt Tenn and Malmstenbutiken , which are located at the beginning of Strandvägen near Nybroviken.

Many of Sweden's top antique dealers lie around the Kommendörsgatan neighborhood, and be sure to drop by Östermalmshallen for the absolute best in Swedish fresh food and produce.

Situated on Stockholm's southern fringe, SkyView takes you to the top of the world's largest spherical building , the Ericsson Globe, which is one of Stockholm's modern landmarks. From 130 meters above sea level, you'll be treated to an unforgettable view over the entire city.

Tours aboard the gondolas take about 30 minutes and depart every 10 minutes, but be prepared for long lines at peak times of the day. After the trip, sightseers can visit the restaurant and souvenir shop.

Address: Globentorget 2, 121 77 Stockholm, Sweden

Sightseeing Tours :

• A convenient and flexible way to see the city's attractions is the City Sightseeing Stockholm Hop-On Hop-Off Tour . Accompanied by an audio commentary, this double-decker bus tour visits 14 different attractions, and you can hop on and off at any of the stops.
• If you're an active traveler who wants to explore the archipelago up close, the one-day Small-Group Stockholm Archipelago Kayak Tour is for you. This eight-hour kayak tour includes all equipment and instruction, so even those without experience can give it a try. The excursion also includes coffee, tea, snacks, and a lunch cooked over a campfire.

Stockholm by Night :

• For an edgier look at the city, consider The Original Stockholm Ghost Walk and Historical Tour , a two-hour tour of the city by lantern light, where you'll hear spooky stories about spirits, vampires, myths, and mysteries as you stroll Gamla Stan's medieval streets.
• If Sweden's Viking and medieval history excite you, the Viking History Half-Day Tour is a must-do. Along the way, you'll see runic stones at Täby; discover ancient inscriptions at Granby; and stroll the medieval streets of Sweden's oldest town, Sigtuna.

Getting Around:

• The excellent underground railway system, the Tunnelbana (T-bana), takes you almost anywhere in the city. A highly efficient and regular bus network fills in any gaps between destinations. Alternatively, take the time to walk instead, as Stockholm is a terrific city to absorb on foot. The city also has an efficient network of bicycle lanes.

Save Money :

• Although Stockholm, like most of Scandinavia, can be expensive, good value can be found if you know where to look. One way to save a few kronor is to eat a main meal during the day and opt for something lighter in the evening. The Dagens rätt or Dagens lunch (daily special) is a great way to experience authentic Swedish fare at a fraction of the cost you'd pay in the evenings.

Sweet Treats :

• Swedes love coffee and cake, and they've even come up with a verb for it: Fika. To "fika" is to drink coffee, eat something small (and usually sweet), and chat. Be sure to indulge, as the cakes and pastries are delicious.

Luxury Hotels:

• Presiding over the waterfront, opposite the Royal Palace and Old Town, the aptly-named Grand Hotel has hosted celebrities and Nobel Prize winners in its elegant suites and Michelin-starred restaurants.
• Those who prefer contemporary Scandinavian style will enjoy the Nobis Hotel on Norrmalmstorg, a public square in the heart of the city.
• Within walking distance of Gamla Stan and only two minutes from the train station, the Sheraton Stockholm Hotel is a reliable chain option in a fantastic location.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• A five-minute walk from Gamla Stan, in the trendy Södermalm area, the Hilton Stockholm Slussen offers beautiful views of the city.
• The modern Radisson Blu Waterfront Hotel , which shimmers in the heart of the city, is less than three kilometers from the Royal Palace and Old Town.
• Travelers seeking a more historic ambience should consider the Sven Vintappare Hotel in the heart of Gamla Stan, which is steeped in 17th-century charm.

Budget Hotels:

• Perhaps the most unique budget hotel options close to the historic sites are on the water — literally. The Rygerfjord Hotel and Hostel , Red Boat Hotel and Hostel , and Loginn Hotel are boat hotels with cozy cabin rooms within walking distance of the Old Town.
• For those who prefer a hotel on dry land, Best Western Hotel Fridhemsplan offers a variety of room configurations, including family rooms, a five-minute train ride from the city center.

Sweden is known for its vibrant cities and quaint towns. From Stockholm, you can venture into the picturesque countryside for fun day trips , including a visit to the university city of Uppsala . A mere 35-minute flight from the capital, the gorgeous island of Gotland is a popular place to visit on vacation. On the western side of the country, Gothenburg has a milder climate than Stockholm and more of a European feel, while to the south of Gothenburg, both Helsingborg and Malmo lie only a short hop from neighboring Denmark , across the Oresund strait.

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The most unmissable experiences in stunning Stockholm

Aug 27, 2021 • 6 min read

tockholm Stadshuset at morning

Stockholm’s attractions are legion, from abundant waterways and green space to varied neighborhoods brimming with character and enough fascinating museums to keep you busy for a lifetime.

But even if you’ve only got a few days, you can see and do plenty. Whether you’re looking for history, culture or nature, here are our suggestions for places and activities that should be at the top of your list.

Every visitor to Stockholm heads to the Old Town , and for good reason. The cobblestoned streets lined with narrow buildings in warm ochre hues are a delight to wander around, especially once you get away from the touristy main drag, Västerlånggatan.

There are major attractions here, from medieval and Renaissance churches to the huge baroque Royal Palace . Yet much of Gamla Stan’s charm comes from simpler pleasures: a quiet square, a tiny alley, a hidden courtyard, or quirky delights such as Stockholm’s smallest statue, an iron boy just 5.9in (15cm) high, looking at the moon.

Stockholm’s red-brick City Hall topped with three golden crowns has been a symbol of the city since its completion in 1923. Visits are by guided tour only, with highlights including the Blue Hall, where the Nobel Prize banquet is held every year, and the opulent Golden Hall, covered in mosaics depicting key events and people in Swedish history.

Across the courtyard, the 348ft (106m) tower has spectacular 360-degree views of central Stockholm. An elevator takes you halfway up, after which there are stairs and sloping walkways to the cupola.

Strandvägen

Stretching along the Östermalm waterfront from Nybroplan to the Djurgården bridge, Strandvägen is Stockholm’s grandest boulevard. The north side of the street is lined with turreted Art Nouveau buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Along the south side, a waterfront promenade follows a quay dotted with cafés and restaurants.

Passenger ferries and sightseeing boats bound for the archipelago load at the western end. In summer Strandvägen is Stockholm at its liveliest and most beautiful, but it’s well worth a stroll in any season.

Known for its many museums, Djurgården is also a fine destination for nature and outdoor recreation. Once a royal deer park, the island has extensive woodlands and meadows crisscrossed by walking and cycling paths. Bicycles can be rented next to the bridge at the Djurgården Visitor Center and at Sjöcaféet, which also rents kayaks, canoes and pedal boats.

For a beautiful walk or ride, follow the path along the bay and canal on Djurgården’s north side from the blue gate (Blå Porten) near the bridge. It’s a little over 2.5mi (4km) to the island’s easternmost tip. About 20 minutes from the bridge, Rosendals Trädgård makes a delightful stop, with biodynamic gardens, a farm-to-table café, and a stone-oven bakery.

This custom-built museum tells the story of one of Sweden’s greatest failures: the sinking of the warship Vasa , just 20 minutes after setting sail under great fanfare from central Stockholm in 1628. Although built as an expression of Swedish military power, Vasa was fatally unbalanced, and a strong gust of wind was enough to cause her to list. Water flowed in through the open gunports, and down she went, only 0.8mi (1.3km) into her journey and just less than 394 feet (120m) from shore.

For over three centuries Vasa lay beneath the waves before being raised from the seabed in a dramatic salvage operation in 1961. The impressively preserved ship is the museum’s star attraction, but other exhibits provide background and context to this compelling tale of epic failure and amazing recovery.

The world’s oldest open-air museum, Skansen is Sweden in miniature. Since it opened in 1891, more than 150 buildings of cultural significance have been moved here from all over the country. In many of them, you can watch people in period dress making handicrafts or performing other traditional tasks. There are also various gardens representing different regions, as well as a zoo where you can see a variety of Swedish wildlife.

If you happen to be in town for any major holidays such as Walpurgis Night, National Day, Midsummer, St. Lucia Day, or Christmas, head to Skansen to experience traditional Swedish celebrations.

ABBA: The Museum

Four decades after splitting up, ABBA remains a pop music phenomenon and Sweden’s biggest musical export of all time. If you’re a fan, don’t miss this museum packed with memorabilia, from photos and letters to the group’s elaborate stage costumes and a replica of the Polar recording studio with original instruments and equipment.

Most entertaining are the many interactive stations where you can sing with the band on a hologram stage, try your hand at mixing music, dance like your favorite ABBA-avatar, or “try on” costumes in a virtual photo shoot.

Historiska Museet

For anyone interested in Scandinavia’s past, Historiska Museet is a must. Its Viking exhibit, opened in June 2021, showcases more than 2500 artifacts, with interactive stations exploring every aspect of Viking life. Another permanent exhibit picks up where the Viking exhibit leaves off, tracing Swedish history from the year 1000 to the present day, with a timeline on the floor to guide your steps.

Below ground, the glittering Gold Room displays more than 3000 gold and silver treasures, including three 5th-century heavy gold collars and a jewel-studded gold reliquary from the 13th century.

Skeppsholmen and Kastellholmen

A tranquil green oasis in the heart of the city, Skeppsholmen and Kastellholmen are a perfect break from Stockholm’s urban bustle. As you walk around these small islands, beautiful views unfold in all directions, with Strandvägen and Djurgården to the north and east, and Södermalm and Gamla Stan to the south and west. There are also interesting boats to admire, from the full-rigged sailing ship af Chapman (now a hostel) to 19th-century wooden boats and a lightship docked along Östra Brobänken.

For more than 300 years, Skeppsholmen and Kastellholmen were the domain of the Swedish Navy. Though military operations have moved elsewhere, the triple-tailed Swedish naval flag is still flown daily from the roof of the small citadel on Kastellholmen as a symbol that the country is at peace.

The view from Södermalm

With steep cliffs rising straight from the waterfront, Södermalm is the place to go for panoramic views of central Stockholm. One justly popular spot is Monteliusvägen, a clifftop walking path just west of Slussen, opposite Stadshuset and Riddarholmen. A bit further west, central Stockholm’s highest point, Skinnarviksberget, is a good place to soak up some sun or enjoy a picnic while gazing out at Kungsholmen and Lake Mälaren.

Alternatively, head east from Slussen to the clifftop street Fjällgatan for a magnificent view encompassing Djurgården, Kastellholmen, Skeppsholmen, Gamla Stan and beyond.

Stockholm by boat

Stockholm may not be the only city dubbed the Venice of the North, but one thing is certain – you haven’t really seen the city until you’ve seen it from the water. At the very least, hop on the Djurgården passenger ferry for the 7-minute trip between Slussen and Djurgården.

For something more informative, take a Historical Canal Tour  (scheduled to reopen again in 2022) around the islands of Kungsholmen and Långholmen, circle Djurgården on the Royal Canal Tour or travel Under the Bridges of Stockholm to visit both the Baltic and the Lake Mälaren sides of the city. Alternatively, choose one of the hop-on-hop-off boats that travel between key attractions on the Baltic side of Stockholm.

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9 essential travel tips for Sweden and Stockholm

Publish date : 21 November 2023

New in town, or just visiting? Here are some things that you should know.

• 1. No cash needed

There's no need to exchange a lot of currency – Stockholm is in large parts a cash-free city. Although you'll find ATM machines (recognized by teal/blue-green-colored signs reading " Bankomat "), many restaurants, shops, and hotels don't accept bills or coins. With that said, don't forget to bring your debit or credit card!

• 2. Everyone speaks English

Swedes start studying English in school before the age of 10, and we never miss a chance to practice our learning. In fact, it's often said that we love speaking English so much, that people who move here find it hard to learn Swedish.

• 3. The Stockholm airports

Stockholm Arlanda (ARN) is the main international airport. It is located 42 kilometers north of Stockholm and 36 kilometers south of Uppsala. All major airlines and long-distance airplanes serve this airport.

Bromma Stockholm (BMA) is the most central airport and is used by smaller aircraft. Bra, British Airways, Brussels Airlines, and Finnair serve this airport, located 8 kilometers from the city center.

Stockholm Skavsta Airport (NYO) is located outside of Nyköping, and about 100 kilometers southwest of Stockholm. Ryanair and Wizz Air serve this airport.

Stockholm Västerås Airport (VST) is located outside of Västerås, and about 100 kilometers northwest of Stockholm. Ryanair serves this airport.

Read more about getting to and from the different airports here . 

• 4. Midsummer – the unofficial national day

Sweden's national day may be June 6, but the day we really dress up for is Midsummer Eve, at the end of June. Many locals head to the archipelago for celebrations, so Stockholm City can feel quite deserted during the Midsummer weekend. But don't you worry – there are a lot of public events in the city center as well. You’ll find them in our events calendar . 

• 5. Systembolaget has a monopoly on alcohol

If you want to buy a bottle of wine or liquor outside a bar, you need to head to government-owned Systembolaget. And plan your weekend drinking ahead – the stores close early in the afternoon on Saturdays and are closed on Sundays and during public holidays. Convenience and grocery stores sell low-alcohol beer, though.

• 6. The subway is an art gallery

The Stockholm subway system is said to be the world's longest art exhibit. Over the last few years, the interest has grown so big that SL (Stockholm Public Transport) now offers free guided art tours in English all year round. All you need is a valid subway ticket.

• 7. Getting around the city

Stockholm is built upon islands and bridges. Instagram-worthy vistas are everywhere and the best way to catch them while discovering the city is on foot. So pack your best walking shoes and a portable charger! Here are our best Instagram spots.

• 8. Island hopping in the archipelago

In the wintertime, you can use the SL card to go island hopping in between some of the 30,000 islands in the Stockholm archipelago. Just make sure you have a valid travel card. On the Djurgården ferries and the commuter ferries, the travel card is valid all year round.

• 9. After work – the happy hour out of the office

"After work" is the Swedish version of happy hour. Locals head straight from the office to bars and pubs to enjoy a glass of wine or a beer, often at a slightly reduced price. Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays are the most popular days for an after work.

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• 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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15 Things to See & Do in Stockholm

Discover one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval centres, enormous palaces, and an array of stunning museums – all spread out over 14 gorgeous islands. Welcome to Stockholm, Sweden’s enthralling, elegant capital.

Whether you’re here for a Swedish honeymoon , city break, or Scandinavian road trip, you’ll find plenty of things to do in Stockholm. It’s a calm and charming capital city that boasts a surprising mix of cultural sights, outdoor fun, and fabulous cuisine.

To get inspired, read on to explore 15 of the best things to see and do in Stockholm.

1. Marvel at the beautiful Gamla Stan

On a visit to Stockholm, you’ll likely head to the city centre first. That’s Gamla Stan, the enchanting Old Town. With its pristine cobbled streets and colourful buildings, you’re sure to fall completely in love.

The bustling Stortorget square is one highlight of this fairy-tale district, perfectly placed to stop for a drink or just to watch people pass. Explore the attractive pedestrianised roads beyond the main square and you’ll find a rich array of delightful bars, cafés, and shops – plus so much more too.

Of course, Gamla Stan hosts many of Stockholm’s top tourist attractions as well, including the Royal Palace and the Stockholm Cathedral.

• Explore Stockholm on one of these top Swedish vacation packages

2. Discover world-class museums at Djurgården

Of Stockholm’s islands, one of the most popular to visit is Djurgården. It makes up a large part of the Royal National City Park, where local Stockholmers go to relax among the abundant forests and meadows.

For visitors to the city, the biggest draw to Djurgården is the island’s incredible array of museums. There’s really something for everyone.

ABBA the Museum, for example, tells the story of the career of Sweden’s greatest musical export. Here, you’ll get the chance to dress like ABBA, sing along, and write music yourself.

Alternatively, the Nordic Museum takes you further back in time, to the very origins of Swedish history. Or there’s Skansen, an open-air museum that shares exhibits on Sweden’s traditional people and ways of life.

Don’t miss the Vasa Museum, one of the most visited museums in all of Scandinavia (Denmark, Norway, and Sweden). It’s home to the world’s only preserved 17th-century boat, that sank in Stockholm harbour on its maiden voyage back in 1628. It’s an impressive, tangible part of history.

• Related: Top cities and towns in Sweden to visit

3. Explore Stockholm’s waterways

You may have heard people refer to the Swedish capital as the “Venice of the North”, thanks to its many waterways and splendid early modern architecture. Yet the similarities end there, and the city’s nickname doesn’t really do justice to Stockholm’s relationship with the water that surrounds it.

The whole Stockholm archipelago spreads across 80 kilometres (50 miles) and over 30,000 islands, divided by channels you can explore by boat. These range from the tiniest uninhabited islets to well-developed and bustling holiday resorts.

No visit to the city would be complete without taking to the water. In fact, it could be one of the most romantic things to do in Stockholm.

4. Take a dip in Lake Mälaren

Continuing your journey on Stockholm’s waters, why not visit Lake Mälaren, Sweden’s third-largest freshwater lake? Its easternmost bays are on the outskirts of the city and easily accessed from the centre.

If the city’s waters tempt you to a swim, Lake Mälaren is the best place to do it. In the summer, you’ll be in plenty of company. In fact, Stockholmers have been swimming here for centuries and the city’s warm summers make a dip a very attractive idea.

If not, Lake Mälaren also offers the opportunity for wildlife walks and scenic views. It’s definitely worth the trip out of town.

• Head to Stockholm during the warmest months of the year on a Sweden summer tour

5. Get lost in the vast Royal Palace

Back on dry land, one of the most fascinating ways to spend a day in Stockholm is in Gamla Stan’s Royal Palace. While still the official residence of the Swedish royal family, this 18th-century building is one of Stockholm’s most visited sights.

The Royal Palace is also among Europe’s largest palaces, boasting over 600 rooms. But the King of Sweden still works here today, so you won’t be able to visit them all yourself.

Nonetheless, the Palace offers an amazing amount to see and do. The Royal Apartments, for example, give you a glimpse into the real life of Scandinavian royalty. And the Museum of Antiquities is renowned for its collection of 17th-century Italian sculpture.

• Discover more palaces and castles on these  Scandinavian royalty tours

6. Join the fun at Gröna Lund amusement park

We said that the island of Djurgården has something for everyone. For families on holiday in Sweden , and the young at heart, the island’s famed amusement park – Gröna Lund – is a fun way to spend an afternoon.

Thanks to its city-centre location, Gröna Lund is smaller than the amusement parks you might be familiar with. Yet its miniature size doesn’t limit its offering, with rides that range from the thrilling to the family friendly.

In the evening, you could attend concerts by international musical artists. Seeing a gig beneath Stockholm’s long sunsets could be one of the best things to do in Stockholm at night!

7. Witness the history of geniuses at the Nobel Prize Museum

Sweden is the home of the  Nobel Prize , the annual awards recognising some of the greatest minds in literature, science, and more. If you’re interested in the history and winners of the prize – and even if you didn’t think you were interested – there’s plenty of awesome things to see.

Of course, the Nobel Prize Museum is one of the best places for you to start. Its permanent exhibitions share an important story about the history of creativity. And you can enjoy guided tours, DJ sets, and events from Nobel laureates too.

8. Unwind in one of Stockholm’s spas

One of the best things to do in Stockholm as a couple is to visit a spa. With fantastic options across the city, you’ll be truly spoiled for choice.

Centralbadet, in the heart of Gamla Stan, is an ideal option for visitors. In a building dating back to 1904, you’ll find a typical Nordic sauna, an incredible swimming pool, and everything you’ll need to while away the afternoon.

Alternatively, to the southwest of the city, discover the Hellasgården park and lake. Stockholmers come here to dip in the ice pool before heading to the nearby sauna.

• Related: Nordic spa and wellness traditions

9. Try authentic Swedish food

Scandinavian cuisine is an increasingly popular option in hip eateries around the world. Yet one of the best places to try it in all its glory is Stockholm.

Check out the city’s food courts to sample the pastries, sweets, meats, or beers on offer. The Östermalm Market Hall, for example, is a Stockholm institution to the north of Gamla Stan. Alternatively, in the summer at Hornstulls Marknad, you’ll find contemporary street food stalls lining the waterway.

Of course, while you’re in town, try traditional Swedish delicacies such as Swedish meatballs (köttbullar), fried or cured fish, and reindeer. They’re easy to sample in many of Gamla Stan’s historic restaurants.

• Delve into the secrets of Sweden on these history and culture Scandinavia tours

10. Stroll around Södermalm

If you want seriously cool things to do in Stockholm, you’ll need to head to Södermalm – or just Söder, as the locals call it. It’s a district known for its hip and relaxed atmosphere, as well as its creative and trendy residents.

Explore vintage stores and boutiques, coffee shops and galleries, and bars open long into the night. For an afternoon stroll, there’s really nowhere better.

Södermalm is also where you can enjoy some of the best views over the city. The Skinnarviksberget, for example, is the highest point in Stockholm.

11. Visit the photography museum at Fotografiska

One truly unmissable destination in Södermalm is Fotografiska, Stockholm’s renowned photography museum. But like everything in this surprising district, Fotografiska is far from your normal gallery space.

That means you won’t find museum staples like permanent exhibitions or works for sale. Rather, Fotografiska’s work aims to inspire a better world through the medium of photography. As a result, it’s all about the experience – including political exhibitions, events, fine dining, and more.

Unsurprisingly, Fotografiska also has one of the coolest bars in this part of town.

12. Take the metro

Now, you might not think it sounds much like a destination. But Stockholm’s extensive metro is more than just a transit system. It’s a unique art gallery that’s worth a visit on its own.

Journey along Stockholm’s metro and you’ll see its diverse surprises yourself. Each station is eccentrically decorated in artworks, sculpture, rock formations, and mosaics, created by over 150 different local artists.

It’s an important part of Stockholm’s culture and a testament to its residents’ creativity. Try the blue line, which has some of the most exciting displays.

• Related: Cool facts about Sweden

13. Go to a show at the Royal Swedish Opera

If you’re looking for glamorous things to do in Stockholm at night, a trip to the Royal Swedish Opera might be the answer. Set in the 18th-century opera house across the water from the Royal Palace, this is the home of elegance, high culture, and serious talent.

Whether you want ballet, opera, or just a powerful symphony, you’ll find it on the programme here. Winter is a magical time to catch a performance. And during the summer you may have the opportunity to see the Royal Swedish Ballet perform in Vitabergsparken, a public park in Södermalm.

• Related: Guide to Sweden in summer  & Guide to Sweden in winter

14. Climb the tower at Stockholm City Hall

With its solid red-brick façade and iconic tower, the Stockholm City Hall is one of the most recognisable features of the city’s skyline. It’s primarily an official building, hosting political and cultural events.

A look inside makes for a rewarding visit. For example, you can see the hall that hosts the Nobel banquet, where the world’s greatest minds receive their awards.

The highlight of the City Hall is the tower itself. Climb to the top to reach the three crowns of Sweden’s national coat of arms. It’s a truly jaw-dropping view over the city.

15. Chill out with fika

Finally, a trip to Sweden wouldn’t be complete without sampling one of Sweden’s best-loved traditions: fika .

Fika is the simple act of taking time out to enjoy a cup of coffee (or kaffi , in Swedish) and a snack. Yet the Swedes have made this ritual into an art. Fika’s not about just enjoying a pick-me-up. Rather, it’s time to socialise, check in with each other, and unwind.

You can enjoy fika at any café in Stockholm, in Gamla Stan or Södermalm.

• Related: The Swedish art of fika

Explore the best of Stockholm’s things to see with Nordic Visitor

Palaces and parks, saunas and spas, museums and markets – now you know what to do in Stockholm.

Book a trip with Nordic Visitor and we’ll take all the hassle out of your visit. We’ll organise your accommodation, activities, and regional transport in Sweden, plus any onward tours around Scandinavia.

What’s more, we’ll provide all the insights you need to experience Stockholm to the fullest. Our local travel experts are based in the Swedish capital and will share the best cultural highlights to suit you, as well as the top places to eat, drink, and relax too.

You could opt for an independent train trip or self-drive tour of Sweden to explore at your own pace. Or choose a small group tour of Scandinavia to discover Stockholm and other exciting places in the region, like Copenhagen and Oslo, with an expert guide.

Come and experience Stockholm for yourself. Get in touch to start your trip .

Wanderlust has taken Emma across much of the world, but it was Scotland that she made her adopted home. Aside from enjoying countryside walks, campervan weekends and gigs in Glasgow, you’ll often find her writing about European travel and plotting her next trip.

Getting there

We'd love to give you the same amazing travel experiences as you read about in our blog! To visit the destinations and attractions mentioned in this post - and to discover a few new highlights along the way - check out these recommended Nordic Visitor tours.

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Stockholm Tourist Information

One of the most convenient tourist information centers in Stockholm is located in the main hall of Stockholm Central railway station. Sweden’s first private tourist information was founded in 2011.

The center offers advice, and can book tours, excursions and other entertainment. It also sells the Stockholmskortet (Stockholm City Pass), which is well worth buying. The card offers free entry to over 60 of Stockholm’s top attractions, museums and tours, and gives the holder free public transport around the city. It’s available in 24-/48-/72-/120-hour versions.

Related: The Island of Skeppsholmen in Stockholm

If you get your Stockholm Pass shipped out to you before you visit you can start planning your sightseeing schedule in advance with the helpful pocket guidebook that comes free with the Stockholm Pass.

You can also download tour free guidebook which contains Stockholm City map, address details of all attractions, opening times.

Related: Stockholm Medieval Museum

The guide gives you valuable information on the Hop On – Hop Off bus service, Stockholm archipelago opportunities, city walks and more.

Related: Royal Residences in Stockholm

On the Tourist Information site, trained staff will assist visitors you in every step of your stay. No matter if Stockholm is your home or if you are planning your first visit, you are always welcome to Stockholm Visitor Center.

If you consider living in a more peaceful environment you should consider Scandinavia, the cost of living in Sweden will definitely surprise you!

Stockholm Tourist Information, compiled by Admin

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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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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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• 40+ Fun Things to Do (as a Tourist) in Stockholm
• See & Do

Looking for things to do as a tourist in Stockholm? Whether you’re a culture seeker, nature lover, foodie, or traveling with the kids, you’ll find that this beautiful capital city has a broad selection of sightseeing options and attractions for your Nordic adventure.

• Feed Your Senses at Stortorget
• Hop-on Hop-off with RED Sightseeing
• The easiest way to discover Stockholm
• Go Dragon Hunting at the Great Church
• Museum Hop at The Royal Palace
• Keep Your Eyes Peeled for Järnpojke
• Watch the Sun Set at Monteliusvägen
• Fotografiska: No Ordinary Museum
• Skeppsholmen
• Immerse Yourself in Modern Art, Architecture and Design
• Discover the culinary Stockholm with Moveat
• The city's most delicious activity
• Skansen: Living Scandinavian History
• ABBA The Museum: Pop Back to the 70's
• Vasa Museum: Maritime Time Machine
• It’s Child’s Play at Junibacken
• Have a Farm-to-Table Lunch at Rosendals Garden
• Get a Shot of Adrenaline at Gröna Lund
• Enjoy an evening of mini-golf, food and drinks at Swing by Golfbaren
• A unique minigolf experience in central Stockholm
• Stroll Along Strandvägen
• Brunch While Cruising the Archipelago
• Bergius Botanic Garden
• Norrmalm / City
• Mid-Century Metro
• Opera Anyone?
• Get Classy at the Stockholm Concert Hall
• Kungsholmen
• Swim at Råmlambshov Park
• Hunt for Sculptures at Stockholm City Hall
• Ramble Around Royalty at Drottningholm Castle
• Build Your Stockholm Itinerary

S tockholm is located on Sweden’s southeast coast, built on an archipelago of fourteen islands where freshwater Lake Mälaren meets with the Baltic sea. Let’s explore some of Stockholm’s islands and districts to discover activities to fill your vacation itinerary.

We’ll start with the most iconic district in Stockholm…

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Gamla Stan , (‘Old Town Stockholm’) is located on the island of Stadsholmen (and officially Riddarholmen, Helgeandsholmen, and Strömsborg) in central Stockholm.

At Stortorget , (‘Grand Square’) and throughout the entire island, your eyes will enjoy exploring the architecture of the iconic colorful old buildings while your taste buds savor a bite from one of the many cafés . If you’re looking for souvenirs, you’ll find some quality shops here too.

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Things to do in Stockholm

If you need inspiration ahead of your visit, Stockholm’s official visitors’ guide, Visitstockholm.com , has some excellent offers and recommendations. If you just want to stroll, you can visit the many independently run shops in Södermalm, or go to the shopping malls in the city. If you hire a bicycle, you can easily explore the different ridges (‘malmar’). Should you feel in the mood for a swim, there are excellent swimming spots in the middle of the city, such as at Långholmen and off the cliffs at Fredhäll.

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Find your favourite places in Stockholm

If you want to discover more of Stockholm, it might be a good idea to get ‘ Stockholmskortet ’ (Stockholm Pass) in advance. This adventure card is packed full of discounts and offers, such as entries to popular attractions and sightseeing tours.

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Biggest, Coolest, Greenest

Royal Djurgården is a green oasis in the centre of Stockholm where both locals and visitors come and enjoy themselves. We have a tradition of over 400 years as a paradise for recreation and entertainment that we want to carry forward into the future.

Accessibility:

The tourist information is adapted for wheelchairs and strollers. There is also an accessible lift in the Restaurant Djurgårdsbron, in which the Royal Djurgården Visitor Center is located.

Here you will also find accessible and free toilets and a disabled toilet with a changing room. These toilets can be reached by lift.

Guide, signal and assistance dogs are of course welcome.

Find the Royal Djurgården Visitor Center here. .

Royal Djurgården Visitor Center

Djurgårdsvägen 2 115 21 Stockholm

+46 (0)8- 667 77 01 [email protected]

Opening Hours

October – April  9 am-5 pm  May – September 9 am-7 pm

You can also reach us by phone and email all days during the tourist information opening hours.

The Royal Djurgården Society

Brings together all the attractions at Royal Djurgården.

The Royal Djurgården Administration

Administer the King's right of disposal to Djurgården.

The Royal National City Park

The Royal National City Park is the capital’s green oasis.

the visitor center at Djurgårdsbron

We provide personal service and information about all that Djurgården has to offer. Here you can plan your visit over a cup of coffee or something to eat. Come and talk to the knowledgeable staff and grab som maps and brochures!

• Strömma’s and Red Sightseeing’s boat and bus tickets
• Kulturarvskortet “Cultural Heritage card”

We provide free WiFi at the Visitor Center.

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Sweden – a destination of a different nature

Discover a country where nature is always present. In our cities, in our innovations and in our minds. Our nature has affected what we eat, where we live and how we live. Welcome to a destination of a different nature. Welcome to Sweden!

Where to go

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Want to plan your holiday based on your interests? Select activities of choice or explore Sweden geographically.

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