Essential Travel Guide to Stockholm, Sweden [Updated for 2024] - Savored Journeys (2024)

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Last updated on by Laura Lynch

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Stockholm is a brilliant city, both in the short, cold hours of winter, and the long, warm days of summer. You’ll find many great things to fill your vacation in Stockholm. We’ve put together this essential travel guide to Stockholm so you know where to start when planning your trip.

This guide includes all the top things to do, where to eat and drink in the city, and where to stay in Stockholm. Get ready, because you’re going to need as much energy as you’ve got to see it all.

Essential Travel Guide to Stockholm, Sweden [Updated for 2024] - Savored Journeys (1)

These are not only some of the top things to do, see, eat and drink in Stockholm, they are also some of our personal favorites. It is an awesome city, easy to walk around, with plenty of things to do and see, especially in the summer months when the sun stays up until late into the night.

Table of Contents

What to Do in Stockholm

There are many great things to do in Stockholm that you don’t want to miss. One of my favorite things to do, besides walking around the incredible Gamla Stan, is taking an archipelago cruise around the outskirts of the city. There are dozens of islands scattered around the waterways. You absolutely must get out on the water to see it all.

You may not have guessed it, but Stockholm also has fantastic food options, and many unique foods and drinks you should try while you’re there. It’s a great idea to go on a food tour at the beginning of your time there to get acquainted with the local food and find all the great spots to go back to during your stay.

Another favorite thing to do is ride the subway to see the incredible subway street art. You won’t believe how creative they were in building those stations. You can spend a whole day riding around seeing them all.

Essential Travel Guide to Stockholm, Sweden [Updated for 2024] - Savored Journeys (2)

While in the city, be sure to see the Vasa Museum, Abba Museum and the Royal Palace.

If you want to plan ahead and get tickets for some of the top things to do in Stockholm, here are some of the tours we enjoyed in Stockholm. You can pre-book the tours through our affiliate links on Viator:

And don’t forget your Stockholm Pass! It gets you free entrance to many sights, as well as free transportation around the city.

Essential Travel Guide to Stockholm, Sweden [Updated for 2024] - Savored Journeys (3)

What & Where to Eat in Stockholm

There are some really great Scandinavian foods you have to try while in Stockholm. You can find plenty of Swedish restaurants in Stockholm, so I encourage you to eat a those restaurants and skip the international food that you can find everywhere.

Here’s what to look out for:

  • Swedish meatballs – The Swedish meatballs are a must try for sure. They come with mashed potatoes and lingonberries on the side, with a thick and tasty gravy poured over the meatballs. Yum!
  • Salmon (Gravlax) – This cured salmon is a major treat that is common in Sweden. Smoked salmon is also easy to find in the city and something you must try.
  • Knäckebröd – This crunchy rye bread is a specialty in Stockholm. Eat it with gravlax or with fish soup.
  • Surströmming – Fermented herring isn’t for everyone, but you have to try it at least once.
  • Fika – this is actually more like a verb – to fika. It means to take a short break in the afternoon for a coffee and bite to eat with a friend.
Essential Travel Guide to Stockholm, Sweden [Updated for 2024] - Savored Journeys (4)

There are a lot of high-end restaurants serving new Nordic cuisine in Stockholm. You won’t have any trouble finding a Michelin-recommended restaurant. Here are four that we really enjoyed.

  • Gastrologik
  • Agrikultur
  • Frantzen
  • Mathias Dahlgren

Where to Stay in Stockholm

Essential Travel Guide to Stockholm, Sweden [Updated for 2024] - Savored Journeys (5)

Stockholm has many different neighborhoods you can stay in, all that have a unique charm and offerings. Many tourists choose to stay near the Gamla Stan, because many of the top attractions are within walking distance. Other good areas for tourists include Sodermalm and Norrmalm.

Public transportation is really easy to use in Stockholm and can get your just about anywhere you want to go, so don’t worry too much about which neighborhood is best. They’re all fun and accessible. Here are our top recommendations for places to stay for affordable luxury in Stockholm.

You can use any of the links below to book, see prices or read reviews (these are affiliate links, so we will receive a small commission if you use them at no cost to you! )

  • Radisson Blu Waterfront: Walking distance to many top sights, located on the waterfront, near the train station. Nice, basic rooms and a great breakfast.Read reviews | Book on Booking.com
  • Haymarket by Scandic: Beautiful art-deco style hotel in theHötorgetmarket area, great location Read reviews | Book on Booking.com
  • Hotel Diplomat: Lovely upscale hotel located on the waterfront in the Ostermalm area of town Read reviews |Book on Booking.com

Need more choices? See Booking.com’s best hotels in Stockholm.

Essential Travel Guide to Stockholm, Sweden

Essential Travel Guide to Stockholm, Sweden [Updated for 2024] - Savored Journeys (6)

Read more about Stockholm

13 Delicious Foods to Try in Sweden

Click to read more

Exciting Self-Guided Stockholm Subway Art Tour

Click to read more

Discover Swedish Food on a Stockholm Food Tour

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Essential Travel Guide to Stockholm, Sweden [Updated for 2024] - Savored Journeys (10)

Laura Lynch

Laura Lynch, creator and writer of Savored Journeys, is an avid world traveler, certified wine expert, and international food specialist. She has written about travel and food for over 20 years and has visited over 75 countries. Her work has been published in numerous guidebooks, websites, and magazines.

Essential Travel Guide to Stockholm, Sweden [Updated for 2024]

Essential Travel Guide to Stockholm, Sweden [Updated for 2024] - Savored Journeys (2024)

FAQs

What is the best way to travel in Stockholm? ›

We don't recommend driving in Stockholm. The public transportation system is timely, efficient and clean, and can take you just about anywhere you need to go in the city. But if you must, rental car companies like Sixt, Avis and Hertz (among others) are stationed at Stockholm airport and throughout the city.

How long do you need to explore Stockholm? ›

Three days is a perfect amount of time to visit the Swedish capital, because it gives you a chance to explore the center and its closest islands as well as taking a day trip somewhere further out.

When should I travel to Sweden? ›

Come in the shoulder Season (mid-April–May & September–mid-October) for manageable prices and more daylight. Around April, Sweden begins to shake off the winter cold and gloom and nature reawakens. May is often a glorious month, with long days, lush greenery, blooming wildflowers and comfortable temperatures.

Is Stockholm a good holiday destination? ›

Without a doubt, yes! Stockholm has so much to offer and is a truly unique destination. From its charming old town, Gamla Stan, to the modern and stylish neighbourhoods of Södermalm and Östermalm, there's more than enough to see and do in this beautiful city.

What should you not miss in Stockholm? ›

Here are the nine must-see places in Stockholm that you cannot miss.
  • Gamla Stan. ...
  • Kungliga Slottet (The Royal Palace) ...
  • Skansen Open-Air Museum. ...
  • Drottningholm Palace. ...
  • Stockholm City Hall. ...
  • Vasa Museum. ...
  • Östermalms Food Hall. ...
  • ABBA: The Museum.
Nov 8, 2023

What is the best part of Stockholm to stay in? ›

A Guide to Stockholm's Best Neighborhoods
  • Gamla Stan. Stockholm was founded in 1252 on the site of historic Gamla Stan, or the Old Town. ...
  • Norrmalm. Bustling Norrmalm is a good choice for those who really want to immerse themselves in city life. ...
  • Södermalm. ...
  • Djurgården. ...
  • Östermalm. ...
  • Vasastan.

How much money do I need for 5 days in Sweden? ›

For budget travelers, it's reasonable to expect to spend around $80 to $100 per day in Sweden, including accommodation, transportation, meals, and some activities. On the other hand, mid-range travelers can expect to spend approximately $150 to $200 per day.

What is the best month to visit Stockholm? ›

If you want to enjoy the countryside on the doorstep, the best time to visit Stockholm is May-Sept. From mid July-Aug you'll meet Swedes on vacation, too, but overcrowding is rarely an issue. Want the place to yourself? Go May-mid July, when the landscape is green and the weather warm, at 15-20°C.

Can you walk everywhere in Stockholm? ›

Stockholm is a very walkable city which is one of the reasons why we loved it so much. We were able to walk to almost all of the tourist attractions and areas of the city that we wanted to visit. If you are not an avid walker (or New Yorkers like us haha) Stockholm has an amazing metro system called T-Bana.

Is Sweden expensive as a tourist? ›

The cost of traveling to Sweden depends on a number of factors, including the time of year you travel, the length of your stay, and your budget. However, in general, you can expect to spend around \$1,500 per week for a budget trip to Sweden. This includes the cost of flights, accommodation, food, and transportation.

Is it safe to visit Sweden now? ›

US State Dept Travel Advisory

The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens exercise increased caution in Sweden due to terrorism. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circ*mstances in this country.

What is the cheapest time to visit Sweden? ›

If you're a budget traveler trying to decide when to go to Sweden, late August and September are your best bets. Flights to Sweden will be cheaper than during the high season, as will local hotel prices. And the weather in Sweden is still mild enough for outdoor attractions at this point in the year.

Should I bring cash to Stockholm? ›

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 ATMs (recognized by teal/blue-green-colored signs reading "Bankomat"), many restaurants, shops, and hotels don't accept bills or coins.

How many days in Stockholm is enough? ›

You would need at least 2 days to cover the main attractions in Stockholm. However, you will be on a tight schedule and it won't leave you much time for shopping or getting local. 3 or 4 is better if you are coming in the summer. This way you can even spare time to going island hopping.

Is there Uber in Stockholm? ›

Arrange your car service needs in advance with Uber in Stockholm. Request a ride anytime up to 90 days ahead, whether you need transportation to Stockholm Arlanda Airport, you have plans to visit your favorite restaurant, or you're going somewhere else.

How easy is it to travel in Stockholm? ›

Getting around Stockholm

Thanks to Stockholm's safe, punctual and efficient public transport system, you can quickly travel between different locations. In compact and cozy Stockholm, everything is right on your doorstep.

Is Stockholm a walkable city? ›

Spread across 14 islands, Stockholm might not sound like a pedestrian friendly city but it's actually incredibly walkable.

How expensive is the Stockholm Metro? ›

Transportation Costs

A 24-hour pass, valid for buses and the upscale Stockholm subway, is priced at 115 SEK. If you prefer a 72-hour pass, it costs 230 SEK, while a 7-day pass is available for 300 SEK. For a single ticket to travel within the same zone, the minimum price is 36 SEK.

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