10 ESSENTIAL TIPS FOR TRAVELING TO STOCKHOLM

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With this selection of tips for traveling to Stockholm We want to help you organize your trip to one of the most essential cities to visit in Europe as well as one of the most beautiful and extraordinary in the world, which highlights a charming historical center, a selection of unique museums in the world and a spectacular location in an archipelago of more than 24,000 islands.

Based on our experience during the Stockholm trip in 4 days, we have made this list of what we believe, are 10 essential tips for traveling to Stockholm. We start!

1. What is the best time?

Given the weather, we can differentiate the best times for a trip to Stockholm as follows:

High season (June to August): these are the busiest months and also the best time to travel to Stockholm, taking into account sunny days and daylight hours. Taking into account that it is not an excessively tourist city, going during these months is not synonymous with overcrowding, so you can enjoy the city perfectly.
Mid season (April to May / September and October): Although the weather is usually more unstable, spring and autumn are also good times to visit Stockholm.
Low season (November to March): these would be the coldest months and also the grayest and with the least hours of light, so they would be the least suitable for traveling to the city unless you want to enjoy the snow or the markets Christmas

Remember that if you are going to travel in high season it is advisable to book in advance the flights and accommodation to find more options and at better prices.

2. Entry requirements

If you are a Spanish citizen or of the European Union (EU) you will need your ID or passport to enter Sweden and remain indefinitely in the country. If you have a passport from Canada or the US, you can be in Sweden for a maximum of 90 days without a visa.
If you have another nationality we recommend you check the Embassy page to be clear about the requirements to travel to Stockholm or the migration department page.

In addition to this documentation it is very important to travel to Stockholm with the European Health Card so that if necessary you can be treated in public medical centers for free. In case you want to have more coverage and a repatriation included, we always recommend traveling with the best travel insurance for Europe.

We always travel insured with Mondo, with whom we carry a totally adequate insurance to the needs that we will have on the trip. Hiring your insurance here with Mondo, just for being a Street Travelers reader, you have a 5% discount.

3. Security

Traveling to Stockholm is totally safe.. Despite this and as we always recommend in any destination in the world, to avoid unpleasant surprises, it is important not to leave valuables in sight, especially in very touristy places or if you are a woman and travel alone, if you want to go out night, ask at the accommodation if there is any unsuitable area.
Although in Sweden the taxi group is usually quite reliable, by law they do not have fixed rates, so it is advisable if you are going to use them, ask the price before or check the rates in the vehicle itself.

In addition to this, it is highly recommended to bring a copy of all important documentation such as ID, passport or insurance policy, in the cloud so that in case of loss or theft it is much easier and faster to perform any type of procedure.

Stockholm

4. How to start the trip to Stockholm?

The first thing to start prepare a trip to Stockholm is to look for the flight considering that the city has three nearby airports: Bromma (8 kilometers from the center), Arlanda (45 kilometers) and Skavsta (100 kilometers) in which only Ryanair operates from Spain. We recommend using this flight search engine to have the best options at the best prices.
After having the flights, the next point to travel to Stockholm is to book the accommodation, especially if you are traveling in high season. We recommend you check this hotel search engine where you will find the best deals.

The next step is to review the activities that are done in the city, to be able to reserve them in time and thus secure the place. You can check and book all tours and excursions in Stockholm here.

Tips for traveling to Stockholm

5. How to get from Stockholm airport to downtown?

As we mentioned earlier, Stockholm has three airports, each of them being the best option depending on the city of origin and even the time in which you travel, as there are companies that operate more or less frequently depending on the season. We recommend you review all the options to see the one that best suits your needs and budget.

Arlanda:

Arlanda Express train: this is the fastest but also the most expensive option to go from the airport to Stockholm Central Station. With a frequency of 6 trains per hour, the price is 550SEK round trip and the journey takes 20 minutes.
Bus: Sewbus and Flygbussarna are the companies that make this journey. The price is 215SEK and it takes about an hour to cover the distance from the airport to the city center. The frequency is approximately every 15 minutes.
Taxi: this is the most expensive option having a price of about 600SEK.
Private transfer: the best option if you travel in a group or want to make this journey in the most comfortable way. With this transfer you will be waiting for a driver who will take you from the airport to your hotel. You can book it here.

Skavsta:

Bus: Flygbussarna makes the journey from the airport to Cityterminalen in approximately 1 hour and a half for a price of 285SEK.
Bus + Train: this is the cheapest option but also the longest e uncomfortable. You must take the 515 bus at the airport to the Nyköping train station and then take the SJ train, which takes just over an hour, to Stockholm C. The total price is approximately 150-175SEK.
Private transfer: the best option if you travel in a group or want to make this journey in the most comfortable way. With this transfer you will be waiting for a driver who will take you from the airport to your hotel. You can book it here.

Jokes:

Bus: Flygbussarna company takes this journey for approximately 20 minutes. You can buy the ticket directly at the airport machines or on the website itself and its price is 89SEK (one way) and 178SEK (round trip).
Local bus: buses 110 and 152 also connect the city with the airport with the inconvenience that you must buy the ticket in advance.
Private transfer: the best option if you travel in a group or want to make this journey in the most comfortable way. With this transfer you will be waiting for a driver who will take you from the airport to your hotel. You can book it here.

Stockholm center

6. Where to sleep in Stockholm?

Although there are many options where to sleep in Stockholm, we want to leave you a selection of those that we believe are the best areas and the best hotels, so you can visit the city in several days, without the need for large displacements. Keep in mind that hotels are quite expensive, so accommodation will be a significant expense when traveling to Stockholm.

Gamla Stan: This is the historical center of the city and for us, the best place to stay in Stockholm. The price in this area usually exceeds 150 euros per night in a double room.
Among the most recommended hotels are Collector's Lady Hamilton Hotel, Lady Hamilton Apartments and Hotel Gamla Stan.
Norrmalm: In the northern part of Gamla Stan, this is another of the most recommended areas to stay in Stockholm as well as being considered the center of the city. Also here is Stockholm Central Station and the area is very well connected with the rest of the city. The price here also usually exceeds 150 euros per night in a double room.
Among the most recommended hotels are Bank Hotel, Bern Hotel and At Six.
We stayed at the Comfort Hotel Xpress Stockholm Central and it is a perfect option, with a price / quality ratio that is very appropriate to its facilities.
Södermalm: This is currently one of the most fashionable areas of the city and is located south of the historic center of Stockholm. With prices much tighter than those in the previous areas, this would be one of the most popular sleeping options in Stockholm. The price is usually about 100 euros per night in a double room.
Among the most recommended hotels are Second Home Apartments Guldgränd, NOFO Hotel; BW Premier Collection and Motel L.

Visit Gamla Stan on a trip to Stockholm

7. Main points of interest

Initially Stockholm is a city that can be visited perfectly in 2-3 days, so it is perfect for a weekend getaway or bridge. Although there are many places to visit in Stockholm we leave you a selection of those that are essential for us in the city, which you should not miss.

Gamla Stan: known for being the historical center of the city and without a doubt, its prettiest area, in Gamla Stan you can get lost in its streets, while you move to another era. Among its most famous streets is Maten Trotzigs Grand, less than a meter wide and Stortoget, its most famous square.
A good option if this is your first time in the city is to book this ticket that includes the tourist bus and a boat trip or this free tour of Stockholm with a guide in Spanish, considered one of the best free tours in Stockholm.

Vasa Museum: located on the island of Djurgarden this is one of the most impressive museums in the world since it was specially built to house the Vasa ship and its more than 4000 objects, a boat with 69 meters aft, which was one of the most warships Great of his time.
Admission is included if you buy the Stockholm Pass.
Visiting Hours: every day from 10am to 5pm, Wednesdays close at 8pm.

Stadshuset: Without a doubt, climbing the Stadshuset tower is one of the best things to do in Stockholm, since from there you can enjoy the best panoramic views of the city.
In addition to climbing the tower, we recommend a guided tour of the interior, which highlights the Blue Room, home of the annual Nobel Prize banquet and the Golden Hall, full of mosaics with more than 18 million pieces.
Visiting hours: every day from 10am to 3pm and Saturdays from 11am.

Meter: Although it sounds strange to you, this is a visit that you cannot miss when traveling to Stockholm. Known for being one of the most impressive metro networks in the world, the city has 90 stations, of the 100 existing ones, which are a true wonder, declared as the longest art gallery in the world.
The way to visit them is to buy a subway ticket and get off at the different stations or book this tour with a guide in Spanish, to know its history.
Among the most beautiful stations are: Kungsttadgarden, Radhuset, Solna Centrum, Stadium and Tekniska Höskolan.

Stockholm Metro

Skansen Open-Air Museum: Located on the island of Djurgarden, this is the oldest open-air museum in the world where you can learn about the country's history and culture through its 150 farms and houses characteristic of each region of the country.
Admission is free if you have the Stockholm Pass, although if you do not want to buy the card you can book the ticket here.

Södermalm: Located south of Gamla Stan, this is one of the best-known neighborhoods in Stockholm, which highlights its bohemian atmosphere, charming shops and art galleries that rub shoulders with cafes and restaurants decorated to the smallest detail.
In addition to walking around the neighborhood, you can take the Millennium route, a tour that will take you through some of the places that appear in the Stieg Larsson book trilogy. In this case, the best option is to know the neighborhood in the afternoon and end the day in the Mariatorget park, with incredible visits to the city or climb the Katarina elevator, from where there are also unique views of the city.
A good option to explore this neighborhood and know its history is to book this free tour for free!

Stockholm archipelago: In addition to all the places that we are mentioning, another of the best things you can do when traveling to Stockholm, is to make a cruise with which you can enjoy unique views of Stockholm, its bridges and the island of Djurgarden.
Most of them last between one and two hours, so you can combine it with any other visit in the city. Among the most famous include:

ABBA Museum: also located on the island of Djurgården, near the Vasa Museum and the Skansen, this is another of the most visited museums in Stockholm and is dedicated to the famous music group, which sold more than 400 million records.
You can buy the ticket in advance here.
Visiting hours: every day from 10am to 6pm, Wednesday and Thursday close at 7pm.

Royal Palace: Located in the historic center of Stockholm, this is the official residence of the Swedish monarchy and was built in the 13th century as a fortress, although it has been modernized over time and now you can even visit a part of the more than 600 rooms of the impressive 7-storey building.
Keep in mind that from Monday to Saturday at 12:15 p.m. and Sundays at 1:15 p.m. the changing of the guard is held on the forecourt of the Palace, which is another of the city's tourist attractions.
Entry is included in the Stockholm Pass.
Visiting hours: every day from 10am to 5pm.

Stockholm Cathedral: located in Gamla Stan this is the oldest church in the city, since it was built more than 7 centuries ago. Its interior stands out for hosting multiple works of art, such as the wooden sculpture of St. George and the Dragon of the fifteenth century and the Vädersoltavlan painting, the oldest in Stockholm.
Admission is free if you have bought the Stockholm Pass.
Visiting hours: every day from 10am to 6pm and the winter months close one hour before.

8. Stockholm Pass

This tourist card will allow you to access more than 60 museums and monuments of the city for free, saving a lot of money and time when traveling to Stockholm.
The 10 most famous attractions included are:

Vasa Museum
Royal Palace
Nobel Museum
Drottingholm Palace
Skansen Museum
Nordic Museum
Storkyrkan Cathedral
Stockholm Panoramic Tour
Fotografiska
Guided tour of the royal garden of Djurgården

Keep in mind that only tickets to these attractions already add up to 1000SEK and in addition to including many more, the Stockholm Pass also includes free and unlimited travel on ships and tourist buses in Stockholm, during the validity period of the card (24, 48, 72 or 120 hours).

Buy the Stockholm Pass here

Stockholm Pass

9. Gastronomy in Stockholm

Although we know that it is impossible to summarize in a single line all Swedish cuisine, we want to leave you with a selection of some of its most representative dishes so that traveling to Stockholm is as complete an experience as possible.

Råraka: pancake prepared with potatoes and caviar. Although it may seem delicious and is usually served in all kinds of restaurants.
Kottbullar: famous for being one of the star dishes of Ikea, this is another of the traditional dishes of Stockholm. They are meat dumplings, to which ingredients such as onion and egg are added during their preparation and fried in butter.
Kroppkakor: potato balls that are boiled and stuffed with various ingredients such as meat, vegetables, mushrooms ... etc
Kall inkokt lax: salmon with potatoes and mayonnaise that curiously, is served cold.

Kottbullar

Recommended restaurants

Stockholms Gastabud: Located on Osterlanggatan Street, 7 in Gamla Stan, this is one of the most recommended restaurants in the city. We ordered a plate of Swedish meatballs or kotbullar and a plate of grilled salmon plus a couple of waters for 357 crowns. Delicious food and an atmosphere of 10.
Moose meat: Although this is not a restaurant as such, we want to recommend that you keep trying the moose meat. We probably did not do it in the most usual way, but we have to say that we liked them both ways.
The first was in a Skansen Beach Bar, where we tried it inside a pancake, with sauce. Great! The pancake with moose meat and potatoes and a sandwich plus a couple of waters for 170 crowns.
The second time we tried it in the form of sushi, in the restaurantYama Sushi, at Stockholm Central Station, where we ordered 3 trays of makis for 31 crowns.

10. More tips for traveling to Stockholm

Other of the best tips for a trip to Stockholm They are:

Remember that in Stockholm tap water is drinkable. So do not forget to refill your bottle at the hotel tap or order the restaurant. You will save some good euros and the best, you will avoid using plastic.
Apart from those we can find in the Stockholm Tourist Office, it should be borne in mind that in Stockholm you can find free maps in many parts of the city, even on the street. Something that is very useful to locate you in the city.
Whatever the time, we were in the middle of July, think that the weather in Stockholm is much colder than we are used to. If you look at some weather website and see that the temperatures are 15-19 degrees maximum, think that it is best to wear a jacket and closed shoe. You will not regret.
In the tram and in any public transport tickets are checked. Don't risk trying your luck.
If you purchased the Stockholm Pass, take advantage of the free transportation.
If you have more time we recommend completing this list of places to see in Sweden essential
Remember that in order not to pay commissions and always have the current change we recommend you use the N26 card to pay and the Bnext and Revolut cards to get money at the ATMs. They are the ones we use, They are free and will save you a lot. You can find more information in this article about the best cards to travel without commissions.
In Sweden the common voltage is 230V, the frequency 50 Hz and the plugs are of type F.

Do you want to organize this trip to Stockholm for free?
Get it here:
The best offers of Flights to Stockholm here
The best hotels at the best prices in Stockholm here
Get € 35 for your reservation with AirBnb here
50 things to see and do in Stockholm
10 essential places to visit in Stockholm
The best free tours in Stockholm for free
Book the best tours and excursions in Stockholm in Spanish here
Book your Stockholm Pass with all the advantages here
Rent your car to travel around Stockholm at the best price here
Book your travel insurance with a 5% discount here