stockholm sweden travel guide

Photo: Anna Hugosson

9 essential travel tips for Sweden and Stockholm

Publish date : 13 June 2024

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

1. No cash needed: The official currency of Sweden is SEK (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. With that said, don't forget to bring your debit or credit card!
2. Everyone speaks English: Swedes start studying English in school before age 10, and we never miss a chance to practice our learning. 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 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 an alcohol monopoly: If you want to buy a bottle of wine or liquor outside a bar, you need to head to government-owned Systembolaget. 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.

Swedish emergency numbers:

The Swedish emergency number is 112 . Call 114 14 for all non-urgent police matters, such as providing information or reporting crimes that are not ongoing. If you are calling from abroad or from a foreign mobile in Sweden, call +46 77 114 14 00 . Information in English about the Swedish police .

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; 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. The travel card is valid all year round on the Djurgården ferries and the commuter ferries.
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. (Often, signs outside the bars simply display the AW, followed by the hours.