Stockholm is a city of contrasts. Trends in music, design, fashion, and technology are born here. Hip bars and world-class restaurants are shoulder-to-shoulder with historical cafés and cosy neighbourhood pubs. Stockholm is simultaneously urban and close to nature, and water is an ever-present feature in this city where the lake and sea meet. The atmosphere is open, tolerant, and welcoming, and diversity and innovation are highly encouraged. Stockholm is a city for everyone.
Founded in 1252 by Sweden's then-ruler Birger Jarl, Stockholm boasts a rich history that stretches back centuries. Built on 14 islands, the city has evolved from a small trading post to a thriving metropolis.
In the 13th century, a fortress was constructed on the island of Stadsholmen, which played a crucial role in defending the region and facilitating trade. During the 17th and 18th centuries, Stockholm experienced remarkable development under King Gustavus Adolphus and his successors. The city underwent extensive urban planning, resulting in impressive palaces, churches, and public buildings. Landmarks like the Royal Palace, Stockholm Cathedral, and Riddarholm Church reflect this era of opulence and power.
In the 19th and 20th centuries, Stockholm underwent significant social and industrial changes. Rapid industrialisation and urbanisation attracted migrants seeking employment opportunities. Infrastructure projects, including bridges and railways, enhanced connectivity between the islands and contributed to the city's growth. Stockholm also became a centre for art, literature, and scientific advancements, with notable figures like August Strindberg and Alfred Nobel making significant contributions to their fields.
Today, Stockholm is a dynamic and cosmopolitan city, which seamlessly blends historical charm with modernity, offering a high quality of life and a thriving cultural scene. The city is renowned for its clean and green environment, with numerous parks and waterways. Stockholm is also a hub for technology and innovation, attracting startups and established companies alike.
Stockholm is divided into many distinctive neighbourhoods, each with its own unique character. Here you can learn more about some of the most popular ones.
Vasastan
Djurgården
Södermalm
Kungsholmen
Norrmalm/City
Östermalm
Gamla Stan
Big and small. Well-known and unique. Classics like the Vasa Museum and modern newcomers like The ABBA Museum and Fotografiska. In Stockholm, there are more than a hundred attractions to choose from.
Stockholm Must-Sees Tour
Vasa Museum
The Royal Palace
ABBA The Museum
Skansen
Stockholm Subway Stations
Stockholm City Hall
Gröna Lund
Royal Swedish Opera
National Museum of Fine Arts
Nobel Prize Museum
Drottningholm Palace
Take a Swim
Paddle in the City
Fotografiska
Millesgården Museum
Museum of Spirits
Stockholm Ghost Walk
City Canal Tour
Junibacken
Moderna Museet
Nordiska Museet
Prins Eugens Waldemarsudde
Swedish History Museum
SkyView
Stockholm Concert Hall
Museum of Technology
From traditional Swedish eateries serving flavorful Nordic dishes to international restaurants bringing global flavours to the city, there is something to satisfy every palate in Stockholm. The city is also home to numerous Michelin-starred establishments, showcasing innovative and artistic creations by world-renowned chefs. Alongside fine dining, Stockholm boasts a thriving street food culture and trendy food markets where visitors can indulge in a variety of delicious bites.
Lux Dag för Dag
Ulla Winbladh
Mom's Kitchen
Hermitage
La Neta
Ekstedt
Lilla Ego
Matbaren
Nybrogatan 38
Prinsen
Bistro Barbro
Den Gyldene Freden
Brasserie Le Rouge
Going for a 'fika' is a quintessentially Swedish tradition that is not easily translated but it basically means meeting for coffee accompanied by cake or pastries. Sweden takes great pride in its rich culture of baked goods, and throughout Stockholm, you'll discover a plethora of cafés and cake shops that exude an ambience of charm and offer high-quality treats.
Vete-Katten
Flickorna Helin
Tössebageriet
Drop Coffee
Louie Louie
Gildas Rum
Chaikhana
Kafé 44
Chokladkoppen
Rosendals Garden Café
Petite France
Saturnus
How about clubbing in an opera house, mingling under the stars on a terrace, or lounging on a boat deck sipping drinks? Stockholm has trendy nightlife, from cool, sophisticated Stureplan to the bohemian clubs and bars of Södermalm and Gamla Stan. In the summertime, the city’s nightlife moves outdoors and revellers take in long, light nights when the sun never sets.
A Guide to Stockholm's Nightlife
Trädgården
Huset Under Bron
Tweed
Teaterbrasseriet
Riche
Södra Teatern
Cliff Barnes
Fasching
Story Hotel
Casino Cosmopol
Golden Hits
Morfar Ginko
Sturecompagniet
From the upscale districts of Östermalm and Bibliotekstan to the trendy neighbourhoods of Södermalm and Gamla Stan, the city offers a diverse range of shopping options. Visitors can explore high-end department stores, discover independent shops showcasing local craftsmanship, and immerse themselves in the stylish atmosphere of modern Swedish design. With a mix of renowned brands, vintage treasures, and innovative boutiques, Stockholm presents a dynamic and rewarding shopping destination for all.
Drottninggatan
Biblioteksgatan
Shopping in Gamla Stan
NK — Nordiska Kompaniet
Sturegallerian
Nordiska Galleriet
Gallerian
Åhléns City
Grandpa
Pärlans Konfektyr
Filippa K
Coctail
Alewalds
Mood
Best Time to Visit
For many, the weather plays a big role when planning a trip and if you're among one of them, then you should plan your visit Stockholm from May to August. During this period, the weather is warmest and the daylight lasts longer. It is also in May that the flowers begin to grow and adorn the city beautifully. Although temperatures can sometimes drop by night, so make sure to bring a sweater or a jacket.
However, if you don't think warmer weather plays such a big part, the winter is really beautiful in Stockholm, but it does get extremely cold from December to February. If you like snow, Christmas lights, hot chocolate, and gingerbread cookies, this is the best time to visit Stockholm.
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Passport/Visa
Sweden can be visited visa-free for up to 90 days by citizens of Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Israel, UAE and most countries in America. If you are unsure whether or not you need to apply for a visa, we recommend contacting the embassy or consulate in your country. International (non-Schengen) travellers need a passport that is valid for at least 3 months after the end of their intended trip in order to enter the Schengen zone. Citizens of Schengen countries can travel without a passport but must have a valid ID with them during their stay.
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Airports
Stockholm has four airports. Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN) is the biggest international airport and Bromma (BMA) is closest to the city. Skavsta (NYO) and Västerås (VST) are located about 80 minutes south and west of Stockholm, respectively.
The fastest way to travel between Stockholm and Arlanda is via the Arlanda Express. The train takes 20 minutes. Another option is to travel by Flygbussarna, a bus company which serves all four airports. The bus from Arlanda takes 45 minutes. From Bromma, the bus takes about 20 minutes; from Skavsta and Västerås, it takes about 80 minutes. You can also get to Stockholm Arlanda Airport via public transportation.
Address: Stockholm Arlanda Airport, Stockholm
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Phone: +46 10 109 10 00
Website: www.swedavia.com/arlanda
More Information: www.arlandaexpress.com
Public Transportation
Stockholm is often praised for its comfortable, efficient, and safe public transport. SL, as it is known, is responsible for buses, underground trains, commuter trains, trams, and certain ferry lines in Greater Stockholm.
The underground system is the easiest way to get around Stockholm. With a single ticket, valid for 75 minutes, travellers can easily explore various destinations. These tickets can be purchased through SL's ticket machines, their app, or directly at the turnstiles using a credit card. Additionally, convenient options like 24-hour, 72-hour, and 30-day tickets are available for those needing extended travel periods. The Stockholm underground is also known as the world's largest art gallery as so many of its stations are adorned with the works of different artists. So, here’s another reason for you to take the subway or ‘tunnelbana’ in Stockholm.
Keep in mind that it's not possible to pay cash for tickets on board buses in Stockholm. Also, a parent with a stroller gets to ride for free on any of Stockholm's buses.
A trip on the number 69 bus or number 7 tram is a superb way to discover Stockholm. The lines go out to Djurgården and major attractions like Skansen and the Vasa Museum.
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Website: sl.se/en/in-english
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Local Boat Transportation
Travelling by local ferries is a fantastic way to experience a city built on islands. Ferries are used by both commuters and tourists wanting to take a better look around. There are ample ferry departures from Nybroviken and Slussen out to the leafy island of Djurgården. An SL Card includes ferries from Slussen and you can also buy single tickets on the quay.
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Website: sl.se/en/in-english
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Post
Stamps can be bought in kiosks, Pressbyrån shops, and at the Post Centres found in some grocery stores. Postboxes are painted blue for local mail within the region or city and yellow for all other mail, both domestic and international.
Address: Postnord Postombud, Klarabergsgatan 50, Stockholm
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Phone: +46 77 133 33 10
Website: www.postnord.se/en
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Telephone
Country Code: +46
Area Code: 08
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Pharmacy
The main pharmacy chains in Stockholm include Apoteket and Kronans Apotek.
Address: Kronans Apotek, Drottninggatan 61, Stockholm
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Phone: +46 77 161 26 12
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Taxi
There are many taxi companies to choose from in Stockholm. For those seeking a more cost-effective alternative to traditional taxis, Uber and Bolt also operate in the city.
You can easily get hold of a taxi by calling a taxi company, hailing one on the street, or taking one from a rank. Approved taxis with metered fares always bear yellow number plates.
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Phone: +46 8 15 00 00
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Electricity
220V/50Hz
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