Stockholm travel guide

Sweden

Spread across fourteen islands where Lake Mälaren meets the Baltic, Stockholm is a city of water, bridges and well-kept old streets. Summer days are long and bright, while winter is dark, cold and candlelit.

Essentials

Language
Swedish; English widely and fluently spoken
Currency
Swedish krona (SEK)
Plugs
Type F, plus two-pin Type C; 230 V
Emergency number
112
Tipping
Not expected; rounding up or adding around 10 percent at restaurants for good service is common.

Rough daily budget

Approximate spend per person per day, in US dollars:

Last reviewed: October 2026

Where to stay in Stockholm

Getting around Stockholm

SL runs the metro, commuter trains, trams, buses and some ferries, and you can buy tickets in the SL app or load an SL Access card. Many metro stations are decorated as works of art.

Best time to visit Stockholm

June to August for long days and archipelago trips; December has Christmas markets and very short days.

Top things to do in Stockholm

What to eat in Stockholm

Day trips from Stockholm

Local etiquette

Swedes value punctuality and personal space, and they queue using ticket numbers in many shops. Take your shoes off when entering a home.

Staying connected

Prepaid SIMs and eSIMs are easy to get, EU visitors roam at home rates, and Wi-Fi is widespread; note that many places are card-only and do not accept cash.

Staying safe

Stockholm is generally safe for visitors, though pickpockets operate in busy tourist areas and on public transport. In winter, icy pavements are a real hazard, so wear shoes with grip.

A local tip

Take a commuter ferry out into the archipelago on a summer day for island scenery without a tour price.

Visas:rules depend on your nationality and change often – check your own government's official travel advice before you go.

Meet people in Stockholm on Waypacker

Waypacker is a free travel community: stay with ID-verified local hosts, join meetups and city groups, and ask people who live in Stockholm for advice. We are new here, so if you live in Stockholm, you could be one of the first hosts.

Questions about Stockholm

What currency is used in Stockholm?
Stockholm uses the Swedish krona (SEK).
What is the emergency number in Stockholm?
In Stockholm, call 112.
When is the best time to visit Stockholm?
June to August for long days and archipelago trips; December has Christmas markets and very short days.
How much does a day in Stockholm cost?
Roughly $70-100 a day in US dollars on a backpacker budget (a hostel or shared room, street food and public transport), and $170-250 mid-range (a private room and restaurants). These are broad estimates, last reviewed October 2026.
Is Waypacker free to use in Stockholm?
Yes. Joining is free and stays with hosts carry no nightly rate or booking fee.
Are Waypacker hosts ID-verified?
Every host's ID and selfie are checked by hand by a real person before they can host. Nothing is sent to an AI service.
Can I meet locals in Stockholm without staying with anyone?
Yes. You can join meetups and city groups, or ask locals for tips, without booking a stay.
Will anyone see my exact location?
No. Hosts and meetups appear as a neighbourhood-sized area about a kilometre wide, and exact addresses are never stored.

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