About Stockholm
Stockholm County is the vibrant heart of Sweden, encompassing the stunning capital city spread across 14 islands where Lake Mälaren meets the Baltic Sea. Known as 'Beauty on Water,' Stockholm offers travelers a perfect blend of historic charm and modern Scandinavian design. Explore the perfectly preserved medieval streets of Gamla Stan (Old Town) with its royal palace and colorful merchant houses, then discover the world's first open-air museum at Skansen, showcasing traditional Swedish life. Art enthusiasts will marvel at the Stockholm Metro's 'world's longest art gallery' and the contemporary Fotografiska museum. The county is a gateway to the Stockholm Archipelago with over 30,000 islands, perfect for kayaking, sailing, and island-hopping adventures. Foodies can indulge in New Nordic cuisine at innovative restaurants or sample traditional Swedish fika (coffee break) culture in cozy cafés. From the Vasa Museum's spectacular 17th-century warship to the modernist architecture of the Stockholm Public Library, this region seamlessly blends history, culture, and natural beauty.
Things to do in Stockholm
Private Boat Tour in Stockholm
From SEK 5,750
5.0 (28)
Stockholm by Classic Yacht: sunset, dinner, lunch, cruise
From SEK 14,900
5.0 (26)
3-Day Self-guided Kayak Weekend Tour
Private full day VIP city tour by limousine car in Stockholm
RIB Speed Boat Tour and Archipelago Island Visit (4,5h)
From SEK 1,950
5.0 (20)
Stockholm: Archipelago Family-Friendly Private Kayaking Tour
From SEK 3,990
5.0 (20)
Sauna and Cold Plunge, Forest Hike and Fireplace Lunch - Private
From SEK 3,400
5.0 (18)
Midnight Sun Hike & Campfire Wild Dinner i- Tyresta National Park
Private 4h VIP city tour by limousine car and guide in Stockholm
Forestbathing Slow Walking and Healing Spring Water, Stockholm
Nordic Ice Skating on a Frozen Lake in Stockholm
From SEK 1,600
5.0 (11)
Stockholm Private Walking Food Tour
From €385
5.0 (11)
Stockholm City Evening Kayak Tour
From SEK 1,565
5.0 (10)
Wolf and Wildlife Tracking in Sweden
From SEK 1,900
5.0 (9)
Stockholm Royal Palace Museums Gamla Stan Skip-the-line Tour
From SEK 2,080.5
5.0 (9)Places to visit in Stockholm
(433) Eros
(433) Eros, Vendevägen 94, 182 73 Danderyds kommun, Sweden
Scandic Järva Krog
Scandic Järva Krog, Vallgatan 2, 170 66 Solna, Sweden
Skulptur av Picasso
Skulptur av Picasso, Illerstigen, 170 70 Bergshamra, Sweden
Dafnes Förvandling
Dafnes Förvandling, Vendevägen, 182 69 Djursholm, Sweden
Grönstaviken
Grönstaviken, Jaktstigen, 181 46 Lidingö, Sweden
Pier16
Pier16, Värdshusvägen 14-16, 181 63 Lidingö kommun, Sweden
Hotel J
Hotel J, Ellenviksvägen, 131 52 Nacka, Sweden
Lilla elefanten drömmer
Lilla elefanten drömmer, Fyrspannsvägen, 131 48 Nacka, Sweden
Ängel över Nacka sten
Ängel över Nacka sten, J V Svenssons torg, 131 52 Nacka, Sweden
Boo Boo Living
Boo Boo Living, Agavägen 11, 181 55 Lidingö, Sweden
Lidingö Hotell & Utbildningscentrum
Lidingö Hotell & Utbildningscentrum, Kottlavägen, 181 41 Stockby, Sweden
Hotel Ariston
Hotel Ariston, Kyrkvägen, 181 21 Lidingö, Sweden
MOI
MOI, Lejonstigen, 181 24 Lidingö, Sweden
Samspråk vid badet
Samspråk vid badet, Torsvikssvängen, 181 33 Lidingö, Sweden
Hotel Foresta
Hotel Foresta, Carl Milles väg, 181 34 Lidingö, Sweden
Travel Tips for Stockholm
Getting Around
Stockholm's public transportation (SL) is efficient with metro (T-bana), buses, trams, and commuter trains. Purchase an SL Access card or use the SL app. The metro system is famous for its art installations. Ferries connect archipelago islands. Taxis are reliable but expensive—use reputable companies like Taxi Stockholm. Ride-sharing apps like Uber and Bolt operate. Biking is popular with extensive cycle paths and city bike rentals. Walking is excellent in central areas. The Stockholm Pass offers transportation and attraction discounts.
Best Time To Visit
May to September offers pleasant weather (15-25°C), long daylight hours (including Midnight Sun in June), and vibrant outdoor life. July is perfect for archipelago exploration. December is magical for Christmas markets and festive lights, though days are very short. Winter (January-March) offers opportunities for ice skating and possible Northern Lights viewing, but prepare for cold temperatures and snow.
Local Customs
Swedes value personal space, punctuality, and quiet conversations. Remove shoes when entering homes. Dress is generally casual but smart-casual for nicer restaurants. Tipping is not expected but appreciated for good service (rounding up or 5-10% in restaurants). Always wait in orderly queues. 'Fika' (coffee break with pastries) is a cherished daily ritual. Avoid loud behavior in public. Sauna etiquette often involves nudity and gender separation. Always respect designated smoking areas.
Safety Information
Stockholm is generally very safe with low violent crime rates. Exercise normal precautions against pickpocketing in tourist areas like Gamla Stan, Central Station, and on public transport. Be cautious of distraction techniques. There are no specific no-go areas, but some suburbs like Rinkeby, Tensta, and Husby have higher crime rates and may be best avoided at night. Bike theft is common—always lock bicycles securely. During winter, watch for icy sidewalks. Emergency services are highly responsive and professional.
Health Information
Stockholm has excellent healthcare facilities including Karolinska University Hospital and Södersjukhuset. EU citizens should bring EHIC/GHIC card. Travel insurance is recommended for others. No specific vaccinations required beyond routine. Tap water is safe to drink. During winter, be prepared for limited daylight and cold temperatures that can exacerbate respiratory conditions. Tick-borne encephalitis vaccine is recommended for those planning extensive outdoor activities in forested areas during spring to autumn. Pharmacies (Apotek) are widely available.
Languages Spoken
SwedishEnglish
Quick Facts
Currency
Swedish Krona (SEK)
kr
kr
Timezone
Europe/Stockholm +01:00 (GMT) / +02:00 during Daylight Saving Time
Calling Code
+46
Electricity
Driving Side
Right
Population
2.4 million
Area
6519 km²
Government
County Council (Region Stockholm) with elected assembly
ISO Code
SE-26