Sweden is part of the Schengen Area. EU/EEA citizens need only a valid ID. Many non-EU nationals require a Schengen visa for stays up to 90 days.

What currency is used?

Swedish Krona (SEK). Cards are widely accepted; cash is rarely needed.

Is English widely spoken?

Yes, almost everyone speaks fluent English, especially younger people and service staff.

Can I drink tap water?

Absolutely. Uppsala's tap water is of excellent quality and safe to drink.

What is the best way to get from Stockholm to Uppsala?

The SJ high-speed train from Stockholm Central takes about 40 minutes. Buses and regional trains are also available.

Are there any local dishes I should try?

Try Swedish meatballs with lingonberries, gravlax (cured salmon), and traditional fika pastries like kanelbullar (cinnamon buns).

Is Uppsala good for a day trip?

Yes, it's an easy day trip from Stockholm, but staying overnight allows you to enjoy the city's evening atmosphere and museums.

What is the tipping etiquette?

Tipping is not expected but appreciated. Round up the bill or leave 5-10% for good service.

Uppsala

CityUppsala, Sweden

Uppsala is a CITY in Uppsala, Sweden.

Uppsala, Sweden's fourth-largest city, blends historic grandeur with youthful energy. Dominated by the towering Uppsala Cathedral, Scandinavia's largest, and the ancient Gustavianum museum, the city pulses with Viking heritage and academic prestige from its renowned university. Stroll along the Fyris River, explore the lush Botanical Garden, or cycle through cobblestone streets lined with pastel-colored houses. In summer, long golden evenings invite outdoor cafes and boat trips to nearby islands; winter brings a magical, snow-dusted calm and cozy fika breaks. With a vibrant student population, Uppsala offers a dynamic mix of medieval charm, modern Nordic design, and lively cultural festivals.

Best time to visit Uppsala

Late May to early September offers the best weather, with long, sunny days and temperatures 15-25°C. June and July are peak for outdoor festivals and the famous Uppsala Reggae Festival. Winter (December-February) is cold but magical for Christmas markets and ice skating. Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) are quieter, with beautiful foliage and fewer crowds.

October

Now

Typical for October

Weather: Cold 3 to 10°C, rain

Travel notes

Crowds: Low
Prices: Low

Cozy indoor activities, cultural events

Know before you go

Getting there

ARN

Stockholm Arlanda Airport

International

35 km away

NYO

Stockholm Skavsta Airport

International

130 km away

BMA

Stockholm Bromma Airport

Domestic

70 km away

Getting around

"Uppsala is compact and walkable, especially the historic centre. Bicycles are the preferred mode of transport; rent one from many local shops. UL buses cover the city and suburbs efficiently; single tickets cost around 30 SEK (€3) via app or machine. Taxis are reliable but expensive. For day trips to Stockholm, take the frequent SJ train (40 minutes). The city also has a small ferry on the Fyris River in summer."

Stay connected

WiFi speed

50 Mbps

Mobile data

Excellent

WiFi

Widely available in cafes, hotels, and public libraries. Free municipal Wi-Fi in some squares.

Local SIM

Prepaid SIMs available at Pressbyrån stores or online from operators like Telia, Tele2, or Comviq. Prices from 100 SEK.

Stay safe

Overall

9/10

Very safe overall. Petty crime exists but violent crime is rare. Night safety is high in central areas.

Night safety

8/10

Very safe overall. Petty crime exists but violent crime is rare. Night safety is high in central areas.

Transport

9/10

Scam risk

7/10

"Uppsala is very safe, even by Nordic standards. Violent crime is rare, but petty theft (pickpocketing, bike theft) can occur in busy areas like the central station or during festivals. Keep valuables secure and lock your bicycle. The city is well-lit and walkable at night, but exercise usual caution in quieter areas. Scams targeting tourists are uncommon. Overall, a safe destination for solo travelers and families."

Police

112

Ambulance

112

Fire

112

Entry and health

Health information

"Sweden has excellent healthcare. EU citizens can use their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) for reduced-cost care. Non-EU visitors should have comprehensive travel insurance. Pharmacies (Apotek) are widely available; the main one in central Uppsala is Apoteket Kronan. Tap water is safe to drink. No special vaccinations are required, but standard travel vaccines are recommended. For emergencies, dial 112."

Culture

Local customs

"Swedes value punctuality and personal space. Queueing is orderly; always wait your turn. A firm handshake is standard for greetings. Tipping is not mandatory but rounding up the bill (5-10%) is appreciated for good service. Dress is casual but neat; remove shoes when entering homes. Fika (coffee and pastry break) is a cherished daily ritual. Public drinking is restricted; alcohol is sold only at Systembolaget (state-run stores)."

Swedish (official)EnglishFinnishSamiMeänkieliRomaniYiddishSwedish

Costs and practicals

Cost level

Mid-range

Meals

$12-20 | a mid-range meal costs around 120-200 SEK

Hotels

$80-150 | budget hotels from 800 SEK/night, mid-range 1200-2000 SEK

Local transport

$3 | single bus ticket ~30 SEK

Cost notes

Uppsala is slightly cheaper than Stockholm but still a relatively expensive Nordic city.

Timezone

Europe/Stockholm
Local time 16:43

More facts

Population

177,074

Type

City

https://media-cdn.zormor.tech/images/d0046d20-b16b-4dce-97ed-25467e8627d2/thumbnail.webp

Flogsta

https://media-cdn.zormor.tech/images/844faf80-ea17-4d76-a7dd-df1ac6dc8f46/thumbnail.webp

Gamla Uppsala

Frequently Asked Questions

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