Sweden

Sweden is a country located in Northern Europe on the eastern part of the Scandinavian Peninsula. It is bordered by Norway to the west and Finland to the northeast. The country also has coastlines along the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Bothnia and is connected to Denmark by a bridge to the southwest.  Sweden has a rich history associated with the Viking age, which is explored in museums throughout the country. It has nearly 100,000 lakes and about 70% of the country is covered in forests.

The name "Sweden" derives from the Svear, a powerful tribe from the region of Svealand, an area in central Sweden.

Sweden is known for Islands, canals, lakes, the Medieval City of Visby, Fotlan'ds beaches and fishing villages, royal palaces, cultural art and museums.

Language: Swedish is the official language. There are other north Germanic Languages that locals may speak. English is wifely spoken in major  tourist areas. Most people in Sweden have a high English proficiency.

• Download: Google Translate

Currency: Swedish krona (SEK) - 1 USD is about 10 SEK

• Most places accept major credits (like Visa and Mastercard), and cashless payments like Apple Pay. Specific card types like American Express may have restrictions.

Entry Requirements: 

• Passport (that doesn't expire for for at least 6 months)

• Starting in late 2026, US citizens will need an ETIAS authorization (an electronic travel authorization) to visit Sweden.

• Show proof of sufficient funds and a return ticket

• Visitor's permit required for stays longer than 90 days

Pros

• Famous landmarks

• Nature, Hiking, beautiful parks

• Viking history

Cons

• High prices in comparison to other European countries

• Expensive rentals

• Harsh winters can be dark and cold - October through March

• City's layout is spread out

• Can take a train from the aiprot to ct the city center in 20 minutes
  • Arlanda Express - high speed train - takes 20 minutes to reach Stockholm Central Station 
    • 1 way ticket costs 340 SEK = $36 USD
    • Roundtrip ticket costs 640 SEK = $68 USD
  • Regular commuter train is cheaper but takes about 40 minutes

• Best most affordable form of transportation is Public Transportation: Subway system/metro, buses, trams, ferries
• Uber is available
• Taxis are available; but expensive

• Taking a ferry is a great way to see the city's islands

• Spring (March–May) is transitional with cold starts and milder ends; 
• Summer (June–August) is the warmest and wettest, with long daylight hours; 
• Autumn (September–November) features cooler temperatures and increasing rainfall; and 
• Winter (December–February) is cold and snowy, especially in the north, with short days. The climate varies 

• Cultural Sites to see
  • Wasa ship -
  •  Open Air museum
  • Drottningholm Court Theater
  • Many Art Museums: Link
  • Djurgarden
  • Sodermalm
  • Millesgarden museum and sculpture garden
  • Archipelagos
• Instagrammable Places
  • Historic and architectural
    • Gamla Stan (Old Town): Explore the narrow, cobblestone streets and colorful buildings of Stockholm's old town, particularly the main square, Stortorget, which is known for its brightly colored historic facades.
    • Skeppsholmsbron bridge: Capture a photo of this elegant bridge that connects to Skeppsholmen island, famous for the three golden crowns that symbolize Sweden's coat of arms.
    • Stockholm City Hall: Admire and photograph the impressive architecture of this iconic building, which is a major tourist attraction.
    • Drottninggatan: A long, busy shopping street that offers plenty of photo opportunities with its diverse architecture and lively atmosphere.
    • Fjällgatan and Mariaberget: These viewpoints on Södermalm offer stunning panoramic views of the city.
  • Scenic and natural
    • Kungsträdgården park: Visit this central park, which is especially popular in the spring when the cherry trees bloom, creating a beautiful pink canopy.
    • Monteliusvägen: Walk along this picturesque promenade in the Södermalm district for some of the most breathtaking views of the city.
    • Skinnarviksberget: The highest natural point in the city, this hilltop offers fantastic views, especially at sunset.
    • Djurgården island: This "green island" offers a beautiful natural setting with historic architecture, including the Vasa Museum, and various attractions.
  • Modern and quirky
    • Globen Skyview: Take an elevator to the top of this spherical building for a unique perspective of Stockholm from above.
    • Gröna Lund: Sweden's oldest amusement park, this location offers a fun and vibrant backdrop for photos with its rides and classic fairground atmosphere.
    • Brandstationen: A trendy shopping hotspot with a charming and stylish interior, perfect for capturing a unique, aesthetic shot.

• Top Choice: Gamla Stan, Stockholm's Old Town
• Other Options
  • For history and charm: Stay in Gamla Stan, Stockholm's Old Town. It's known for its medieval architecture, narrow cobblestone streets, and is home to the Royal Palace.
  • For a trendy, local feel: Choose Södermalm, a hip district with trendy shops, cafes, museums, and a vibrant atmosphere.
  • For a central, modern experience: Opt for Norrmalm, the city's commercial heart, packed with shops, restaurants, bars, and cinemas.
  • For luxury and elegance: Consider Östermalm, known for its upscale shopping, fine dining, and exclusive atmosphere.
  • For a scenic and quiet escape: Look to Djurgården, a green island with museums, parks, and a more relaxed, scenic environment.
  • For safety and convenience: Östermalm and the eastern side of Gamla Stan are considered very safe, with good street lighting and busy streets, making them ideal for solo travelers. 
• Accommodations
  • Hostels
    • Crafoord Place - 1.5 km from city center - $30 a night dorm rooms
    • Castanea Old Town hostel - .6km from city center - $32 a night dorms, $109 private rooms
    • City Backpackers hostel - 1km from city center - $25 a night dorms
  • Boutique Hotels
  • Luxury Hotels

• Stockholms Gastaburd - cuisine: European, Swedish
• Milos restuarang - cuisine: Mediterranean, European
• Cane Rum Society - cuisine: Caribbean, Cajun & creole - great rum bar
• Tradition - cuisine: European, Swedish
• Cafe - Fika & Wine - cuisine: European, pastries
• Restaurant Kryp in Sodermalm - cuisine: European, Swedish
• DalaNisse - cuisine: European, grill
• Restaurang Hantverket - cuisine: European, Swedish
• Maestro - cuisine: Mediterraneon, European
• Bistro Bestick - cuisine: European, Swedish

• Famous Swedish foods include köttbullar (meatballs), gravlax (cured salmon), and kanelbullar (cinnamon buns). Other popular dishes are pickled herring (sill), crispbread (knäckebröd), cabbage rolls (kåldolmar), and savory or sweet baked goods like prinsesstårta (princess cake).   
• Traditional Swedish pastries like cinnamon buns, called fika, are a key part of the culture. Other treats include semla and special holiday waffles.  

EXCURSIONS

(Here you will find links to book excursions like walking tours, day trips, beach/snorkeling days, hiking, etc.)

Stockholm, Sweden Sample Itinerary

This 3-day itinerary for Stockholm covers the historic Gamla Stan, the island of Djurgården with its world-class museums, and an excursion through the stunning archipelago. To save money and time, consider purchasing a Go City: Stockholm All-Inclusive Pass, which covers most major attractions and offers optional public transport access. For transit without the pass, an SL travel card is available for 24 or 72 hours and covers all buses, subways, and ferries. 

Day 1: Historic Gamla Stan and the Royal Palace

Your first day focuses on the heart of Stockholm: Gamla Stan (Old Town).

• Morning (9 a.m.): Gamla Stan Walking Tour. Discover the medieval origins of Stockholm by exploring its cobblestone streets and alleyways, like the narrowest street, Mårten Trotzigs gränd. Several guided and self-guided tours are available, starting from Stortorget, the Old Town's main square.

• Mid-day (12 p.m.): The Royal Palace. Head to the Royal Palace to witness the daily Changing of the Guard ceremony. The event lasts about 40 minutes and features a military marching band from April through August and on select days in the winter. You can also tour the palace's many departments, such as the Royal Apartments, the Treasury, and the Royal Armoury.

• Afternoon (3 p.m.): Nobel Prize Museum. Located on Stortorget square, the Nobel Prize Museum offers exhibits, films, and artifacts celebrating the achievements of Nobel laureates.

• Evening: Dinner in Gamla Stan. Enjoy dinner at one of Gamla Stan's many restaurants. You can find traditional Swedish dishes or fika (a coffee and pastry break) at locations near Östermalms Food Hall. 

Day 2: Djurgården's museums and parkland

Spend your second day on the tranquil island of Djurgården, which is accessible by tram, bus, or ferry. 

• Morning (10 a.m.): The Vasa Museum. Visit the impressive Vasa Museum, built around the incredibly well-preserved 17th-century warship, Vasa, which sank on its maiden voyage in 1628.

• Afternoon (1 p.m.): Skansen Open-Air Museum. Next, explore the world's oldest open-air museum, Skansen. It features historical buildings from all over Sweden, a zoo with Nordic animals, and cultural presentations.

• Late afternoon (4 p.m.): ABBA The Museum. For a dose of Swedish music history, stop by ABBA The Museum, an interactive exhibit dedicated to the legendary pop group.

• Evening: Gröna Lund. In the warmer months, you can enjoy dinner and amusement rides at Gröna Lund, the historic amusement park next door to the ABBA museum. 

Day 3: City views and the archipelago

On your last day, take in some of Stockholm's famous views and experience its unique island geography.

• Morning (10 a.m.): City Hall and Södermalm. Start at the Stockholm City Hall, a grand building most famous for hosting the annual Nobel Prize banquet. In the summer, you can climb the tower for panoramic city views. Afterward, explore the trendy Södermalm district, known for its creative atmosphere, parks, and vantage points.

• Afternoon (1 p.m.): Stockholm Archipelago Tour. Experience Stockholm from the water with a boat tour through the stunning archipelago. Several companies offer tours of varying lengths, and some are included with the Stockholm Pass. You can choose a shorter trip to get a taste of the islands or a longer one that includes lunch.

• Evening: Fotografiska. As a final stop, visit Fotografiska, the renowned photography museum located on the waterfront. It has late opening hours and offers spectacular views of the city at night from its cafe and restaurant. 

Budget

• Roundtrip Flights from US: $600 - $1500

• Daily budget: $100 - $200 per day

• Taxis are around: 350+ SEK

• Restaurants charge between:

  • Meal at an inexpensive restaurant typically costs around $130-200 SEK ($12-20 USD), 

  • While a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant can range from $550-1,250 SEK ($50-120 USD). 

  • For a budget-friendly fast-food meal, a combo meal is about $92-120 SEK ($9-12 USD). 

• Tip = Tipping is not expected. However, it is a polite gesture to round up a bill or leave a small tip of 5%-10% for exceptional service if you wish.