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 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.

Stockholm panorama shot. View from Djurgardsbron early morning Mikael Damkier/Shutterstock.com

The City

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 city, sweden sigurcamp/Shutterstock.com

District Guides

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.

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Vasastan

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Djurgården

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Södermalm

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Kungsholmen

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Östermalm

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Gamla Stan

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Do & See

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.

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Stockholm Must-Sees Tour

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Vasa Museum

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The Royal Palace

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ABBA The Museum

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Skansen

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Stockholm Subway Stations

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Stockholm City Hall

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Gröna Lund

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Royal Swedish Opera

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National Museum of Fine Arts

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Nobel Prize Museum

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Drottningholm Palace

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Take a Swim

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Paddle in the City

Spritmuseum

Museum of Spirits

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Stockholm Ghost Walk

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City Canal Tour

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Junibacken

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Nordiska Museet

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Prins Eugens Waldemarsudde

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Swedish History Museum

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SkyView

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Stockholm Concert Hall

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Museum of Technology

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Dining

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.

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Lux Dag för Dag

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Ulla Winbladh

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Mom's Kitchen

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Hermitage

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La Neta

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Ekstedt

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Lilla Ego

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Matbaren

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Nybrogatan 38

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Prinsen

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Bistro Barbro

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Den Gyldene Freden

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Brasserie Le Rouge

Hipster couple drinking coffee in Stockholm old town William Perugini/Shutterstock.com

Cafés

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.

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Vete-Katten

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Flickorna Helin

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Tössebageriet

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Drop Coffee

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Louie Louie

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Gildas Rum

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Chaikhana

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Chokladkoppen

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Rosendals Garden Café

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Petite France

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Saturnus

Scenic summer night panorama of the Old Town Oleksiy Mark/Shutterstock.com

Bars & Nightlife

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.

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A Guide to Stockholm's Nightlife

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Trädgården

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Huset Under Bron

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Tweed

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Teaterbrasseriet

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Riche

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Södra Teatern

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Cliff Barnes

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Fasching

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Story Hotel

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Casino Cosmopol

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Golden Hits

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Morfar Ginko

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Sturecompagniet

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Shopping

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.

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Drottninggatan

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Biblioteksgatan

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Shopping in Gamla Stan

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NK — Nordiska Kompaniet

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Sturegallerian

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Nordiska Galleriet

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Gallerian

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Åhléns City

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Grandpa

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Pärlans Konfektyr

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Filippa K

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Coctail

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Alewalds

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Tourist Information

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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