Discovering & Navigating Stockholm: How to Get In and Out

Estimated reading time: 19 minutes

Stockholm, the beautiful capital of Sweden, you’re in for a treat. With its gorgeous waterfront views, stunning architecture, and rich cultural history, this charming city has plenty to see and do. However, navigating Stockholm can be a bit tricky, especially if you’re new to the city. In this article, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive guide to getting in and out of Stockholm, complete with main attractions, shopping, main neighborhoods, and many more details that might come in handy.

Understanding Stockholm’s Transportation Options

Before we dive into the specifics of getting to and around Stockholm, it’s important to have a basic understanding of the city’s transportation options. Stockholm has a well-developed network of public transportation, including a metro system, trams, buses, and ferries. In addition, the city is easily accessible by air, train, and car.

Getting to Stockholm by Air

Stockholm is served by two airports: Arlanda Airport and Bromma Stockholm Airport. Arlanda Airport is the larger of the two and is located about 25 miles north of Stockholm. It is the main international airport for Stockholm and serves most major airlines. Bromma Stockholm Airport is a smaller airport located within the city limits and primarily serves domestic flights. You can get to Stockholm from Arlanda with the Arlanda Express train, which takes around 18-20 Minutes and costs 30 US Dollars, or use the regular busses that take 40 to 50 Minutes and cost half.

Getting to Stockholm by Train

Stockholm is connected to other major cities in Sweden and neighboring countries via an extensive train network. The city’s central train station is called Stockholm Central Station and is located in the heart of the city. Train travel in Sweden is comfortable, reliable, and often more affordable than air travel. Some popular train routes to Stockholm include the SJ High-Speed Train from Gothenburg and the X2000 train from Copenhagen.

Getting to Stockholm by Sea

You can get to Stockholm from Helsinki and Tallinn via Ferry, each takes about 14 to 18 hours and are a very special experience to have in life. Eckero Line and Tallink are the main operators.

Tips for Getting Around Stockholm

Once you’re in Stockholm, the most convenient and cost-effective way to get around is by using the city’s public transportation system. The following sections will cover the different modes of public transportation available in Stockholm.

Using the Stockholm Metro

The Stockholm metro, also known as the Tunnelbana, is a fast and efficient way to travel around the city. The metro has three main lines (red, blue, and green) and operates from early morning until late at night. The stations are well-lit, clean and have helpful signage in English. Tickets can be purchased at the station using cash, a card, or via the SL app.

Riding the Stockholm Tram

Stockholm has six tram lines that serve the city center and its outskirts. The trams are a convenient way to travel to areas not served by the metro. Like the metro, tickets can be purchased at the station or using the SL app.

Taking the Stockholm Bus

Stockholm has an extensive bus network that covers the entire city. Buses are especially useful for traveling to areas not served by the metro or tram. Tickets can be purchased on the bus using cash or card or via the SL app.

Exploring Stockholm by Bike

Stockholm is a bike-friendly city with plenty of bike lanes and paths. Bikes can be rented from various locations around the city, including at many metro stations. There are also bike-sharing services available, such as City Bikes and Donkey Republic.

Navigating Stockholm by Taxi

Taxis in Stockholm are expensive, but they can be useful for getting around quickly or for traveling to areas not served by public transportation. It’s important to use licensed taxi companies and to confirm the fare before getting in the taxi.

Understanding Stockholm’s Ferry System

Stockholm is a city built on water, so it’s no surprise that it has an extensive ferry system. Ferries are a popular way to travel to Stockholm’s many islands and archipelagos. The most popular ferry routes are from the city center to Djurgården, Fjäderholmarna, and Vaxholm.

Getting to Stockholm’s Archipelago

Stockholm’s archipelago consists of over 30,000 islands, making it one of the largest archipelagos in the world. Some of the islands are easily accessible by public transportation, while others require a private boat or ferry. Popular islands to visit include Sandhamn, Grinda, and Utö.

Weather in Stockholm

Stockholm’s weather can vary greatly depending on the season. Summers are generally mild and pleasant, with temperatures averaging around 20-25°C (68-77°F). Winters can be quite cold, with temperatures often dropping below freezing and occasional snowfall. Spring and fall are typically mild but can be rainy.

When planning a trip to Stockholm, it’s important to consider your weather preferences. If you enjoy warm weather and outdoor activities, summer might be the best time to visit. However, if you’re interested in winter sports or holiday festivities, the colder months might be more appealing.

Currency in Stockholm

The official currency in Sweden is the Swedish Krona (SEK). As of April 2023, one US dollar is worth approximately 8.7 SEK. You can exchange currency at banks, exchange offices, and ATMs throughout Stockholm. Many businesses in Stockholm also accept credit cards, so it’s a good idea to bring one with you.

Shopping in Stockholm

Stockholm is known for its fashion and design scene, and there are plenty of opportunities for shopping throughout the city. Some popular shopping districts include Östermalm, Södermalm, and Gamla Stan. Visitors can find everything from high-end fashion and designer boutiques to vintage and secondhand stores.

If you’re looking for a more laid-back shopping experience, head to Södermalm. This neighborhood is known for its vintage stores and independent boutiques, as well as its trendy cafes and restaurants. You can find everything from retro clothing and vintage furniture to handmade jewelry and quirky souvenirs.

For a more traditional shopping experience, visit the department stores in the city center. The most famous of these is probably NK, or Nordiska Kompaniet, which has been a Stockholm landmark since 1902. Here you can find a wide variety of fashion, beauty, and home goods, as well as several restaurants and cafes.

Mall of Scandinavia

Another great shopping destination in Stockholm is the Mall of Scandinavia, which is located in the suburb of Solna. This massive shopping center has over 200 stores, including international brands such as H&M, Zara, and Sephora. It also has a wide variety of restaurants and entertainment options, such as a movie theater and an indoor theme park.

Finally, no visit to Stockholm would be complete without a trip to the city’s many markets. The most famous of these is probably the Östermalm Food Market, which offers a wide variety of fresh produce, seafood, and delicacies from around the world. Other markets to check out include the Södermalm Market, which features handmade crafts and artisanal food products, and the Hornstull Market, which is known for its vintage clothing and antiques.

Södermalm is a great destination for vintage clothing enthusiasts, with a plethora of stores offering unique and one-of-a-kind items. This neighborhood is known for its hip and trendy atmosphere, and the vintage shops here reflect that vibe perfectly.

One of the most popular vintage stores in Södermalm is Beyond Retro, which has several locations in the city. This store is known for its huge selection of vintage clothing, ranging from the 1920s to the 1990s. You can find everything from vintage dresses and skirts to retro sneakers and leather jackets.

Judits

Another great vintage store in Södermalm is Judits, which specializes in high-end designer vintage clothing. Here you can find unique and rare pieces from brands such as Chanel, Dior, and Yves Saint Laurent. The store also has a great selection of vintage jewelry and accessories.

Other vintage stores to check out in Södermalm include Lisa Larsson Second Hand, which offers a mix of vintage and contemporary clothing, and Myrorna, which is a chain of secondhand stores that has several locations in Stockholm.

Stockholm Neighborhoods

Stockholm is made up of 14 different islands connected by bridges, and each island has its own unique character and charm. Here are some of the main neighborhoods to explore:

Södermalm

Södermalm is a trendy neighborhood that’s popular with locals and tourists alike. It’s known for its hip cafes, vintage shops, and vibrant nightlife. You can wander the streets and admire the colorful buildings or visit the popular Hornstull Market for food, drinks, and live music.

Main Points of Interest:

• Fotografiska Stockholm
• Skinnarviksberget viewpoint
• Monteliusvägen walking trail
• Hornstull Market
• SoFo (South of Folkungagatan) shopping district
• Grandpa (vintage clothing and home decor)
• Beyond Retro (vintage clothing)
• Weekday (Swedish fashion brand)
• Acne Studios (Swedish fashion brand)
• Papercut (design-focused bookstore)

Östermalm

Östermalm is an upscale neighborhood that’s home to some of Stockholm’s most expensive real estate. It’s known for its high-end shopping, with luxury boutiques and designer stores lining the streets. You can also visit the Östermalm Market Hall for fresh produce, seafood, and baked goods.

Main Points of Interest:

• Djurgården Island (including Skansen, ABBA Museum, and Gröna Lund amusement park)
• Nationalmuseum
• Stureplan Square
• Östermalm Food Hall
• Humlegården Park
• Bibliotekstan (luxury shopping district)
• DesignTorget (design-focused gifts and accessories)
• Asplund (furniture and home decor)
• Granit (minimalist home decor)
• Sturegallerian (shopping mall)

Gamla Stan

Gamla Stan, meaning “Old Town,” is Stockholm’s historic heart and one of the best-preserved medieval city centers in Europe. The narrow, cobbled streets and colorful buildings transport visitors back in time to the 13th century, when the area was first settled. The Royal Palace, Stockholm Cathedral, and Stortorget, the main square, are all located in Gamla Stan. The Royal Palace is the official residence of the Swedish monarchy, and visitors can explore its grand halls, royal apartments, and treasury. The cathedral, also known as Storkyrkan, is the oldest church in Gamla Stan and features stunning medieval architecture and artwork.

Stortorget is a bustling square with outdoor cafes, street performers, and the iconic 17th-century well, which was once the site of public executions. Gamla Stan is also home to a wide range of shops, restaurants, and museums, including the Nobel Museum and the Stockholm City Museum. It’s easy to spend an entire day wandering through Gamla Stan’s charming streets, admiring the historic architecture, and immersing oneself in the city’s rich history and culture.

Main Points of Interest:

• Royal Palace
• Stortorget (Main Square)
• Nobel Museum
• Stockholm Cathedral
• Vasa Museum
• Svenskt Tenn (famous for interior design)
• C/O Stockholm (gifts and souvenirs)
• Kungliga Myntet (Royal Mint Shop)
• WOS (Swedish fashion boutique)
• Handverkstugan (handmade crafts and souvenirs)

Djurgården

Djurgården is an island that’s known for its natural beauty and cultural attractions. It’s home to many museums and galleries, including the popular Vasa Museum and Skansen Open-Air Museum. You can also visit the lush gardens and parks or take a stroll along the waterfront.

Main Points of Interest:

• Skansen
• ABBA Museum
• Gröna Lund amusement park
• Vasa Museum
• Rosendals Trädgård (Rose Garden)
• Rosendals Trädgård (garden shop and cafe)
• Gröna Gången (sustainable and eco-friendly goods)
• ABBA The Museum Shop (merchandise from the ABBA museum)
• Skansen Butiken (Swedish souvenirs and traditional crafts)
• Junibacken Butik (gifts and books for children)

Vasastan

Vasastan is a residential neighborhood that’s popular with young professionals and families. It’s known for its beautiful 19th-century architecture, with many of the buildings featuring intricate details and colorful facades. You can also visit Vasaparken Park for a picnic.

Main Points of Interest:

• Stadsbiblioteket (Stockholm City Library): This beautiful library is a popular spot for book lovers and architecture enthusiasts alike.
• Observatorielunden: This park offers great views of the city and is a lovely spot for a picnic or a stroll.
• Odenplan: This bustling square is a transportation hub and a great place for shopping, dining, and people-watching.
• Vasa Park: This park is home to the Vasaparken Open-Air Theatre and is a popular spot for outdoor concerts and events.
• Filmstaden Råsunda: This historic film studio is where many classic Swedish films were made, and it’s a must-visit for movie buffs.
• Vasaparken: This park is an excellent spot for a picnic or a game of frisbee, and it’s also home to a popular outdoor gym.
• Rörstrandsgatan: This street is lined with trendy shops, cafes, and restaurants, and it’s a great place to wander and explore.
• Norrtullsgatan: This street has a mix of trendy and vintage shops, as well as some great cafes and restaurants.
• Sveavägen: This busy street has a wide variety of shops, from high-end boutiques to more affordable chain stores.
• Rörstrandsgatan: As mentioned earlier, this street is a great spot for shopping, with a mix of trendy and unique shops to explore.

Norrmalm

Norrmalm is the commercial center of Stockholm and is home to many of the city’s department stores, shopping centers, and businesses. You can visit Kungsträdgården Park for a break from the hustle and bustle of the city or take a walk down Drottninggatan, one of Stockholm’s main shopping streets.

Main Points of Interest:

• Sergels Torg
• Kungsträdgården
• Moderna Museet
• Royal Swedish Opera
• Stockholm City Hall
• NK Stockholm (luxury department store)
• Åhléns City (department store)
• PUB (shopping mall)
• Gallerian (shopping mall)
• MOOD Stockholm (boutique shopping mall)

These are a few of the many neighborhoods that Stockholm has to offer. Each one has its own unique personality, atmosphere, and attractions, so be sure to explore as many as possible during your visit.

Main Attractions in Stockholm

Stockholm has a plethora of attractions that cater to every Interest. Here are some of the top attractions to visit:

Gamla Stan (Old Town)

Gamla Stan is Stockholm’s Old Town and is one of the most well-preserved medieval cities in Europe. It’s home to narrow streets, colorful buildings, and historical landmarks such as the Royal Palace and Stockholm Cathedral. You can spend hours wandering the streets, browsing the boutique shops and cafes, and admiring the architecture.

Vasa Museum

The Vasa Museum is one of Stockholm’s most visited museums and is home to the 17th-century Vasa warship. The ship sank on its maiden voyage in 1628 and was recovered in 1961. The museum houses the ship and many artifacts, giving visitors a glimpse into Sweden’s maritime history.

Skansen Open-Air Museum

Skansen is an open-air museum that showcases Swedish life from the 18th to the 20th century. It’s home to a collection of historic buildings and exhibits, including a zoo with Nordic animals such as moose and wolves. You can also experience traditional Swedish crafts, music, and food.

ABBA Museum

The ABBA Museum is a must-visit for music lovers and fans of the iconic Swedish pop group. The museum features interactive exhibits, memorabilia, and a chance to sing and dance along to some of ABBA’s greatest hits.

Stockholm Palace

Stockholm Palace is the official residence of the Swedish Royal Family and is one of the largest palaces in Europe. The palace features over 600 rooms and is open to visitors year-round. You can take a guided tour of the palace, visit the Royal Armory, and see the changing of the guard.

These are just a few of the many attractions that Stockholm has to offer. Whether you’re interested in history, art, music, or nature, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city.

Stockholm Metro: A Work of Art and Attraction Rolled into One

Stockholm’s metro system, known locally as the T-bana, is not just a convenient way to get around the city – it’s also a work of art. The stations are decorated with impressive murals, sculptures, and installations, making each one a unique and fascinating destination in its own right. For art lovers and tourists alike, a tour of the Stockholm Metro is a must-see experience that showcases the city’s creativity and design talent. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most stunning and iconic metro stations in Stockholm and explore the history and significance of this beloved transit system.

Skinnarviksberget: The Hidden Gem of Stockholm’s Skyline

Skinnarviksberget, a hill located in the Södermalm district of Stockholm, offers one of the best views of the city skyline. From the top of the hill, visitors can see the picturesque Old Town, the towering City Hall, and the surrounding waters of Lake Mälaren and the Baltic Sea. Despite its breathtaking views, Skinnarviksberget is relatively unknown to tourists and remains a hidden gem in Stockholm.

Fotografiska Stockholm

Fotografiska Stockholm is a world-renowned museum of photography located in the heart of Stockholm. The museum showcases both contemporary and classic photography from renowned artists and emerging talents from around the world. Fotografiska Stockholm offers a unique and immersive experience, with exhibitions that change regularly, ensuring there is always something new and exciting to see.

The museum’s location is another draw, situated in a converted industrial building in the trendy Södermalm district. The building’s architecture is as impressive as the photography on display, with spacious galleries, high ceilings, and large windows that let in natural light.

Avicii Experience

The Avicii Experience is a must-visit attraction in Stockholm for fans of the late Swedish DJ and producer, Avicii. This immersive and interactive exhibit takes visitors through Avicii’s life and career, including his early beginnings as a bedroom producer to his meteoric rise to fame and his untimely death. The exhibit features memorabilia, unreleased music, and even a recreation of his studio. It’s a touching tribute to Avicii’s legacy and a unique way to experience his music and life. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just curious about one of the most influential musicians of the 21st century, the Avicii Experience is not to be missed.

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