First visit to Stockholm: Our practical advice!

Stockholm is a very popular city for foreign tourists. Depending on the season, it takes on very poetic nicknames that show us how much it knows how to enchant its visitors. In summer, this archipelago of islands is compared to a " Venice of the North ", for its canals and the Baltic Sea which enters its lands. In winter, it is called " the North Star " for its proximity to the polar circle, its aurora borealis and its unusual solar rhythm. Anyway, it's a very exotic city and we give you some advice to adapt to Swedish life quickly and make the most of your stay in Stockholm.

Choose the period of your stay and the wardrobe that goes with it!

Stockholm enjoys a temperate continental climate. In summer, it is hot, with an average of 24°. You will therefore be rather comfortable during the day. And that is what is most destabilizing. In June, the days are particularly long in this part of the world. They start, in fact, very early, around 3 am for the longest day in June. They end around 10 p.m., which allows you to make the most of these " evenings ", in broad daylight! This very short nocturnal period generates more a twilight penumbra than a real dark night! We therefore have the impression that the sun does not really set at the beginning of summer in Stockholm. In fact, the period of activity is long and you can do a lot of things in a single day. Plan several outfits according to your desires to take full advantage of these extended days!

On the other hand, the rain often invites itself in the country, so it is better to anticipate and provide waterproof jackets, but light, to take everywhere with you. Rest assured, these rainy episodes are never very long. They cross the city between the North Sea and the Baltic. Even so, they can be very refreshing. A few warm clothes will not be too much in your suitcase, in any season.

In winter, temperatures are negative in Stockholm. Snow sprinkles the city and ice freezes the canals and inlets. Night sets in for 18 long hours. The shortest day is around December 21. The sun then rises around 9 a.m. and sets a little before 3 p.m. Stockholm is dressed in artificial lights. If the city is happy and the Swedish way of life sticks to this particular rhythm, you will have to adapt. Outdoor activities are more rare, so no need to load your suitcase with layers of clothes. You'll likely soak up some Swedish culture in the city's cafes and museums. A good coat and outerwear for a ride outside the city will suffice, along with classic winter clothes.

Use public transportation

Stockholm is a city very well equipped with public transport. An express train "L' Arlanda " takes you from the airport to the city center in 20 minutes! Inside the city, you can access all districts by combining the metro, tram and buses.

You are here for sightseeing! Then don't miss a sightseeing bus tour of Stockholm . It may be a bit cliché as an activity, but the city is big, with many islands, bridges… It's a maze and this great tour will allow you to see more clearly and organize your visits.

Second essential tourist transport: the boat. Don't forget that Stockholm is an archipelago of islands. Taking a boat tour to discover Stockholm is surely the most fun mode of travel, in winter as in summer. The view is exceptional, the atmosphere unusual and the ferry is sometimes the only way to access certain islets.

As for the city center and the old town of Gamla Stan , you can easily explore them on foot. Many bridges allow you to reach the islands and it is really a charming walk to do. Stockholm has nearly 750 km of cycle paths, so we also advise you to get around by bike , at least in summer. In winter, snow regularly covers the tracks and it is more dangerous. And if you're not really sporty, there is an electric scooter rental service: VOI or LIME . The concept was even born in Stockholm and it's very easy to access, with a mobile application.

Do not waste time in exchange offices

Today, it is no longer necessary to anticipate your expenses and provide cash to travel in Europe. Especially in Stockholm, where the bank card is particularly established. Whatever the amount of your purchases, you can pay by card in all the shops or restaurants in the city. So there's no need to waste time finding a money changer and risk carrying a lot of cash on you. You can simply pick up some from the vending machines, which are well-spread around the city, and you'll probably come back with some Swedish coins as a souvenir!

Get a Stockholm Pass

Of course, you can do without! If you're a good walker and prefer immersion in authentic Swedish culture rather than a marathon of cultural and sightseeing tours, there's no need to waste money buying this card. But let's be honest, it offers you a lot of advantages and really makes your life easier, especially if you want to take advantage of Stockholm's many tourist attractions .

As a priority, you have access to around sixty tourist attractions of all kinds. Consult the list of these sites carefully, before buying, but it includes the most requested places and it is quite exhaustive. In addition, you have unlimited access to all public transport in the city . Stockholm and its surroundings are very well served and this is a serious saving.

Finally, you have access to tourist circuits by bus and boat . We can talk about several circuits since they are free access to the tourist bus and ferries. You get on or board it freely to move around within 24 hours or 72 hours. To enjoy the canals and waterways depending on the season, there are two boat tours available: one summer and one winter.

Last advantage, you don't have to buy your tickets in each museum you want to see. You present your pass, you save time and you avoid carrying cash on you!

Sleep in unusual accommodation

Stockholm is a very innovative city in terms of tourist reception. You will find hotels at all prices, youth hostels for small budgets, but also much more extravagant accommodation. If you are ready to think outside the box, you will find something for all budgets and all your desires. Here is a good opportunity to experience sleeping in an old wooden ship, in a Boeing 747 plane, a girl's school or even a prison ...

A reassuring city, to do alone

Stockholm is a safe city! You will be able to walk in all the districts and whatever the hour, without worrying too much. Of course, some rules of caution are necessary when traveling or when going out alone in town. But on the whole, the feedback from solo tourists (male or female) is positive and the safety of visitors and citizens is a concern for the city, which is putting the means into it.

We hope to have given you some keys and tips for your first visit to Stockholm.

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