Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, is a city that combines history, culture and natural beauty. Although Stockholm is a relatively friendly city for first-time visitors, many people still encounter some common mistakes and difficulties when traveling.
1. Essentials: Make sure you don’t forget these travel essentials
Whether it’s your first time in Stockholm or you’ve already known the city, preparing travel essentials in advance will always make your trip easier and more secure. Here are a few essential items to bring with you when traveling to Stockholm:
1.1 Prepare weather-appropriate clothing
Stockholm is located in Northern Europe and has a cold climate with four distinct seasons. Especially in spring and autumn, the temperature difference between day and night is large. The weather may be very cool in the morning and evening, while it is warm and pleasant in the sun at noon. Even in summer, there are often cool breezes, and sometimes you even need to wear a windbreaker or knitted jacket. It is recommended that you bring layered clothing, such as T-shirts, light sweaters, fleece jackets, windproof and waterproof jackets, etc., so that you can flexibly adjust according to temperature changes.
In addition, comfortable and durable shoes are also extremely important. Stockholm is an extremely suitable city for walking and cycling, with cobblestone streets and large parks and seaside trails everywhere. If you plan to visit multiple attractions or take short hikes, it is recommended to prepare a pair of supportive sports shoes or outdoor shoes to cope with long walking trips.
1.2 Power converters and charging devices
Stockholm uses European plugs, specifically C and F sockets, with a standard voltage of 230 volts and a frequency of 50 Hz. Many tourists from non-European countries may need to bring a multi-function power converter to ensure that all devices can be used normally. In addition, if you plan to use your mobile phone for navigation, taking pictures or keeping a travel diary, the power will be consumed quickly, so it is recommended to bring a large-capacity portable power bank. For photography enthusiasts, it is also important to bring an extra camera battery and spare memory card to avoid missing wonderful moments.
1.3 Swedish Krona (SEK)
Although Stockholm is one of the most “cashless” cities in the world, most businesses, restaurants, public transportation, museums and even street stalls support card or mobile payment (such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, etc.), it is recommended that you have some cash on hand just in case. In particular, some small local markets, remote attractions or some public toilets may still only accept cash payments. It is more convenient to exchange some Swedish kronor in advance in China, or to withdraw cash from ATMs at the airport or downtown after arrival. There are usually no problems with choosing a bank card with a Visa or Mastercard logo, but please be aware of the relevant international withdrawal fees.
1.4 Swedish Public Transportation Card
Stockholm’s public transportation is very developed. Buying an SL card (Stockholm Transportation Card) allows you to conveniently use transportation such as subways, buses, boats and trains. You can buy it at the airport, subway stations and some stores. Choose a card that suits your travel time. It will be more economical than buying a single ticket.
2. Common mistakes and precautions: avoid unnecessary trouble
2.1 Not considering the choice of transportation route
Stockholm’s attractions are relatively scattered, especially it spans multiple islands, so it is important to choose the right transportation route. Many tourists ignore the convenience of public transportation and choose taxis or walk, resulting in a waste of time and energy. To avoid this, it is recommended to make transportation plans before departure, check the best transportation routes in advance, and avoid missing public transportation.
2.2 Overestimating or underestimating the time for playing
There are many attractions worth visiting in Stockholm, many of which require a certain amount of time to appreciate. For example, the Vasa Museum, the Stockholm Palace, the Arboretum Museum, etc. are all good places for tourists to linger. Many tourists may underestimate the time required for these attractions when arranging attractions, resulting in a rush and missing some details. In order to better experience each attraction, it is recommended that you arrange your time reasonably when visiting. Find out the opening hours of each attraction in advance and reserve enough time for each attraction.
2.3 Ignoring local culture and customs
Stockholm is a city that pays great attention to environmental protection and public order. Many tourists may not be very adaptable to some local public behavioral norms when they first visit. For example, making loud noises or making phone calls on public transportation may cause discomfort, and it is important to respect the quiet atmosphere of public spaces. In addition, Stockholm people attach great importance to punctuality. If you have scheduled activities or transportation, make sure you arrive on time.
2.4 Forget to buy tickets in advance
There are many very popular museums and attractions in Stockholm, especially in the peak tourist season, long queues for tickets are common. If you don’t want to waste too much time queuing, it is recommended that you buy tickets in advance through online platforms. Many attractions provide electronic tickets, which can be directly scanned by QR code for entry, which will greatly improve your travel efficiency.
3. Recommended must-see attractions
Stockholm is a city that combines history and modernity, culture and nature, with many unique attractions and activities. Here are some recommended attractions that cannot be missed:
3.1 Vasa Museum
The Vasa Museum is one of the most famous museums in Stockholm, displaying the 17th-century Vasa warship. The warship was originally built for the Swedish Navy, but it sank in the first year of sailing and was not salvaged until 1961. Visiting the Vasa Museum not only allows you to learn about Swedish history, but also see breathtaking ancient ships.
Location: Djurgarden Island
Opening hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily
Recommended time: 2-3 hours
Ticket price: Approximately 150 SEK for adults, free for children
3.2 Royal Palace in Stockholm
The Royal Palace in Stockholm is the official residence of the Swedish royal family and one of the largest palaces in the world. You can visit several rooms of the palace, including the Royal Treasure Room and the Royal Theater, and watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony.
Location: Gamla Stan (Old Town)
Opening hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (closes earlier in winter)
Recommended time: 2-3 hours
Ticket price: Approximately 160 SEK for adults, free for children
3.3 Skansen Museum
Skansen Museum is the world’s first outdoor museum, showcasing traditional architecture and lifestyles from various regions of Sweden. There are also many animals here, which can give you an in-depth understanding of Swedish nature and history.
Location: Djurgarden Island
Opening hours: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM daily
Recommended playing time: 3-4 hours
Ticket price: about 195 SEK for adults, 100 SEK for children
4. Recommended accommodation booking platforms
Stockholm has a wide variety of accommodation options, ranging from high-end luxury five-star hotels to affordable youth hostels. For first-time visitors, choosing the right accommodation is not only related to the budget, but also directly affects the comfort and convenience of the journey. Especially during peak seasons or holidays, popular accommodations are often fully booked in advance, so it is particularly important to plan and book in advance. The following are some third-party hotel booking platforms that are widely used and have a good reputation in actual travel:
Booking.com: This is currently one of the most popular hotel booking platforms in the world, with a large number of local hotels, apartments and homestays in Stockholm. It supports Chinese interface, simple and clear booking process, and supports more free cancellation options, which is suitable for first-time bookers or tourists whose itinerary may change. User ratings and detailed reviews on the platform also provide a strong reference for selection.
Airbnb: If you prefer immersive experiences and local-style accommodation, Airbnb is a great choice. Stockholm has many unique listings, such as vintage apartments in the old town, lakeside villas or modern Nordic-style cabins, which are perfect for couples, families or tourists who like independent space.
Expedia: This is another internationally renowned one-stop booking platform that not only allows you to book hotels, but also supports booking combinations of flights, car rentals and city activities. Its prices are transparent, and it often offers package deals and limited-time discounts, which is very suitable for travelers who plan a complete trip.
In addition, you can also consider Agoda (especially for Asian tourists), Hotels.com (1 free night for every 10 nights booked), Trivago (easy to compare prices) and other platforms to choose the most suitable platform and listing according to your budget, accommodation preferences and itinerary. No matter which method you choose, remember to check the cancellation policy and house rules before booking to ensure a smooth and worry-free trip.
Through the above precautions and suggestions, I hope you can avoid common mistakes when visiting Stockholm for the first time and be fully prepared to fully experience the charm of this city. From choosing the right accommodation and avoiding common mistakes to planning your attractions ahead of time, here’s everything you need to know to make your trip to Stockholm a memorable one.