Despite its northern location, Stockholm has fairly mild temperatures throughout the year. As a result of its northerly latitude, the city sees a dramatic seasonal variation in sunlight, from more than 18 hours of daylight around midsummer, to around 6 hours of daylight in late December. Stockholm enjoys an average of nearly 2,000 hours of sunshine a year. Average yearly precipitation is 539 mm (21.2"), with July and August slightly the wettest months.
Throughout the summer, the average daily high temperatures reach 20-25°C (68-77°F), with lows of 12-15°C (54-59°F). However, summer heat waves are frequent and temperatures above 25°C+ (77°F+) are not uncommon. Autumn tends to be rather cool and often rainy; in October, average daily highs dip to approximately 10°C (50°F). In the winter months, from December through early March, average daily temperatures fall between -3 and 3°C (26-38°F). Milder periods occur, but so do cold spells with temperatures around -10°C (14°F). Snowfall can occur from late November to early April, but the amount of snowfall varies greatly from year to year and through the winter season. Deep snow cover throughout the winter is rather uncommon. Spring is the driest season, with average daily temperature reaching highs of 9°C (48°F) in April and 16°C (61°F) in May.
Stockholm Tourist Center, Kulturhuset, Sergels Torg 5 (T T-Centralen), [http://www.visitstockholm.com/en/This-website/Stockholm-Visitor-Center/]. Open M-F 09:00-18:00, Sa 9:00-16:00, Su 10:00-16:00. The official tourist centre has a lot of information in English and helpful staff. They also sell tickets to museums and sightseeing tours.
The main station, Stockholms Central, serves both commuter and long-distance routes. It is located in lower Norrmalm, connected to T-Centralen, the central hub for the subway system, and Cityterminalen, the long-distance bus station. The national rail company, SJ, has a store located inside the station, and a travel planner with ticket booking service on its web page [http://www.sj.se/].
Internationally, there are services from [wiki=2da3c827ccabc4855cb9921b4f1addfa]Copenhagen[/wiki] (Denmark) (5 h) and [wiki=f4830432874f86d2e2a1a5f2dbebbc80]Oslo[/wiki] (Norway) (6 h) with several direct connections daily. A daily overnight train is available from the northern Norwegian city of [wiki=8272a0bc15b120cab1f808bccf38bad3]Narvik[/wiki] (14 h). From [wiki=f608a4bfaa44aeb3cb8c2d09de41b159]Trondheim[/wiki], a quick change in Östersund is needed.
There are numerous direct domestic services to Stockholm from most major cities. The major ones being high-speed X2000 services from [wiki=7e268c60ba15269bd8aafe315096ecc2]Gothenburg[/wiki] (3 h), [wiki=4bd558d16c70e98fe49d40beb25da844]Malmö[/wiki] (4½ h), [wiki=89d4cddfa38114a4f1e54ecef385fb3d]Sundsvall[/wiki] (3½ h) and [wiki=c2181a197f2eaf5a165de7a96c5d1290]Östersund[/wiki] (5 h). Conventional trains mostly follow the same routes, and run slightly slower, but can slash prices considerably. Most other mid-sized cities in Sweden have a train connection with Stockholm. Domestic night trains are available from Malmö, and from the northern cities of [wiki=de6fa76004fdbaa972bf7a05bfd41357]Luleå[/wiki], [wiki=c734b26de80cbe9a97804287a9ca2a12]Kiruna[/wiki] and [wiki=632595dcfd234ec2ce1e5d49929c4777]Umeå[/wiki].
The rail line has some very scenic views just south of Stockholm, passing over several bridges.
If looking for a bit of luxury, then a new train named Blå Tåget (Blue Train) [http://www.skandinaviskajernbanor.se] now travels the route Gothenburg-Stockholm-Uppsala daily except Fridays. It's slower than regular trains, taking a lengthy 4½ hours to reach Stockholm but has first class seatings and a real restaurant onboard. WiFi is included in the price.
The City Terminal (Cityterminalen [url=http://www.cityterminalen.com/])]is the main bus terminal, directly connected to Stockholm Central and the T Centralen subway station. There are multiple daily departures to most other cities in Sweden, as well as a few international routes. Swebus Express [url=http://www.swebusexpress.se/default.aspx[/url]]operates routes to [[Copenhagen[/url]] and [wiki=f4830432874f86d2e2a1a5f2dbebbc80]Oslo[/wiki] with several daily departures, and a twice-weekly service to [wiki=ee1611b61f5688e70c12b40684dbb395]Berlin[/wiki]. Eurolines [url=http://www.eurolines-travel.com/]]has some departures to Copenhagen. Smaller operators offer connections with [[Prague[/url]], [wiki=9fed5dae86e3030d9be3740efa198659]Budapest[/wiki], [wiki=b827d268b3e75abe3c4419d959d93998]Zagreb[/wiki], [wiki=e807f25eba3e1387d1576b6de7b34416]Banja Luka[/wiki][http://www.autoprevoz.org/engleski/redvoznje.php] among other cities.
[url=http://www.portsofstockholm.com/stockholm/]The port of Stockholm[/url] consists of several port areas. In the summer Stadsgården, Skeppsbron and Frihamnen are the ports favoured by the international cruise liners (see [wiki=0e3e104aa472c4815f4d785bb595060e]cruising the Baltic Sea[/wiki]). Year round Värtahamnen, Frihamnen and Stadsgården have extensive ferry services, including the local [wiki=6f296d22b17d8a76e410689e93233ec6]Baltic Sea ferries[/wiki].
The Baltic Sea ferries, locally known as finlandsbåtar ("Finland boat"), link Stockholm to [wiki=8449280a23f8c4fcfb13469f6dc19592]Helsinki[/wiki], [wiki=b68111046d878713aeb8129f9312bcf5]Mariehamn[/wiki] and [wiki=527fcbf9d80a049cd345b36ab98ee010]Turku[/wiki] in [wiki=6f781c6559a0c605da918096bdb69edf]Finland[/wiki], [wiki=c16c50f34911d1f5d3924c8267409904]Riga[/wiki] in [wiki=a09f4b2ae67f0a63ab8912047a1a1b55]Latvia[/wiki] and [wiki=ea75099e3719bdc3deba58502baf3adb]Tallinn[/wiki] in [wiki=7755415a9fe7022060b98a689236ccd2]Estonia[/wiki] every day. Stockholm is the main Swedish terminal for the Baltic Sea cruises. They are by far the cheapest way to get to and from these cities from Stockholm.
Note carefully that cities and places are written and pronounced differently in Finnish and Swedish. For instance: Suomi-Finland, Ruotsi-Sverige (Sweden), Tukholma-Stockholm, Helsinki-Helsingfors, Turku-Åbo, Ahvenanmaa-Åland, Maarianhamina-Mariehamn. This is a lesser case with other Baltic Sea countries.
If you intend to use the boats to travel to- or from- Stockholm, it is almost always cheaper to book a cruise (kryssning), or even two head-to-head cruises and discard the returns, rather than buy one-way tickets. Tickets can be had for as low as 80 SEK for a full 4-person cabin, making it practically the cheapest accommodation one can find in a high-income country - at 10 SEK/night/person for a two-night Stockholm-Helsinki return cruise (provided you book early or last minute during the weekdays), and rarely (even for a weekend cruise in high season) exceeds 400 SEK for the cheapest 4-bed cabin. A one-way ticket, for a shared berth, in comparison, usually exceeds 1000 SEK.
*Tallink [url=http://www.tallink.se/]]ferries to [[Mariehamn[/url]] and [wiki=ea75099e3719bdc3deba58502baf3adb]Tallinn[/wiki] in [wiki=7755415a9fe7022060b98a689236ccd2]Estonia[/wiki] depart from Värtahamnen port, and ferries to [wiki=c16c50f34911d1f5d3924c8267409904]Riga[/wiki] in [wiki=a09f4b2ae67f0a63ab8912047a1a1b55]Latvia[/wiki] from Frihamnen port. For Värtahamnen, take the red underground line to Gärdet, exit at the front, and walk 400 metres to the terminal (the route is signposted). For Frihamnen, take the red subway line to Karlaplan, exit at the front, take bus 72 from the avenue to Filmhuset, and then bus 76 to Magasin 3, which is outside the terminal. Go across the street in Magasin 2 for an ATM. From the Frihamnen terminal, bus 1 goes to the center of Stockholm (going along Kungsgatan, which is north of the central bus station and a block north of the central railway station). When leaving the Frihamnen terminal and heading inland, the bus stop is on the road around to the left across from the banana warehouse; it has a ticket machine that only accepts credit cards (i.e. does not take cash).
* Silja Line [url=http://www.silja.fi],]owned by Tallink, has ferries to [[Mariehamn[/url]], [wiki=8449280a23f8c4fcfb13469f6dc19592]Helsinki[/wiki] and [wiki=527fcbf9d80a049cd345b36ab98ee010]Turku[/wiki] departing from Värtahamnen port. See directions above.
* Viking Line [url=http://www.vikingline.fi/]]ferries to [[Mariehamn[/url]], [wiki=8449280a23f8c4fcfb13469f6dc19592]Helsinki[/wiki] and [wiki=527fcbf9d80a049cd345b36ab98ee010]Turku[/wiki] depart from the eastern part of Stadsgårdsterminalen in northeastern Södermalm. To get there from the city centre, take the green or red underground lines to Slussen, and take the exit for Slussenterminalen. From there take the 401 - 422, 442 - 449 or 471 bus one single stop to Londonviadukten and the port will be on your left. Alternatively normal town buses 53 and 71 link Slussen and the Viking Line terminal, albeit via the backstreets. Yet another convenient but more expensive alternative is the shuttle buses operated by Flygbussarna that go directly from the terminal to the central bus station (Cityterminalen) in the city center. The price for a ticket on these are 45 SEK (single) and 70 SEK (return) and tickets are sold on board, at Flygbussarna's and Viking Line's booths in the bus station, and if you want to buy the ticket on the bus you can do it but only pay with a credit card. There are multiple departures from the port 15-60 min after the ferry arrives and from the station 1-3 hours before the ferry departs. If you are driving to the boat, follow the signs to Slussen, then Stadsgårdsterminalen (note that Slussen is confusing for even locals, so don't feel embarrassed if you end up spinning in the intersection a few times) and then Finland/Viking Line. There are big lockers at the ferry terminal for 5 euros or 50 kr.
* Birka Cruises [url=http://www.birka.se/]]ferries to [[Mariehamn[/url]] in [wiki=ca21f657926d0d3d02937d5962a5356f]Åland[/wiki] depart from Western Stadsgårdsterminalen, about 700 meters from Slussen (right in front of Viking's terminal). See above for instructions.
* Holland America Cruises use Stadsgårdsterminalen in northeastern Södermalm for one-day port calls and Frihamnen for turnarounds (start and end of cruises). See above for instruction.
Storstockholms Lokaltrafik, SL (Stockholm Public Transport) [url=http://www.sl.se/en]]runs an extensive subway, commuter train and bus system as well as some light rail and ferry services, all using an integrated ticket system called "SL Access". The SL Access RFID card costs 20 SEK (good for six years) and can load all tickets available in the SL fare scheme. The paper strip coupon ticket system was discontinued as of 2013.
There are SL Travel Cards or passes on the SL network available for 24 hours (115 SEK, 70 SEK for for children/seniors), 72 hours (230 SEK, 140 SEK for for children/seniors), 7 days (300 SEK, 180 SEK for for children/seniors) and if you are going to be in Stockholm for a while, go ahead and purchase a 30-day card, which allows unrestricted access to all of the buses, trams, subways, and commuter trains, as well as the Djurgården ferry, for 790 SEK. When you purchase the 72-hour Travel Card, you also receive free admission to Gröna Lund (see "See" below). Suburban ferries, airport buses, the Arlanda Express and regional trains are not part of the SL network, and thus not included in any of these tickets.
Travel cards and discount travel tickets may be bought in advance at SL Centres, “Pressbyrån” kiosks, or tourist information offices. Tickets cannot be bought from bus drivers. Instead, there are cash and credit card machines at most bus stops and metro entrances.
The SL website has detailed ticket and price information, and a journey planner. A better trip planner for Stockholm and Sweden is ResRobot[url=http://reseplanerare.resrobot.se/bin/query.exe/en?L=vs_resrobot&[/url]]and best is its App for smartphones (iOS and Android).
For more general info, see
[url=http://www.visitsweden.com/sweden/travel-guide/getting-around-in-sweden/public-transportation/stockholm/[/url]Public Public Transportation in Stockholm[/url].
The Stockholm Card [http://www.thestockholmcard.com] allows free public transport as well as free admission to 80 museums and sights in Stockholm, free sightseeing by boat and other bonus offers. Adult 24 hours 495 SEK, 48 hours 650 SEK, 72 hours 795 SEK, 120 hours 1050 SEK. Children (7-17 years of age) 24 hours 225 SEK, 48 hours 265 SEK, 72 hours 295 SEK, 120 hours 325 SEK.
Cycling is an attractive option during warm seasons, and there are many bikepaths. On a bike, a journey across the inner city takes no longer than 30 minutes, and can be faster than travelling by subway or car. There are cycle paths along most major streets and drivers are generally considerate towards cyclists. In winter, when paths can be covered by ice, extra care should be taken. Bikepaths have a bicycle painted on the ground and/or round blue signs with a white bike. Make sure you bike on the right hand side of the street, just as the cars.
* Stockholm City Bikes [url=http://www.stockholmcitybikes.se/].]In the summer months, you can use the city-operated bike loan service by purchasing a key-card. Bike stands throughout the city allows you to pick up a bike in one stand and leave it in another. A three-day (minimum period) key-card costs 165 SEK and a season pass costs 300 SEK. You may not use a bike for more than three hours at a time, but it is possible to switch to a new bike when returning a used one. Key-cards can be bought at an SL Center. [url=http://www.sl.se/templates/Page.aspx?id=1897[/url].]Major hotel in the city will have three-day key-card available for guests at the front desk. Note if you want to register for a key card, you will need proof of ID, for example a passport or driving licence.
*Bike Sweden ([url=http://www.bikesweden.se[/url])]BikeSweden offers a variety of high quality bikes in the center of the city. From mountainbikes to childrens bikes and city bikes. Child carriers and child seats are available. Helmets and locks are included in the rental price. The bikes have at least 7 gears and are maximum of two seasons old. Very competitive pricing. Located at Narvavägen 13-17, in the front courtyard of the Historical Museum (Historiska Museet). Open 10:00-18:00 April-October. Call or email to rent bikes off season +46(0)8-52 52 7000, info@bikesweden.se
* Cykel- & Mopeduthyrningen, Strandvägen, Kajplats 24 (T Östermalmtorg or T Karlaplan). Only open in the summer months.
* Djurgårdsbrons Sjöcafé, Galärvarvsvägen 2 (on Djurgården, just to the right as you cross Djurgårdsbron) [url=http://info.aos.se/E/V/STOSE/0000/35/50/6.html[/url].]Only open in the summer months. Rents bikes for 250 SEK per day. Also rents roller blades and kayaks.
* Gamla Stans Cykel, Stora Nygatan 44 (T Gamla Stan) [url=http://www.gamlastanscykel.se/index.php?p=140[/url].]Open all year. Rents three speed city bikes for 220 SEK per day or 500 SEK for 3 days.
* Servicedepån - Cykelstallet, Scheelegatan 15 (T Rådhuset) [http://cykelstallet.se/[/url]. Open all year. Rents 3 speed city bikes, 21 speed mountain/hybrids (200 SEK/day), and racers. They have metal-stud snow tyres for winter ice use, but you will have to ask in advance. Helmets are free with the bike, other accessories like panniers can also be rented. Rental period is from 10:00-18:00, full 24 hours, or several days.
Taxis are on the expensive side. Even worse is the fact that some small dodgy operators charge outrageous prices: unsuspecting visitors have been charged thousands of SEK for a trip from the airport. The antidote is to always check the black and yellow price sticker on the rear passenger window. The price shown in large digits is the maximum (for instance during night hours) fare for a 10km, 15 minute journey and reputable companies charge around SEK300 for this. If the sticker shows a much higher price, stay away or be ripped off. The taxi market was deregulated several years ago which made it considerably easier to find a taxi but the downside is that the rip-offs aren't even illegal, just "supply and demand"!
As long as you check the sticker you'll be fine, but if you're still nervous choose the major companies TopCab, +46 8 33 33 33; [url=http://www.taxikurir.se/]Taxi Kurir[/url] ☎ +46 8 30 00 00; Taxi 020, 020 20 20 20 (free calls from Swedish phones); and [url=http://www.taxistockholm.se/en/]Taxi Stockholm[/url] ☎ +46 8 15 00 00. Note that many minor companies use "Stockholm" in their names to mimic their competitor, so look for the phone number 15 00 00 which appears below the logo on all Taxi Stockholm cars. Among the companies to avoid is Taxi 08 that operates at the limit of the legal rate.
Most taxi firms operate a fixed price regime between central Stockholm and Arlanda airport, mirroring the rates for the journey into town of around SEK450-500. It's a good idea to check with the driver that you will get the fixed price before you set off - the meter price for the same ride may cost twice as much. Note that the taxis often have big stickers advertising their airport price: do not confuse them with the black and yellow price sticker pictured in this article.
Authorized taxis have yellow license plates. Late at night in the city centre, you may be offered a ride with an unauthorized taxi, svarttaxi (literally "black taxi"), usually by discrete whispering of "taxi". Most of the time this will get you home for roughly the same cost as ordinary taxis, just don't ask for a receipt. Rumours say that these cabs are usually controlled by organized crime, and some unpleasant episodes have been known to happen to passengers, so try this at your own risk, and preferably not alone.
It's often possible to negotiate a price with a licensed taxi driver before entering the cab. In this case, it's implied that you won't receive a receipt, and the driver won't be paying any taxes or his employer. The money (paid in cash) will go straight into the driver's pocket, which means that you can often get a cheaper ride. However, if you don't know the area well enough to estimate the regular metered price you might get ripped off. Negotiating the price also undermines the Swedish tax and wage legislation system, which will be considered very rude by many (not all) Swedes.
Cars driving into or out of central Stockholm between 06:30 and 18:29 on weekdays are charged a congestion tax [url=http://www.transportstyrelsen.se/sv/Vag/Trangselskatt/]]of 10 to 20 SEK. Some car rental companies charge their customers separately for the cost of toll passages, while others don't. Foreign-registered cars are NOT exempt from the tax; see [https://www.epass24.com/[/url]. Driving in Stockholm is easy compared to many larger capitals in the world. Just make sure to use your indicators when changing lanes. Fees are not charged at all in July, on holidays (such as Sundays) or on the day before a holiday (such as Saturdays).
An alternative to taxis, bus, train & any public transport, car services are useful for getting to the airport from the outer boroughs where taxis are harder to find, or if you prefer to have transportation reserved in advance. Some options to hire a private car service in Sotkcholm: [url=http://www.rent-a-wreck.no/eng/?car-rental=stockholmnorr]Rent a Wreck[/url] (Rent a Car) & [url=http://www.dottransfers.com/sweden/stockholm/]DotTransfers[/url] (Private Car Service with chauffeur).
Parking is restricted and expensive in the centre of the city, and free parking is scarce even in the suburbs, except at external shopping centres. It is recommended for peace of mind to make use of SL services to avoid parking and congestion charges.
There are two hop-on/hop-off boat tours that run loops between various sites in Stockholm. Both cost approximately 100 SEK for a day long pass and have approximately 8 stops, including the cruise terminal, Gamla Stan, the Vasa Museum, Skansen, and Skeppsholmen.
The [wiki=1d03b8b3388ffd59821a8cbd5b4526f7]Stockholm archipelago[/wiki] is served by two major shipping companies.
Waxholmsbolaget runs inexpensive public transit ferries, slowed down by stops at several different docks. Waxholmsbolaget also runs two steamboats, that offer even slower, but genuine, round-trips with classical Swedish cuisine. [http://www.waxholmsbolaget.se/visitor/archipelago-traffic/plan-trip/]
Strömma is a private company, aimed at international tourists, with fast boats and audioguides. [http://www.stromma.se/en/Skargard/Stromma-Kanalbolaget/]
The heights of northern [wiki=5222f9856e275b3401d9eab3574299a6]Södermalm[/wiki] give a great view of central Stockholm. Get off the underground at Zinkensdamm, walk up the street Ringvägen and then the old and partly cobbled Yttersta tvärgränd until it terminates just next to an abandoned stone quarry on the right. Climb the quarry on either side and enjoy this somewhat steep and unprepared location, which has a tendency of attracting a pretty lively crowd on new year's eve and summer nights.
* Get off the underground at Slussen and walk up Katarinavägen and then on to the lovely Fjällgatan, where tourist coaches make a stop to let everyone enjoy the most popular vantage point.
* Hammarbybacken, a semi-artificial ski slope, walkable around the year, great during summer. (L Sickla kaj)
* Högdalstoppen, a man-made hill south of the city. See [wiki=2e323cb94ef2198dcfd5eb51b5ad0460]Stockholm/Southern Suburbs[/wiki].
* Kaknästornet [url=http://www.kaknastornet.se/]]contains Stockholm's highest observatory floor and restaurant, giving a good view of the central town, and the inner archipelago. Entrance fee 45 SEK.
* Skyview [http://www.globearenas.se/en/skyview/about-skyview[/url] is an elevator to the top of the Ericsson Globe. Rides cost 150 SEK a person.
* Bars and restaurants with a good view: Gondolen, Herman's, Och himlen därtill, or the penthouse lounge of Sjöfartshotellet on Södermalm, or the SAS Radisson Hotel Skybar on Norrmalm.
Stockholm has more than 70 museums [url=http://stockholmsmuseer.se],]ranging from those large in size and scope to the very specialized, including Fjärilshuset (The Butterfly House), Spritmuseet (where it is possible to get English speaking guides informing about Swedes and their rather complicated relationship with spirits and alcohol in general) and Dansmuseet (a.k.a Rolf de Maré's museum of dance, theatre, art and photography), to name but a few. Tickets are typically 80 to 100 SEK for adults, less or zero for children. The list below is a selection of widely acclaimed museums.
* Nobelmuseet [url=http://www.nobelmuseum.se/[/url]]At the Nobel Museum you will learn more about the Nobel Prize and its founder, as well as the Nobel Laureates and their creative endeavors.
* Naturhistoriska riksmuseet [url=http://www.nrm.se/[/url]]([[Stockholm/Östermalm|Östermalm[/url]]) This museum of natural history has permanent and temporary exhibitions popular with both young and old, including an Omnimax cinema. Easily reached from T-Universitetet, it is situated on the edge of an area which has lot to offer in terms of nature and recreation.
* Moderna museet [url=http://www.modernamuseet.se/en/Stockholm/]]([[Stockholm/Norrmalm|Norrmalm[/url]]) on the island Skeppsholmen, has one of the world’s finest collections of 20th and 21st century art.
* [url=http://www.nationalmuseum.se/]Nationalmuseum[/url] ([wiki=b3f7ed386c7e408e27cdd42b5a8d1274]Norrmalm[/wiki]) has its regular building closed for renovation until 2017. Connoisseurs of classical art and design are requested to look up Konstakademien at Fredsgatan 12 in the central City area for current exhibitions and more information.
* Armémuseum ([wiki=94294bc3bb9caaf486efcae5c95d7478]Östermalm[/wiki]) [url=http://www.sfhm.se/en/]]displays Sweden's military history, with frequent wars from the Middle Ages until 1814, followed by two centuries of peace.
* Historiska museet ([[Stockholm/Östermalm|Östermalm[/url]]) The Swedish History Museum includes Scandinavian prehistory, the notorious Vikings as well as an impressive treasure vault called The Gold Room and also stunning medieval church art.
* Djurgården is the vast royal park within the borough of [wiki=94294bc3bb9caaf486efcae5c95d7478]Östermalm[/wiki], and it holds museums such as:
** Vasamuseet [url=http://www.vasamuseet.se/]]has been built around the spectacular but ill fated warship 'Vasa'. It sank in the Stockholm harbour shortly after its launch in 1628 and was salvaged 333 years later. The Vasa Museum provides an unsurpassed insight into marine and every day life almost 400 years ago.
** Skansen [url=http://www.skansen.se/[/url]]is a large open air museum, which has a zoo showcasing Swedish fauna (moose, bear, wolf, lynx, reindeer, seal etc.) as well as hands on displays of Sweden's cultural heritage.
** [url=http://www.nordiskamuseet.se/en[/url]Nordiska Museet[/url] has a variety of permanent and temporary exhibitions presenting Swedish history and cultural heritage.
* Millesgården [url=http://www.millesgarden.se/]]([[Lidingö[/url]]) is an impressive open-air sculpture museum, focusing on the works by Carl Milles
* Fotografiska [url=http://fotografiska.eu/en/]]([[Stockholm/Södermalm|Södermalm[/url]]), a photo gallery opened in 2010.
Beyond the art museums mentioned above, Stockholm has a vivid art scene and offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy contemporary art in galleries, exhibition halls and public places. The Stockholm official visitors guide has a list of galleries [http://www.stockholmtown.com/templates/CategoryList____2919.aspx].
There are many companies involved in outdoor tourism in and around Stockholm county.
There is a wide selection of guided tours available, by boat, by bus and on foot.
There are several beaches in inner Stockholm, as well as the suburbs. They might be crowded when Swedish people have time. The water in central Stockholm is so clean you can drink it, even though it looks dark. The quality of the water is controlled by Miljöförvaltningen (the municipal authorities) and the reports for all the beaches in the city is available online. Would there be a problem with the water, signs would be posted at the beach.
If the water in Lake Mälaren is too cold for your tastes, you can opt for one of the outdoor swimming pools:
Stockholm also has several indoor swimming pools and spas in very special settings, for instance Centralbadet, Sturebadet and Yasuragi spa.
Stockholm is home to several elite sports teams, and if you're a sports fan you might want to watch a game. The most popular spectator sports are football (soccer) and ice hockey. Also, bandy has something of a cult following.
Speedway is another big spectator sport in Sweden, and it can be experienced only 16 minutes from the Central station by subway, station "Gubbängen". Handball and basketball is also available.
There are many opportunities to do sports in the Stockholm area. Hellasgården is a good spot close to the city center, see [wiki=d0451bd5f4e54d71bde30974b8273c47]Södertörn[/wiki].
Stockholm has several national stages, such as the Royal Swedish Opera (Kungliga Operan), and several playhouses staging international musicals.
* Stockholm Culture Festival,[http://kulturfestivalen.stockholm.se/EN/index.php]
There is also a growing scene for stand-up comedy in Swedish and English. The Big Ben Bar, Folkungagatan 97, has a free-entrance comedy club in English each Thursday at 20:00. Skrattstock is an annual free-entrance comedy festival on Långholmen, always in May/June on the same day as the Stockholm Marathon, with at least one hour of English-language comedy.
* Live Music,[http://kulturfestivalen.stockholm.se/EN/index.php]
The live music stage in Stockholm is something else. There are never any signs of anyone playing but a few posters in specific areas. Although a lot of the cities bar's have live music, the most common place to find it is around Södermalm. There you will find places like Debaser[url=http://debaser.se/],]Hornshuset[url=http://www.hornhuset.se/[/url]]and Trädgården[url=http://www.tradgarden.com/[/url].]Besides Södermalm both Norrmalm[url=http://www.harrybjames.com/[/url]]and Vasastan[http://caplive.se/[/url] have a few interesting venues.
There are many cinemas in Stockholm. With the exception of children's movies, films aren't dubbed but subtitled, so if your English is good enough this is a good leisure activity. Many cinemas are THX certified. A ticket is around 100 SEK.
Many of Stockholm's most charming classic cinemas have been closed in recent years, victims of the competition from modern multiplex screens. The elegant Röda Kvarn on Biblioteksgatan was recently transformed into an Urban Outfitters store, and Astoria Nybrogatan was closed in 2007. A few splendid venues are especially worth a visit: Park, Rigoletto, Grand Sveavägen, Saga, Victoria and Skandia.
===== Stockholm International Film Festival =====
In November, Stockholm hosts an annual international film festival [url=http://www.stockholmfilmfestival.se/en/]]that draws large crowds.
The Stockholm International Film Festival also hosts an open air cinema in the Tantolunden park during one week in August.
Stockholm has a range of architectural backdrops and natural settings that appeal to travelling photographers.
Gröna Lund [http://www.gronalund.com/en/] is the main amusement park in Stockholm, on Djurgården island. It can be reached by Spårväg City. The ferry to Djurgården also stops right outside Gröna Lund. Adults 95 SEK with a surcharge on concert nights of 95 SEK, Children 0-6 free, Seniors 65+ free. Opening times vary across the year. Check the website before visiting.
Casino Cosmopol [http://www.casinocosmopol.se/english-stockholm.htm] on Kungsgatan 65, at the Central Station.
Attitudes towards homosexuality are generally tolerant. In the summer (generally late July/early August), there is an annual LGBT pride festival, Stockholm Pride [url=http://www.stockholmpride.org/en/],]which is the largest in Scandinavia. The national LGBT organization, RFSL [http://www.rfsl.se/?p=3298[/url], can provide information on other events and venues.
* Stockholm Pride, 27 Jul-5 Aug 2015.
* Eurogames, 5 Aug-9 Aug 2015.
Drottninggatan in Norrmalm is dominated by major brands down at the Sergels Torg end before giving way to smaller and more specialised shops further north.
Also connected to Drottninggatan is the square of Hötorget (T-Hötorget). Here is a daily fresh food market outside as well as [url=http://www.hotorgshallen.se/]Hötorgshallen[/url], an indoor food market.
Mood Stockholm [url=http://moodstockholm.se/]]on Norrlandsgatan opened in 2012. This mall contains a lot of interesting boutiques not represented elsewhere in the city. (Mon-Fri 10:00-20:00, Sat 10:00-18:00, Sun 11:00-18:00).
From Norrmalmstorg on Hamngatan which is accessible from T-Kungsträdgården station or Spårväg City from Sergels Torg up to Stureplan in Östermalm is a collection of high end shops including Gucci, Ralph Lauren, Louis Vuitton amongst others.
In Östermalm is the main square Östermalmstorg, a square which possesses Stockholm's best food hall, [url=http://www.ostermalmshallen.se/]Östermalms Saluhall[/url[/url] Östermalmshallen at T-Östermalmstorg. (Mon-Thurs 09:30-18:00, Fri 09:30-19:00, Sat 09:30-16:00).
* Sturegallerian [url=http://www.sturegallerian.se/]Sturegallerian[/url] is an upmarket shopping mall at the famous nightlife district, Stureplan. Shopping and food are contained within this upmarket mall with some unique eateries available in the rear of the mall. Stureplan can also be reached by blue bus line number 2. (Mon-Fri 10:00-19:00, Sat 10:00-17:00, Sun 12:00-17:00).
Taking a break for coffee and a biscuit is a Swedish tradition, commonly called fika in Swedish, and there are many coffee-bars around the city. Traditional Swedish filter coffee is relatively strong when compared to American, but a far cry from the Italian espresso. Espresso, caffe latte, cappuccino and other varieties of Italian coffee are generally available. If you prefer tea, note that many cafés only offer a few flavours, but generally some black, red and green teas.
There are not many Starbucks located in Stockholm but there are however several Swedish counterparts - Wayne's Coffee, Robert's Coffee and Espresso House are the most common names here - that are strikingly similar in design. Just as everywhere else, the small local cafés offer a more personal experience, and often better coffee. Expect to pay anything from 20 SEK and upwards for a cup of regular black coffee.
Don't hesitate to ask for a refill (påtår in swedish) at self-service cafeterias, as it is often free.
: Further information: [wiki=c8f4261f9f46e6465709e17ebea7a92b]Sweden (Systembolaget)[/wiki]
Drinking alcohol is generally allowed in public areas, with some obvious exceptions, such as schools, playgrounds, indoor malls and public transport areas. In some parks, drinking is prohibited from midnight. [url=http://www.stockholm.se/-/Karta/?lager=163931#lager=163931¢erposition=6580761%2C1626947&zoom=25]Map of dry areas[/url]
* Systembolaget [url=http://www.systembolaget.se/english/].]Generally open M-W 10:00-18:00, Th-F 10:00-19:00, Sa 10:00-15:00, all stores closed Su, is the government monopoly chain for selling alcohol. The stores have a wide assortment and very helpful, knowledgeable staff. Swedish alcohol taxation makes beer and hard liquor expensive. Surprisingly, more exclusive wines can be a bargain. Ask the staff for advice. You need to be able to prove that you are over 20 years old, so be sure to bring photo ID. They could occasionally ask people that are well above 30 for photo ID. For more information, see the section on Systembolaget in the [[Sweden#Systembolaget|Sweden[/url]] article. Central locations include:
**Lilla Nygatan 18 (T Gamla Stan).
**Klarabergsgatan 62 (T T-Centralen). Extra late hours: Closes 20:00 all weekdays.
**Regeringsgatan 44 (T T-Centralen). The largest Systembolaget store in Stockholm, with a special selection of exclusive wines.
**Vasagatan 25 (T T-Centralen)
**Nybrogatan 47 (T Östermalmstorg)
**Folkungagatan 56 (T Medborgarplatsen)
The cost for drinking out in Stockholm can vary a lot. Expect to pay around 30 SEK in the cheapest pub (55-75 SEK in a trendier club or pub) for a beer or cider, and at least 95-150 SEK for a long-drink or cocktail in a club. Bars usually have no cover charge, but may have an arbitrarily set (and arbitrarily enforced) minimum age limit (usually 21 or 23, sometimes as low as 18, other times as high as 27), while clubs usually charge 50-200 SEK at the door (or more at special performances). Long, and very slow moving lines tend to form outside most popular clubs - expect having to wait as much as 1 hour or more if going to a trendy place after midnight, even if raining or snowing. Don't forget to bring an ID, as bouncers could at anytime ask for identification at the door in both pubs and clubs.
As in many other Swedish cities, clubs are quite often arranged illegally and underground outside of the city center. During the summer months, many open air parties are arranged. During fall and winter, there are underground parties in abandoned factories and other industrial buildings, like in many other cities. Some parties are only held once, while others are recurring. These are, naturally, not listed and are often informed of on a word of mouth or online community basis. Generally, such clubs play techno, house and other electronic music, and so, ask locals for advice in legal clubs that play the same genre. The Swedish word for clubs arranged illegally is svartklubb (literally black club). Due to the nature of such events, undercover police presence may be apparent and individuals could be searched for illegal substances at any moment.
Stureplan is a district dominated by posh dancefloor nightclubs, at the crossing of Birger Jarlsgatan, Kungsgatan and Sturegatan, (T Östermalmstorg). The mushroom-shaped rain shelter is a common meeting point. High entrance fees (200 SEK or more) and long lines. Can be difficult to get in to the clubs here if you are considered not fit in.
Södermalm is a district which have many smaller bars and nightclubs focusing on art and electronic or alternative music. Look in nightlife magazines for places around Hornstull (such as Strand), Mariatorget (such as Sidetrack, Marie Laveau and the Wednesday pop-club Baba Sonic), Slussen (such as Debaser, Kolingsborg), Skanstull (such as Trädgården, Under Bron).
Major bar streets are Götgatan (where most places are rather cheap pubs) and Bondegatan (with a younger and more trendy crowd), both on Södermalm, Rörstrandsgatan in western Vasastan (also rather trendy, but drawing a slightly older crowd) and the area around the Rådhuset and Fridhemsplan subway stations on Kungsholmen (with many small, cheaper and relaxed places). There are also many local pubs outside of the city centre, where many locals go and the beer is cheaper. Ask any swedes for directions and they will be happy to help you.
Most restaurants and bars close at 01:00, larger clubs usually at 03:00. There are an exclusive few open till 05:00.
More trendy clubs might have a long queue from midnight till closing time. Get out early (at least before midnight). A few posh and expensive clubs in the Stureplan district have an informal or outspoken dress code, vårdad klädsel. Do not behave drunk in queues, as the guards may not be willing to let you in. Arguing aggressively with bouncers and security staff will certainly lead to serious consequences and is not recommended.
If you can read Swedish, you can get more information about Stockholm's nightlife in the free monthly magazine Nöjesguiden, the newspaper Dagens Nyheter on Thursdays, the free QX gay magazine for LGBT events and the free Metro on Fridays.
Phone booths are very rare as are public phones in general as most people have switched to cell phones. Prepaid cards are available and usually also include Internet access at a reasonable price. Coverage is excellent in Stockholm, even in the subway and road tunnels.
There are a number of places where you can access the Internet in central Stockholm.
An alternative for any visitor to Sweden is to buy a pre-paid USB 3G/4G modem. These can be had cheaply (down to 150 SEK) and the 3G/4G coverage in Stockholm is excellent. Expect to pay around 100 SEK/week or 300 SEK/month to use the 3G modem. Data limits are typically high (5 GB/Month but up to 20 GB or more is also available)
If you have your own laptop or smartphone, many cafés, hotels, libraries offer free wi-fi access. McDonalds and the local version Max also offers good free Wifi in their restaurants. The site [url=http://www.wifikartan.se/Stockholm/]Wifikartan[/url] show most of the free wi-fi access points in Stockholm and most of Sweden as well.
* Skype offers wi-fi access in some areas called Skype Zones [url=http://www.skype.com/allfeatures/skypezones/].]This service used to be offered for free as a test, but now seems to be subject to a fee.
* Telia HomeRun [http://www.homerun.telia.com/eng/start/default.asp[/url] is a commercial wi-fi service that covers many points in central Stockholm with wi-fi.
The company Sidewalk Express operates internet terminals in a number of convenience stores (most 7 Eleven and many Pressbyrån stores) and some other shops and public locations, including the main hall in the Stockholm Central railway station. Check their website [http://www.sidewalkexpress.se/locations.aspx?country=14&city=12] for a full list of locations. Most terminals are however quite uncomfortable to use (metallic keyboards, stand-up only access etc.) and fairly expensive. Unused time from one Sidewalk Express location can be reused at any other terminal in Sweden within 5 days.
* You can often use the internet for free at the public libraries (but you may have to ask first). Big libraries can be found at Medborgarplatsen (T Medborgarplatsen) and Sveavägen 73 (T Odenplan).
* The Central Station has Stockholmspanelen, information terminals with keyboards and web browsers that have full internet access but no address bar to type in the URL of the site you want to visit. But if you are clever there's a way to get to Google, you can then type in the URL you want to visit and hit "Search".
* There are also a number of more gaming-oriented internet points. These are often open late nights.
** Matrix - The underground hall in the Kungsgatan exit of the metro station Hötorget. Open Su-Th 10:00-24:00, F-Sa 10:00-03:00. A centrally located 80-terminal gamer den with generous opening hours.
** Inferno Online, situated at Odenplan (metro station). The largest gaming/internet-cafe in the world. If you are a new user you need to create an account (free) and then pay for the amount of hours you want on your account (the prices are low compared to other internet terminals). Their website: http://www.infernoonline.com/
There are many ATMs in the city, but some foreign card-holders, such as a Canadian, have reported trouble in using them, even when they purport to be connected to international networks their banks are part of, so consider doing some research before you arrive.
There are many locations of a currency exchange called Forex, but they charge a whopping 50 SEK (6,5 €) commission on top of their buy-sell spread.
Credit/debit cards are widely accepted even for small amounts. Most places accept identification and a signature, but PIN-transactions are preferred.
Finding a good toilet in Stockholm can be tricky. Many department stores and fast-food restaurants have clean toilets, often for the charge of 5 SEK. That is also the cost of public toilet booths found in most city squares (though these might be messy) so be sure to carry some 5 and 10 SEK coins. Restaurants' toilets are often reserved for customers, and might be messy depending on the establishment. Some good, clean toilets are found in Max at Norrmalmstorg, and in the bar Sturehof (at Stureplan - the establishment is too big for crew to keep track of people borrowing the toilet). Urinating in town is illegal, but urinals are often free even if you have to pay for a WC. The libraries, museums, and government buildings often have free, clean toilets.
Most major hotels have clean lobby toilets. Some of them might be reserved for house guests and require an access code, but travellers can often get access to them on request.
Since all Swedish apartments either have a washing machine or access to a communal laundry room, there are virtually no self-service laundries to be found in Stockholm, with one exception:
* Tvättomaten, Västmannagatan 61 (T Odenplan), + 46 8 34 64 80, [http://www.tvattomaten.se]. Open M-F 08:30-18:30, Sa 09:30-15:00 (closed Sa from end of June to mid-August, closed one week at the end of July). Self service price: 50 SEK without drying, 84 SEK with drying (per machine, up to 5 kg).
Most youth hostels have washing machines. Some dry cleaners offer to wash shirts and bed linen as well, but this tends to be quite expensive.
Swedish healthcare is generally of high quality, although you may have to face a long wait in emergency rooms. How fast you get to see the doctor is dependent on how ill you are and if others are sicker. If you have a small wound that needs stitches you will wait if there are victims of a car-accident. But if you are in a bad car-accident you know you will get help first. Money, name or title won't help pass the queue.
EU/EES citizens with a European Health Insurance card pay the same (rather low) fee for emergency and necessary care as a local citizen. Others must pay the whole health care cost (which can be between 1,700 and 2,200SEK for a doctor’s visit at an emergency care unit at a hospital). More information on hospital fees can be found on the Stockholm County information site [http://www.vardguiden.se/Article.asp?c=3372].
In an emergency, always call 112 for SOS Alarm, for ambulance, police, fire service, air and sea rescue, mountain patrol, or priest on call. English-speaking operators are available.
There are two hospitals with 24-hour emergency care units in the inner city:
* S:t Görans Sjukhus, S:t Göransplan 1 (T Fridhemsplan or T Stadshagen), +46 8 58 70 10 00, [http://capiostgoran.se/english/].
* Södersjukhuset, Sjukhusbacken 10 (Bus 3, 74 or 164 from T Skanstull, bus 74 from T Mariatorget or commuter train to Stockholm Södra), +46 8 616 10 00, [http://www.sodersjukhuset.se/Functions/InEnglish/].
For less serious illnesses and ailments, getting in touch with a local clinic, vårdcentral, is a much better option than the hospital emergency rooms. The Stockholm County healthcare hotline Vårdguiden (+46 8 320 100, [http://www.vardguiden.se/Article.asp?c=3519]) can give medical advice and help you find a doctor. While information is officially given in Swedish only, the doctors can often speak some English.
The tap water in Stockholm is of very high quality. There is no reason for buying bottled water. It is also completely accepted to ask for tap water in restaurants. Many places have a tap and glasses for self-service.
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