Sweden

Top 5 places

1. Gamla Stan · Stockholm

   Medieval old town with the Royal Palace, narrow lanes and Stortorget square.

2. Vasa Museum · Stockholm

   A nearly intact 17th century warship raised from the harbour, the most visited museum in Scandinavia.

3. Stockholm Archipelago · Stockholm

   Thousands of islands reachable by public ferries from the city centre.

4. Liseberg and Haga · Gothenburg

   Big amusement park plus a walkable old district with cafes and the canal tours of Sweden's second city.

5. Abisko National Park · Abisko (Lapland)

   Arctic hiking in summer and one of the best places to see the northern lights in winter.

Getting around

• Public transport

  SL app

  Stockholm metro, buses, commuter trains, trams and some ferries. You can also tap a contactless card at gates. 24-hour and 72-hour passes are good value for sightseeing.

• Trains

  SJ

  National trains (Stockholm-Gothenburg, Malmö, night train north). Advance tickets in the SJ app are much cheaper.

• Trains

  Arlanda Express / commuter train

  Arlanda Express is the fast airport train; the SL commuter train (pendeltåg) from Arlanda C is slower but much cheaper (an airport fee applies).

• Taxi

  Licensed taxis (Taxi Stockholm, Taxi Kurir, Sverigetaxi)

  Taxi prices are not regulated: each company sets its own. Check the yellow price label on the rear side window before getting in and compare the 'jämförpris' (reference price for a 10 km, 15 minute ride). Use big companies or the official airport fixed fares.

• Ride-hailing app

  Uber / Bolt

  Both operate in Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö with upfront prices. Good alternative to street taxis.

• E-scooters

  Voi / Lime / Bolt scooters

  Dockless e-scooters in larger cities. Riding on pavements is banned and parking rules are strict.

• Bike share

  Stockholm city bikes

  Seasonal city bike share in Stockholm (spring to autumn) via app; other cities have their own systems (varies).

Money and cash

Currency: SEK · Swedish krona

One of the most cashless countries in the world. Many shops, cafes, buses and even some banks do not accept cash at all. Bring a contactless card or phone pay. Locals use Swish, which needs a Swedish bank account. If you need cash, use Forex or similar exchange offices rather than airport booths. Euros are not accepted.

Check an exchange rate to SEK

Tipping

Tipping is not expected. Service is included in prices and staff earn regular wages. Many people round up or leave around 5-10% at restaurants for good service.

Useful phrases

• Kan jag få notan? Can I have the bill?
• Kan jag betala med kort? Can I pay by card?
• Det är bra så, tack. That's fine, thanks (keep the change).

Etiquette

• Take your shoes off when entering someone's home.
• Take a queue ticket (nummerlapp) in pharmacies, shops and offices and wait for your number.
• Swedes value personal space and quiet on public transport; avoid loud phone calls.
• Be on time; punctuality is expected.
• Fika (coffee and a pastry break) is a social ritual; accept an invitation to it.
• Respect the right of public access (allemansrätten): you may walk and camp in nature, but do not disturb, do not litter and keep away from homes.
• Alcohol over 3.5% is sold only at Systembolaget state stores, which have limited hours.

Scams and how to handle them

• Overpriced taxis

  Where: Arlanda airport, Stockholm Central Station, nightlife areas

  How it works: Small or fake taxi firms set very high prices legally, displayed in small print. Trips from Arlanda that should cost about 500-700 SEK have been charged 2,000 SEK or more.

  How to avoid it: Read the yellow price label before entering, use big companies with fixed airport fares, or use Uber, Bolt or the train.

• Unlicensed drivers at arrivals

  Where: Arlanda arrivals hall

  How it works: Drivers approach passengers inside the terminal and offer a ride in an unofficial car.

  How to avoid it: Only take taxis from the official taxi rank. Licensed taxis have yellow number plates.

• Pickpocketing

  Where: Stockholm Central Station, T-Centralen, Gamla Stan, Drottninggatan, metro

  How it works: Thieves target tourists for passports, phones and wallets in crowds.

  How to avoid it: Keep valuables zipped and in front, especially on escalators and crowded trains.

• Petition and charity clipboards

  Where: Drottninggatan and other shopping streets

  How it works: Someone asks for a signature and a donation, sometimes while an accomplice steals from bags.

  How to avoid it: Decline and keep walking.

• Card skimming and PIN theft

  Where: ATMs and shops

  How it works: Skimming devices or shoulder surfing are used to copy cards and PINs.

  How to avoid it: Cover your PIN and use ATMs inside banks; prefer contactless.

• Dynamic currency conversion

  Where: Card terminals, ATMs, exchange booths at the airport

  How it works: You are offered your home currency at a poor rate, or airport booths give bad exchange rates.

  How to avoid it: Always pay in SEK and avoid changing cash at the airport.

Safety

• Sweden is generally safe for visitors, but pickpockets target tourists in major cities.
• Gang-related crime, including shootings and explosions, has been reported in some suburbs of Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö; it rarely affects tourists but stay alert.
• Check the taxi price label before getting in and avoid unlicensed drivers.
• In winter, wear shoes with grip and watch for ice falling from roofs in cities.
• For non-urgent medical advice call 1177; for police non-emergencies call 114 14.

How widely English is spoken

Very high. Nearly everyone under 60 speaks fluent English.

Sources

• GOV.UK Foreign travel advice: Sweden, safety and security
• Wikivoyage: Sweden
• Sweden Herald: Easy to get scammed at Arlanda on expensive taxi
• The Local Sweden: The great Swedish taxi rip-off
• Wikipedia: List of tipping customs by country

We check these guides against official and well-known sources, but rules and prices change. Spot something out of date? Email support@tourits.app.