Stockholm

Stockholm is Sweden's capital and largest city, with nearly a million inhabitants in the city, and 2.4 million within Stockholm County. The inner city is made up of 14 islands across Lake Mälaren and three streams into the brackish Baltic Sea, with the Stockholm archipelago with some 24,000 islands, islets and skerries. Over 30% of the city area is made up of waterways, and another 30% is made up of green areas. Air and water are said to be the freshest of any European capital. Stockholm hosts the Nobel Prize ceremony and has around 70 museums.

Stockholm's main airport is Arlanda (ARN), 40 km north, with the fast Arlanda Express train to Central Station (20 min) and cheaper SL commuter trains (40 min). Secondary airports include Bromma (domestic), Skavsta (budget airlines), and Västerås. The central station (Stockholm Central) also serves long-distance trains and buses.

Stockholm was founded by Birger jarl in 1252. In the 15th century it replaced Uppsala as the effective capital. During the 17th century, Stockholm was the base of the Swedish Empire. Since 1901, Stockholm has hosted the Nobel Prize ceremony.

Despite its northern location, Stockholm has fairly mild temperatures throughout the year. The city sees a dramatic seasonal variation in sunlight, from more than 18 hours of daylight around Midsummer to around 6 hours around Christmas. Average yearly precipitation is 539 mm. May to September tend to have the most comfortable weather, with summer temperatures averaging around 13°C for lows and 22°C for highs.

Stockholm is easy to access by public transport, and on bicycle during the warm season. Travelling by car is suitable outside built-up areas.

May to September offers the best weather with long daylight (up to 18 hours in June). July sees many locals leave, and some venues close. Winter has short days (6 hours) but snowy charm and fewer crowds. Avoid if you dislike cold; December offers Christmas markets and 'julbord' buffets.

With about 80,000 university students at more than 20 universities and university colleges, Stockholm is the largest Nordic university city. The largest institutions are Stockholm University, the Royal Institute of Technology, and Södertörn University College. Karolinska institutet is a world-class medical university.

As in the rest of Sweden, VISA and MasterCard are accepted by nearly all stores, and ATMs are readily available. Stockholm is very much a card-oriented place and quite a few smaller venues do not accept cash. In contrast to many other European cities, most shops in Stockholm are open all week, including Sundays.

Stockholm's dining scene has improved markedly. Main courses at quality restaurants cost 175–250 kr. For budget, look for 'dagens rätt' lunch offers M-F 11-14 for 100-150 kr. Kitchens close at 22:00 on weekends. In December, Christmas buffets (julbord) cost 300-600 kr and require advance booking.

Stockholm has business hotels charging 900-1200 kr for a single room, often cheaper on weekends. Basement windowless rooms are available at lower rates. Hostels like af Chapman, Långholmen, and Jumbostay offer budget options but require advance booking in summer. The cheapest beds are on Baltic Sea ferries.

As of Sept 2021, central Stockholm has 5G from all Swedish carriers, but this hasn't rolled out across the city, which mostly gets 4G. Wifi is widely available in public places.

For its size, Stockholm is a safe city by international standards. Still, travellers should use common sense to avoid crime. Most crimes against travellers are crimes of opportunity, such as pickpockets, bicycle theft, auto theft, and auto vandalism. During summer, groups of street gamblers try to scam their audience.

When using escalators, stand on the right and reserve the left side for walking. On train and metro platforms, passengers should be allowed to leave the car before passengers who want to board. Avoid walking in the cycle lane. As most other Nordic people, Swedes value privacy and usually do not start unprompted conversations in public.