Sweden
Stockholm
Sweden
Stockholm
Updated Mar 09, 2025
Overview
Stockholm, Sweden's capital, is a city where medieval charm meets modern sophistication. Spread across 14 islands, it offers a unique urban experience with its well-preserved Old Town, world-class museums, and cutting-edge design scene. Venture beyond the tourist spots to discover hidden gems like the trendy Södermalm district, known for its vintage shops and hip cafes. Don't miss the chance to experience 'fika,' the Swedish coffee break tradition, in a local konditori.
Best time to visit. Visit Stockholm from June to August for long, sunny days and outdoor festivities. For a quieter experience with fewer crowds, consider May or September when the weather is mild. Winter visitors can enjoy magical Christmas markets and cozy indoor attractions.
City stats
Population
975,551
Land area
188 sq. mi.
Currency
Swedish krona
Year founded
1252 CE
Official langauge
Swedish
English speaking
Widely spoken
State/Province
Stockholm County
Timezone
Central European (UTC+1)
Driving side
right
Website
Google Maps link
Quick links
How to get there
Neighborhoods
Getting around
Where to stay
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Cities within 8 hours
Active pursuits
Leisure activities
Bars, pubs and nightlife
Breakfast and brunch
Lunch and snacks
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Laptop friendly places
Where to stay for work trips
Work trip activities
Average weather
Country holidays
Major annual events
Cultural tips
City details
Hotels
Nearby
Nearby
Things to do
Food & restaurants
Work friendly
| Month | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 32°F - 23°F | 28°F - 18°F | Cloudy | 8:45 am | 3:15 pm | 12 days 1.6 in | 8 days 6.0 in | 9 mph |
| February | 34°F - 25°F | 30°F - 20°F | Partly Cloudy | 7:45 am | 4:30 pm | 9 days 1.1 in | 6 days 4.5 in | 9 mph |
| March | 41°F - 30°F | 38°F - 26°F | Partly Cloudy | 6:15 am | 5:45 pm | 8 days 1.0 in | 3 days 1.9 in | 9 mph |
| April | 52°F - 37°F | 50°F - 34°F | Partly Cloudy | 5:15 am | 7:15 pm | 7 days 1.2 in | 1 days 0.2 in | 9 mph |
| May | 63°F - 46°F | 62°F - 44°F | Partly Cloudy | 4:00 am | 8:45 pm | 7 days 1.2 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 9 mph |
| June | 70°F - 54°F | 70°F - 53°F | Partly Cloudy | 3:30 am | 9:45 pm | 9 days 1.8 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 9 mph |
| July | 73°F - 57°F | 73°F - 56°F | Partly Cloudy | 3:45 am | 9:30 pm | 10 days 2.6 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| August | 70°F - 55°F | 70°F - 54°F | Partly Cloudy | 4:45 am | 8:15 pm | 10 days 2.5 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 7 mph |
| September | 61°F - 48°F | 60°F - 46°F | Partly Cloudy | 6:00 am | 6:45 pm | 10 days 2.2 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 9 mph |
| October | 50°F - 41°F | 48°F - 38°F | Cloudy | 7:15 am | 5:15 pm | 11 days 2.0 in | 0 days 0.0 in | 9 mph |
| November | 41°F - 34°F | 38°F - 30°F | Cloudy | 7:45 am | 3:30 pm | 12 days 1.9 in | 2 days 1.0 in | 9 mph |
| December | 34°F - 27°F | 30°F - 22°F | Cloudy | 8:45 am | 2:45 pm | 12 days 1.7 in | 5 days 3.9 in | 9 mph |
| Name | Date | Description | Travel rating | Closure rating | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | January 1 | Celebrating the start of the new year with fireworks, parties, and resolutions. | Avoid travel, most places are closed. | ||
| Epiphany | January 6 | Christian holiday marking the visit of the Magi to baby Jesus. Not widely observed. | Safe to travel, minimal disruptions. | ||
| Easter | March/April (varies) | Christian holiday celebrating Jesus' resurrection. Marked by church services and family gatherings. | Travel possible, but expect closures. | ||
| Walpurgis Night | April 30 | Traditional spring festival with bonfires and singing to welcome spring and ward off evil spirits. | Good time to visit, festive atmosphere. | ||
| May Day | May 1 | Labor Day in Sweden. Marked by workers' rallies and parades in some cities. | Expect some closures, but still viable. | ||
| Ascension Day | 40 days after Easter | Christian holiday commemorating Jesus' ascension to heaven. Not widely observed. | Safe to travel, minor disruptions. | ||
| National Day | June 6 | Celebrates Swedish independence and the election of King Gustav Vasa in 1523. | Good day to experience Swedish culture. | ||
| Midsummer Eve | Friday between June 19-25 | Major summer festival celebrating the summer solstice with maypoles, dancing, and feasts. | Fun to experience, but expect closures. | ||
| All Saints' Day | First Saturday in November | Day to remember the dead. Marked by visiting graves and lighting candles. | Safe to travel, some businesses closed. | ||
| Christmas Eve | December 24 | Main Christmas celebration in Sweden. Families gather for traditional meals and gift-giving. | Avoid travel, most places closed. | ||
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Continuation of Christmas celebrations, often with church services and family gatherings. | Limited travel options, many closures. | ||
| Boxing Day | December 26 | Public holiday continuing Christmas celebrations. Some stores begin winter sales. | Better for travel than Christmas, some open. |
| Name | Date | Description | Travel rating | Closure rating | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stockholm Fashion Week | Late January - Early February | Biannual event showcasing Swedish and international fashion designers' collections | Great time for fashion enthusiasts | ||
| Stockholm Design Week | Early February | Annual event celebrating Scandinavian design, featuring exhibitions and seminars | Ideal for design lovers and professionals | ||
| Stockholm Film Festival Junior | April | Annual film festival for children and young adults, featuring international films | Family-friendly event, minimal disruption | ||
| Walpurgis Night | April 30 | Traditional spring festival with bonfires and choral singing across the city | Festive atmosphere, some closures | ||
| Stockholm Marathon | First Saturday in June | Annual marathon race through Stockholm's streets, attracting global participants | Expect road closures and crowds | ||
| Stockholm Early Music Festival | Early June | Annual festival celebrating medieval, renaissance, and baroque music | Great for music lovers, minimal impact | ||
| Stockholm Pride | Late July - Early August | Largest pride festival in Scandinavia, featuring parades and cultural events | Vibrant atmosphere, expect crowds | ||
| Stockholm Culture Festival | Mid-August | Week-long festival with free cultural events, concerts, and performances | Lively atmosphere, minimal disruption | ||
| Stockholm Jazz Festival | October | Annual jazz festival featuring local and international artists across various venues | Great for music lovers, minimal impact | ||
| Stockholm International Film Festival | November | Annual film festival showcasing independent and international cinema | Ideal for film enthusiasts, minimal impact | ||
| Stockholm Christmas Markets | Late November - December | Traditional holiday markets featuring local crafts, food, and festive atmosphere | Festive atmosphere, some crowding |
1 | Swedes value punctuality. Arrive on time for appointments and meetings. Being late is considered disrespectful and may offend your Swedish hosts or colleagues. |
2 | Remove your shoes when entering someone's home. This custom is deeply ingrained in Swedish culture and helps keep homes clean, especially during snowy winters. |
3 | Respect personal space. Swedes generally prefer more physical distance in conversations and may feel uncomfortable if you stand too close or initiate physical contact. |
4 | Learn basic Swedish phrases like 'Hej' (hello) and 'Tack' (thank you). While many Swedes speak English, they appreciate tourists who make an effort to use their language. |
5 | Be prepared for the 'fika' tradition. This coffee break is an important social custom in Sweden. Don't rush through it; take time to enjoy the coffee and pastries. |
6 | Avoid bragging or boasting. Swedes value humility and modesty. Keep conversations balanced and avoid dominating discussions with personal achievements. |
7 | Recycle and be environmentally conscious. Sweden is known for its commitment to sustainability. Use recycling bins and minimize waste to fit in with local practices. |
8 | Respect the 'allemansrätten' (right of public access) when in nature. You can roam freely in the countryside, but remember to leave no trace and respect private property. |
9 | Don't expect small talk with strangers. Swedes generally keep to themselves in public spaces. Avoid striking up conversations on public transport or in queues. |
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