Stockholm is a relatively small city. You can walk around the old town and even the nearby areas and islands and most of the city center without the need for public transportation.
We would not recommend driving in Stockholm as it can be quite confusing and usually ends up taking you longer than all other options.
The most efficient way to get around Stockholm is Tunnelbanan (the metro). The easiest will probably be to purchase tickets through the app SL-Reseplanerare och biljetter using you debit card. You can read more about traveling with public transportation here. SL tickets are valid on all forms of public transport in Stockholm, the metro, busses, trams and even the ferries.
You might see a lot of electric scooters around town. If you download the app you can rent these in one spot and simply leave them in another when you're done. There are multipel companies that all use their own app so it might be a bit confusing.
You do not need cash in Stockholm. 99% of all shops/restaurants etc. take cards while you cannot pay with cash everywhere. Be aware that taxis don't take cash.
Stockholm's tap water is among the best in the world and it is often what you are served at restaurants. So don't hesitate to drink the water while you are visiting, we are rather proud of it.
Tipping is not expected in Sweden, the serving cost is included in the price. However a tip can be a nice way to say thanks for good service in a restaurant. If you want to tip the simple rule is to round up to the nearest big number. For example from 280sek to 300sek.
For those of you traveling from outside of Sweden, alcohol is the quickest way to burn through your budget. It is rare to find a restaurant serving alcohol for less than 50sek and it is more common to see glasses and bottles go for closer to (or higher than) 100 sek.
Alcohol is only sold at bars/restaurants and Systembolaget which is the Swedish government's liquor store. Everything you find in a supermarket will be 3.5% alcohol or less.
Swedish law is a lot stricter then many others when it come to how much alcohol you can drink and still be allowed to drive. So to be on the safe side don't drive if you have had any alcohol.
One of the best things to do in Stockholm is to simply walk around and enjoy the beauty of the city. Make sure to visit Gamla Stan (Old Town). Maybe watch the Changing of the Guard at the castle and then continue on the narrow cobble roads and look in the shops. Don't forget to take a photo in the narrowest ally in town Mårten Trotzigs gränd and count the white stones on Stortorget's house nr. 20, they are said to symbolize the heads of nobles decapitated by the Danish king in 1520. Another great place to walk is Monteliusvägen, it's most likely the best view in town. If you still have some more walking in you, make your way along Strandvägen, you'll be walking by the water in one of the most exclusive areas in Stockholm. After that you can cross over to Djurgården an island with extensive stretches of forest and meadows as well as a number of the museums listed below.
We would also like to recommend these free walking tour. The tours last between 1.5-2 hour and a guide will show you the sights and tell you about the city’s history. You should totally check it out, oh and did we mention that it's Free?!
There are many museums in Stockholm worth a visit. Some of them are free which is great if you're looking to save money. Below are some suggestions for different kinds of museums.
Swedish National Museum: A museum built in the middle of the 19th century and recently renovated. It's the largest art museum in Sweden and houses pantings, sculptures and crafts from the 16th century to modern times.
Medieval Museum: Is a museum located under ground and features things like 55 meters of the original 16th century town wall, a medieval graveyard and a war ship
Modern Museum: The museum of modern art is a great place to visit if you appreciate modern art.
National library of Sweden: Not exactly a museum its still a lovely place to visit and a great example of Swedish Architecture from the early 20th century.
Vasa Museum: In 1628 a royal ship capsized and sank in Stockholm. 333 years later it was brought back to the surface and is today the best preserved ship from the 17th century.
Skansen: Skansen is the world’s oldest open-air museum, showcasing the whole of Sweden with houses and farmsteads from every part of the country. It's also home to a number of animals and usually a favorit among families with small children.
Fotografiska: This a museum that show photography and visual art from all over the world, from the most well-known photographers to the new generation of image creators.
ABBA The Museum An interactive museum where you can virtually try on ABBA’s costumes, sing, play, mix original music and become the fifth member of ABBA by performing on our large stage together with Björn, Benny, Frida and Agnetha.
There are a number of Royal Castles in and around Stockholm, you can find more information about the here.
We highly recommend The Royal Palace in Stockholm, especially the exhibition in Livrustkammaren, and Drottningholm Palace just outside of City where the King and Queen lives.