Flight to Stockholm (STO)

Flying to Stockholm: tips and information for your trip

You may already know that the unique city of Stockholm is actually an archipelago made up of 14 individual islands. However, did you know that, in many ways, this harmonious union represents the spirit of the Swedish capital? That’s because in Stockholm, you’ll find history coupled with modernity, nature blended with design and the airy outdoors juxtaposed with edgy and creative innovation. The sum of these individual elements is a vibrant and dynamic city that prides itself on being open to all. From museums to nightlife and meatballs to Nobel prizes, whatever you’re looking for, a visit to this beautiful place will leave a lasting impression. Don’t wait any longer and book today with Brussels Airlines.

What to do in Stockholm?

Take your pick of some of Stockholm’s top attractions:

1. Stockholm has a huge selection of museums to choose from, and the crowning jewel is the Vasa. This maritime museum houses the world’s only almost fully intact 17^th-century ship and is Stockholm’s most visited attraction.
   
   
2. Other museum must-sees include Skansen, an open-air museum where you can learn about the Swedish way of life before the industrial period, and the ABBA museum. Some museums even turn into cutting-edge nightclubs after dark.
   
   
3. The winding cobbled streets of Gamla stan, Stockholm’s old town, are an iconic tourist destination. Here you’ll find Stockholm Cathedral and the Royal Palace, as well as many other historic hotspots.
   
   
4. If shopping is your priority, Stockholm has lots to offer. High-end fashion can be found in Östermalm, along with the famous department store Nordiska Kompaniet. The Södermalm district offers a more vintage and second-hand scene, whilst Vasastan has the best of both worlds, featuring indie shops alongside high-street fashion.
5. The art and design scene in Stockholm is one of the city’s strongest pulls for tourists. Visit the Artipelag art gallery if you want to see a seamless marriage of art and nature, or try Fotografiska for some of the most poignant and emotive photojournalism on offer.
   
   
6. Stockholm’s geographical location means that it would be a shame not to take a dip in the surrounding waters. The cliffs of Fredhäll on the island of Kungsholmen are one of the top locations to do so. Dare to dive in and you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the city.
   
   
7. If it’s nature you’re after, why not visit Djurgården, the archipelago’s greenest island? You’ll soon understand why Stockholm is often said to be one of Europe’s most beautiful capital cities.
   
   
8. The colourful sights of Stortorget square make the perfect backdrop for a coffee break. Its collection of impressive architecture includes the Stock Exchange Building, home to the Swedish Academy, and the Nobel Museum and Library.

Practical information for your trip

• The airport is just a short bus or taxi journey away from the city centre. Buses run to the central station, Cityterminalen, and take about 20 minutes. If you want to pay on board or at a self-service machine, you’ll need a bank card. Car sharing through the websites Car2go or Drivenow are also great options.  
  
• Currency: Swedish krona (plural: kronor) (SEK). Credit cards are widely accepted.
• Country dialling code: +46. Cafés often have free Wi-Fi, and Stockholm-based company Instabridge has an app to help you find free internet access in the city.
• Electric sockets: Type C and F, for appliances of 230 V - 50 Hz.
• Travel information: Nationals of EU countries, the USA, Japan, Canada, Australia and New Zealand can travel to Sweden without a visa. Nationals of other countries may need to apply for a Schengen visa.

Local phrases & essential vocabulary

Whilst tourism is widespread and English is widely spoken in Stockholm, some basic phrases are useful:

• Hello – god dag (pronounced GOOD DAYG) or hej (HAY)
• Please – snälla (SNELL-LA)
• Thank you – tack (TOCK)
• You’re welcome – var så god (VAHR SHA GOOD)
• Yes/no – ja (YAH), nej (NAY)
• Excuse me - ursäkta (OOR-SAYK-THA)

If you’re looking to keep costs down, perhaps the most difficult thing will be buying food in supermarkets, as packaging often doesn’t include English translations. Learning a few basic food words is a good idea, especially if you have allergies:

• Flour - mjöl
• Milk - mjölk
• Egg – ägg
• Nuts – nöt

Cultural events

No matter when you go, there’s always something to see and do in Stockholm. Museums often put on special seasonal exhibitions, workshops and shows, so be sure to look into what’s on before you go.

• Film enthusiasts should check out the annual Stockholm International Film Festival.
• Music lovers can time their visit with festivals such as Stockholm Music & Arts or We Are Sthlm.
• For the outdoor types, there’s a whole host of attractions including bike races, marathons, running tours and island swim races. Do your research, and you won’t be disappointed with the world of culture you discover.

When to go to Stockholm?

The best time to visit Stockholm is May-September, because October brings snowfall that sometimes lasts until April. That said, the picturesque medieval streets and enticing Christmas markets attract a certain amount of winter tourism. Average winter temperatures hover a few degrees either side of zero, whilst you can expect high-teens to mid-twenties in the summer months.

What to eat in Stockholm?

Be sure to try some local specialities:

• Meatballs – Bakfickan, Meatballs for the People, and Pelikan are some of the best restaurants at which to try this national dish and all its sides and sauces.
• Cinnamon buns, or kanelbullar – a staple of any Swedish coffee break. Cinnamon not your thing? Don’t worry; there are plenty of alternative or seasonal flavours to choose from, too.
• Herring – pickled, fried or grilled, locally sourced and delicious.
• Potato dumplings (kroppkakor)
• Pea soup and pancakes
• Princess cake (princesstårta)
• Cured or smoked salmon