Insider's Guide to Sweden
Sweden balances both a cool vibe with feeling genuinely welcoming. Maybe it's Stockholm's island-hopping energy, where you can museum-crawl through royal palaces in the morning and find yourself at a candlelit dinner featuring reindeer tartare by evening, or Gothenburg's canal-side ease where the cultural scene keeps surprising you around every corner. This isn't a destination trying to impress you with flashy attractions. It's a country that's figured out how to balance the sophisticated with the approachable, all while maintaining that distinctly Swedish sense of lagom—just the right amount of everything.
Whether you're planning a romantic getaway, bringing the family, or simply curious about a place that does modern living better than most, Sweden delivers. Discover why it keeps landing on those “happiest countries” lists. Connect with me to plan your Swedish getaway and unlock experiences that turn a good trip into legendary.
Need to know
Image courtesy of Ett Hem
From seamless public transit and card-first payments to dramatic shifts between midnight sun and northern winter skies, Sweden welcomes discovery. Knowing a few essentials will help you experience the country like a local.
Currency: While Sweden is a part of the EU, they use the Swedish Krona (SEK) for currency. The country is card-first, with Apple and Google Pay widely accepted. While tipping isn’t expected, rounding up or adding 5-10% for great service is appreciated.
Languages: Swedish is the official language in Sweden, but an estimated 80-90% of the population can speak English.
Key phrases: hej (hello), god morgon/kväll (good morning/evening), hej då (goodbye), ursäkta mig (excuse me), tack (thank you), varsågod (you're welcome/please).
Airports: Most international travelers fly into Stockholm Arlanda (ARN). There is year-round service from Newark, with seasonal flights to New York City, Toronto, and Miami. Gothenburg (GOT) and Malmö (MMX) have direct flights across Europe. Flying into Copenhagen (CPH) is a convenient option with connections, including Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, and more.
Transportation: Trains offer a scenic option, with night trains to Lapland and nearby countries. Major cities are walkable, but public transit options are fast and readily available. Use “Taxi Stockholm,” “Taxi Kurir,” or Uber to hail a car. Ferries connect islands and Finland, while car rentals are good options too.
Best time to visit: Sweden offers something in every season. Summer (June—August) sees long days for hiking and biking, or exploring vibrant cities. Winter (December—February) transforms into a snowy wonderland for skiing and Northern Lights. Spring (April—May) and fall (September—October) bring fewer crowds, crisp air, and quieter, more local experiences.
Ideal length of stay: To explore Stockholm’s historic neighborhoods, waterfront museums, and vibrant dining, three to four days is perfect. A week allows time to pair the capital with cities like Gothenburg or Malmö, plus scenic countryside or coastal day trips.
Signature dishes and drinks:
Stockholm: gravad lax (cured salmon, dill, and mustard sauce), toast skagen (creamy shrimp salad on crisp bread), raggmunk (crispy potato pancakes with lingonberries).
Gothenburg: fiskekrogen seafood platter (fresh oysters, lobster, and shellfish), skagenröra (local take on shrimp salad with fresh bread), and West Coast herring (pickled or fried, a classic Nordic flavor).
Malmö: smörrebröd (open-faced sandwiches with seasonal toppings) and falafel med svenska twist (Swedish spin on Malmö’s beloved street food).
What to wear: Summer days can be bright and surprisingly warm. Pack breathable cotton, linen, and comfortable shoes for cobblestone streets and long walks. Evenings call for Scandinavian-chic elegance—relaxed tailoring, flowy dresses, or smart layers. A light jacket or wrap is handy, especially near the coast or on cooler evenings.
Travel tips:
Advanced bookings: Restaurants, tours, and ferries often sell out in peak season, so secure reservations ahead of time.
Shopping: Södermalm in Stockholm brims with vintage stores, indie boutiques, and design-forward homeware shops. Malmö’s Gamla Väster and Gothenburg’s Haga charm with cobbled lanes and artisan finds. High-end Swedish brands like Acne Studios, Filippa K, and Totême are showcased at Nordiska Kompaniet and sleek concept stores. Non-EU visitors can usually claim a VAT refund, so hold on to receipts.
Drinking laws: The legal drinking age is 18 in licensed venues, with public drinking prohibited and fines enforced.
Medications: Carry prescriptions in original packaging with a doctor’s note if required. Pharmacies are well-stocked, though some common US over-the-counter medications may require a prescription.
Check out our Sweden destination guides for Stockholm, Gothenburg, Malmö, and, our guide to Cruising to and around Sweden.
