Our Trip to Stockholm ~ Sweden ⋆ Lifeguin

How Much is a Trip to Stockholm and What to Expect

This blog post gives you all the details about our trip to Stockholm in Sweden, how much it cost us, and what we explored. It is compiled of all the questions you usually ask us on Instagram, and we hope it will help you prepare for your trip. Read on to learn how to plan and prepare and how much money you need.

Stockholm is undoubtedly one of the most stunning cities in the world. We were constantly in awe of its beauty, no matter how long we spent there waddling. Everything in this city is incredibly photogenic, from the charming parks and picturesque islands to the bustling harbor and the historic, colorful houses that date back centuries. So let’s start so you can enjoy your visit as we did.

FAQ about traveling to Stockholm, Sweden

How did you travel to Stockholm?

Because Stockholm was our second stop on our trip, we arrived via train from Copenhagen, Denmark. The fastest way is by plane. But that is boring, and everyone is doing it. We decided to try another way and bought a train ticket from Copenhagen to Stockholm.

Item	From-To	Departure	Arrival	Total Price	Price/Person
Train Ticket	Copenhagen, Denmark – Stockholm, Sweden	27th of June	27th of June	€168.00	€84.00

Our journey was by far smooth but fun nonetheless. It was also one of the few days when it was really hot in Sweden, so we sweated a lot on the train but read more about our journey here.

What expenses to expect in Stockholm, Sweden?

The expenses for a first trip to Sweden will vary depending on factors such as the duration of your trip, your travel style, and your specific interests. However, here are some expenses to consider:

- Accommodation. Depending on your preferences and budget, you can choose from various accommodation options such as hotels, hostels, or Airbnbs. A budget accommodation can range from 500 SEK to 1,000 SEK per night, a mid-range accommodation might cost between 1,000 SEK to 2,500 SEK per night, while a luxury accommodation can start from 2,500 SEK and go upwards.
- Food. It is an essential part of every travel to get to know the culture, and as it is, dining out can become expensive, depending on your preferences. Inexpensive meals at fast-food joints or budget restaurants can range from 80 SEK to 150 SEK per person. Dining at mid-range restaurants might cost between 200 SEK to 500 SEK per person. Expect to pay 500 SEK and beyond for a meal at a high-end restaurant.
- Transportation. To make your trip as efficient as possible, we recommend leveraging the public transport in Stockholm, which is very well organized. A single metro or bus ticket is around 44 SEK. A 24-hour pass is approximately 155 SEK. We bought a travel card, which you can read more about here.
- Activities. Stockholm has much to offer in terms of cultural and outdoor activities, such as visiting the many museums at the Djurgården island or waddling around Gamla Stan. Some activities may have admission fees or require a tour guide. Again, depending on your preferences, it depends on how much you will spend. Entrance fees to museums like the Vasa Museum or the ABBA Museum can range from 100 SEK to 250 SEK.
- Souvenirs: Small souvenirs can start from 50 SEK, while more significant items may range from 200 SEK and upwards.
- Other Expenses. Tipping is not mandatory, but it’s common to round up the bill in restaurants. For exceptional service, consider tipping around 10%.

Tips for Saving Money:

City Cards. Consider purchasing a Stockholm Pass, which provides access to multiple attractions and public transportation.
Grocery Stores. If your accommodation allows, buy snacks and meals from grocery stores to save on dining expenses.
Free Activities. Take advantage of free attractions and activities, such as exploring the city’s parks or attending free events. We prepared a list of free stuff here.
Walking and Biking. Stockholm is a pedestrian-friendly city, and walking or renting a bike can save on transportation costs.

Below, find some of our expenses for accommodation, travel, souvenirs, and more.

Item	Date From	Date To	Total Price	Price/Person
Hotel	27th of June	30th of June	€391	€196
72-hour Stockholm Travel Card	27th of June	30th of June	€61	€30.50
Food	27th of June	30th of June	€207	€104
Souvenirs	27th of June	30th of June	€41	€21
Attractions	27th of June	30th of June	€286	€143
Transport to Stockholm Airport	30th of June	30th of June	€23	€11

Where to stay when in Stockholm, Sweden?

Again, it depends on your preferences, but we like to stay in hotels with breakfasts. While in Stockholm, we stayed at the Best Western Hotel at 108. We paid 391€ for a three-night stay. The hotel is located in Östermalm, a 2.56 km2 large district in central Stockholm. It is not immediately in the old town, and we had to take the subway to reach it, but still, the location has all the practical stuff you need close by. There is a 7-eleven, some restaurants, shop to buy alcoholic beverages, and more.

Location-wise, we give it three out of five stars. It is close to the public library, and the viewpoint we urge everyone to visit while here. There is also a restaurant available, but we didn’t try it. The hotel is fairly new, and the room was nice. It had a bathroom, TV, Wifi, some tea and coffee to prepare, and a safe for your belongings. It was spotless, and the housekeeping was great. The breakfast was good as well, the food yummy, and they also had some traditional Swedish dishes to try. So we give it four out of five stars for breakfast. The overall vibe is worth three out of five stars. The reception had nice staff, but it is weirdly located as you enter, next to the bar. Generally, as we look at hotels only as a means to shower and sleep, it was a good choice. So, if you do not plan to stay in your hotel room for most of your stay, go for it. We recommend it if you are staying in Stockholm for the first time.

If you are visiting Stockholm for the first time, apart from Östermalm, we recommend also staying in either Norrmalm or Södermalm. Norrmalm is located near the central station and is within walking distance to Gamla Stan. On the other hand, Södermalm is home to various shops, cafes, and restaurants, making it a convenient place to stay for new visitors.

How many days in Stockholm is enough?

You would need at least two days to cover the main attractions in Stockholm. If you are planning a trip, remember that your schedule may be tight, and you may have little time for shopping or exploring the local area. Therefore, it would be better to plan a 3-4 day trip, especially if you visit during the summer. This way, you will have enough time to explore the nearby islands and enjoy the majority of Stockholm. We stayed three nights and almost four full days but still didn’t manage to go through all the attractions. From the ones we paid for (see table above 286€ for two people; penguins have free entry everywhere), we visited the Vasa Museum, Abba Museum, the Nobel Prize Museum, City Hall Tower, and the Royal Palace. The rest of what we saw was free of charge.

What is the best month to visit Stockholm, Sweden?

It depends on your preference. If you’re looking to experience the beautiful countryside near Stockholm, the ideal time to visit would be from May to September. From mid-July to August, you’ll also encounter Swedes on vacation, but overcrowding is usually not a problem. If you prefer a more private experience, you can plan your visit from May to mid-July. During this time, the landscape is green, and the weather is warm, with temperatures ranging between 15-20°C. We visited at the end of June, and it was beautiful.

Is Stockholm a walkable city?

Stockholm is an incredibly walkable city, and that’s one of the reasons why we enjoyed it so much. We could explore many attractions and areas of the city we wanted to visit simply waddling there. Although we still highly recommend getting a travel card as you can see much more of the city and even island hopping.

Is it expensive to go to Stockholm?

In terms of costs, yes, it is more expensive when compared with other countries in Europe, especially if you go south. Up here in Scandinavia, the countries are the same, more or less, in terms of expenses. So yes, you will feel it in your wallet, but many things in Stockholm are free! And if you plan accordingly, you can also save a lot.

How much does four days in Stockholm cost?

Let’s calculate our expenses for two people. For accommodation for three nights, we paid 381€. For transportation (SL Travel Card and transport to the airport), we paid 85€. For food, we spend 166€, for souvenirs 42€ and for attractions 286€. For two people for four days in Stockholm, be ready to spend around 960€, which makes 480€ per person.

We hope this helped out with your planning and that you will enjoy Stockholm as much as we did. It is a little bit more expensive but still worth the visit. And you can always cut some expenses, like attractions or souvenirs.

Enjoy Stockholm and waddle on!

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