Is Stockholm safe? What you should know

Posted Dec 3, 2024

Stockholm is a city that will steal your heart with its stunning beauty and charm. Picture this: a sprawling city spread across 14 islands, linked by bridges with gorgeous waterways and lush parks. It's the kind of place where you can sip coffee in cozy cafes one moment and cruise through the archipelago the next!
Fun fact: Stockholm is often called the "Venice of the North," but with way fewer gondolas and more cinnamon buns!

This city is like that super responsible friend who always remembers to lock the door! Stockholm is one of the safest capitals in the world! The crime rate is low, and public transport is a breeze, just watch out for the occasional bicycle zipping by! We’ll also dive deeper into how to safely explore its cultural gems, enjoy nature without any surprises (tick-free, hopefully!), and take care of your health while you’re here.

Whether you want to hike, swim, or enjoy the city’s dynamic art scene, Stockholm is all about having fun safely! Stick with us, and we’ll make sure your trip is as smooth as that Swedish chocolate you’ll want to try! Sweden is among the most beautiful European countries and Stockholm is one of the most dazzling major cities you can safely explore at your own pace!

Safety tips to keep in mind during your time in Stockholm

If you want to know how to maximize your safety while you're visiting Stockholm, we've got some tips that'll give you a worry-free trip! Stockholm is a pretty safe city and violent crime rates like gang violence are low. Just like in London, you may have heard about knife crime, but the Swedish police crack down whenever something like that happens, and it's never among strangers! So, worry not!

Getting from the airport to Stockholm city center

You're probably landing at Arland Airport, and getting to the city center is super easy! The Arlanda Express train will take you to Stockholm Central Station in just 20 minutes, and from there you can get to the center pretty quick!

Tips to stay safe when you first arrive in Stockholm

Stockholm is pretty safe when it comes to scams, but here’s something a bit different: souvenir shops. Most popular countries have them, and while some souvenirs are cool, most of them are made in China and way overpriced.

Pro tip: Don’t go into large commercial-looking shops, but look for smaller and more authentic ones. Not only will you get higher quality and traditional items that reflect the country better, but you'll also pay much less!

Is tap water in Stockholm safe to drink?

Yes! Sweden is among the safest countries when it comes to tap water! Most cities are supplied with natural water sources from the mountains and underground! That means that tap water in Sweden is both healthy and delicious!

Safe accommodation options in Stockholm

If you're looking for where to stay in Stockholm, look no further! While there isn't an unsafe area, some areas are just a bit safer than others, and here they are:

Looking for a luxurious and upscale neighborhood? Östermalm has busy shopping streets if you're looking for the best shops in Stockholm and it's close to many tourist attractions and incredible nature! Hotel Diplomat Stockholm is a 5-star hotel with Michelin-star cooks for about €250 per night.
Gamla Stan is the vibrant Old Town and a super safe location to stay. With its cobblestone streets and the Royal Palace, it’s ideal for exploring rich heritage! First Hotel Reisen is about €180 a night, and it's right by the river!
If a quieter residential area is more your style, Vasastan has the local vibes you're craving! It's also got five well-kept parks for a nice family or friend-group stroll! Hotel Birger Jarl has home-style rooms that make you forget that you're in a hotel! It's around €150 a night.

Pro tip: Whether you're a solo traveler, here with mates, or on a family vacation, storage spots are always a big help! Say you're planning on moving on to Norway for a ski trip, you can stash your skis, snowboard, and snowsuit with our partners! Lugging around heavy gear while exploring can be a real downer, so just download the Bounce app, find a trusted local business near you, and dump anything you don't need!

Cultural callouts & things to keep an eye out for

Sweden could have a very different culture than you're used to! So we're here to point anything out that you need to know!

Most locals will know some English since they learn it in schools! But if you want to be extra prepared, here are some phrases you can use: Hej (Hey/Hello); Tack (Thank you); Ursäkta mig (Excuse me); Varsågod (You're welcome); Hur mår du? (How are you?).
Try not to be too loud in public places. Talking on the phone or just being loudl around others can come off as rude, so just go with the flow! Also, don't light up a ciggy just anywhere. Check if smoking is allowed where you are. If you want to blend in, you can try snus (tobacco that you put in your mouth) that a lot of the locals use.
No need to worry about LGBTQ+ prejudice! Stockholm celebrates it with one of the largest Pride festivals in Europe! You'll find plenty of bars, clubs, and events centered around LGBTQ+ themes.

Keeping safe when navigating the city

If you want to get around Stockholm safely, you've got some options:

Public transport is great in Stockholm. You've got buses, trams, the metro (T-bana), and ferries! The SL Access Card or app can help you save money on public transport! The metro is particularly safe at night, so that's always a good option to get around!
Walking is pretty easy in Stockholm! Most streets have sidewalks, and there are also some pedestrian-only areas! If you brought or rented a bike, watch out for bicycle theft around the city. Make sure to get a good lock, or park your bike somewhere out of sight.
There are a lot of hills in Stockholm, which can make it hard for bikes, wheelchairs, and those with limited mobility to get around town. If you're not sure if you can make it, public transport is well-adapted and equipped with ramps, elevators, and marked spaces for wheelchairs and strollers!

Nature and Stockholm: Tips to keep in mind

Looking to connect with nature in Stockholm? You've come to the right place! Here's how you can safely enjoy nature:

Do you want to know about beaches near Stockholm and where you can dip your toes? Smedsuddsbadet, Långholmen, and Fjäderholmarna have sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters. Just be careful about the strong currents and colder water in winter!
If you want the best hikes in Stockholm, Nacka Nature Reserve and Tyresta National Park have a variety of trails and difficulty levels. If you're a beginner, you should stick to the easier and shorter ones so you don't run out of strength before finishing.
You shouldn't wander deep into forests and away from marked trails. Sweden has a lot of moose and wild boar, which can charge you if they feel threatened. Plus, grab some animal repellant just to be safe!

Last tips in the case of an emergency

Healthcare, local authorities, or the fire department, here are some useful tips for all of those:

If you have a medical emergency abroad, healthcare can be expensive. So if you want to cut costs, just get travel insurance before you leave. EU citizens can easily get an EHIC card for traveling around EU countries.
Street food in Stockholm is generally safe, and the food hygiene standards are high in the EU because of strict food safety. It's still important to pick stalls that appear clean and well-kept.
112 is the EU number for all emergencies.

So, is Stockholm safe?

Yes, Sweden is safer than most countries, and even though Stockholm is a major city, it has a low crime rate! So you can feel safe while exploring one of the most beautiful Nordic countries and cities! Just be careful around large crowds, public transport hubs, and dark alleys if you want to avoid Swedish crime. And remember Bounce if you need to stash any winter gear while exploring! Just find the storage spot around the city that works for you and seize the day!