How to make the most of your layover in Stockholm

Stockholm is an easy city to fall for, and a layover is the perfect excuse to explore it! Just a quick trip from the airport, Stockholm greets you with stunning waterfront views, historic charm, and modern Nordic design. It’s simply perfect for exploring with friends, family, or on your own!

Stockholm is known as the "Venice of the North." It consists of 14 islands with scenic canals and a neatly preserved Old Town, Gamla Stan. You’ll find cozy cafés, world-class museums like the Nobel Prize Museum, and a creative energy that makes it easy to see why it’s one of Europe’s coolest capitals!

Things to keep in mind before leaving the airport

Stockholm Arlanda Airport is the main international Stockholm airport. There are others like Stockholm Skavsta Airport, Bromma Stockholm Airport, and Stockholm Västerås Airport, but you won't be flying from those. Those smaller airports handle only budget airlines, domestic flights, or specific low-cost routes (Tip: get familiar with the details on their websites!). Keep reading for more tips like this and any info you'll need for your short stay in Stockholm!

Visa requirements in Stockholm

Did you know that if you're from the Schengen area, EU, US, and some other countries, you don't need a visa for a short stay in Sweden? It's true, all you need is a valid passport or ID that's good for at least 3 more months. If you're from other countries like China or India, you'll need to apply for a tourist visa at an embassy.

1. In-airport short layover:
2. Domestic flights: 45 minutes
   If you're not leaving the Schengen area, then the process is pretty quick. You won't need to go through extra security checkpoints and the walk between the 4 terminals (Terminal 2, 3, 4, and 5) takes just a few minutes. If you're running really late, you can take the free Express Train that'll get you to a terminal in just a minute.
3. International flights: 75 minutes
   International flights take longer, so if you're coming into the Schengen area or leaving it, plan for extra security checkpoints, passport control, and customs lines. If you're self-connecting (booked two separate flights), give yourself even more time. When it's just 1 ticket, the process is much more straightforward. If you want to save some time, you can check in online and skip a queue.
4. In-airport long layover: 3 hrs
   Got a few hours during your Stockholm layover? Try an Arlanda airport lounge or an airport restaurant in Sky City. Sky City is at the heart of Arlanda Airport and has food options like authentic Japanese, Italian, and Swedish cuisine! The airport has a bunch of nifty shops across all terminals and everything you could need for a last-minute shopping session. Arlanda also offers some unique services, like tying the knot at the beautiful VIP lounge or buying renewable jet fuel to lower carbon emissions! Now, that's thinking ahead!
5. Out-of-airport layover: 6 hrs
   Tired of sitting in lounge chairs in desperate need of some fresh air? The Arlanda Express train will get you to Stockholm Central Station in just 20 minutes! From the central train station, you can get anywhere in the city easily and still have plenty of time to explore Stockholm before your next flight. Keep reading to find out about all the cool places you can visit here!

What to do in Stockholm during a layover

Made it to Stockholm but not sure what to explore or where to eat? Just check out our list of the top places where you can spend your layover. Whether you're flying on a business trip or to an interview, you want your suit looking sharp. Carrying it around with you is gonna get it all wrinkled! That's why you should find a Bounce partner, and leave anything you don't need for the day there!

Morning layover in Stockholm

Grab a jacket for that cool Stockholm weather and start exploring! Here's a list of the places where you should start your adventure in Stockholm:

1. Start your journey at Stockholm Cathedral, a beautiful medieval cathedral with unique architecture. It's also the home of the famous statue of Saint George and the Dragon.
2. Continue your culture collection with the Nobel Prize Museum right nearby. It celebrates the Nobel Prize's history and past winners, an inspiring stop for learning about global achievements!
3. If you're looking for a charming setting with traditional Swedish pastries like kardemummabullar (cardamom buns), Vete-Katten is the place for you!
4. For some Swedish breakfast options, like open-faced sandwiches, visit Under Kastanjen.

Afternoon layover in Stockholm

If you've got half a day in Stockholm, you can also visit some of the great spots like:

1. The Vasa Museum is a museum on the Vasa, the world’s best-preserved 17th-century warship. Check it out and learn about its fascinating story.
2. Wander through Stockholm's oldest neighborhood—Gamla Stan (Old Town) that's filled with colorful buildings, narrow streets, and beautiful architecture.
3. The Oaxen Slip is a small restaurant by the water serving modern Swedish dishes made with locally sourced ingredients!
4. Craving some Swedish meatballs? Meatballs for the People has traditional flavors with a modern flair.

Evening layover in Stockholm

The evenings in Stockholm are particularly beautiful. So check out:

1. The Monteliusvägen is a scenic walking path with stunning sunset views over Stockholm’s cityscape and waterfront.
2. Dive into Swedish pop culture and the iconic music of ABBA with interactive exhibits at the ABBA Museum.
3. Tradition is a restaurant that specializes in traditional Swedish cuisine. It serves dishes like pytt i panna (a hash-like dish) and creamy mashed potatoes with lingonberries.
4. For a different set of tastes, check out the Pelikan. It's a classic Swedish tavern where you can try local dishes like gravlax (cured salmon) and surströmming (fermented herring). Very unique!

Overnight layover in Stockholm

As the night's getting colder, a quick walk and a dose of local culture is perfect before you hit the hay.

1. The World Walk is a thought-provoking public art installation with inspiring quotes from Nobel Prize winners. Stop by and soak up some inspiration!
2. Explore Swedish art and design through the ages, where you’ll find exhibitions that showcase everything from classic paintings to modern decor at The National Museum.
3. Castle House Inn is a budget-friendly spot with cozy rooms and shared facilities at around 900 SEK (€80) a night.
4. Hotel Rival is a stylish hotel with Art Deco vibes with rooms starting at around 2.000 SEK (€180) a night.

Tips to make the most out of your time in Stockholm

Worried about fitting in? We've got some tips for you that'll make you feel like a local!

• Swedes speak Swedish! Most locals also speak English.  But, you might find the accent tricky to catch sometimes. Other than that, you’ll have no trouble connecting with those friendly locals!
• Sweden use the Swedish Krona (SEK). Some places accept euros, but usually with bad exchange rates.
• Stockholm is one of the safest European cities, but keep your valuables tucked away just in case.
• Hotel rooms will cost you at least 900 SEK (€80) a night, and meals and attractions usually run around 170 SEK (€15).

Our most valuable tip: travel weightless! Those suits and extra clothes will be out of shape after a whole day of hauling around. Plus, lugging laptops and other gear gets pretty exhausting, especially when you're on a tight schedule. Find a Bounce partner at one of the locations around the city and leave your stuff with us. Travel light and your clothes will look fresh and ready for the occasion! And you’ll get to explore more of Stockholm's fun spots!