Is Stockholm safe for new travelers?
Stockholm. The capital of Sweden and a modern Scandinavian city with contemporary architecture.
What’s great about Stockholm? Only the substantial historical, cultural, and economic significance on the European stage.
The inner city of Stockholm consists of 14 islands connected by some 50 bridges (!) on Lake Mälaren, which flows into the Baltic Sea.
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Is Stockholm Safe
As a smart city what is special about the city of Stockholm is its natural parts: namely, over 30% of the city area is made up of waterways, and another 30% is made up of green spaces.
This, naturally, leads to this city having an extremely high quality of air.
Though the pride of Sweden often rivals other Swedish cities such as Gothenburg, its gorgeous natural beauty offers many tourist attractions that are definitely worth seeing.
How Safe is Stockholm?
When it comes to safety, Stockholm is considered by many to be the very best in Europe. For a European capital, the crime is quite normal.
It typically revolves around drunken behavior such as street brawls during the early hours. This is typical for all the European major cities, including London and Prague for example.
As far as petty crime goes, it does happen, but not as often as the likes of Barcelona or Rome.
Fact is, Stockholm receives hundreds of thousands of visitors, the likes of whom will not be the victims of crime, but the intoxicated perpetrators causing trouble on nights out.
We would advise that you don’t expect Stockholm to be inherently the safest place on Earth.
Take that statement with a pinch of salt and remember that the city has a population of less than a million.
Stockholm Crime Rate
- The U.S. Department of State has assessed Stockholm as being a LOW-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. The general crime rate in Sweden is below the U.S. national average; however, the notion that foreign travelers are immune to crime is a common misconception.
- More than 850,000 British nationals visit Sweden from the UK each year. Most visits are trouble-free.
- According to Swedish police, some criminal activity in Stockholm is increasing since the 1980s and 90s.
- Statistically speaking, most of the increased amounts of “crime” is lower than most European and American cities still.
- Keep your bag close to you at cafes/restaurants, never place your bag in a retrievable position open for passers-by to grab.
- Be aware of your surroundings when using public transport.
- Learn a few Swedish phrases just in case.
- Remember to get your FREE travel insurance quote from WorldNomads to receive fully comprehensive support when it comes to unforeseen travel complications.
- Walking around flashing expensive items and gadgets will attract attention from unwanted petty criminals.
- Remember Sweden is known for know for it’s world class safety but still don’t show wads of cash when paying for stuff – control how much cash you carry around and use a hotel safe.
- If you are traveling on a budget, why not reserve a room on one of the many Top Rated Hostels on offer throughout the city?
- Wearing a money belt may attract attention.
- Know the typical distraction techniques – pickpockets often work in groups and sometimes pretend to be collecting money for a charity.
- Avoid homeless communities around large train stations – plus groups of people that sit around drinking.
- Be careful with drink or drug taking if you’re a fan of the nightlife.
- Midsummer Festival (June)
- A Taste of Stockholm (June)
- Stockholm Pride (July)
- Popaganda (August)
Get a FREE travel insurance quote from WorldNomads to get the right (and timely) support when it comes to protecting yourself in Stockholm.
Is Stockholm Safe to Travel Alone?
Yes, definitely!
Swedish people and Stockholm’s residents, in general, tend to be more introverted than Americans or British people, and they tend to mind their own business.
Beyond that, Stockholm is chock full of activities that are wonderful to do on your own: like museums, long walks, photography, patisseries, and shopping.
Just as a precaution, women should stay on their guard on nights out. The nightlife in Stockholm can get a bit dodgy the later you stay out.
We would say it’s just the same as a typical European city, but we wouldn’t want you to be complacent!
Where to Stay in Stockholm
According to an article from TimeOut, there are many beautiful spots to enjoy the best accommodation experience in Stockholm:
Gamla Stan
Gamla Stan (or the Old Town) is Stockholm’s medieval heart, and it remains the epicenter of the inner city.
Here you’ll find Parliament, the Royal Palace, Christmas markets, museums, colorful churches, and narrow cobbled streets.
The trouble is deciding where to begin. Unlike the modern districts surrounding it, there’s no logical order to the streets of Gamla Stan.
One popular hotel for visitors doing a weekend break is a stay at the Castle House Inn to be close to Stockholm’s Old Town.
The trick is to surrender to it and get lost within. It’s utterly rewarding: on your way, you’ll come across cafés spilling onto side streets, tucked-away wine bars, and boutiques selling hand-crafted gifts.
Hornstull
The western corner of Södermalm island, in the south of the city, is home to Stockholm’s trendiest residents.
This is the area to head to if you’re after alternative and LGBTQ-friendly culture.
Hornstull is easily reachable via the red metro line, so there’s little standing between you and an incredible selection of independent cafés, markets, bars, clubs, and gig venues.
Djurgården
A short bridge away from Östermalm, the wealthy east side of the city, is one of Stockholm’s most characterful islands.
A royal parkland dotted with harbors, colorful Swedish cottages, and delightful museums, leafy Djurgården feels more like a countryside escape than part of a capital city.
Here you’ll find museums that celebrate the best of Sweden and cute cafés clustered around the village-like centre of Skansen.”
For most, the hop-on hop-off bus is a good option because it gives you the chance to see many of the city’s best sight at your own lesure.
Stockholm: Travel Safety Tips
Although Stockholm is one of the safest cities in the world, it wouldn’t hurt to take some precautions before and during your stay to ensure that you stay safe no matter what.
Here are some tips to take with you:
Best Time to Visit Stockholm
The best time to visit Stockholm is in the summer, primarily because the temperatures are warmest and daylight lasts the longest.
The only issue with this time of year is that Stockholm receives quite a lot of visitors.
Average summertime highs range between 68 and 71 degrees Fahrenheit, with the hottest weather occurring in July ish.
It’s important to bring layers, however, as temps can sometimes drop by 10 to 20 degrees when the sun goes down.
The fall and spring seasons are far chillier than the Summer, with highs barely reaching 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
Winters in Stockholm tend to be extremely cold but are ideal for travelers interested in Christmas markets or skiing.
Here some of the key events during the Summer:
Pick up a Stockholm All-Inclusive City Pass for access to more than 45 attractions and sightseeing cruises for the best possible experience.
Is Stockholm Safe? Conclusion
Turns out, Stockholm is one of the safest spots in the world but you should never treat it as so.
Planning ahead will make your trip stress-free, so make sure you have the right frame of mind when visiting here.
Many tourists get carried away with nights out and ruin it for other tourists and residents alike.
Stockholm is one of the most under-appreciated European cities in the world, so book your trip and discover it today!
Don’t hesitate to book a trip to Stockholm today and see our sustainable travel tips to ensure your trip has a positive environmental impact.
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