Transport in and around Stockholm - Stockholm Travel Card

Getting around Stockholm – our top tips for tourists

By Katie Waller
Stockholm transport methods

Pair a travelcard with your pass to get around Stockholm with ease

A Stockholm Travelcard takes the stress out of getting from A to B. The Travelcard includes unlimited travel for 24 hours or 72 hours on Stockholm’s public transport system and is activated at first use. When used with a Stockholm Pass, is the perfect all-round accompaniment to your trip.

Please Note: We no longer offer a travelcard with the Stockholm Pass. You must purchase a travelcard separately.

Benefits of using a travelcard

Stockholm
  • One ticket to cover all networks including subway, buses, trams, commuter train, ferry
  • Flexibility to travel at leisure around Stockholm
  • Unlimited use for the duration of your pass
  • No need to carry spare change for daily tickets

Where can you use the Stockholm travelcard?

Stockholm

The travelcard allows you unlimited travel across all public transport networks in Stockholm

✔ Subway

✔ Trams

✔ Buses

✔ Boats

✔ Commuter Train

How do you activate the Stockholm travelcard?

Stockholm

The Travelcard is not date stamped and is activated upon first use. The travelcards come in 24 hour and 72 hours.

Children under 7 years old travel for free with the public transportation system (SL) when accompanied by an adult with a valid Travelcard (SL-card). During the weekends (Fri 12pm - Sun 12am) children between 7-12 yrs travel free on the public transportation system with an adult with a valid Travelcard.

Can you travel from Arlanda Airport to Stockholm city with the travelcard?

Stockholm

There is a transit fee for passing to and from Arlanda Airport with the commuter train. If you have a valid travelcard (SL ticket) you just pay the passage supplement fee, SEK 120. The passage ticket can be bought at SkyCity, between terminal 4 and 5 before entering the commuter train platform. If you are under the age of 18 you don't have to pay the passage fee at all for this travel from the airport to the city. 

Please note: The travel card does not include Arlanda Express, Flygbussarna or any airport coaches.

And, while you're at it, why not grab a Stockholm attraction pass so you can see all the city's best bits while out on your travels?

Katie Waller
Go City Travel Expert

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Christmas market in Stockholm's old town
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Things to do in Stockholm

Connected by a whopping 57 bridges, Stockholm’s city center’s cluster of 14 islands are chock-full of amazing attractions, from baroque palaces and medieval churches to rickety rollercoasters and traditional meatball emporia. It’s a compact city, easy to get around on foot (or by tram, metro, bus and boat) and there are more than enough things to do in Stockholm to keep even the most jaded of sightseers busy for a good few days, perhaps even a week. Dive in for our guide to Stockholm’s must-see attractions... Gamla Stan There’s no better introduction to Stcokholm’s fairytale charms than a stroll through Gamla Stan, the city’s medieval old town. Start in Stortorget – the main square – location of the city’s most photographed buildings: a swoonsome row of gabled 17th-century townhouses in chili reds, turmeric yellows and mint greens. Delicious! Even more delicious are the still-warm cinnamon and cardamom buns you’ll see glistening in bakers’ windows here. Grab one (or two) for sustenance then get lost in Gamla Stan’s atmospheric cobbled streets. It’s along these narrow lanes that you’ll encounter such treats as Stockholm Cathedral (Storkyran), a medieval gothic confection with a beautiful copper-green bell tower, awe-inspiring vaulted interiors and artifacts that include a 15th-century sculpture of St George and the Dragon. The occasional candlelit concerts that take place inside are highly recommended, should your visit happen to coincide with one. Other highlights of a walk around Gamla Stan include the opulent Royal Palace (the Swedish monarch’s official residence, no less), where you can watch the Changing of the Guard ceremony. And Stockholm’s narrowest alley, which tapers to a mere 90 centimeters across at one point and may make you regret that second cinnamon bun. Also not to be missed is the quite extraordinary carving over the doorway of Skeppsbron 44, which depicts the distraught face of a cuckolded husband sobbing over his wife’s... how do we put this politely?... lady bits. Apparently commissioned by the husband himself, it’s well worth a look, especially on rainy days when tears appear to pour from his eyes. Stockholm’s Best Museums You’re pretty spoiled for choice when it comes to fine museums and galleries in Stockholm. Chief among these is Skansen, an exceptional open-air living history museum on the verdant island of Djurgården, where craftspeople in period costume demonstrate what life was like in 19th-century Sweden. Also on Djurgården are a museum containing a 17th-century royal warship, an interactive museum charting the history of the Vikings and the fantastically fun musical extravaganza that is ABBA: The Museum, where wannabe dancing queens can jive with holographic avatars of Benny, Björn, Frida and Agnetha, and belt out their best Waterloo in the karaoke booth. Elsewhere, both Sweden’s National Museum and the diminutive Moderna Museet are free to enter and between them contain artistic treasures by the likes of Dalí, Degas, Duchamp, Rembrandt, Rubens, Renoir and Picasso. Looking for things to do in Stockholm with kids? Interactive science museum Tom Tits Experiment is hard to beat. Once they’ve stopped giggling at the somewhat peculiar name, there are hundreds of hands-on experiments to get involved in, such as escaping a Houdini rope knot, seeing your shadow change color, becoming a human yoyo and getting all shook up in a simulated earthquake. Around 30 minutes by train from the city center, in Södertälje, it’s a little off the beaten track but well worth the effort. More Fun Things to do in Stockholm Old churches and musty museums a little too dry for you? Good news: Stockholm also has stacks of activities guaranteed to bring you joy and laughter. Take Gröna Lund on Djurgården. Here by the water in Sweden’s oldest amusement park you can scare yourself silly on 21st-century thrill rides galore, or enjoy the more sedate old-fashioned entertainments offered by the tunnel of love, amusement arcade and rickety old wooden rollercoaster. Young children will love nearby Junibacken, a fairytale theme park that brings characters from classic Swedish literature to life, primarily those of author Astrid Lindgren (best known for her Pippi Longstocking stories) and also, of course, the Moomins of Moominvalley. Since Stockholm is an archipegalo it is surrounded by water, therefore it makes sense to spend some time on the water during your visit. There are plenty of boat tours in Stockholm to take in the different city islands via the river. Most of these tours will offer some good food and drink options too. Ride Stockholm’s metro for a fun way to experience (free!) contemporary art and sculpture: the platforms and tunnels, particularly in and around the city center, are almost otherworldly. You don’t even need to have a specific destination in mind to do this: the metro network is an attraction all of its own. Expect burning hellscapes, beautiful blue skies and rainbows, and cute puffins perched high on ledges. Emerge blinking into the daylight at Globen station and hop aboard the SkyView – this 20-minute ride up the side of the spherical Avicii Arena building affords excellent views across the city, its lakes and the southern suburbs. Eat, Drink and Be Merry! All this activity making you hungry (and thirsty)? Culinary delights abound in Stockholm, from the legendary Swedish smörgåsbord to crayfish, pickled herring and meatballs. You’ll find some of the best meatballs in town at the aptly named Meatballs For The People on trendy Södermalm. Or, should you be so inclined, a free bus runs from the city center to the planet’s biggest IKEA store, almost as famous nowadays for its meatballs as it is for its flat-pack Scandinavian home furnishings. Afterwards, discover Stockholm’s boozy heritage and sample traditional schnapps, local craft gins and flavored vodkas at the magnificent Museum of Spirits. Skål! No list of things to do in Stockholm would be complete without mentioning the annual Christmas markets, which are among the best and most atmospheric in the world. Wrap up warm (temperatures don’t get much above zero in December) and make straight for Stortorget for the main event. Expect a heart-warming festive scene that includes a towering pine tree festooned with twinkling fairy lights and dozens of traditional wooden cabins hawking Scandinavian crafts, gifts, trinkets and sweets. Warm up with a hearty mug of spiced glögg (mulled wine) and a gingerbread cookie. Save on things to do in Stockholm Save on admission to Stockholm attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram and Facebook for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
New Year's Eve fireworks over Stockholm's old town.
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New Year's Eve in Stockholm

Scandinavian New Year is a cozy affair, all family dinners, steaming mugs of hot chocolate, and fireworks and fizz at midnight. And Stockholm is one of the very best places to experience it. Thinking of taking the plunge? To help you make up your mind, we’ve put together our top suggestions for things to do on New Year’s Eve in Stockholm, from munching freshly baked cinnamon buns in the old town to sweating out the festive toxins in a traditional Swedish sauna. Read on for our expert guide... In the Morning... Warm Buns in Gamla Stan There’s no better way to commence any morning in Stockholm than by greedily scoffing as many still-warm cinnamon and cardamom buns as you can, ideally washed down with a cobweb-blasting strong Swedish coffee or two. Hit up the old town’s perfectly preserved medieval main square (Stortorget) for some of the best buns – and IG photo ops – around. We’re talking rainbows of regal townhouses painted in fruity shades of lime green, lemon yellow and plum purple, with fairytale gabled rooftops that jockey for position with grand palaces, baroque cathedrals and several ornate statues and fountains. Almost, in other words, enough to distract you from your breakfast buns. Want second helpings? Find a traditional café for Swedish pancakes and waffles topped with fresh fruit, yogurt and tart lingonberry jam, or smothered in buttermilk syrup so good you'll swear it's heaven-sent. A Taste of Swedish Culture Stockholm’s veritable smörgåsbord of museums transports you to the very heart of Swedish culture. Take the Viking Museum, for example, with its immersive, time-traveling journey into the nation's origin story. Fast forward a few hundred years at ABBA the Museum, where the opportunity to belt out Dancing Queen in the karaoke booth or bust your best moves with Benny, Björn, Frida and Agnetha is just too good to miss. Learn about the country’s relationship with vodka at the Museum of Spirits, check out a beautifully preserved 17th-century Swedish warship in the Vasa Museum, and view masterpieces by Swedish artists and other European legends including Rembrandt, Renoir, Rubens and more at the exceptional Nationalmuseum. You can experience some of Sweden’s finest contemporary art absolutely gratis, simply by riding the subway! Dubbed ‘the world’s longest art gallery’, the network features show-stopping artworks in of 90+ of its stations. Don’t miss the delicate fluorescent ‘heartbeat’ lights at Odenplan and the extraordinary scorched earth hellscape at Rådhuset. But open-air living history museum Skansen may well be the best Swedish cultural experience of the lot, featuring, as it does, a replica 19th-century town that’s complete with craftspeople plying traditional trades like tanning, cobbling and glass-blowing. Keep it highbrow at Fotografiska, where contemporary photo exhibitions may well provide inspiration for your own holiday snaps and the eye-catching restaurant, with its splendid views across the water to the old town, is as good a place to pause for lunch as any. In the Afternoon... Bag a Bargain It may be New Year’s Eve, but you’ll still be able to pick up festive trinkets at Stockholm’s atmospheric Christmas markets, which don’t wind down until early January. Alternatively hit up the big-brand stores on Drottninggatan and in the grandly named Westfield Mall of Scandinavia for Boxing Day sale bargains. Over in trendy Södermalm, the area south of Folkungagatan is so achingly cool it’s even earned its own nickname: SoFo. This is where dedicated browsers of hip independent boutiques are rewarded with prizes including one-off vintage fashions, artisan jewelry, rare vinyl records, second-hand books and more. Do as the Swedes Do Can you really say you’ve been to Stockholm without experiencing a traditional Swedish sauna at least once? No, dear reader, you cannot. The lakeside sauna at Hellasgården is as Swedish as meatballs and flat-pack furniture, all natural oak paneling and forest views. There’s even a lake where, in the depths of winter, a hole is cut in the ice to permit hardier souls a rejuvenating dip. Or hit up the Norrmalm neighborhood’s popular Centralbadet complex, a kitschy art nouveau confection that contains several tiled saunas and a large swimming pool. Not Swedish enough for ya? Fika is the simple Scandinavian art of enjoying coffee and a sweet treat with friends. So: do as the locals do and cap off that epic afternoon of shopping and sweating with a well-earned sit-down and – yep, you guessed it – another face-sized cinnamon bun. In the Evening... Dinner with a Difference Stockholm has no shortage of superlative dining options, from down and dirty Swedish meatball joints (Bakfickan; Meatballs for the People) to upscale Michelin-star restaurants (Operakalleren; Gastrologik). Sweden’s traditional New Year’s Eve dinner tends to go heavy on the shellfish, so you’ll find langoustines and lobster on the menu in most restaurants worth their salt on the 31st. Try Knut for modern northern Swedish dishes like reindeer filet and Arctic char tartare, or bag some of the best views in town at Himlen, up top of the Skrapan skyscraper. Alternatively, while unlikely to offer the finest gourmet experience you’ve ever had, a dinner cruise around Stockholm’s picturesque waterways can be a fun way to see in the New Year – food, fizz, fireworks and all! Firework Frenzy New Year wouldn’t be New Year without a spectacular firework display, and Stockholm is no slouch when it comes to the midnight pyrotechnics. The aforementioned Skansen is one of the best spots. Indeed, this is the place from where the countdown is broadcast to the nation every year, so you’ll be in good company. Expect a busy entertainment program featuring some of Sweden’s biggest stars before, at midnight, witnessing a peculiar Swedish tradition: almost every year since 1896, a well-known public figure or celebrity has stood on this very spot and recited Alfred Lord Tennyson’s 1850 poem Ring Out Wild Bells (in a Swedish translation). The old town’s inner harbor is another great firework-watching location, and is particularly stunning and atmospheric by the Royal Castle or City Hall. Or join the crowds along busy Västerbron bridge for the win. Save on things to do in Stockholm Save on admission to Stockholm attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
family having fun on a ferry in stockholm
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Make Your Tuesday Shine: Stockholm Edition

Tuesday in Stockholm is pure opportunity. The streets hum with life but skip the frenzy of the weekend crowd, museums fling open their doors, and the city’s easygoing rhythm invites you to roam at your own pace. Whether you’ve got a passion for history, a craving for Swedish treats, or just want to snap stunning photos near the glittering waterfront, Stockholm always brings its A-game. Ready for a blend of culture, flavors and fun? Here are our favorite ways to fill your Stockholm Tuesday with unforgettable moments.  Our favorite things to do in Stockholm on a Tuesday include:  Vasa Museum  Stockholm Cathedral  Stroll the Gamla Stan  Skansen  Traditional Swedish Fika at Systrarna Andersson  The Royal Palace  Stockholm Highlights Boat Tour by Strömma  Fotografiska  Skyview Stockholm  Swing Adventure Golf Bar  Vasa Museum: Sail into Swedish History  Start your Tuesday with awe at the Vasa Museum, home to Sweden’s most famous ship. This 17th-century warship spent centuries at the bottom of Stockholm harbor before being carefully restored and given a spectacular waterfront home on Djurgården. The Vasa itself never made it out of port on launch day (whoops), but its beautifully preserved woodwork is a testament to epic ambition.  Why is this place such a hit? First, the scale. Standing beside the Vasa, you’re dwarfed by soaring masts and intricate carvings that seem ready for battle—even after 400 years of seawater. The museum’s walkways let you circle the ship from every angle, and the exhibits combine rich storytelling, hands-on models, and evocative lighting (perfect for moody Insta photos). Don’t miss the short film introducing the ship’s wild journey—narrated with Swedish wit and charm.  The whole vibe here is both grand and relaxed. Take it slow, browse the gift shop for Viking trinkets, and reward yourself with a cinnamon bun at the cozy onsite café. The Vasa Museum makes history anything but dry—just imagine all the drama swirling around that fateful voyage as you gaze up at the ship’s silvery frame.  Stockholm Cathedral: Centuries of Beauty in Gamla Stan  Step inside Stockholm Cathedral (Storkyrkan) and step deep into Sweden’s history. Nestled right in the heart of Gamla Stan, this old cathedral is an alluring mix of grandeur and warmth, with vaulted brick ceilings, golden light, and centuries of royal secrets.  Why visit on a Tuesday? Fewer crowds mean you get an unhurried look at highlights like the impressive wooden St. George and the Dragon sculpture (spot the tiny hidden knight in its details) or the towering silver altar. The stained glass windows paint rainbows across the ancient stone, and if you’re lucky, the sweet sounds of a rehearsal from the choir loft will add magic to your moment.  What’s extra special is the mix of lavish royal occasion and local devotion: this is where kings and queens have wed and worshiped for over 700 years. Afterward, wander straight out into the maze of Gamla Stan’s cobbled lanes—cathedral spire in your background and all of Stockholm before you.  Skansen: Swedish Culture in the Open Air  Craving a bit of Swedish time travel? Skansen is your answer. This sprawling open-air museum on Djurgården whisks you back through five centuries of Swedish life, all within one gorgeous park. On a Tuesday, it’s lively but never rushed.  Stroll through historic farmsteads staffed with costumed interpreters who love sharing stories. Peek into timbered cottages, working windmills, and quaint shops where artisans show off traditional skills (try your hand at glassblowing if the mood strikes). Don’t forget to greet the resident bears, wolves, and elks at the on-site zoo—Scandi wildlife you’ll brag about back home.  Skansen nails that mix of heritage and fun. Seasonal festivals bring extra buzz, while panoramic city views from the hilltop are perfect for a midweek energy boost. Whether you’re seven or seventy, Skansen’s warm, interactive energy makes Swedish history wonderfully hands-on.  Traditional Swedish Fika at Systrarna Andersson: Coffee, Cake and Coziness  It’s not a real Tuesday in Stockholm without fika. At Systrarna Andersson, the aromas of fresh-baked kardemummabullar (that’s cardamom bun to you) and robust filter coffee pull visitors—and locals—through the door all day. This lovely café serves classic pastries in vintage-chic surroundings with big windows perfect for watching city life go by.  What sets Systrarna Andersson apart is its down-to-earth friendliness. Wooden tables are scattered with newspapers, the staff greet you with a cheerful “hej”, and the vibe is calm but never sleepy. Go for their signature open-faced shrimp sandwich if you’re peckish, but whatever you do, don’t skip their homemade cakes.   The chocolate kladdkaka is a gooey dream. Pull up a chair, unwind and feel completely, wonderfully Swedish for an hour. This is fika as it’s meant to be: equal parts sweet, social, and soothing.  The Royal Palace: Step into Swedish Splendor  If you want to savor Stockholm’s regal side, The Royal Palace in Gamla Stan is a must. This sprawling, grand building remains home base for the Swedish monarchy, but visitors are invited to discover its treasury, armory and halls steeped in centuries of intrigue.  You’ll wander through opulent staterooms gleaming with crystal chandeliers and gold leaf, then find yourself face-to-face with suits of armor and priceless crowns. The Royal Apartments stun with frescoes and old-world glamour, while the dimly-lit Royal Armoury immerses you in tales of battles and ceremonies past.  Nothing feels stuffy, though—the palace buzzes with activity. If you time your visit for the Changing of the Guard, you’ll catch marching bands and pageantry on the palace’s cobbled square. It’s a powerful reminder that you’re not just seeing history: you’re living it, in real time, right at the heart of Swedish tradition.  Stockholm Highlights Boat Tour by Strömma: City Views, Island Style  See Stockholm the smart way—by water. Hopping on the Stockholm Highlights Boat Tour by Strömma gives you a front-row seat to the city’s glittering skyline, historic neighborhoods, and leafy island parks. On a sunny Tuesday, there’s no better way to take it all in.  The boats are bright and comfy, gliding past attractions like the striking City Hall, grand Royal Palace, and the quirky houses perched on Södermalm’s cliffs. Narration brings the scenery to life with fun facts and quirky tidbits (ask about the phantom at the Opera House).  You’ll pass bustling ferries and swans gliding beside kayak paddlers—Stockholm’s city-life-meets-nature at its best. Bring your camera: the views from the deck are postcard material, any time of day. If Tuesday feels like the day for a breezy escape, let Stockholm’s waterways win you over.  SkyView Stockholm: A New Perspective on the City  If you love a dazzling viewpoint, SkyView Stockholm is a must. Here’s how it works: you’ll climb aboard a futuristic glass gondola that travels right up the curved side of the Avicii Arena—Stockholm’s famous globe-shaped stadium. As you glide smoothly to the top, those city views get better and better until, at nearly 130 meters up, you’re treated to a 360-degree panorama that’s all wow, no vertigo.  What makes SkyView special, besides the unbeatable vantage point, is that it’s thrilling without being extreme—everyone from little kids to nervous heights-avoiders can enjoy this gentle trip. On clear days, you can see islands dotting the archipelago, while evening rides offer a sea of twinkling city lights.  The vibe is lighthearted and futuristic, with friendly staff to calm any last-minute nerves. There’s even a mini-museum inside explaining how the glass pods were engineered (it’s more interesting than you’d think!). Whether you snap a skyline selfie or just soak up the scenery, you’ll come down with a brand new appreciation for Stockholm’s lovely sprawl.  Swing Adventure Golf Bar: Playful Putts and City Vibes  Fancy a little playful competition to round off your Tuesday? Head straight for Swing Adventure Golf Bar. This isn’t your average mini-golf—it’s a retro-feeling, slightly bonkers take on putt-putt, with 18 imaginative holes inspired by classic Swedish design and a dash of cheeky humor.  The experience kicks off with friendly staff handing out clubs and tips. The décor? Think roaring twenties speakeasy meets playful arcade, complete with jazzy tunes and plenty of nooks for posing between rounds. You’ll encounter glow-in-the-dark obstacles, hidden ramps, and a few surprises we won’t spoil here.  But Swing isn’t just about golf. The cozy cocktail bar offers local craft brews, Swedish cider, and signature drinks—their “Stockholm Sour” is a top pick. Grab a table for classic burgers or loaded nachos and watch other teams try to sink the trick shots.    There you have it—our favorite ways to transform a Tuesday in Stockholm from ordinary to inspired. With this mix of culture, flavor, fun, and a few unexpected views, your midweek adventure is sure to be anything but forgettable.    Enjoyed this? Check out our comprehensive guide to Fotografiska, and browse our picks of the best day trips out of the city.   Step up your sightseeing with Go City®  We make it easy to explore the best a city has to offer. We’re talking top attractions, hidden gems and local tours, all for one low price. Plus, you'll enjoy guaranteed savings, compared to buying individual attraction tickets.  See more, do more, and experience more with Go City®– just choose a pass to get started! 

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