Top 10 Tips to Live like a Local in Stockholm

Looking for the best Stockholm local travel tips? After spending five weeks in the city and getting advice from my sister-in-law and nephew, who has grown up in Stockholm, we’ve compiled the top 10 secrets for living like a true Stockholmer.

1. Ikea soft serve ice cream

Ikea food is such a gem and so many locals eat here. Their soft serve ice cream specifically is fantastic and sooo cheap. This is such a hack – but the sprinkles not worth it. Additionally, Ikea kanelbulla are delicious – served hot and you get 5 for 20 kr.

2. Pressbyran is convenient but way over priced

This is the convenience store you see on every corner, metro station, etc. Get your drinks and snacks from grocery stores which are also in pretty much every station.

3. Grocery store bakeries

Grocery store bakeries are very good and cheap – don’t write them off. Locals don’t get their pastries at cute little cafes everyday – the quality at the grocery store is top notch. Most grocery stores will put out crazy discounted pastries at about 7 – 8 pm (or an hour or 2 before closing). You can get 3 pastries for less than $1 – but students will come at ransack this deal the second they put them out.

4. Good to Go hot dogs

If you’re running around and looking for a cheap quick snack to hold you over – Good to Go hot dogs are $1. Good to Go is another convenience store found in most metro stations.

5. Get your SL card on your phone

You need an SL card – but don’t buy a physical card – it costs about $5 to get the physical card – just get the pass on your phone. The SL app is great!

6. Dodge the crowds

For all the touristy spots – go early and on weekdays if possible. Avoid the 10am – 4pm window when all the tours and cruise ships will be at the attractions.

7. Things are closed in the summer

 Everyone is on holiday in the summer – so a lot of things will close or have reduced hours. Check hours and also prepare to be flexible if things aren’t following the hours they have online.

8. Plan your bathroom breaks

There are not many public bathrooms – the train stations and malls have paid bathrooms usually about 10 – 15 kr but you can pay with credit card. Instead – walk with confidence into a restaurant or cafe. Or buy a small snack and then use a fast food/cafe bathroom.

9. Your English is fine

Pretty much everyone speaks English – so language is not a problem for tourists. It’s nice if you learn how to say “thank you” at least. In Swedish it is “tack” and thank you very much is “tack så mycket.” 

10. Learn to blend in

Swedish people are pretty reserved – so don’t talk loudly on the trains or in public places (people will stare at you).

By following advice like taking the transit pass on your phone and planning for summer closures, these Stockholm local travel tips will help you save money and blend in perfectly with the Swedish way of life.