Traveling across Scandinavia can be quite expensive for tourists, as it is one of the priciest regions in the world. So it’s essential to plan your itinerary thoughtfully. However, visiting Sweden has many benefits, including its impressive public transportation system. During my one-week trip in 2023, I relied solely on public transportation and did not take an Uber or taxi even once. This not only saved me money but also offered a more sustainable and environmentally friendly way to travel, reducing my carbon footprint.
For me, traveling via public transportation enhances the travel experience by allowing you to feel a slice of local life. I can observe daily commuters heading to work, students going to school or college, and locals running errands and picking up groceries. As someone who heavily relies on public transportation back home, I enjoy comparing transit options across different cities and countries. I really love visiting cities and towns that prioritize investments in their public transit infrastructure.
I was centrally located in the city, which made it easy to walk around, especially during the summertime. On days when walking wasn’t ideal, there were various transit options available, including the metro, above-ground trams, and ferries that connect citizens and visitors across the islands in the Stockholm Archipelago. I was located a few minutes by walk to T Centralen, situated in the Norrmalm district, which is one of busiest train stations in Sweden. And ferries were only a 10-15 minute walk away. There’s a saying that “Location matters in real estate.” Well, location also matters in travel.
Discover five amazing ideas and tips for an affordable trip that will enhance your travel enjoyment, fulfillment, and cost savings in the favorite currency of your choice!
Tip #1 – Take the commuter ferry to Vaxholm
During my visit to Stockholm, I found various guided tours of the Stockholm Archipelago. While I enjoy knowledgeable guided tours, this time I preferred to explore independently for more flexibility in pacing and when and how long to stay on each island.
As I wandered through Stockholm city, I came across the SL Ticket Booth. I decided to learn more about the different ferry options available for visiting the archipelago. Based on the information shared by the helpful staff member, I realized the commuter ferry option was exactly what I needed to explore the archipelago and I was sold. The tickets were more much affordable compared to the tours and I could time the trip as it suited me. I decided to visit Vaxholm which was a short ferry ride away at about 45 minutes one-way. Vaxholm is a picturesque and popular island to visit. The local ferry that transports visitors to Vaxholm is Waxholmbolaget.
I recommend downloading the SL application on your mobile device so you can track the schedule in real time. Paper hard copies are also available. Or check the SL website here. My biggest fear was missing the last ferry and being stuck on the island. Fortunately, it did not happen! Along with fresh, clean air, I enjoyed browsing Stockholm’s smaller islands and traditional homes from the water. It was a smooth ferry ride with options to sit both inside the ferry or outside. Beware – July brings unpredictable rain, often in short, heavy bursts. One cannot trust the weather apps so tread with caution and always carry an umbrella and poncho.
Tip #2 – Free guided tour and visit to Riksdag (Swedish Parliament)
The Riksdag, or Swedish Parliament, offers free guided tours and visits regularly. There is no expectation to provide tips on this tour, and I highly doubt it’s even permitted. Its very easy to sign up for a tour online with a few options available throughout the week. I discovered this option in the DK Eyewitness Top 10 Stockholm Guidebook. The Parliament is conveniently located just outside the hotel I stayed at, about a 3 to 5-minute walk, which made it a perfect mid-day activity. The exterior of the building is grand and magnificent. I was impressed with the tour as well. If you’re into diplomatic affairs and history, you will enjoy the tour. If you’re not, it’s still a fun way to spend time and learn about the country you’re in. The tour guides are quite open to tough questions though the answers may be more on the diplomatic side. Given the international audience of the tour, there were some interesting discussions during the tour which I won’t repeat here.
There are approximately 349 members in the Swedish Parliament and about 90% of eligible voters vote in elections. Although Sweden is a member of the European Union, its citizens voted to retain their local currency, the Swedish Krona. While Sweden is largely cashless, if you do choose to pay in cash, it must be in Krona. There are approximately 349 members in Parliament. While Sweden is a member of the European Union, its citizens voted to keep the local currency of Swedish Kroner. Sweden is basically cash-free but if you pay in cash, it needs to be in SEK.
Tip #3 – Skip the Hotel Breakfast Buffet
Stockholm is home to many bakeries that offer fresh sweet and savory baked goods, light meals, and a variety of coffees and espresso drinks. Instead of spending money on a generic hotel breakfast buffet every day, I recommend visiting a local bakery to experience authentic Scandinavian flavors. A traditional cinnamon bun paired with a cup of coffee is a must-try.
Personally, I find it difficult to eat enough at breakfast to justify the expense, and due to my dietary restrictions, many options are often unavailable to me. The quality of baked goods at local bakeries tends to be much better than what you find at hotel buffets, where fresh baking is not the main focus.
Highly recommend Vete Katten and Lillebrors Bageri in Stockholm. Vete Katten has plenty of indoor seating, while Lillebrors Bageri has no indoor seating, just a small bench outdoors. Read my previous blog post (Fika and Sweet Times in Sweden) for a deep dive into the local tradition of Fika.
Tip #4 – Walk It. Train It.
Unless you have a considerable amount of luggage, skip the taxi from and to the airport and take the Arlanda Express. Visitors can purchase train tickets in advance at the station or immediately before their scheduled trip using one of the ticket kiosk machines or at the ticket counter. The express train ride to Stockholm Central takes approximately 20 minutes. Onboard, there is space to store luggage and suitcases. The train is very clean and comfortable with huge windows perfect for sightseeing. Stockholm is an accessible city, with escalators and elevators available to assist with managing luggage. As of July 2023, the cost for a one-way express train ticket was around $30 USD.
Once you reach the city center, I recommend walking as much as you can, as most tourist attractions are conveniently located near major hotels and accommodations. Stockholm is a beautiful, clean city situated along the water. Many people can be seen walking, running, or jogging along the scenic waterfront. I didn’t go for a run during my trip, but now I wish I had. Regardless, it’s a delightful experience to stroll around the city, and in the summer, you can be outside at 10 PM, and it will still be sunny and bright outside. The sun then rises at 3 am. The city has a magical, fairytale-like quality; I felt as if I were in a real-life Disney World.
Trains are also a great option to explore other cities and town outside of Stockholm. The commuter train can take you to the university town of Uppsala in about 40 minutes. You can even take a train to Copenhagen, Denmark!
Tip #5 – Join a free walking tour (or two or three)
In my opinion, the best way to get acquainted with a new city is through a walking tour. It allows you to experience the atmosphere and vibe of the area while also providing background context for your stay, whether it’s for a few days or weeks or months. I love how you can sign up online in advance and show up on the day of the tour. So easy with low commitment.
I joined the Free Old Town Walking Tour (Morning) offered by Rainbow Tours, which serves as an excellent introduction to the architecture, history, politics, and current state of Sweden and Stockholm. My tour guide was Dani, originally from Stockholm but a student now studying in southern Sweden. She spends her summers and vacations in Stockholm. Along the way, there were plenty of great photo opportunities, especially in the very photogenic Gamla Stan. One fun fact from the tour is that the local government would tax houses based on the number of windows; the more windows a house had, the higher the taxes. As a result, citizens would paint fake windows on the exterior to avoid the taxes while maintaining the appearance and appeal of their homes. How clever and fascinating! While the tour is free of cost, gratuity and tips (cash or credit card accepted) are appreciated by guides, many of whom are students. How much to tip is a highly personal decision. I usually tip around $10 for a two to three walking tour, sometimes more if the tour was exceptional.
Bonus Tip – Visit the Stockholm Public Library!
Libraries are great, aren’t they? I love being surrounded by books, whether in a library or a bookstore. The charm is amplified even more by an amazing beautiful rotunda, surrounded by endless aisles of books. I was truly in awe as I witnessed the Rotunda. Come to the Stockholm City Library for its stunning interior architecture, and take the time to browse the endless shelves of books. Designed by Gunnar Asplund, the library is built in the Swedish Grace style and is the first library in Sweden where patrons can browse shelves with assistance from the staff. There’s even a section for children and similar to the USA, you can find students studying here. It’s a must-visit for literary enthusiasts. My bookshelf (and books) is the most cherished part of my home and that extends to outside the home as well.
Note: As of this writing, the library is temporarily closed due to renovations and will reopen in 2027
Disclaimer: This is an independent travel guide for a trip I paid for. No companies or endorsements were provided for this unbiased view of my experience and travel tips.
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