Stockholm, Sweden

• Stockholm is built on 14 islands with bridges connecting them, so you'll cross water constantly while getting around. The city is almost entirely cashless - many shops and restaurants don't accept cash at all, so you'll need a credit card for basically everything.
• Swedish culture values personal space and quiet. People don't make small talk with strangers on the metro, and sitting alone in cafés is completely normal - it's called fika and locals do it daily. Most Stockholmers speak fluent English, including police and emergency services.
• The central islands (Gamla Stan, Södermalm, Östermalm, Norrmalm) are safe to walk around day and night. Street harassment is rare. The outer suburbs like Rinkeby, Tensta, and Husby have higher crime and you should avoid them.
• Public transport runs frequently and is safe at all hours, but you can't buy tickets with cash. Download the SL app or buy an SL card before you travel.

Swedish is the official language, but most people in Stockholm speak fluent English, especially anyone working in shops, restaurants, or tourism. Emergency services and police have English-speaking operators. Signs, menus, and announcements are usually in both Swedish and English.

• Swedes are very punctual - 5 minutes late is considered rude. They also value quiet and personal space. Loud conversations on public transport or in restaurants will get you looks. Don't take it personally if people seem reserved - it's just the culture.
• Fika (coffee break) is a daily ritual. You'll see people sitting alone in cafés reading or on laptops, especially 2-4pm. Eating alone is completely normal. Tipping is optional, maybe 5-10% at restaurants if the service was good.
• Always remove shoes when entering someone's home. Smoking is banned in most public areas including near building entrances. Recycling is serious - you'll see separate bins for different materials.
• Many Swedes use Swish (a payment app) to split bills, but international credit cards work fine. Some museums have free admission on certain days - check before you go.

The first hour after landing is when you're tired, carrying everything, and easiest to take advantage of. Three things to sort before you fly:

• Your ride from the airport. A driver who meets you in arrivals, at a price fixed before you fly — no haggling at the taxi rank.

  Book an airport pickup

• Data the moment you land. Maps, ride apps and a way to call for help as soon as you switch your phone on. An eSIM installs at home.

  Get a good eSIM

• The emergency number. Emergency Services (Police, Fire, Medical): 112. Save it in your phone, not just on this page.

  All emergency contacts

• The SL system (metro, buses, trams, ferries) covers the city. A single 75-minute ticket costs 44 SEK, a 24-hour pass is 175 SEK. You need the SL app or an SL card - you can't buy tickets with cash. The metro has three lines connecting the main areas.
• Stockholm is extremely cashless. Most places don't take cash at all - public transport, many restaurants, even some street vendors only accept cards. Bring a credit card, not cash.
• The city center is walkable but you'll cross bridges constantly between islands. Bikes are common and bike lanes are good, though cycling in winter (November-March) is slippery. The metro runs until 1am on weekdays, all night on Friday and Saturday.
• If you're planning day trips outside the city, consider renting a car.

Explore Stockholm with local guides and curated experiences.