Stockholm is one of my favorite cities in the world. I love its beautiful architecture, stunning archipelago, lively nightlife, and the kind, welcoming people who live there. Throw in spacious parks, cozy cafés, and delicious food, and it’s the perfect destination.
In fact, I love Stockholm so much, I even tried to move there! Over the years, I’ve made great friends and spent so much time in the city that I feel like a local. If it weren’t for the brutal winter, Stockholm would be the perfect city.
But here’s the thing: Stockholm is often considered expensive, and a lot of budget travelers skip it for that reason. While it’s true that Stockholm can be pricey, visiting doesn’t have to break the bank. With a few simple tips, you can make your trip much more affordable without sacrificing the experience.
Here are my top tips for traveling in Stockholm on a budget:
1. Take a Free Walking Tour
One of the first things I always do when I arrive in a new city is a walking tour. It’s a great way to get oriented, learn about the city’s history, and see the major sights. In Stockholm, Free Tour Stockholm offers fantastic walking tours of the Old Town, showcasing the city’s best landmarks and beautiful architecture. And the best part? It’s free!
2. Cut Your Food Budget
Eating out in Stockholm can be super expensive, but there are ways to save on food without sacrificing flavor.
- Cook your own meals: Groceries in Stockholm cost about 600–800 SEK per week, which is a great value compared to restaurant meals that typically run 125–250 SEK. Cooking your own meals will save you a ton. The cheapest grocery stores are Willy’s and Lidl, and many hostels (and Airbnb apartments) have kitchens to help you out.
- Avoid sit-down restaurants: If you do eat out, street food or pizza are your best bets. You can get a filling meal for about 100 SEK. Thai and Middle Eastern food are often affordable too. Meals like pizza or Thai food are often large enough to give you leftovers for another meal.
- Go for lunch buffets: Lunch buffets are another affordable option. They typically cost around 120–150 SEK and offer a lot of variety. Hermitage is one of my go-to spots for a delicious, filling meal.
3. Take Advantage of the Free Parks
Stockholm has a number of beautiful parks, and the best part? They’re free! You can wander around the city, relax, have a picnic, or just people-watch in spots like Djurgården, Langholmen, Gärdet, and Rålambshovsparken. These parks offer large green spaces perfect for a relaxing afternoon, especially during Stockholm’s long summer days.
4. Visit Free or Discounted Museums
Many of Stockholm’s museums are expensive, but there are a few ways to visit them on a budget. Some museums offer free entry on certain days or have free hours, and if you’re under a certain age, you might get in for free. Keep an eye out for these deals, and you’ll be able to enjoy the city’s culture without spending much.
5. Limit Your Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol in Sweden can get pricey, so if you want to save money, cut back on drinking. Wine is especially expensive, so stick to beer if you’re looking to keep costs down. If you do want to go out, look for happy hours and consider pre-drinking by buying alcohol at Systembolaget (the state-run liquor store).
6. Explore the Archipelago on a Budget
Stockholm’s archipelago is stunning, with thousands of islands to explore. While boat tours are expensive, you can save money by taking public ferries to outer islands. Tickets are around 60–180 SEK, which is a fraction of the price of guided cruises.
7. Get a Transportation or Tourist Pass
Stockholm’s metro fares are about 42 SEK per ticket, which adds up quickly. If you plan to use public transportation a lot, consider buying an unlimited travel card for 455 SEK (plus 20 SEK for the card). It’s valid for seven days, so if you take the subway or bus twice a day, it’ll save you money.
For those planning to visit many attractions, the Go City Pass is worth considering. It offers free entry to over 60 attractions, including museums, sightseeing tours, and monuments. While it’s not cheap (single-day passes are 999 SEK), it can save you a lot if you plan to visit many places.
8. Stay at Budget-Friendly Hostels
If you’re on a tight budget, consider staying at one of Stockholm’s more affordable hostels. Nomad Cave is a budget-friendly option with decent cleanliness and amenities. Alternatively, City Backpackers is a popular choice that’s not too expensive and offers free pasta and a sauna.
If you’re open to something a bit more rugged, try wild camping outside the city. Thanks to Sweden’s Freedom to Roam laws, you can camp for free in many areas. You can also check out Campspace for affordable camping options.
Final Thoughts
Stockholm might be expensive, but it doesn’t have to break your budget. By planning ahead and following these tips, you can enjoy everything this beautiful city has to offer without spending a fortune. While it may never be dirt-cheap, with a little effort, Stockholm can definitely be affordable.
Don’t let the cost discourage you. Stockholm is worth every penny!
