Practical Stockholm Information

Below you will find opening hours, addresses and other practical Stockholm information.

Alcoholic Drinks
Light beer is sold in supermarkets at affordable prices, but for stronger beer, wine and other alcoholic drinks you have to visit one of the state-run Systembolaget shops which are open on weekdays between 10 AM en 6 PM. Prices here are high, and you should be 20 years old to buy; the staff may ask for identification.

Car Hire
A waste of money when you only stay in Stockholm, but recommended if you would like to explore other parts of Sweden. You can rent a car at Arlanda airport, but there are also car rental offices in the centre. Find out more about rules and regulations.

Credit Cards
Shops, hotels and restaurants accept all major brands.

Currency Exchange
Need cash? Read more about the Swedish krona and currency exchange here.

Emergency Phone Number
Dial 112 for the police, fire brigade or an ambulance. Calls are free from a phone booth.

Food
Swedish food is tasty and due to strict government regulations, of very high quality. There are plenty of affordable and not-so-affordable restaurants in Stockholm.

Medical Help
Need medical help? Call 08-4639100 (24 hours a day). The staff speaks English, as do most doctors in hospitals and medical centers.

News
English-language newspapers can be bought at the central railway station and other newspaper shops. The Local covers Sweden's news in English. Triple News compares the Swedish and Dutch perspective on news.

Pharmacies
Are found throughout the city. You can recognize pharmacies/chemists by the Apotek sign.

Police
Stockholm is a safe place if you follow these safety tips. However, in case something happens, dial the emergency number 112. Police headquarters are located at Kungsholmsgatan 37, Kungsholmen.

Post Offices
Post offices now focus on business services. If you want stamps for greeting cards, you have plenty of other opportunities, for example in the Pressbyran shops found at Stockholm central station.

Price Level
Sweden has a reputation of being expensive. However, prices have gone down in recent years to a level that is common in most Western European countries. If you know how to save money Stockholm can even be cheaper than many other European capitals.

Public Transport
Read more about buses, subway/underground and other means of transport.

Shopping
With no less than 4,000 shops shopping in Stockholm is an attraction in itself. Normal business hours are 10 AM to 6 PM on weekdays, and 10 AM to 3 PM on Saturdays. Many stores are also open on Sundays.

Smoking
Smoking is prohibited in public buildings, public transport and even at bus stops. Restaurants are obliged to have a non-smoking zone.

Stockholm Card
The Stockholm Card gives you free admission to museums and attractions and unlimited travel on bus and metro.

Stockholm Information Service
The official name of the tourist information office. You’ll find the Stockholm Information Service in Sweden House at Hamngatan, opposite of NK department store. Sweden House opens at 9 AM in summer.

Water
It's safe to drink water from the tap in Sweden.

Weather
The climate of Stockholm, Sweden is much better than many people think. Click here to see the actual weather and find a forecast.

More Stockholm information is given throughout this web site.