Stockholm, Sweden's stunning capital, spans 14 islands where Lake Mälaren meets the Baltic Sea, creating a city of breathtaking waterways, medieval history, and state-of-the-art design. As Scandinavia's largest city, it blends royal palaces and Viking heritage with a thriving food scene and world-class museums.
Stockholm is one of Europe's safest capitals and a generally very welcoming city for tourists. The main concerns are petty theft in crowded tourist areas and public transport; violent crime against visitors is extremely rare.
Current safety advisory
Low
Most visits to Sweden are trouble-free. The US State Department issues a Level 2 advisory (Exercise Increased Caution) primarily due to the general terrorism threat, not specific risks to tourists. Gang-related crime exists but is concentrated in specific suburban areas far from tourist destinations.
Last updated: 2025-01
Official advisories
Guidance from national travel-advisory services.
Level 2 — Exercise Increased Caution
Exercise increased caution due to terrorism. Gang-related violence occurs primarily in specific suburban areas; tourist destinations remain safe.
High Degree of Caution
Exercise a high degree of caution due to the threat of terrorism. Major tourist areas are safe; avoid areas with heightened gang activity.
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Keep wallets and phones out of back pockets on the Tunnelbana (metro), especially at busy stations like T-Centralen and Gamla Stan
Use only licensed taxis or app-based services like Uber and Bolt — avoid unlicensed drivers offering rides near Central Station or tourist areas
Be alert for pickpockets in Gamla Stan's narrow alleyways, Sergels Torg, and during major events and festivals
Avoid suburban areas like Rinkeby, Husby and Tensta after dark — these are residential areas far from tourist sights but have higher crime rates
Emergency number for police, fire and ambulance is 112 — memorise this single number for all emergencies
In non-emergency situations, contact the police on 114 14 to report theft or minor crimes
Keep a photocopy of your passport separately from the original — report passport theft immediately to police and your embassy
Stockholm water is among the cleanest in the world — drink from the tap, avoid buying plastic water bottles
Be cautious of the 'distraction scam' — one person distracts you while another takes your bag or wallet
At night, stick to well-lit streets in tourist areas; Södermalm and Östermalm are generally safe after midnight
Watch your drink in bars and clubs — drink spiking, while rare, does occur in busy nightlife areas
Store valuables in your accommodation's safe rather than carrying them during sightseeing
Beware of aggressive panhandling or card scams near ATMs in central tourist areas
Sweden has strict drink-driving laws — blood alcohol limit is 0.02% (effectively zero) — always use public transport after drinking
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Distraction Pickpocketing
Working in pairs: one person drops something, asks a question or causes a scene while an accomplice takes your wallet, phone or bag
How to avoid: Keep valuables in front pockets or a zipped bag; be alert when approached by strangers in tourist areas
Unlicensed Taxi Overcharging
Unofficial taxis near Central Station or nightlife areas charge inflated fares, sometimes 10x the normal rate
How to avoid: Only use licensed taxis (Taxi Stockholm, Cabonline) or app-based services (Uber, Bolt) with displayed pricing
ATM Skimming
Card-skimming devices occasionally installed on ATMs in tourist areas to steal card data
How to avoid: Use ATMs inside bank branches; cover PIN when entering; check card reader for tampering
Fake Petitions / Clipboards
Individuals approach tourists with clipboards claiming to collect signatures for charities while attempting to pick pockets
How to avoid: Decline firmly and walk away; do not sign anything from strangers on the street
Online Accommodation Scams
Fake short-term rental listings on classified sites charge deposits for non-existent apartments
How to avoid: Book accommodation only through established platforms (Booking.com, Airbnb, official hotel websites)
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
- Vaccinations
- No special vaccinations required for Sweden. Routine vaccinations (MMR, Tetanus, COVID-19) should be up to date. Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) vaccination recommended for hiking in forested areas.
- Water
- Tap water is safe, clean and delicious throughout Stockholm. Bottled water is unnecessary.
- Food
- Food safety standards are among the highest in Europe. No food safety concerns in Stockholm.
- Facilities
- Excellent healthcare system. Karolinska University Hospital is one of Europe's finest. EU citizens should carry their EHIC card. Travel insurance with medical coverage strongly recommended for non-EU visitors.
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Solo travellers
Stockholm is excellent for solo travellers of all genders. The city is well-lit, public transport runs late, and locals are generally helpful. Solo travellers should exercise standard urban precautions: stay aware in crowded transport, keep valuables secured, and trust your instincts in unfamiliar areas after dark.
Female travellers
Stockholm is one of the safest cities in the world for solo female travellers. Sweden consistently ranks among the world's top countries for gender equality. Normal precautions apply at night — use ride-sharing apps rather than accepting rides from strangers, and stick to populated areas after midnight.
Families
Stockholm is an exceptionally family-friendly city. The metro and buses have family-friendly facilities, major attractions are child-safe, and Swedish society is very welcoming to families. Prams and strollers are easily accommodated on public transport. Healthcare is excellent if needed.
LGBTQ+ travellers
Sweden was among the first countries to legalise same-sex partnerships and is consistently rated one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly countries in the world. Same-sex marriage has been legal since 2009. Stockholm has a vibrant and visible LGBTQ+ scene centred on Södermalm, particularly around Mariatorget. Stockholm Pride, held in late July/early August, is one of Scandinavia's largest Pride events. Public displays of affection are widely accepted throughout the city.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
- Police
- 112 (emergency); 114 14 (non-emergency)
- Medical
- 112 (emergency ambulance); 1177 (health advice line)
- Embassy
- Contact your country's embassy in Stockholm for passport loss, arrests or serious emergencies
- Tourist Police
- Not applicable — contact regular police on 112 or 114 14