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On   Star Trek: Voyager  Captain Janeway had an impressive array of hairstyles during the course of the show, something actress Kate Mulgrew has attributed to the producers' anxieties about her character being Star Trek's first female captain. Star Trek: Voyager , which premiered in 1995 and ran for seven seasons, broke several barriers for the franchise in terms of representation. The cast was one of the most diverse of any Star Trek series to date, featuring many people of color and female main characters, including of course Captain Janeway .

Janeway was and continues to be an inspiration to many women who were finally able to see the representation of a strong female lead in their favorite franchise. Actress Kate Mulgrew played the character with the dignity the role deserved, imbuing Janeway with gravitas while not shying away from showing her vulnerability when the situation called for it. Being the first female captain however meant that Janeway and Mulgrew were subjected to much scrutiny by fans, and according to Mulgrew, much anxiety on the part of Voyager's producers. This anxiety apparently manifested as concern about Janeway's appearance, and more specifically her hair.

Related: Star Trek Voyager: Why Janeway & Chakotay Never Became A Couple

Star Trek: Voyager fans will know that over the course of the show's seven seasons, Janeway sported an impressive array of hairstyles. For most of the first 3 seasons, Janeway wore her hair long and in some sort of updo, which included her iconic bun or an elaborately styled ponytail. Starting about midway through season 4, the long hair vanished to be replaced with a short bob that remained Janeway's style through the end of the series. While the bun and the bob are perhaps Janeway's most iconic hairstyles, the character was subjected to just about every other hairdo in between, including a french twist and a slightly longer version of the later bob.

While Janeway's hair is seen as a source of humor among some fans, Kate Mulgrew has stated that the changes were not only a nuisance for her but also indicative of the deeper issues Voyager's producers were having in attempting to craft Janeway as an appropriate  Star Trek  character . Janeway's appearance, including her hair, was the issue where Mulgrew felt the producers were channeling all of their anxieties about how the character would go over with fans, especially in early seasons. The focus on how Janeway looked, rather than her character development, was what gave rise to the sheer amount of different hairstyles the character was subjected to. As Janeway's character developed naturally throughout the show, however, the powers-that-be began to relax after seeing that fans had a generally favorable opinion of her, and the character was allowed to keep a single (practical and no-nonsense) hairstyle for longer than a season or two.

While Mulgrew has indicated that she thinks the obsession with Janeway's hair is perhaps indicative of a larger problem about women always being judged on their appearance no matter the capabilities, the ever-changing hairstyles luckily did not undermine Janeway's character too much. With the help of Mulgrew's acting abilities and the eventual assuaged fears on the part of the producers, Janeway was still able to develop into the icon she continues to be today. Star Trek: Voyager  benefitted greatly from Janeway at the helm, and her hairstyles have become just one more quirk of her character that fans still enjoy discussing to this day.

More: Star Trek: Why Captain Janeway Is Perfect For The New Series Prodigy

• SR Originals
• Star Trek: Voyager

Captain Janeway’s 7 Star Trek: Voyager Hairstyles, Ranked Worst To Best

• Janeway's ever-changing hairstyles on Star Trek: Voyager reflected the creative team's anxieties about the show's first female captain.
• Her most iconic hairstyle, the bun, was not always flattering, and more casual looks suited her better.
• Janeway's natural bob haircut in season 4 was the most flattering and gave her a windblown appearance that complemented her well.

Captain Janeway (Kate Mulgrew) had an impressive array of hairstyles throughout Star Trek: Voyager , and some of them were better than others. Janeway was Star Trek 's first female lead while she captained the USS Voyager from 1995 to 2001. As such, the character faced unique challenges that other Star Trek captains hadn't had to deal with, especially regarding how she was written, portrayed, and styled. One of these challenges was how Voyager 's creative team dealt with Janeway's appearance, which manifested most strongly in her hair.

While Janeway did eventually settle on a distinct hairdo for Voyager 's final three seasons, early episodes of the show saw her sport a dizzying progression of styles, many of them variations on a similar theme like an updo or a bob haircut. Janeway's ever-changing appearance seemed to be a manifestation of the creative team's anxieties about Star Trek 's first female Captain , but once Voyager had hit its stride in later seasons and Janeway was fast becoming a fan-favorite, her rotating hairdos seemed to calm down as well. Nevertheless, the hairstyles Janeway did go through during Voyager 's run certainly had some hits and misses .

Related: Star Trek: Why Voyager's Captain Janeway Had So Many Hairstyles

The Ponytail

Voyager seasons 3&4.

One of Janeway's hairstyles that she had off and on during Voyager seasons 3 and 4 was a long ponytail, usually styled fancily with some rolls on the sides and a large clip or barret holding everything together in the back. The adornments for this style varied a little throughout various episodes, but the hair itself was largely the same throughout all the variations. Although the ponytail stuck around for a number of episodes, it's definitely Janeway's least iconic hairstyle and not the most flattering on her either. This is likely why it was phased out for a bob halfway through season 4.

Voyager seasons 1,2&3

Janeway's "bun of steel" is arguably her most iconic hairstyle , and was present for the majority of Voyager season 1 and 2, as well as some of season 3. Like the ponytail, the way that the bun was styled varied a bit, but the basic look remained the same the entire time Janeway used it. The style had a sizable bouffant in the front where the hair puffed out before being gathered on the top of Janeway's head in a tight circle. Although it is perhaps her most well-known look, the bun wasn't always flattering, and the more casual looks later in the series suited Janeway better.

The Fancy Bun

Voyager season 1.

One important variation on Janeway's bun was a fancy updo that she could be seen sporting in a few episodes of Voyager season 1. Instead of Janeway's hair being gathered in a sensible knot, it was curled and shaped into a series of ringlets that were pinned to the top of her head. Although this fancy bun wasn't a hairstyle Janeway often used, it appeared more than once in season 1, most notably in Star Trek: Voyager 's pilot , "Caretaker Parts I&II." The style is noteworthy for this fact and for the fact that it was more aesthetically pleasing than the regular bun.

The French Twist

One final variation on the bun was a French twist hairstyle that Janeway adopted occasionally. This style saw the hair gathered at the back of her head and tucked in such a way that it almost looked like the hair was being sucked back in on itself. This style was just about as common as Janeway's fancy bun, only appearing in a handful of episodes during Voyager season 1. However, it would go on to be important for another character on the show in later seasons; Seven of Nine (Jeri Ryan) wore her hair in a French twist during nearly her entire time as a member of Voyager 's main cast.

Voyager season 4, episode 23, "Living Witness"

Although Janeway's variation on a pixie cut only appeared in one episode of Voyager , the episode's premise and style itself were noteworthy enough for its inclusion among her most memorable hairdos. Season 4, episode 23, "Living Witness" was the only episode of Voyager that featured any version of the crew that could have come from Star Trek 's Mirror Universe , shown through a recreation by an alien race that had immortalized an inaccurately dark version of Voyager after a tense encounter. In keeping with the inaccuracies, Janeway was portrayed with a shaggy pixie cut that, while actually quite flattering, unfortunately never made another reappearance on the show.

The Straightened Bob

Voyager season 4-7.

Janeway's bob haircut, which she eventually settled into for Voyager' s final three seasons, is just as recognizable as her bun and definitely more flattering . The bob that Janeway settled on was no-nonsense, falling roughly to her chin with the ends of it curling slightly toward her face. The style fit Janeway well, and having her sport a hairdo that didn't distract from her performance or seem needlessly complicated was the right choice once Voyager hit its stride with consistently good episodes in season 5. However, there was one variation on Janeway's bob that was arguably better than what she settled on.

The Natural Bob

Voyager season 4.

Janeway's most flattering hairstyle on Star Trek: Voyager was her natural bob haircut, which she wore for a few episodes of season 4 before beginning to straighten it into something more controlled. The hair for Janeway's natural bob was about the same length as her later bob, falling to her chin or maybe a little lower. However, it was much more wavy and less controlled, giving Janeway a windblown appearance that complemented her well. Although it's understandable that Janeway would want something more traditionally professional while she was working, the natural bob was arguably a superior variation over what it turned into later.

Star Trek: Voyager

Release Date: 1995-05-23

Cast: Kate Mulgrew, Robert Beltran, Roxann Dawson, Jennifer Lien, Robert Duncan McNeill, Ethan Phillips, Robert Picardo, Tim Russ, Garrett Wang, Jeri Ryan

Genres: Action, Sci-Fi

Story By: Rick Berman, Michael Piller, Jeri Taylor

Writers: Rick Berman, Michael Piller, Jeri Taylor

Network: UPN

Streaming Sevice: Paramount+

Franchise(s): Star Trek

Directors: David Livingston, Winrich Kolbe, Allan Kroeker, Michael Vejar

Showrunner: Michael Piller, Jeri Taylor, Brannon Braga, Kenneth Biller

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39 Cool Balayage Hair Ideas for Every Color and Texture

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So many hair-color trends come and go before you can even book your colorist, which is why it's a big deal when one has staying power. Balayage hair—which first became popular in 2014 and has stayed that way ever since—happens to be one of those. In fact, the technique is pretty much the most defining hair trend of the past decade, and it's responsible for the beachy, effortless color all over red carpets and Instagram. It's easy to understand its popularity; it's super natural, an instant pick-me-up for your hair, and a great way to stretch the amount of time you need between appointments. Here's why.

What is balayage? 

Simply put, balayage is a highlighting technique that doesn't use foils. Instead, your hair colorist will hand-paint color directly onto your hair, creating more natural, blended, sun-kissed color. Despite being a softer effect, it also allows your colorist more control, and it's crucial for creating all those blended-drink-inspired hues like brown ale and raspberry bourbon . “My favorite thing about balayage is that it can be soft and subtle, or it can be amped up through bold and bright coloring, all the while having a universally flattering effect," says celebrity colorist and Matrix brand ambassador George Papanikolas . 

In addition to its versatility, balayage is beloved by clients and colorists alike since it not only looks more effortless, it actually takes way less maintenance than traditional highlights. “Balayage tends to give you a better grow-out period,” says Nikki Lee , co-owner of L.A.'s Nine Zero One salon. “Whereas a traditional highlight client might need to touch up her regrowth every eight weeks, you can stretch it to 12 weeks or longer with balayage.”

Into it? We rounded up some of of favorite examples of the technique, below. Scroll on for the best balayage hair ideas to try this year.

Golden Peach Balayage

Peach hair is trending hard right now, but for a more natural take on the trend, go for a pretty swirled ginger like this one. 

Face-Frame Highlights 

Another major trend for 2020? Anything that draws attention right to your face. While you could go for a throwback chunky highlight (yes, that's happening), swirls of color are much more subtle. 

Tweed Hair 

According to Chicago colorist Rex Jimieson , his clients have been moving away from the more defined ombré they’ve been loving in recent seasons. Instead they’ve been asking for a look that Jimieson dubbed tweed hair , essentially subtle highlights that are evenly distributed. “A contrast is still present, but not as ‘overachiever’ as seen in recent seasons,” he says. One of our favorite versions of the look? This rich brown with golden balayage pieces from Simplicity Salon in South Florida.  

Cool Brown Balayage

If you're looking to break up your brunette without making a major change, try barely there cool brown highlights. Keep your base dark, but ask for some soft balayage highlights, says Lauren Grummel, a hairstylist in New York. “A gloss will also help add extra shine to a dull brunette and get rid of any unwanted red tones.”

Pink Pastel

If you want to play with a fun color without the commitment of a whole head, a pastel balayage is a more sophisticated option, says colorist Papanikolas. He notes that these colors are a little high-maintenance and recommends using shampoo especially for color-treated hair, like Matrix Total Results Keep Me Vivid .

Root Blur Balayage

Color that grows out easily is understandably one of this year's top trends. A good way to do this is with a blurred root, which celebrity colorist Jeremy Tardo calls a 2020 remix of ombré. “Muting your hair color near your roots helps to alleviate high-maintenance hair color by creating a more blended grow-out,” he says. “Touch-ups are only needed twice a year, and the look maintains an intentional and fresh feel.” To get the look, ask your colorist for a shadow root and have them fade it down into your hair.

Bold Spirals 

If you want to add some dimension to your curls without an extreme change, go for bright highlights. “This color works best for those with thicker, dark hair,” says Tardo. “The lighter ribbons of color give separation to highlight beautiful natural textures.” He says to ask for subtle ash bronde highlights.

Sun-Kissed Balayage 

When the weather heats up, you can never go wrong with classic face-framing highlights like these by Cherin Choi , colorist at Nova Arts Salon. Even if you go for higher-contrast shades, the placement feels natural, since the sun is most likely to lighten the pieces by your face. 

Ginger Beer 

If you’re still thinking about Zendaya’s Emmys hair but don’t want to go full auburn, add some red tones to darker hair. Red is notoriously high-maintenance, but done like this, it’s easy to keep up. “Even if you have a base color for gray coverage, you can add highlights once or twice a year,” says Elisa Barnett , a colorist at D.C.’s Ian McCabe Studio. She recommends asking for half-head highlights in sun-kissed caramel and golden tones. 

Golden Balayage 

You can't really go wrong with gold tones, especially if you have dark skin. “Women of color can wear and own most shades, but reds, golds, and coppers look especially great,” says Taiesha Black, colorist at Khamit Kinks salon in Brooklyn. Here it looks gorgeous on natural hair vlogger Nicollette .

Twilighting 

It sounds like something Edward Cullen would do before leaving the house, but—brace yourself—it's actually the latest hair-coloring technique. According to colorist Karissa Schaudt at Maxine Salon in Chicago, twilighting is for brunettes with warm undertones who still want some golden dimension. “The look is achieved by painting a few balayage pieces in addition to foiled babylights,” she says. “You’ll be seeing a lot of this look in 2020 because it’s a low-maintenance color that will carry from season to season.”

Brown ale hair has a deep mahogany base and swirls of amber highlights. “It's different from traditional brunettes because of the richness and the depth it provides,” colorist Colin Caruso tells Glamour. “It’s warm without the brassy or mousy undertones some people associate with traditional brunettes.” He says the shade is perfect for this time of year since it's a great way to go deeper and richer for the cold weather ahead while still offering a touch of warmth.

Lived-In Highlights

“I'm seeing the incorporation of new tools to create slightly different effects,” says colorist Johnny Ramirez , co-owner of L.A.'s Ramirez Tran salon. His signature Lived-In Color technique is one of those different effects; it looks similar but is more seamless and blended throughout your hair than balayage is.

Caramel Mocha 

For brunettes, it's all about dimension in 2020. Caramel mocha is a nice way to add some brightness without going blond. To get the shade, Grummel uses a foilayage (a combination of foil and balayage) technique. She recommends asking to keep brighter pieces around your face, a soft, rooted highlight everywhere else, and pops of brighter pieces throughout the ends. 

Melted Highlights

“Lived-in color creates a look that has a natural regrowth with no noticeable grow-out line, since the darker regrowth blends into the lighter hair with no stopping or starting point,” says Ramirez, who's behind this color. Think of it as a really blended, even more natural, and low-maintenance version of balayage—with all the perks.

Starbucks has nothing on this gorgeous shade. Just be prepared to sit in your colorist's chair for a while. “This process usually takes four to five hours from start to finish,” says Orlando colorist Gerilyn Ghaisarzadeh , who paints on color in a series of V's and W's, which she says creates the natural lightened appeal of a balayage.

Balayage Ends 

A few painted highlights concentrated on your ends and face-framing pieces is like a more modern take on ombré—without the harsh demarcation line that comes with grow-out. 

Chili Chocolate

Spice up your life—or maybe just your hair—with chili chocolate brown, the work of balayage specialist Amanda Leaman of Joi Salon in Boston. The rich auburn painted over deep brown has an autumnal vibe at first glance, but it's actually meant to give brunettes a sun-kissed appearance. So if you're still wishing for heat wave weather, this is the closest you'll get.

Caramel Swirl 

Warm, caramel balayage adds an unreal glow to Joan Smalls 's skin. Plus, it highlights and emphasizes the structure of her waves.

California Blond Balayage

Jenny Yong, the blogger behind Neon Blush , shows you can go beachy even if you're not an all-around blond. "I love using the balayage technique when making someone a nice California blond," says Ortega. "After I choose which pieces to paint and apply with the proper consistency, I allow them to sit on top of the rest of the hair to create a more blended effect." The payoff: golden, sun-kissed tones that look like you just got back from a three-week surf trip in Malibu.

Pastels Purple Balayage 

Forget sun-kissed. This blend of unicorn pastels, seen on lifestyle blogger Tala Samman of MyFashDiary , is the stuff of our Lisa Frank dreams.

Choppy Color

A whole lot of layers—plus bangs, plus balayage—has an easygoing, I-just-got-back-from-a-four-month-vacay vibe. “Balayage is just a much softer look than traditional highlighting,” says Lee, who created this color for blogger Julie Sariñana of Sincerely Jules . “Think effortless and sun-kissed.”

Toasted Coconut

A riff on bronde, toasted coconut is even more low-maintenance. Unlike your usual bronde, Atlanta hairstylist Kayluh Stewart used an icy toner to make the blond look almost silvery, while the roots are still a deep, dark brown—hence the "toasted."

Baby Balayage

Your balayage doesn't have to look like balayage . If you have super-dark hair and consider sun-kissed kind of a stretch, make like Tessa Thompson and opt for a rich shade of chocolate. Going just a shade or two lighter than your natural color offers impact without a drastic change.

Golden Balayage

Maybe the lighting is perfect—or, more likely, maybe her hair color is just that good.

Two-Toned Balayage

We loved when Lucy Hale went for a two-toned blond a few years ago—so much so that her colorist, Kristin Ess, broke down the steps behind this gorgeous balayage ombré for us. It looks just as good now as it did then. 

Curly Balayage

There's nothing subtle about swimwear designer Gabi Gregg 's gorgeous fade from dark brown to a deep gold. Bonus: It gives lovely curls like these more definition.

Balayage Bangs 

Bangs can get in on balayage too. Incorporating the tone into long, grown-out bangs, like Ciara's, gives hair color a cohesive look.

Copper Balayage

Even in 2020, balayage still flies under the radar for natural hair. “The word balayage hasn't quite made it in the natural-hair arena,” says Black. “Most of our clients still request highlights—and, at that point, we make suggestions of other techniques like balayage.” Natural-hair vlogger Bianca Alexa proves that a metallic shade, like copper or gold, can seriously pay off.

Rainbow Balayage

Rainbow tones are a growing trend in balayage. "Colorists are realizing that you can go beyond the basics," says Ortega. "Picking key pieces of hair to paint for each individual based on your specific needs creates a unique, one-of-a-kind outcome."

Balayage Pixie 

Just because you have a pixie doesn't mean you can't get in on the balayage action. With the various blond tones, Michelle Williams 's iconic cut looks piecey and cool.

Ash Blond Balayage

Cooler blond tones like Huda Beauty founder Huda Kattan's are a refreshing change from the usual gold and coppers.

Red Balayage

A naturally bold hair color, like red, doesn't eliminate you from playing with color. Going from true strawberry to strawberry blond is basically foolproof—and bonus, it makes red look more natural.

Light Ends 

"Balayage can give you a soft or bold transition to your natural color when your hair needs a pick-me-up," says Black. On natural-hair blogger Priscilla Flete , the blond accents emphasize her coils.

Long Waves and Balayage

Brushed-out waves, glossy hair, and that multitonal look? Olivia Wilde knows how to make the most of balayage.

Chocolate Balayage

Before she went blond —and then back again — Demi Lovato had some subtle balayage. Even though we're always here for her hair changes, we're especially into the lighter tones woven into her lob.

Super-Subtle Balayage

One of the best things about balayage is that it's the Leonardo DiCaprio of hair color techniques: the most noncommittal. Lightening up just one shade, like Priyanka Chopra did, is enough to change your hair game.

Fiery Streaks 

Julia Hengel, style blogger at Gal Meets Glam , gets strategic with her balayage with sunny, golden strands framing—and brightening—her face.

Subtle Streaks

Most brunettes will admit: Brown hair can sometimes look flat without added dimension. Mandy Moore unravels that with these natural-looking highlights.

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50 Long, Wavy Hairstyles You'll Want to Wear Immediately

Taylor Hill/Getty Images

Is it just us, or do long, wavy hairstyles seem have their own gravitational pull? The undulating coifs never cease to top every coveted style list or search. And while lived-in beach waves may have an eternal place on our Pinterest boards, there are far more options to consider. Bombshell waves and stacked layers revitalize the longest of tresses while crimps, bends, and grungy textures unlock a whole new persona to the usually romantic style. Need proof? We rounded up 50 long, wavy hairstyles to try and spoke with two experts—Devin Rahal and Ryan Richman—for their top tips on creating waves at home.

Keep on scrolling for 50 long, wavy hairstyles you'll want to try immediately.

Meet the Expert

• Devin Rahal is a hairstylist for NuMe and owner of Devs Does Hair, a vegan salon in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
• Ryan Richman is a celebrity hairstylist whose work has appeared in countless editorials and on red carpets. His clients include Kate Mara, Maisie Williams, and Sarah Hyland.

Layered Waves

@beyonce / Instagram

There's big, and then there's Texas big. For megawatt waves of this caliber, follow Queen Bey's lead and get a fully layered cut, like a butterfly cut , to provide scaffolding for all this body.

Grunge Waves

@dualipa / Instagram

Call it the revival of indie sleaze beauty looks or just a hit of grungy nostalgia, but Dua Lipa's crinkled waves have us reaching for the nearest hot tool. The vibrant red hue only emphasizes the angsty moodiness of the style.

Lived-In Waves

@shaymitchel / Instagram

Shay Mitchell's lived-in waves are the epitome of effortless elegance. Though a little effort may be necessary to start. Carefully constructed S-shaped waves and loosely crinkled bends come together for the perfect I-woke-up-like-this look.

Center Part With Volume

Jerritt Clark / Getty

Laura Harrier's center part means that volume can be concentrated at her roots, and throughout the mid-lengths of her hair. We love the drama of this look, which can be replicated with a medium-barreled curling iron and a texture spray.

Side Part With Volume

 Getty Image / Lester Cohen / Getty

This textured look works well on day-after hair. Just add plenty of texture spray, and curl the ends. If you want, add further volume with a teasing comb (just back-comb the roots and muss it up with your fingers).

Vintage Waves

John Shearer / Getty

Megan Thee Stallion's vintage waves are all about structure. Gently brushed-out fingerwaves create the romantic, glossy crinkles of a bygone era.

Highlighted Waves With Center Part

@ashleybenson / Instagram

Ashley Benson's center part helps accentuate her gleaming highlights. Here, her hair is kept loose and wavy, with layers framing the face.

Classic Waves With Texture

Karwai Tang / Getty

Long waves still look great with added texture, as Deepika Padukone effortlessly emphasizes. Once you've replicated the classic beach waves, you can play around by raking out the tight curls with your fingers and applying a texture spray, scrunching it through the ends.

Waves With Loose Bangs

Jamie McCarthy / Getty

We love how Sandra Oh pairs her tightly-coiled waves with equally wavy fringe. Here, bangs are kept loose and curled under to mimic the hair itself. To replicate the look, use a round brush and blow dry the ends of the bangs, so they flip out. Use a small-barrelled curling iron to get waves like Oh's.

Tousled Waves

Emma McIntyre / Getty

This gorgeous head of wavy hair on Vanessa Lachey looks like it just came from the beach. To get beachy waves and mimic this classic look for long hair, Rahal says:

• "Start with a shampoo/conditioner combo that won’t weigh your hair down, like a volumizing line."
• Then, "detangle when conditioner is in the hair, rinse, and blot dry gently."
• Rahal recommends applying a curl-encouraging product before either air drying or diffusing your strands. "This will ensure you’re working with the best 'Beachy' canvas," he adds.
• "Depending on how curly your hair is naturally, you can wrap your hair around a curling wand with adjustable heat."
• "You can wrap every section or select pieces. Beachy isn’t perfect, so make sure you’re alternating the direction you wrap each section, away from the face/towards the face, depending on how your hair is cut. I generally wrap the hairline away from the face and alternate from there," says Rahal. He also suggests leaving about one to three inches of the ends "unwrapped" for a more natural look.

Ombré Waves

Paul Archuleta / FilmMagic / Getty

Ombré is an especially fitting highlight technique for adding dimension to endless waves. The color of this style is amazing. Follow Rahal's steps for beachy waves to let your ombré pop.

Unraveled Braids

George Pimentel / Getty

Partially unraveled braids, as seen here on Gabrielle Union, are a unique way to create looser waves on natural curls. Hair jewels add a touch of red carpet-ready glitz.

• Start by braiding your entire head of hair or asking for braids at your salon.
• Begin to unravel them at the ends after they've been in for several hours or days, stopping around the jawline. Be sure to vary the lengths of the unraveled ends for a more relaxed, boho appearance.
• Apply a leave-in curl-preserving product.

Painted-On Color

We love waves paired with balayage highlights , which give the appearance of layers and thickness while keeping the color looking natural. "Highlights can give you a little extra dimension that makes curls look that much more beachy and textured," says Rahal.

Shoulder-Length Ombré Waves

David M. Benett / Getty

Another take on ombré. Gemma Chan's waves move from deep, chestnut brown to a cooler ash brown at the ends.

Blonde Bombshell Curls

Andrew Chin / Getty

Nothing beats a classic bombshell curl when you already have thick, luscious blonde strands. Follow Rahal's tips for bombshell waves:

• First, "prep the hair with products that allow the curls to last."
• Take your curling iron of choice and "be sure to wrap your sections close to the scalp but be careful not to burn yourself."
• Rahal says to "wrap the sections above the barrel and don’t allow the hair to twist, [keeping] the hair flat on the barrel to ensure even heat distribution."
• Wrap sections in the same direction "depending on the style your hair is cut." This will help create that more polished, classic wave.
• Finally, let your strands cool and gently shake out the waves with your hands "before using a brush to really separate sections and marry the hair together."

Effortless Wavy Hair

Jon Kopaloff / FilmMagic / Getty

No doubt actress Rachelle Lefevre has some help here from extensions. But if you have thick, wavy hair, you too can have this look.

• For achieving waves on thicker hair, Rahal says, "always prep hair accordingly." He recommends looking for smoothing products as opposed to volumizing. "If you’re trying to tame frizz, go with smoothing."
• Smooth out the crown before sculpting the ends. Get this look with a wide-barreled curling iron.
• "If you want a full, bodacious beachy look, wrap each section above the wand to bump up the root," says Rahal.
• "If fullness isn’t your jam, place the wand on top of the section and wrap. This will help smooth out the root area while still maintaining a nice curl pattern."
• "Alternate going towards and away from your face, leaving ends out, and try not to curl every piece."

Wavy Half-Up, Half-Down

@chloebailey / Instagram

Chloe Bailey changes up her hair texture pretty often, but this half-up style is larger than life. The front is smoothed back into an ultra-high half-up/half-down, with waves cascading down her shoulders and defined edges highlighting her face.

Key Takeaways

• Wavy hair can be achieved with or without heat. For heat-assisted options, wave-making irons and curling wands do the trick.
• For air-dried waves, try braiding damp hair or rocking a semi-damp bun to create natural-looking waves without heat damage.
• A wave spray or texturizing spray is always a good idea when it comes to long, wavy hairstyles.

Gisele Waves

Steve Granitz / Getty

Supermodel Gisele Bündchen is the patron saint of gorgeous, beachy waves. Capture her look with Richman's tips:

• Start with a medium-sized or 1.25” curling iron.
• Hold the iron vertically, roll the hair back away from the face one turn around the barrel, slide the iron down, and repeat until you get to the ends. "This will create a flatter and more natural curl, as opposed to wrapping the hair around the barrel from root to ends, giving you a beach wave instead of a round curl."
• Alternate the direction you curl throughout your style for a looser, more natural appearance.
• Shake out the waves using your fingertips and finish with texturizing spray for a tousled windblown texture," says Richman.

Big, Bouncy Curls

@kimkardashian / Instagram

Kim K's big, bouncy curls are perfectly polished. To get this look, follow these steps:

• Wash your hair.
• Spritz with volumizing spray and then blow dry hair straight.
• Spray hair with a heat-protecting spray and separate it into two or three sections.
• Starting with one section, curl hair with a large-barrel curling iron.
• Let curls cool, then finger comb them into place and finish with a spritz of hairspray.

Barely There Waves

@ jastookes / Instagram

To get barely there waves like Jasmine Tookes, it's important to only create more angular curls sporadically, rather than rounder ringlets in a uniform fashion. Too many, and you'll end up with a much more formal look, which may not be what you're going for. A subtle shag cut will also provide a perfect base for the more undone vibe.

Long, Casual Waves

Alberto E. Rodriguez / Getty

Sofia Vergara's casual waves are a great way to add volume to straight hair. Her well-placed highlights are another bonus: "Highlighting your hair causes the cuticle to open which can add body as well as help your hair hold a wave or curl better," says Richman.

For more natural-looking waves, alternate the direction you are wrapping your hair around the curling iron.

Natural Waves

Kevork Djansezian / Getty

Some of us already have some natural waves in our hair. To play them up like Azita Ghanizada:

• Let hair air dry, scrunching hair into the palms of hands as the hair dries. You can also wind and secure towel-dried hair into a loose bun to get the same effects.
• Once hair is dry, wrap a few sections around a large 2-inch or 1 1/2-inch barrel curling iron to play up more waves. Be sure to leave the ends out, so it looks more natural (don't clamp in the hair, simply wrap it around the barrel).
• For a mussy look, bend over at the waist with your head down and give your hair a good shake.

Medium-Length Waves

Tim Mosenfelder / Getty

Jessica Alba is another queen of waves. She usually rocks pretty long hair, but we love this medium-length cut that still has loads of body and movement.

Curly Waves

Jason Mendez / Getty

This Tyra Banks style shows off the curlier side of wavy hair. Her strands here are a cross between loose curls and tighter waves. You don't need to flat-iron or relax your curls to get a wavier appearance.

• "Wands are the beachy go-to because of how the hair naturally twists around the barrel when you wrap each section," says Rahal.
• "Wrapping just the strands of your hair that don’t curl as well naturally is a great hack for embracing your curls while creating a more seamless finished look."
• Complete with a beanie to steal Banks's relaxed vibe.

Loose Curls

Chris Jackson / Getty

We love this look for curly hair that is highly defined. This is a beautiful way to style thick hair with a bit of a natural curl but maybe isn't super coiled.

70's Waves

John Shearer / Getty

Ciara rocks '70s Cher hair with a wavy twist. A center part and mostly straight strands from the crown of her head to about her chin provide a throwback energy, while undulating ends add a modern twist. For shallow waves, try a heatless technique:

• "Take old stockings, tights, or a robe belt and clip it to the top of your head," says Richman.
• "Wrap or braid your hair on each side around one end of tights or robe belt and secure with an elastic."
• "Clip the braids to the top of your head, sleep, wake up, and remove."
• "The fabric will help absorb moisture as well as give your hair a tousled wave. Tip: for a tighter beach wave, braid the hair and for a loose soft wave, simply wrap the hair."

Salt Water Waves

Araya Doheny / Getty

These beachy waves might be the results of a saltwater swim, but they can just as easily be recreated at home. To enhance natural waves, Richman suggests reaching for a wave spray or texturizing spray—"any product that will give you a natural second-day look."

Old Hollywood Waves

Charley Gallay / Getty

This wavy Old Hollywood hairstyle on Stephanie Jacobsen is ultra-covetable and truly timeless. "Creating old Hollywood waves is all about uniformity," notes Richman. He suggests the following step-by-step:

• To start, deeply part your hair to one side.
• Next, prep hair with a blow out cream to restore softness and shine and to protect against heat.
• "Blow dry hair using a medium to large size round brush for volume," says Richman.
• "After the hair is dry, use a 1.25” curling iron for long hair; iron size can change depending on hair length. Start on the small side of the part and curl 1” sections of hair by wrapping and twisting the hair around the barrel away from the face. Work your way around the head and keep curling all sections in the same direction."
• "Once you get to the other side, you will be wrapping the hair towards the face."
• "The key to finishing this look is the way you brush it out.  Using a flat brush, start in the front, and brush the hair back off the face as the hair falls forward and back into its natural position; this will create the beautiful shape that cuts across the face.  Brush out the rest of the hair from top to bottom."
• Finish with hairspray for long-lasting hold.

Brushed-Out Curls

Rabbani and Solimene Photography / Getty

No need to take a flat iron or blow dryer to your natural curls. Instead, take a page from Zoe Saldana's book and brush out your curls for an edgy, big-hair look. Frizz can be totally on-trend, especially when paired with a cool oversized flower accessory.

Storybook Waves

 Tristan Fewings / Getty

An elegant twisted half-up, half-down is perfect for a formal event like a prom or even a wedding. It retains a somewhat relaxed vibe on Jourdan Dunn thanks to face-framing pieces and a loose silhouette.

Bouncy Waves

Jason Merritt / Getty

Megan Fox is all about the big, beautiful, bouncy curls. Wondering how to recreate the seamless waves? "Twisting the hair as you wrap it around the barrel gives you the soft wave with a ridge," notes Richman. "If you wrap the hair flat around the barrel, you will not get the old Hollywood feel."

Kevin Winter / Getty

Audrina Patridge demonstrates that the quintessential early '00s straight bangs-meets-curly body style doesn't have to be dated. Side-swept fringe and natural blonde highlights bring this look to the present day.

Joe Kohen / Getty Images

If you want hair like Julia Roberts (and who doesn't?):

• Pull it back in a loose bun while it's damp.
• Let dry, then pull out the elastic.
• Finger comb out the gorgeous waves. Super easy.

Shiny Waves

 Dimitrios Kambouris / Getty

Iman's luscious curls get even more depth with the help of well-placed caramel highlights and loads of shine.

• "Section towel-dried hair into four equal sections. Brush each section repeatedly to distribute your leave-in and to loosen the curl."
• Next, "braid each section and secure with an elastic. Air dry or use a blow dryer with a diffuser attached to speed up the dry time."
• To mimic Iman's healthy strands, add a dollop of a shine serum to damp hair.

"The thickness of your braids will determine your wave pattern. For soft, loose waves create thicker braids," says Richman.

Choppy Waves

Allen Berezovsky / Getty

We love Naomi Campbell's hair here. Choppy waves with long, eyebrow-grazing fringe are a match made in heaven.

 Jon Kopaloff / FilmMagic / Getty

To get this look, follow Richman's tips for getting waves on thicker locks like J. Lo's:

• "For thick hair, first prep with a hair primer to control frizz and defend against humidity while keeping hair shiny and healthy."
• "Blow dry your hair with the concentrator nozzle attached and a mixed bristle round brush to smooth and polish the hair."
• "Use a flat iron to create a soft natural wave. Take 1” sections, start at the root, glide the iron slowly down the hair, and bend the hair up and down as you glide the iron down to create an S wave."
• End with a very lightweight shine spray that tackles frizz.

Wet-Look Waves

 Jon Kopaloff / Getty

The wet look is a fresh take on waves, as demonstrated by Tracee Ellis Ross. Get cozy with the hair gel to emulate.

Wavy High Ponytail

 James Devaney / Getty

Rihanna has insanely gorgeous lush waves here, aided by the addition of extensions and a super high ponytail that adds tons of volume. You can easily add clip-on extensions to your natural hair or opt for pre-made ponytails for a super-easy addition.

Carefree Waves

Stephane Cardinale - Corbis / Getty

Remember how Jennifer Aniston's hair was so hot in the '90s? Blake Lively is the modern-day hair icon. Texture is hot right now, as are waves. Gone are the pin-straight looks from yesteryear.

Shaggy Waves

Mike Marsland / Getty

Slightly overgrown, shaggy waves, like those on actor Melanie Laurent, give off a quintessential cool-girl vibe that is equally at home on the red carpet as it would be at brunch. To get textured waves on pin-straight hair, follow Rahal's steps:

• To start with, don't overdo it with product. "You’ll want to find the right product line for your hair and use sparingly. A lot of people overuse volumizing styling products, and they weigh their hair down [in] the process, defeating the purpose."
• "You’ll want to rough dry your roots, to give a little extra body that lasts, and try to let your ends air dry or avoid manipulating the strands too much," Rahal adds.
• Then, he recommends a wand with an adjustable heat setting "so you can wrap each section for up to seven seconds without incurring damage."
• "Let cool before breaking up curls/raking through with your fingers. As with fuller hair types, alternate the direction you wrap each section—away and towards the face, leaving ends out. Unlike other hair types, you’ll want to wrap most, if not all, of your hair."

Caramel Waves

Roy Rochlin / Getty

Kerry Washington gives us another example of irresistible waves, this time with well-placed caramel highlights that bring light to the face. "Highlights will also add a lot of dimension to the hair, making beach waves really stand out," says Richman.

Wavy Pigtails

Kevin Mazur / Getty

To All the Boys I've Loved Before star Lana Condor gives us a super fresh take on pigtails with these wavy, loose double ponytails. It's fun and youthful, without appearing juvenile. To replicate:

• Richman suggests prepping hair using a product that has some tackiness and volumizing properties to it to help hold your wave.
• If your hair tends to fall straight, use a smaller 1” iron. "If you need volume, wrap the hair around the barrel, leaving the last inch or straight for a natural look."
• After curling each piece, pull the ends a bit as the hair cools to create a slightly softer beachy wave.  Be sure to alternate directions as you curl.
• Finally, "shake out the curl with your fingertips and finish with a strong hold hair spray." Secure a few inches from the end with invisible elastics.

Goddess Curls

Frazer Harrison / Getty

Leighton Meester's timeless curls give us total goddess vibes. To get gorgeous waves without heat, Rahal says:

• "Always use curl enhancers!" He suggests looking into techniques such as sponge rollers or pin curls "depending on skill level and time."
• Keep in mind that "it can take much longer to air dry than you’d think—don’t wait until one hour before to start air drying, or you’ll have either wet hair or a frizzy look that wasn’t allowed to settle."
• "Most simple would be twisting [hair around] your fingers while your hair is wet and letting it air dry or diffusing it."

Face-Framing S-Waves

Bryan Steffy / Getty

Loose, beachy waves are great, but for a more formal look, use a curling iron to create S-shaped waves that frame the face. No fancy updo required.

Crimped Waves

@ritaora / Instagram

Dust off your crimping irons, because the early 2000's are back. Rita Ora's matte crimped waves feel fresh and modern, causing us to reconsider the style we thought we'd sworn off for good.

Technicolor Waves

@saweetie / Instagram

This is proof that long waves look good in any color, from brunette and blonde to Saweetie's poolside blue hue . We love how the gentle spirals soften the vibrant shade.

Pinned-Back Waves

Carlos Alvarez / Getty

If you need your hair out of your face but still want to display beautiful, full-bodied waves, steal this styling tip from Penélope Cruz. The asymmetrical, tousled look is as classy as it is cool.

Subtle Ombré Waves

 Dia Dipasupil / Getty

Zendaya has incredible, highly textured waves here, but the coloring technique used is also worth noting. It's a subtle ombré, moving from chestnut brown at the roots to soft, reddish caramel at the ends.

Loose Siren Waves

@lindsaylohan / instagram

Loose, glossy perfection—Lindsay Lohan's undulating locks are the epitome of siren waves. Unwanted frizz will kill this smooth style, so spritz a layer of hairspray for a smooth canvas and lasting results.

Waves With Mini Braid Accents

@stormreid / Instagram

Mini braids are all the rage and they pair perfectly with any mermaid-inspired look. Storm Reid's ultra-long, loose waves get a does of face-framing structure from matching braids.

Add a dollop of mousse to your palms and gently run your hands over your hair, coating the strands lightly with product.

Shampoo and conditioner are key, of course—but a good gloss or shine spray, and a texturizing product work wonders, too.

A little frizz is fine for those with textured hair (in fact, it adds personality). But to avoid further (or too much) frizz, leave your hair alone. Too much touching will inevitably lead to frizziness and flyaways.

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Fantastic Voyage: 29 Vacation-Ready Hair Styles

Are you a knotty girl? Make yours stand out by twisting each one in a different pattern for interest (and flair!)

Get your hair in formation this summer by opting for sleek cornrows.

It may be hot, but you’ll look ultra cool in this electric pastel aquamarine hue.

Top off your braided pigtails with a stylish cap to keep the sunshine at bay.

Wearing braids on vacation may seem typical, but adding some color will help you stand out amongst the crowd.

Unleash your inner goddess with this loose French twist.

A messy braided crown with side fringe works for the beach, bar, or in between.

Let your coils fly free on your next vacay. Texture is sexy and convenient on those relaxing beach days.

Treat your ringlets to a twistout for an easy to style resolution after the sun sets.

This curly Afro is perfect for vacation. Literally, all you have to do is shake and go.

Give the beach boys a bit of side action with this bodacious curly ‘do.

Let your balayage curls roam free as you take a stroll on the sandy beaches of your favorite island.

Protective styles, like yarn twists, will offer you a ton of convenience when you’re parasailing across the Caribbean Sea.

Give your half-up-half-down look some personality by throwing in a few curls.

A top knot accompanied by dramatic bold bangs is super hot right now.

Channel your youthful side by playing up your inner schoolgirl with pigtail buns.

There’s only one rule when you’re on vacation: Go big or go home. So, why not start with a sky-high pony?

Nothing says “I’m feeling carefree” better than an oversized braided pony.

Channel old Hollywood glam with a super short pixie cut.

Long, silky locks are are no-fuss alternative to more complicated styles.

Adorn your straight strands with a flower crown. You’ll be a photogenic impeccably tressed diva!

Honey hued extensions glow as bright as the sun, just make sure to find the right shade for your complexion.

Upgrade this summertime fave with intricate, yet contemporary designs!

Elevate you box braid game with fabulous hair jewelry.

Wraps are everything when it comes to low maintenance styles.

If you think tribal prints are passè, think again. Not only are they culturally relevant, but they’re beautiful as well.

Tall wraps are long and elegant. Plus, if you have a rounder face this look will work particularly well for you.

Fresh from the shore waves can be worn at a casual lunch—or at a festive social gathering.

What Is Balayage? Everything You Need to Know About the Hair Color Trend

Including the difference between balayage and ombre.

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It's easy to love balayage hair color , the effortlessly cool hair trend that's taken red carpets by storm. The look is accomplished via hand-painted highlights, and "clients love the technique because it gives a natural sun-kissed look to the hair and the maintenance is much easier than traditional foils," says Joel Warren, owner of The Salon Project .

Want to recreate those natural highlights you had as a kid? Balayage can do that. Balayage makes you look like you just returned from a lavish summer vacation. Balayage says, "I have great hair" in a way that's subtle yet noticeable — not flashy and obvious. Here's everything you need to know about the trend.

Wait, what does "balayage" mean?

The term comes from the French word "balayer," meaning to sweep. It's a term that refers to the way the color is applied, not the color itself. "Balayage is a technique where hair color is painted onto the hair to create a graduated, more natural-looking highlight effect," says Warren.

That means the final look is less stripy than highlights of the past, while offering the same gorgeous dimension and fun color. These hand-painted highlights "allow for pops of brightness and contrast throughout the hair, while still keeping it looking natural," says Desirae Blais, senior stylist at Blush Beauty Boutique . Oh, and if you're wondering, it's pronounced "baa - lee - ahge."

Why is balayage so popular?

•It requires less maintenance than most hair color. Since the process is designed to give the look of grown-out roots in a way that's flattering and natural instead of stark and skunky, it's less work to maintain. That translates to less time and money spent at the salon, and in turn, less damage done to the hair. "I have some clients who go 6-8 months between visits," says Blais, while others opt to come in every 6-10 weeks.

•It's customized. Every balayage is different: Placement, gradation, and color is based on your hair color, texture, and length, so it "can be personalized for each client to highlight or soften facial features," says Blais. "A good stylist will always take into consideration the [client's] skin tone and natural base color to determine which tones will work best," says Linsey Barbuto, artistic director and founder of Perlei Salon. No two balayages should look the same — keep that in mind as you're looking through your stylist's portfolio.

"Many forms of balayage are not patterns a stylist follows," says Kitty Greller, a colorist at Bb. Midtown . "We look at the hair as a whole and find the pieces that would accentuate certain features or a specific haircut. My clients love it because it’s more tailored to them."

•It's trendy. Celebrities from the Kardashians to Chrissy Teigen have brought the hair color trend to the limelight, so it's no wonder that it's gained popularity with the masses. A search for the hashtag "balayage" gives more than 20 million results on Instagram.

How is balayage achieved?

First, your stylist should ask you some curated questions to learn what you're looking for. "You have to have the end look in mind to know where to start," says Warren. Blais says some good questions to expect from your stylist are:

• What is your favorite (and least favorite) part of your hair?
• How do you style your hair on a daily basis?
• How often are you looking to get your balayage touched up?

These FAQs allow your stylist to contour and highlight your color based on your lifestyle and preferred features to create an end look that's curated just for you. Then, your stylist will paint sections of your hair with bleach. The strokes should be light-handed toward the root of the hair, and more saturated toward the ends of the hair to mimic the way that hair naturally lightens in the sun. That gradual placement also prevents obvious grow-out, allowing you to go longer between appointments.

"A good balayage is all about placement and blending. Having contrast between the light and dark tones is what creates natural looking, lived-in dimension," says Blais. "A good balayage blends seamlessly from dark hues to the lightest, leaving the color looking soft with no harsh lines."

How is balayage different from highlights or ombre?

The terms "balayage," "ombre," "babylights," and "highlights" are all various styles and techniques that refer to the same goal: lightening the hair. They can all be combined for a desired look. In fact, Blais says that the most common inspiration photo she sees is "a combination of babylights with balayage and ombre." Let us decode for you:

•Traditional highlights are created by sectioning pieces of hair and wrapping in foil from root to tip. "Foil highlights are placed close to the scalp, keeping the lightener from getting on the surrounding hair," says Barbuto . Bright, noticeable lines of color will be woven throughout the hair as result. Wrapping hair in foil allows the color to develop more quickly (a.k.a. lighten more) than it might with just hand-painting, which is why many stylists still use some strategically-placed foils, even when balayaging.

•Babylights are super-thin highlights that mimic the look of a child's natural highlights (hence the name). "A babylight consists of an extremely small, thin section of hair, creating a super subtle, sun-kissed result," says Barbuto, thanks to the much-smaller weave used. Babylights can be used "to finely break up the root color for best grow-out results," says Blais.

•Ombre means "shaded from dark to light," so balayage is actually a technique used to create ombre, explains Warren. However, if you ask for an ombre at the salon, chances are that all of your ends will be lightened, and the color will start lower on the hair shaft.

The ends of the hair get a lot lighter with ombre than they might with balayage, since the entire strand is saturated with bleach for a "more solid finish," says Barbuto. With balayage, strands are sparingly painted, and those that are dyed blend up higher into the hair.

•Balayage offers lightness with a softer, more blended appearance. The technique mimics what might happen to your hair if it were to lighten naturally with the sun, and there's "no line of demarcation ... striping, or harsh lines of color," says Blais. Balayage typically maintains the root color and eliminates any telltale lines of color, allowing you to go longer between appointments since it looks "lived-in" off the bat.

How much does balayage cost?

Expect to spend anywhere from $200-$500 , depending on your hair, salon, and locale.

Can every hair type try balayage?

Yes! "Any texture and color can have balayage done," says Greller. Even if your hair is super dark or kinky-curly, you can try out these natural-looking highlights. In fact, Greller says, "textured hair is my favorite to balayage on because I can see how their curls lie and literally pick up and color the curls I want to accentuate their look."

Can you balayage at home?

You probably shouldn't. Balayage might look effortless and natural, but unlike traditional single-process hair color, "balayage techniques are very precise and take a lot of education and practice. I would steer clear of any DIY balayage and leave it to the professionals," says Blais.

Greller agrees: "It is hand painted, which is hard to do on your own. It also doesn’t require any wrapping around the hair strands, so the color can easily bleed or spot onto the other non-colored hair."

How to maintain your balayage

While balayage enables you to go nearly a year without dyeing your hair, that doesn't mean you're totally off the hook as far as maintenance goes. To keep your color looking fresh between visits, Blais suggests a rich, hydrating hair mask, like Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Mask , for healthy shine. A purple-toning shampoo has also been proven to balance out any brassy tones that may crop up between colorings.

Barbuto suggests that her clients pop back in between visits "at the 8-10 week mark for a glossing refresher. This helps add some tonality back into the hair, also condition and seal the cuticle layer." It's less expensive, time-consuming, and damaging than a full coloring session, while still giving a gorgeous result.

Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Mask

Joico Color Balance Purple Shampoo

amika Bust Your Brass Conditioner

Pureology Colour Fanatic Hair Treatment

Jessica (she/her) is the director of editorial commerce and product reviews with over a decade of experience as a product tester, reviewer, writer and editor of beauty and lifestyle content. Previously she was the beauty editor at USA Today' s Reviewed where she launched the Beauty vertical and tested hundreds of products and has covered trends for publications like The Boston Globe and The New York Times. You can usually find her sorting through piles of beauty products — and testing the best ones on camera. 

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Even Beyoncé Can't Resist Fall's Biggest Hair Trend

Products are independently selected by our editors. We may earn an affiliate commission from links.

Beyoncé knows that Paris is the place to be right now. To kick off an exciting Fashion Week , the singer and beauty brand founder hosted a dinner celebrating her most recent venture— SirDavis Whisky.

Taking place at the iconic Hôtel Plaza Athénée , the singer took a gastronomic approach to method dressing, which included donning a skin-tight sequin gown that perfectly matched the SirDavis amber juice and an intricate manicure that incorporated the brand's logo.

But Beyoncé's platinum hair—which she's been wearing long and loose since entering her  Renaissance era —gave us pause. Like many of her celebrity contemporaries (Greta Lee, Penelope Cruz, Gigi Hadid), the star chose this moment to reveal that she has officially joined Team Bob . Cut and styled by her longtime collaborator Neal Farinah —who also had a hand in developing Cécred — it's a voluminous single-layer cut that falls under the umbrella of the viral Italian Bob . While we haven't seen her tap into vintage-inspired beauty like this since her Dream Girls days, I'm loving it. Once a dream girl, always a dream girl.

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3 days in Stockholm Itinerary: A Complete Day by Day Guide

Stockholm is the heart of Scandinavia.

It’s modern, while still holding onto its medieval and royal roots. Fish, meatballs, and potatoes are cuisine staples alongside a trendy food scene that rivals any European capital city.

With world-renowned museums and cultural experiences, planning 3 days in Stockholm will give you a glimpse into this city’s history, culture, and vibe. And, no matter how many days in Stockholm you have, a seed will be planted in your heart with a wish to return again in the future.

3 Days in Stockholm Itinerary: A Complete Day by Day Guide

The following Stockholm itinerary is broken up into individual days. Each day has must-see and do activities and a mix of optional things to do in Stockholm depending on your interests.

The great thing is Stockholm is a really manageable city to get around with a ton of transportation choices like the subway, buses, boats, electric trams, and even pedestrian-only zones for easy walking. This means the itinerary suggestions below can easily be rearranged to suit your interests and time in Stockholm if your visit is part of a larger Scandinavia itinerary.

Day 1 in Stockholm – Gamla Stan & Stockholm City Hall

With three days in Stockholm, make today all about history and royalty!

Gamla Stan , meaning Old Town in Swedish, makes a great starting point. It’s here in this area where Stockholm got its start in 1252. Gamla Stan’s well-preserved buildings, squares, and narrow streets make it one of the best medieval city centers in Europe.

The cobblestone lanes are lined with shops and cafes as they wind their way into open squares and courtyards. The most famous and oldest square of all being Stortorget with its orange, yellow, and red ornate buildings.

Arrive in Gamla Stan in the morning to make a full day of it and begin with the Royal Palace .

It has over 600 rooms across 11 floors. Of course, not all of them are open to the public. But, arriving when the palace opens at 10 am will give you time to see places like the Royal Apartments, the Treasury with all the crown jewels, the Royal Armory, and the Royal Chapel.

Check the Royal Palace website for special exhibits like this one at the Royal Armory entitled “I Love You Madly” which is open now until January 6, 2019.

The exhibit reveals an impossible love relationship between Sweden’s Count Axel von Fersen and the French Queen, Marie Antionette. It was incredible to learn that Marie Antionette wore just a single piece of jewelry as she was beheaded, a ring from Axel von Fersen with a special inscription!

I know I’m a total history nerd (and shh…a secret romantic!) but I couldn’t resist adding their  book of love letters   to my Kindle!

After spending a couple of hours exploring the Royal Palace, head outside for the daily Changing of the Guard ceremony led by the Swedish Military. Mondays-Saturdays the ceremony begins at 12:15 pm. On Sundays, it’s a 1:15 pm start.

While you’re in Gamla Stan, you’ll also want to wander the cobblestone streets to take photos and explore. Exploring independently means you could even stroll through Gamla Stan before the Royal Palace opens.

If you’re interested in learning more about the history of Gamla Stan, join a free walking tour or the walking tour included with your Stockholm Pass . Most tours in English begin between 1 pm -2 pm, leaving the morning open for the Royal Palace and the Changing of the Guard.

No matter which you choose, be sure to wander into Stortorget Square , as well as visit Storkrykan, the Stockholm Cathedral .

The Cathedral dates back to the 1300s and has a fantastic St. George and the Dragon sculpture. The Cathedral also opens at 9 am, making it possible to see before the Royal Palace opens.

After spending the morning and early afternoon in Gamla Stan, you have a couple of hours left before most sights and museums close. Depending on your interests, here are a couple of options.

First, you can stay in Gamla Stan and visit the Nobel Museum , located right in Stortorget Square. The museum spotlights Alfred Nobel, the founder of the award, what the awards are about, and past Nobel winners.

Otherwise, walk toward Stockholm City Hall . It’s the venue for the Nobel Prize Dinner after the official ceremony and is a work of architectural art.

Along the walk there, you may have time to stop at the Riddarholmen Church, which is the final resting place of several Swedish Kings. Just double-check the time to make sure you won’t miss the last timed entry into City Hall.

Finish your day strolling along Drottninggatan , Stockholm’s pedestrian-only shopping street. There are also plenty of shops and cafes whether you want to shop, take a Fika break, or enjoy one of Stockholm’s restaurants !

Fika is both something you do and have while in Stockholm and Sweden, as well.

Think of it as the art of taking a pause, a break. Sit, have a coffee or your hot beverage of choice, and a signature Swedish Cinnamon Roll to reflect on your first wonderful day in Stockholm. And, whether you’re trying to see Stockholm in a day or have a longer Sweden itinerary planned, be sure fika is part of your trip.

Day 2 in Stockholm – Vasa Museum, Skansen, & Waterways

Spend most of the day on Djurgården , Stockholm’s island of museums and green spaces.

Your first stop must be the Vasa Museum . In fact, even if you had just one day in Stockholm, the Vasa should be at the top of your list! It was even named a Top 10 Attraction in all the world by TripAdvisor in 2015. I’ve visited several times and I’m wowed by the ship and its story on each and every visit.

Now, if you’re wondering what the Vasa Museum is, it’s a museum built entirely to house the recovered Vasa warship from the 1620s! It sunk on its maiden voyage in 1628 less than 1 mile(!) from its dock and sat on the bottom of Stockholm’s harbor for 330 years before being brought up and preserved.

Over 90% of the original ship is on display, along with a treasure-trove of artifacts and some of the bones from those who died when Vasa sunk.

The museum has done an outstanding job of telling the story of Vasa from all angles. Quite simply, it’s a can’t miss while in Stockholm.

The Vasa Museum can get especially crowded as the day goes on. So, it’s best to be among the first arrivals when the museum opens at 10 am.

After a couple of hours with Vasa, check out Skansen , the oldest open-air museum in the world, and just a short walk from the Vasa Museum.

Skansen is particularly good for travelers with kids and a Top 10 Attraction among Stockholm Pass holders.

Skansen shows what life was like in all parts of Sweden through its previous centuries. There are actual farmhouses and village buildings relocated and restored, as well as live native Swedish animals.

Visitors can tour the “villages” throughout the museum and learn about Swedish life, customs, and crafts.

If you’re traveling with children, it’s easily possible to dedicate the better part of a day at Skansen. But, even with just an hour or two , it’s possible to see many of Skansen’s top highlights.

By now it’ll likely be early afternoon and you have a few choices depending on what else you’d like to see and do.

First, the island of Djurgården has several other attractions close to the Vasa and Skansen. The ABBA Museum is dedicated to the Swedish music legends with music, original costumes, and several interactive exhibits, including a chance to sing in a recording studio!

The Nordic Museum , in the impressive building just near the Vasa, details life in Sweden, both historically and in modern times. It’s also possible to learn more about the Sami, Sweden’s indigenous people who lived and still live in the northern reaches of the country.

Junibacken , another nearby museum, is inspired by the stories of Astrid Lindgren, the famed Swedish author who wrote Pippi Longstocking and many others. It’s a perfect spot for families with children.

If you visit Stockholm from late spring to September, Gröna Lund is an amusement park close to the ABBA Museum and easily spotted from Stockholm’s waterfront with exciting rides, restaurants, and concerts.

But, if you’ve had your museum fill and you’re looking for fresh air, my suggestion is to get out onto the water and see Stockholm from a different perspective .

Stockholm sits on 14 different islands where Lake Mälaren and the Baltic Sea meet. The islands, water, and accompanying bridges are a lot of what makes Stockholm so beautiful.

Choose from a Royal Canal boat tour or head out into the Stockholm   archipelago for a glimpse of the natural beauty just minutes from Stockholm’s city center. Both water experiences are included in the Stockholm Pass  if you’ve opted for this bundled sightseeing ticket.

As you can see, even with just 2 days in Stockholm, there’s a lot you could see and do!

Day 3 in Stockholm – Drottningholm, Food, & Art

Drottningholm Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the home for Sweden’s present-day King and Queen. It’s a short trip outside of Stockholm whether you choose to get there by boat with your Stockholm Pass or use the easy subway and bus connections.

Plan to arrive when the palace opens so you can have the Palace rooms  nearly to yourself. Then, stroll out into the perfectly planned Baroque gardens. Along the way, stop to see the exquisite Chinese Pavillion and the Drottningholm Court Theatre .

Keep in mind, if you’re visiting Stockholm in fall or winter, check the Palace hours as they’re more limited than during the warmer months.

After spending a couple of hours like Royals, return to Stockholm. Depending on your interests, spend the afternoon on a Söldermalm food tour or subway hop from station to station on your very own DIY Stockholm subway art tour .

Söldermalm is Stockholm’s trendy, foodie neighborhood with a fantastic variety of Swedish and ethnic food.

You’ll make 7 stops along the food tour while the guide tells about the neighborhood and the cultures and foods that shape it. It was easily one of the best food tours I’ve ever done.

If you’d rather, go underground and explore Stockholm’s subway art . Dubbed the longest art gallery in the world because 90 of it’s 100 stations have public art displays. If you’ve traveled by subway at any point during your stay, you’ve likely seen the blue and white wall paintings at T-Centralen.

This DIY subway art tour could easily be broken up over your time in Stockholm or done in the evening after the rush of commuters has made their way home and the stations are easier to photograph.

Either way, I wouldn’t miss exploring Stockholm’s subway art.

Finish this last day with a stop at the Fotografiska , Stockholm’s photography museum, and restaurant. (Oftentimes, the food tour mentioned above finishes here.) The exhibitions change throughout the year, but no matter when you visit, you’re bound to see a poignant, well-crafted photography display.

Afterward touring the museum, plan to eat dinner at the Fotografiska restaurant. The food has a local focus with fresh produce, meats, fish, and cheeses and is designed with large windows overlooking Stockholm’s colorful waterfront.

How to Get from Arlanda Airport to Stockholm

Most Stockholm visitors will arrive at Arlanda airport, Stockholm and Sweden’s major international flight hub.

The quickest, easiest, and greenest way to get into Stockholm is on the Arlanda Express , a high-speed train connection especially for getting to and from Arlanda Airport.

The train is nonstop and takes about 20 minutes. Tickets can be bought online, through their app, or at the electronic ticket machines in the airport. Elevators in the airport terminal carry you seamlessly down to the train’s platform.

Where to Stay in Stockholm

As with any major city with great public transportation, the biggest where to stay in Stockholm tip is to be near a subway, bus, or tram stop. No matter which neighborhood you stay in, you’ll be able to get around easily if you follow this tip alone.

Norrmalm is the busy district where you’ll find the main train station, the pedestrian shopping zone of Drottninggatan, and restaurants for all tastes and budgets. It’s definitely more commercial than having that neighborhood charm, but you can’t beat how central it is.

In this neighborhood, I particularly like City Backpackers Hostel for large family groups.

A family of 6 can stay in a private room with a private bathroom and each person gets their own bunk bed. It was the perfect solution while traveling with my niece and nephews without needing multiple hotel rooms.

Check Current Prices at City Backpackers & other Norrmalm Hotels  | Book City Backpackers

Staying in Gamla Stan comes with the historic charm of Stockholm’s old town. Keep in mind older buildings typically have smaller rooms and some buildings won’t have elevators. On the other hand, the location can’t be beaten! You’re just a few (cobblestone) steps away from the Royal Palace, Stockholm’s waterfront, shops, restaurants, and public transportation.

Check Current Prices in Gamla Stan |  Book a Gamla Stan Hotel

And because the Stockholm subway is so convenient, you can stay a bit further from the city center and save a little money, too. I’ve had great stays at the Park Inn Solna . The subway is just next door and the rate included a full breakfast.

Lastly, if you need a place to stay at Arlanda airport because of an early or late flight, I recommend the Radisson Blu Arlandia .

It’s just a few minutes via the free shuttle to the airport terminals and less expensive than the Radisson Blu SkyCity located directly in the terminal.

Money-Saving Stockholm Travel Tips

Stockholm and Scandinavia overall have the reputation of being more expensive than other European destinations. There’s certainly some truth to this. But, no matter where you’re traveling, it’s always best to save money when you can.

The Stockholm Pass  is a great way to bundle sightseeing costs.

The pass includes 60+ attractions including top sights, museums, and tours like the Vasa, the Fotografiska Museum, Drottningholm Palace, the Royal Palace, Skansen, Waterway Cruises, and more.

You can purchase the Stockholm Pass for 1,2,3, and 5 days depending on what makes sense for you. Even when visiting just those top sights listed in the paragraph above you’d spend 1,145 SEK.

A 3-day Stockholm Pass would save you at least 100 SEK. The savings goes up when you include more included attractions.

Finally, I’ve mentioned Stockholm’s fantastic public transportation system several times throughout this guide. Not only can is it convenient and a time-saver, but it can also save you money! Taxis in Stockholm are expensive. However, you can purchase a 72-hour Travelcard and use it an unlimited number of times on the subway, buses, trams, and some ferries.

It’s also possible to add a travelcard to your Stockholm Pass , as well. And, these public transportation travelcards work out to be cheaper (and easier!) than single journey tickets.

Stockholm is a gem of a European city that should be on every traveler’s must-visit list! With this Stockholm 3-day itinerary guide, you’re sure to have a fabulous trip!

So, what’s on your Stockholm itinerary?

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Disclosure: I was a guest of Visit Stockholm. I absolutely loved Stockholm and freely and honestly shared my opinions about planning a trip to Stockholm.

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6 thoughts on “3 days in stockholm itinerary: a complete day by day guide”.

great article thanks!

Thanks for reading, Alvin. Hope you enjoy Stockholm!

Thank you so much for this article. This is what I’m looking for. I can get picture on where to stay, where to go, what to take during my visit to Stockholm.

I was having no idea, and other sites did not help me. Thank you for writing this helpful article.

I’ll go there with my friend and my sister this summer.

Thanks for reading, Sue. So glad the itinerary was helpful. Enjoy Stockholm with your friend and sister! 🙂

Going to Stockholm, Oslo and Copenhagen in Sept with my 25 year old daughter. This is a very well organized itinerary with a lot of details and helpful information. Thanks so much for sharing!

Thanks for reading, Cathi. Sounds like a great trip with your daughter! Glad the itinerary will be helpful. Happy travels! 🙂

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They're uncovering their ancestry — and questioning their families' racial narratives

Comedian Gadiel del Orbe always heard his brown-skinned Dominican father say their family came from Spain or the Canary Islands, but their more obvious African roots never came up.

When del Orbe got his DNA test results four years ago, he learned his direct maternal line was related to the Tikar people of Cameroon. He didn’t expect to get emotional, but he started crying once he heard the Tikar are renowned dancers.

“I love dancing. I do comedy, but dancing is my life — bachata, merengue, salsa,” del Orbe said. “To know that the Tikar people are known for dancing just answered questions about me. Things about me align with my ancestors.”

For del Orbe and other Latinos, technological advances and greater access to DNA testing are proving what they long suspected: Their family histories, which were long focused on their white, Spanish ancestry, include African roots and the legacy of slavery.

Family ties to both enslaved and colonial ancestors — including slave owners — can now be uncovered in free online databases, digitized archives and AI-powered indexing, which provide unprecedented access to documents from Latin America and the Caribbean.

Discovering these personal ties is often an emotional process, and many Latinos are using that knowledge to rethink their own identities and their past. They’re also filling the gaps of incomplete family histories that have been passed on for generations.

‘What were they hiding?’

Growing up in the Bronx, genealogist Ellen Fernandez-Sacco was raised by “flat-out racist” Puerto Rican parents who said they were white, though she suspected otherwise.

“I couldn’t bring Black friends home. I couldn’t have a Black boyfriend,” Fernandez-Sacco said. “But my dad used to sleep with pomade and the end of a nylon stocking on his hair. What were they hiding?”

Over a half-century later, Puerto Rican church records helped Fernandez-Sacco build a rare paper trail back to Africa. The 1810 burial record of her sixth-great-grandfather, Juan José Carrillo, described him as “free Black” and a “native of Guinea.”

“I was floored. I was so elated,” Fernandez-Sacco said.

Of the estimated 10.5 million enslaved Africans who landed in the Americas between 1501 and 1866, about 96% came to Latin America and the Caribbean . And while nearly half went to Brazil, Spanish Latin America received more than triple the number of enslaved Africans than what the mainland United States did.

And this history is reflected in the genes. A recent genetic study of over 6,000 Mexicans shows a near ubiquity of descent from enslaved people as well as slaveholders, with ancestries from West Africa observed in every Mexican state, “in agreement with historical records of shipping voyages from the transatlantic slave trade.”

Yet the notion that Latino and Black identities are separate or incompatible — and the reality of anti-Black racism — have deep historical roots. While African influence can be found in Latin American food, music and culture, the colonial caste system denigrated African heritage and favored light skin, making the term mejorando la raza (improving the race) a household phrase: It refers to a Latino whose partner or children are whiter than they are — in what’s considered a step up.

And in the U.S. and Latin America, the realities of racism pressured many families to identify as white despite Indigenous and Black roots. In the 2010 census, over half (53%) of Latinos identified as white only. In a Pew Research survey conducted in 2019 and 2020, roughly 12% of U.S. Latinos identified as Afro Latino.

A race to preserve history

Catholic Church records are among the few documents that recorded enslaved people’s names and families.

To help preserve these histories, Jane Landers, a historian at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee, co-founded the Slave Societies Digital Archive in 2003. Today, SlaveSocieties.org offers free access to more than 3,900 digitized volumes of church and business records, totaling more than 750,000 images.

Landers calls her small-scale, fast-acting efforts “guerrilla preservation.” Local students and archivists in places like Brazil, Colombia, Cuba, Mexico and St. Augustine, Florida, receive donated digital cameras and learn to organize, preserve and digitize their own collections.

But what documents have survived are almost always faded, crumbling, torn, eaten by pests or otherwise damaged. Climate change, political instability, neglect and indifference also endanger archives.

Landers received a photo showing people in southern Cuba shoveling bundles of old records into a furnace, not caring for the history being lost.

“I just helped someone in Brazil get a grant for saving legal records in a little archive that wasn’t going to hold them any longer,” Landers said. “That happens a lot.”

As Landers’ team races against time to digitize, Vanderbilt professors are training AI to read and transcribe the entire Slave Societies collection. FamilySearch , another free online archive operated by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints , increasingly uses computer indexing and full-text search on its more than 5 billion digitized images, including documents from every Spanish-speaking Latin American country and Brazil.

“You can find your families. They weren’t just property,” Landers said. “They were everything from soldiers to seamstresses to private business owners to slave traders, even.”

‘Follow these DNA trails’

Henry Louis Gates Jr., host of the Emmy-nominated PBS series “ Finding Your Roots ,” says it’s common for family lore to erase Black heritage. Singer-songwriter Carly Simon came on the show wanting to know more about her grandmother who claimed to be the king of Spain’s love child. Church records revealed that Simon’s grandmother was born in Cuba and descended from slaves, and DNA analysis showed that 10% of Simon’s ancestry was sub-Saharan African.

Simon’s grandmother “made up all these stories to hide her African roots,” Gates said. “It’s much easier to embrace fantasy than it is to think about rape, or cajoled sexuality at best.”

Gates says it’s also common for Latinos to have slaveholders in their family tree. Eight Latino guests on “Finding Your Roots” learned of slave-owning ancestors, including former NBA All-Star player Carmelo Anthony, TV host and lawyer Sunny Hostin and U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio. Looking at the baptismal record of his ancestor’s slave, Rubio commented to Gates, “If you baptize them, it’s because you believe they had a soul. … How then could you own them?”

Through SlaveSocieties.org, this reporter confronted his own family’s slave-owning past: Notary records from Cartagena, Colombia — once the largest slave port in South America — revealed an 1831 will of a previously unknown fourth-great-grandmother who left her daughter three enslaved youths as well as 100 pesos to purchase yet another slave. This reporter never thought that their humble Colombian immigrant grandmother, who sewed garments in New York sweatshops, could have been three and four generations removed from slave owners.

Exploring his own family tree, Texas-based genealogist Moises Garza uncovered both Afro Mexican ancestors and slave-owning forebears, reflecting the estimated 200,000 enslaved Africans brought to colonial Mexico. Garza first became interested in genealogy when he and his father were migrant workers in Texas, listening to his father’s family stories during long hours picking carrots. Over a quarter century later, Garza has compiled an online database with 1.1 million names from northeastern Mexico and Texas, and feels no need to distance himself from forebears who were conquistadors or slavers.

“I’m not going to say I’m embarrassed or going to apologize for what they did, because I have ancestors on both sides,” Garza said. “Some were the conqueror, some were the conquered. History is history and we learn from it. Or we get mad about it, but what’s the use of that?”

Gates said one is not restricted “to the good or bad things that your ancestors did — you want to go back to the original sin, look at the complicity between African merchants and elites and European merchants and elites over the course of the slave trade.”

“It’s a nasty and dishonest business to attempt to hold a person responsible for the stuff their ancestors did,” Gates said.

And yet uncovering the history of slavery is important, especially when so many Latin American families hid or intentionally forgot their African and Indigenous roots.

“Enslavement [and] genocide were designed to cut the ties that bind,” said Teresa Vega, an African American and Puerto Rican genealogist and public educator based in New York. “So you have to follow these DNA trails, figure out and flesh out your [family] trees and look for all possibilities.”

Vega’s parents separated when she was little, and it took a DNA test for Vega to connect with her paternal Puerto Rican family.

“I had been to Puerto Rico before, but I reconnected with my Taíno and Afro Indigenous side,” Vega said. “I feel like I’m 100% who I am.”

Giselle Rivera-Flores, a communications director in Worcester, Massachusetts, didn’t need a DNA test to know she was Afro Latina — her Puerto Rican family’s “Black skin and coarse hair” made that obvious. But finding out that 40% of her DNA matches Africans in countries like Cameroon, Congo, Nigeria, Senegal, Mali and Benin gave her “a sense of identity — one that no one can take away from me or debate about.”

While Rivera-Flores still has trouble convincing her mother and older relatives to embrace their Afro Latino heritage, she wants her three young children to know the insights she’s gained by knowing where she comes from.

“Staying true to who you are opens up a new perspective on how you view the world,” Rivera-Flores said. “It connects you with a lot of empathy for people.”

‘Here they are’

Following the loss of her Puerto Rican grandfather, filmmaker Alexis Garcia made her 2022 short film “ Daughter of the Sea .” The film, which stars rapper Princess Nokia, draws inspiration from the Yoruba faith, an African religion practiced in Latin America.

Garcia first learned about the Yoruba faith at her grandmother’s botánica (religious goods store) in the Bronx, where her devout Catholic grandmother, Jerusalén Morales, called on Yoruba orishas (spirits) during spiritual readings and kept statues of orishas alongside Catholic saints. But it took years for Garcia to appreciate how the orishas directly connect her with her African roots.

“This is part of our inheritance. We didn’t have a material inheritance, but we have this spiritual inheritance,” Garcia said.

When Garcia tested her DNA , she found it “thrilling and emotional” to learn her direct maternal DNA — inherited from the grandmother who ran the botánica — comes from the Igbo people of Nigeria.

“To tell my mother and my grandmother the proof of who we are and where we came from … I feel like there was a spark from me to seven generations in the past,” Garcia said.

Garcia and her cousin Selina Morales have started a film production company, and they’re working on a feature film and a documentary on traditional healers in Puerto Rico. When they named the company, their grandmother once again provided inspiration: Botánica Pictures.

“Selina was told by our grandma that she was going to own a botánica. At that time she was like, ‘There’s no way I’m going to own a store selling candles,’” Garcia said. “When we landed on the name, I understood the prophecy from our grandmother.”

Garcia hopes to learn more about her family history. She has a photo of her great-great-grandmother, who was born a slave in Puerto Rico around 1845, and she wants her work to motivate other Afro Latinos to connect with their Black identity and their past.

“The Black grandmother was always in the kitchen or at the back of the house, hidden away from the public. My aspiration is the liberation of ourselves and the liberation of our grandmothers,” Garcia said. “To no longer be like, ‘Where are they?’ Here I am. Here they are.”

Edward Rueda is a platform editor and digital journalist at NBCU Academy and NBC News.

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Stockholm is Sweden 's capital and largest city, with nearly a million inhabitants in the city, and 2.4 million within Stockholm County (as of 2021). The inner city is made up of 14 islands across Lake Mälaren and three streams into the brackish Baltic Sea , with the Stockholm archipelago with some 24,000 islands, islets and skerries. Over 30% of the city area is made up of waterways, and another 30% is made up of green areas. Air and water are said to be the freshest of any European capital. Stockholm hosts the Nobel Prize ceremony and has around 70 museums.

Stockholm is the hub of most Swedish rail and bus traffic and has two of the country's busiest airports nearby, so it is a good starting point for visiting other parts of Sweden.

Stockholm's suburbs sprawl out across most of Stockholm County . Stockholm's administrative division may be perplexing - municipal borders might cut right through neighbourhoods.

This article describes areas that are geographically close and easy to visit together as districts; the administrative borders of districts and municipalities may differ. The outer parts of the county consist of Norrtälje , Sigtuna , Norrort , Stockholm Archipelago , Södertörn and Södertälje .

Due to the post-glacial rebound , Stockholm is slowly rising from the sea. Mälaren was a bay of the Baltic Sea throughout the Viking Age of the 9th and 10th centuries; today's Stockholm was the waterway for the first Swedish cities; Birka , Uppsala , and Sigtuna . As Sigtuna was sacked by pirates in AD   1187, the Swedes needed to fortify the strait.

As the rising land cut off Mälaren from the sea in the 13th century, Stockholm became an important trading post. The city is said to be founded by Birger jarl ( jarl is a title corresponding to British earl ), who had a fortress built on an island later known as Gamla Stan . The first known written records that mention Stockholm date from 1252; this is the considered year of foundation. In the 15th century Stockholm replaced Uppsala as the effective capital. Stockholm was an associate of the Hanseatic League , and since its liberation from Denmark by King Gustavus Vasa in 1523, Stockholm has remained Sweden's most important center of commerce, although Gothenburg later became the largest international port. During the 17th century, Stockholm was the base of the Swedish Empire, with a land area twice the country's current size, nearly encircling the Baltic Sea.

Much of the inner city plan was laid out in the 19th century, and the inner city still contains buildings from all ages since the 15th century. Like the rest of Sweden, Stockholm was largely untouched by the World Wars, but, particularly between 1955 and 1975, hundreds of old buildings in Norrmalm were demolished in a large-scale modernization process, emulating similar projects in other European cities.

Since 1901, Stockholm has hosted the annual Nobel Prize ceremony for all categories except the peace prize, which is handed out in Oslo . In the 20th century, metropolitan Stockholm sprawled out across most of Stockholm County , with the development of the Stockholm Metro, famous for its contemporary art . 1950s suburbs such as Vällingby became a model for suburban development in other cities. While most of the attractions are in the inner city, a majority of the citizens live in the suburbs.

Otherwise a safe and calm city, Stockholm is also known for the term Stockholm Syndrome, which was coined to describe a hostage's sympathy for a captor during a bank robbery in Norrmalm in 1973.

Sustainable technology

As of 2023, Stockholm is striving to become a world-leading city in sustainable engineering, including waste management, clean air and water, carbon-free public transportation, and energy efficiency. Lake water is safe for bathing, and in practice for drinking (though not recommended).

Some new neighborhoods with state-of-the-art technology in this field are Hammarby Sjöstad, Norra Djurgårdsstaden and Hagastaden. See Stockholm environmentalist tour .

Despite its northern location, Stockholm has fairly mild temperatures throughout the year. The city sees a dramatic seasonal variation in sunlight, from more than 18 hours of daylight around Midsummer (03:30 to 22:00), to around 6 hours of daylight around Christmas (08:45 to 14:45). Stockholm has an average of nearly 2,000 hours of sunshine a year. Average yearly precipitation is 539   mm (21.2"), with July and August slightly the wettest months. Snowfall can occur from late November to early April, but the amount of snowfall and snow on the ground varies greatly from year to year, and through the winter. No date is a safe bet for snow in Stockholm; for real Scandinavian winter , visit Dalarna or Norrland .

In other words, May to September tend to have the most comfortable weather. From Midsummer to the end of July, most inhabitants leave the city, and some venues close for summer, making the city more dominated by tourists.

Tourist information

• 59.332035 18.064911 1 Stockholm Tourist Center , Kulturhuset, Sergels Torg 3-5 103 27 Stockholm , ☏ +46 8-508 28 508 , [email protected] . Open M-F 09:00-19:00, Sa 09:00-16:00, Su 10:00-16:00 . The official tourist center has a lot of information in several languages and helpful staff. They also sell local transport cards and tickets to museums and sightseeing tours.  

Stockholm ( STO   IATA ) is served by several international airports; Stockholm-Arlanda airport (near Sigtuna ) being the dominant one. Stockholm-Bromma is the only airport within the city. The airports in Skavsta (near Nyköping ) and Västerås also receive some international flights.

Arlanda Airport

59.6488 17.9361 1 Arlanda Airport ( ARN   IATA ) 40   km north of the city is Sweden's largest airport, and the destination for most flights to Sweden. It consists of four terminals under the same roof. There are several means of travelling between Stockholm and Arlanda:

The dedicated Arlanda Express Train leaves from the basement level of each terminal (Arlanda South/Södra and Arlanda North/Norra) and runs non-stop to Stockholm Central Station in 20 minutes, departing every 15 minutes during daytime. Tickets are sold at kiosks at the platform, via app, or online (100   kr surcharge for ticket purchase on board). One-way tickets cost 300   kr for adults, 380   kr for two adults, 480 for three and 580 for four. 150   kr for youths <26. Youths and children travel for free with adults, and children for free with youths. The trains have free Wi-Fi.

Regular trains serve the airport through a third station, Arlanda Central, beneath Sky City between terminal 4 and 5. Commuter trains (pendeltåg) in Stockholm County are run by the public transport company SL (see also the #Get around ) section. Line J38 of the commuter train from Uppsala C via Stockholm Central Station to Älvsjö (with Stockholm International Fairs) calling at all stations between, with peak hour services continuing to Huddinge and Tumba . The train runs twice an hour and takes 38 minutes to Stockholm Central Station. Tickets can be used and bought at the entrance to the station or the SL app, though everyone over the age of 18 has to pay the Arlanda passage supplement fee of 75   kr for passing between the trains and the airport terminal at Arlanda. A one-way ticket including the Arlanda passage supplement fee to Stockholm city costs 125   kr (110   kr for people under 20 or over 65). For 210   kr (or 90   kr for youth) you get a 24-hour travel card (this is reduced to 190   kr for adults and 70   kr for youth if you already have an SL Access card). These prices all include the Arlanda passage supplement fee. See SL's web page for local transport tickets.

There are faster regional trains on the Linköping - Stockholm - Gävle route, which cost 278   kr (2nd class) to central Stockholm if bought on the spot, though if booked approximately 45 days in advance, they can be as cheap as 95   kr. They take 20 minutes, like the Arlanda Express, but only operate hourly (with several strange gaps). Also, many inter-city trains bound for cities such as Umeå, Mora or Östersund, call at Arlanda. It is not, however, permitted to use these trains to travel from the airport to central Stockholm. See SJ's web page [ dead link ] for regional/intercity rail tickets.

By local bus and rail

• FlixBus . This is the cheapest ride between the airport and the central bus station. There are 2-4 per hour in either direction between roughly 05:00 and 23:00, travel time about 45 minutes and prices starting at €3.90 if you book tickets via their app or website. Otherwise, there is a green Flixbus ticket machine inside the exit near bay 9 of terminal 4 which sells tickets for 69 kr per person with a 10 kr transaction fee. 79 kr from airport kiosk . ( updated Aug 2024 )

The second cheapest and usually slowest ride between Arlanda and Stockholm is by SL bus to Märsta, and changing to commuter train. Local bus 583 (from outside the terminals) connects the airport to Märsta railway station, connecting with frequent commuter trains (line J36 which arrives on platforms 15/16) to central Stockholm in 65   minutes, for a regular public transport fare, which is 60   kr for a one-way trip. Several kinds of discounted tickets can be purchased at the airport, making this route the cheapest, but the slowest, way to get to and from Arlanda; the pre-paid SL Access cards are valid for the whole journey. See Stockholm County#Public transit for more details on the SL services and ticketing system.

By airport coach

• Flygbussarna . Frequent bus service between airport terminals 5, 4 and 2 (terminal 3 via terminal 2) and City Terminal (Cityterminalen), just next to the Central Station in 45   minutes. Tickets are cheaper when purchased online but can be purchased in-person from machines at the stops at T5, T4 and T2, and in the arrivals halls at T5 and T4 and from some 7-Eleven shops. You can't buy tickets with cash on board, but credit cards are accepted and during normal hours agents sell tickets at the airport stop. They stop elsewhere in Solna (Ulriksdal/Järva Krog, Frösunda, Haga Norra, Haga Södra), and Vasastan (Norra Stationsgatan and Sankt Eriksplan) before arriving at Cityterminalen. FlixBus follows the same route, but is considerably cheaper. 125 kr/adult 1-way, 199 kr/youth 1-way, 209 kr/adult roundtrip, 189 kr/youth roundtrip . ( updated Aug 2024 )

Major taxi companies operate on a fixed price basis between Arlanda and central Stockholm. Prices at the taxi stands range from 450   kr (Transfer Taxi) to 520   kr. Generally, you can freely choose among the waiting taxis, or ask the operator for a specific company. Beware of the smaller, expensive, taxi companies. Each taxi has a yellow and white price tag (per 10   km and 15 minutes) on the right rear window; prefer cabs where the price is no more than 350   kr. A taxi ride to central Stockholm takes approximately 40   minutes. With some companies, you can get a lower price if you pre-book your ride. See the Taxi section below for some general advice on taxi travel in Stockholm.

See the airport's webpage [ dead link ] for information on car rental at Arlanda Airport.

Bromma Airport

59.3554 17.9458 2 Bromma Airport , ( BMA   IATA ) in Västerort is a smaller airport 8   km west of central Stockholm, mainly used for domestic flights, but also Aarhus , Helsinki and Brussels .

From Bromma, it's easiest to take tram 31 from Bromma flygplats     31   to Alvik strand     30     31   . At Alvik     12     17     18     19     30     31   , you can change onto the green line of Stockholm's metro, which will connect you to T-Centralen, the central hub of Stockholm's public transit . Alternatively, to get to Sundbyberg and Solna, you can change trams at Norra Ulvsunda     30     31   heading towards Solna station with line 30. Getting to T-Centralen takes just shy of 30 minutes, with tramline 31 departing from Bromma every 20 minutes.

Skavsta Airport

58.785 16.9214 3 Skavsta Airport ( NYO   IATA ) is 100   km (62   mi) southwest of Stockholm, at the outskirts of Nyköping , making this airport's branded name "Stockholm-Skavsta" rather far-fetched. As of 2023, the airport is only used by Wizzair and Norwegian, with flights to Tirana, Sofia, Budapest, Skopje, Gdansk, Kraków, Warsaw, Bucharest, Belgrade, Alicante and Malaga. Budget air travellers landing here might find the transfer costing more time and money than the flight.

The most practical option is Airport coaches [ dead link ] to/from the City Terminal in Stockholm. Adults 199 kr online. The trip takes about 80 minutes. A sometimes cheaper option is to take take local bus 515 or 715 to Nyköping rail station ( alight at Nyköping Centralstation ), from where SJ regional trains ( timetable , direct services run to stations marked in white) on the Norrköping - Nyköping - Stockholm route connect to Stockholm. The fare starts 26 + 49   kr (16 + 49   kr for youth under 20) and tickets can be bought the following two ways:

• 1. Buy a combined ticket from Skavsta to Stockholm at SJ:s website [ dead link ] which is both valid on the local bus and the regional train.
• 2. Pay for the local bus on board with your VISA or MasterCard (cash is not accepted) and buy the train ticket at Nyköping station.

Schedules for public transportation is available at the Resrobot webpage.

Västerås Airport

59.60181 16.6282 4 Västerås Airport ( VST   IATA ) is 100   km west of Stockholm in Västerås , and serves Ryanair flights to/from London (Stansted). Like Skavsta, Västerås can be reached in two ways: Airport coaches [ dead link ] go to/from the City Terminal in Stockholm. 139   kr one way, 249   kr round trip, takes about 80 minutes. Alternatively you can take the public taxi shuttle (order can be made online , but the site is as of 2016 in Swedish only) that runs between the airport and Västerås rail station in 6–7 minutes, departing from outside the terminal 20 minutes after each flight arrival and costing 50   kr one way. From there regional trains on the Stockholm - Västerås - Örebro - Hallsberg - Göteborg route ( timetable , M-F = Monday-Friday, L = Saturday, SoH = Sunday and holidays) connect to Stockholm in 53 min at a price of 59   kr, resulting in a total fare of 10   kr. Total travel time Västerås Airport - Stockholm is 65 minutes, but this option is as much as 25 minutes faster, since the airport coach departs 10 minutes later from the airport and arrives there 10 minutes earlier.

The main station, 59.3301 18.0579 5 Stockholm Central ( Norrmalm ), serves both commuter and long-distance routes. It is in lower Norrmalm, connected to T-Centralen , the central hub for the Stockholm Metro, and Cityterminalen , the long-distance bus station. The national rail company SJ , has a store inside the station and a travel planner with ticket booking service on its web page. The train companies Snälltåget , VY and Flixtrain serve the city.

Internationally, there are services from Copenhagen (Denmark) (5 hr) and Oslo (Norway) (4½-5 hr) with several direct connections daily. A daily sleeper train is available from Narvik (14 hr). From Trondheim , a quick change in Storlien and Sundsvall is needed (10 hr). Both the national railway company SJ as well as the private Snälltåget seasonally operate daily overnight trains from Berlin and Hamburg taking 12 to 14 hours.

There are numerous direct domestic services to Stockholm from most major cities. There's high-speed SJ 2000 and SJ 3000 services from Gothenburg (3 hr), Malmö (4½ hr), Sundsvall (3½ hr) and Östersund (5 hr). Conventional trains mostly follow the same routes, and run slightly slower, but can slash prices considerably. Most other mid-sized cities in Sweden have a train connection with Stockholm. Malmö has an overnight service as do the northern cities of Luleå , Kiruna and Umeå . In fact, this service originates in the far northern Norwegian town of Narvik and offers spectacular views of Lapland along its journey to Stockholm.

The 59.3317 18.0563 6 City Terminal is the main bus terminal, wall to wall with Stockholms Central, and the T Centralen metro station. There are multiple daily departures to most other cities in Sweden, as well as a few international routes. FlixBus operates routes to Copenhagen and Oslo with several daily departures, and a twice-weekly service to Berlin . FlixBus also offers connections with Hamburg , Hannover , Cologne , Wuppertal and Berlin among other cities. NetBuss has a route to Oslo. Tapanis Buss has a route between Tornio , Finland and Stockholm running through road E4.

Stockholm is served by international luxury cruise ships (see cruising the Baltic Sea ), and the local Baltic Sea ferries ("ferry" is quite a misnomer, most are giant ships). The Baltic Sea ferries link Stockholm to Helsinki , Mariehamn and Turku (these ships are locally known as finlandsbåtar , "Finland boat"), Riga and Tallinn every day. They are by far the cheapest way to travel between these cities. Even if you intend to use the boats to travel to or from Stockholm, it is almost always cheaper to book a round-trip cruise ( kryssning ), which can be as cheap as 80   kr (!) for a full 4-person cabin and rarely (even for a weekend cruise in high season) exceeds 400   kr for the cheapest 4-bed cabin. A one-way ticket for a cabin, in comparison, usually exceeds 1000   kr.

There are three cruise ship terminals:

In northern Östermalm there are 59.3509 18.1092 7 Värtahamnen and 59.3436 18.1196 8 Frihamnen , one kilometre to the east from the former. These two are used by Tallink ; Frihamnen for ships from Riga , Värtahamnen for ships from all other destinations ( Turku , Helsinki , Tallinn , Mariehamn )

Värtahamnen is 400 metres from the Gärdet metro station; the route is signposted. You can also use bus 76 from Kungsträdgården. For Frihamnen, go to T-Karlaplan, take bus 72 from the avenue to Filmhuset, and then bus 76 to Magasin 3, which is outside that terminal. If you have a lot of luggage, or if your cruise ship is docked at Magasin 9, you may want to consider other means of transport.

59.3163 18.0965 9 Stadsgårdshamnen , Stadsgården , is in Södermalm , with an astounding view of the inner port area. Most importantly, it's used by Viking Line for ferries to Mariehamn , Helsinki and Turku and their 22-hour cruises to Mariehamn. If you travel on a "real" cruise ship , such as Holland America Cruises you will probably also dock here.

There are direct bus lines from Stockholm center to Stadsgården, lines 53 from nearby T-Centralen and line 2 from Kungsträdgården. To get there from the city center by subway, go to T-Slussen and go for the bus terminal. Take the 401–422, 442–449 or 471 bus one single stop to Londonviadukten and the port will be on your left. Alternatively normal town buses 53 and 71 link Slussen and the Viking Line terminal, albeit via the backstreets. Public transport tickets are not sold on board buses, but the tourist office in the terminal sells them (at least day passes). Alternatively, you can walk to Slussen (it's little more than a kilometre) and buy the tickets you need there.

Yet another convenient but more expensive alternative is the shuttle buses operated by Flygbussarna that go directly from the terminal to the central bus station (Cityterminalen) in the city center. The price for a ticket on these are 55   kr (single) and 90   kr (return) and tickets are sold on board, at Flygbussarna's and Viking Line's booths in the bus station, and if you want to buy the ticket on the bus you can do it but only pay with a credit card. There are multiple departures from the port 15–60 minutes after the ferry arrives and from the station 1–3 hours before the ferry departs. If you are driving to the boat, follow the signs to Slussen , then Stadsgårdsterminalen (Slussen is confusing even for locals, so don't feel embarrassed if you end up spinning in the intersection a few times) and then Finland/Viking Line .

Some cruise ships call at Nynäshamn 50 km south of Stockholm. The ferry terminal is served by SL commuter train line 43. There are also buses which are slightly faster, costing 109   kr for adults.

European routes E4 , E18 and E20 converge in Stockholm. The few north-south bridges across lake Mälaren tend to be congested around rush hour. Roads in and around Stockholm are a toll zone (more exactly, "congestion tax"), and also foreign-registered vehicles are required to pay it – see more in the Get around section below.

Stockholm is easy to access by public transport, and on bicycle during the warm season. Travelling by car is suitable outside built-up areas.

By public transport

SL (Storstockholms Lokaltrafik) runs an extensive metro, commuter train and bus system, as well as some light rail and ferry services. They serve Stockholm County, with Sigtuna and Norrtälje in the north, and Södertälje and Nynäshamn in the south, with extensions to Uppsala , Gnesta and Bålsta for an extra fee (see below).

The SL website has detailed ticket and price information in English, and a journey planner. It is always updated.

The simplest way to pay for tickets is to simply use your credit card to pay for tickets, by tapping at entry gates and electronic readers.

All SL services use an integrated ticket system with an RFID card, which triggers entry gates and other electronic readers. The card costs 20 kr to purchase and can load all SL tickets.

There are two forms of ticketing, passes and coupons. Passes and coupons are bought at SL Center (in different stations, including central station and t-central), at all Pressbyrån stores, most supermarkets and some smaller kiosks. Tickets can not be bought on buses but contactless debit/credit cards can be tapped against the reader to pay for the fares .

Passes are available for 24 hours, 72 hours, 7 days, and 30 days, and allow unrestricted rides on all buses, trams, T-bana, and commuter trains (outside of Arlanda Central and stations north of it), as well as the Djurgården ferry. A coupon ticket allows unlimited travel for 75 minutes including changes. A discount is offered if tickets are purchased for two or more passengers travelling together.

There is an SL app which can be used to buy single tickets and passes, which must be validated before use in the app (once validated the ticket appears as a large QR code). Alternatively coupons can be downloaded to the SL Access card, reskassa ., as well as paper tickets from vending machines, ticket booths and rail conductors.

It is possible also to use a contactless payment card (Mastercard, Maestro, Visa and Visa Electron) to buy a single ticket (75 min). As you board a public transport vehicle, you will be required to validate your trip every time by swiping the payment card at the rectangular validators in the front of the vehicle. Those on the tram should expect a conductor to approach them to check for a valid ticket. If you hear a beep and see a green light, your trip has been validated.

Children under 12 travelling with adults travel free from mid-day Friday to midnight Sunday. Children under 7 ride for free with a paying adult.

SL tickets are not valid on airport coaches, Arlanda Express and regional trains.

Stockholm Metro

Stockholm has a rapid transit system called the Tunnelbana [ˌtɵnəlˈbɑːna] (sometimes abbreviated T-Bana or just T on signs). With 100 stations, it serves most of the inner city, as well as many inner suburbs. Trains run from 05:00 to 01:00 on weekdays, and around the clock on weekends. Night buses replace the trains on weeknights. It is in most cases the fastest mode of transportation.

Stockholm's metro system is known for its art installations, with nearly all stations offering some form of artwork on display. The art on the blue line in particular is of note.

Directions in Stockholm are often accompanied by the name of the closest metro stop, using T as an abbreviation for "Tunnelbana", e.g. " T Gamla Stan ". This practice is followed below when appropriate.

Commuter rail

Stockholm has a commuter rail network , pendeltåg , reaching 53 stations, including Uppsala , Knivsta and Bålsta in Uppsala County , plus Gnesta in Södermanland County . Stations are marked by a J sign. All city centre-bound trains now pass through the Stockholm City station which is across the street from the main Central Station.

SL tickets are valid on commuter trains, with the exception of Knivsta and Uppsala on line 38, which employ Uppsala's local transport fares, and Arlanda Airport (see #By plane above).

Light rail/tram

Stockholm has several light rail lines:

• Tvärbanan connecting Västerort to Söderort.
• Lidingöbanan connects Ropsten in Östermalm to Lidingö . Several archipelago ferries call at Gåshaga brygga at the east terminus.
• Nockebybanan in Västerort connects the district of Nockeby to Alvik on the green line of the Tunnelbana.
• Spårväg City is a city tram connecting the Central Station to Waldemarsudde ( Djurgården ).

Buses serve most populated areas where metro, rail or tram does not reach. Four inner city main lines numbered from 1 to 4 are operated by large blue buses (weekdays every 3–10 minutes), the other, generally less frequent lines (weekdays 7–20 minutes), by red buses.

The blue bus lines are:

• line 1 - from Frihamnen in Östermalm via Hötorget in Norrmalm and through Kungsholmen to the island of Stora Essingen in the latter district.
• line 2 - from Vasastan through western Norrmalm and the Gamla Stan to Sofia in eastern Södermalm
• line 3 - from Karolinska Institutet through eastern Vasastan , Kungsholmen , eastern Norrmalm and the Gamla Stan to western Södermalm
• line 4 - from Vasastan through Kungsholmen directly to Södermalm

Apart from those four, several lines running through outer districts and suburbs of Stockholm are designated as blue buses - apart from the colour, they are distinguished by the middle 7 in their three-digit line number.

Passenger ferries

There are also ferries to Djurgården and Skeppsholmen. Travel with the Djurgården ferry is included with any 24- or 72-hour pass, 7-day pass as well as the monthly pass.

SL passes are good on these passenger ferries:

• Sjövägen (80) [ formerly dead link ] : Nybroplan–Allmänna gränd (Djurgården)–Saltsjöqvarn–Finnboda hamn–Kvarnholmen–Nacka Strand–Blockhushudden (Djurgården)–Dalénum–Frihamnen – hourly rides from Nybrokajen ( Norrmalm ), calling at several docks in Nacka , and Lidingö , ending in Ropsten ( Östermalm ). Some tours carry on to the small suburban islands Tranholmen and Storholmen. Standard SL fare. The ferry has a cafeteria with tea, coffee, snacks, beer and wine, and gives a great view of the inlet of Stockholm.
• Djurgårdsfärjan (82): Slussen (dock at southeast Gamla Stan)–Skeppsholmen–Allmäna gränd (Djurgården) – short ride between the old town and the garden island.
• Pendelbåt (83 and 83X): Strömkajen–Slussen–Nacka strand–Vaxholm–Grenadjärbryggan: long route (1.5 to 2 hours, 83X is faster) to Stockholm archipelago . Wi-Fi and café, possible to carry cycles if there is enough space.
• Pendelbåt (89): Klara Mälarstrand–Lilla Essingen–Ekensberg–Kungshättan–Tappström ( Ekerö ): long ride, return by bus 176 or 177 and metro 17, 18 or 19, stopping over at Drottningholm Palace.

Cycling is an attractive option during warm seasons, and there are many bike lanes. A bike ride across the inner city takes no longer than 30 minutes, and can be faster than travelling by metro or car. There are cycle paths along most major streets and drivers are generally considerate towards cyclists. In winter, when paths can be covered by ice, extra care should be taken. Bike paths have a bicycle painted on the ground and/or round blue signs with a white bike. Make sure you bike on the right hand side of the street, just as the cars.

Bike rentals

• RideMovi , [email protected] . Open all year . Rent e-bikes for 2   kr per minute or multi-minute packs from 69   kr to 198   kr . ( updated Sep 2023 )
• BikeSweden AB , Narvavägen 13-17 , ☏ +46 8-403 07 520 , [email protected] . Open 10:00-18:00 April–October. Call to rent bikes off season . BikeSweden offers a variety of high quality bikes in the center of the city. From mountain bikes to children's bikes and city bikes. Child carriers and child seats are available. Helmets are included in the rental price. The bikes have at least 7 gears and are maximum of two seasons old. 3 hours from 150   kr. Full day from 190   kr . ( updated Sep 2015 )
• Cykel- & Mopeduthyrningen , Strandvägen, Kajplats 24 ( T Östermalmtorg or T Karlaplan ). Only open in the summer months . ( updated Sep 2015 )
• Djurgårdsbrons Sjöcafé , Galärvarvsvägen 2 ( on Djurgården, just to the right as you cross Djurgårdsbron ). Only open in the summer months . Also rents roller blades and kayaks. Rents bikes for 250   kr per day . ( updated Sep 2015 )
• Gamla Stans Cykel , Stora Nygatan 20 ( T Gamla Stan ). Open all year . Rents three-speed city bikes for 190   kr per day or 500   kr for 3 days . ( updated Sep 2015 )
• Servicedepån - Cykelstallet , Scheelegatan 15 ( T Rådhuset ). Open all year . Rents 3-speed city bikes, 21-speed mountain/hybrids (200   kr/day), and racers. They have metal-stud snow tyres for winter ice use, but you will have to ask in advance. Helmets are free with the bike, other accessories like panniers can also be rented. Rental period is from 10:00-18:00, full 24 hours, or several days. ( updated Sep 2015 )

By electric kick scooter

It is possible to rent Swedish Voi , German Tier , American Lime and American Bird electric kick scooters for use in the centre. Install the smartphone app, check where the nearest scooter is, check price, unlock with the app, drive, park it in some sensible location in the allowed area (mind the vision impaired) and release it with the app. The scooters have a top speed of 20   km/h (12   mph) , which is plenty; acquaint yourself with the scooter and its controls somewhere safe. Rules are the same as for bikes, but minimum age (imposed by the companies) is 18. In some areas the scooters enforce a lower speed (5–6 km/h). The companies aim to keep the scooters available also in winter, conditions permitting, but the vehicles are not ideal in snowy or slippery conditions.

In 2023 Italian RideMovi offers rental of electric kick scooters and e-bikes.

Taxis are rather expensive. Even worse is the fact that some small dodgy operators charge high prices. The antidote is to always check the black and yellow price sticker on the rear window. The price shown in large digits is the maximum (for instance during night hours) fare for a 10   km, 15-minute journey and reputable companies charge around 300   kr for this. The price can legally be up to 499   kr; if the sticker shows a much higher price, stay away or be ripped off. The taxi market is deregulated, making it considerably easier to find a taxi, but the downside is that the rip-offs aren't even illegal, just "supply and demand"!

As long as you check the sticker you'll be fine, but if you're still nervous choose the major companies TopCab , +46   8   33   33   33; Taxijakt [ dead link ] , +46 8 35 00 00; Taxi Kurir , +46   8   30   00   00; Taxi 020 , 020   20   20   20 (free calls from Swedish phones); and Taxi Stockholm , +46   8   15   00   00. Many minor companies use "Stockholm" in their names to mimic their competitor, so look for the phone number 15 00 00 which appears below the logo on all Taxi Stockholm cars.

Most taxi firms operate a fixed price regime between central Stockholm and Arlanda airport, mirroring the rates for the journey into town of around 450-500   kr. It is a good idea to check with the driver that you will get the fixed price before you set off - the meter price for the same ride may cost twice as much. The taxis often have big stickers advertising their airport price: do not confuse them with the black and yellow price sticker pictured in this article.

Authorized taxis have yellow license plates. Late at night in the city center, you may be offered a ride with an illegal taxi, svarttaxi (literally "black taxi"), usually by discreet whispering of "taxi". Illegal cabs are associated with other crime, and don't save you a lot of money, and legal cabs are usually available.

• Uber Stockholm . ( updated Jul 2020 )
• Bolt Stockholm . ( updated Jul 2020 )
• Cabonline . Offers TaxiKurir, Taxi 020, Sverigetaxi and TOPCAB taxis. Fixed price on all trips. ( updated Aug 2020 )

As central Stockholm has good public transit, a car is only needed for freight, or for visiting outer suburbs, or the countryside.

Cars driving into or out of central Stockholm between 06:30 and 18:29 are charged a congestion tax of 11 to 35   kr. Some car rental companies charge their customers separately for the cost of toll passages, while others do not. Taxis pass the tax onto the passengers. Foreign-registered vehicles are not exempt from tax (you'll receive an invoice). Taxes are not charged in most of July, on holidays (such as Sundays) or on the day before a holiday (such as Saturdays).

Parking is restricted and expensive in the inner city, and free parking is scarce even in the suburbs, except at external shopping centres.

The congestion tax, parking fees and fuel prices make driving costly around Stockholm.

While traffic congestion is not as bad as in other cities of similar size, the north-south divide is a chokepoint at rush hour; especially the Slussen area between Gamla Stan and Södermalm. In general, commuting south to north is slowest in the morning, while north to south is slowest in the afternoon.

As of 2019, many streets (especially in Norrmalm) are under reconstruction, with rerouting and limited capacity.

Remember to yield for pedestrians, who often cross smaller streets in front of cars even when they have red light.

The Stockholm archipelago is served by two major shipping companies.

Waxholmsbolaget [ dead link ] runs inexpensive public transit ferries, slowed down by stops at several different docks. Waxholmsbolaget also runs two steamboats, that offer even slower, but genuine, round-trips with classical Swedish cuisine.

Strömma [ dead link ] is a private company, aimed at international tourists, with fast boats and audioguides.

For the city area, there are two hop-on/hop-off boat tours that run loops between various sites in Stockholm. Each costs approximately 100   kr for a day long pass and has approximately 8 stops, including the cruise terminal, Gamla Stan, the Vasa Museum, Skansen, and Skeppsholmen.

Stockholm is a walking-friendly city if snow is not present and getting from one place to another by foot is safe and otherwise hassle-free, at least in the inner city. Stockholm's suburbs, on the other hand, are rather spread out.

• Drottninggatan, Västerlånggatan and Götgatan is a shopping and dining walk through the city.
• Stockholm history tour tells the history of Stockholm from Vikings to tech startups.
• Södermalm hill tour provides the greatest panorama photo views, as well as the arts and crafts scene.

Buildings and structures

Untouched by wars for a long time, Stockholm has some great old architecture to see. The exception would be Norrmalm , where much was demolished in the 1950s and 1960s to give place to what was then more modern buildings. Looking at it the other way around, if interested in this kind of architecture this is the place to go.

Stockholm's Old Town ( Gamla Stan ) , is the beautifully preserved historical center, best covered on foot, dominated by the Stockholm Palace (Stockholms slott). Other highlights include Storkyrkan , the cathedral of Stockholm, which has been used for many royal coronations, weddings and funerals, and Riddarholmskyrkan , a beautifully preserved medieval church, which hosts the tombs of many Swedish kings and royals, surrounded by former mansions.

Stockholm has several interesting churches , from medieval times to the 20th century. Most of them are in active use by the Church of Sweden. There is also a synagogue in Östermalm and a mosque on Södermalm . The Woodland cemetery, Skogskyrkogården , in Söderort is one of few UNESCO World Heritage sites from the 20th century. Also in southern Stockholm is Avicii Arena , also known as Globen ("Globe", in Söderort ), a white spherical building used for hockey games and as a concert venue. Occasionally, at least at game nights, it is lit by coloured light. The Globe is the heart of the Sweden Solar System , the world's largest scale model of any kind. With the Globe as the Sun, models of the planets are displayed at Slussen (Mercury), the Royal Institute of Technology (Venus), the Natural History Museum (Earth & Moon), Mörby Centrum (Mars), Arlanda Airport (Jupiter) and Uppsala (Saturn).

The heights of northern Södermalm give a great view of central Stockholm, especially from the street Fjällgatan, the Fåfängan mountain just east of to Stadsgårdshamnen, and bars and restaurants such as Gondolen , Herman's , Himlen , and the penthouse lounge of Sjöfartshotellet . Further south in Söderort there's Hammarbybacken , a semi-artificial ski slope, walkable around the year, great during summer and Skyview [ dead link ] on the top of the Ericsson Globe (130   kr).

On Skansen there's the 19th century tower of Bredablick offering views. The Stockholm City Hall ( Stockholms stadshus ) on Kungsholmen is famous for its observatory tower, and for the Nobel Prize dining hall.

Drones are prohibited above Gamla stan, Norrmalm, and parts of Östermalm and Kungsholmen [ dead link ] . Södermalm and Djurgården are recommended for drone flight.

Stockholm has more than 70 museums , ranging from those large in size and scope to the very specialized, including the Butterfly Museum, the Spirits Museum, and the Dance Museum, to name but a few. As of 2016, many of them have free entrance. A brief selection:

• Östermalm : The Natural History Museum at T-Universitetet has extensive exhibits for all ages, and an Omnimax cinema. The Army Museum [ dead link ] displays Sweden's military history, with frequent wars from the Middle Ages until 1814, then followed by two centuries of peace. The Swedish History Museum features an exhibition on Vikings.
• The Museum of Modern Art ( Skeppsholmen ).
• Djurgården : The Vasa Museum displays the Vasa , a 17th-century warship that sunk in Stockholm harbour on its maiden voyage, and authentic objects from the height of the Swedish Empire. Skansen is an open-air museum in Djurgården, containing a zoo featuring Swedish fauna, as well as displays of Sweden's cultural heritage in reconstructed buildings. Nordiska Museet [ dead link ] displays Swedish history and cultural heritage. The Swedish Music Hall of Fame features ABBA The Museum .
• Millesgården , Lidingö an open-air sculpture museum.
• Fotografiska [ dead link ] Södermalm a photo gallery opened in 2010.
• Birka ( Ekerö ) — For the real Viking buff, there's Birka [ dead link ] , the site of a former Viking city on Björkö. A replica of the old city has been built up. Boats to Björkö are operated by Strömma Kanalbolaget . Birka can also be reached by public transport to Rastaholm, and boarding a boat.

Beyond the art museums mentioned above, Stockholm has a vivid art scene with many art galleries, exhibition halls and public art installation. Some of the galleries are Galleri Magnus Karlsson , Fredsgatan 12 ( Norrmalm ), Lars Bohman Gallery , Karlavägen 9 ( Östermalm ), Galerie Nordenhake , Hudiksvallsgatan 8 ( Vasastan ) and Magasin 3 [ dead link ] , Frihamnen ( Östermalm ).

The Royal Institute of Art ( Skeppsholmen ) and the University College of Arts, Crafts and Design ( Söderort ) hold regular exhibitions.

The Stockholm Metro has plenty of artistic decoration in its stations, and promotes itself as "the world’s longest art exhibition". Some stations worth to mention are the moody dark blue cave of Kungsträdgården ( Norrmalm ), the giant black and white "drawings" by Siri Derkert at Östermalmstorg ( Östermalm ) and the celebration of science and technology at Tekniska Högskolan ( Östermalm ). Rissne ( Solna ) has a fascinating timeline of human history on its walls. A written description in English to the art in the Stockholm Metro can be downloaded for free from the SL website [ dead link ] . See public transportation in Stockholm County for more information.

Stockholm has been the setting of many books and films, including some of Astrid Lindgren's works and Nordic Noir works such as Millennium and Beck .

There is a wide selection of guided tours available, by boat, by bus and on foot.

• Hop On - Hop Off Boat . daily 10:00-16:00 . Audio track in 11 languages. Two of the most frequented stops are at the Palace, and at the Gamla Stan, right across the canal from T Slussen . The recordings on this loop service are reasonably informative. 24-hr ticket from 180   kr . ( updated Sep 2017 )
• Under the bridges of Stockholm . Departing from Strömkajen by Grand Hôtel and opposite the Royal Castle ( T Kungsträdgården ), this tour on both the sea and on lake Mälaren passes under 15 bridges and through two locks. Several departures every day, depending on the time of year. 1 hour 50 min. From 260   kr . ( updated Sep 2017 )
• Royal Canal Tour . Departs from Strömkajen and takes you around the eastern parts of the city, passing through the lush Djurgården canal. 50 min. From 200   kr . ( updated Sep 2017 )
• Historical Canal Tour . Departs from Stadshusbron next to the City Hall ( T T-Centralen ), and passes Kungsholmen and other western islands of the city. 50 min. From 275   kr . ( updated Sep 2017 )
• Stockholm Grand Tour . Combines a boat and a bus tour. 3 hours 30 min, 450   kr. From 432   kr . ( updated Sep 2017 )

City Tours and Open Top Tours (also divisions of the Strömma group) offers bus tours:

• Stockholm Panorama . A tour of some major sights that departs from Gustaf Adolf Torg ( T T-Centralen ). 1 hour 30 min, 300   kr.  
• The Hop-on Hop-off Bus [ dead link ] is a tour with open top double decker buses that allows you to get on and off the bus as often as you want at bus stops along the route. The tour passes some major sights, but only in the central and eastern part of the city. 24-hour travel pass from 270   kr.

Stockholm Excursions also has a few specialized bus tours.

Taxi Stockholm , +46 8 15 00 00, offers a multimedia guided tours , allowing up to 3 people for a flat fare of 950   kr to explore sites and experiences in Stockholm linked to some poignant historic moments of its past, usually the dark ones, like the assassination of Olof Palme.

Talk of the town offers self-guided bike tours in six languages.

• Talk of the town . Memory card for your mobile phone can be rented at several bike rentals in Stockholm. Load your mobile phone with audioguides at 56 of the best sights in Stockholm. Rent by hour, 30   kr or day 125   kr.  
• BikeSweden , Narvavägen 13-17 , ☏ +46 8-667 57 02 . 10–18 April–October . BikeSweden offers several guided cycling tours and a variety of high quality bikes in the center of the city. Daily guided drop-in biketours form may-september). BikeSweden offers mountainbikes, children's bikes, racing bikes, trailers, child seats and city bikes.  

There are several beaches in inner Stockholm, as well as the suburbs. The water in central Stockholm is mostly clean, even though it looks dark. The quality of the water is monitored by local authorities, and the reports for all the beaches in the city is available online. If there is a problem with the water, signs will be posted at the beach. During summer, the inner town beaches are rather crowded.

The Stockholm archipelago has enough beaches and rocks for everyone, and the right to access allows bathing nearly everywhere, if no notice of the opposite. As in the rest of Sweden, public adult skinny-dipping is not explicitly illegal, but frowned upon. The only sanctioned nudist beach is in Ågesta ( Söderort )

If the open water is too cold for your tastes, Stockholm has several outdoor and indoor swimming pools and spas . Besides the public baths, the more luxurious ones are Centralbadet ( Norrmalm ), Sturebadet ( Östermalm ), Eriksdalsbadet ( Södermalm ) and Yasuragi spa ( Nacka ).

Spectator sports

The most popular spectator sports are football (soccer) and ice hockey . Also, bandy has a cult following. Tickets for all games can be bought online from Ticnet [ dead link ] . Speedway is another big spectator sport in Sweden, performed on a race track in Gubbängen ( Söderort ).

The Swedish National Men's football (soccer) team plays international games on Strawberry Arena (formerly Friends Arena) in Solna . The Swedish top football league, Allsvenskan , is weaker than most of its Western European sister leagues, but the fans are very faithful. The season runs from April until October. AIK plays on Strawberry Arena. Tele2 Arena ( Söderort ) hosts Djurgårdens IF and Hammarby . These three clubs are in constant rivalry, and the decision to share one stadium was not easy.

The Swedish top ice hockey league is the Svenska Hockeyligan (SHL; "Swedish Hockey League"), and the season goes from September to April. Stockholm has had no team in the SHL since the 2021–22 season; the city's two main clubs, AIK and Djurgårdens, play in the second level, HockeyAllsvenskan , as of 2023. Both clubs play home games at Hovet ( Söderort ).

Bandy is played from November to February. Dress warm, as the game is played outdoors in two 45-minute halves. Stockholm has only one team in the top men's bandy league: Hammarby . The final of the Swedish League takes place on Strawberry Arena ( Solna ) or Tele2 Arena ( Södermalm ).

These stadiums also host frequent concerts and stage shows; see Stockholm Live for calendar and tickets.

Doing sport

There are many opportunities to do sport in Stockholm.

Stockholm has many short slopes for downhill snowsports : Hammarbybacken ( Söderort ), Ekebyhovsbacken ( Ekerö ), Ekholmsnäsbacken ( Lidingö ), Flottsbrobacken ( Södertörn ), etc. with lifts and equipment rental when weather allows. The height is modest, but most hills have a great view, well worth a hike any season. Tracks for cross-country skiing are available throughout Stockholm; the ground is usually, but not always, covered by snow in January–February.

There are many open fields in Stockholm. Gärdet ( T Karlaplan or T Gärdet ) is good for outdoor sport. There are also horse riding venues and many golf courses open for visitors in the inner region.

If you would rather compete in an event, one of the most visible sporting events is the Stockholm [ dead link ] Marathon , held annually on a Saturday in late May or early June, when some 18,000 participants run two laps around the inner city. Another one is the Lidingöloppet , a 30 km cross-country race branded as the world's most attended, and a part of the Swedish Classic Circuit, on Lidingö in early September. For hardcore swimmers, Ötillö (literally island to island ) is an all-day swim-run race where teams of two swim between and run across many islands in the Stockholm archipelago .

Stockholm's national stages, the Royal Dramatic Theatre and the Royal Opera stage classic and modern plays, operas and ballets. There are many other playhouses, such as the Stockholm City Theatre . The theatre season generally runs from late August until the beginning of June. In the summer the Parkteatern stages free-entrance plays and monologues in the parks of Stockholm. During September–May, a range of international and local musicals, as well as other shows, are provided at the many theatres.

Cinema films are not dubbed, but subtitled. Except the multiplexes (most of them THX certified), a few classic cinema theaters remain: Rigoletto , Grand Sveavägen , Saga , and Skandia ( Norrmalm ) Park ( Östermalm ) and Victoria ( Södermalm ). While SF has a de facto monopoly for mainstream film, there are some independent cinemas.

A couple of large cultural events are arranged every year. Culture Night Stockholm takes place annually in springtime, with free admission to several museums, special performances around the city, from 18:00 until midnight. In August the Stockholm Culture Festival takes place, in tandem with the Ung 08 [ formerly dead link ] youth festival in Kungsträdgården. During this time of the year, the Stockholm International Film Festival also hosts an open-air cinema in the Tantolunden park during one week in August. The major Stockholm International Film Festival takes place in November, and draws large international crowds.

Stockholm has a growing scene for standup comedy in Swedish and English. The Big Ben Bar ( Södermalm ), Folkungagatan 97, has a free-entrance comedy club in English each Thursday at 20:00. Skrattstock is an annual comedy festival organized every summer.

The live music stage in Stockholm is something else. There are never any signs of anyone playing but a few posters in specific areas. Although a lot of the cities bars have live music, the most common place to find it is around Södermalm. There you will find places like Debaser , Hornhuset and Trädgården . Besides Södermalm both Norrmalm [ dead link ] and Vasastan [ dead link ] have a few interesting venues.

On Sunday evenings from September to May at Skeppsholmen there is live Swedish folk music at Folkmusikhuset [ dead link ] . Go to listen or to dance Swedish folk dances. Free entrance.

Stockholm hosts many expos and conventions. The two largest facilities are Stockholm International Fairs ( Söderort ) and Kistamässan ( Västerort ).

Amusement park and children's activities

Stockholm's main amusement park, Gröna Lund is on Djurgården (accessible by Spårväg City , by the ferry to Djurgården or by bus 44). There are all sorts of rides including rollercoasters and during the summer the park hosts a large number of concerts by famous artists and groups, as well as popular dancing evenings. Opening times for the amusement park vary across the year. Check the website before visiting. The park generally is very crowded during weekends and concert days.

On Djurgården you can also find Junibacken , a theme park centered on children's books, especially Astrid Lindgren's stories . Skansen , Stockholm's zoo, is also on the island.

Casino Cosmopol on Kungsgatan 65 ( Norrmalm ) has 37 gaming tables and almost 400 slot machines. In addition, several major nightclubs have blackjack tables and slot machines.

There are regular horse races at Solvalla ( Västerort ) and Täby Galopp ( Norrort ).

LGBT events

Attitudes towards homosexuality and transgender expressions are generally tolerant. In the summer (generally late July/early August), there is an annual LGBT pride festival, Stockholm Pride , which is the largest in Scandinavia. The national LGBT organization, RFSL , can provide information on other events and venues.

Outdoor life

There are many forests and lakes within commuting distance of Stockholm, with good chances to see wild animals such as moose, deer and boars. Much of outer Östermalm consists of forest and farmland within a walk from the metro.

In Södertörn , one can find Nackareservatet, Tyresta National Park and Bornsjön.

With about 80,000 university students at more than 20 universities and university colleges, Stockholm is the largest Nordic university city. The largest institutions of higher education are Stockholm University (Stockholms universitet), the Royal Institute of Technology (Kungliga tekniska högskolan), and Södertörn University College (Södertörns högskola). Karolinska institutet is a world-class medical university. There are also several fine arts university colleges. Study in Stockholm has information about university studies in Stockholm.

As in the rest of Sweden, VISA and MasterCard are accepted by nearly all stores, and ATMs are readily available. There are ATMs inside some nightclubs, where the bar might accept cash only. Very few venues accept foreign currencies, such as euros or US dollars.

In contrast to many other European cities, most shops in Stockholm (except the small independent ones) are open all week, including Sundays; only closed down for a few major holidays a year. Closing time tends to be rigid, though.

Popular Swedish clothing brands that you can find in several major stores include Acne Jeans , WESC , Cheap Monday , J Lindeberg , Whyred , Tiger and Filippa K . There has been an explosion of young designers starting their own small labels. Many of these can be found in the small shops in the SoFo area on Södermalm (see below). Examples are Nakkna , Jenny Hellström , Fifth Avenue Shoe Repair and The Stray Boys .

• The large department stores Åhléns and NK in Norrmalm all have a wide selection of glassware.
• Duka , several locations: Västerlånggatan 78 ( Gamla stan ), Sveavägen 24-26 and Kungsgatan 41, ( Norrmalm ). Duka is a Swedish chain selling both cheaper household items and a limited selection of glassware in several stores in central Stockholm.
• Nordiska Kristall , several locations: Kungsgatan 9 ( Norrmalm ), Österlånggatan 1 ( Gamla stan ), also in Strand Hotel, Grand Hotel and City Hotel. Nordiska Kristall is a high-end shop for crystal design glass. The Kungsgatan store has an art-glass gallery.

Furniture and design

Sweden is internationally known for its design, and Stockholm has many stores where you can find Swedish-designed clothes, textiles and interior decoration items. Hand-made and hand-painted glassware is also a famous Swedish speciality.

• DesignTorget at Sergels Torg ( Stockholm/Norrmalm ) and Götgatan 31 ( Stockholm/Södermalm ), a design store specializing in smaller items, ranging from the beautiful to the useful to the downright eccentric.
• Asplund furniture store, is an upscale store with world-class design. T Östermalmstorg .
• Room is another great furniture and design store locaded in the Pub mall, T Hötorget .
• Illums Bolighus is a high-end furniture, home decoration and glassware store specializing in Danish design. ( T Centralen , Hamngatan 27)
• Many antiquities shops are close to T Odenplan . Good place to stroll around.
• If second-hand is an option many Stadsmissionen and Myrorna (The Salvation Army) have fun vintage products, and contribute to a good cause. Especially Stadsmissionen Stortorget ( T Gamla stan ) has hand-picked design and classical furniture.

Major places for shopping

Drottninggatan is dominated by major brands down at the Sergels Torg end before giving way to smaller and more specialised shops further north. Tourist shops occupy the southern end.

Also connected to Drottninggatan is the square of Hötorget ( T-Hötorget ). Here is a daily fresh food market outside as well as Hötorgshallen , an indoor food market.

Mood Stockholm on Norrlandsgatan opened in 2012. This mall contains a lot of interesting boutiques not represented elsewhere in the city. Hamngatan , Biblioteksgatan and Birger Jarlsgatan have a collection of high end shops including Gucci, Ralph Lauren, Louis Vuitton among others. NK [ dead link ] , is a classical department store on Hamngatan ( Norrmalm ).

Östermalmstorg has a well-reputed grocery hall, Östermalmshallen . Sturegallerian is an upmarket shopping mall at Stureplan, with some eateries. Fältöversten is a shopping mall at Karlaplan.

Suburban malls

There are a number of shopping centers and malls in the major suburban centers – see the district articles for details. While different in size, they all have a similar profile, with cheap restaurants, supermarkets and major fashion, electronics and interior design chain stores, as well as some smaller shops. Kista Galleria in Västerort has generous opening hours; from 10:00 to 21:00 all week. It is reached by the blue metro line with destination Akalla, get off the train at Kista .

Stockholm features a large variety of restaurants. However, dining in Stockholm can be expensive, if you aim for something else than the fast food bars, the run-of-the-mill British-style pubs or the ethnic restaurants that dominate the budget bracket. Be prepared to pay around 175-250   kr or more for most main courses at quality restaurants. If you are on a tight budget, self-catering is a good option.

Most hotels and hostels have a good breakfast buffet, in many cases included with the room.

Most restaurants have "dagens rätt" - a lunch offer, normally including a lower- or non-alcoholic drink, bread, butter, salad and coffee Monday - Friday, usually 11:00-14:00. Expect to pay between 65-100   kr. Generally more expensive downtown and cheaper in the suburbs. Many Asian, Indian, Mexican and fast food restaurants offer rather cheap "all you can eat" lunch buffets. Office workers usually go for lunch at noon, so try to show up well before, or past 13:00.

Most restaurants' kitchens close at 22:00 even on weekends, so don't get out too late. A glass of house wine costs in the range between 60 and 120   kr, or 400 to 700   kr for a bottle. Sweden has enforced non-smoking in all bars, pubs, restaurants and enclosed areas.

Many Stockholm restaurants are closed for vacation for a few weeks in July and/or early August. In December, many restaurants offer a " julbord " ("Christmas buffet"), a variation of the classic Swedish smörgåsbord with traditional Christmas dishes including Christmas ham, pickled herring and "lutfisk" (stockfish from cod or ling, prepared with lye), which might require advance booking, costing around 300-600   kr, beverages not included.

In this cosmopolitan city, traditional Swedish cuisine , known as husmanskost ("every mans food"), can be hard to get by. Many fine diners have a not-too-expensive husmanskost course: some other places to eat Swedish are the Nystekt strömming wagon at Slussen ( Södermalm ), Ät gott (S:t Göransgatan 74, ( Kungsholmen )) and Tennstopet (Dalagatan 50, ( Vasastan )).

Guide Michelin recognizes ten Stockholm restaurants: Three-star Frantzén , two-star Oaxen Krog and one-star Mathias Dahlgren Matbaren , Ekstedt , Gastrologik [ dead link ] , Operakällaren [ dead link ] , Sushi Sho , Restaurang Volt [ dead link ] , Aloë and Agrikultur .

Since 2016 Stockholm has a fish auction for seafood, and local catch can be found at many supermarkets and restaurants.

While the traditional Nordic cuisine is heavy on meat and fish, Stockholm has a strong vegetarian community . Most restaurants have at least one lacto-vegetarian option. For vegan food, look for the café chain Blueberry or Asian spots such as Ki-Mama and EatNam. The convenience chains Pressbyrån and 7-Eleven dotted around the city centre stock vegan sandwiches.

Stockholm has a fleet of food trucks , with high-end meals around 70 to 90   kr. See Hittatrucken for schedules.

• Sandys . Several locations throughout the city: Sergelarkaden 6 ( T T-Centralen ), Klarabergsgatan 31 ( T T-Centralen ), Stureplan 2 ( T Östermalmstorg ) and Götgatan 28 ( T Slussen ). A large Stockholm-based fast food chain focusing on submarine sandwiches, wraps and salads, Sandys offer a wide selection, reliable quality and acceptable prices, although not by any means a bargain. Sandwiches 49   kr (excluding drinks), XL sandwiches 59   kr, salads 65   kr.  

Taking a break for coffee and a biscuit is a Swedish tradition, commonly called fika in Swedish, and there are many coffee-bars around the city. You also have a great number of the more traditional pasttiseries.

Traditional Swedish filter coffee is relatively strong when compared to American, but a far cry from the Italian espresso. Espresso, caffe latte, cappuccino and other varieties of Italian coffee are generally available. If you prefer tea, many cafés only offer a few flavours, but generally some black, red and green teas.

Don't miss the traditional Swedish "cinnamon bun" with your coffea. If you visit in January-March you also will have the possibility to try a "Semla", a popular local pastry with wheat bread, almond paste and cream. In November-December you can try one of the saffron buns, known as "lussebulle".

Starbucks competes with Swedish coffee shops: Wayne's Coffee , Robert's Coffee and Espresso House are the most common names here - that are strikingly similar in design. The small local cafés offer a more personal experience, and often better coffee. Expect to pay 25   kr and upwards for a cup of regular black coffee.

Don't hesitate to ask for a refill ( påtår in Swedish) at self-service cafeterias, as it is often free.

Retail drinks

Drinking retail alcohol is allowed in most public areas. Among the exceptions are schools, playgrounds, indoor malls, some city squares, and public transport areas. In some parks, drinking is prohibited from 22:00 or midnight. Map of dry areas

• [ formerly dead link ] Drottninggatan ( T T-Centralen ), Drottninggatan 22 . M-F 10:00-19:00, Sa 10:00-15:00, Su closed .  
• Klarabergsgatan ( T T-Centralen ), Klarabergsgatan 62 . Extra late hours: Closes 20:00 all weekdays .  
• Regeringsgatan ( T T-Centralen ), Regeringsgatan 44 . The largest Systembolaget store in Stockholm, with a special selection of exclusive wines  
• Vasagatan ( T T-Centralen ), Vasagatan 25 .  
• Nybrogatan ( T Östermalmstorg ), Nybrogatan 47 .  
• Folkungagatan ( T Medborgarplatsen ), Folkungagatan 56 .  

Bars and nightclubs

The cost for drinking out in Stockholm varies a lot. Expect to pay around 30   kr in the cheapest pub (55-75   kr in a trendier club or pub) for a beer or cider, and at least 95-150   kr for a long-drink or cocktail in a club. Bars usually have no cover charge, but may have an arbitrarily set (and arbitrarily enforced) minimum age limit (usually 21 or 23, sometimes as low as 18, other times as high as 27), while clubs usually charge 50-200   kr at the door (or more at special performances). Long, and very slow moving lines tend to form outside most popular clubs - expect having to wait as much as 1 hour or more if going to a trendy place after midnight, even if raining or snowing. Don't forget to bring an ID , as bouncers will (almost) always ask for identification at the door in both pubs and clubs.

Stureplan is a district dominated by dancefloor nightclubs, at the crossing of Birger Jarlsgatan , Kungsgatan and Sturegatan , ( T Östermalmstorg ). The mushroom-shaped rain shelter is a common meeting point. High entrance fees (200   kr or more) and long lines.

Södermalm is a district with many smaller bars and nightclubs focusing on art and electronic music. Look in nightlife magazines for places around Hornstull (such as Strand), Mariatorget (such as Sidetrack , Marie Laveau ), Slussen (such as Debaser , Kolingsborg ), Skanstull (such as Trädgården , Under Bron ).

Major bar streets are Götgatan (where most places are rather cheap pubs) and Bondegatan (with a younger and more trendy crowd), both on Södermalm, Rörstrandsgatan in western Vasastan (also rather trendy, but drawing a slightly older crowd) and the area around the Rådhuset and Fridhemsplan metro stations on Kungsholmen (with many small and relaxed places). Beer is usually really cheap in suburban pubs.

Most restaurants and bars close at 01:00, larger clubs usually at 03:00, and a handful at 05:00. More trendy clubs might have a long queue from midnight till closing time. Get out early (at least before midnight). Most late-night clubs (especially at Stureplan) have an informal or outspoken dress code, vårdad klädsel . Loudness and drunkenness are other common reasons to reject waiting guests. Drinking in the queue is a no-no, bribes are even worse.

If you can read Swedish, you can get more information about Stockholm's nightlife in the free monthly magazine Nöjesguiden , the newspaper Dagens Nyheter on Thursdays, the free QX gay magazine for LGBT events and the free Metro on Fridays.

Stockholm is primarily a business city, so beside the Grand Hôtel ( Norrmalm ) and a few other luxury venues, Stockholm has several business (typically 4-star) hotels, which charge 900-1200   kr for a single room. They usually have vacancies during weekends and summers, and might give special offers for tourists.

Many hotels have basement rooms without windows, often smaller and more austere than the regular rooms, and significantly cheaper, especially the singles. The hotels make no secret of the fact that this room category has no window, but do make sure to read the description of your room carefully before you book to avoid unpleasant surprises.

The cheap bunks are in short supply. Look for hostels at Svenska Turistföreningen and SVIF [ dead link ] . Advance booking is usually needed, especially in summer, and for those in the inner city. Stockholm has some spectacular hostels, such as af Chapman ( Skeppsholmen ), Långholmen ( Södermalm ) and Jumbostay at Arlanda .

The lowest cost per bed can be found on the Baltic Sea ferries .

Hospitality exchange and home exchange options can be useful for Stockholm. The apartment rental market is strictly regulated, with waiting times over a decade.

When it comes to long-time accommodation, Stockholm has a harsh housing situation, with several years' waiting time for a rental apartment. Newcomers are dependent on the unreliable second-hand rental market. For consultants and other business visitors, a long-time hotel stay might be the most practical option.

As of Sept 2021, central Stockholm has 5G from all Swedish carriers, but this hasn't rolled out across the city, which mostly gets 4G. Wifi is widely available in public places.

For its size, Stockholm is a safe city by international standards. Still, travellers should use common sense to avoid crime .

While police officers can be spread thin, Stockholm has patrolling security guards ( ordningsvakt ) in central neighbourhoods. These are usually helpful to visitors. Security staff at nightclubs might be more harsh, especially at intoxicated patrons. Drunkenness is less accepted in bars and clubs than in smaller towns, and could lead to the security staff forcibly ejecting the trouble-maker. Bouncers in Stockholm are stricter than in other European cities, and you may be kicked out for no reason.

Most crimes against travellers are crimes of opportunity, such as pickpockets , bicycle theft, auto theft, and auto vandalism. As always, do not leave valuable items in your car, and watch your bag in crowded places. Most shops and all major taxi companies accept credit and debit cards, so there is no need to carry a lot of cash.

Stockholm's road traffic is not too dangerous. Use common sense, and beware of slippery roads when temperature is around zero (which can happen from November to March). Animal collisions are a risk factor even in the inner suburbs; watch out for deer in particular.

Taxis are required to post pricing information in the rear side window. The comparison price is for a 15   km ride and not the maximum price, which could be a lot more when venturing outside the inner city. While some independent driver charge the maximum allowed (499   kr), major cab companies ( Taxi Stockholm, Taxi Kurir , Taxi 020 / Sverigetaxi and Topcab ) are around 300   kr. With these cabs, you also have a better chance of having belongings lost in the car returned to you.

During summer, groups of street gamblers try to scam their audience in other touristed areas, by planting a few of their own in the crowd. Don't play, you will lose.

Though Sweden has an extensive welfare system, and Stockholm has far fewer homeless and impoverished people than other cities of similar size, homeless people can be seen begging around the city; several of them from other parts of the European Union. A responsible way to address their situation is to buy the street paper, Situation Sthlm , for 50   kr. Buying food or water for someone begging is also a good way of helping. While organized crime does exist, lawful visitors are unlikely to be affected.

Stockholm is friendly to sexual minorities. Homophobic and transphobic attitudes will be met with outright hostility from many Swedes. Same-sex couples will have no trouble living openly in Stockholm, which includes holding hands or kissing in public around the city.

When using escalators , stand on the right and reserve the left side for walking. Standing still on the left side might annoy people. On train and metro platforms, passengers should be allow to leave the car before passengers who want to board. When waiting in lines , be patient and polite. Swedes never jump queues - but make sure you actually stand in the line. If unsure, ask.

Avoid walking in the cycle lane. Dedicated cycle paths are clearly marked, but sometimes run directly next to the sidewalk. Stockholm cyclists are subject to a comparatively hilly landscape and are unwilling to slow down and lose momentum. Usually, however, they are careful, signal clearly and use their bells, meaning that straying tourists most often are just sworn at.

As most other Nordic people, Swedes value privacy, and are usually not open to strangers in public, especially in public transport. They may feel uncomfortable and embarrassed if you try to start a conversation. If you are lucky enough to be invited to someone's home, you will discover that Swedes behave very differently and will be very social.

Stockholm is best experienced on foot, so bring comfortable shoes. An umbrella or a raincoat for wet weather is also a good idea. Expect the temperature to be well under freezing during the winter months (add to that windchill and humidity), so if you plan to visit then, warm clothes in good materials are certainly recommendable. Long johns/stockings under your pants/skirt will keep you warm without looking like you wear your ski-outfit).

Eating out is generally rather expensive. If on a budget, supermarket food is a good alternative to restaurants.

Getting cash

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted even for small amounts, so you may not need much cash – many places don't take cash at all. Most places accept identification and a signature, but PIN-transactions are preferred.

There are many ATMs in the city, but some foreign card-holders, such as a Canadian, have reported trouble in using them, even when they purport to be connected to international networks their banks are part of, so consider doing some research before you arrive.

The main currency exchange is Forex, but they charge a whopping 50   kr commission on top of their buy-sell spread.

Finding a good toilet in Stockholm can be tricky. Many department stores and fast-food restaurants have clean toilets, often for the charge of 5   kr. That is also the cost of public toilet booths found in most city squares (though these might be messy) so be sure to carry some 5   kr coins. Restaurants' toilets are often reserved for customers, and might be messy depending on the establishment. Some good, clean toilets are found in Max at Norrmalmstorg, and in the bar Sturehof (at Stureplan - the establishment is too big for crew to keep track of people borrowing the toilet). Urinating in town is illegal, but urinals are often free even if you have to pay for a WC. The libraries, museums, and government buildings often have free, clean toilets.

Most major hotels have clean lobby toilets. Some of them might be reserved for house guests and require an access code, but travellers can often get access to them on request.

Since Swedish apartments either have a washing machine or access to a communal laundry room, there are virtually no self-service laundries to be found in Stockholm, with one exception:

• Tvättomaten ( T Odenplan ), Västmannagatan 61 , ☏ +46 8 34 64 80 . Open M-F 08:30-18:30, Sa 09:30-15:00 (closed Sa from end of June to mid-August, closed one week at the end of July) . Washing machines in Scandinavian countries are connected to cold water only, so the machine actually heats the water, taking up to 3 hours to do a load of laundry. Self-service price: 50   kr without drying, 84   kr with drying (per machine, up to 5   kg). Service price: 200   kr with drying (self-service option not offered). Cash only! (2023-08-17) . ( updated Aug 2023 )

Most youth hostels have washing machines. Some dry cleaners offer to wash shirts and bed linen as well, but this tends to be quite expensive.

Swedish healthcare is generally of high quality, although there may be long waits in emergency rooms. How quickly one sees a doctor will depend on medical priority; money, name or title won't bypass the queue.

EU/EEA citizens with a European Health Insurance card pay the same (rather low) fee for emergency and necessary care as a local citizen. Others must pay the whole health care cost (which can be between 1,700 and 2,200   kr for a doctor’s visit at an emergency care unit at a hospital). More information on hospital fees can be found at 1177 Vårdguiden .

In an emergency , always call 112 for SOS Alarm, for ambulance, police, fire service, air and sea rescue, mountain patrol, or priest on call. English-speaking operators are available.

There are two hospitals with 24-hour emergency care units in the inner city:

• S:t Görans Sjukhus , S:t Göransplan 1 ( T Fridhemsplan or T Stadshagen ), ☏ +46 8 58 70 10 00 .  
• Södersjukhuset , Sjukhusbacken 10 ( Bus 3, 74 or 164 from T Skanstull, bus 74 from T Mariatorget or commuter train to Stockholm Södra ), ☏ +46 8 616 10 00 .  

For less serious illnesses and ailments, getting in touch with a local clinic, vårdcentral , is a much better option than the hospital emergency rooms. The Stockholm County healthcare hotline (+46 8 320 100) can give medical advice and help you find a doctor. While information is officially given in Swedish only, the doctors can often speak some English.

Certified pharmacies ( apotek ) have a green cross sign. You can buy over-the-counter medicine in most supermarkets and convenience stores. Strong painkillers are only sold at pharmacies, though.

• Apoteket C W Scheele , Klarabergsgatan 64 ( T T-Centralen ), ☏ +46 8 454 81 30 . Open 24 hours, all days of the week, including holidays . This pharmacy is centrally located. Service is limited late at night, and can be slow, but they have a very large inventory of specialized drugs.  
• Apotek Hjärtat , Krukmakargatan 13, Södermalm ( T Mariatorget ), ☏ +46 8 454 81 30 . Extra long operating hours: 08:00-22:00 all days of the week .  
• Stockholm County

Outside the metropolitan area, Stockholm County contains cultural heritage as well as great nature, all within reach of the SL public transport network; most in less than an hour.

• Stockholm archipelago consists of thousands of islands scattered into the Baltic Sea. While many of them can be reached by road, others need a ferry. Many of those ferries call at central Stockholm.
• Ekerö is a less-known freshwater archipelago in Lake Mälaren, with two World Heritage Sites: Drottningholm Palace (the residence of the Royal Family) and Viking Age settlement Birka. Drottningholm is 10 km from central Stockholm, and can be reached by public transportation within 30 minutes, or a 1-hour ferry trip.
• Sigtuna is Sweden's first capital, a quaint town near Arlanda Airport, 40 km north of Stockholm.
• Norrtälje contains the northern part of the archipelago, and vast forests.
• Stockholm's northern suburbs have many opportunities for outdoor life, including three slopes for downhill skiing, and Viking Age heritage.
• Södertörn contains forests and lakes, especially the Tyresta National Park, and the Nynäshamn port city.
• Södertälje is a quaint port city.

Uppsala County

Uppsala , the seat of Uppsala County , was the political, cultural and religious centre of Viking era Sweden. Uppsala also hosts Sweden's first university and Uppsala Cathedral is the largest in the Nordic countries, and the seat of the Church of Sweden. 80   km north of Stockholm, it is a gratifying day trip destination, where many historic sites dating even farther back than some in Stockholm are within walking distance from the central station.

To get there, there are two rail options:

• SJ offers fast hourly service from Stockholm C to Uppsala, with a sporadic service to Gävle also calling at Uppsala. This option takes 30-38   minutes and costs 82   kr for adults (26 or older).
• SL offers a stopping half-hourly service from Stockholm C to Uppsala, taking 55 minutes and costing 110   kr (65   kr for people under 20), possession of an SL travel card (even 24- or 72 hour) will reduce the fare to 60   kr (35   kr for people under 20 or over 65).

Farther away

• Gävle is a town and a county seat with several museums, and the famous straw goat during December.
• Södermanland County has some destinations for day excursions, such as Strängnäs and Mariefred and Trosa .
• Gotland is an exotic island in the middle of the Baltic Sea, reachable by plane from Bromma Airport, or by ferry from Nynäshamn .
• Åland is an autonomous Swedish-speaking island between Sweden and Finland, served by most Baltic Sea ferries .
• Turku is Finland's oldest city, reached by day or overnight ferry.
• Helsinki is Finland's capital, reached by overnight ferry or airplane.

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