How to Plan a Trip to Stockholm
The complete 2026 guide — flights, hotels, things to do and airport transfers, all in one place. Everything a first-time visitor to Sweden needs.
Your 4-step Stockholm plan
Step 1 — Book flights to ARN
Arlanda Airport (ARN) is the main gateway to Stockholm. Compare fares across major airlines and OTAs before locking a date.
See flight deals to ARNStep 2 — Pick a neighborhood
Base yourself in Gamla Stan (Old Town) for the best first-time visit — Stockholm's 13th-century old town on Stadsholmen island.
Where to stay in StockholmStep 3 — Plan your itinerary
Start with Gamla Stan (Old Town), then build outward. Most first-time visitors need 3-5 days to see the highlights of Stockholm.
Things to do in StockholmStep 4 — Sort your airport transfer
Arlanda Express train (to Stockholm Central) is SEK 320 (€28) and takes 18 min. Pre-book a private transfer for stress-free arrival.
ARN arrival guideBefore you book — visa check
Sweden is Schengen — visa-free for most Western passports up to 90 days. Arlanda has separate airside transit zones so transit-only passengers can avoid clearing landside immigration.