First Trip to Sweden? Do It Yourself. My Culinary and Practical Tips.
When planning their first trip to Sweden, many people are tempted by the option of an organized tour from a travel agency. Running my own brand in Warsaw keeps me busy every day, so I completely understand the need for absolute peace of mind on vacation. But trust me—when it comes to Sweden, an organized tour is a guaranteed disappointment. Instead of soaking up that unique Nordic vibe, you'll just be rushing from one tour bus to another with a watch in your hand.
For me, traveling is all about the food, local markets, and slowly taking in the city at my own pace. The Swedes have a wonderful "Fika" culture—celebrating coffee and cinnamon buns (kanelbullar). On a guided tour, no one is going to give you an hour just to sit in a cozy cafe and people-watch. I don't usually write long essays, but this time I've gathered plenty of specifics because the devil is in the details.
Here is my summary and a few practical tips on how to organize a stress-free trip yourself:
· *Transport and weather (watch out for this):**
After landing at Arlanda Airport in Stockholm, under no circumstances should you take a taxi—the prices can be jaw-dropping. The airport buses to the city center are perfectly organized and much cheaper. Getting around Stockholm itself is best done by subway and local ferries—buy a multi-day SL card right away, as single-ride tickets will really burn a hole in your pocket.
As for the weather and crowds: in the summer (June-August), the days are practically endless, but it can get pretty crowded with tourists, so you need to book your accommodation well in advance. Conversely, in autumn and winter, dusk falls very quickly, and it can be freezing and icy, so don't even try walking around without proper, slip-resistant shoes. If you're planning a trip to Gothenburg on an SJ train (I highly recommend this route!), buy your tickets online ahead of time—last-minute tickets are absurdly expensive.
· *Food—the most important part:**
Steer clear of restaurants in the strict tourist hubs (especially in Stockholm's Old Town)—the food is often average, and the prices are artificially inflated. Look for smaller eateries and local markets. In Gothenburg, you absolutely must visit the iconic fish market (Feskekôrka) and try an open-faced shrimp sandwich (räkmacka) along with some smoked salmon. For lunch, keep an eye out for places serving "Dagens Rätt" (dish of the day), which lets you enjoy a delicious, home-style meal (like classic meatballs with lingonberry jam) at a reasonable price.
· Shopping tip:* If you want to bring home local delicacies, cloudberry jams, or sweets, forget about souvenir shops. Just go to a regular, large ICA supermarket. The prices are half as much, and the selection is exactly what the locals buy. And remember—you can only buy strong alcohol at the state-run Systembolaget, which has very strict opening hours (and is closed on Sundays).
· *Practical nuances:**
Sweden is almost 100% cashless. I didn't hold a single paper krona during my entire trip—I paid by card everywhere, even for a public toilet or a pastry at a street stall. Another crucial thing: most museums (including the brilliant Vasa Museum) are closed on Mondays. Travel agencies often stick to rigid itineraries, and it's not uncommon for tourists to find the doors locked, settling for photos from the outside.
Sweden teaches you the art of slow living. Give yourself time; skip the rush to check off every single spot in the guidebook. Sometimes, it's much better to eat just one more cinnamon bun on a park bench and simply gaze at the water.