Is Stockholm Safe for Solo Female Travellers? + Safety Tips
So, is Stockholm safe for solo female travellers? If you’ve been asking that question while planning your trip to Sweden (or even second-guessing whether to book it at all), I’ve got you.
And please know you’re not overthinking things by asking this question.
Feeling safe when you travel solo, especially as a woman, is so important.
In fact, if you don’t feel safe (or a lack of knowledge/an overload of clickbait, fearmongering headlines is making you paranoid), you won’t enjoy your trip at all.
And what’s the point in that, right?
So this blog post is for you if you’re a solo female traveller who wants to feel prepared for your trip to Stockholm – without spiralling into that dreaded 2am “what if” safety paranoia spiral. Been there, done that, it’s not fun!
And when it comes to Stockholm, I’ve visited this beautiful Scandi city on my own several times. In fact, it’s actually my favourite city in Europe (although don’t worry, that doesn’t mean this is going to be a sugar-coated fluff piece!)
Instead it means I’ve navigated public transport alone, walked around solo after dark and figured out what feels safe and, perhaps most importantly, what doesn’t.
We’ll cover everything from how the city actually feels as a solo female traveller, to using public transport confidently, to real stats (no clickbait here!), to whether walking home alone at night is genuinely okay.
Ready? Let’s get into it!
Disclaimer: Some of the links on this blog are affiliate links. That means if you click on one and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission – at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products, places and services I genuinely love and use on my own solo travels. Thank you for supporting my adventures so I can continue to provide free content on this blog! 💛
Is Stockholm Safe for Solo Female Travellers?
Honestly? Yes. Stockholm is one of the safest cities I’ve ever travelled to alone as a solo female traveller. But if you’re anything like me, that answer alone isn’t gonna cut it when it comes to making you feel less apprehensive before your trip.
Because lets be real, solo travel safety isn’t just about the scary-sounding crime stats those clickbait tabloids love to pedal in their fearmongering headlines.
Instead, it’s about how a place feels.
And, in my experience, Stockholm feels calm, structured and respectful in a way that immediately helped me relax into my solo trip.
People (locals especially) tend to mind their own business, the streets are well-lit and clean, and no one gives you a second glance for eating out alone or reading on a bench by the water with no one’s company but yourself.
In fact, doing things alone is all very normalised in Sweden, both among locals and tourists.
Violent crime is also rare against tourists and Stockholm consistently ranks higher for safety than popular destinations like London, Naples or Athens.
But having said that, we are of course going to talk honestly about some of those scary-sounding headlines you may have seen around an increase of crime in Sweden – because context matters. So in just a second, I’ll break down exactly what’s going on, where it’s happening and what it really means for you as a solo female traveller in Sweden.
Katie’s Top Tip: Stay aware, but don’t be afraid to relax. You’re not being naïve, but you also need to let go of any paranoia or worry you might be holding to truly enjoy your trip and Stockholm’s relaxed pace. And don’t worry, you’ll be in a city built on core values of trust, fairness, order and social responsibility!
Understanding Stockholm’s Culture
Swedes are known for their love of structure, calm and personal space, and in Stockholm, you really feel that.
In fact, in my experience Stockholm doesn’t feel much like a typical capital city at all. You’re surrounded by water. The vibe is relaxed. The pace is slower, especially around Gamla Stan.
But at first, the lack of small talk might throw you off or come across as rudeness, especially if you’re travelling from Southern Europe or the US. But I promise you it’s not rudeness or coldness at all.
Instead, there is a deeply embedded respect for independence and privacy in Stockholm.
People won’t (usually) approach you unless you ask for help and you are very unlikely to get hassled in the street. There’s also very little reports of catcalling, vendors shouting or hustling, or annoying, unsolicited interactions.
Now I don’t know about you, but that sounds like my idea of a dream! And honestly, Stockholm’s more low-key energy is exactly what helped me feel at ease in the city, right from the moment I arrived.
And when you add to that the strong emphasis on social safety, great infrastructure worthy of a capital city, and a visible police presence, it makes sense why Stockholm consistently ranks as a safe place to live and visit.
Katie’s Top Tip: If the emotional distance throws you off, try a smile and ask a question. Perhaps to the barista, your tour guide or a worker in a shop or supermarket. Stockholmers are often happy to talk once you make the first move, but they’re just not likely to do it for you.
Attitudes Towards Women in Stockholm
One of the best things about travelling solo in Stockholm is that being a woman alone doesn’t feel weird or abnormal.
In fact, Sweden ranks among the top countries in the world for gender equality, currently sitting at 5th place alongside its fellow Scandi countries and New Zealand.
And that’s not just a fluffy stat, either.
You’ll actually see that reflected in everyday life, with women walking alone at night, female leadership in workplaces, a big emphasis on shared parenting roles, and extremely low gender-based street harassment.
Basically, no one’s going to ask where your boyfriend is or assume you’re looking for male attention, just because you’re alone!
In fact, I found the opposite. Local people in Stockholm really do just let you be.
Of course, there will always be the occasional drunk guy outside a bar, letting the side down! (But that’s not a Stockholm issue – that’s sadly an everywhere issue). But it’s more rare here and easily avoided by sticking to more central areas or heading home before it gets too late.
Katie’s Top Tip: Stockholm is a great city for doing things entirely on your own, without anyone making it a big deal. It’s a brilliant place to try something new solo, whether that’s a sunset ferry ride after a day in picturesque Vaxholm or a fancy dinner for one!
How to Dress in Stockholm
Swedish people are famous for being effortlessly stylish, in that understated “I just threw this on” way that actually took a lot of thought.
I can only dream of being that stylish!
So throughout the city you’ll see a lot of neutrals, simple silhouettes and amazing coats. (Yep, really! The Swedes know how to do incredible outerwear!)
There’s no dress code as such, but if you want to blend in (and avoid looking like a tourist), think a balance of comfort and minimalism. Neutral colours. Comfy trainers, sandals or boots. Not too tight or cropped.
For footwear, I’ve noticed most women wear trainers or cute sandals in summer.
In winter, it’s all about layers, with that high-quality outerwear I love and good grip soles for footwear – Stockholm gets icy!
Katie’s Top Tip: A long coat, a crossbody bag and comfy, stylish shoes will take you anywhere in the city and help you blend in with the locals. And if you are in the mood for some shopping when you arrive? Stockholm’s second-hand shops have some gorgeous pieces, so leave space in your luggage!
Stockholm Crime Rates
Let’s talk honestly about this. Because Stockholm does of course experience crime (like any major city), but it’s still considered a relatively safe city, especially for tourists.
But we can’t get away from the fact that this beautiful Scandi city has gained some not so beautiful media attention in recent years, due to rising gang-related violence.
But before you click off and cancel your trip, it’s really important to understand the full picture before letting those dramatic headlines scare you off.
So let’s get into it:
Most of the incidents you might hear about in the news, like shootings, drugs or gang activity, are highly localised and happen well outside of tourist areas, often in specific residential suburbs that you’re extremely unlikely to visit or even pass through.
Whereas central Stockholm and the archipelago, where most travellers spend their time, has a very different atmosphere: calm, clean, well-policed…
According to Numbeo, the crime rate in Stockholm is rated moderate and has risen over the last five years. But so has reporting, transparency, and public awareness in Sweden, so it’s not a black and white picture.
Importantly, according to Statista, most victims of violent crime in Sweden are men, not women. And again, a lot of these incidents are connected to gang activity outside of the city centre.
Katie’s Top Tip: Avoid isolated areas after dark (as you would anywhere), keep your bag zipped up, and choose accommodation in well-populated neighbourhoods like Gamla Stan and Norrmalm. Stockholm is still safer than many major European cities and if something does feel off, you can trust your gut and ask for help.
Risk of Theft in Stockholm
The overall threat level for theft is moderate in Stockholm, but theft against tourists is generally low, especially when compared to other major European cities.
As a result, most solo female travellers won’t encounter it at all.
But like in any big city, it’s always smart to stay alert and have a few key solo travel safety precautions in mind, especially in busy tourist areas.
The main risk to tourists in Stockholm is petty theft like bag snatching or items left unattended, rather than aggressive confrontations or violent robberies.
Public transport hubs like T-Centralen, tourist hotspots like Gamla Stan and summer events like midsummer concerts can also draw pickpockets who know tourists will be distracted.
During my visits to Stockholm, I’ve never had anything stolen, but I always use a zipped crossbody bag and never leave valuables unattended or left on a café table, even for a second.
Katie’s Top Tip: You won’t need to constantly clutch your bag for dear life in Stockholm! But keeping it zipped, close and in front of you in busy spaces will go a long way in making sure you’re not an easy target.
Risk of Terrorism in Stockholm
No city (or really anywhere in the world), is totally immune to terrorism nowadays.
But when it comes to Stockholm, there were no terror attacks in 2024 and the police have a positive track record of successfully disrupting possible attacks before they have the chance to occur.
Also, with the rise in gang and drug crime (and the gun violence that comes with that), the Swedish government and authorities have significantly stepped up surveillance, counter-terrorism efforts and public safety measures.
And in June 2025, the Swedish Security Service reduced the terrorist threat level from “high” (4 out of 5) down to “elevated” (3 out of 5), which is standard across much of Europe.
Katie’s Top Tip: Stay informed, but don’t let worry take over or put you off your trip. If something does feel off, trust your gut, steer clear and move on. I would also recommend avoiding any public demonstrations, if they happen to take place during your trip.
Risk of Violent Crime in Stockholm
Here’s where context really matters. Because yes, Sweden (and especially Stockholm) has been in the news for an increase in gun violence and gang-related crime.
But as a solo female traveller, it’s very unlikely to affect you.
Numbeo rates Stockholm’s risk of violent crime as moderate.
But most of these incidents happen in outer residential neighbourhoods out of the city centre, and often involve individuals already connected in some way to criminal networks or gangs, rather than random passers-by or tourists.
Also, as I said before, the vast majority of violent crime victims in Sweden are men, and often they know their attacker.
For tourists, especially if you’re sticking to popular areas like Ostermalm, Norrmalm, Gamla Stan or the archipelago, violent crime is extremely rare.
Katie’s Top Tip: You don’t need to be scared by all of these (admittedly scary sounding), news headlines. But it is smart to stay in well-lit areas at night, avoid large groups, and always trust your gut instincts if something feels off.
Risk of Harassment in Stockholm
Okay, we’ve dealt with the scary, heavy topics. So now it’s time for some good news!
One of the best things about Stockholm as a solo female traveller is how respectful it is.
Local people generally mind their own business and street harassment is extremely rare.
I’ve walked back to my accommodation alone at night, after dinner or after watching a beautiful sunset by the water, and never once experienced harassment or felt watched or followed.
Like I said, Sweden actually ranks better than average for women feeling safe in public spaces and evidence from my own experiences and the experiences of other solo female travellers backs that up.
Gender equality is also extremely high in Sweden, and the risk of being subject to attack because of your gender is low.
Katie’s Top Tip: If you do ever feel uncomfortable, walking confidently and moving toward a well-lit shop, restaurant or hotel lobby to find help is usually enough to deter unwanted attention.
Risk of Pickpocketing in Stockholm
Pickpocketing isn’t a huge issue in Stockholm compared to other big cities like Paris, Rome or Barcelona, but it can still happen – especially in areas with high levels of tourists.
For example, in Gamla Stan (Stockholm’s old centre), at Stockholm Central Station, or during big public events where you might be a bit distracted by what’s going on around you.
Like anywhere, pickpockets usually work in teams to distract you, and you may not even notice them at all in the moment.
But unlike more chaotic cities, Stockholm’s more calm environment (despite being a capital city), makes it easier to stay alert.
Katie’s Top Tip: Use a zipped cross body bag or belt bag, keep valuables in an inner pocket and stay alert (but not paranoid!), in crowded areas – especially if someone “accidentally” bumps into you. That’s a key pickpocketing method to look out for.
Risk of Scams in Stockholm
Stockholm is relatively (and refreshingly!) scam-free compared to many other European capital cities, but that definitely doesn’t mean it’s completely immune.
You’re unlikely to come across anything dramatic or elaborate, but there are a few popular tourist scams in Stockholm worth being aware of, especially in central areas like Gamla Stan or in and around the train station.
Some of the most common tourist scams in Stockholm include:
- Fake charity petitions: Someone asking (and then pressuring) you for a signature and/or a donation. Just say no and keep walking.
- Fake calls from the embassy: One I’ve heard of from other travellers is the so called embassy scam, and it’s quite common in Sweden. They will pretend to be from the embassy and send you a link to “verify yourself.” With that link, the hackers can then access your bank account. So whatever you do, do not click any links you are unsure about.
- Taxi overcharging: Some private taxi drivers may try to overcharge you (claiming the meter is broken, taking a longer route, adding random extra fees, etc), just because you’re a tourist. So always book with trusted companies like Taxi Stockholm, or apps like Uber or Bolt.
- Restaurant scams: Some restaurants in more touristy areas hide prices or add hidden charges (for example for bread or water you didn’t ask for), at the end of your meal. To avoid this, always check reviews online before committing. And if in doubt, don’t be afraid to ask if something is complimentary before accepting it.
Katie’s Top Tip: Stick to trusted taxi companies and restaurants with good reviews, avoid spontaneous “donation” requests and never click random links that are sent to your phone. But the bottom line: if you’re ever unsure about a situation, trust your gut.
Stockholm Emergency Number
If anything goes wrong while you’re in Stockholm (whether it’s a health issue, an accident or something safety-related), dial 112.
That’s Sweden’s (and Europe’s) version of 999 or 911, and it connects you to all emergency services: police, fire and ambulance.
You can call from any phone and be automatically connected to someone who speaks English.
Katie’s Top Tip: Save 112 into your phone contacts before your trip starts. It’s one of those tiny safety steps that brings huge peace of mind.
The Safest Places to Visit in Stockholm
If you’re sticking to central Stockholm (which is what most tourists do), you’re already in one of the safest parts of the city.
Areas like Gamla Stan (the old town), Sodermalm, Ostermalm, Norrmalm and Djurgarden are not only stunning, well worth exploring and full of charm, but they’re also where you’ll feel safest walking around alone, even after dark.
All of these neighbourhoods are well-lit, have a steady flow of people (both tourists and locals), and a police presence, especially around royal buildings in Gamla Stan, key tourist sites and transport hubs.
Public transport hubs are busy but also generally feel safe, especially during the day.
But Stockholm is also one of the most walkable cities in Europe, with wide pavements, clean streets and lots of green spaces to explore, so ditch the public transport and explore the true heart of Stockholm on foot or by ferry!
Katie’s Top Tip: If you’re arriving late, try to book accommodation on the edge of Gamla Stan. That way, your taxi or transfer can drop you right at your hotel and when you arrive, you’re close to everything and won’t feel too isolated.
Places to Avoid in Stockholm
So you’d rather know exactly where to avoid now, rather than risk ending up somewhere that doesn’t feel right in the moment, right? I get it!
This is one of the first questions I Google when planning my own trips! So lets get into it.
The city centre is generally safe in Stockholm. And that’s where most tourists will stay and visit. So I’m gonna be honest here, you probably don’t need to pay much attention to this section as you won’t need to visit these places anyway.
BUT, the three places you should 100% avoid as a tourist in Stockholm are Rinkeby, Tensta and Husby, all on the outskirts of the city.
And this goes for both during the day and (especially) at night.
All three of these areas have seen rising crime, gang activity, violence and unrest in recent years, which has been well-documented by the Swedish authorities.
But like I said, these places are residential areas, not tourist attractions, and they’re extremely unlikely to be on your itinerary anyway.
The only thing is if you’re taking public transport through the suburbs late at night (again, you probably won’t be), just stay extra alert.
Don’t get me wrong, you don’t need to avoid the metro altogether, but if you find you’re heading into a district you don’t recognise, take a moment to check where you are.
Katie’s Top Tip: If you ever feel unsure about a stop or neighbourhood, use the SL public transport app’s map feature to find out where you are or just ask a staff member. They’re used to helping tourists and will happily point you in the right direction!
Is Stockholm Safe at Night?
Let’s talk about nights in Stockholm now, because whether or not you can stay out late to enjoy the sunset, dinner or drinks as a solo female traveller is important to know. Right?
Well, for the most part, Stockholm city centre is safe at night, especially in the central areas like Norrmalm, Gamla Stan and Sodermalm.
All of these areas are usually lively, well-lit and full of tourists and locals into the evening.
As I said, Sweden has seen an increase in violent crime overall, but most of that violence is not random, not directed at tourists and not in central areas. The risk of being mugged or assaulted is rated as moderate according to Numbeo, but again it is not as common against tourists or in the city centre.
And safety walking alone at night is rated as moderate (compared to high safety walking alone during the day, FYI). But this is again an average across all of Stockholm, rather than just a reflection of the city centre.
Most solo female travellers I’ve spoken to or heard from (including myself), report feeling safer in Stockholm at night than in other big cities like London, Paris, Milan or Barcelona.
But, like in any capital city, solo travel safety at night depends on this:
- Choosing the right route home and being able to quickly and accurately read the vibe of an area.
For example, if a street looks too quiet or isolated, trust your instincts and take the main road instead (even if it takes longer) or hop in a taxi.
Sweden’s taxis are generally safe at night, but you should still always stick with well-known companies like Taxi Stockholm or Uber.
Katie’s Top Tip: Always save your accommodation address in Google Maps and download your walking route in advance if you’re heading home late. If you’re taking a taxi, screenshot the number plate or share the trip with a friend, just like you would at home.
Nightlife in Stockholm
If you’re wondering whether you can enjoy Stockholm’s nightlife safely as a solo female traveller, the answer is yes, absolutely!
Stockholm’s nightlife is known for being stylish and generally respectful. Plus almost all nightlife venues have dedicated security staff on-site.
And as I mentioned earlier, there is much less street harassment in Stockholm, compared to other popular European cities. Swedes are generally polite and reserved, and therefore it would be rare for someone to approach you aggressively in a bar or club.
But the usual nightlife safety precautions still apply, of course. It’s always smart to watch your drink (at all times), trust your gut and leave if something or someone feels off.
Stockholm definitely isn’t free from the usual risks of nightlife (with alcohol involved, no place ever is), but those risks are much lower than in other cities.
Katie’s Top Tip: If you want to try out Stockholm’s nightlife or alcohol scene but feel nervous or uncomfortable about going solo, try a guided bar crawl or an evening sunset cruise around the archipelago.
Safest Time of Year to Visit Stockholm
If you’re planning the timing of your trip with safety in mind, Stockholm is one of those rare cities where the season genuinely makes a difference.
And while the city is considered safe all year round, May to September is widely seen as the best time to visit.
During summer, daylight stretches to 10pm, the streets stay lively much later and there are always tourists and locals about for a bit of comfort in numbers.
And while Sweden’s midnight sun may not quite reach Stockholm, the long hours of light are any solo traveller’s dream! It’s so much easier to navigate new places when it’s bright out and walking back to your hotel at 9pm feels more like late afternoon.
Plus, with tourism peaking during this time, you’ll be surrounded by fellow tourists and locals out enjoying the good weather, giving you that extra layer of social safety.
In contrast, the winter months (especially November to February), bring very short days.
Seriously, sunset can be as early as 2:45pm in December!
And while Stockholm is still walkable and a lot more peaceful in winter, it can feel isolating after dark, and you will need to plan your days more carefully.
But of course, it’s still safe and a beautiful time to visit Stockholm in winter. You’ll just want to stick closer to the centre and use public transport to get around when it’s dark out, instead of walking everywhere.
Katie’s Top Tip: If it’s your first solo trip to Stockholm, aim for late spring or early autumn. That way, you’ll get the best of both worlds: long, bright days but fewer crowds (and queues!) than in peak summer. My favourite time to visit is in mid-May or mid-September. Those months are also cheaper than peak summer too!
Is English Spoken in Stockholm?
Yes, absolutely! Locals in Stockholm speak excellent English.
In fact, Sweden ranks at 6th in the world (aka very high!) for English proficiency, according to the English Proficiency Index.
And in Stockholm, you’ll find that most local people are fluent and more than happy to help if you’re ever lost or need help.
The only time you might feel a slight language barrier is in very local shops in more suburban areas or on the islands, where staff will probably default to Swedish. But even then, most will switch effortlessly back to English once they hear you speak.
In fact, in my opinion Sweden is the easiest non-English speaking city in Europe I’ve ever had to navigate!
Katie’s Top Tip: Download Google Translate and Swedish offline before you go – just in case. But honestly? You probably won’t need it.
Is Public Transport Safe and Reliable in Stockholm?
Public transport in Stockholm is clean, punctual, incredibly easy to use and feels safe, even at night.
And whether you’re taking the metro (Tunnelbana), tram, bus or ferry, the entire SL system is well-connected, frequent and used a lot by both tourists and locals.
Stockholm’s metro system is also known for being one of the most beautiful in the world (yep, that really is a thing!), with stations featuring incredible art installations.
So your journey will actually double as sightseeing!
Just be aware of occasional pickpocketing on crowded metro lines and keep your phone and valuables zipped away when travelling (especially during busy peak times).
And if you’re using public transport at night, just sit near the driver or near other women if you feel unsure of your surroundings. (It’s the same as you would anywhere).
Katie’s Top Tip: Download the SL app on day one. It makes your journeys smoother and, if you plan to use public transport a lot, you’ll save money if you book a pass for a few days. Plus, the app works well in English and gives real-time updates on routes, delays and platform changes.
Top Solo Female Travel Safety Tips for Stockholm
These Stockholm solo female travel safety tips are exactly what I wish I knew before my first solo trip to Stockholm:
- Stay in central areas like Sodermalm, Gamla Stan or Ostermalm. They’re safe, well-lit, and super walkable.
- Watch out for pickpockets in touristy areas, especially around Gamla Stan and Stockholm Central Station at peak time.
- Swedes are generally respectful, not pushy, so if someone is making you uncomfortable, it’s totally fine to walk away or ask for help.
- Use pavements and be alert. Stockholmers love their bikes and trust me, those cyclists are fast! (Although it’s not as bad as in Copenhagen, Denmark!)
- Dress however you want. Sweden is one of the most progressive countries in Europe when it comes to gender equality, so you won’t be judged. But if you want to blend in, stick to neutrals and smart-casual.
- Trust your gut, always. Stockholm may be very safe for tourists, but your intuition is still your best travel companion.
So, Is Stockholm Safe for Solo Female Travellers?
Let’s bring this back to the question that brought you here in the first place: is Stockholm safe for solo female travellers?
My honest answer is yes. Stockholm is one of the safest cities in Europe for solo female travellers, especially if you stick to the city centre and follow the same basic safety routines you would at home.
Yes, Sweden has faced challenges in recent years, like the rise in gang-related violence in its outer suburbs.
But as the stats show (and the clickbait articles don’t mention nearly enough), these issues are mostly confined to specific residential neighbourhoods and rarely affect visitors.
Central Stockholm, where you’ll likely spend most of your time, still ranks safer than other cities like London, Marseille, Naples and Athens.
And it’s clean, walkable, peaceful and very equal and welcoming – especially to solo female travellers.
But if you’re still scared or unsure or anxious – or all of the above! – I want to leave you with this to remember: solo travel confidence never comes from being fearless. (Who is, right?!) Instead, it comes from being prepared.
With the right info (and now you’ve got it!), you can explore Stockholm solo with peace of mind and enjoy your trip the way you deserve.
And I hope you have the best time exploring my favourite city in Europe! 💛
Where are you most excited to visit on your solo trip to Stockholm? Share in the comments, I’d love to know!
Read More About Travel in Sweden:
- 9 BEST Things to do in Vaxholm: A Perfect Stockholm Day Trip
- Is Stockholm Worth Visiting as a Solo Traveller? (2025)
- 15 Best Things to do in Stockholm Alone as a Solo Traveller
- Is Stockholm Safe for Solo Female Travellers? + Safety Tips
- 3 Days in Stockholm: The Best Stockholm Itinerary for 2025
2 Comments