Exercise Increased Caution
“Exercise increased cautionin Sweden due to terrorism. There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Sweden.”
Updated Mon, 18 May 2026
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Is Stockholm safe? 🇸🇪
Sweden · Safety report last updated
As of October 2026, Stockholm scores 82/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: yes — generally safe. Yes. Stockholm remains one of Europe's safest capitals for visitors, with low violent crime but notable pickpocketing and scam risks in tourist zones. The main risks for visitors are pickpocketing (moderate risk) and tourist-targeted scams. The U.S. State Department rates it Level 2 (Exercise Increased Caution).
Safety Report
IsMyTripSafe.com
Stockholm 🇸🇪
Sweden · Assessed 11 October 2026
82
/ 100
What drives this score
Crime69/100FairCrime index 46.1 / 100 · city-level
Sentiment84/100GoodMostly positive
Advisories75Good
Stability88Good
Health96Good
01 · Official Guidance
Advisories
Good
No advisory against travel
“Before you travel No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide.”
Updated 2026-10-07T12:53:50Z
Full advisory →Exercise a high degree of caution
“Canada's official risk level for Sweden: exercise a high degree of caution.”
Updated 2026-09-24T08:53:35.4288253-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Crime
Fair
Urban scale factor
1.5M residents
63
City SignalCity Geocoding
Homicide rate
1.1 / 100kHomicide rate · per 100kJapan0.2Switzerland0.6Sweden1.1World avg5.2United States5.8Brazil19.3South Africa43.7
93
Robbery / mugging
LowMugging and armed robbery are rare for visitors and mainly occur in isolated suburban areas, not central tourist zones
Pickpocketing
ModeratePickpocketing and bag-snatching are common visitor risks, concentrated in Gamla Stan, Stockholm Central Station, Sergels torg, and busy metro stations
▸ 3 more indicators▾ Hide extra indicators
03 · Environment
Health & Air
Good
04 · Institutions
Stability
Good
05 · Field Research
Current Situation
Stable
Traveller sentiment score
Mostly positive
84/100
Reported feel78Mostly positive
Robbery risk92Low risk
Pickpocket risk78Moderate risk
Visitors report feeling safe exploring Stockholm day and night, citing low violent crime and efficient public transport, though some note pickpocket vigilance is needed in tourist crowds.
Yes. Stockholm remains one of Europe's safest capitals for visitors, with low violent crime but notable pickpocketing and scam risks in tourist zones.
Stockholm's safety profile shows low homicide and terrorism risk, strong institutions, and excellent health and infrastructure scores. While violent crime against visitors is rare, petty theft and scams occur in crowded areas like Gamla Stan and transport hubs. Visitors generally report feeling safe, though some note isolated gang-related violence in suburbs does not typically affect tourist zones.
Recent developments
- Aug 2026Sword attack at Swedish school kills 17-year-old girl, injures 3 others— CBS News
- Jun 2026Swedish government to introduce higher sentences in push against crime— Reuters
- Oct 2026Hundreds protest Israeli attacks on Palestine, Lebanon in Stockholm— Middle East Monitor
- Sep 2026Sweden’s fightback against the gangs reported in financial press— Financial Times
Common scams
- overpriced taxis near Arlanda airport and train stations
- pickpocketing in crowds using distraction techniques
- fake charity collectors
- card-machine currency trick at terminals
- fake rental listings
Full briefing
Stockholm maintains its reputation as one of Europe's safest capitals for visitors, with violent crime against tourists remaining extremely rare. The city benefits from strong institutions, low homicide rates, and excellent health and infrastructure scores, though pickpocketing and scams persist in crowded areas like Gamla Stan, T-Centralen, and major transport hubs. Recent gang-related violence reported in suburbs such as Rinkeby and Tensta does not typically affect central tourist zones where most visitors stay.
Current safety concerns are largely opportunistic: pickpockets operate using distraction techniques in crowds, and overpriced taxis remain a common issue near Arlanda airport and train stations. Visitors are advised to use licensed ride services, confirm fares upfront, and pay in kronor at card terminals to avoid dynamic currency conversion scams. Fake charity collectors and rental listings also appear in tourist areas, requiring standard vigilance.
Public transport is considered safe day and night with CCTV and staff presence, though bags should be kept zipped and close during peak hours. Emergency services are reliable and accessible via 112 across Sweden. While isolated incidents like the August 2026 school sword attack highlight broader societal challenges, they do not reflect the day-to-day safety experience of tourists in central Stockholm. Most visits remain trouble-free with basic precautions.
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06 · Neighbourhoods
Safest areas and areas to avoid
Our field research rated 8 Stockholm districts for visitors: 3 safer, 3 needing caution and 2 best avoided. See them plotted on the Stockholm safety map.
RinkebyavoidNorthwest suburb; higher incidence of gang-related violence and shootings, not on tourist routes.
TenstaavoidAdjacent to Rinkeby; similar safety concerns with organised crime activity, avoid unless necessary.
Gamla StancautionHistoric Old Town; very safe by day but pickpocketing common in crowds around attractions.
NorrmalmcautionCentral business district; safe during day, watch for pickpockets near T-Centralen and Sergels torg.
SödermalmcautionTrendy south island; safe by day, nightlife areas see occasional alcohol-related disturbances late at night.
ÖstermalmsaferUpscale residential area; low crime, well-patrolled, popular with visitors.
VasastansaferQuiet, family-friendly neighbourhood; minimal crime and excellent safety record.
KungsholmensaferWestern island district; low violent crime, good lighting, safe for walking day and night.
07 · After Dark
Is Stockholm safe at night?
76% of people in Sweden say they feel safe walking alone at night in their area (UN SDG survey, 2024).
Mugging and armed robbery are rare for visitors and mainly occur in isolated suburban areas, not central tourist zones
After dark, be most careful around Rinkeby, Tensta, Gamla Stan, Norrmalm. Stick to busy, well-lit streets and licensed taxis or ride-hail late at night.
08 · Questions
Stockholm safety FAQ (2026)
Is Stockholm safe right now (2026)?
Yes. Stockholm remains one of Europe's safest capitals for visitors, with low violent crime but notable pickpocketing and scam risks in tourist zones. Stockholm's safety profile shows low homicide and terrorism risk, strong institutions, and excellent health and infrastructure scores. While violent crime against visitors is rare, petty theft and scams occur in crowded areas like Gamla Stan and transport hubs. Visitors generally report feeling safe, though some note isolated gang-related violence in suburbs does not typically affect tourist zones. (Assessed 11 October 2026.)
Is Stockholm safe for women, families and solo travelers?
Safety is not one number, and this Stockholm report does not pretend it is: the score is re-weighted for who is travelling. A woman travelling alone, a family with children and a solo backpacker face different street-level risks, so the headline score shifts and the report leads with the findings that matter for that group. Personalize this report in one click to see the 2026 score and safety briefing for your specific travellers.
Which areas of Stockholm should tourists avoid?
Field research flags Rinkeby, Tensta as best avoided. See the district-by-district safety map.
What are the most common scams in Stockholm (2026)?
- overpriced taxis near Arlanda airport and train stations
- pickpocketing in crowds using distraction techniques
- fake charity collectors
- card-machine currency trick at terminals
How does Stockholm compare with other places in Sweden (2026)?
Stockholm ranks #4 of 5 Sweden destinations we've assessed, scoring 82/100. See the Sweden safety overview for the full list.
How is this stockholm safety score calculated (2026)?
The score blends 15+ public data sources — government advisories, UNODC/World Bank crime statistics, FBI crime data for U.S. cities, WHO health data, live air quality and disaster alerts — with AI field research over current local reporting. The databases carry the bulk of the weight; the traveller-sentiment score from field research carries the rest. Full methodology.
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Raw data: stockholm.json (CC BY 4.0).