Exercise Increased Caution
“There were no changes to the advisory level or risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated.”
Updated Mon, 18 May 2026
Full advisory →Is Stockholm safe? 🇸🇪
Sweden · Safety report last updated
As of July 2026, Stockholm scores 82/100 on the IsMyTripSafe composite safety index — verdict: yes — very safe. Yes — Stockholm is one of Europe's safest capitals for visitors, with very low violent crime against tourists, though gang violence in outer suburbs and a moderate terrorism threat warrant standard big-city vigilance. 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).
01 · Official Guidance
Advisories
Fair
No advisory against travel
“Before you travel No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide.”
Updated 2026-04-20T13:30:51Z
Full advisory →Exercise a high degree of caution
“Canada's official risk level for Sweden: exercise a high degree of caution.”
Updated 2026-07-13T14:53:10.4800879-04:00
Full advisory →02 · Evidence Signals
Crime
Good
Homicide rate
1.1 / 100kHomicide rate · per 100kJapan0.2Switzerland0.6Sweden1.1World avg5.2United States5.8Brazil19.3South Africa43.7
91
Robbery / mugging
LowStreet robbery of tourists is rare in central Stockholm; nearly all gun violence is gang-on-gang in outer suburbs (Rinkeby, Tensta, Husby)
Pickpocketing
ModerateHotspots: T-Centralen platforms at rush hour, Gamla Stan tourist corridor, Drottninggatan (H&M queue), Sergels torg, Östermalms Saluhall, packed summer festivals — rates have crept up but remain below Barcelona, Rome, Paris
▸ 4 more indicators▾ Hide extra indicators
03 · Environment
Health & Air
Good
04 · Institutions
Stability
Good
05 · Field Research
Current Situation
Stable
Yes — Stockholm is one of Europe's safest capitals for visitors, with very low violent crime against tourists, though gang violence in outer suburbs and a moderate terrorism threat warrant standard big-city vigilance.
Stockholm scores 83/100 on the composite safety index, ranking safer than 84% of countries. Homicide (1.1/100k) and road-death (2.1/100k) rates are among the world's lowest, and 76% of residents feel safe walking alone after dark. The main risks for travelers are pickpocketing in crowded tourist zones and transit hubs, and a Level 2 government advisory driven by Europe-wide terrorism concerns (Sweden's threat level is 3/5 'elevated'). Gang shootings and bombings are real but concentrated in specific outer suburbs well off tourist itineraries.
Recent developments
- Jul 2026Multiple pro-Palestine protests in central Stockholm featuring mock Auschwitz gate imagery, drawing hundreds and police monitoring— Jerusalem Post / Anadolu Ajansı / Crypto Briefing / ABNA English / Middle East Monitor
- Jun 2026Government announces special prison facilities for 13-year-old gang killers after surge in juvenile involvement in shootings— Reuters
- Mar 2026U.S. Embassy Stockholm issues Security Alert referencing terrorism threat and general safety reminders— U.S. Embassy .gov
- Jul 2026U.S. State Department reaffirms Level 2 'Exercise Increased Caution' for Sweden citing terrorism concerns— Nomad Lawyer / U.S. State Dept
Common scams
- Pickpocket gangs in Gamla Stan and on T-Centralen platforms during rush hour
- Three-card monte / street gambling scams in Gamla Stan summer crowds
- Taxi meter manipulation — use only major apps/companies (Taxi Stockholm, Taxi Kurir, Sverigetaxi)
- "Dropped money" diversion scam near tourist attractions
- Unofficial tour guides at Skansen demanding commissions
Full briefing
Safety Briefing: Stockholm, Sweden (July 2026)
Stockholm is genuinely one of Europe's safest capitals for visitors. The data backs this up: a composite safety index of 83/100, a homicide rate of just 1.1 per 100,000, and 76% of residents saying they feel safe walking alone after dark. Violent crime against tourists is rare — the shootings and bombings that make headlines are gang-on-gang conflicts confined to outer suburbs like Rinkeby, Tensta, and Husby, places no standard itinerary reaches. The U.S., UK, and Canada all maintain Level 2 advisories, but these are driven by Europe-wide terrorism concerns (Sweden's SAPO threat level sits at 3/5 "elevated") rather than Stockholm-specific danger.
The real, day-to-day risk for a traveler is pickpocketing. The dossier confirms hotspots: T-Centralen metro platforms at rush hour, Gamla Stan's tourist corridor, the H&M queue on Drottninggatan, Sergels torg, Östermalms Saluhall, and packed summer festivals. Rates have crept up but remain well below Barcelona, Rome, or Paris. Scams are the usual European mix: three-card monte in Gamla Stan crowds, taxi meter manipulation (stick to Taxi Stockholm, Taxi Kurir, Sverigetaxi or app-based rides), the "dropped money" diversion, and unofficial guides at Skansen demanding commissions. A cross-body bag worn in front and pre-booked taxis neutralize most of this.
Right now, central Stockholm is seeing recurring pro-Palestine demonstrations (July 2026) that have used provocative Auschwitz-gate imagery; they've been large but peaceful, though counter-protests can flare. Check krisinformation.se for SAPO threat updates and avoid protest perimeters. Seasonal note: July weather is mild (highs ~28°C, no extremes), but if you return in winter, watch for black ice near 0°C and deer on suburban roads at dusk.
Bottom line: stay in central districts (Östermalm, Vasastan, Kungsholmen, Södermalm), keep valuables secured on transit and in Gamla Stan, use major taxi apps, and you'll experience the calm, orderly city the data describes. The suburbs with gang violence are not accidentally wandered into — they're 20+ minutes by metro from the center and clearly signposted. Stockholm remains a very safedestination.
06 · Neighbourhoods
Safest areas and areas to avoid
Our field research rated 8 Stockholm districts for visitors: 4 safer, 2 needing caution and 2 best avoided. See them plotted on the Stockholm safety map.
RinkebyavoidOuter northwest suburb — frequent gang shootings, bombings, organized crime; no tourist attractions, avoid entirely
TenstaavoidOuter northwest suburb — high gang violence, hand-grenade incidents; not on any visitor itinerary, avoid day and night
Gamla StancautionHistoric core — heavy tourist traffic, pickpocket gangs active in squares and narrow alleys; safe by day, stay alert in crowds
Norrmalm (T-Centralen / Central Station)cautionMain transit hub — pickpocketing on metro platforms at rush hour and around Sergels torg; well-policed but crowded
ÖstermalmsaferUpscale residential/shopping district — very low crime, well-patrolled, home to Östermalms Saluhall (watch bags in market crowds)
SödermalmsaferHip, bohemian district with vibrant nightlife — generally safe; exercise normal precautions around bars/clubs on weekends
VasastansaferQuiet residential area north of city center — low crime, family-friendly, excellent transit links
KungsholmensaferIsland residential district west of center — safe, green, good restaurants, low tourist-targeted crime
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).
Street robbery of tourists is rare in central Stockholm; nearly all gun violence is gang-on-gang in outer suburbs (Rinkeby, Tensta, Husby)
After dark, be most careful around Rinkeby, Tensta, Gamla Stan, Norrmalm (T-Centralen / Central Station). Stick to busy, well-lit streets and licensed taxis or ride-hail late at night.
08 · Trip Profiles
Score by traveller type
Who's travelling changes which risks matter. These re-weight Stockholm's category data for common trip types — same data, different emphasis. Run your own profile from the interactive checker.
Solo travellerCrime +23% weight81
Solo, nightlife-focusedCrime +32% weight80
Family with kidsCrime +15% weight · Health & Air +12% weight82
Travellers 65+Crime +9% weight · Health & Air +16% weight · Stability +4% weight83
09 · Questions
Stockholm safety FAQ
Is Stockholm safe for tourists right now?
Yes — Stockholm is one of Europe's safest capitals for visitors, with very low violent crime against tourists, though gang violence in outer suburbs and a moderate terrorism threat warrant standard big-city vigilance. Stockholm scores 83/100 on the composite safety index, ranking safer than 84% of countries. Homicide (1.1/100k) and road-death (2.1/100k) rates are among the world's lowest, and 76% of residents feel safe walking alone after dark. The main risks for travelers are pickpocketing in crowded tourist zones and transit hubs, and a Level 2 government advisory driven by Europe-wide terrorism concerns (Sweden's threat level is 3/5 'elevated'). Gang shootings and bombings are real but concentrated in specific outer suburbs well off tourist itineraries. (Assessed 24 July 2026.)
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?
- Pickpocket gangs in Gamla Stan and on T-Centralen platforms during rush hour
- Three-card monte / street gambling scams in Gamla Stan summer crowds
- Taxi meter manipulation — use only major apps/companies (Taxi Stockholm, Taxi Kurir, Sverigetaxi)
- "Dropped money" diversion scam near tourist attractions
How does Stockholm compare with other places in Sweden?
Stockholm scores 82/100 — see the Sweden safety overview for country-level data.
How is this Stockholm safety score calculated?
The score blends 12+ public data sources — government advisories, UNODC/World Bank crime statistics, WHO health data, live air quality and disaster alerts — with AI field research over current local reporting. The databases carry 75% of the weight, field research 25%. Full methodology.
Nearby destinations
4 reportsSimilar safety profile
4 reportsBrowse the Sweden safety overview or all destinations. Raw data: stockholm.json (CC BY 4.0).