Stockholm has a reputation for being expensive, and it absolutely deserves it. This is among the priciest cities on the planet for a tourist, to the point that it can break the budget of a backpacker even if they are just there for a quick look.

Hotels in Stockholm are generally quite nice and many of them are luxurious so it’s not like the visitor feels ripped off, though it is frustrating that finding a simple and cheap room is nearly impossible. The hostels are a decent value, as are private rooms in those hostels, which might be a better alternative for those trying to save money. If you are in for a quick visit, you should seriously look into the Stockholm Pass with hotel package, as it’s actually quite an amazing deal.

The attractions and the transportation are also priced at a level that puts them at the top end for all of Europe. The touristy parts of the city center are fairly compact so a person can just walk around and admire the wonderful shops and attractive locals, but once you want to actually do something it’s going to cost quite a bit.

Food, of course, is also quite pricey, with even simple meals or fast food costing more than far nicer fare in southern or central Europe. Hot dog carts are easy to find, and with these you can at least get an okay meal at an affordable price. Drinking is also quite expensive, with Sweden taxing alcohol heavily as a way to try to get the locals to lay off a bit, and it’s hard to know how well that policy has worked.