Uppsala Travel Guide
City City in Uppsala, Sweden
University life colors Uppsala with cathedral spires, Gustavianum’s artifacts and student-run traditions like valborg bonfires. Walk the botanical garden, climb the cathedral tower and browse secondhand bookshops along narrow streets.
Why Visit Uppsala? #
Centuries of scholarship, ecclesiastical architecture and living traditions make Uppsala a compelling stop for culture-minded visitors. Explore Uppsala Cathedral and Gustavianum, wander the botanical gardens, and learn about Sweden’s ancient past at the burial mounds of Gamla Uppsala. Student nations keep the nightlife and café scene lively, while the Fyris River and compact historic center make it an easy city to savor at a relaxed pace.
Who's Uppsala For?
Uppsala’s cathedral, cobbled streets and riverside cafés make for gentle date ideas-boat trips on the Fyrisån or picnics in the Botanical Garden are easy. Compact center and atmospheric Gästrikegatan neighborhoods suit slow, romantic days with relaxed dining options.
The city blends green spaces and waterways: the Botanical Garden, Stadsträdgården and the river valley are great for birdwatching and walks. Short drives reach Sigtuna shoreline and lake districts, offering easy access to countryside escapes from the center.
Uppsala has kid-friendly highlights like the Gustavianum museum, the open-air museums and Fyrisån boat rides. Safe streets and compact distances mean parents can keep itineraries relaxed while visiting castles, parks and family cafés around the university quarter.
Good internet, quiet cafés near the university and a handful of coworking spaces make Uppsala workable for short-term remote stays. Excellent train links to Stockholm Arlanda are a perk, though accommodation can be pricier during term times and festivals.
Top Things to Do in Uppsala
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- Uppsala Cathedral (Uppsala domkyrka) - Nordic countries' largest medieval cathedral with royal tombs and towering twin spires.
- Gamla Uppsala (Old Uppsala) - Ancient burial mounds and museum telling Viking-era royal and religious history nearby.
- Carolina Rediviva (Uppsala University Library) - Historic university library housing the medieval Codex Argenteus and impressive reading rooms.
- Uppsala Castle (Uppsala slott) - 17th-century hilltop castle with park, exhibitions and skyline views over the city.
- Uppsala Botanical Garden (Botaniska trädgården) - Extensive university botanical garden showcasing labeled plant collections and seasonally changing displays.
- Ofvandahls Konditori - Historic café and bakery serving classic cakes and cozy old-world interiors.
- Linnéträdgården (Linnaeus Garden) - Small 18th-century garden where Carl Linnaeus taught and catalogued plants.
- Uppsala Konstmuseum - Compact art museum inside the castle featuring Swedish modern and contemporary works.
- Fyrisån - Riverside perfect for leisurely walks, café terraces and summer boat traffic past city centre.
- Fyrishov - Large public leisure complex with indoor pools, water slides and outdoor swimming areas.
- Stockholm - Sweden's capital reachable by train in about 40-60 minutes, offering museums and more.
- Sigtuna - Sweden's oldest town with rune stones, wooden houses and lakeside cafés, roughly forty minutes.
- Skokloster Castle (Skoklosters slott) - Magnificent Baroque castle on Lake Mälaren with period interiors and weaponry collections.
- Sala Silver Mine - Historic silver mine offering guided underground tours and a unique subterranean experience.
- Färnebofjärden National Park - Wild river landscape for hiking, birdwatching and canoeing about one and a half hours.
Where to Go in Uppsala #
City Centre
Right around the cathedral and the river, the city centre has the university’s oldest buildings, small cafés and the relaxed pace of a student town. It’s compact enough to explore on foot: museums, bookshops and riverside walks fill the day. Perfect for people who want history close to cafés and easy evening options.
Top Spots
- Uppsala Domkyrka - The towering cathedral at the city’s heart.
- Gustavianum - University museum with the Augsburg globe and antiquities.
- Carolina Rediviva - Uppsala University’s main library and the Silver Bible (Codex Argenteus).
Student Quarters (Flogsta & Luthagen)
This is where Uppsala’s student life lives: compact corridors of student nations, cheap eats and late-night fika. Flogsta has the student blocks and the nightly scream ritual; Luthagen offers quieter cafés and groceries. Expect a youthful, informal atmosphere-great if you want lively nights, inexpensive food and a feel for local student traditions.
Top Spots
- AF-borgen / Nations - Classic student hangouts and event venues.
- Flogsta Scream (evening) - The famous nightly student yell from Flogsta windows.
- Luthagens Caféer - Small cafés where students study and chat.
Gamla Uppsala
A short ride north of the city centre, Gamla Uppsala feels like stepping into Sweden’s early story: big burial mounds, an atmospheric church and a compact museum that explains it all. It’s quieter and more rural than central Uppsala, best for a half-day trip if you’re curious about Viking-age Sweden and old sacral landscapes.
Top Spots
- Royal Mounds (Kungshögarna) - Ancient burial mounds from the Viking era.
- Gamla Uppsala Museum - Clear exhibits explaining the site’s history and archaeology.
- Old Uppsala Church - A medieval church set among the mounds.
Plan Your Visit to Uppsala #
Best Time to Visit Uppsala #
Best time to visit Uppsala is late May through August, when mild temperatures (around 15-25 °C) and very long daylight make the cathedral, gardens and riverside strolls delightful. Winters are cold, often snowy and short on daylight, while spring and autumn are brisk and changeable but quieter.
Best Time to Visit Uppsala #
Uppsala's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -7°C to 22°C. Moderate rainfall (570 mm/year).
January
January is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (38 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is the coldest month with highs of 0°C and lows of -7°C. The driest month with just 27 mm and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (34 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (36 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (34 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C. The wettest month with 71 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (45 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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How to Get to Uppsala
Uppsala is most easily reached via Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN), which has frequent train and bus links into the city. Uppsala Centralstation (Uppsala C) is the rail hub for regional and intercity trains to Stockholm and northern Sweden.
Stockholm Arlanda (ARN): Arlanda is the nearest major airport and the best option for reaching Uppsala. Regional and commuter trains stop at Arlanda station; the direct regional train to Uppsala Central takes about 17-20 minutes and tickets typically start around 99 SEK if bought in advance. UL buses (route 801) run between Arlanda and Uppsala in about 35-45 minutes; a single UL fare is commonly in the 50-60 SEK range. Taxis from Arlanda to Uppsala take roughly 20-30 minutes and cost in the ~300-450 SEK range depending on supplier and traffic.
Stockholm Bromma (BMA): Bromma is a smaller Stockholm airport; it is less convenient for Uppsala. Typical travel is a bus or taxi into Stockholm Central (20-30 minutes) and then a train to Uppsala (35-45 minutes); combined door-to-door travel time is usually 1-1.5 hours. Expect combined fares roughly 150-350 SEK depending on bus/train choices and ticket types.
Train: Uppsala Centralstation (Uppsala C) sits on the East Coast Line (Ostkustbanan) with frequent regional and intercity trains to Stockholm Central (about 35-40 minutes) and onward to Gävle. Trains are operated by SJ and regional operators; typical fares to Stockholm range from about 99-199 SEK depending on advance purchase and train type.
Bus: Local and regional buses are run by Upplands Lokaltrafik (UL). UL route 801 links Uppsala and Arlanda in roughly 35-45 minutes; local buses serve the city and suburbs with single fares commonly in the 30-65 SEK range (use the UL app or ticket machines). Regional coaches also connect Uppsala with other cities - check UL and regional timetables for schedules.
How to Get Around Uppsala
Uppsala is best navigated using a mix of trains for regional trips, UL buses for local connections, and bicycles or walking for short distances inside the centre. For most visitors the fastest combination is train to Uppsala C, then walking or cycling to nearby sights.
- Trains (SJ & regional) (99-199 SEK) - Uppsala Centralstation is on the East Coast Line with frequent SJ regional and intercity services to Stockholm (about 35-40 minutes) and onward to Gävle. Trains are fast, comfortable and usually the quickest way to/from Stockholm and other towns; buy cheaper advance tickets via the SJ app or website. Platforms are well signed and there are direct services from Arlanda as well - check timetables for peak-hour frequencies.
- UL local buses (30-65 SEK) - Upplands Lokaltrafik (UL) runs the city and regional bus network; routes are frequent around the centre and into residential suburbs. Route 801 connects Uppsala with Arlanda airport; buses are cashless (use the UL app or onboard card readers) and journeys inside the county are economical for shorter hops. Buses can be slower than bikes or walking in the compact centre during rush hour, so allow extra time for connections.
- Bicycle (0-150 SEK/day) - Uppsala is extremely bike-friendly with dedicated lanes and flat terrain-cycling is often the fastest way to get around locally. Rental shops and bike‑share options exist (seasonal); short trips and commuting by bike are common. Watch for bike lanes and follow local rules-there are many cycle paths through parks and along the river.
- Taxi & rideshare (200-450 SEK) - Taxis are reliable and convenient for early/late journeys or when carrying luggage; expect meter fares from the city centre to nearby suburbs or to Arlanda in the ~300-450 SEK range. Use reputable companies (Uppsala Taxi, Taxi Kurir) or rideshare apps like Uber/Bolt where available; always confirm approximate fare beforehand as surcharges apply for night and airport rides. Taxis are pricier than public transport but useful off-hours or for door-to-door convenience.
- Car hire / Driving (350-700 SEK/day) - Hiring a car makes sense only if you plan to explore the surrounding Uppland countryside - central Uppsala is compact and parking can be limited and paid. Several international and local rental agencies operate in the city and at Arlanda; expect daily rates from about 350 SEK and up depending on season. If you drive, note resident parking zones and buy parking time via machines or apps to avoid fines.
- Walking - Uppsala's centre is compact and highly walkable: you can cover the Cathedral, Fyris River, university quarter and main museums on foot in a day. Walking is often the fastest way to move between close attractions and lets you appreciate the city's architecture and café culture. Wear comfortable shoes-some streets around older parts are cobbled.
Where to Stay in Uppsala #
- Scandic Uppsala Nord - Affordable, basic rooms near university
- Citystay Uppsala Hostel - Simple dorms and private rooms
- Clarion Hotel Gillet - Central, modern rooms and breakfast
- Best Western Hotel Svava - Reliable mid-range option
- Grand Hotel Hörnan - Historic hotel, upscale rooms
- Select upscale options in central Uppsala (various) - Boutique, well-located choices
- Clarion Hotel Gillet - Steps from the cathedral and station
- Best Western Hotel Svava - Central, good value
- Best Western Hotel Svava - Family rooms and quiet location
- Scandic Uplandia - Spacious rooms, kid-friendly facilities
- Clarion Hotel Gillet - Good Wi‑Fi and public spaces
- Scandic Uplandia - Work-friendly lobbies and cafés
Where to Eat in Uppsala #
Uppsala feels like a university town that eats well: historic cafés and cellar restaurants cluster around the cathedral and along the Fyrisån, while newer bistros and wine bars have quietly upgraded the city’s evening scene. Expect classic Swedish dishes-meatballs, gravlax, herring plates-and very good fika: buttery cardamom buns and layered pastries at long-running konditoris.
Walk the streets around Stora Torget and the cathedral for Ofvandahls and the old cellars, then head toward the station for lively neighborhood restaurants. The student population keeps things affordable and experimental: you’ll find seasonal Nordic cooking alongside Mediterranean small plates and several vegetarian-forward cafés.
- Ofvandahls - Historic konditori near the cathedral, classic pastries.
- Domtrappkällaren - Old vaulted cellar, traditional Swedish dishes, hearty portions.
- Stationen Restaurang & Pub - Meals by the river near the central station.
- Växthuset Uppsala (vegetarian-forward) - Seasonal, Nordic-influenced vegetarian tasting menu.
- Bakkus - Mediterranean plates, relaxed neighborhood bistro.
- Horrie Kafé & Bar - Casual international small plates and natural wines.
- Kafe Station - Vegetarian-friendly sandwiches and salads, laid-back vibe.
- Ofvandahls (bakery) - Vegetarian pastries and classic fika pastries.
- Himla - Veganska Smaker - Plant-based café with soups and light bowls.
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Uppsala's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Uppsala #
Uppsala’s nightlife is youthful and music-forward, driven by the university crowd. You’ll find rowdy student pubs, intimate live-music venues and riverside bars along the Fyrisån. Concert spot Katalin and the student-union scene keep the calendar full; most places close around 1-3am on weekends. Dress casually, carry ID (students and young crowd), and stick to central Svartbäcken and the riverbanks for the liveliest nights.
Best Bets
- Katalin - Long-running live-music venue and nightclub with varied gig lineups.
- Ofvandahls - Historic café/bar-great for late-night drinks and traditional cakes.
- Svartbäcken area - Student-heavy neighborhood with compact bars and relaxed pub vibes.
- Fyrisån riverside - Riverside terraces and bars perfect for summer evenings and drinks.
- Trädgårdsgatan & downtown streets - Main streets with a cluster of bars and late-night options.
- Student union events (Nation parties) - Nation nights are legendary-join for themed parties and live DJs.
Shopping in Uppsala #
Uppsala is a compact university city where shopping mixes everyday needs with quirky student stores. Main shopping clusters sit along Drottninggatan and around the main square; you’ll find Scandinavian design stores, bookshops and cafés catering to students. Food lovers should check the local saluhall for seasonal produce and specialty items.
Bargaining isn’t expected; stick to fixed prices. For antiques and vintage, head to smaller side streets and weekend flea stalls by the river.
Best Bets
- Drottninggatan (main shopping street) - Pedestrian street lined with fashion shops and cafés.
- Fyrisgatan & Stora Torget area - Central square and streets with chains and independent stores.
- Uppsala Saluhall - Local food market for cheeses, cured meats and seasonal produce.
- Gottsunda Centrum - Neighborhood centre with budget stores and everyday shopping options.
- Gallerian/Kvarnen area - Small indoor mall with fashion, services and cafés.
- Student vintage and second-hand shops - Cheap finds and retro clothing near university neighborhoods.
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