Things To Do
in Uppsala

Uppsala, Sweden is a historic city known for its prestigious university, botanical gardens, and medieval architecture. As one of Sweden's oldest cities, it boasts a rich cultural heritage, including the iconic Uppsala Cathedral and the Gustavianum museum. The city is surrounded by beautiful countryside, making it a perfect blend of urban and natural experiences.

Uppsala is a vibrant hub for students and visitors, offering a lively atmosphere filled with cafes, parks, and cultural events.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Day 1: Exploring Historic Uppsala
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to Uppsala Cathedral, the tallest church in Sweden, and admire its stunning Gothic architecture.

afternoon
:

After lunch at a local café, explore the Gustavianum, the university museum, where you can learn about Uppsala's rich academic history.

evening
:

Enjoy a leisurely dinner at a traditional Swedish restaurant, followed by a stroll through the beautiful botanical gardens.

day 2
Day 2: Nature and Culture
morning
:

Begin with a bike rental and cycle to the Uppsala University Botanical Garden, taking in the diverse plant species.

afternoon
:

Visit the Linnaeus Garden, dedicated to the famous botanist Carl Linnaeus, then head to the historic castle for a guided tour.

evening
:

Conclude your day with a drink at a local pub, immersing yourself in the vibrant student nightlife.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at a restaurant$15-25
Coffee$4
🍕Pizza$10-15
🚇Public Transport Ticket$3
🏨Hotel per night$100-150

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Rich cultural history and beautiful architecture.
  • Vibrant student life and nightlife.
  • Access to nature and outdoor activities.
  • Cold winters may deter some visitors.
  • Limited international flight options.
  • Higher cost of living compared to other Swedish cities.
  • "Hej" - Hi
  • "Tack" - Thank you
  • "Var ligger...?" - Where is...?
  • "Jag förstår inte" - I don't understand
  • "Kan du hjälpa mig?" - Can you help me?

Places to Visit in Uppsala

Visit one of these nice places.

Uppsala Cathedral

Capture the grandeur of this iconic Gothic structure and its stunning interior.

Uppsala Botanical Garden

A picturesque location with diverse flora, perfect for nature photography.

Uppsala Castle

An impressive historic building with sweeping views of the city, ideal for sunset shots.

Culinary Guide

Food in Uppsala

Uppsala offers a delightful culinary scene that reflects both traditional Swedish flavors and modern gastronomy, making it a must-visit for food lovers.

Uppsala Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Köttbullar

Swedish meatballs served with lingonberry sauce and creamy mashed potatoes.

Must-Try!

Gravlax

Cured salmon served with a mustard-dill sauce, often accompanied by bread.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Uppsala Food Market

A vibrant market featuring local produce, artisanal goods, and delicious street food.

Street Food at Stora Torget

Offering a variety of international dishes, this square becomes lively with food stalls during weekends.

Climate Guide

Weather

Uppsala experiences a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Winters (December to February) are cold, with temperatures often dropping below freezing, while summers (June to August) are mild to warm, averaging around 20°C (68°F). Spring and autumn are transitional, with spring bringing blooming flowers and autumn showcasing vibrant foliage. Rainfall is common throughout the year, with the wettest months typically in summer.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Personal Space

Swedes value personal space; maintain a respectful distance during conversations.

Quietness

Being quiet in public transport and shared spaces is expected; loud conversations are frowned upon.

Punctuality

Being on time is considered polite; lateness can be seen as disrespectful.

Safety Guide

Safety

Uppsala is generally a safe city, with low crime rates. However, standard precautions should be taken, such as avoiding poorly lit areas at night and keeping personal belongings secure. Emergency services can be reached by dialing 112, and local hospitals provide good medical care.

Tipping in Uppsala

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Customs

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; rounding up the bill or adding 10-15% for good service is common.

Payment Methods

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, and mobile payment apps are popular.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild temperatures and blooming flowers make it a beautiful time to explore parks and gardens.

Summer

Warm weather invites outdoor activities and festivals, making it the peak tourist season.

Autumn

Fall foliage paints the city in vibrant colors, providing a picturesque backdrop for exploration.

Winter

Cold temperatures and potential snowfall create a charming winter wonderland, perfect for holiday markets.

Nightlife Guide

Uppsala at Night

Uppsala's nightlife is vibrant, particularly due to its large student population. The city offers a mix of bars, pubs, and nightclubs, with many venues hosting live music and events. Popular spots include the student pubs around the university and more upscale bars offering cocktails. Weekends are particularly lively, with many students and locals enjoying the nightlife until the early hours.

Hiking in Uppsala

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Hågadalen-Nåsten Nature Reserve

Offers various trails through forests and along lakes, ideal for hiking and enjoying nature.

Lunsen Nature Reserve

Features well-marked hiking paths with scenic views and opportunities for wildlife spotting.

Airports

How to reach Uppsala by plane.

Uppsala Airport (Uppsalas flygplats)

Located approximately 40 km from Uppsala, this airport mainly serves domestic flights and offers connections to major cities in Sweden.

Getting Around

Walkability

Uppsala is highly walkable, with many attractions located within a short distance of each other. The city features well-maintained sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly streets, making it easy to explore on foot. Additionally, there are numerous parks and green spaces to enjoy along the way.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Students

Uppsala has a large student population due to its prestigious university, contributing to the city's vibrant atmosphere.

Families

Many families reside in Uppsala, enjoying the city's parks, cultural offerings, and educational institutions.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (Soccer)

A popular sport in Uppsala, with local teams and clubs active in various leagues.

Ice Hockey

Ice hockey enjoys a strong following, with local clubs competing at various levels.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Uppsala is generally manageable, with a well-organized road network. Public transportation includes buses and trains, making it easy to navigate the city and surrounding areas. Biking is also a popular mode of transport, and many locals choose to cycle rather than drive.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Uppsala.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian Options

Many restaurants offer vegetarian dishes, and it's easy to find plant-based meals.

Gluten-Free Choices

Several cafes and restaurants cater to gluten-free diets, providing various options.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare in Uppsala is of high quality, with several hospitals and clinics available for residents and visitors. The main hospital, Akademiska sjukhuset, provides comprehensive medical services. For non-emergency care, many pharmacies and private clinics are accessible throughout the city, and health insurance is recommended for travelers.

Discover Sweden

Read more in our Sweden 2025 Travel Guide.

Sweden Travel Guide