Uppsala City Guide

Good local dishes like meatballs, gravlax, and cinnamon buns. Offers international food, especially Asian and Middle Eastern. Vegan and vegetarian options are common. Late-night eats are limited mostly to fast food.

Nightlife centers around students with many pubs, bars, and student club events.

Strong coffee culture with many cafes focusing on high-quality beans and the tradition of fika.

Tipping is not expected but appreciated for good service. Small tips or rounding taxi fares is common.

SIM cards can be bought at convenience stores (Pressbyrån, 7-Eleven) and mobile stores (Telia, Tele2, Telenor, Comviq). eSIMs are available with ID registration, usually passport for non-EU.

The city is very clean with efficient waste and recycling systems.

Limited 24/7 services. Some convenience stores and pharmacies have extended hours. Emergency hospital care is 24/7.

Supermarkets like ICA, Coop, Hemköp, Lidl, and Willys are common. Good international products are available, especially in larger stores. Most open 7-8 AM to 9-10 PM, including Sundays but with shorter hours.

Sweden is very cashless. Most places prefer card or mobile payments, and many don’t take cash at all.

Bankomat ATMs are common. Withdrawals with Swedish cards usually have no fee; international cards may have charges from your bank.

Uppsala International School offers English curriculum. Local schools teach in Swedish. Contact schools directly for admission details.

Community is small but present, mainly around university and coworking spaces.

Abundant parks and river paths with shaded walking areas.

Popular safe running routes along Fyris River, Stadsskogen, and university areas with good air quality.

Several gyms available, including large chains and independents.

Tennis courts available with online booking and some equipment rental.

Padel courts exist, often needing booking and memberships.

Several studios offer various styles with English-speaking instructors.

Several clubs offer martial arts like BJJ, Judo, Karate, and Boxing, often with English instructors.

No ski resorts nearby; closest are several hours away in central or northern Sweden.

Kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing available on the Fyris River and nearby lakes in summer.

No surfing spots around Uppsala.

Limited diving; some lakes allow it but water visibility is low compared to coastal sites.

Uppsala University Hospital has English-speaking staff. Sweden’s public healthcare is high quality, with private options available. Pharmacies sell OTC meds and have regulated hours.

Tap water in Uppsala is safe and high quality.

Many playgrounds and kid-friendly cafés. Attractions like Fyrishov water park and Pelle Svanslös House suit families.

Very inclusive city with strong legal protections and social acceptance.

Pet-friendly city with parks and veterinary services. Many places allow pets but check ahead.