Uppsala, Sweden: Travel Guide + 2-Day Itinerary

It’s hard to visit Uppsala without noticing its optimistic atmosphere. This beautiful city in Sweden is less than an hour from Stockholm and known mainly for its university and cathedral. However, it offers much more than that; great food, beautiful architecture, and a scenic riverfront all await. 

While Uppsala is a great day trip from Stockholm, I recommend staying for a few days if you have the time. Regardless, this complete travel guide will prepare you for your trip. Discover the best things to do in Uppsala, where to stay, and practical information. 

Things to Do in Uppsala

As the fourth-biggest city in Sweden (behind Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö), Uppsala unsurprisingly has plenty to keep you entertained. Below are some of my top recommendations. 

1. Visit the Tallest Cathedral in Scandinavia 

Uppsala Domkyrka dominates the city’s skyline and is its most recognizable landmark. At almost 119 meters, it’s the tallest cathedral in Scandinavia. The building is well over 500 years old and impossible to miss if you’re in town. 

Even if you stay only outside, the cathedral is impressive. Its interior is also beautiful. You can access the building from 08:00 to 18:00 each day unless there’s an event. It’s free to visit. 

You can book guided tours year-round. However, while daily in the summer, only one tour occurs weekly at other times of the year. Learn more about those here (with information about pricing also available). 

Uppsala Cathedral also has a shop and café. The church is the burial ground of numerous influential Swedes, including the biologist Carl Linnaeus. 

Address: Domkyrkoplan, 753 10 Uppsala

Website: https://www.svenskakyrkan.se/uppsaladomkyrka/information-in-english 

Map: 

2. Check Out Uppsala’s Botanical Garden and Linneanum

One thing that I really liked about Uppsala was how green it was. The city’s botanical garden and its surrounding areas are particularly pleasant. You’ll find an orangery here, too, and fruits are still grown here. 

You can access the Linneanum and botanical garden throughout the year. However, some gates are closed during the winter. The Linneanum and park are free, but you’ll need to pay 60 SEK to visit the greenhouse. 

Address: Villavägen 6-8, 752 36 Uppsala

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3. Visit Uppsala Castle 

Uppsala’s salmon-pink castle is another recognizable landmark worth visiting. The park outside offers an excellent view of the cathedral and city.

Uppsala Castle is also home to the Uppsala Art Museum. We didn’t visit when we last visited, but if you’re into museums, you might want to check it out. The museum is free to visit, though some exhibitions require advance booking. 

The park you walk through to reach this castle is also scenic. However, you may have to deal with many other tourists, especially during the summer. We visited at the same time as many tour buses, so I recommend timing your trip outside of peak hours. 

Like the Uppsala Art Museum, the outside of the castle is free to visit. 

Address: Slottet, 752 37 Uppsala

Map:

4. Explore Uppsala’s Pretty Parks

Uppsala has numerous lovely parks, including Stadsträdgården, which is close to the water. This place really comes alive in the summer, but I can imagine it would also be nice for a walk in the off-season. I’d love to come back in the autumn and observe its colors. 

Carolinaparken, also known as English Park, is also lovely. If you have the time on a sunny day, I recommend going for an aimless wander in these parks. Most of Uppsala’s parks are close together, making it easy to visit them all. 

5. Photograph Uppsala’s Architecture 

Though some parts of Uppsala are modern, much of the city still features beautiful Swedish architecture from yesteryear. The areas around the church are especially picturesque, and parts of its riverfront reminded me of Turku in Finland (which is also worth visiting, by the way). 

Another striking feature of Uppsala is its many bridges, each of which offers wonderful views. Järnbron is the most beautiful of these, in my opinion; from here, you’ll get a picture-perfect shot of the church. 

The part Svartbäcksgatan within Uppsala’s city center is a great street worth photographing, too; you can also browse the many shops and cafés here. 

6. Take a Day Trip to Stockholm

Many people visit Stockholm and take a day trip to Uppsala, but you could always do the opposite. Sweden’s capital has plenty of fun things to do. While you should spend longer than a day, Stockholm is still a fantastic day trip. 

The city is around 40 minutes from Uppsala. Commuter trains and long-distance services from other parts of Sweden stop at Stockholm and Uppsala. I recommend buying tickets at the station because I found the number of options confusing. 

Once you’re in Stockholm, the city’s efficient public transport network will get you everywhere. However, the Swedish capital is also very walkable. If you only have one day, I recommend the following: 

• Gamla Stan 
• Skeppsholmen 
• Riddarholmen 
• Visit the City Hall Tower (summer only) 
• Brunch at Pom och Flora 
• Take a boat tour and explore Stockholm from the water 

One thing worth noting: Uppsala’s main train station is pretty big and can be overwhelming. I recommend asking the staff if you don’t know where to go for your train. 

7. Visit the Area Around Uppsala University

Uppsala University is one of Sweden’s main higher education institutions. I’ve met many people who studied there, and they all loved it. The area around the university is nice for a quick wander. 

You’ll get a superb view of Uppsala Cathedral here, and it’s very close to the church. The walk is a little uphill but nothing too strenuous. 

Food and Drink in Uppsala

Despite its relatively small size, Uppsala has a solid selection of food and drink. We went to two places I recommend in particular, and I’ve listed both below. 

Güntherska Konditori

We stopped at Güntherska for lunch one day, and it was one of our best decisions on that trip. The café offers a large selection of pastries and great coffee, making it the perfect place to enjoy the famed Swedish fika break. 

You’ll also find an extensive lunch menu, cakes, and ice cream. We visited in summer, but I want to go back in winter. Why? Because you’ll also find semla buns here (a must-try if you’re in Sweden in January or February). 

We sat outside and enjoyed a lovely view of the river. We didn’t need to book a reservation, but it was quite busy. 

Address: Östra Ågatan 31, 753 22 Uppsala

Website (in Swedish): https://guntherska.se/ 

Map:

Tapicante

Tapicante is a great Mexican restaurant close to the cathedral and castle. We stopped here for lunch on our second day in Uppsala and were happy with our choice; I would happily have returned if we had stayed longer. 

The tacos were reasonably priced, and the portions were also generous. We had both tacos and nachos, and I recommend getting both. The seating area was quite small, but it’s still a pleasant place to stop. 

Address: Drottninggatan 8, 753 10 Uppsala, Sweden

Social Media: Instagram

Map:

Where to Stay in Uppsala

Clarion Collection Uppsala

Uppsala has 2 Clarion hotels: Clarion Gillet and Clarion Collection. We stayed in Clarion Collection, but I initially thought we were staying in the former. After walking 15 minutes in the wrong direction, the very polite receptionist told me that I was, unfortunately, at the wrong hotel. 

Nonetheless, Clarion Collection was nice. The room was comfortable, and we also had access to a TV. I watched the Euro 2024 final there… since I’m from England, we don’t need to talk anymore about the result 🙃. 

Clarion Collection also has a very nice buffet breakfast. However, seating is quite limited; luckily, a friendly Swedish couple let us share the table with them. 

Clarion Collection is very close to Uppsala Central Station. 

For what it’s worth, Clarion Gillet also looked nice… maybe I’ll stay here next time and report back 🙂. 

How to Get to Uppsala

Train and Bus

Multiple direct trains run daily between Stockholm and Uppsala. While staying in Uppsala, we traveled between the two cities multiple times, and the journey never took more than 40 minutes. 

I recommend using SJ’s trains, as their ticketing is easier to navigate. You can purchase tickets via the SJ app (iOS and Android). You can also book tickets to Uppsala in advance, but I don’t think it’s necessary. 

You can also reach Uppsala by train from numerous cities in Sweden. For example, we took the train from Sundsvall after spending some time in Sweden’s High Coast. 

UL App

Commuter trains also run between Stockholm and Uppsala. Although tickets are cheaper, the journey also takes around 10 minutes longer. You can buy tickets in the UL app (iOS and Android). Single tickets cost 39 SEK. 

It’s also possible to travel from Arlanda Airport to Uppsala by bus. You can buy tickets in the UL app for 117 SEK one-way. 

SL App

Alternatively, you can purchase tickets from Stockholm to Uppsala in the SL app  (iOS and Android). A combined SL and UL ticket costs 82 SEK and is valid on public transport between two cities.

Plane

Since Uppsala is very close to Arlanda Airport, you can easily visit for a weekend trip in and of itself. You’ll need a combined UL and SL ticket while traveling through Stockholm and Uppsala Counties. At Arlanda, you’ll also need to pay a passage fee for the train in addition to your ticket. 

I recommend using Omio to book your train or bus ticket when you arrive, as it’s more straightforward. Uppsala is served by both the Mälartåg and commuter trains from Arlanda. Note that if you’re planning to visit Stockholm first, you cannot use the Arlanda Express unless you buy a specific ticket. 

Search for Flights to Arlanda:

Getting Around Uppsala 

Uppsala is a small, walkable city. You can get pretty much everywhere on foot in about 30 minutes. We didn’t need to use public transport at any point during our stay. 

You’d only need public transport to visit Gamla Uppsala, an important historical location.

How to Spend 48 Hours in Uppsala 

Are you struggling to think of how you’ll make everything fit into your trip? Don’t worry; I’ve put together this handy 48-hour Uppsala itinerary so that you can enjoy this beautiful city. 

If you also plan to visit Stockholm, choose what you like the most and allocate your time accordingly. 

Day I

Start your day with breakfast at your hotel and wander around to get your bearings. I recommend first visiting Uppsala Castle as it should be less busy in the morning. 

Admire the surrounding views from Uppsala Castle and capture a postcard-perfect shot of the cathedral. Then, if you wish, visit the Uppsala Art Museum. 

I then recommend checking out Uppsala’s many parks. Most of them, such as Carolinaparken, are close to the castle. 

By this point, you should’ve worked up an appetite. Head to Tapicante for some great Mexican food before continuing your adventure. After wandering around a bit more, head into the city for some food at wherever takes your fancy. 

Day II

I recommend breakfast at your hotel again, but leave some space for Güntherska later in the day. After getting some food, walk along Uppsala’s main waterfront; though Swedish, some of its buildings feel very Dutch. 

Once you’re ready for more food, go to Güntherska. You can choose from a variety of sandwiches, pastries, and more. It’s also a great place to stop for coffee. 

After some food, I recommend wandering further along the riverfront and traversing Uppsala’s many bridges. You’ll find plenty of photo spots along the way, and then you can shop in the city center. 

Useful Information 

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