Uppsala

đŸ”„Hotspots

đŸ„– Food

Uppsala, a lively university town, offers a wide variety of culinary options, from traditional Swedish dishes to international flavours.

  • Stationen $$$: A chic restaurant in a converted former railway station, perfect for a more formal dinner. They serve modern Swedish dishes with an international twist.
  • Åkanten $$: Located along the river Fyris, this is a great place for lunch or dinner with a view. They serve classic Swedish dishes such as meatballs and smoked salmon.
  • Peppar Peppar $$: A trendy restaurant serving modern dishes in a stylish yet relaxed atmosphere. A favourite with Uppsala locals.
  • Jay Fu $$: An innovative mix of Asian and American cuisine, perfect if you’re looking for something a little different. Their fusion dishes are always interesting.
  • Kebab House $: For a more economical option, this restaurant is one of the best addresses for kebabs in Uppsala. Very popular with students for a quick and affordable meal.
  • Saluhallen $$: A covered market where you’ll find several small restaurants and cafĂ©s serving local and international dishes. It’s a great place to sample different types of cuisine in one place.

☕ Coffee

Uppsala has a strong coffee culture, and there are plenty of cosy cafés perfect for a fika break or for studying.

  • CafĂ© Linne Hörnan: Located near the Botanical Gardens, this is a cosy and historic cafĂ© with a great selection of pastries. An ideal place for a fika in the centre of Uppsala.
  • CafĂ© Årummet: Situated by the river, this cafĂ© is perfect for a quiet break with a magnificent view. They serve delicious pastries and good coffee.
  • CafĂ© Kardemumma: Located in the city library, this cafĂ© is a great place to study while enjoying good coffee and snacks. The atmosphere is calm and conducive to concentration.
  • CafĂ© FĂ„gelsĂ„ngen: One of the city’s oldest cafĂ©s, renowned for its relaxed atmosphere and delicious homemade cakes. Very popular for the weekend fika.
  • Espresso House: As in most Swedish cities, this chain of cafĂ©s is a safe bet for a good coffee in a cosy atmosphere.

đŸŸ Going Out

Uppsala is known for its vibrant nightlife, largely fuelled by its students. You’ll find bars, clubs and ‘nations’ (student clubs) livening up the city at weekends.

  • Flustret: A historic club near the city park that offers live music and dancing. They have a large terrace where you can enjoy the outdoors in summer.
  • Birger Jarl (BJ): One of the most popular clubs among students. BJ hosts parties every weekend, with a wide range of music from pop to electro.
  • Nations: Like Lund, Uppsala has a system of ‘nations’, where each nation organises its own social events, parties and student nights. To get in, you have to be a member of a nation. Södermanlands-Nerikes nation and Stockholms nation are among the most popular for their festive events.  
  • The Laird’s Arms: A pub inspired by British bars, offering a wide selection of beers and a warm atmosphere. A great place for a relaxed evening.
  • Shotluckan: A fun bar serving themed shots. Very popular with young people and students for an original night out.

⛰ Activities

Uppsala is a city full of history with many cultural sites and green areas to enjoy nature.

  • Uppsala Domkyrka: Uppsala Cathedral is the largest in Scandinavia and an impressive monument to visit. The interior is just as magnificent as the exterior, with stained glass windows and Gothic details.
  • Uppsala University Museum – Gustavianum: This historic university museum features exhibitions on the history of the university, medicine and scientific discoveries. It also contains one of the oldest anatomical theatres.
  • Uppsala Botanical Garden: A large botanical garden adjacent to the university where you can stroll among rare plants and enjoy a quiet moment.
  • Gamla Uppsala (Old Uppsala): A few kilometres from the centre, this is an archaeological site where you can explore royal burial mounds dating back to the Viking era. A fascinating place for history buffs.
  • Fyrishov: Uppsala’s largest pool complex, with pools and slides. Perfect for a relaxing day out or for playing sports.

⛰ Hikes

The area around Uppsala offers several opportunities for lovers of hiking and outdoor activities.

  • FjĂ€llnora Nature Reserve: About 20 km from Uppsala, this is a beautiful nature reserve with hiking trails, beaches for swimming in summer, and areas for picnics. You can also go canoeing or mountain biking.
  • HĂ„gadalen-NĂ„sten Nature Reserve: This park to the west of Uppsala is a beautiful place for a peaceful walk through meadows and forests. It also offers trails for cycling and jogging.
  • Linnaeus’ Hammarby: Just outside the city, this is the former home of Carl Linnaeus, the famous Swedish botanist. The estate includes gardens, hiking trails and a museum. Very pleasant for a cultural outing in the middle of nature.

 

đŸ’¶ Cost of living

 

  • Rent:
    • Accommodation : Private accommodation: As in other Swedish cities, accommodation prices in Uppsala can be high, especially in the city centre. Expect to pay between EUR 700 and EUR 1,300 per month for a rented flat, depending on size and location.
    • Student accommodation: Uppsala has a well-developed student accommodation system, with residences available through associations such as Uppsalahem. Shared rooms in student residences generally cost between EUR 300 and EUR 600 per month.
  • Shopping: The cheapest supermarkets in Uppsala are Willys and Lidl, where you’ll find good prices for basic products. ICA and Coop are more expensive, but offer a wider range of products.
  • Transport:

UL (Uppsala LĂ€nstrafik): The local bus and train network is very well developed. A monthly student pass costs around EUR 50 and covers most journeys in the city.

Trains to Stockholm: Uppsala is only 40 minutes by train from Stockholm, with frequent connections. A student ticket costs around EUR 10-12, making travel to the capital quite convenient.