Where to Stay in Stockholm – Neighborhoods & Area Guide

Stockholm is not only the culturally abundant capital of Sweden, it is also the most populous city of the Nordic nations. Most populous it may be, but with just under one million people calling Stockholm home, there is more than enough space to go around.

The city of Stockholm is a rare kind of city. It is, in fact, made up of 14 islands. There are over fifty bridges that interconnect the islands, and in true Swedish form, the city runs like clockwork.

Stockholm lets its character shine through. From the cobblestoned streets to the royal palaces; from the chic coffee bars to the high fashion boutiques – there is something for everyone to explore in Stockholm.

True to Scandinavian form, Stockholm is not a cheap place to visit. The average 3-star hotel costs $130 a night. Tourism and hospitality services in Sweden are outstanding and the industry ensures travelers get great value for money.

Stockholm is a city that simply must be visited once in every lifetime. One of the best ways to experience it is by bicycle – it is one of the cheapest ways too.

So, get practicing your bicycle balance and let’s explore where to stay in Stockholm.

Gamla Stan

Gamla Stan – also referred to as the Old Town of Stockholm – is one of the most popular areas to stay in the Swedish capital. With dozens of restaurants, cafes, and bars, the neighborhood has evolved with tourism in mind.

In terms of cultural gems, Gamla Stan is a real winner. One of the most famous attractions in all of Stockholm is The Nobel Museum, which can be found in the heart of Gamla Stan.

The Nobel Museum is a space-age center dedicated to all the amazing minds that have contributed incredible ideas to the world. The museum features exhibits on the most impressive of the Nobel prize winners. Guided tours are available and the museum is not to be missed under any circumstance. It is the highlight of a trip to Stockholm for many travelers.

As far as historical gems go, Gamla Stan doesn’t disappoint either. Stockholm Cathedral can be found on Trångsund 1 and is one of the most important buildings in the neighborhood.

Good For:Active Travelers, Art Lovers, Architecture Enthusiasts, Budding Historians, Budget Backpackers, City Slickers, Couples, Culture Vultures, First Time Visitors, Families, Foodies, Luxury Travelers, Sightseers, Shopaholics, Whistle-Stop Travelers

Neighborhood Highlights: The Nobel Museum, Stockholm Cathedral, The Medieval Museum, The Royal Armoury, The Royal Palace, Science Fiction Bokhandeln, Wirströms Pub, Postmuseum, The Riddarholmen Church, Stampen Jazzpub

Hotel Recommendations:

Hotel Sven Vintappare – Hotel Sven Vintappare is a fantastic hotel in Gamla Stan. Cute and cozy, with a bouquet feel, guests fall in love with Hotel Sven Vintappare. There is a cottage-like feel to the hotel and the rooms are as comfy as they come. There is a cafe downstairs.
Scandic Gamla Stan – Scandic Gamla Stan is a top pick hotel in Stockholm. Set in the heart of the Old Town, many of the leading attractions are within short walking distance of Scandic Gamla Stan. There is a regal feel to the rooms, in keeping with the historic feel of the area.
First Hotel Reisen – First Hotel Reisen is a 2-minute walk from Gamla Stan Metro Station. There is a fantastic breakfast buffet served each morning that is included in some room rates. The outdoor terrace is a lovely spot to enjoy a leisurely coffee in the mornings. There is free WiFi throughout the hotel.

Norrmalm

Norrmalm is the busy and bustling business district of Stockholm. Where business meets the commercial side of the city, Norrmalm is another fantastic destination for travelers heading to Stockholm.

Norrmalm is also a little cultural hotspot. Home to both the opera and the ballet, Norrmalm is the perfect place to stay for culture vultures heading to Stockholm. There is always a performance to be seen here. Tickets are generally available at the last minute, but if travelers have their heart set on seeing a show, booking online well ahead of time is advisable.

For travelers who like to get in flow with the rhythm of a new city but equally enjoy taking time out, Norrmalm is a real winner. Kungsträdgården park is one of the best green spaces in the city. The park is lined by trees and provides plenty of shade in the summer. There are a number of trendy cafes within the park too, ideal for a mid-walk coffee.

Good For: Active Travelers, Art Lovers, Architecture Enthusiasts, Budding Historians, Budget Backpackers, City Slickers, Couples, Culture Vultures, First Time Visitors, Families, Foodies, Luxury Travelers, Sightseers, Shopaholics, Whistle-Stop Travelers

Neighborhood Highlights: Kungsträdgården Park, Strindbergsmuseet, Royal Swedish Opera, Stockholms Medeltidsmuseum, Medelhavsmuseet Ethnographic Museum, Dance Museum, Gallerian Shopping Mall, St. Jacobs Kyrka, Sankta Eugenia Katolska Församling

Hotel Recommendations:

At Six – At Six is a fantastic hotel in Stockholm. Modern with an urban twist, there is a high-end feel to At Six. Guests love the free WiFi and excellent coffee that is available throughout the day. The ensuite bathrooms are particularly luxurious, offering either a bathtub or a rain shower.
Sheraton Stockholm Hotel – Sheraton Stockholm Hotel is just 300 meters from Stockholm Central Station. Right in the heart of the action, Sheraton Stockholm Hotel ticks all the right boxes. There is a 24-hour gym in-house and guests have access to the sauna too. There is a buffet breakfast included in most room rates.
Nobis Hotel – Nobis Hotel is a luxurious hotel in Norrmalm. With white-washed walls and minimalist-inspired interior design, Nobis Hotel is a high-end hotel that is not to be overlooked. There is free WiFi throughout the hotel and all rooms have air conditioning. There are both rooms and suites available.

Södermalm

Sitting to the south of Gamla Stan is the island of Södermalm. Connected to Gamla Stan and Normal via the Centralbron, there is a lot to love about Södermalm.

Södermalm offers travelers the chance to experience Stockholm like a local while being able to access the must-visit attractions with ease. Södermalm has a heap of enjoyable things to do, and even more restaurants and cafes to tick off too.

The Stockholm City Museum is one of the must-do activities in Södermalm. Featuring everything from artwork to artifacts, there is so much to discover and learn at the Stockholm City Museum.

As it has been established, there are lots of green spaces to enjoy in Stockholm. Södermalm is no exception; the Tantoludnen Park is a great place to relax and unwind. There is a lot of fun to be had too – the park even features a novelty mini-golf course.

Be sure to take a quick visit to the most impressive building in the neighborhood, Mariahissen.

Good For: Active Travelers, Art Lovers, Architecture Enthusiasts, Budding Historians, Budget Backpackers, City Slickers, Couples, Culture Vultures, Like a Local Travelers, Families, Foodies, Luxury Travelers, Sightseers, Shopaholics

Neighborhood Highlights; Mariahissen, Stockholm City Museum, Tantoludnen Park, Mikael Blomkvist’s Penthouse in Stieg Larsson’s Trilogy, Skinnarviksberget Scenic Spot, Måleriyrkets Museum, The Old Munchens Brewery, Rosenlundsparken Park, Fotografiska Photography Gallery

Hotel Recommendations:

Sandic Malmen – Sandic Malmen is a top pick hotel in Stockholm. With a modern interior design theme and great value for money, there is a reason why guests return year after year to Sandic Malmen. There is a fully stocked bar in-house and the hotel lounge is a great little spot.
NOFO Hotel; BW Premier Collection – NOFO Hotel; BW Premier Collection is a very well located hotel in Stockholm. Many of the rooms offer city views, some of which overlook Katarina Church. There are both suites and standard rooms available. This is a quiet hotel ideal for couples on a romantic retreat in Stockholm.
Hotel Rival – Hotel Rival is a fantastic hotel that offers high levels of comfort and excellent service. All the rooms feature an ensuite bathroom and a flat-screen TV. There is air conditioning in every room and access to free WiFi too. Guests have a choice of pillows on arrival.

Vasastan

Vasastan is one of the more northerly neighborhoods of Stockholm and sits directly above Norrmalm. Much like Norrmalam, Vasastan is laid back and offers plenty of green spaces.

Vasastan is a more residential area of Stockholm and is, therefore, better suited to longer-term travelers who are looking to immerse in life in Sweden. That said, any travelers who are keen to experience a more local side of life in Stockholm will enjoy a stay in Vasastan.

Art spaces like Bonniers Konsthall are the highlights of the Vasastan neighborhood. The glass-fronted museum houses contemporary art from both groups of artists and solo exhibitioners. There is a great little cafe too.

Not too far away is the much loved Sven-Harry Art Museum. Set within a brass-fronted building, the Sven-Harry Art Museum offers tours of the artist’s house and a fantastic rooftop terrace.

Food culture in Vasastan is thriving. For authentic Nordic cuisine, be sure to book a table at the ever popular Rolfs Kök.

Good For: Active Travelers, Art Lovers, Architecture Enthusiasts, Budding Historians, Budget Backpackers, City Slickers, Couples, Culture Vultures, Like a Local Travelers, Long Term Travelers, Families, Foodies, Luxury Travelers, Sightseers, Shopaholics

Neighborhood Highlights: Sven-Harry Art Museum, Bonniers Konsthall, Rolfs Kök Restaurant, Vasaparken Park, Brantingmonumentet Historical Landmark, Strindbergsmuseet, August Strindberg’s Monument, Observatorielunden Park, Jenny Nyström Stoopendaal Marker, Vanadislunden Park, Museum of Natural History

Hotel Recommendations:

Ibis Styles Stockholm Odenplan – Ibis Styles Stockholm Odenplan is an affordable accommodation option in Stockholm. The rooms are compact and cozy, offering everything travelers could need. All rooms have an ensuite bathroom and an air conditioning unit. Guests have free WiFi throughout the hotel and the speeds are consistently good. There are family rooms.
Elite Palace Hotel – Elite Palace Hotel is a very good hotel in Vasastan. The rooms are generous and all have an ensuite bathroom. Each room at Elite Palace Hotel has a minibar, a work desk, and a seating area. There is a British-style pub in-house and a restaurant too.
Best Western Plus Time Hotel – Best Western Plus Time Hotel is an excellent choice for travelers heading to central Stockholm. Best Western Plus Time Hotel offers affordable rooms, many of which feature impressive city views. The premium top floor rooms have a private terrace. There is a sauna available for guests to use on a complimentary basis.

Östermalm

Östermalm is a trendy neighborhood in Stockholm. Ideal for budget backpackers and frugal travelers, Östermalm offers affordable accommodation and close proximity to the city’s must-visit attractions.

Neighboring both Norrmalm and Gamla Stan, there is a so much to experience in and around the Östermalm area.

The Swedish History Museum is the most popular attraction to the district, closely followed by the Army Museum. For travelers keen to gain a greater understanding of Sweden as a whole, these two museums are a must – along with the Royal Opera in Norrmalm and The Nobel Museum in Gamla Stan.

Humlegården is possibly one of Stockholm’s best-hidden gems. Established in the 1500’s as a royal garden, Humlegården now features a skate park and seasonal cafe. For travelers who are seeking to scratch beneath the surface of Stockholm, Humlegården is a good starting point.

Just across the Naravägen Bridge, travelers will discover the fun side of Stockholm – the ABBA Museum and the Junibacken Children’s Museum to name but a few.

Neighborhood Highlights: Swedish History Museum, Army Museum, Humlegården, ABBA Museum, Junibacken Children’s Museum, Nordiska Museet, Biological Museum, Spritmuseum, Nobelparken, Kaknästornet Television Tower, Maritime Museum, Cirkus Arena, Prins Eugens Waldemarsudde, Museum of Ethnography

Hotel Recommendations:

Best Western Hotel Karlaplan – Best Western Hotel Karlaplan is a top pick in Östermalm. Offering affordable rooms throughout the year, this Best Western is perfect for budget backpackers. All rooms offer an ensuite bathroom and have access to free WiFi. There is a breakfast buffet served daily, with hot and cold options available.
Clarion Collection Hotel Tapto – Clarion Collection Hotel Tapto is a very good hotel in Stockholm. There are various room rates available, some of which include an evening meal in addition to breakfast. The reception is open 24-hours a day and the staff are exceptionally welcoming. The whole hotel is modern and super clean.
Hotel Diplomat Stockholm – Hotel Diplomat Stockholm is a fabulous hotel in Östermalm. The rooms are just the right size and offer high levels of comfort. The staff are wonderfully attentive and go out of their way for their guests. Set within a 1911-era Art Nouveau building, there is an upmarket and luxurious feel to Hotel Diplomat Stockholm.

Gamla Stan

Norrmalm

Södermalm

Vasastan

Östermalm

Where to Stay in Stockholm – Neighborhoods & Area Guide: