Where to stay in Stockholm: best areas and neighborhoods

The capital of Sweden is located on a large archipelago in the Baltic Sea and includes 14 islands and more than 50 bridges. Its charm lies in its very conformation: it is located on several islets connected by bridges and canals.
Characterized by a historic center called Gamla Stan made up of cobbled streets and ocher-colored buildings, one of its symbols is the Town Hall, that hosts a gala dinner in honor of the Nobel laureates every year.
Here is a practical guide on where to sleep in Stockholm, as well as some useful tips for your stay: the best areas, neighborhoods and accommodations most suitable for the various types of travelers.

In a hurry? Here's our recommended accommodation

If you're short on time, skip the boring research - we've already done the dirty work for you! Here are our top-rated picks for any budget, tried and tested.

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Useful tips: the best neighborhoods to stay in Stockholm

Foto di wheresleep.

The most convenient and strategic districts are those with most of the tourist attractions. It goes without saying that accommodation in such areas is also generally the most expensive. Specifically we are talking about Gamla Stan and the island of Djurgården, where the district of the same name is located.Vasastan, an authentic area where you can witness scenes of every day life and mingle with the locals, is great also for budget solutions. Gamla Stan, Norrmalm, the historic center and Djurgården, a quite and "green" area with large green spaces, a zoo and theme parks, are the best areas for families. Södermalm, which has a hipster past, and Östermalm today host many clubs offering entertainment and live music, as well as many other alternative shops and restaurants.

Best accommodation: We have selected the best hotels, B&Bs and hostels in Stockholm. Check out our recommendations and make your reservation on Booking

Gamla Stan (Historic center), the centre of culture

• Pros: Rich history, charming cobblestone streets, and iconic landmarks.
• Cons: Can be very crowded, limited parking options.
• Main attractions: Stortorget Square, Royal Palace, Nobel Prize Museum.
• Average prices: from €70,00 per night - find top stays on Booking

Recommended accommodation

The heart of Stockholm, its oldest part, is one of the most picturesque and charming areas. Here are concentrated historical buildings and major attractions: the Cathedral, the Nobel Museum and the Royal Palace Kungliga Slot. To move to other areas there are excellent connections: from here you have easy access to the metro and ferries.

Västerlånggatan is the district's main street, and crosses it from north to south along the layout of the ancient walls, in a succession of imposing buildings, craft shops and small shops that flank numerous hotels. There is no shortage of nighttime entertainment, including pubs, clubs and restaurants where you can taste the typical specialties.
Being a tourist district there is always life and movement even in the evening. The area is ideal for everyone, from families with children to young people who want a little liveliness in the evening.

1. What to do: Watch the changing of the guard, explore narrow alleys like Mårten Trotzigs Gränd.
2. Where to eat: Restaurant Tradition, Restaurant Tradition
3. Where to drink: Pharmarium for a romantic cocktail, Stampen for live music.

Why I love it: the atmosphere of the Middle Ages that you breathe in every corner.

Average prices in the neighborhood start from about €70,00 - compare the best accommodation on booking

Free Walking Tour: Explore Stockholm’s Gamla Stan and discover its rich history, narrow streets, and iconic landmarks with a local guide. More info here.

Norrmalm, the commercial district

Foto di Holger.Ellgaard.

• Pros: Central location, great shopping, and excellent public transport connections.
• Cons: Busy and lacks the quaint charm of older districts.
• Main attractions: Drottninggatan (shopping street), Stockholm Concert Hall, Kulturhuset.
• Average prices: from €70,00 per night - find top stays on Booking

Recommended accommodation

It is Stockholm's modern area. From being the former industrial district, Norrmalm has transformed into the commercial heart of the Swedish capital, the preferred destination for shoppers for its wide range of high fashion boutiques, shops and malls concentrated along the pedestrianized Drottninggatan and on the famous Sergels square. Other attractions are the picturesque Hötorget market, the Kaknas Television Tower, the tallest skyscraper in Scandinavia, the Royal Opera House and numerous museums such as the National Museum and Moderna Museet.

It is a strategic area for getting around: almost all tube lines and trains that connect the center to the airport depart from here. In addition, you will find excellent restaurants and modern hotels. It is an ideal neighborhood for those traveling on a high budget, as there are many luxurious accommodations offering every comfort. Obviously, there are also some low cost accommodations, but young people should go for areas with a more lively nightlife. The district is in fact mostly lively during the day.

• What to do: Shopping on Drottninggatan, ice skating in Kungsträdgården (winter).
• Where to eat: Smak for an elegant lunch or dinner, Restaurant Kajsas Fisk for some good fish. 
• Where to drink: The Auld Dub for a good irish beer, John Scotts if you like sport bars

Average prices in the neighborhood start from about €70,00 - compare the best accommodation on booking

Södermalm, the trendy district

• Pros: Trendy vibe, vibrant nightlife, and scenic views.
• Cons: Hilly streets may be less accessible for some travelers.
• Main attractions: Fotografiska Museum, Monteliusvägen (viewpoint), SoFo district.
• Average prices: from €65,00 per night - find top stays on Booking

Recommended Accommodation

Stockholm's alternative and artistic soul. Trendy neighborhood, with a sparkling and slightly bohémienne atmosphere frequented by young artists, stylists, intellectuals and musicians. While in the past it was a residential area, inhabited mostly by workers, today it is teeming with vintage and alternative shops, original cafes and bars, art galleries and deliciously designed restaurants and live music venues. Here you will find attractions such as the City Museum, Tantolunden Park and Långholmen Island and within minutes you can easily reach the center. The perfect area for young people looking for some nightlife entertainment. Despite this, Södermalm jealously preserves its traditions and history. A proof of this are the typical wooden cottages dating back to 1500 and overlooking the coast, some transformed into B&Bs and holiday homes. There is no shortage of ultra-modern and luxury hotels, apartments and small welcoming and high-quality accommodations.

1. What to do: Walk the Monteliusvägen path for city views, shop for vinyl in SoFo.
2. Where to eat: Restaurang Kvarnen and Timmermans 1857 for some good traditional cuisine.
3. Where to drink: The Big Ben Pub and Stigberget’s Foot for a fresh beer.

Average prices in the neighborhood start from about €65,00 - compare the best accommodation on booking

Djurgården, best for art lovers

Foto di trolvag.

• Pros: Serene and green with top cultural attractions.
• Cons: Limited nightlife and dining options.
• Main attractions: Skansen, Vasa Museum (Online tickets available), ABBA The Museum.
• Average prices: from €90,00 per night - find top stays on Booking

Recommended Accommodation

The most suitable neighborhood for families, lovers of culture and nature and for those looking for a quiet and green area. In fact, in this area are concentrated the best art galleries and museums of the city, the delicious restaurants of local cuisine and a beautiful promenade along the seashore. It is all surrounded by green spaces where you can walk or cycle. The center is easily accessible either on foot, by tram or by ferry. The island is not reached by the tube.

The island of Djurgården is also frequented by the inhabitants themselves as it hosts many attractions for families: the zoo, the Gröna Lund theme park, the Skansen open-air museum (More info here), the Nordic Museum or the one dedicated to the legendary Swedish band ABBA (Online tickets here). One of the most beautiful Christmas markets in the city takes place right here during the Christmas period.

1. What to do: Visit the Vasa ship, take a long walk in the Royal Game Park.
2. Where to eat: Restaurang Gubbhyllan if you want to eat inside Skansen, Villa Godthem for a beatiful view of the Djurgårdsbrunnsviken.
3. Where to drink: here there are not many bars open at night, so you must take a walk to Ostermalm.

Why I love it: it feels like a forest in the heart of the city and Skansen itself worths the visit!

Average prices in the neighborhood start from about €90,00 - compare the best accommodation on booking

ABBA The Museum: Relive the disco era and immerse yourself in the world of one of Sweden’s most famous bands. Online tickets here.

Östermalm, for fun and nightlife

Foto di Aaron Zhu.

• Pros: Upscale area with luxury shopping and fine dining.
• Cons: Expensive compared to other districts.
• Main attractions: Östermalm Market Hall, Strandvägen promenade, Dramaten Theater.
• Average prices: from $110,00 per night - find top stays on Booking

Recommended Accommodation

The most exclusive and chic district of the city. Quiet area full of parks, including the well-known Humlegården which houses the Royal Library. There is no shortage of museums, such as the Army Museum and the Swedish History Museum.

Östermalm is most famous for its shopping, nightlife and excellent quality restaurants. The beating heart of the neighborhood is Stureplan square, surrounded by luxury boutiques and very glamorous night clubs. Fresh fish and other Swedish delicacies can be enjoyed in the Östermalmshallen food hall. Here there are classy hotels that offer modern comforts but that are not that cheap and therefore, as in the Norrmalm district, it is mainly suitable for those traveling on a high budget, who do not want to give up any comforts and also want to enjoy shopping and have fun!

1. What to do: Stroll along the waterfront at Strandvägen, visit the Army Museum.
2. Where to eat: Oyster Bar if you want to eat oysters and seafood, Nybrogatan 38 Kvarterskrog & Bar for good traditional cuisine 
3. Where to drink: Tudor Arms for a social beer, Lucy's Flower Shop for an elegant cocktail.

Average prices in the neighborhood start from about €90,00 - compare the best accommodation on booking

Vasastan, perfect for relax

Foto di Larske.

• Pros: Quaint and relaxed, with cozy cafes and unique architecture.
• Cons: Slightly farther from the main attractions.
• Main attractions: Stockholm Public Library, Observatorielunden Park, Odenplan.
• Average prices: from €60,00 per night - find top stays on Booking

Recommended Accommodation

Not too far from Gamla Stan, Vasastan is the most authentic neighborhood, where you can witness scenes of everyday life and mingle with the locals. Here you will find small vintage shops, always crowded pubs and typical restaurants frequented mostly by locals.

If you want to relax the ideal place is the Vasaparken, where, in the summer, you can sunbathe or organize a nice picnic, while in winter you can have fun on the skating rink. Among the attractions to mention: the Observatory and the Public Library, the Bonniers Konsthall contemporary art gallery and the museum dedicated to Jews. Here you will find the most advantageous accommodations from an economic point of view.

1. What to do: Admire the architecture of the Public Library, relax in Vasaparken.
2. Where to eat: DalaNisse for some good traditional swedish cuisine, Waan Thai for some good thai food.
3. Where to drink: Restaurang ART is the best for an elegant and romantic evening, Erlands makes amazing cocktails.

Average prices in the neighborhood range from about €60,00 for low-cost accommodation to €125,00 for more expensive options - compare the best accommodation on booking

Places to stay near Stockholm

Foto di wheresleep. Sleeping in Stockholm is certainly the best choice if you are thinking of a trip entirely dedicated to the discovery of the Swedish capital, or if you have little time, for example a weekend. On the other hand, if you have more time available and your aim is to also explore the areas around Stockholm, to discover the more indigenous Sweden, you could consider other countries, such as those listed below.

• Uppsala (72 km / 1 h): university town with a Gothic, Viking and medieval atmosphere. It boasts one of the largest cathedrals in northern Europe. Ideal as a base for exploring the landscapes of the east coast. Connected to Stockholm by direct bus (line 593, 1 h) - Compare accommodation on Booking.com
• Sigtuna (46 km / 40 min): Viking settlement among the first in Sweden, interesting for the 20 runestones scattered among its streets. Straddling the County of Stockholm and the County of Uppsala. Connected to Stockholm by direct bus (line 579, 1 h 35 min) - Compare accommodation on Booking.com
• Trosa (71 km / 1 h): ideal for those looking for sporting and naturalistic experiences such as kayaking and walking. In the area the beautiful castles Tureholm Castle and Tullgarn Slots. Ideal for discovering the landscapes of the rugged southern coast. Connected to Stockholm by direct bus (lines 802 and 749, 1 h 40 min) - Compare accommodation on Booking.com
• Örebro (202 km / 2 h 13 min): although it is a little far from Stockholm, this city is perfect as a base for discovering all of southern Sweden and the Swedish Great Lakes area. Connected to Stockholm by direct train (SJ Regionaltåg line, 1 h 50 min) - Compare accommodation on Booking.com

If you are in Stockholm for business or as a one-day stopover to other destinations, consider sleeping near the airport. Find the best solutions and selected hotels on Booking.com

Stockholm accommodation price map

Guide to the areas of Stockholm

Stockholm is a unique place, made of 187 sq km of woods, lakes, countryside and, of course, cities. Precisely these characteristics make it one of the most particular and fascinating capitals in the world. The city center alone, for example, is built on 14 islands located between Lake Mälaren and the Baltic Sea. In most cases, each island hosts its own neighborhoods, with its own history, its own atmosphere and its own soul. Let's see specifically the characteristics of the individual districts that are most interesting from a tourist point of view.

Not recommended areas: the Fittja district (south), Tensta and Rinkeby (north) districts are the more peripheral ones and where crime problems can sometimes arise. They also have no attractions or tourist landmarks, so we advise you not to take them into considerations

Cool things to do in Stockholm

• The World’s Longest Art Gallery: Explore the Stockholm Metro, over 90 of the stations have been decorated with paintings, installations, and sculptures. It's simply amazing!
• Vasa Museum: See the world's best-preserved 17th-century ship. It’s an awe-inspiring sight that tells a tragic but fascinating story.
• Fika Like a Local: Embrace the Swedish tradition of "Fika"—taking a break for coffee and a cinnamon bun (kanelbulle) in a cozy cafe.
• Archipelago Boat Tour: Stockholm is built on 14 islands. Take a boat trip to explore the stunning archipelago and see the city from the water. More info here
• ABBA The Museum: An interactive journey through the history of the world's most famous pop group. You can even "perform" on stage with avatars! Very recommended. More info here.
• Walk across the City Bridges: Each bridge offers a different perspective of the city's skyline, especially beautiful during the "blue hour.

Travel Tips

• First time? Free tour: For a great introduction to Stockholm, consider joining a free walking tour to explore Gamla Stan or Södermalm. It’s a fantastic way to get your bearings and learn about the city’s history.
• Language: While Swedish is the official language, nearly everyone in Stockholm speaks excellent English. Basic Swedish phrases like "Tack" (Thank you) can still be appreciated.
• WiFi: Free WiFi is widely available in public areas, including cafes, libraries, and transport hubs. Look for “City of Stockholm Free WiFi” networks to stay connected.
• Transport: Stockholm’s public transport system is efficient and easy to navigate. Use the SL card for unlimited access to buses, metro, trams, and ferries. Renting a bike is another great way to explore the city.
• Shopping: Don’t miss shopping in Östermalm for high-end boutiques or Södermalm for vintage finds and unique local designs. Drottninggatan is the main shopping street for a mix of brands.
• Best areas/clubs for nightlife: Head to Södermalm for hip bars and live music, Östermalm for upscale clubs like Sturecompagniet, or Gamla Stan for cozy pubs with a historic vibe.

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