Where to stay in Stockholm – A guide to the Swedish capital
Stockholm is the largest city in Sweden and is known as the European Green Capital.
The weather in Stockholm has temperatures of 7°C during much of the year and the best time to visit the city is during the summer since winter is usually quite hard for tourists, unless you are looking to practice winter sports.
Stockholm’s main attractions include the Drottningholm Palace and a large number of museums, including one of the most popular museums in the world, the Skansen, full of old buildings in which that showcase the Swedish past.
Another important museum is the Moderna Museet, with 20th-century exhibitions.
In addition, many of Stockholm’s museums are free.
Stockholm has the Stockholm-Arlanda Airport, located 42 kilometres north of the city. It is the largest airport in Sweden, with flights to other European countries, as well as American and Asian destinations.
The airport is also the main hub of the SAS (Scandinavian Airlines System) airline.
Public transport in Stockholm is divided between the metro, which connects the City Centre with other areas, the train, tram and buses.
Stockholm is famous for its iconic town hall, for the world’s first open-air museum and for having incredible areas full of attractions.
The best area to stay in Stockholm is the City Centre, located in the Gamla Stan neighbourhood, one of the most visited areas in the city. See accommodation in Stockholm City Centre
Here’s a guide with the best areas to stay in Stockholm, Sweden.
The best areas to stay in Stockholm
1. Our Favourite Area: City Centre (Gamla Stan)
Gamla Stan is known as the Old Town of Stockholm or City Centre and is one of the best-preserved historical areas in Europe.
The best option to explore the cobbled streets of Gamla Stan is on foot since its exclusive shops, pubs and clubs make this the most lively areas of the city.
Among the important tourist attractions of Gamla Stan is the Royal Palace of Stockholm.
Gamla Stan is one of the most emblematic areas of Stockholm.
The capital of Sweden began in this area, making it the right place to learn about the city’s past and, at the same time, enjoy good meals, cocktails and nightlife.
Gamla Stan is known as the “city between bridges” for being located between the islands of Stadsholmen, Riddarholmen and Helgeandsholmen.
This neighbourhood houses historic, religious and cultural buildings such as the Nobel Museum, the House of Nobility and the German Church in Stockholm.
Gamla Stan is one of the best areas to stay in Stockholm because of the contrast of its streets full of history and the modern atmosphere of its bars and restaurants.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Stockholm:
- Best area for sightseeing
- Great public transport connections
- Heart of the city
- Close to the attractions
- Best area for sightseeing
- Historical architecture
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Castle House Inn
The Castle House Inn is located in the historic centre of Stockholm, just a 3-minute walk from the royal palace. This property offers free WiFi. The nearest metro station is a 6-minute walk from the hotel.
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Budget
Archipelago Hostel Old Town
The Archipelago Hostel Old Town is located in a 17th-century building in the historic centre of Stockholm, Gamla Stan, 300 metres from the royal palace. Gamla Stan metro station is a 2-minute walk away.
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Luxury
Scandic Gamla Stan
Located in the historic centre of Stockholm, this charming hotel is set in a mid-17th century building and offers free Wi-Fi and beautiful views. The royal palace is a 5 minute walk. The rooms have Gustavian-style décor.
2. Södermalm
Södermalm (also known as Söder, which translates to “South”) is another recommended area to stay in Stockholm.
This neighbourhood is an important point of the city that is filled with fun and entertainment.
Unlike other areas of the city, the development of Södermalm began quite late, making it one of the most modern neighbourhoods in Stockholm par excellence.
However, the area retains buildings with Scandinavian architecture from the 1700s and 1800s.
Today, Södermalm or Söder houses numerous cafes, art, fashion and some bohemian and vintage shops.
Södermalm is one of the best areas to stay in Stockholm for being located just 15 minutes by car from the City Centre and for its connections with other areas through public transport.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Stockholm:
- Relatively central
- Hipster area
- Great cafés and nightlife
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Motel L
This hotel, located in the Hammarby Sjöstad district of Stockholm, offers free access to the gym and accommodation in modern rooms with colourful décor, equipped with a 40-inch LED TV. The Mårtensdal tram station is directly opposite the hotel.
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Budget
Den Röda Båten
This hostel, distributed in 2 boats anchored in the Riddarfjärden Bay of Lake Mälaren, in the centre of Stockholm, offers a restaurant with lunch and dinner options, a bar and 2 terraces with outdoor furniture.
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Luxury
Hilton Stockholm Slussen Hotel
This modern hotel is located between the trendy Södermalm area and the beautiful historic centre, and has panoramic views of the interior of the city, Lake Mälaren and the Stockholm city hall. There is also a sauna, gym and free Wi-Fi.
3. Norrmalm
Norrmalm is another modern area of Stockholm.
This is where the city’s main train and bus stations are located, making the neighbourhood one of the areas with the best public transport connections in Stockholm.
In addition, most of Stockholm’s trendy shops and bars are located in Norrmalm, as are restaurants and some cultural institutions.
The main attractions in Norrmalm include the Nationalmuseum, with art collections from all over Europe, as well as Scandinavian design objects.
Likewise, the Hallwylska Museet is also worth a visit, as it used to be the home of some wealthy counts that collected ancient art pieces that, nowadays, are displayed to the public.
Norrmalm is one of the best areas to stay in Stockholm as it offers a glimpse of the city’s historical and cultural past, without sacrificing the nightlife and modern side of the capital of Sweden.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Stockholm:
- Great location
- Drottninggatan shopping street
- Central Train Station
- Best area for business travellers
- Great public transport connections
- Stockholm Waterfront Congress Centre
Accommodation in this area
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Top Choice
Comfort Hotel Xpress Stockholm Central
This budget hotel is located opposite Stockholm Central Station, the bus terminal and the high-speed train Arlanda Express, which connects to the airport. There is free WiFi.
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Budget
City Backpackers Hostel
This hostel occupies a 19th-century building and is located 500 metres from Stockholm Central Station and a 5-minute walk from the Drottninggatan shopping street. It offers WiFi, sauna at night and free pastries.
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Luxury
Radisson Blu Waterfront Hotel
This luxurious hotel is next to the Stockholm Waterfront congress centre and the central station. It offers free Wi-Fi, access to a fitness centre, fantastic food and panoramic city views.
4. Östermalm
Östermalm is the entertainment district of Stockholm par excellence, where local and international celebrities usually go when they want to have fun.
Stockholm’s most exclusive restaurants and bars are located in Östermalm, which makes it a luxury area.
Furthermore, the history museums within the neighbourhood are also unmissable cultural attractions.
The history of Sweden can be known in the Historiska Museet, one of the largest in the city.
Swedish flavours can be tasted at the Östermalm Saluhall gourmet market or in the surrounding cafés of the area, making a good place to stay in Stockholm for foodies.
As it is one of the most populous districts in Stockholm, the area can be travelled by public transport or by car.
Being a luxury area, it is important to have a high budget when staying here since the cost of accommodation tends to be high.
The elegant neighbourhood of Östermalm is another one of the best areas to stay in Stockholm for its luxurious atmosphere, cafes and leisure.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Stockholm:
- Luxury hotels
- Great nightlife
- Östermalm Saluhall Market
5. Vasastan
Vasastan (which translates to “Stone City”) is an area that stands out for its unique architecture.
Its wide streets house Renaissance-style buildings, similar to German architecture.
In addition, the neighbourhood has different cafes and fashion stores.
The numerous parks make this neighbourhood a peaceful place, perfect for those travellers who want tranquillity during their stay in Stockholm.
The hotels in this area stand out for being luxury, with restaurants offering a sample of traditional Swedish cuisine.
Other attractions to visit in the area are the galleries where works by local and international artists are exhibited.
Like other areas of Stockholm, Vasastan is well-connected by public transport, and 20 minutes from Gamla Stan.
Here, you can also visit the Stadsbiblioteket, designed by the famous architect Erik Gunnar Asplund.
Vasastan is one of the best areas to stay in Stockholm for its quiet and exclusive atmosphere.
Why is this a recommended area to stay in Stockholm, Sweden:
- Exclusive area
- Peaceful area
- Connected by public transport
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