Where to Stay in Stockholm

Our Favorite Stockholm Hotels

• 5-star: Grand
• 4-star: Hobo
• 3-star: Haymarket
• For Couples: Bank
• For Families With Children: Freys
• Galaxy Suites can be reached at +66 33 042 111
• Near Airport: Radisson Blu
• Near Train Station: Radisson Blu

boats docked in front of a large building

Locally-nicknamed “magnificence on water” and one of the very few cities in the world rightfully deserving the moniker “Venice of the North”, effortlessly stylish Stockholm is spread across 16 islands, separated by canals and other waterways. Lapped at by the Baltic Sea, it’s also flanked by an archipelago of hundreds of wooded, rocky offshore areas that provide a welcome summer escape for Stockholmers.

Some of the better hotels in Stockholm – ranging from grand iconic 5-star establishments to historic buildings, and even vessels given a new lease on life as contemporary boutique havens – are found in central Gamla Stan, with more reasonably priced options to suit all financial situations in Södermalm and Östermalm, and generally mid-range hotels and guesthouses in Kungsholmen and Vasastan. Djurgården has just one hotel, while in the Stockholm Archipelago there exist numerous guesthouses that make for a peaceful overnighter. Norrmalm is particularly practical for public transportation, and its accommodations mostly include mid-priced business hotels. Stockholm is a large, spread out city, but its individual neighborhoods are very walkable and connected by an efficient system of metro lines, city buses and commuter boats.

Stockholm Neighborhoods

Due to its excellent bus and train connections to Stockholm’s international airport, you’re likely to find yourself in Norrmalm to start with. Norrmalm is Stockholm’s thoroughly contemporary commercial center, complete with shopping malls, numerous dining establishments catering to all budgets, and the city’s busiest metro/rail hub.

West of Norrmalm is the primarily residential Kungsholmen, with plenty of green spaces, some striking 20th century architecture and redeveloped 19th-century factories – testimony to Stockholm’s industrial past.

Connected through a foot bridge just south of Norrmalm sits the city`s oldest region occupying its own compact island. Gamla Stan, Stockholm`s most quintessential and culturally rich area, comprises narrow, cobblestone lanes lined with beautiful sloped structures, many housing cafes and eateries. The Royal Palace, one of the primary attractions, is situated here. This historic district retains the old town charm.

a crowd of people standing in front of a building

South of Gamla Stan is formerly working-class Södermalm, now home to some of the city’s coolest emerging neighborhoods. In addition to an excellent nightlife scene, there’s a cutting-edge photography gallery, numerous smaller art galleries, and an abundance of vintage stores, independent designer boutiques, and cafes.

Southeast of Norrmalm and also reachable via a pedestrian bridge lies the sizable, forested island of Djurgården, where you’ll find several of Stockholm’s headline museums, covering everything from Sweden’s most renowned immersed ship to ABBA memorabilia, plus kid-friendly attractions. Next to Djurgården is the compact island of Skeppsholmen, not to miss if contemporary art is your passion.

Travel east from Norrmalm to flashy Östermalm to shop at high-end fashion boutiques and to discover Stockholm’s famous hangouts. East of Östermalm is Ladugårdsgärdet (‘field of barns’), home to some of the city’s largest green spaces, with a sculpture garden and more excellent museums.

North of Norrmalm, Vasastan is another well-heeled residential neighborhood, with attractive late 19th-century architecture and a good dining scene.

Frequent Stromma boats departing from various Norrmalm points, especially in July and August, transfer visitors to the larger Stockholm Archipelago islands. These destinations offer swimming, picnicking, and hiking trails on some isles or art galleries and eateries on others.

The Best Places To Stay in Stockholm

a large building with a clock on top of it

Best Neighborhoods in Stockholm for…

  • Best Areas in Stockholm for Sightseeing: Gamla Stan, Djurgården & Skeppsholmen, Östermalm
    Exploring Stockholm unveils prominent attractions. The Royal Palace (Kungliga Slottet) in historic Gamla Stan merits at minimum a half day visit including the on-site Museum Tre Kronor underground chronicling Sweden’s monarchy, treasures befitting royalty, and King Gustav III’s antique collection. The Changing of the Guard at noon alongside a marching band impressively maintains tradition. Elsewhere in Gamla Stan, the Nobel Prize Museum enlightens visitors about illustrious laureates and their achievements through engaging, educational exhibits.

    Djurgården island is home to several of Stockholm`s premier museums, along with a couple large attractions appealing to children (see below). Notable sites include the Vasa Museum – Sweden`s most renowned ship salvaged intact; Viking Museum, with cutting-edge exhibits; ABBA The Museum (dedicated to the pop legends); Skansen (an condensed reenactment of traditional Swedish life); and the informative Spiritmuseum on alcohol history. Due to popularity, booking tickets ahead is wise for ABBA The Museum and Vasamuseet.

    Explore Skeppsholmen to visit the Moderna Museet – Stockholm`s top museum for modern art. In Östermalm, there are three excellent institutions: Historiska Museet (an experience through Swedish history), Etnografiska Museet (dedicated to worldwide cultures) and Armémuseet (a thoughtful examination of war`s influence). Sightseeing is not constrained to these neighborhoods: see some of Sweden`s best photography at Fotagrafiska in Södermalm; take in a portion of the city`s most striking architecture in Norrmalm, Kungsholmen, and Vasastan, or venture out to Ladugårdsgärdet to view the works of one of Sweden`s most famous sculptors at the Millesgården sculpture garden.

a city street filled with lots of tall buildings

  • Best neighborhood in Stockholm for nightlife: Södermalm, Östermalm, Norrmalm
    Söder has a dense concentration of small breweries and bars. Begin your evening at the busy Medborgarplatset square and its welcoming outdoor bars, then venture out to check additional bars along the neighboring areas of Nytotorget and the leafy Mariatorget. Street food kiosks and food trucks offer late night snacks for revelers returning from a night on the town.

    In Östermalm, night owls congregate at Svampen – the mushroom-like 1980s shelter at the central square – before patronizing nearby terrace bars and clubs. Rooftop venues around Norrmalm’s Brunkebergstorget attract Stockholmers after work, some offering nice views of Gamla Stan.

  • Best Neighborhood in Stockholm for Food and Restaurants: Södermalm, Östermalm, Vasastan, Norrmalm, Gamla Stan
    Stockholm presents no shortage of excellent culinary establishments, serving everything from traditional Swedish fare like meatballs with berry sauce to multi-course tasting experiences (advance booking recommended for popular spots). Representation of global cuisines mirrors the city`s diversity, from Ethiopian and Italian to Thai and French. Four local communities especially stand out as foodie hotspots.

    Head to SoFo in Södermalm for its java joints, organic markets, trendy cafes and restaurants specializing in global cuisines (as well as Modern Swedish eateries), many dotting the streets surrounding Nytorget Square. In Östermalm, apart from the varied food stalls and cafes at the Saluhall food marketplace, numerous restaurants and award-winning brasseries that line the surrounding streets range from classic Swedish and Italian to South American and Thai.

    Norrmalm offers a wide selection of culinary options, including several restaurants awarded Michelin stars, as well as ethnic cuisines from around the world, while Vasastan is particularly suited for international flavors, such as Iranian, Indian and Japanese. Gamla Stan’s restaurants mainly cater to visitors (you won’t encounter many locals here), but there are some excellent choices, from upscale Scandinavian ( Aifur) to affordable burgers ( Barrels).

    a clock tower in the middle of a city

  • Best Area in Stockholm to Lodging for Newcomers: Norrmalm, Gamla Stan
    If it’s your first time in Stockholm, and especially if your vacation time is limited, it’s hard to go wrong with either of these neighborhoods. Norrmalm is as central as can be, with excellent public transportation connections to all of the city’s neighborhoods, and you can walk to the museum-heavy Djurgården from there (there is only one hotel in Djurgården, so it’s not a very convenient base). Gamla Stan is also walkable from Norrmalm, but it’s well worth staying overnight, both for the atmosphere and proximity to the Royal Palace.
  • Best Neighborhood in Stockholm for Families: Kungsholmen, Djurgården, Gamla Stan
    If you wish to explore Stockholm`s attractions with your family while residing in a quiet neighborhood, Kungsholmen could be a suitable choice. Situated near Norrmalm with its excellent transit links, the area offers a tranquil, largely residential atmosphere alongside a scattering of child-amenable hotels. Additionally, plentiful parks and playgrounds exist for younger children to enjoy outside recreation. Gamla Stan also presents ascenically set, generally still locale that remains in close proximity to Stockholm`s Royal Palace. Families with children particularly appreciate experiences like the Changing of the Guard ceremony or exhibits such as the Armory`s armor and arms display.

    Areas geared towards children are concentrated in Djurgården, where the Gröna Lund amusement park, Junibacken (children’s museum), the Aquarium can be found, as well as the Vasa Museum and Viking Museum which older kids often enjoy. While Östermalm may not be ideal for lodging with families, it’s worth a visit during the day for the kid-friendly Tekniska Museet (Technology Museum) and the Naturhistoriska Riksmuseet (Natural History Museum) – places where learning is made fun.

    a large ship floating on top of a body of water

  • Most Romantic Neighborhood in Stockholm: Gamla Stan, Stockholm Archipelago
    No contest: Stockholm’s most romantic place to stay is Gamla Stan. Its centuries-old, narrow, cobbled lanes are particularly atmospheric first thing in the morning, before the crowds arrive, or around dusk. If you’re here around Christmas, look out for live music performances and check out the Christmas market in Stortorget. Otherwise, take your loved one for cocktails at Le Rouge before treating them to a traditional Swedish spread at Den Gyldene Freden. Alternatively, head out into the Stockholm Archipelago for an overnight stay on a tranquil, forested island in a traditional cottage or guesthouse, fund secluded spots to sunbathe on rocks or maybe even go skinny-dipping in the Baltic Sea.
  • Best Area in Stockholm for a Local Atmosphere: Kungsholmen, Södermalm, Vasastan
    Each neighborhood of Stockholm exhibits distinctive characteristics. For those fascinated by the city`s historical evolution, Kungsholmen offers insight into its industrial origins as a grimy working-class district belching fumes, reinvented with abundant greenery and refashioned factories now catering to leisure through bars and restaurants.

    Artists, hipsters and independent retailers have made Södermalm their neighborhood of choice, with abundance of boutiques selling vintage apparel, record shops, tiny art galleries and trendy bars/restaurants concentrated in the SoFo district. Another enlightening area to glimpse everyday Stockholm life is Vasastan, with expansive tree-lined avenues framed by handsome Neo-Renaissance architecture reminiscent of a German city, and peppered with cafes and eateries.

  • Best Neighborhoods in Stockholm for Walking: Gamla Stan, Kungsholmen, Djurgården, Ladugårdsgärdet
    Much of Stockholm has a walkable design with pleasant neighborhoods. The historic district of Gamla Stan can`t be beat for its charming cobblestone lanes and waterfront vistas from Skeppsbrokajen Street. The island of Kungsholmen boasts greenery including a lengthy riverside park ideal for leisurely strolls. Djurgården consists primarily of forested royal hunting grounds transformed into a huge park harboring multiple museums. Ladugårdsgärdet hosts Stockholm`s biggest park and combing a botanical garden stroll with viewing sculptures at Millesgården. a garden with flowers in the middle of it
  • Safest Areas of Stockholm
    Stockholm is a very safe city, and apart from some opportunistic pilfering in busy tourist locations, like the crowded streets of Gamla Stan and around the primary train and bus stations in Norrmalm, there are few safety issues. All neighborhoods visited by travelers are protected to walk around most times of day, with Kungsholmen and Vasastan being the quietest. Occasional fights breaking out in the city’s nightspots, for example Södermalm and Östermalm, very occasionally stem from alcohol-fueled revelry.
  • Unsafe Areas of Stockholm
    The neighborhoods in Stockholm with higher crime rates are mainly residential and situated on the outskirts of the city, places where visitors are unlikely to find themselves. These include Jarva in southern Stockholm, and Huddinge and Tensta suburbs in the north of the city.

The 8 Best Neighborhoods in Stockholm for Tourists

1. Norrmalm

a city street filled with lots of tall buildings

Norrmalm is Stockholm`s commercial center, home to the city`s primary train and bus terminals in addition to significant department stores, chain retailers, business hotels, and abundant cafes and eateries. Reconstruction during the 1960s overhauled much of the district, which today embraces some controversial modern structures such as Hötorget`s quintet of towers. Norrmalm spreads widely, and there exist three principal rationales for lodging here: its unrivaled centrality within Stockholm, an excellent dining landscape, and two cultural highlights not to be missed, the Royal Swedish Opera and National Museum.

  • Best Hotels in Norrmalm
    Grand Hotel • Hotel phone: +46 8 679 35 00
  • Lydmar Hotel Hotel phone: +46 8 22 31 60.

    • Bank Hotel • Hotel contact number: +46 8 598 580 00
    Nobis Hotel • Hotel phone: +46 8 614 10 00
    Hotel Kaiserin Elisabeth • Hotel phone: +43 1 515260
    .” I will not alter this line.” This line needs no modification.” I will preserve this line as it is.” There is no need to modify this line

  • Best Midrange Hotels
    Haymarket by Scandic – Hotel contact number: +46 8 517 267 00
    Hobo Hotel • Hotel contact number: +46 8 578 827 00
    Scandic No. 53 contact number: +46 8 517 365 00
    • Hotel phone: +46 8 505 060 00
  • Best Hostels
    Generator • Hotel phone: +46 8 505 323 70

2. Kungsholmen

a clock tower towering over the city of london

West across the bridge from T-Centralen, Norrmalm’s main railway station, Kungsholmen is mainly residential, having long shed its 19th century moniker, `Starvation Island`, earned when it was an impoverished neighborhood filled with run-down factories during the Industrial Revolution. Today it`s the Brooklyn to Norrmalm’s Manhattan: a laid-back area with kid-friendly green spaces, such as Râlambshovsparken, great places to dine, red-brick apartment complexes and former factories reincarnated as lively bars. There`s ample opportunity for tree-lined waterfront strolling, cycling, or running just south of Norr Mälarstrand, and it`s home to one of Stockholm’s architectural must-sees: Stadshuset (City Hall), located on the island’s easternmost tip.

3. Gamla Stan

a city street filled with lots of tall buildings

Just south of Norrmalm and connected to it via three bridges, compact Gamla Stan is Stockholm’s historic and geographical heart, overlooked by the vast Kungliga Slott (Royal Palace). Its streets navigated by horseback nobles for centuries, additionally witnessing public executions and recipients of esteemed awards; today thousands roam its narrow paths, since this location attracts many within the city. Its busiest avenues – Västerlånggatan and Stora Nygatan – present eateries, souvenirs, and exhibits aplenty, but lesser travelled roads unveil appealing plazas, engaging museums, and striking structures.”

There are two tiny islands accessible from Gamla Stan: Riddarholmen, where the royal necropolis sits beneath the Riddarholmskyrken church; and Helgeandsholme, home of the Riksdagshuset (Swedish Parliament). For a truly unique stay, book an overnight or two at the Mälardrottningen Yacht Hotel, anchored on Riddarholmen’s western bank.

  • Best Hotels in Gamla Stan
    Hôtel Reisen • Hotel contact number: +46 8 128 812 34
    The first recommended hotel is the ” Victory Hotel” located in Stockholm, Sweden. Their phone number is +46 8 506 400 00.
    Lady Hamilton Hotel • Hotel contact number: +46 8 506 401 00
  • Best Midrange Hotel
    Scandic Gamla Stan – Hotel phone: +46 8 517 383 00

4. Södermalm

a large building with a clock on it`s side Located on Stockholm’s large southern island and bisected by the bustling Götgatan street, Södermalm is linked to Normalm by the Centralbron highway and to Gamla Stan by the Slussbron bridge. Commonly referred to as Söder by locals, Södermalm was once a stronghold for the working class but now houses some of Stockholm’s most creative pockets filled with vintage stores, art galleries, music venues, cocktail laboratories, hip eateries and bars. Restaurants and bars are especially concentrated along Hornsgatan, a primary east-west road, alongside the north-south Götgatan street and within the tight grid of lanes comprising SoFo between Folkungagatan and Skånegatan. There are wonderful views of Gamla Stan from its northern shores while the waterfront Fotografiska photography gallery must not be missed, and Söder`s western end allows crossing a footbridge to the small forested island of Långholmen where Stockholmers come to spend time in summer.

  • Best Hotels in Södermalm
    The next option is the ” NoFo Hotel” also in Stockholm, and their contact number is +46 8 503 112 00.
    Hotel Rival • Hotel phone: +46 8 545 789 00
    Hotel Frantz contact details include phone: +46 8 442 16 80
  • Best Hostels
    STF Långholmen Hostel • Hotel phone: +46 8 720 85 00

5. Djurgården & Skeppsholmen

boats floating on top of a body of water

South of Östrmalm lies Djurgården, once used as royal hunting grounds, with half the area still reserved for greenery and walking paths winding between trees. Lodging options are scarce here, but visitors can enjoy two amusement parks ( Gröna Lund and Skansen) alongside a cluster of renowned Stockholm museums focused on subjects ranging from artistic works and historic music groups to ancient shipremains. Just a brief ferry ride west of Djurgården or reachable on foot from Norrmalm, the more compact Skeppsholmen was once a naval base though many facilities have since been converted to museum use over the past half century, most notably the outstanding Moderna Museet – essential for anyone interested in contemporary creative works.

6. Östermalm & Ladugårdsgärdet

a building with a clock on the side of it

Bordering Norrmalm to the east, and centered around the busy Stureplan plaza with its eye-catching Svampen rain shelter, Östermalm is Stockholm’s most elegant neighborhood, lined with handsome, late-19th century buildings. The plaza is encircled by long-standing celebrity hotspots; nearby is the Östermalms Saluhall – an gourmet food hall in a beautiful historic building, while Östermalm’s main avenue, Birger Jarlsgatan, is bordered with luxurious fashion boutiques. Besides numerous excellent places to eat, drink, and party – particularly along Nybrogagatan, Linnegatan, and Humlegårdsgatan, Östermalm is also home to a couple of excellent history museums and Dramaten – the ornate Royal Dramatic Theater.

Directly to the east of Östermalm, Ladugårdsgärdet (‘field of barns’) is home to one of Stockholm’s most expansive green areas, housing a trio of notable museums (focusing on technology,ethnography, and the Swedish police. Just north of Ladugårdsgärdet, Norra Djurgården is where Stockholm University sits alongside the city’s botanical garden, while just east of Ladugårdsgärdet, the island of Lindgö is worthwhile seeking out for the Millesgården sculpture garden.

7. Vasastan

a clock tower in the middle of a grassy area

North of Norrmalm lies the upscale residential area of Vasastan, which is densely populated yet relaxed and attractive. Cafes and restaurants dot the neighborhood alongside art galleries and excellent examples of Scandinavian modern architecture, such as the outstanding Stadsbiblioteket library. Further north is the immense historical Hagaparken park that was once home to royalty. Across the E4 motorway from the park rests the Norra Begravningsplatsen cemetery, the final resting place of Alfred Nobel, the creator of the Nobel Prize.

8. Stockholm Archipelago

boats docked in a body of water

Some are dotted with red wooded cottages, while others are unoccupied rocky islets covered in dense spruce forest; either way, the islands that comprise the Stockholm Archipelago are an unmissable summer destination. Of the 24,000 or islands, some are reachable by routine ferry; others by boat day trip with lunch, run by Strömma Kanalbolaget. It’s well worth staying the night on some of the islands to experience the tranquility after the day trippers have gone back to the city; accommodations tend to be open from July 1 till the end of August, with the exception of Vaxholm island that’s reachable year-round. For day-trippers, sunbathing on the rocks, gathering berries in the woods, and picnicking aside, Artipelag makes a fantastic art destination, reachable by buses 474 and 468 across several bridges. It consists of a contemporary sculpture trail through the forest, as well as a striking building, designed by Johan Nyrén, that looks like the bad guys’ lair in a Bond movie.

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