BEST PLACES TO STAY IN STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN
Stockholm is for sure one of the most beautiful cities in Europe – stylish and elegant. Pretty and charming. Liberal and friendly. And pricey.
Though Stockholm is not the most budget-friendly destination in Europe, it is one of the best places to visit.
If you are planning a trip to this city, but are not sure about where to stay in Stockholm and wondering about the best places to stay in Stockholm then this guide will help you find the perfect area and hotel for your Stockholm vacation.
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BEST PLACES TO STAY IN STOCKHOLM
I will talk about great areas to stay in Stockholm and then recommend some of the best hotels for all budgets.
Gamla Stan
Of course, the old town of Stockholm, Gamla Stan, is one of the top places to stay. Nestled between the areas of Nödermalm and Södermalm, it is one of the main tourist spots.
The old town is very well-maintained, and when strolling the cobblestoned streets, passing colorful and beautiful buildings, you can’t help but fall in love with the city.
It is also home to other tourist attractions, like the beautiful Royal Palace, the Nobel Museum, and the Cathedral.
Of course, accommodations and dining/drinking locations are not cheap here, and they can get filled up with tourists.
Gamla Stan is a great place to stay in Stockholm if you want to be in the heart of Stockholm’s tourist district and within walking distance of many of the city’s main attractions. It’s also well-connected to public transportation, making it easy to explore other parts of the city.
However, it’s worth noting that Gamla Stan can be quite busy and noisy, especially during peak tourist season. Additionally, accommodation options can be more expensive compared to other areas of the city.
Gamla Stan can be a great place to stay in Stockholm if you’re looking for a central location and don’t mind the crowds and potential noise. However, if you’re looking for a quieter and more affordable option, you may want to consider other neighborhoods in Stockholm.
BEST HOTELS IN GAMLA STAN, STOCKHOLM
- Luxury hotel – The Victory Hotel: Located in the charming Old Town of Stockholm, the Collector’s Victory Hotel is just a two-minute stroll from Gamla Stan Metro Station. BOOK YOUR STAY HERE.
- Mid-range hotel – Lady Hamilton Hotel: Set in a historic 15th-century building adjacent to the Royal Palace in Stockholm’s Old Town, this charming hotel is only 400 meters away from Gamla Stan Metro Station. Guests can enjoy exclusive use of the on-site sauna and plunge pool by booking in advance. BOOK YOUR STAY HERE.
- Budget hotel – Castanea Old Town Hostel: This hostel is situated in the heart of Stockholm’s Old Town, just a three-minute stroll from Gamla Stan Metro Station. It offers bright and fresh rooms, as well as a communal kitchen that is fully equipped for guests to use. BOOK YOUR STAY HERE.
Normalm and Östermalm
These two areas are some of my favorites to stay in – Normaln and Östermalm.
On both of my trips, I stayed in Normalm and did not regret it for a minute. Accommodations here are not cheap either, but the location is conveniently close to all the restaurants, cafes, and shops.
Norrmalm is a central neighborhood in Stockholm, known for its modern architecture, bustling shopping district, and vibrant nightlife. It’s home to many high-end department stores, trendy restaurants, and popular clubs and bars. Norrmalm is also a transportation hub, with several major train and metro stations connecting it to other parts of the city.
Norrmalm is also home to the main shopping street, Drottninggatan, and its proximity to the waterfront and Gamla Stan makes it a pretty perfect place to stay.
It is also very easy to get around here – either walk around the nearby areas, hop on the sightseeing buses, or take the bus or metro to visit other parts of Stockholm.
BEST HOTELS IN NORMALM
- Luxury hotel – Grand Hôtel Stockholm: Located on the waterfront in central Stockholm, the Grand Hôtel is one of the city’s most prestigious hotels, offering luxurious rooms with stunning views, a Michelin-starred restaurant, and a spa with an indoor pool. BOOK YOUR STAY HERE.
- Mid-range hotel – Urban Hotel Deli: Nestled one floor below the popular Urban Deli restaurant and marketplace in central Stockholm, this trendy hotel is conveniently situated. BOOK YOUR STAY HERE.
- Hostel – City Backpackers Hostel: This hostel offers a range of dormitory and private rooms, as well as communal kitchen facilities, and more. BOOK YOUR STAY HERE.
Östermalm, just east of Norrmalm, is another popular district, but fancier and more elegant.
Östermalm is a prosperous residential neighborhood in Stockholm known for its upscale shopping, elegant architecture, and affluent residents. It’s home to some of Stockholm’s most exclusive boutiques and gourmet food markets, as well as many impressive 19th-century buildings and parks.
Östermalm is also a cultural hub, You´ll find many parks, museums, restaurants & bars, shops (not just luxury brands), and nightclubs.
BEST HOTELS IN ÖSTERMALM
- Luxury hotel – Hotel Diplomat Stockholm: Housed in a magnificent Art Nouveau building from 1911 on the elegant Strandvägen boulevard, Hotel Diplomat offers stunning views over Nybroviken Bay. Guests can enjoy access to a spa and fitness room, as well as dine at the hotel’s restaurant which features a summer terrace. BOOK YOUR STAY HERE.
- Mid-range hotel – Scandic Anglais: Situated in the trendy Östermalm neighborhood of Stockholm, this hotel is just around the corner from the bustling Stureplan entertainment district. Guests can soak up the city’s vibrant energy and engage in lively conversations at the popular hotel lounge, Bar Anglais. BOOK YOUR STAY HERE.
- Hostel – Generator Stockholm: Generator Stockholm, situated in Stockholm’s Norrmalm district, offers a stylish lounge, multiple communal areas, and a bar serving Nordic-inspired cocktails. Guests can choose from dormitory rooms or private guest rooms at this trendy hostel. BOOK YOUR STAY HERE.
Södermalm
I am all about great views, so it is no surprise that I am in love with Södermalm. It is southcentral and you get a good view of Gamla Stan.
Södermalm is a hip and trendy neighborhood in Stockholm known for its bohemian vibe, colorful streets, and vibrant nightlife. It’s home to many bars, clubs, and music venues, as well as a variety of shops and restaurants.
Södermalm is also an artistic hub, with several galleries and creative spaces showcasing the work of local artists. The neighborhood is situated on a hill and offers panoramic views of the city from several viewpoints, including the popular Mosebacke Terrace.
While I love the view from up there the most, of course, there is more that makes this area extremely popular amongst locals and visitors.
This hip area is especially popular among the younger ones – the cool kids who chill in the cafes, bars, and art galleries.
BEST HOTELS IN SÖDERMALM
- Luxury hotel – Hotel Skeppsholmen: Located on a tranquil city island in a charming building dating back to the 1690s, this design hotel is just 300 meters away from the Moderna Museum. Each room boasts a flat-screen TV and stunning views of the park or sea. BOOK YOUR STAY HERE.
- Mid-range hotel – Hotel Hellstens Malmgård: Hotel Hellstens Malmgård, an 18th-century property located in the lively Södermalm district of Stockholm, features Gustavian-style rooms with period furniture and free WiFi. The Zinkensdamm Metro Station is just 300 meters away, providing easy access to the rest of the city. BOOK YOUR STAY HERE.
- Budget hotel – Hotel Tre Små Rum: Hotel Tre Små Rum, a cozy accommodation option, can be found on the fashionable island of Södermalm, just 200 meters from Mariatorget Metro Station. Rooms boast quality handmade beds, pleasant decor, and shared bathroom facilities. BOOK YOUR STAY HERE.
Djurgården
Djurgarden is probably the best choice when visiting with kids, since it is quiet, very green, and feels like a big island.
Djurgården is a large park island located in central Stockholm, known for its scenic beauty, cultural attractions, and recreational activities. The island is home to several museums, including the popular Vasa Museum, the Nordic Museum, and the ABBA Museum.
It also features several historic buildings, such as the Rosendal Palace and the 18th-century Skansen open-air museum. Djurgården is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering walking trails, biking paths, and picnic areas, as well as stunning waterfront views of Stockholm.
Several Stockholm attractions are close by, like the Skansen Museum, the ABBA Museum, and the cool Vasa Ship, not to mention the most famous amusement park, Gröna Lund.
Though there is no metro station, it is still easy to get around so that you are not stuck in this one area, and you can always head to other districts – after you have taken advantage of strolling this one.
BEST HOSTELS IN DJURGÅRDEN
- Luxury hotel – Hotel Diplomat Stockholm: This elegant hotel is located on Strandvägen, overlooking the harbor and Djurgården. It offers luxurious rooms and suites with stunning views, a Michelin-starred restaurant, and a bar with a terrace. BOOK YOUR STAY HERE.
- Mid-range hotel – Hotel Hasselbacken: Located on Djurgården Island in Stockholm, the historic Hotel Hasselbacken is situated next to the popular Skansen Open-air Museum. The hotel offers a delicious buffet breakfast and rooms equipped with flat-screen satellite TVs. BOOK YOUR STAY HERE.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON WHERE TO STAY IN STOCKHOLM
Stockholm is a beautiful and diverse city with many different neighborhoods to choose from, each offering its own unique atmosphere and attractions. If you’re looking for a central location with easy access to many of Stockholm’s main sights, then Gamla Stan, Norrmalm, or Vasastan can be good options. For a more trendy and bohemian vibe, consider Södermalm. And if you’re interested in exploring Stockholm’s cultural offerings and natural beauty, then Djurgården can be a great choice.
When choosing a place to stay in Stockholm, it’s important to consider your budget, travel style, and preferences. There are many great hotels, hostels, and budget-friendly options available in each neighborhood, so it’s worth doing some research and finding the accommodation that best fits your needs. Overall, Stockholm is a welcoming and safe city with plenty to offer, no matter where you decide to stay.
READ MORE
- Wondering about the best things to do in Stockholm? Check out this Stockholm itinerary
- Read my review of the Stockholm Pass – is it with it?
- Want to see more places in Sweden? Here are the best places to visit in Sweden.