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.

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In a hurry? Here's our recommended accommodation

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

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.

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

Recommended accommodation

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

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.

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

Recommended accommodation

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

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.

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

Recommended Accommodation

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, ABBA The Museum.
• Average prices: from €90,00 per night - find top stays on Booking

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, the Nordic Museum or the one dedicated to the legendary Swedish band ABBA. One of the most beautiful Christmas markets in the city takes place right here during the Christmas period.

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

Recommended Accommodation

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

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!

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

Recommended Accommodation

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

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.

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

Recommended Accommodation

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

Booking.com

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

• 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.
• Stockholm Archipelago Cruise: A boat tour through the stunning archipelago, perfect for enjoying the natural beauty of Sweden’s coast. More info here.
• Sigtuna Trip: discover this viking old city and its history during this day trip. More info here.
• Safari in the woods: Stockholm surroundings have the most beautiful woods of the nation. Here you can watch animals in their habitat and feel the nature. Info and prices.
• Vasa Museum Visit: Dive into history with a visit to this incredible museum showcasing the world’s only preserved 17th-century warship. Online tickets available.
• ABBA The Museum: Relive the disco era and immerse yourself in the world of one of Sweden’s most famous bands. Online tickets here.
• Skansen Museum tour: enjoy the almost 150 houses and farms of this beautiful museum, to discover the lifestyle and history of Swedish people from XVI to XX century. More info here.

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.