Are you planning a trip and contemplating where to stay in Stockholm? We’ve made a list of the best hostels & hotels to stay in Stockholm and the best neighborhoods to stay in. We’ve visited Stockholm on numerous occasions over the last decade and have gotten to know the city fairly well in that time. Hopefully, this guide will assist you to find the best hotels in Stockholm depending on your needs.
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Table of Contents
Best Neighborhoods in Stockholm: Where to Stay?
Obviously, the inner part of Stockholm is the main part to stay in Stockholm since all the major attractions are found here. The inner city is divided into five main boroughs including the historic old town (Gamla Stan).
For those coming for a short stay, the neighborhoods within the five main boroughs are a good option since all the main sights in Stockholm are within a comfortable commuting distance. Accommodation prices differ according to which borough you stay in.
We’ll be discussing how these various neighborhoods in Stockholm differ, some important landmarks that are close to these boroughs, and the best properties to stay in close to these sights.
Neighborhoods covered in this hotel guide are –
- Historic Old Town of Stockholm (Gamla Stan)
- Norrmalm (including Skeppsholmen island and Vasastan neighborhood)
- Östermalm (including Djurgården island)
- Södermalm
- Kungsholmen
How Much Does a Hotel Room Cost in Stockholm?
Before we begin, we would like to point out that Stockholm is one of the most expensive cities in Europe and naturally hotel prices are quite high, especially during the high season when they are substantially higher than they are during the low season. So don’t be too shocked with the amount of cash you’re going to have to fork out here. Prices vary according to the different boroughs.
The table below gives an overview of the approximate price range of the various categories. We’ve categorized the properties according to the price range viz. hostels, budget hotels, mid-range hotels, and finally some splurge options. We’ve quoted high season prices in the table below, so if you’re traveling in the off-season the prices will be a bit lower.
| Category | Price Range |
| Hostels | 25-45€ per night for one |
| Budget Hotels | 80-150€ per night for two |
| Mid-Range Hotels | 150-250€ per night for two |
| Luxury Hotels | 250€+ per night for two |
Historic Old Town of Stockholm: Where to Stay in Gamla Stan
This is definitely one of our favorite places in Stockholm. Packed with historic sights and reeking of cultural heritage, it’s no wonder why this place is a tourist magnet.
Many prominent Stockholm attractions are found in Gamla Stan including the Royal Palace, Stortorget, the House of Nobility, Nobel Museum, Museum of Medieval Stockholm. Several prominent churches are also found here such as Riddarholmen Church, German Church, and the Stockholm Cathedral.
There are lots of tourist traps in the Old Town, especially on Västerlånggatan but there are also some serene corners if you explore a bit. You could also spend hours on end just wandering the lovely cobblestone streets admiring the old buildings and quaint shops.
Be prepared to pay royal prices in the Old Town though as the few properties that are here are very expensive.
Best Hostel in Gamla Stan
Castanea Old Town Hostel is a great option for those on the lookout for a hostel in the Old Town. This modern hostel is centrally located in the Old Town.
The Royal Palace is just 300 meters away while the Stortorget square and Nobel Museum are just two minutes away on foot. The nearest transport connections are just 5 minutes from the hostel.
Best Budget Hotel in Gamla Stan
Hotel Gyllene Geten is a good budget hotel in the heart of the Old Town. Stortorget and the Nobel Museum are literally 50 m away. The Royal Palace and the Royal Armory are also just a stone’s throw from here.
The nearest transport connections are just 5 minutes from the hostel. There is a legion of dining and drinking options nearby.
Best Mid-range Hotel in Gamla Stan
In Stockholm, it’s always nice to be beside the water. So, the 3⋆ Mälardrottningen Yacht H
Its picturesque location is its biggest selling point. Guests are blessed with breathtaking views of Södermalm and Kungsholmen. The cabins in Mälardrottningen are tastefully decorated in a nautical theme.
The hotel is 500 m from Gamla Stan Metro Station, and Stockholm Central Station can be reached in about 10 minutes’ on foot.
Best Luxury Hotel in Gamla Stan
Collector’s Lady Hamilton Hotel is an excellent luxury option in the Old Town. This stylish 4⋆ boutique hotel is housed in a heritage 15th-century building which makes it ideal for a romantic getaway. It is right next to the Royal Palace, Stortorget and the Nobel Museum are only two minutes’ away on foot.
Other prominent attractions in Gamla Stan are only a short stroll away. Stockholm Central Station is only a 10-minute walk from here.
Norrmalm (including Skeppsholmen island and Vasastan neighborhood)
Norrmalm in the central borough of Stockholm. It is home to the central business district of Stockholm as well as the Stockholm Central Station. Norrmalm offers great shopping options with several large department stores being located here. Two of Stockholm’s main shopping streets, Drottninggatan & Hamngatan are located here.
There are plenty of great dining and nightlife options to choose from in Norrmalm. It is also the borough with the highest concentration of hotels in Stockholm.
It’s also a perfect base for sightseeing because of its central location and excellent transport connections. A couple of museums, including the Modern Art Museum (Moderna Museet), are situated here.
Best Hostels in Norrmalm
City Backpackers Hostel is only a 10 minutes’ walk from Central Station. The Gamla Stan is only one metro stop away from here. The hostel has been voted the best hostel in Sweden since 2010.
I can attest to that richly deserved honor because I stayed here in 2011. Drottninggatan is just around the corner so there are plenty of shops and restaurants in the vicinity. It’s also a great place for fraternizing.
STF af Chapman & Skeppsholmen is another excellent hostel that is located in a secluded spot on the island of Skeppsholmen. The hostel is split between a late 1800s ship and former navy barracks. The nearest bus stop is 150 m away and the Kungsträdgården Metro Station is 10 minutes away on foot.
The Modern Art Museum is within a short walking distance and the Djurgården island can be conveniently reached with a short ferry ride.
Best Budget Hotels in Norrmalm
Comfort Hotel Xpress Stockholm is an excellent choice if you’re on the lookout for a frugal, no-frills option. The Central Station is only 300 m away as is the World Trade Center. Sergels Torg, Stockholm’s main public square is only 500 m from the hotel. The famous Ice Bar is only 2 minutes from here.
Another excellent budget option is the trendy Rex Hotel located in the quiet and homely Vasastan neighborhood. The hotel is housed in an elegant 19th-century building, only 2 minutes’ walk from Rådmansgatan Metro Station. The Central Station is only two metro stops away.
Vasastan has some interesting neoclassical and Art Nouveau architecture on offer and there is a vibrant restaurant scene there. There are a couple of popular parks like Vasaparken and Observatory Park.
Best Mid-range Hotels in Norrmalm
Freys Hotel is an excellent family-run boutique-style hotel. The location is fantastic, with the Central Station only 200 m away. It is situated on a peaceful street despite its central location. The Gamla Stan is 1 km away. Great dining and shopping choices lie just around the corner.
The 4⋆ Radisson Blu Waterfront Hotel is a perfect choice for those on the lookout for a quintessential Nordic hotel. It’s a massive hotel with over 400 rooms that are very Nordic in terms of design. It has an excellent waterfront location with enchanting views of the Gamla Stan, Kungsholmen, and Södermalm.
The Central Station is just 2 minutes away and the Stockholm City Hall is only 700 m from here. This hotel is perfect for business travelers since the business district is just a stone’s throw away.
Best Luxury Hotels in Norrmalm
Hotel Kungsträdgården is a chic, Parisian style 4⋆ boutique hotel that is our first recommendation in this category. Its location is awesome, in the heart of Stockholm’s shopping quarter & equidistant from the Central Station and the Old Town.
The popular Kungsträdgården Park is just two minutes’ on foot. The hotel is ideal for couples and honeymooners looking for a romantic getaway.
The iconic 5⋆ Grand Hôtel should be on your radar if you crave full-out luxury. This waterfront hotel has been around since 1874 and has undergone many upgrades over the years. It offers an authentic 19th-century ambiance with all 21st-century room fittings.
The hotel also offers great views of the Royal Palace and the Old Town across the water. The hotel is conveniently located in the city center, which makes it ideal to explore Stockholm’s many neighborhoods.
The National Opera and the Modern Art Museum are very close to the hotel. The Kungsträdgården Metro Station is just 200 m away.
Where to Stay in Östermalm
Östermalm is a big affluent borough that lies to the east of Vasastan. It includes the island of Djurgården and is one of the most populous areas of Stockholm. Large clusters of upscale residential areas combined with tree-lined boulevards with some of the highest property prices in Stockholm can be found here.
Two of Stockholm’s main universities, Stockholm University and The KTH Royal Institute of Technology are located in Östermalm. You can find some of Stockholm’s best high-end fashion boutiques and top-notch restaurants in Östermalm.
Several of Stockholm’s best museums are found in Östermalm like the Swedish History Museum, Vasa Museum, ABBA Museum, Skansen Open-Air Museum, Nordic Museum, Army Museum, and the Junibacken kids’ museum. The popular Gröna Lund amusement park can also be found here.
Best Budget Hotel in Östermalm
STF Gärdet Hotel & Hostel is a great budget option if you want to stay in Östermalm. It is located in the eastern part of Östermalm in a quiet area. It is only 20 minutes’ walk away from the island of Djurgården. The Gärdet Metro Station is only 10 minutes’ away on foot. Stockholm Central Station is about half an hour away by public transport.
Best Mid-range Hotel in Östermalm
If you’re looking to stay on Djurgården, Pop House Hotel is a fantastic choice. It is located in the same building as the ABBA Museum and there’s plenty of art and memorabilia paying homage to the pop group.
This means that Skansen, Vasa Museum, Nordic Museum, and Junibacken are at your doorstep making this place ideal for families. There are a bunch of nice restaurants and cafes in the vicinity.
Best Luxury Hotel in Östermalm
Hotel Diplomat is a fabulous luxury hotel situated on Strandvägen, Stockholm’s most elegant boulevard. It is housed in a stunning Art Nouveau building that offers great views over Nybroviken Bay.
The hotel is conveniently positioned for exploring Djurgården and the lively Stureplan area. Local buses depart directly outside the hotel making it easy to get around.
Best Hotels in Södermalm
Södermalm is an island borough in southern Stockholm. Traditionally a bastion of the working class, Södermalm has reinvented itself as a hipster haven in recent years with the onset of gentrification in the late 20th century.
Södermalm is known for its rugged terrain that offers some great views of the city and the water. Fjällgatan and Monteliusvägen are two great viewpoints here. Götgatan and the surrounding streets are full of bars, restaurants, and shops.
The area south of Folkungagatan has earned the moniker ‘SoFo’ due to its concentration of trendy designer boutiques, fancy chain stores, and high-end art galleries. A number of art galleries are found on Hörnsgatan as well.
The world-famous Fotografiska Museum is located in Södermalm as are some other museums like the Stockholm City Museum and the Transport Museum. Södermalm is relatively free of tourists making it a pleasant area to wander around.
Hotel prices are generally cheaper here compared to Gamla Stan, Norrmalm, and Östermalm.
Best Hostel in Södermalm
Skanstulls Hostel is a great hostel located in the heart of SoFo, the southern part of Södermalm. Skanstull Metro Station is just 200 m away ensuring convenient transport around Stockholm.
Within a short walking distance from the hostel, you will find dozens of restaurants, bars, cafés, and odd boutiques.
Best Budget Hotel in Södermalm
Stockholm Classic Budget Hotell is a solid budget choice in the heart of Södermalm. The rooms are very minimalist and spartan but with all the necessary amenities.
Zinkensdamm Metro Station is only 200 m away providing quick and convenient access all over Stockholm. Shopping options are aplenty on the nearby Hornsgatan street.
Best Mid-range Hotel in Södermalm
If you’re coming to Stockholm by boat, the Scandic Sjöfartshotellet is a great alternative. We’ve stayed here twice when visiting Stockholm from Finland and rooms are tastefully decorated with a maritime theme. It is within comfortable walking distance of the ferry terminal and the Fotografiska Museum.
It is close to the Fjällgatan viewpoint. The Slussen Metro Station is just 200 m from the hotel. The Old Town is also just a 10-minute walk away. The hotel is great value for money and has some cheap deals.
Best Luxury Hotel in Södermalm
© Jon Parisse / Flickr
Hotel Rival is an avant-garde boutique hotel quietly tucked away in the heart of Södermalm. It is owned by Benny Andersson, one of the founding members of ABBA. The hotel has been converted from an old theater and it still retains strong ties to its cinematic past.
Every room has a picture tied to classic Swedish cinema. The Mariatorget Metro Station is only 3 minutes away on foot. Götgatan, full of stylish shops and cozy cafes is 5 minutes away.
Best Hotels in Kungsholmen
Kungsholmen is an island borough in western Stockholm. It is primarily a residential hub and has a relaxed feel to it. Hantverkargatan and Fleminggatan in the eastern part of the island have a cornucopia of vibrant bars, restaurants, and cafes.
The largest beach in inner Stockholm, Smedsuddsbadet, is found here in Rålambshov Park. Stockholm City Hall, the most landmark in Stockholm, and arguably all of Stockholm, is located in Kungsholmen.
Kungsholmen is famous for its beautiful promenades. We would highly recommend a walk along Norr Mälarstrand towards the City Hall. Kungsholmen is devoid of tourists and a good place to interact with the locals.
Just like Södermalm, hotel prices are usually cheaper in Kungsholmen compared to Gamla Stan, Norrmalm, and Östermalm.
Best Hostel in Kungsholmen
Lodge32 is a decent eco-friendly hostel in Kungsholmen. It’s located just a 10 minutes’ walk from the Central Station and City Hall. Rådhuset Metro Station is just 100 m away.
Best Budget Hotel in Kungsholmen
Connect Hotel City is a cozy 3⋆ hotel in the northern part of Kungsholmen. The big shopping center Västermalmsgallerian which houses a number of well-known shops is located near the hotel. Fridhemsplan Metro Station is only 600 m from the hotel with the Central Station only 2 metro stops away.
Best Mid-range Hotel in Kungsholmen
© Holger Ellgaard
The 4⋆ Courtyard By Marriott Stockholm in Kungsholmen is a great mid-range hotel. This large and polished hotel lies very close to Rålambshov Park and Smedsuddsbadet beach. Rooms are tastefully spruced with modern decor.
The City Hall is about a 20 minutes’ walk away. Fridhemsplan Metro Station and Thorildsplan Metro Station are both less than 500 m away ensuring efficient connectivity to the city center.
Stockholm Neighborhood Map
Now, what do you think? What are the best neighborhoods in Stockholm? What are your favorite hotels in Stockholm? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below! Let’s stay in touch!
Hello there, fellow globetrotters! I’m Mihir, a passionate travel blogger with an insatiable wanderlust. My journey across the world is fueled by curiosity and a hunger for unique experiences. As a travel writer, photographer, and adventurer, I’ve explored more than 35 countries, aiming to provide readers with a distinctive glimpse of our diverse world. Join me as I blend captivating storytelling with stunning visuals, guiding you through hidden gems and cultural treasures. Besides traveling, my other loves are my beloved cats, architecture, art, craft beer, classic movies, history, and Australian Rules Football (Go Dons!).
