Where to Stay in Stockholm: The Best Areas & Hotels
Our personal accommodation recommendations, from budget to luxury stays | Hi! We're Alex & Victoria - a digital nomad couple from Copenhagen escaping 9-5 to chase adventures in our beautiful world. Learn more about us here. |
A capital built on islands
We love Stockholm and Sweden! Alexander’s grandparents live in nearby Södertälje and we have visited Sweden’s beautiful capital together countless times.
Stockholm is spread over many islands and islets.
While it’s easy to get around with public transport, it still makes a difference where you base yourself in the city.
Whether you are going on a romantic trip with your partner, a family trip, a road trip, a weekend party trip or something completely different, we will do our best to help you find the perfect place to stay in Stockholm.
The best places to stay in Stockholm:
Adlinks
- Budget: STF Zinkensdamm Hostel – Hostel five minutes from the beach in Södermalm.
- Value for money: Backstage Hotel Stockholm – Cool hotel close to nature in Djurgården.
- Luxury: Grand Hôtel Stockholm – Stockholm’s finest hotel.
Search for the best and cheapest hotels in Stockholm here or read on to learn more about the different areas and hotels in Sweden’s capital.
Table of contents
- How long should you stay in Stockholm?
- The best areas to stay in Stockholm
- Where to stay in Gamla Stan?
- Where to stay in Södermalm?
- Where to stay in Norrmalm?
- Where to stay in Östermalm?
- Where to stay in Djurgården?
- Where to stay in Vasastan?
- Summary: Our favourite hotels in Stockholm by price range
- Is it safe to visit Stockholm?
Stockholm map
The central part of Stockholm is located on 14 islands, all of which are connected by more than 50 bridges.
Stockholm’s archipelago consists of more than 20,000 islands (some say 30,000!), which spread east from the city towards the Baltic Sea.
How long should you stay in Stockholm?
How many days do you need to spend in Stockholm?
It is of course completely up to your travel style, budget and amount of attractions and sights you want to experience. But for most people, 3-5 days in Stockholm will be perfect.
- With less than 3 days in Stockholm, you will probably be forced to limit how much you get to see – but in even a day or two you will be able to get a good impression of the city.
- With 3-5 days in Stockholm, you will be able to experience almost everything you could want to. It will even be possible to take a slightly longer day trip to something like Drottningholm Palace or out in the beautiful archipelago (skärgården).
- With a week in Stockholm, you will have enough time to dive deep and get to know the city really well. You will also be able to go on several wonderful day trips.
The best areas to stay in Stockholm
For the vast majority of travellers to Stockholm, it will be optimal to live relatively centrally in the city if you want to be close to the best experiences, places to eat, shopping and the like.
The central parts of Stockholm are the areas of Gamla Stan, Norrmalm and Östermalm.
But we would also recommend that you take a closer look at staying in Södermalm or in Vasastan for that local feel or in Djurgården to get a bit away from the city.
Below we go into the advantages and disadvantages of each area and we share the best hotels in different price ranges.
The best areas to stay in Stockholm:
Click on an area to jump down to its section (including the best hotels in that area).
Where to stay in Gamla Stan?
Gamla Stan (The Old Town) is the heart of Stockholm.
It’s a fairly small island located right in the middle of the city – and although it’s mostly known as a tourist destination with popular sights, it’s also a perfect place to stay.
Advantages of staying in Gamla Stan:
- Filled with historic charm, beautiful architecture and narrow cobbled streets.
- Lots of good restaurants, cafés and shops to explore – and super close to both the centre to the north and Södermalm to the south.
- Easy access to top attractions in Stockholm such as the Royal Palace and Stockholm Cathedral.
Disadvantages of staying in Gamla Stan:
- Can be full of tourists, especially during the day in high season.
- Limited public transport options – but from the Gamla Stan metro station you can be at the Central Station and the T-central in just two minutes.
- Fairly limited options for nightlife.
The best sights and things to do in Gamla Stan:
- Stockholm Palace.
- Stockholm Cathedral
- The Parliament House.
- Shopping on Västerlånggatan.
- Stockholm’s oldest street (Köpmangatan).
- Stortorget with the coloured houses.
- Stockholm’s narrowest alley (Mårten Trotzig’s Gränd).
- The Nobel Museum.
Search for the best and cheapest hotels in Gamla Stan here (adlink).
Map of Gamla Stan
Luxury hotels in Gamla Stan
Hôtel Reisen
The 5-star Hôtel Reisen from Hyatt’s “The Unbound Collection” is the most luxurious place to stay in Gamla Stan.
See prices and availability at Hôtel Reisen here (adlink).
Value for money in Gamla Stan
Victory Hotel
A nice hotel with a sailor theme, close to the metro station in Gamla Stan. The attention to detail is impressive.
See prices and availability at Victory Hotel here (adlink).
Budget hotels in Gamla Stan
Castle House Inn
Most of the rooms at Castle House Inn in Gamla Stan have shared bathrooms. If you’re up for that, it’s a good (and cheap) option for some very central accommodation in Stockholm.
See prices and availability at Castle House Inn here (adlink).
Where to stay in Södermalm?
The popular area of Södermalm is located just south of Gamla Stan. The working class used to live here – but today the creative class has moved in to such an extent that Söder has become one of Stockholm’s most desirable areas.
Advantages of staying in Södermalm:
- Many vantage points to Gamla Stan and the rest of Stockholm.
- Trendy area with a cool bohemian atmosphere.
- Lots of cool, innovative shops, vintage shops and art galleries.
- Large selection of delicious restaurants, cafés and bars.
Disadvantages of staying in Södermalm:
- Can be a bit noisy at the weekend if you stay close to popular bars and squares.
- The hilly terrain requires some leg strength.
- Limited hotel options compared to other areas.
The best sights and things to do in Södermalm:
- Fotografiska – Museum of Photography.
- Beautiful viewpoints, especially from Katarinavägen and Skinnarviksberget.
- Sofia Church and Vitabergsparken.
Search for the best and cheapest hotels in Södermalm here (adlink).
Map of Södermalm
Luxury hotels in Södermalm
NOFO Hotel
The 4-star NOFO Hotel (“WorldHotels Crafted”) is located just north of Folkungagatan right between Droskan and Katarina cemetery.
With this prime location, you’ll be mere metres away from several of Stockholm’s hippest eateries.
See prices and availability at NOFO Hotel here (adlink).
Value for money in Södermalm
Hotel Zinkensdamm
In the western part of Södermalm, in the Hornstull area, you will find the 3.5-star Hotel Zinkensdamm.
Here you are close to both green areas and Tanto beach, which is a popular place to swim in the summer.
See prices and availability at Hotel Zinkensdamm here (adlink).
Budget hotels in Södermalm
STF Zinkensdamm Hostel
If you want to save some money on accommodation in Stockholm, you can consider staying at a so-called STF (Swedish Tourist Association) hostel.
There are both rooms with and without private bathrooms.
See prices and availability at STF Zinkensdamm Hostel here (adlink).
Where to stay in Norrmalm?
For many of Stockholm’s visitors, Norrmalm = Stockholm.
This very central part of the city is the first area they experience when they step off the train at Stockholm Central Station. And you can easily spend a whole day here shopping here and seeing several of the city’s best-known sights.
In the evening it is generally quite peaceful, and with both a large selection of restaurants and very convenient transportation options to the rest of the city, Norrmalm is a super nice place to stay in Stockholm.
Advantages of staying in Norrmalm:
- Central location with easy access to shopping and public transport. Stay in the middle of it all.
- Wide selection of hotels and dining options suiting all budgets.
- Super easy to get to Stockholm’s most popular attractions.
Disadvantages of staying in Norrmalm:
- Can be busy and noisy, especially during peak hours.
- Lack of green areas compared to other parts of Stockholm. On the other hand, you’ll be close to the water.
- Can feel more commercial and less authentic/local than other neighbourhoods in Stockholm.
The best sights and things to do in Norrmalm:
- Kungsträdgården.
- Sergels Torg.
- Shopping in Gallerian, NK and on the pedestrian street Drottninggatan.
- The Royal Swedish Opera.
- Stockholm Concert Hall.
- St. Clara Church.
- Kulturhuset Stadsteatern.
- Hallwylska Museum.
Search for the best and cheapest hotels in Norrmalm here (adlink).
Map of Norrmalm
Luxury hotels in Norrmalm
Grand Hôtel Stockholm
The name kinda says it. Grand Hotel Stockholm. This is one of Stockholm’s most historic, elegant hotels.
The 5-star hotel is of course perfectly located right next to the water. Although you don’t have to be royal or famous to stay here, it’s not exactly cheap.
See prices and availability at Grand Hôtel Stockholm here (adlink).
Bank Hotel
Right next to Kungsträdgården in the middle of Stockholm, you will find the 5-star Bank Hotel, which is part of “Small Luxury Hotels of The World“.
You won’t miss anything here during your stay in Stockholm.
See prices and availability at Bank Hotel here (adlink).
At Six
At Six is another exclusive hotel in Norrmalm.
The colour palette is subdued – and the design of it all is well thought out.
See prices and availability at At Six here (adlink).
Value for money in Norrmalm
Hotel With Urban Deli
From the moment you enter, it’s clear that Hotel With Urban Deli is for the modern traveller.
Its central location on Sveavägen is close to everything in Stockholm and the roof terrace looks great.
See prices and availability at Hotel With Urban Deli here (adlink).
Budget hotels in Norrmalm
City BackPackers Hostel
City Backpackers is a fine hostel choice with shared dormitories and shared bathrooms for budget travellers.
However, there are also options for private rooms, including a kitchen.
See prices and availability at City BackPackers Hostel here (adlink).
Generator Stockholm
Generator’s hostels are located in several places around the world. At Generator Stockholm, they offer both private and shared rooms for a reasonable amount of money in Norrmalm.
See prices and availability at Generator Stockholm here (adlink).
Where to stay in Östermalm?
Östermalm is considered the most affluent area in Stockholm.
The buildings are a little nicer, the cars are more expensive and so are the clothes that hang in the shops.
There are of course also cheaper options. And if you find a suitable place to spend the night here, you’ll be living very close to both Norrmalm and Gamla Stan to the southwest and beautiful Djurgården to the southeast.
Advantages of staying in Östermalm:
- Exclusive neighbourhood with lots of exclusive shops and restaurants. Perfect if you’re into that part of Stockholm.
- Beautiful parks and green areas, including Humlegården and easy access to Djurgården.
- Stay right next to some of Stockholm’s best museums.
Disadvantages of staying in Östermalm:
- Can be expensive, especially for restaurants and shopping.
- Limited accommodation options for budget travellers.
- Most of the nightlife is in the western part of Östermalm.
The best sights and things to do in Östermalm:
- Östermalm’s Saluhall.
- Stureplan.
- Dramaten.
- The Historical Museum.
- Strandvägen.
- Humlegården.
Search for the best and cheapest hotels in Östermalm here (adlink).
Map of Östermalm
Luxury hotels in Östermalm
Hotel Diplomat
Hotel Diplomat is located on the cosy promenade in a beautiful art nouveau building from 1911.
The 5-star hotel has stylish rooms (and suites, of course…) and a sophisticated atmosphere.
See prices and availability at Hotel Diplomat here (adlink).
Value for money in Östermalm
Nobis Hotel Stockholm
“Value for money” in exclusive Östermalm is naturally dependent on one’s perspective, but 5-star Nobis Hotel Stockholm (“a Member of Design Hotels”) is a good bet if the price tag doesn’t scare you away.
See prices and availability at Nobis Hotel Stockholm here (adlink).
Where to stay in Djurgården?
The island of Djurgården is often referred to as the “green lungs” of Stockholm and is a true oasis in the city.
Here you’ll find some of the city’s most well-known cultural and natural highlights, and it’s just a really nice and quiet place to stay.
However, you should be aware that there is not much going on in terms of restaurants and nightlife out here.
Advantages of staying in Djurgården:
- Beautiful natural surroundings with lots of parks and green areas.
- The best place in Stockholm to go for a run.
- Direct access to some of Stockholm’s best museums and sights such as the Vasa Museum and Skansen.
- Quiet atmosphere away from the hustle and bustle of the city centre – but still only a stone’s throw away from the action.
Disadvantages of staying in Djurgården:
- Limited dining and shopping options compared to other areas in Stockholm.
- Can feel a bit isolated and quiet at night.
- Not very many public transport options, but it is nonetheless easy to get into the city by tram or ferry.
The best sights and things to do in Djurgården:
- Rosendal Garden.
- The Vasa Museum.
- Skansen.
- The amusement park Gröna Lund.
- Abba The Museum.
- The Viking Museum.
- The Nordic Museum.
- The children’s park Junibacken.
Search for the best and cheapest hotels in Djurgården here (adlink).
Map of Djurgården
Value for money in Djurgården
Backstage Hotel Stockholm
Backstage Hotel Stockholm is Djurgården’s best hotel.
The location of the 4-star hotel is amazing, and the rooms look really nice.
See prices and availability at Backstage Hotel Stockholm here (adlink).
Hotel Hasselbacken
If you want to stay in Djurgården at a favourable price, look no further than Hotel Hasselbacken.
Djurgården is right outside the door – and it’s perfect to relax on the terrace after a day in Stockholm.
See prices and availability at Hotel Hasselbacken here (adlink).
Where to stay in Vasastan?
Kind of like Södermalm, Vasastan is more of a place you live in Stockholm than a place you visit as a tourist – and that’s actually quite refreshing.
This also means that this is where you often find the best food and shopping.
Public transport links to the centre and the rest of the city from Vasastan are quick and convenient.
Advantages of staying in Vasastan:
- Relaxed residential area with lots of local charm.
- Wide selection of restaurants, cafés and bars for every taste and budget.
- Easy access to public transport.
Disadvantages of staying in Vasastan:
- Can feel less lively and busy than other neighbourhoods in Stockholm.
- Not so many well-known sights.
- Fewer green areas.
The best sights and things to do in Vasastan:
- Vasa Park.
- Observatorielunden.
- Stockholm’s City Library.
- Odenplan.
- Bonnier Art Gallery.
Search for the best and cheapest hotels in Vasastan here (adlink).
Map of Vasastan
Luxury hotels in Vasastan
Ett Hem
With only 12 rooms, Ett Hem (“a home”) is an exclusive place to stay in Vasastan. Expect a luxurious, homely atmosphere.
See prices and availability at Ett Hem here (adlink).
Value for money in Vasastan
Best Western Plus Time Hotel
Best Western may not be known for being the world’s sexiest chain of hotels, but the Best Western in Vasastan actually looks super nice!
See prices and availability at Best Western Plus Time Hotel here (adlink).
Budget hotels in Vasastan
Hostel Dalagatan
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly stay a little further away from the city centre, you should take a closer look at Hostel Dalagatan.
Here you will hardly be blown away by luxury, but the location is good for the price.
See prices and availability at Hostel Dalagatan here (adlink).
Summary: Our favourite hotels in Stockholm by price range
Here are our favourite hotels in Stockholm (all of which are listed above) by price range:
Luxury hotels in Stockholm
Adlinks
- Grand Hôtel Stockholm – The finest hotel in Stockholm. Norrmalm.
- Bank Hotel – Gorgeous and lavish. Norrmalm.
- At Six – Hotel with a subdued, exclusive colour palette. Norrmalm.
- Hôtel Reisen – Gamla Stan’s most luxurious hotel. Gamla Stan.
- NOFO Hotel – Close to several of Stockholm’s best eateries. Södermalm.
- Hotel Diplomat – Sophisticated 5-star hotel. Östermalm.
- Ett hem – Luxurious, exclusive atmosphere with only 12 rooms. Vasastan.
Value for money hotels in Stockholm
Adlinks
- Hotel With Urban Deli – Close to everything and with a roof terrace. Norrmalm.
- Victory Hotel – Hotel with a sailor theme. Gamla Stan.
- Nobis Hotel Stockholm – Sleep well in Östermalm. Östermalm.
- Backstage Hotel Stockholm – Djurgården’s best hotel. Djurgården.
- Hotel Hasselbacken – Perfect place to relax after a day in Stockholm. Djurgården.
- Best Western Plus Time Hotel – Cosy “standard” hotel. Vasastan.
Budget hotels in Stockholm
Adlinks
- City BackPackers Hostel – Shared dormitories and shared bathrooms for budget travellers. Norrmalm.
- Generator Stockholm – Centrally located with dormitories. Norrmalm.
- Castle House Inn – A good and cheap option for some very central accommodation in Stockholm. Gamla Stan.
- STF Zinkensdamm Hostel – Hostel in Hornstull. Södermalm.
- Hostel Dalagatan – Great prices at a slightly secluded location. Vasastan.
Staying outside of Stockholm city?
If you wish to save even more money on accommodation, it’s definitely possible to stay almost anywhere outside Stockholm near a train or metro station and still have easy access to the centre of the city.
There are just a few things to consider, like the walking distance to the station in question, how often the train departs (both in the morning and the evening), how long it takes to get to for example Stockholm Central Station, how much it costs and how late you can take the train back home in the evening.
If you are ready for the “compromises”, there may well be money to save by staying a little further away.
Is it safe to visit Stockholm?
For most tourists, visiting Stockholm is completely and utterly problem-free, and the city is very safe to walk around – even at night.
With that said, you naturally always have to be aware of your surroundings when you walk around a foreign city. Take your usual precautions and use your common sense.
Watch out for pickpockets at the busiest tourist attractions and in public transport – especially at the height of summer in July and August.
In the last few years, there have been several unfortunate episodes in Stockholm’s suburbs related to gang crime. As a tourist, however, you would have to be extremely unlucky to run into anything like that.
All in all, we have only felt supremely safe in Stockholm and would think that Stockholm is at least as safe to visit as other big cities in Europe.
Everything you need to know about Stockholm
In our complete travel guide to Stockholm, we have written about everything you need to know to visit Sweden’s beautiful capital.
We go into more detail about the best experiences and sights, what to do and see, how long to stay, where to eat, travel tips, getting around the city – and much, much more.
Read our travel guide to Stockholm here.
Thank you for reading
Thank you for reading our guide to where to stay in Stockholm. We hope it has helped you find a suitable place to stay on your trip!
What do you think of Stockholm?
If you’ve already been to Stockholm, it would be great to hear your best tips and tricks in the comments.
Where did you stay? There are so many nice areas in Stockholm and it would be fun to hear about your experience of the place you stayed in.
Finally, write to us in the comments if you have any questions about Stockholm or in which area to stay. We’re happy to help out as best we can.
Our favourite travel resources:
- Booking.com for cheap hotels.
- Momondo for the best flight deals.
- SafetyWing for travel insurance. We also like World Nomads and True Traveller. All three compared here.
Our camera gear:
- Panasonic GH5. Used for all of our photos and videos.
- DJI Mavic 2 Pro. Best drone out there!
- Sirui Tripod. Lightweight and strong.
- See all of our camera gear here.
Book cheap hotels 
Find the best flight deals 
Nomad insurance 
Our Camera Gear
Our Packing List