A capital built on islands
Alexander’s grandparents live in nearby Södertälje and we have visited Sweden’s beautiful capital together countless times.
While Stockholm’s public transport is excellent, choosing the best place to stay in Stockholm makes a real difference to your trip – especially when the city is spread across many islands and islets.
In this guide, we’ll help you figure out where to stay in Stockholm, whether you are planning a romantic getaway, a family holiday, a road trip, a fun weekend with friends or something completely different.
Let’s get to the best areas and the best hotels in Stockholm.
Where to stay in Stockholm:
- 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 hotels in Stockholm here or read on to learn more about the best areas and hotels in Sweden’s capital.
Table of contents
- How many days should you spend 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?
- The best hotels in Stockholm: our top picks 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 many days should you spend in Stockholm?
How many days you should spend in Stockholm depends on your travel style, budget and how many attractions you want to experience.
For most travellers, 3 to 5 days is the sweet spot. You can enjoy some of the best areas in Stockholm and still have plenty of time for museums, cafés, island hopping and day trips.
- With less than 3 days in Stockholm, you will likely need to prioritise the highlights – 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 can comfortably see most major sights while still having time to enjoy the city at a slower pace. You can even squeeze in a day trip to places like Drottningholm Palace or the beautiful archipelago (Skärgården).
- With a week in Stockholm, you will have plenty of time to get beneath the surface, explore beyond the tourist hotspots and take several wonderful day trips.
However long you visit, finding the best area to stay in Stockholm for your travel style will set the tone for the whole trip.
Everything you need to know about sparkling Stockholm, including what to do, where to eat and our top tips
Read more
The best areas to stay in Stockholm
For most visitors, the best places to stay in Stockholm are the more central neighbourhoods where you’re within walking distance of the best experiences, places to eat, shopping and the like.
The central areas of Stockholm are Gamla Stan, Norrmalm and Östermalm.
However, we would also recommend taking a closer look at staying in Södermalm or Vasastan if you are after a more local feel, or even Djurgården if you want something a bit more peaceful and green, just outside the centre of the city.
Below, we go through the advantages and disadvantages of each area and share our recommendations for the best hotels in different price ranges, helping you find the best places to stay in Stockholm for your trip.
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 the perfect place to stay in Stockholm if you like postcard-perfect cobbled lanes, medieval buildings and centuries of royal history.
Staying here feels like sleeping inside a fairy tale (a fairly well-touristed one, but a fairy tale nonetheless).
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).
Everything you need to know including what to do, when to visit, where to eat and where to stay
Read moreWhere to stay in Södermalm?
The popular area of Södermalm is located just south of Gamla Stan.
Södermalm has done what every great city neighbourhood does eventually: gone from working-class roots to a creative hotspot.
Today, “Söder” is packed with speciality coffee shops, vintage boutiques and the sort of restaurants that have queues out the door.
It’s one of the best places to stay in Stockholm if you want to feel like a local rather than a tourist.
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).
Our personal accommodation recommendations, from budget to luxury stays
Read moreWhere 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 full day exploring it and seeing several of the city’s best-known sights.
In the evening, it’s 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).
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Read moreWhere 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
We use “value for money” loosely here – this is the exclusive Östermalm, after all.
If the price tag doesn’t scare you away, the luxurious Nobis Hotel Stockholm (“a Member of Design Hotels”) is a solid choice for a stylish stay right in the middle of the city.
Set in two elegant 19th-century buildings, it combines minimalist Scandinavian design with high-end comfort, a popular bar and an excellent location just steps from shopping, restaurants and nightlife.
It’s the kind of place where you get the full Stockholm experience: polished, central and effortlessly cool.
See prices and availability at Nobis Hotel Stockholm here (adlink).
A day in the charming university city in Scania
Read moreWhere 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.
Fair warning: Djurgården is quiet in the evenings. There’s no bar scene or late-night street food here.
But if you’re after a peaceful base with world-class museums on your doorstep and a forest run in the morning, it’s one of the loveliest spots in the whole city.
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 7 or the Djurgårdsferjan (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).
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Read moreWhere to stay in Vasastan?
Kind of like Södermalm, Vasastan is where Stockholmers actually live – and that’s actually quite refreshing.
It 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 busier 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 isn’t exactly known for setting pulses racing, but this Vasastan outpost 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).
The best hotels in Stockholm: our top picks by price range
Here are the best hotels in Stockholm (all of which are listed above) by price range:
Luxury hotels in Stockholm
- 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
- 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
- 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.
Everything you need to know about sparkling Stockholm, including what to do, where to eat and our top tips
Read moreThank you for reading about the best hotels in Stockholm
Thank you for reading our guide on where to stay in Stockholm.
We hope our overview of the best hotels in Stockholm has made the decision a little easier.
What do you think of the city?
If you’ve already been, 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 which area to stay in. We’re happy to help out as best we can.
Our favourite travel resources:
- Booking.com for hotels and apartments.
- Momondo for the best flight deals.
- AirHelp for flight delay compensation.
- GetYourGuide for great tours everywhere.
- Airalo for reliable eSIM.
- Discover Cars for transparent car hire.
- SafetyWing for travel insurance. We also like True Traveller. Compared here.
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