Where to Stay in Stockholm → 5 BEST Areas (with Hotels and a Map!)

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Stockholm is the capital of Sweden and a really beautiful city that’s worth visiting at least once in a lifetime. With more than 960.000 people living there, it’s basically the city with the biggest population of all Nordic countries! It’s the ideal destination for architecture lovers, for culture aficionados and for people who want to enjoy an interesting gastronomy.

Now you’re planning a vacation there, but you have no idea where to stay in Stockholm, am I right? Well, that’s quite an important topic and the answer requires a lot of research. Luckily for you, I have made all this research already and I’ll present to you the best neighborhoods and accommodations in Stockholm! 😉

This complete guide on Stockholm accommodation will help you to choose the perfect hotel quick and easy; all you have to do is pick one! You’ll find hotels for all tastes here, from luxury boutique hotels to hostels and apartments.

NOTE: Is Stockholm expensive? I really can’t say that Stockholm is a cheap city; add this to the fact that it’s quite a travel destination and you’ll understand right away why hotels sell out fast and the prices tend to be higher than in other European cities.

The trick? Do everything you can to book your accommodation as soon as possible! This way you’ll ensure you get the perfect hotel without compromises and you’ll also save a couple of bucks. Easy!

Are you ready? Let’s go!

Quick Picks for Your Stay…

The best area for first-timers is Stockholm Old Town, also known as Gamla Stan. It’s basically the heart of the city where all the main cultural landmarks are located, as well as tons of excellent restaurants, cafes and bars.

Best hotels in Stockholm, Sweden in a nutshell

• Best luxury hotel: Grand Hôtel Stockholm
• Best middle-priced hotel: Castle House Inn
• Best budget hotel: City Backpackers Hostel

Which area should you choose?

First of all, here is a Stockholm map with all 5 neighborhoods I’m recommending:

Now let me explain a bit about how the city is organized. Stockholm is divided into 14 different islands, all connected by bridges (more than 50 bridges, to be exact) and ferries and it creates an archipelago. So what you need to do is to pick an island that fits your travel style and preferences. That’s why I compiled this list with 5 best neighborhoods in Stockholm that you can choose from!

Okay, but how can you choose one? Well, to help you out, I recommend checking out my list of personalized recommendations based on your travel style and interests:

• Where to stay in Stockholm for luxury: Norrmalm
• Best area to stay in Stockholm for budget travelers: Östermalm
• Where to stay in Stockholm for nightlife: Södermalm
• Where to stay in Stockholm for families: Östermalm

Now that everything’s a bit clearer for you, let me tell you more about these areas:

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

1. Stockholm Old Town (Gamla Stan) – for first timers

Stockholm Old Town is actually the oldest medieval city in Europe and it’s very well-preserved and extremely charming! It’s the perfect base for anyone who is passionate about history and culture!

Gamla Stan, the Swedish name for the historic Old Town of Stockholm is located right in the heart of the city, on an island called “Stadsholmen”. Some of the highlights of this neighborhood include the Royal Palace (Kungliga Slotten), the Parliament building (Riksdag), Stockholm Cathedral, also known as the National Cathedral of Sweden, plus the Nobel Museum.

You can read more about the best things to do in Stockholm here: Your Perfect Stockholm 3 Day Itinerary.

By the way, Gamla Stan has easy and convenient access to the rest of the city via public transport! You’ll also be surrounded by many awesome restaurants and cafes, as well as shops, all nestled on charming cobbled streets.

As you might’ve understood already, Gamla Stan is one of the most popular places for tourists (especially first-timers), so it’s not a cheap neighborhood. Even so, I have found some awesome accommodation recommendations for all types of budgets below:

Luxury (US$140 and up)

• Collector’s Victory Hotel – Here’s a stunning 4-star hotel with incredible rooms, decorated for royalty! It’s located inside a building right in the heart of the district, super close to all the attractions you might want to visit. By the way, the rooms have a naval theme, so it’s even better if you’re passionate about the subject!
• Hotel Sven Vintappare – This awesome hotel has a super cute, rustic decor and the rooms are very clean and comfortable. It’s walking distance to the Royal Palace (only 5 minutes away), right inside the city centre! They have a daily breakfast served at the on-site cafe and all the amenities you’ll need for a great stay!

[/vc_column_text][vc_message]RELATED READ: Your Perfect Stockholm 3 Day Itinerary[/vc_message][vc_column_text]

Middle-priced (US$80 – US$140)

• Castle House Inn – This beautiful hotel offers an excellent service for a very good price! The staff here is very friendly and helpful and the rooms are cozy and nice, perfect for a good night’s sleep. You’ll also have beautiful city views from the rooms and you’ll be close to the Royal Palace!
• Collector’s Lady Hamilton Hotel – Here’s another fantastic option if you’re looking for a great value-money ratio. They have their own sauna, plunge pool, and there are plenty of places nearby where you can eat, drink and shop.

Budget (up to US$80)

• Archipelago Hostel Old Town – If you’re traveling on a budget, no worries, I have two amazing options for you as well! This cute hostel has a great location and you’ll be able to easily reach all the important sights of the city, either by foot or by bus or metro.
• Old Town Lodge – Here’s another great option with some pretty amazing prices as well. It’s right in central Stockholm, inside the Old Town and the hotel offers all the facilities and amenities you’ll need for the best vacation!

[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”Check the rates for Gamla Stan” style=”3d” color=”pink” align=”center” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fmisstouristcom.bigscoots-staging.com%2Frecommends%2Fcheck-the-rates-for-gamla-stan_where-to-stay-in-stockholm%2F||target:%20_blank|”][vc_column_text]

2. Norrmalm

If you walk a bit to the North from Gamla Stan, you’ll reach the fabulous neighborhood of Norrmalm, the business and commerce district of Stockholm. This area is extremely central as well and very well connected to the rest of the areas.

If you book a hotel here, you’ll be walking distance to many museums including the National Museum, the Royal Swedish Opera, the House of Culture (Kulturhuset) and Kungsträdgården Park (King’s Garden), one of the most beautiful parks. You can always see a show or a performance in Norrmalm and it’s my recommendation for people interested in culture, you won’t get bored even for a second!

There are also countless shops here, from small designer shops to big outlets, as well as plenty of hotel options for all budgets (amazing luxury hotels as well!).

Enough talking, let’s see which are the best hotels in Norrmalm:

Luxury (US$140 and up)

• At Six – If you’re on the search for 5-star hotel in Stockholm, you just found a pretty unmissable option! This gorgeous hotel awaits with a beautiful view of the city, royal rooms, and an intimate atmosphere. What more can you wish for?!
• Grand Hôtel Stockholm – Here’s another stunning 5-star hotel in the heart of Norrmalm. The rooms are pretty and romantic and the property has a delicious daily breakfast, and the decorations are super chic!
• Radisson Hotel Stockholm – Still wondering where to stay for a luxury experience? The Radisson in Stockholm is super cool, I must admit! The building is super interesting and they have an excellent, luxurious service. Let’s not forget about the wonderful breakfast included!

[/vc_column_text][vc_message]RELATED READ: 4 Places to Visit in the Stockholm Archipelago[/vc_message][vc_column_text]

Middle-priced (US$80 – US$140)

• Scandic Hotel Continental Stockholm – This awesome middle-priced hotel is simply perfect for couples and for solo travelers as well. You’ll definitely enjoy the rooftop terrace bar and the restaurant. By the way, the property is right across the street from Stockholm Central Station, so it’s perfect if you want to be close to the train station!
• Haymarket by Scandic – If you’re looking for yet another Scandic hotel in Stockholm, this one’s for you! The location is pretty amazing, close to many interesting attractions and if you want, you just need to cross the water and you’ll arrive to the historical center!

Budget (up to US$80)

• City Backpackers Hostel – Are you wondering where to stay on a budget in this amazing neighborhood? Here is your answer! This colorful, friendly hostel is super close to Stockholm Central Station, which is a very good advantage!
• Generator Stockholm – This is another great hostel that awaits with cozy rooms and a super friendly atmosphere. It has a super convenient location in Norrmalm and it’s also right across the water with the boat from Gamla Stan.

[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”Check the rates for Norrmalm” style=”3d” color=”pink” align=”center” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fmisstouristcom.bigscoots-staging.com%2Frecommends%2Fcheck-the-rates-for-norrmalm_where-to-stay-in-stockholm%2F||target:%20_blank|”][vc_column_text]

Subscribe here to get up to 35% off your accommodation for your next trip!

3. Södermalm – Where to stay in Stockholm for nightlife

As opposed to Norrmalm, Södermalm is located a bit South from the city center.

This is honestly one of the coolest areas to stay in Stockholm, especially for youngsters and people interested in nightlife!

The good thing about Södermalm is that you’ll find many accommodation options for all types of budget here, from hostels to apartments and luxury boutique hotels. There are also many shops, restaurants and bars, so there’s always something to do around. Needless to mention the great pubs, clubs and concert venues; after all, this is the best area for Stockholm nightlife, right?

Some of the most interesting attractions around include Stockholm City Museum, and the beautiful Tantoludnen Park or just walking around the charming streets.

If you think this area is for you, then feel free to choose one of the Sodermalm hotels below, as all of them have excellent reviews and facilities:

Luxury (US$150 and up)

• NOFO Hotel; BW Premier Collection – This wonderful upscale hotel is located in a nice historical building from 1780 with a very convenient location, right in the middle of the island. They offer cozy rooms, an inner courtyard, an on-site restaurant and daily breakfast.
• STF Hotel Zinkensdamm – If you’re looking for some luxurious life, then book a room at this hotel! Guests are awaited with bright and spacious rooms with a modern decor and lots of fun activities such as mini golf or sauna.

[/vc_column_text][vc_message]RELATED READ: 6 Reasons Why You Should Go to Swedish Lapland[/vc_message][vc_column_text]

Middle-priced (US$90 – US$150)

• Clarion Hotel Stockholm – This beautiful 4-star hotel comes with some more accessible prices, but still a very good service and amenities. It’s well-connected to the rest of the city via metro and their on-site restaurant serves delicious dishes.
• Hotel Hellstens Malmgård – Here’s another great option – a hotel dating from the 18th century! It’s right across the water from the city center and it’s surrounded by plenty of restaurants, pubs and bars.

Budget (up to US$90)

• Skanstulls Hostel – This awesome 2-star hostel has some unbeatable prices and some superb rooms, all at the same property! They even have their own kitchen that you can use to prepare your own meals and save some bucks to spend on other attractions.
• Hotell Årstaviken – Here’s another excellent choice, located right in the heart of the district. Most of the rooms have beautiful views over the bay and the staff is super friendly as well!

[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”Check the rates for Södermalm” style=”3d” color=”pink” align=”center” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fmisstouristcom.bigscoots-staging.com%2Frecommends%2Fcheck-the-rates-for-sodermalm_where-to-stay-in-stockholm%2F||target:%20_blank|”][vc_column_text]

4. Östermalm – Where to stay in Stockholm on a budget

Are you traveling on a budget? Do you still want to be close to the city center, in an interesting area where you won’t get bored? Then Östermalm is your answer!

Östermalm is located North – East from Gamla Stan and it’s a very interesting and lively part of the city. Some of the most important attractions in the area include the Army Museum, the Swedish History Museum and Östermalmshallen Food Market. By the way, Djurgården area is also part of this neighborhood, so the ABBA Museum is also pretty close by and a super interesting place to visit, as well as Skansen and Gröna Lund, perfect for travelers with kids! There are also plenty of awesome shops around, as well as great restaurants, cozy cafes and entertainment spots.

I definitely recommend Östermalm to any type of traveler, but to backpackers and people who want to save a couple of bucks on accommodation especially, as well as families.

NOTE: One important aspect to keep in mind is that Östermalm is kind of huge, much bigger than Gamla Stan, so it’s better to choose a hotel that’s close to the attractions here or to public transport options.

You’ll find a wide range of accommodation here, but below I have selected the best hotels in the area for you:

Luxury (US$150 and up)

• Hotel Esplanade; Sure Hotel Collection by Best Western – If you’re looking for a great Best Western hotel in Stockholm, here is your answer! During your stay, you will surely enjoy the buffet breakfast, art nouveau rooms, free Wi-Fi and the perfect location.
• The Sparrow Hotel – This beautiful 4-star hotel is another good choice for people looking for a luxurious property. The staff is super friendly, the hotel is right in the heart of the district, but you can choose a room off the busy street if you want to enjoy some peace!

[/vc_column_text][vc_message]RELATED READ: 4 Reasons to Visit Lulea, Sweden[/vc_message][vc_column_text]

Middle-priced (US$80 – US$150)

• Villa Källhagen – This amazing hotel is located in a super beautiful building, in traditional Swedish style and it has all the amenities you will need for the best. I definitely recommend it to people who don’t want to pay an enormous price for a very good service!
• Pop House Hotel; BW Premier Collection – If you’re searching for the famous ABBA hotel in Stockholm, it’s this one! This superb hotel has breakfast included and it’s located in Djurgården, part of Ostermalm. It’s in the same building as the ABBA Museum, while also being close to the Vasa Museum as well as other interesting attractions.

Budget (up to US$80)

• Biz Apartment Gärdet – I recommend this cool condo hotel if you want to enjoy a more local atmosphere, right in the middle of this beautiful district. During your stay you’ll be able to enjoy the stylish decor, modern kitchen and access to a laundry room as well.
• STF Gärdet Hotel & Hostel – If you are on a budget but still want to be close to the Vasa Museum, pick this hostel! It’s also well connected to the rest of Stockholm and there are many bus stations around, so convenient!

[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”Check the rates for Östermalm” style=”3d” color=”pink” align=”center” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fmisstouristcom.bigscoots-staging.com%2Frecommends%2Fcheck-the-rates-for-ostermalm_where-to-stay-in-stockholm%2F||target:%20_blank|”][vc_column_text]

5. Vasastan

Vasastan, also called the “Stone City” by locals is another excellent, vibrant place for tourists who are visiting Stockholm. It’s located North-West from the city center and it’s a great spot if you want restaurants and bars, pubs and cafes and everything in-between. There are also plenty of shopping opportunities here, from boutique to antique shops.

Some other important things to check off your list while you’re in this area include the Stockholm Public Library, the Observatory, the Jewish Museum and the Bonniers Konsthall-Contemporary Art Gallery.

As for hotels, there are plenty to choose from! Below you can find the best ones I researched for you, based on location, facilities and reviews.

Check them out:

Luxury (US$150 and up)

• Hotell & Värdshuset Clas på hörnet – This beautiful 4-star hotel is your choice of luxury in this beautiful neighborhood. Some of the advantages of staying here include a delicious daily breakfast, an on-site restaurant and bar, plus proximity to many local shops!
• Elite Palace Hotel – It’s known that the Elite hotels Stockholm offer a super good service, and this one is no exception! I recommend it if you want to stay in a luxurious place and enjoy a royal treatment!

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

Middle-priced (US$90 – US$150)

• Best Western Plus Time Hotel – Here’s a super good 4-star hotel that comes with some affordable prices. It’s the perfect middle-priced choice for this district and they offer free Wi-Fi, sauna access and modern rooms, among other advantages.
• Blique by Nobis, Stockholm, a Member of Design Hotels – This is truly a gorgeous, modern hotel that I can definitely recommend! The rooms are very stylish and sparkling clean and they also have an on-site restaurant, a bar, a garden and a fitness center.

Budget (up to US$90)

• Pensionat Odengatan 38 – If you want to enjoy a more local atmosphere in a very good location, then this hotel might be a great solution for you. Here’s a nice touch: a bottle of water will wait for you in the room at check-in, how nice is that?!
• Hotel Tegnerlunden – If you want yet another awesome budget option, search no more! This property is super close to Tegnérlunden Park and they offer access to their mini-gym as well included in the price – so cool!

[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”Check the rates for Vasastan” style=”3d” color=”pink” align=”center” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fmisstouristcom.bigscoots-staging.com%2Frecommends%2Fcheck-the-rates-for-vasastan_where-to-stay-in-stockholm%2F||target:%20_blank|”][vc_column_text]

Best apartments in Stockholm

In case you’re the type of traveler that prefers a little more comfort while you travel, then we’re basically the same. This is why I sometimes prefer apartments instead of hotels; there’s something about the local atmosphere and the convenience of having your own kitchen to cook your meals!

If you are traveling with a larger group of people (or with your family, for example), I also believe that staying in an apartment is a wise choice, as you’ll most probably have more space and save some money at the same time.

If you decided to do so, here are the best Airbnb apartments I could find in the center of Stockholm:

Luxury (US$150 and up)

• Top Location Apartment – This gorgeous apartment is right in the heart of Stockholm and it’s the perfect base for exploring what this wonderful city has to offer! It’s right in the Old Town and it has a super homey atmosphere!
• Elegant & light 3 room apartment in SoFo, 97sqm – This 3-room apartment offers the perfect stay for a group of up to 5 people. It’s on the second floor in a gorgeous building and it’s super close to a park as well – ideal for a relaxed vacation!

[/vc_column_text][vc_message]RELATED READ: Best Places to Stay in Bergen (Norway) for Tourists[/vc_message][vc_column_text]

Middle-priced (US$90 – US$150)

• Cosy Studio in Old Town – Here’s a charming apartment right in the heart of the city! It has a super cute decor and it’s simply perfect for up to 3 people that want to enjoy the best area of Stockholm!
• Central studio near Slussen – It’s true, this small but cozy apartment has everything you need! I recommend booking it if you want a comfy stay, close to many restaurants, shops, and public transport.

Budget (up to US$90)

• Cosy room with private entrance, bath and kitchen – Here’s a great budget option in Östermalm, ideal if you want to save some money on accommodation! The room is perfect for solo travelers or two people and it’s only 10-15 minutes away by foot from the center.
• Nice room close to downtown – This is another cute apartment that I recommend for a good budget stay near the downtown area. The charm of this apartment is its mix of modern and old-style decor. What’s more important is that you’ll never have to share a kitchen or a bathroom awkwardly with strangers as you would in a dorm.

[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”Check the rates for Stockholm” style=”3d” color=”pink” align=”center” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fmisstouristcom.bigscoots-staging.com%2Frecommends%2Fcheck-the-rates-for-stockholm-airbnb_where-to-stay-in-stockholm%2F||target:%20_blank|”][vc_column_text]

Best hotels near Stockholm Airport

In case your flight arrives very late or departs super early, a wise choice would be to spend the night as close to the airport as possible. This way you’ll save some sleep and you’ll be in a more convenient location, reaching the airport in no time.

Now here’s a fun fact: Stockholm has no less than 4 airports: Arlanda, Bromma, Västerås and Skavsta. Out of all of them, Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN) is the main one and it has international flights, so you’ll most probably lend here when you arrive in the city. This airport is located 40 km from the city center and it’s actually the largest airport in the entire Sweden.

And because it’s the most popular one, I chose to give you my hand-picked hotel recommendations close to it (one for each type of budget):

• Clarion Hotel Arlanda Airport – This is my recommendation for luxury travelers that want to be as close to the airport as possible. The Clarion is a 4-star hotel is between Terminals 4 and 5, so you can’t get any closer than this!
• STF Jumbo Stay Stockholm – If you want a middle-priced stay instead, then this one’s for you. They offer free airport transfer (a great advantage!) and a delicious breakfast starting at 3 a.m. – so good!
• Måby Park & Hotell – If you want to stay in a good cheap hotel instead, then this hotel is great for you. It offers airport transportation and it’s only 3 km from the airport. All in all, a pretty good choice if you ask me!

[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”Book a stay near Arlanda Airport” style=”3d” color=”pink” align=”center” link=”url:https%3A%2F%2Fmisstouristcom.bigscoots-staging.com%2Frecommends%2Fbook-a-stay-near-arlanda-airport_where-to-stay-in-stockholm%2F||target:%20_blank|”][vc_column_text]

Conclusion

That’s it, you reached the end of my super comprehensive guide on Stockholm hotels and neighborhoods, congrats!

I’m sure you already know a lot more about this city now and maybe you even found the perfect hotel in Stockholm, Sweden? I sure hope so! In this post I explained everything you need to know about 6 best areas in the city for all types of tourists and I gave you my hand-picked hotel recommendations in each of them, all grouped by budget. I also made some lists with amazing apartments and airport accommodations in Stockholm, so this post includes everything you’ll ever need!

If you need more travel inspiration for your Sweden trip, I sure recommend checking out this article about Your Perfect Stockholm 3 Day Itinerary.

Did you make your decision yet? Let me know if you have any other questions in the comments, I’m always eager to help!

Happy travels,

Yulia

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

RELATED ARTICLES: 

• Your Perfect Stockholm 3 Day Itinerary
• 4 Places to Visit in the Stockholm Archipelago
• 6 Reasons Why You Should Go to Swedish Lapland
• 4 Reasons to Visit Lulea, Sweden
• Where to Stay in Oslo, Norway – 5 Best Areas (+ Hotels & Airbnbs for all Budgets!)

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Pin it for later!

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Pin it for later!

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]