Best hotels in Stockholm: where to stay by area

Stockholm is a capital on the water, spread over fourteen islands between Lake Malaren and the Baltic, a city of design, museums and cafes to enjoy slowly, and the area where you sleep changes the rhythm of the trip: medieval Gamla Stan, central Norrmalm, elegant Ostermalm, cool Sodermalm, leafy Vasastan. The metro (with its art stations) and the ferries link everything, so location matters mostly for the character of the neighbourhood. Here are the best areas to stay, the prices to reckon with and, at the end, a selection of real hotels with live rates.

Where to stay in Stockholm, area by area

Gamla Stan, the old town

The medieval island of cobbled lanes, with the Royal Palace and the Stortorget square. It is the right call for a first-timer who wants the most atmospheric setting, allowing for narrow lanes and tourists.

• The Royal Palace and the Cathedral
• The Stortorget square with its colourful houses
• The Nobel Prize Museum
• Lanes, workshops and historic cafes

For atmosphere and centrality, look for hotels in Gamla Stan.

Norrmalm and the city centre

The commercial heart around the central station and Sergels Torg, with department stores and theatres. It is the practical choice for anyone after convenience, shopping and the best links.

• The Sergels Torg square and the department stores
• The Kungstradgarden park
• The T-Centralen transport hub
• Steps from Gamla Stan

For convenience and shopping, see hotels in Norrmalm.

Ostermalm

The elegant district of boutiques, restaurants and the lovely Strandvagen waterfront. It is the choice for anyone after refinement, good food and a refined base, near the museums of Djurgarden.

• The Ostermalms Saluhall food hall
• The Strandvagen waterfront
• Luxury boutiques and restaurants
• Near the museum island of Djurgarden

For elegance and food, look for hotels in Ostermalm.

Sodermalm

The bohemian, fashionable island, among the boutiques of SoFo, the cafes and the waterside viewpoints. It is the choice for anyone who loves style, local life and the finest views, a few minutes from the centre.

• The SoFo district of shops and cafes
• The Monteliusvagen viewpoint
• The Fotografiska photography museum
• Bars, bistros and a creative scene

For style and views, see hotels in Sodermalm.

Vasastan and Djurgarden

Vasastan is the leafy residential district of cafes, beside the museum island of Djurgarden. It is the choice for families and anyone after calm, parks and the great museums within reach.

• The Vasa Museum with the 1628 warship
• The Skansen open-air museum and the ABBA Museum
• The Vasaparken park
• Cafes and quiet residential streets

For calm and museums, look for hotels in Vasastan.

What it costs

Indicative figures: Sweden uses the Swedish krona (SEK, around 11 to a euro) and Stockholm is an expensive city.

• A double room in a mid-range 3-4 star: roughly 1,300-2,600 SEK a night (about 120-235 euros).
• A dinner for two: about 700-1,300 SEK (about 65-120 euros); a fika with coffee and a cinnamon bun 55-75 SEK.
• Transport: a single metro (Tunnelbana) ride around 42 SEK; a day travelcard is worth it.
• Tourist tax: Sweden charges no tourist tax; the 12 percent VAT on accommodation is already included in the price. Still, check at booking.

For a real sense before you choose, compare current prices in Stockholm.

Getting there and around

The main airport is Arlanda (ARN), about 40 km north, linked to the centre by the Arlanda Express in around twenty minutes or the Flygbussarna coaches; there is also the closer Bromma (BMA). In town the metro (famous for the art in its stations), buses and ferries cover everything.

A car is unnecessary. With a good location, almost everything is reachable on foot, by metro or on a ferry between the islands.

When to go

• June-August: very long, bright days, the archipelago and terraces, the best window; Midsummer in late June.
• April-May: a mild spring, with the first blossoms.
• September-October: crisp air and autumn colours.
• November-February: cold, dark and often snowy, with Christmas markets and a cosy mood; very short days.

Good to know

Which area is best on a first visit? Gamla Stan for atmosphere, or Norrmalm for convenience.

Do I need a car in Stockholm? No, the Tunnelbana covers everything (and the stations are works of art) and ferries link the islands.

Is there a tourist tax? No, Sweden has none; the 12 percent VAT on accommodation is already included.

What currency is used? The Swedish krona (SEK), not the euro; the city is nearly cashless, you pay by card everywhere.

Is it an expensive city? Yes, but you save with fika, tap water and walks between the islands.

How many days do I need? Three nights for the city and perhaps a boat trip into the archipelago.

The best hotels in Stockholm

Below is a selection of real hotels in Stockholm among the highest rated by guests, with live rates to compare right now. Choose the area first, then compare prices and book at the right moment.