In the footsteps of the Vikings: unforgettable adventures in Stockholm

The capital of Sweden is a living symbol of Scandinavian beauty and sophistication. Stockholm is spread over 14 islands where the waters of the Baltic Sea reflect the heavenly hues of the northern lights. Here, ancient stone streets meet modern architecture, and each neighborhood of the city has a unique atmosphere and history.

Choosing where to stay in Stockholm is more than just choosing a hotel, it is a unique experience in this city. Your decision will determine how you start each morning and end each evening while traveling. Do you want to wake up to the ringing bells of Gamla Stan or enjoy the sunset reflected in the glass facades of modern buildings? In this article, we will help you make this choice consciously by telling you about the best places to stop in Stockholm. We will share our secrets on how to choose the perfect place to stay, whether it's a luxury hotel or a cozy Scandinavian apartment. Get ready for the adventure that starts as soon as you find yourself in Stockholm

Overview of Stockholm's neighborhoods

It's as if this city was made for travelers. Each neighborhood of Stockholm is a different world with its own character and history. When choosing a place to stay, you choose which facets of Stockholm you want to discover first.

Gamla Stan - Old Town and historical significance

This is the heart of Stockholm, where every stone breathes history. Here you'll find the famous Royal Palace and narrow streets that lead to secret squares and ancient churches. Accommodation here is suitable for those who want to experience the spirit of the olden days and be within walking distance of the main attractions.

There are plenty of chic hotels in the area. Choose from the best hotels in Stockholm.

1. Castle House Inn. Rating: 4.0 ⭐A cozy hotel in the historic part of Stockholm, near the Royal Palace. Here you'll find a great location and free Wi-Fi. The nearest metro station is a 6-minute walk from the hotel. It is ideal for travelers who want to enjoy the atmosphere of the old city and sightseeing.
2. Hotel Gamla Stan, BW Signature Collection. Rating: 4.0 ⭐Boutique hotel in Stockholm with elegant rooms and a great location. Set in three different buildings dating back to the 17th century, the hotel retains original details from the past. Some rooms offer stunning views of the water, while others offer views of narrow cobblestone alleys and historic buildings. Tourist bus stops and boat terminals are nearby. Stockholm Central Station, Stureplan Square and the lively Södermalm district are a 15-minute walk away.
3. Hôtel Reisen in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt. Rating: 4.2 ⭐This comfortable Stockholm hotel is near the waterfront, close to the Royal Palace. All rooms are decorated in understated colors, each with its own unique story. You can choose a room with a hand-hewn brick wall from 1690 or a panoramic view of the city. The hotel offers a complimentary spa, fitness room and sauna for all guests. At the restaurant, you can enjoy fine dining inspired by Swedish and French cuisine.

If you are looking for a unique place to stay in Stockholm, these hotels are a great choice.

Djurgården: the best places for a family vacation

An oasis of calm and greenery in Stockholm. This neighborhood is ideal for families with children thanks to its many parks, museums and picturesque zoo. Here you can visit the Vasa Museum or stroll along the banks of the amazing canals.

Here is a list of three good hotels in the Djurgården area of Stockholm for an unforgettable vacation.

1. Generator Stockholm. Rating: 4.3 ⭐The stylish and modern hotel is just 5 minutes from Stockholm's main attractions. And the central city station is just a 10-minute walk away. The hotel offers accommodation in shared or private apartments, where each room offers city views. The private rooms have a private bathroom with a shower. Guests can enjoy free Wi-Fi and Scandinavian-style cocktails served in the cozy restaurant.
2. Hotel Hasselbacken. Rating: 4.1 ⭐This historic hotel is located on the island of Djurgården, next to the Skansen open-air museum. The hotel offers a rich breakfast and is in a secluded location, great for attending concerts at Cirkus Arena. The hotel building is a grand old structure surrounded by forest.
3. Downtown Camper by Scandic. Rating: 4.4 ⭐The hotel has a panoramic roof and is located in a favorite area for travelers, 5 minutes from the train station and 100 m from the city center. The rooms are excellent and the breakfast is superb.

These comfortable hotels will leave an unforgettable experience in the center of Stockholm.

Vasastan: budget accommodation options in Stockholm

This area is known for its vintage stores, cozy cafes, and proximity to central attractions.

Vasastan attracts with its budget accommodation options that are just as comfortable.

1. Clas på Hörnet. Rating: 5.0 ⭐A charming hotel in Stockholm with a cozy interior and friendly staff. All guests enjoy free Wi-Fi throughout the property. A continental breakfast is served in the mornings. The hotel's residence-style rooms are unique in their interiors and offer a secluded refuge from the busy streets.
2. Hotel Ruth, WorldHotels Crafted. Rating: 4.6 ⭐Stylish Stockholm hotel with a great breakfast. Here you'll find modern and elegant interiors and delightful panoramic views, as well as a convenient location.
3. Blique by Nobis, Stockholm, a Member of Design Hotels. Rating: 5.0 ⭐A beautiful hotel in Stockholm with excellent facilities, it's eye-catching in its interior and close proximity to major attractions. It also offers you a delicious breakfast with great views.

These cozy places will allow you to relax in Stockholm with comfort and without overpaying.

Norrmalm, Östermalm, Södermalm: shopping, restaurants, nightlife

Norrmalm, Östermalm and Södermalm are neighborhoods for those looking for an active city life. Here you will find Stockholm's best stores, restaurants and clubs. These neighborhoods offer a variety of entertainment for every taste and wallet.

Norrmalm is a vibrant district in the center of Stockholm, known for its modern shopping centers, office buildings and cultural institutions. It's a place where history meets modernity, and you can enjoy both shopping and visiting historical sites. And of course there is a great selection of excellent Stockholm hotels.

1. Bank Hotel, a Member of Small Luxury Hotels. Rating: 4.5 ⭐Fantastic Stockholm hotel with a great location. It is steps away from the waterfront, the city's best stores, clubs and cultural attractions. It's a place where rich history meets unique design and top-notch service to create something extraordinary and unique. From simple comfortable rooms to luxurious two-room suites, every guest will find the perfect retreat for a relaxing stay. There are several restaurants and bars, including the famous Le Hibou, who invented the award-winning Hoot Hoot cocktail. Guests can also enjoy breakfast in the historic banking hall or have a business meeting in one of the hotel's unique spaces.
2. Grand Hôtel Stockholm. Rating: 4.6 ⭐Grand hotel with delightful views and remarkable suites. It has 300 rooms and 31 suites, 24 banquet and conference rooms, two restaurants, a bar, and Nordic Spa & Fitness. One of the restaurants is run by Swedish chef Matthias Dahlgren.The air-conditioned rooms are equipped with LCD TVs and minibars. They offer views of the courtyard, the city or the waterfront. Guests have access to the spa, which offers exercise equipment and an indoor pool. Spa services include facials, foot massages and pralapathy sessions. The hotel also provides chauffeur-driven limousine transfers and 24-hour food and beverage delivery to the room.
3. Lydmar Hotel. Rating: 4.4 ⭐A chic waterfront hotel in Stockholm with views of the Old Town and Royal Palace. The hotel offers spacious rooms, each individually decorated with wooden floors. Some rooms still have original moldings, wooden beams and high windows. All rooms are equipped with TVs and minibars. The restaurant's cuisine combines French classical cooking with traditional Swedish dishes and world cuisine influences. The menu changes according to the season and product availability.

These Stockholm hotels attract guests with their elegant atmosphere, high level of service and attention to detail.

Östermalm is Stockholm's sophisticated neighborhood, known for its elegant buildings, luxury boutiques and high accommodation prices. Nevertheless, you can find great accommodation options here too.

1. Executive Living Östermalm Suite. Rating: 4.1 ⭐A luxury apartment with a garden and a great location near the city center and metro station. The rooms come with a washing machine and free Wi-Fi. Guests can relax on the patio. Inside, the apartment has 2 bedrooms, a living room, a fully equipped kitchen with a fridge, a coffee machine and other amenities, and a bathroom with a shower and free toiletries.
2. Villa Dagmar. Rating: 4.4 ⭐A cozy Stockholm hotel 200 meters from the Army Museum. It's got all the amenities including a restaurant and bar. There is also a fitness center and private parking. Guests can enjoy free Wi-Fi, order food and drinks and use the 24-hour front desk.

If you plan to visit Stockholm, we recommend checking out these luxury hotels.

Södermalm is Stockholm's bohemian and picturesque neighborhood, known for its ultra-trendy boutiques, clubs and restaurants that blend in with the old wooden buildings dating back to the 17th and 18th centuries. As the most densely populated area in the central part of the city, this neighborhood offers incredible green spaces and magnificent views of the Old Town and the Town Hall, thanks to its location on the hills and cliffs. Some of Stockholm's best hotels are nestled here.

1. Hotel Frantz, WorldHotels Crafted. Rating: 4.5 ⭐This stylish hotel enjoys a beautiful location in the Södermalm district, close to the Medieval Museum and the Royal Palace. It is close to a metro station and offers a great location for exploring the city. Hotel Frantz features a bar and air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi and a private bathroom. Guests can enjoy a buffet breakfast.
2. Hotel Rival. Rating: 4.5 ⭐The historic hotel occupies a 1930s Art Nouveau building in the lively Södermalm neighborhood near Mariatorget Square. Hotel Rival features a fitness center, restaurant, bar and private parking. Guests can enjoy a buffet breakfast. There is also a concept store and Dagmar Spirit & Retreat.
3. Hellstens Glashus. Rating: 4.2 ⭐This modern hotel is located in the picturesque Södermalm neighborhood near Stockholm's Old Town. This bright and colorful hotel offers comfortable rooms of various sizes and designs. Small but cozy rooms with flat-screen TV, work desk and free Wi-Fi await you. The hotel has a restaurant, a bar and provides free coffee and tea for guests 24 hours a day. The restaurant offers international cuisine, combining features of Scandinavian and exotic cuisine. In summer, you can dine on the terrace.

These hotels have been selected based on their popularity and guest reviews. Please check availability and prices for your date of stay as they are subject to change.

Kungsholmen: the most affordable neighborhood to stay in

A picturesque neighborhood in the center of Stockholm that combines natural beauty and urban architecture. It is known for its parks such as Rålambshovparken, historic buildings including the famous Stockholm Town Hall, and a variety of cafes and restaurants that make it a popular destination for relaxation and entertainment. Kungsholmen is the choice for those looking for affordable accommodation in Stockholm without sacrificing convenience.

1. Courtyard by Marriott Stockholm Kungsholmen. Rating: 4.3 ⭐This is a cozy hotel with spacious rooms and a good breakfast. It offers free Wi-Fi and access to a gym. The spacious rooms are equipped with everything you need including air conditioning, large beds and a fridge. Some rooms even offer views of Lake Mälaren.
2. Sky Hotel Apartments, Stockholm. Rating: 4.3 ⭐Modern apartments in Stockholm that are just a 10-minute metro ride from Central Station. Each room features a modern kitchen, TV and free Wi-Fi.
3. Clarion Hotel Amaranten. Rating: 4.1 ⭐The stylish hotel is located on Kungsholmen, next to Rådhuset Metro Station and a 7-minute walk from Stockholm City Hall and Central Station. The hotel's apartments are comfortably furnished and feature air conditioning, a refrigerator and a modern bathroom.

Each neighborhood in Stockholm has its own unique atmosphere and advantages. When choosing a place to stay, decide what is your priority: historical monuments, nature, cultural life or active vacation. Stockholm will open its doors to you in whichever neighborhood you choose.

What to see and do in Stockholm

Sweden's capital is known for its magnificent architecture, rich history and scenic waterways. From royal palaces to modern museums, from green parks to trendy neighborhoods, this city offers endless opportunities to explore.

To make your trip to Stockholm an unforgettable adventure, be sure to visit the most interesting places, unique attractions, immerse yourself in the local culture and enjoy every moment in this amazing city.

Sights of the capital of Sweden

From grand royal palaces to the cozy streets of the Old Town, Stockholm is full of contrasts.

Discover the most iconic places that have come to symbolize the Swedish capital. Every corner here holds its own secrets and beauty.

1. Vasa Museum. Visit this unique museum where you can see the famous Vasa ship, which sank in 1628 and was raised from the water 333 years later.
2. Old Town (Gamla Stan). Stroll through the narrow cobblestone streets surrounded by 17th and 18th century buildings and feel the atmosphere of antiquity.
3. Royal Palace. One of the largest in Europe, this palace is the official residence of the King of Sweden.

1. Globen Arena. Stockholm's sports stadium, designed in the original spherical shape, symbolizing the sun.
2. Skansen. A large-scale open-air exposition reflecting the whole essence of Sweden in miniature.
3. Gröna Lund. One of the oldest amusement parks, highly popular among citizens and guests of the city.
4. Stockholm City Hall. The monumental building where five of the six Nobel Prizes are awarded.
5. ABBA The Museum. A museum dedicated to the famous Swedish pop group.
6. Östermalm Saluhall. A historic market offering a wide variety of foods and specialties.
7. Monteliusvagen. An observation deck in the Södermalm neighborhood that offers a panorama of the entire city.

These places are just some of the many interesting locations to visit in Stockholm. Plan your exciting trip to Stockholm now.

Activities in Stockholm

The city not only fascinates with its sights, but also offers plenty of activities for all ages and interests. From exciting kayaking excursions around the archipelago to cultural events at local theaters. Get ready for an adventure that will leave vivid memories of your time in Stockholm.

1. Boat trip around the archipelago. Explore the nearby islands and enjoy the beauty of Swedish nature from the water.
2. Bicycle tours. Explore the city or nature trails by bicycle.
3. Hiking. Explore Stockholm's many hiking trails and parks, such as the Eco Park.
4. Kayaking and SUP boarding. Try kayaking or SUP-boarding on the waters of the Stockholm archipelago.
5. Ski and snowboard slopes. Enjoy winter sports on slopes such as Hammarby Bakken.

These activities will help you have a great time and truly experience the spirit of Stockholm.

Organizing leisure activities according to the season

Regardless of the time of year, Stockholm offers plenty of options for active and interesting leisure activities. However, each season can make a difference.

• In summer, Stockholm has plenty of sunny days, perfect for picnics in one of the city's many parks or swimming and sunbathing on the local beaches.
• In winter, the city turns into a real fairytale. Enjoy ice skating on the frozen lake or visit the Christmas markets for gifts and treats.

• In spring, Stockholm comes alive and it's a great time to visit blooming gardens such as the Royal Park, where you can see the cherry blossoms blooming. You can also go on bike rides around the city when the temperatures are milder.
• Autumn Stockholm offers a vibrant palette of colors, especially in parks and islands such as Djurgården. It's also a time for gastronomic festivals and exhibitions where you can sample local specialties.

The weather can be changeable, but this adds a special charm to the cityscapes.

Plan ahead for your trip to Stockholm and don't forget to take weather conditions into account to maximize your enjoyment of this magnificent city.

Using public transportation

Stockholm, famous for its islands and bridges, offers one of the best public transportation systems in the world, allowing residents and tourists to easily get around the city.

Stockholm's metro (Tunnelbana) is a fast and convenient way to reach most parts of the city. It provides easy access to areas such as Södermalm, Norrmalm and Ostermalm. The stations are decorated with artwork, making every ride not only comfortable but also culturally enriching.

Stockholm's bus network covers vast areas that the metro doesn't reach and is a great way to see the city. Streetcars offer more scenic routes, especially line 7, which runs through the picturesque Djurgården neighborhood.

Ferries in Stockholm are not only a means of transportation, but also a way to enjoy views of the city from the water. They connect the central part of the city to the archipelago and offer a unique way to explore the coastal areas.

Stockholm is also a cycling city with a well-developed network of bicycle lanes. Renting a bike or using the city's bike rentals is a great way to spend an active day and see the city from a different perspective.

Here are some tips to better navigate Stockholm's public transportation system and make your journey more comfortable and enjoyable.

• Purchase an SL Access transportation card for easy access to all modes of transportation;
• use the SL mobile app to plan routes and check schedules;
• Remember that in the city center, many attractions are within walking distance of each other.

When traveling around Stockholm, always consider the time of year and weather conditions, as they can affect transportation schedules. Also keep in mind that buses and subways can be crowded during peak hours.

Traveling to Stockholm is not just a vacation, it is an immersion into the unique atmosphere of the city, where history and modernity intertwine at every turn. In this city everyone will find something different: from majestic palaces and quiet streets of the Old Town to the bustling life of modern districts with their stores and nightclubs. Stockholm opens its arms to lovers of art, history, nature and gastronomy.

The capital of Sweden is waiting to give you memories that will stay with you for a lifetime.