Category: sweden

Posted: 6/2/2019 | June 2nd, 2019

Stockholm is one of my favorite cities in the world. I’ve been there more times than I can count, and I even tried to move there many years ago (spoiler alert: it didn’t work out the way I planned).

Made up of over 14 islands, Stockholm is home to incredible architecture, boasts a vibrant history, and has a nightlife that’s hard to beat.

To help you make the most out of your next trip there, here’s a breakdown of its best neighborhoods as well as some suggested places to stay — no matter your budget!
 

The 7 Best Neighborhoods in Stockholm

Best Neighborhood #1: Gamla Stan

Gamla Stan is Stockholm’s Old Town. It dates back to the 13th century and is the heart of the city. It’s where you’ll find many of the best tourist activities, such as the Nobel Museum and the Royal Palace, as well as all sorts of little shops tucked away down narrow alleys between medieval buildings. It’s touristy, but you can’t visit Stockholm without exploring this part of town. Staying here is a great option for anyone looking to be right in the center of the action.

The Best Places to Stay in Gamla Stan

• BUDGET: Archipelago Hostel Old Town – This hostel is centrally located in a 17th-century building. Though it’s very small, with only a few rooms and a small common area, this place is perfect if you’re looking for some peace and quiet.
• MID-RANGE: Castle House Inn – Many of the rooms here have hardwood floors and large and classic wooden furniture, giving the inn a cozy and rustic feel. It’s in a wonderful central location for anyone planning to visit the popular sites nearby.
• LUXURY: Collectors Victory Hotel – This four-star hotel has a classic ambience inspired by its own antique maritime collection. Think antique shop meets bed-and-breakfast and you’ll get a sense of its atmosphere and design. Its restaurant sources local and organic ingredients, and it has a bar on-site, as well as a sauna and pool.

Best Neighborhood #2: Norrmalm

Norrmalm is the modern heart of Stockholm, home to its central station as well as the massive shopping street, Drottninggatan. You’ll find everything here, from restaurants and shops to the Royal Opera to several lovely city parks. It’s a great place to stay if you want to be in the heart of town, and it has more affordable options than Gamla Stan.

The Best Places to Stay in Norrmalm

• BUDGET: City Backpackers – This is my favorite hostel in Stockholm. Its mattresses and pillows are super cozy, and it has a huge kitchen, tons of common space, a free sauna, free pasta, and laundry facilities. It’s a very popular hostel, so book in advance!
• MID-RANGE: Hotel Terminus – This is located right across from the central station, from which you can make it to the airport in as little as 20 minutes. You’re also just a short walk from Drottninggatan. The rooms here are soundproofed, so you don’t need to worry about all that city noise either.
• LUXURY: Scandic Grand Central – This charming hotel is located in a building from the 1880s but boasts a fitness center, sauna, and also bike rentals.

Best Neighborhood #3: Vasastan

You’ll find plenty of green space in this part of town, and it’s much quieter and less touristy than neighboring Norrmalm. While there isn’t a whole lot to see or do nearby, it’s easy to get around from here, and accommodations are still quite affordable.

The Best Places to Stay in Vasastan

• BUDGET: 2Kronor Hostel Vasastan – This hostel is located in a historic brick house built in 1865. It’s a good option if you want something more upscale, as the rooms are quite spacious (many also have regular beds as well as bunk beds). The interior design has that classic Nordic minimalist feel, balancing rustic touches (like exposed stone and brick) with modern amenities. It’s a bit quieter too, making it a great place for anyone not looking to party late into the night.
• MID-RANGE: August Strindberg Hotell – With a cozy dining hall complete with a fireplace, as well as an outdoor garden area, this hotel is a great option for anyone looking to shop or explore the downtown area. Located in a charming building from the 1880s, it’s is located right near the major shopping street of Drottninggatan. It also serves a great buffet breakfast.
• LUXURY: Best Western Plus Time Hotel – This is the perfect option for anyone looking for unparalleled luxury in the heart of the city. Located on a quiet residential street, almost every room boasts a sauna, a relaxation room, a heated bathroom floor, and a balcony.

Best Neighborhood #4: Östermalm

This is one of the more posh areas of town, known for its high-class shopping district and affluent residents. It’s also the place to party as well, with tons of great bars and nightclubs calling the neighborhood home. If you plan on indulging during your stay, this is probably the neighborhood for you!

The Best Places to Stay in Ostermalm

• BUDGET: STF Gärdet Hotel & Hostel – This budget-friendly hotel has more of a hostel feel, with a fully equipped kitchen and common areas. There is free Wi-Fi and breakfast as well. It’s not right in the center of Stockholm, but that just means you’ll be away from the crowds and have more space to explore.
• MID-RANGE: Pärlan Hotel – This family-owned, three-star hotel has a classic feel with a modern twist. With wooden floors, fireplaces, and quaint balconies, it really does emulate the charm of Stockholm. And it’s just a couple metro stops from Gamla Stan too.
• LUXURY: Elite Eden Park Hotel – Boasting a gym, a sauna, free Wi-Fi, and an Asian-inspired restaurant run by Swedish chef Melker Andersson, this hotel is a great option for anyone looking to indulge. The breakfast buffet is incredible, and the staff are helpful and incredibly professional.

Best Neighborhood #5: Kungsholmen

Located across the water from Norrmalm, this is more of a laid-back area. It’s growing in popularity and offers plenty of restaurants and cozy cafés. It has a lot of green space, including some walking trails. It’s a great place to stay if you’re looking for something a bit quieter away from the busy city center (yet still convenient enough to get anywhere with ease).

The Best Places to Stay in Kungsholmen

• BUDGET: Lodge32 Hostel – This is a simple, eco-friendly hostel with a no-frills atmosphere. It’s a short walk to the central station and great for anyone on a tight budget who doesn’t need anything fancy.
• MID-RANGE: Hotell M/S Monika – This is no average hotel, as it’s located on a refurbished ship from 1908. It may be cozy, but it’s absolutely charming and one of the most unique accommodations in town. There’s a huge breakfast each morning too!
• LUXURY: Courtyard by Marriott Stockholm Kungsholmen – Next door to Rålambshovsparken, a spacious park, the Courtyard is a stylish choice for anyone looking for luxury but also some peace and quiet. The rooms are spacious, and there’s free Wi-Fi and a fitness center to help you relax and enjoy your stay.

Best Neighborhood #6: Djurgården

After Gamla Stan, this island is probably the most popular area of the city for visitors. It’s home to the Vasa Museum, the ABBA museum, and Skansen (an open-air historical museum), where there are live concerts throughout the summer. There is even an amusement park on Djurgården too (Gröna Lund).

The Best Places to Stay in Djurgården

• BUDGET: There aren’t too many budget options on Djurgården. Your best bet is to try Airbnb or stay in a nearby neighborhood like Gamla Stan or Östermalm.
• MID-RANGE: Pop House Hotel – This hotel is actually located in the same building as the ABBA Musuem (hence the name). It has a chic modern design and is just a five-minute ride from Stockholm’s center.
• LUXURY: Hotel Hasselbacken – This beautiful hotel is right beside Skansen and Gröna Lund. It has a spa and fitness center, as well as a great restaurant with both traditional Swedish cuisine and international fare. It also has a kids’ playroom with toys and movies if you happen to be traveling with children.

Best Neighborhood #7: Södermalm

Södermalm (usually just referred to as Söder) is the artistic heart of Stockholm. You’ll find all sorts of shops and boutiques here, as well as some great cafés. It’s generally a bit more affordable and is a favorite district of locals. It’s also the area of Stockholm made popular by the Millennium Series (which includes The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo).

The Best Places to Stay in Södermalm

• BUDGET: Skanstull Hostel – Skanstull is my second-favorite hostel in Stockholm. It was remodeled a few years back and has a brand-new, larger common area and kitchen (one of the nicest I’ve seen in a hostel in a long, long time).
• MID-RANGE: Hotel Söder – This hotel doesn’t look like much from the outside, but you’ll be surprised once you arrive. It’s modern and cozy, with comfortable beds and tons of great restaurants nearby. The Swedish breakfast here is delicious too.
• LUXURY: Clarion Hotel Stockholm – With a spa, fitness center, and some great views of the islands, you’ll be able to kick back and indulge at the Clarion. It has a top-notch restaurant that boasts an impressive menu of Central and South America cuisine, and there’s a terrace where you can eat and relax in the summer.

***

Whether you’re a budget backpacker or looking to indulge in a little Scandinavian luxury, Stockholm will have something to keep you entertained.

While it’s not the most budget-friendly city in the world, it has a lot to offer. No matter what your interest or travel style, you’ll be able to find a neighborhood that suits your needs — as well as an amazing place to stay to help you make the most of your time in one of Scandinavia’s best cities.

Get the In-Depth Budget Guide to Stockholm!

For more in-depth coverage of Stockholm, my 80-page guidebook is perfect for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guides and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel and save money in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. You’ll find suggested itineraries; budgets; ways to save money; on- and off-the-beaten-path things to see and do; non-touristy restaurants, markets, and bars; and much more! Click here to learn more and get started.

Photo credit: 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

The post Best Neighborhoods in Stockholm: Where to Stay During Your Visit appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

Posted: 11/30/2018 | November 30th, 2018

Stockholm is one of my favorite places in Europe. In my opinion, it’s one of the prettiest cities on the continent with historic well-preserved buildings dating back hundreds of years (that medieval center!), lots of parks and green space, and cobblestone streets all set on a beautiful archipelago.

However, it’s not a cheap place to visit. Even the hostels here ten to be expensive – and they are often small and cramped. I’ve been coming here a long, long time (I used to lead tours to Stockholm and lived here for a summer) and have stayed in every hostel in the city.

(For a small city, there are a surprisingly a lot of places to stay and, since I come here often, I wanted to try them all out?)

Most hostels in Stockholm here are OK. There are few ones that are terrible beyond measure.

But this city has a lot of incredible hostels in Stockholm!

So which are they?

Without further ado, here are the…..

11 Best Hostels in Stockholm

(In no particular order.)

1. Interhostel

Interhostel might not be the best hostel in town (in fact, it’s one of the worst) but it’s the cheapest in town. If money is your primary concern, you should stay here. Some of the dorm rooms (as well as the kitchen) are small and feel cramped (the larger dorms have up to 14 beds), but the staff is friendly and the hostel is centrally located. Plus, it’s always busy with people so it’s one of the best places to meet other travelers! For that reason, it makes the list!

Beds from 160 SEK/18 SEK, single rooms from 490 SEK/55 USD.

—-> Click here to book your stay at Interhostel!

2. Archipelago Hostel Old Town

Archipelago Hostel is one of the nicer hostels in the Old Town, conveniently located in a 17th-century building that’s right near the train line. It’s also near the Nobel Museum, the Royal Palace, and the Cathedral. This hostel is very small, with only a few rooms and a small common area, but I recommend staying here if you’re looking for some peace and quiet. The shower pressure here is super strong too (just be aware that the shower stalls, while private, are in a co-ed bathroom).

Beds from 160 SEK/18 USD, doubles from 495 SEK/55 USD.

—-> Click here to book your stay at Archipelago Hostel Old Town!

3. Generator Stockholm

Generator is one of the biggest European hostel chains, and this is one of its best properties. The furniture is modern, Nordic and very minimalist! There’s a huge common lounge on the ground floor with a restaurant and bar too. There’s a laundry facility onsite too. It’s location near the train station makes it an ideal spot to explore nearby attractions, museums, and nightlife. While it is the nicest hostel around (it was only recently built), it’s so big that it often feels impersonal and more like a backpacker hotel than anything else. If you want a more “luxury” hostel or something a “cheap” hotel, stay here. If you want a small, social, traditional backpacker place, stay elsewhere. Check their website for deals as they often have them!

Beds from 165 SEK/18 USD, doubles from 1,135 SEK/125 USD.

—-> Click here to book your stay at Generator Stockholm!

4. City Backpackers

This is my favorite place to stay and by far the best hostel in Stockholm. It has a lovely café that offers steep discounts to hostelers and an outdoor eating/sitting area. Its mattresses and pillows are super cozy, and there is a huge kitchen, many common rooms, a free sauna, free pasta, and laundry facilities. You can’t turn a corner without bumping into a public computer, either! It also hosts affordable events, including bike tours, meatball-making classes, pub crawls, and more. This is a very popular hostel, so book in advance!

Beds from 190 SEK/20 USD, double rooms from 650 SEK/72 USD.

—-> Click here to book your stay at City Backpackers!

5. Skanstull Stockholm

My second favorite hostel in Stockholm, this place was remodeled a few years back and has a brand-new, larger kitchen and common area, and the kitchen is one of the nicest I’ve seen in a hostel in a long, long time. The hostel is quite small but that provides a close-knit setting for getting to know other travelers. It’s located in the southern part of the city in Soddermalm (my favorite area of Stockholm).

Beds from 200 SEK/22 USD, double rooms from 775 SEK/85 USD.

—-> Click here to book your stay at Skanstull Stockholm!

6. Castanea Old Town Hostel

This amazingly central hostel is quiet and clean, and the staff is friendly. The rooms are bright and airy, with large windows and high ceilings. If you don’t want to make your own breakfast there’s a fantastic small bakery just around the corner. I love the narrow cobblestone street it’s located on! It’s cute, cozy, and relaxing.

Beds from 205 SEK/23 USD, double rooms from 690 SEK/76 USD.

—-> Click here to book your stay at Castanea Old Town Hostel!

7. City Hostel – Central Station

The hostel is a 20-minute walk to the Old Town, but it’s the closest to Central Station. The rooms are pretty basic and nothing to write home about. The common area and bathrooms are kept super clean. There’s a great kitchen here too. Overall, this is a pretty average hostel but if you’re looking for something inexpensive and near the train station, I would stay here!

Beds from 240 SEK/26 EUR, double rooms from 495 SEK/55 USD.

—-> Click here to book your stay at City Hostel – Central Station!

8. Langholmens Vandrarhem

This is the best family / group hostels in Stockholm. It’s set inside an old prison, and most rooms have their own shower and toilet. It has free Wi-Fi, a cafeteria, a pub, a restaurant, a laundry room, and bike rentals. Linens are NOT included in the price (nor is breakfast), but they are available for an additional cost. The hostel is located on Långholmen island, surrounded by nature. It opens right onto a beach where you can take a swim in Lake Mälaren during the summer months! HI hostel members receive a discount.

Beds from 250 SEK/28 USD.

—-> Click here to book your stay at Langholmens Vandrarhem!

9. 2Kronor Hostel Vasastan

This hostel is in charming house that was built in 1865. It’s quiet here as 2Kroner is located in the north of the city, in a nice neighborhood (Vasastan) full of shops, cafes, and restaurants. This place is really good if you want something more upscale, smaller, and a bit queiter than some of the more centrally located party hostels.

Beds from 280 SEK/31 USD, doubles from 745 SEK/82 USD.

—-> Click here to book your stay at 2Kronor Hostel Vasastan!

10. The Red Boat Mälaren

If you’re looking for a unique place to stay, this cozy hostel is actually on two boats on Lake Mälaren, and there’s a sea-themed bar in reception. There’s no kitchen here, but you’re just a five-minute walk to the Old Town. The rooms and bathrooms are small (it’s a boat!) but it’s one of the coolest places to stay, especially in the summer.

Beds from 310 SEK/34 USD, doubles from 520 SEK/57 USD.

—-> Click here to book your stay at The Red Boat Mälaren!

11. Jumbo Stay STF/IYHF

This hostel is actually an old converted 747 plane and the best place to stay if you have to be at the airport really early. There are singles, doubles, and 2–4-bed dorms. The best room is the cockpit suite with a private bathroom (starting at 1,850 SEK). It’s open 24 hours a day and has an onsite restaurant and bar. Towels and linens are included. If you’re staying at the airport, stay here. It’s super awesome.

Beds from 450 SEK/50 USD, double rooms from 1,200 SEK/132 USD.

—-> Click here to book your stay at Jumbo Stay STF/IYHF!

***

Stockholm is easily walkable and with a great metro so no matter where you are, it’s easy to get around to amazing green spaces, islands, nightlife, and historic areas. Every hostel in Stockholm has their own vibe but if you’re looking for the best hostels in Stockholm, these hostels are it (remember City Backpackers is the best). You’ll have a great stay, comfy bed, and social environment! What more do you really need?

Get the In-Depth Budget Guide to Stockholm!

For more in-depth coverage of Stockholm, my 80-page guidebook is perfect for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guides and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel and save money in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. You’ll find suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on- and off-the-beaten-path things to see and do, nontouristy restaurants, markets, and bars, and much more! Click here to learn more and get started.

Photo credits: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12

The post My Top 11 Hostels in Stockholm appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.