Gamla Stan

Stockholm
Gamla Stan
Duck into narrow, medieval alleys and find yourself happily lost in Sweden’s most famous urban district.

The Gamla stan (Old Town) of Stockholm is always busy and never boring. The island district is the first port of call for every first-time visitor to Stockholm and chances are that you’ll fall in love with it and will keep coming back.

Pedestrian-friendly Gamla stan is like one big open-air museum. Depending on the weather, the streets can look mystical, medieval and moody, or colorful, charming and cheerful. Visit Gamla stan after snowfall when it’s at its most romantic. The sounds of the bustling streets are softened and the shops and cafés ooze light and warmth.

It’s logical to start your tour of Gamla stan at the Royal Palace, the star attraction of the neighborhood. The palace is hard to miss, because there are over 600 rooms in this impressive building. Witness the changing of the guard ceremony, take a guided tour and visit the Royal Armory.

While here, also admire the medieval Storkyrkan (Stockholm Cathedral), the country’s national cathedral. It’s home to a St. George-and-the-Dragon sculpture from 1489.

Follow either the streets of Västerlånggatan (west) or Österlånggatan (east) down to browse the many gift shops and galleries for typical Swedish souvenirs, which include little trolls from the Norse mythology and brightly painted wooden reindeers.

You can cross over between these two main streets as often as you like by ducking into the little alleys in between. One in particular, the Mårten Trotzigs gränd (alley), is so narrow that some may have to squeeze their shoulders together to get through.

Sample typical Swedish treats everywhere you go. If sweet chocolate coconut balls are not your thing, then perhaps hearty meatballs with sweet-and-sour lingenberry sauce are. Buy ice creams for dessert or sit down for a proper meal in Stortorget, Stockholm’s oldest city square. After visiting the square’s Nobel Museum, walk down Köpmangatan, the oldest street in the capital.

Once you’re done, cross over to the island of Riddarholmen to the west to admire the 13th-century Riddarholmen Church, the burial place for Swedish royals. Before you leave, take one more look back at Gamla stan from across the water while the setting sun adds even more color to an already vibrant picture.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Gamla Stan

Castle House Inn
Castle House Inn
2.5 out of 5
Brunnsgränd 4, Stockholm
The price is €64 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
€64
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Stay at this hotel in Stockholm. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and a snack bar/deli. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. Popular ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
"A little humble and modest hotel, in a brilliant and unbeatable location, it's walkable to everywhere. Staff are super friendly and helpful, they gave me parking advice, and walked extra miles to provide me a kattle, a recharge adaptor and a heater. Truly grateful"

Reviewed on 22 Mar 2024

Castle House Inn
Hôtel Reisen in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt
Hôtel Reisen in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt
5 out of 5
Skeppsbron 12, Stockholm
The price is €154 per night from 12 Apr to 13 Apr
€154
per night
12 Apr - 13 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Stockholm. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 bars/lounges, and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (490 reviews)
"It was a good stay and everyone was helpful. The room was clean and comfortable. The heater wasn't working but we were only there for one night and the blankets kept us warm. The receptionist got maint. there as soon as we told her. I'd stay here again."

Reviewed on 16 Mar 2024

Hôtel Reisen in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt
Hotel Gamla Stan, BW Signature Collection
Hotel Gamla Stan, BW Signature Collection
4 out of 5
Skeppsbron 22a, Stockholm
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €107 per night from 21 Apr to 22 Apr
€107
per night
21 Apr - 22 Apr
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Stockholm. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a health club. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,014 reviews)
"Great staff and breakfast. Lovely hotel"

Reviewed on 2 Mar 2024

Hotel Gamla Stan, BW Signature Collection
Hotell Skeppsbron
Hotell Skeppsbron
3 out of 5
Skeppsbron 26, Stockholm
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €97 per night from 21 Apr to 22 Apr
€97
per night
21 Apr - 22 Apr
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Stockholm. Enjoy free WiFi, a business center, and a library. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
7.8/10 Good! (557 reviews)
"Spécial place with welcoming owner!"

Reviewed on 16 Jan 2024

Hotell Skeppsbron
Clarion Hotel Stockholm
Clarion Hotel Stockholm
4 out of 5
Ringvaegen 98, Stockholm
The price is €113 per night from 14 Apr to 15 Apr
€113
per night
14 Apr - 15 Apr
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Stockholm. Enjoy free breakfast, 2 restaurants, and 3 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (3,243 reviews)
Great Hotel
"This is a great hotel with friendly helpful staff situated by shops, bars and a nice park for a walk. The only downside is that I went for a swim but you can only do a proper spa experience and not just a swim - so I was disappointed as I didn’t have time to have the whole experience"

Reviewed on 19 Mar 2024

Clarion Hotel Stockholm
Hobo Hotel Stockholm
Hobo Hotel Stockholm
3.5 out of 5
Brunkebergstorg 4, Stockholm, Stockholms Laen
The price is €111 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
€111
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Stockholm. Enjoy free breakfast, 2 restaurants, and a rooftop terrace. Our guests praise the breakfast and the restaurant in our ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,476 reviews)
"Very good restaurant and wine list @TAK"

Reviewed on 25 Mar 2024

Hobo Hotel Stockholm
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Gamla Stan

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Central Stockholm

Known for its fascinating museums and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Central Stockholm. Check out top attractions like Royal Swedish Opera and King's Garden, and jump on the metro at Kungsträdgården T-Bana or T-Centralen Spårv Tram Stop to see more of the city.

Central Stockholm
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Skeppsholmen

Skeppsholmen is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Museum of Modern Art and Svensk Form while you're in town.

Skeppsholmen
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Norrmalm

4.5/5(449 area reviews)

Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Drottninggatan to Hotorget Square – discover Norrmalm, a destination also famous for its shopping.

Norrmalm
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Söder Mälarstrand

Söder Mälarstrand is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Långholmen and Skinnarvik Park.

Söder Mälarstrand
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Maria

While you're in Maria, take in top sights like Maria Square or Tantolunden Park, and hop on the metro to see more of the city at Mariatorget T-Bana or Zinkensdamm T-Bana.

Maria
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SoFo

Visitors often come to SoFo for its abundant dining options, but many stay to explore sights like Medborgarplatsen and Sofia Church. Getting around the area on the metro is easy if you take a ride at Medborgarplatsen T-Bana.

SoFo

Gamla Stan

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