Gamla Stan Travel Guide

Stockholm

Gamla Stan
Gamla Stan
Gamla Stan
Gamla Stan
Gamla Stan

Which landmarks will you pick when the entire Old Town is a landmark in itself? Simply enjoying the ambiance in this beautiful historical part of the city should be top of your list.

Stockholm's Old City is a real gem for locals and visitors alike. The city's pupils and students can often be seen on school trips where they learn more about the city's fascinating past. The Old Town, which goes by the name of "Gamla stan", is like an outdoor museum that often features in the lyrics of famous troubadours Carl Michael Bellman and Evert Taube. This is where Stockholm was founded by King Birger Jarl in order to defend the sea-approach to Lake Malaren and its waterways before Sweden had been unified. The Old Town is the very heart of the Swedish capital. You'll definitely enjoy the terrific atmosphere on your strolls though the narrow cobblestone streets and alleyways.

It's a good idea to find your accommodation in the Old Town a stay in this quaint neighbourhood in the centre of Stockholm means you'll get to enjoy it fully. Explore the Medieval structure of the two main arteries, the pedestrianised Vasterlanggatan and Osterlanggatan. This web of narrow streets and alleyways have barely changed since the city was founded, and it's difficult to conceive that there once were plans to tear down this beautiful neighbourhood in order to modernise it.

Be sure to visit The Castle, the impressiveStorkyrkan, the statue Sankt Goran och draken and The German Church. There are several restaurants that have kept the traditional arched vaults that serve up excellent food, so there's no need to venture far for a delicious lunch or dinner. There are also several bakeries and cafés if you need a quick pick-me-up in the afternoon. Take a stroll along the quays and check out the beautiful old ships, in particular the stunning Malardrottningen. Don't miss the chance to visit the Nobel Museum, located at The Old Stock Exchange right by Stortorget. This was the scene of the horrifying Stockholm Blood Bath in 1520 which was order by Christian II of Denmark. Approximately 80 prominent citizens who opposed the Danish rule were brutally assassinated as the streets of the Old Town were said to run red with their blood.

The Old Town is also a fantastic shopping destination. Locals and visitors alike come here to browse and purchase art, antiquities, handicraft, clothes and shoes. Osterlanggatan is a long row of shops and boutiques that will spark anyone's curiosity, whereas Vasterlanggatan is the ideal spot to pick up souvenirs.

The Old Town has its own underground station, called "Gamla stan". The neighbourhood is almost completely pedestrianised so you can't take a bus into the actual area, but you'll find plenty of connections within a five minute walk.

Be sure to take on the magical atmosphere of this gorgeous Medieval town centre!


Popular places to visit


Top hotels in Gamla Stan

Castle House Inn

Castle House Inn

2.5 out of 5
Brunnsgränd 4, Stockholm
The price is ₹8,504 per night from 18 Jul to 19 Jul
₹8,504
₹9,680 total
18 Jul - 19 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Stockholm. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a snack bar/deli. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in their ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,009 reviews)
Great location! Great stay!
"Our stay at The Castle House Inn, Stockholm, was a great place to stay. The staff was warm, friendly, and accommodating. Thelocation was walking distance to many tourist attractions, food, and shopping. And the history of Gamla Stan is incredible! If we make it back to Stockholm, we will definitely ..."

Reviewed on 10 Jul 2025

Castle House Inn
Hotel Gamla Stan, BW Signature Collection

Hotel Gamla Stan, BW Signature Collection

4 out of 5
Skeppsbron 22a, Stockholm
The price is ₹13,802 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
₹13,802
₹15,458 total
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Stockholm. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a health club. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,295 reviews)
"Staff very friendly and everything about it quaint and enjoyable…breakfast abundant and delicious, fika too, and caramels to boot! This is our third time here from California and Southern Sweden, Brunneby!"

Reviewed on 11 Jul 2025

Hotel Gamla Stan, BW Signature Collection
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 ₹17,672 per night from 6 Aug to 7 Aug
₹17,672
₹19,793 total
6 Aug - 7 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Stockholm. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 bars/lounges and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (817 reviews)
"This hotel is very close to so many attractions in Old Town Stockholm. You can walk almost anywhere from this hotel."

Reviewed on 12 Jul 2025

Hôtel Reisen in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt
Old Town Stay Hotel

Old Town Stay Hotel

2.5 out of 5
26 Österlånggatan, Stockholm, Stockholms län
Stay at this hotel in Stockholm. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and satellite TV channels. Popular attractions Stockholm Palace and Vasa Museum are located ...
7.2/10 Good! (452 reviews)
"Loved the hotel and the location. But: Cars are not generally permitted to drive on the street in front of the hotel - you have to walk a couple short blocks from where you can park or get dropped off, and the road is cobblestones, so you are hauling your lugguge a couple blocks across cobblestones. ..."

Reviewed on 10 Jul 2025

Old Town Stay Hotel
Lady Hamilton Hotel

Lady Hamilton Hotel

4 out of 5
Storkyrkobrinken 5, Stockholm
The price is ₹17,487 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
₹17,487
₹19,586 total
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Stockholm. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a sauna. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,002 reviews)
"Super cute property. Full of Swedish antiques. Excellent walking location. Front desk very helpful. Breakfast very good."

Reviewed on 12 Jul 2025

Lady Hamilton Hotel
Hotel C Stockholm

Hotel C Stockholm

3.5 out of 5
Vasaplan 4, Stockholm
The price is ₹10,200 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
₹10,200
₹11,424 total
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Stockholm. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (4,092 reviews)
"Excellent location,friendly stuff"

Reviewed on 14 Jul 2025

Hotel C 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 Gustav Adolf Square and Royal Swedish Opera, 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

Visitors to Söder Mälarstrand enjoy its restaurants, and if you want to do some exploring, Långholmen is worth a stop.

Söder Mälarstrand
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Maria

While you're in Maria, take in top sights like Medborgarplatsen or Zinkensdamms IP, 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 Göta Lejon and Medborgarplatsen. Getting around the area on the metro is easy if you take a ride at Medborgarplatsen T-Bana.

SoFo

Gamla Stan Travel Guide