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 ₹6,379 per night from 9 Nov to 10 Nov
₹6,379
₹7,279 total
9 Nov - 10 Nov
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! (1,018 reviews)
Great little hotel and a very good area. Close to everything you can walk easily. Cleaning staff for a nice. Lady at the front very nice. Grocery store right near the end of the street. Brace yourself lots of high prices in the area, Mr. Canada 🇨🇦

Reviewed on 8 Oct 2025

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 ₹14,958 per night from 2 Nov to 3 Nov
₹14,958
₹16,753 total
2 Nov - 3 Nov
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! (873 reviews)
Large spacious and comfortable room with a couch,desk,and plenty of storage. Bathrobe and slippers made it feel like home. My only suggestion would be to put the safe on a higher shelf so guests don’t have to lie down on the floor to read instructions for operating the safe. Front desk staff were ...

Reviewed on 15 Oct 2025

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
The price is ₹10,186 per night from 16 Nov to 17 Nov
₹10,186
₹11,408 total
16 Nov - 17 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Stockholm. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a health club. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,362 reviews)
The daily included breakfast was fabulous, and included something for everyone. The bed was very comfortable. I do wish however, they had a mini fridge and a way to brew coffee in the room, (they have a kettle- with instant coffee). This however, was a small price to pay since they had good coffee ...

Reviewed on 13 Oct 2025

Hotel Gamla Stan, BW Signature Collection
Lady Hamilton Hotel

Lady Hamilton Hotel

4 out of 5
Storkyrkobrinken 5, Stockholm
The price is ₹14,861 per night from 29 Oct to 30 Oct
₹14,861
₹16,645 total
29 Oct - 30 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Stockholm. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a sauna. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,014 reviews)
Room was very functional. We had a smallish bed - which was fine for us. Very convenient location in the old city district....short walk to boats and hop on hop off bus. Uber didnt have front door access to hotel - but only a short walk to pickup points above and below hotel

Reviewed on 15 Oct 2025

Lady Hamilton Hotel
Clarion Hotel Stockholm

Clarion Hotel Stockholm

4 out of 5
Ringvaegen 98, Stockholm
The price is ₹9,053 per night from 27 Oct to 28 Oct
₹9,053
₹10,140 total
27 Oct - 28 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Stockholm. Enjoy free breakfast, a full-service spa and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (4,442 reviews)
Excellent hotel in perfect location
We have stayed here several times and it is always excellent. Perfect location and very good service. Highly recommend.

Reviewed on 13 Oct 2025

Clarion Hotel Stockholm
Hotel Birger Jarl

Hotel Birger Jarl

4 out of 5
Tulegatan 8, Stockholm
The price is ₹7,441 per night from 9 Nov to 10 Nov
₹7,441
₹8,334 total
9 Nov - 10 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Stockholm. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (2,941 reviews)
We had great time there. Wonderful, delicious dinner, good breakfast. I would love to stay there again.

Reviewed on 17 Oct 2025

Hotel Birger Jarl
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