Stockholm Old Town
Stockholm Old Town
4.5
About
The Old Town, unsurprisingly, is the oldest part of Stockholm. It's certainly the tourist's go-to destination, but that doesn’t detract from its architectural and otherwise urban beauty.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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Top ways to experience Stockholm Old Town
The area
Neighbourhood: Gamla Stan & Riddarholmen
Gamla Stan is Stockholm’s historic old town and home to the Swedish Royal Palace. It’s the most central island of Stockholm and accompanied by the small island of Riddarholmen, mainly known for its famous Riddarholm Church. Gamla Stan tends to be a bit touristy at times but is definitely worth visiting: take a stroll past the well-preserved buildings and through the small (and also Sweden’s narrowest) alleys, which will make you feel like you’ve travelled back in time. This neighborhood offers a great combination of historical buildings and traditional Swedish restaurants.
How to get there
- Gamla stan • 4 min walk
- Slussen • 8 min walk
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Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Restaurants
3,064 within 5 kms
Attractions
406 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- Katy KBuford, Georgia93 contributionsGamla StanSuch an amazing Old Town! I stayed in a hostel that was right in the middle of everything and it was so worth it. There are streets full of restaurants, cafes, and shops. The architecture is beautiful and unique. The waterfront was a nice place to go to watch the sunset. The perfect place to stay while in Stockholm!Visited September 2022Written 10 December 2022
- boultonja6 contributionsThis was a pre cruise stop for us and so we did 4 nights would have done more if we had more timeWonderful place lots of great places to eat, lots of great places to see all walkable hop on hop of boat or bus, the people are so friendly and helpful, it’s a place that I would go back to in a heart beat absolutely loved it. We stayed at The Raddison Blu Waterfront which was also really good no complaints everything was within walking distance. Highly recommend.Visited August 2022Travelled as a coupleWritten 15 December 2022
- Mikael FHelsinki, Finland30,625 contributionsOne of the best preserved medieval city centers in EuropeStockholm's Gamla Stan dates from the 13th century but most buildings are from the 1700s and 1800s. It is a labyrinth of charming cobbled streets and alleyways full of sights, attractions, restaurants, cafes, bars, and places to shop. Especially during Christmas time, this district is very atmospheric. Stortorget's Christmas market is dating back to the Middle Ages.Visited December 2022Written 21 December 2022
- Freddie0405Scotland, United Kingdom8 contributionsChristmas market timeLovely wandering around old town and Christmas market. Great atmosphere and would go back in a flash. Can easily walk round island and lots of places to stop and enjoy the views.Visited December 2022Travelled with familyWritten 22 December 2022
- Jay BFairhope, Alabama1,023 contributionsDon't Miss old TownWe thoroughly enjoyed our day in Old Town. The narrow, winding cobblestone streets are a gem to explore. Numerous shops, bars and restaurants adorn this lovely area as well as fabulous architecture, museums and other attractions. Be sure and visit the Nobel Prize Museum area as there is a lot of good and bad history there. Do not leave without exploring the streets (Old Town is not that large), sampling some Swedish cuisine, and picking up a souvenir. The hand-painted wooden horses are a favorite, and we purchased two of them. If in the Stockholm area, Old Town is a must do!Visited September 2022Written 13 January 2023
- AngloItalian78Aylesbury, United Kingdom396 contributionsBeautiful old town…Gamla Stan is everyone’s favourite touristy area of Stockholm and it’s easy to see why. Narrow and sometimes steep cobbled streets, lots of shops & boutiques, typical Swedish cuisine, lots of gifts and souvenirs to buy, beautiful buildings, lots of history, stunning churches and good transport links and only a short walk to the centre of Stockholm. No doubt very busy in the summer, but in late February there was enough people for it to have a buzz but not so many that it was too crowded which was the perfect scenario for enjoyable, romantic walks as a couple 🇸🇪👌Visited February 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 1 March 2023
- Marion FNew York City, New York253 contributionsPlace to go for souvenirsLovely site seeing area that is close to many major attractions like the palace, nobel museum, catherdal and many transportation access points. its also the best place for souvenires. stockholm is not budget friendly but if you look around and walk beyond the main square you can find a few shops with t-shirts that dont cost 200SEKVisited March 2023Written 11 March 2023
- Graeme BLingfield, United Kingdom211 contributionsFascinating piece of historyVery different from other parts of Stockholm, with narrow old streets, little traffic. But also of course a tourist hotspot, with a lot of tourist souvenir tat - as well as some upper end shops. Quieter at night.Visited March 2023Written 27 March 2023
- Keith LSingapore, Singapore263 contributionsGreat way to Spend an entire day in StockholmOld town is really not that old. Buildings are mostly 2 storied buildings and I believe most of them have been refurbished. In one of the small restaurants in the area, I could see old wooden timber beams. The streets are mostly cobbled roads and there are very few cars, so taking a stroll in Gamla Stan is great for a long period. The area has many restaurants, souvenir shops, clothing shops, and a couple of grocery shops. Though the area is not that big, there are many small streets. If you have time, you can walk around the streets, sit in one of the many restaurants/cafes for a coffee and churros, walk again and go into some shops and you could easily spend a full day in this area.Visited March 2023Written 1 April 2023
- VickiLondon, United Kingdom551 contributionsQuaint & Beautiful!What a beautiful place! I visited this old town on my visit to Stockholm and was pleasantly surprised. There were quaint shops around where you could buy souvenirs, sweets, have a bit of food to go etc. The old colourful buildings were beautifully designed, located in a row and there is a lovely square, which is the meeting place for people and you can take beautiful photos. Not to be missed!Visited March 2023Written 10 April 2023
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4.5
20,639 reviews
Excellent
12,961
Very good
6,364
Average
1,141
Poor
122
Terrible
51
Kityayma
Sydney, Australia191 contributions
Oct. 2023 • Family
I absolutely love this area with its gorgeous architecture, winding cobbled streets and eclectic array of shops. We stayed in an Airbnb here and found we were able to walk to most of the places we visited. I especially enjoyed exploring the streets of Gamla Stan in the predawn before they filled with tourists. Would definitely stay here again
Written 25 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cora
Galway, Ireland63 contributions
Oct. 2023 • Friends
Beautiful part of the city. Lovely to take photos in. Lots of cute shops and nice places to eat. Feels very safe.
Written 16 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CAtravelerCA
CA179 contributions
Oct. 2023 • Couples
Beautiful city. Easy to get around. Used public transportations, HOHO bus as well as explored on foot.
Written 11 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John Kitching
Greater London, UK1,193 contributions
Sep. 2023 • Couples
A well preserved old town with narrow streets, some good shops, bars, restaurants, a royal palace, the parliament building and some churches. We visited over 2 days and enjoyed the relaxed feel despite it being busy. A must do in Stockholm.
Written 30 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RDH1974
Coventry, UK98 contributions
Sep. 2023 • Couples
Good place to wonder the streets. Lots of tourist gift shops and places to eat.
Gets quite busy so plan for a few hours.
Don't neglect the side streets as you will miss some gems
Gets quite busy so plan for a few hours.
Don't neglect the side streets as you will miss some gems
Written 28 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tropicana88
Winnipeg37 contributions
Sep. 2023
Walking the street of Old Town takes you back in time. Lots to see and just steps from the Palace and Parliament buildings
Written 23 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul H
Bournemouth, UK1,330 contributions
Sep. 2023 • Solo
You could easily spend a day and night in the Gamla Stan, while walking along all the narrow streets and admiring the buildings and squares. The royal palace is enormous. There are plenty of restaurants and pubs too. Clean and safe.
Written 17 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
hunglow
Phuket, Thailand1,582 contributions
Sep. 2023 • Family
A proper old town with narrow alleys and hidden squares. Lots of shops and main roads are busy but you can easily get away from the crowds
Written 12 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TP
London, UK315 contributions
Sep. 2023 • Solo
Very lovely to to walk around, local parade too as the royal palace centred seconds away from the old town.
The shops were east to located with a 3000m straight line of shops both sides.
East to navigate and hard to get lost.
Train stations are not far from anywhere you are within the old town so easy to go back to where you were before
The shops were east to located with a 3000m straight line of shops both sides.
East to navigate and hard to get lost.
Train stations are not far from anywhere you are within the old town so easy to go back to where you were before
Written 6 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bushra
Pakistan139 contributions
Jun. 2023 • Business
Gamla stan is located on such a magical island. It is the most beautiful part of the Stockholm city. Very nice to walk around for sightseeing, offering several nice eating options and souvenirs buying. I love to walk around the old town everytime whenever I go to Stockholm. People are so friendly and courteous on shops and those who are managing places there. The parade on the Royal Castle was simply awesome and entertaining. Must visit place.
Written 3 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tatiana Sigorskaia
St. Petersburg, Russia
Здравствуйте все!)) Будем в Стокгольме семьёй из 9 человек,включая 3 детей от 4 мес до 9 лет, один день в начале марта.
Поделитесь, пожалуйста, советами, как удобно добраться на общественном транспорте от порта Vikingline(паром из Хельсинки) до Старого города. Признательна за подмогу в этом))
Татьяна
ISKANDER72
Moscow, Russia463 contributions
Привет! Конечно, с такой компанией (учитывая возраст детей) лучше заказать трансфер. Например, минивен или 2 легковушки. По финансам будет не очень большая разница. Но, если решили на автобусе, то ходят такие: красного цвета. Маршрут 76. Учитывайте, что доехав до центра, в сам Старый город ещё нужно пройти пешком около 10 минут.
Elchichagt
Guatemala City, Guatemala441 contributions
Hi, we are planning a trip to Stockholm next year 2020. At the end of April. Do you know how maybe the weather will be? Thanks
Atinez
Gothenburg, Sweden33 contributions
Hi I am not from Stickholm but the weather in Sweden in April could be very nice or very rainy and cold. It depends when un April.
Torill E
Son, Norway
Vi ønsker et hotell med underholdning i Stockholm gamla stan i februar en gruppe 10-12 stk
A Traveller F
Dubai, United Arab Emirates22 contributions
I would recommend Sheraton, it is near old town, near central station and good shopping
Ikun B
1 contribution
Hai,saya ingin tau tempat2 yg wajib kita kunjungi selama kita di stockhom,saya menginap 3 hari,hotel yang pqling dekat dengan kota tua hotel apa ya?trimakasih
Находясь всего полдня в Стокгольме,что лучше бесплатно посетить. И рекомендации по бюджетному варианту питания
Hope
New York City, NY9 contributions
I have a 5 hour layover in Stockholm - would it be possible to go from airport into town. If so, how far from the airport? What's the quickest way to get to the centre of town and what should we see? Will we have to go through customs again?
Sightsee traveler
32 contributions
You can go to the city center by train. It will be 20 min to 30 minutes top to get there! You will be like 5 minutes away from the shopping center but you will need to walk until the old town like 20 or more minutes from the train station. I hope this helps! Enjoy!!!
Do we need to do this by HOHO bus?
Johnsonsouth
Lafayette, LA53 contributions
Walking is the best part of exploring Old Town! Don't miss the opportunity to wander.
We are on a Norwegian Cruise ship which docks at Nynashamm..which means we have to somehow get to Stockholm and be able to see as much as we can in a few hours. His easy is it to get from Nynashamm to Stockholm. We particularly want to walk around the old part.
Madona0035
544 contributions
Hello there,
For my trip to Stockholm, I didn’t go to Nynäshamm. But I think the ideal way to travel is taking the SL train as it will take you directly to the Stockholm City, which is Central Station (T-Centralen in Swedish). From here you don’t even need to take any metro as you can walk to the old town easily. You need a map or just ask people. In case, you prefer to take the metro, it is only one stop away. The old town in Swedish is called Gamla Stan.
For paying the train or metro, you can pay by your credit card. I don’t think it is necessary to have the local currency.
To book the train tickets online, you can google SL train. You may also find other train providers, which may provide the same service. But you had better take these two points into account (1. Compare the ticket prices 2. The train can take you directly from Nynäshamn to Stockholm City in a shortest time)
Hope this helps.
poullubomir
Prague, Czech Republic14 contributions
Lze koupit jízdenku mhd-Stockholm,tbana,bus,tram,lod na letišti Arlanda. Pokud ano,kde.Dekuji.Luboš.
poullubomir
Prague, Czech Republic14 contributions
Ahoj,tak už jsem to konečně,vyčuchal.Jízdenku na 72 hodin,platí na veškerou dopravu ve stocholmu i příměstskou za 230-sek.Dá se koupit na letišti-Arlanda v tzv sky city,SL ticket a můžeš ji hned použít na autobus-Arlanda-Marsta a potom příměstkym vlakem až na T central.Tento tiket nemá slevy na vstupy do musea apod.O tomto řešení ví,velice málo lidí.Ahoj-Luboš.
JG N
1 contribution
Hi i have a 6 hour layover in stockholm going to dubai. Do you think this is enough time maybe to go and see stockholm like old town for a few hours? I dont want to get stuck at the airport if i could still see a little bit of the city since ive never been there before.id appreciate any info!
Jane S
Milton Keynes, UK199 contributions
Hi you definitely would have time to see the old town. We visited Stockholm on a cruise and only had 6 hours and managed to see loads. We chose the old town and then the Vassa museum.
Mobile888
Los Angeles14 contributions
Hello there, my family and I will be visiting Stockholm this September for 4/5 hours layover. Arriving 1:30 pm and departing Shein on 7:30 pm same day.
I would like to know where to visit in a short time in Stockholm. Dose it easy to get a taxi from Old Town back to Airport around 5 pm.
Thanks for all replies in advance.
PeterBessems
Gemert214 contributions
Hi, the best way to see Stockholm in such a short time is to take the Arlanda Express train from the AirPort Stockholm Arlanda. IT s very fast train and brings you directly to the center of Stockholm in 20 min. With a taxi iT is a 40 min drive if there are no Traffic jams. From the station iT is a 10 min walk to to the old town. You should visit Gamla Tan the square, the small streets and the royal palace, the parlement building. On the return to the Arlanda express station hop in the ICE bar which is near the station. Have a pleasent trip to Sweden.
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Claim your listingStockholm Old Town: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Stockholm Old Town
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Stockholm Old Town:
- Old Town Tour of Stockholm (From AU$66.73)
- Stockholm Bridges Sightseeing Cruise (From AU$58.57)
- Walking Tour of Stockholm Old Town (From AU$33.39)
- Stockholm Old Town and the Vasa Museum, a Small Group Walking Tour. (From AU$149.32)
- Fika Like A Stockholmare (From AU$205.96)
- Hotels near Stockholm Old Town:
- (0.03 km) Golden Goat Hotel
- (0.05 km) Best Hostel Old Town
- (0.14 km) Sven Vintappare Hotel
- (0.12 km) Lady Hamilton Hotel
- (0.19 km) Victory Hotel
- Restaurants near Stockholm Old Town:
- (0.02 km) Pharmarium
- (0.02 km) Bistro Nobel
- (0.02 km) Grillska Huset
- (0.03 km) De Svarta Faren
- (0.03 km) Stortorgskallaren
- Attractions near Stockholm Old Town:
- (0.01 km) Nobel Prize Museum
- (0.02 km) Stoccolma con Mary - visite guidate
- (0.02 km) City Bike Adventures Stockholm
- (0.02 km) Biblioteca dell'Accademia Svedese
- (0.03 km) Stoccolma in italiano - Visite guidate