Where to Stay in Stockholm for the First Time: A Complete Guide

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Find your Perfect Hostel in Stockholm

Stockholm is a maze of islands, bridges, and cool coffee smells. I have stayed here three times, and each trip felt totally different because I picked a new neighborhood.

Choosing the right base is the fastest way to save cash, meet people, and see more on your first visit.

This guide shows you where to stay in Stockholm, what each area feels like, and a few no-stress tips to keep your budget happy.

Top Picks: The Best Hostels in Stockholm

Best for Hostel Newbies

Castanea Old Town Hoste...9.2

from $15.81 | More Details

Best for Female Solo Traveler

Generator Hostel Stockh...8.4

from $14.90 | More Details

Best Party Hostel

STF Stockholm Skeppshol...9.1

from $17.94 | More Details

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Top Neighborhoods to Stay in Stockholm

Gamla Stan

Small old-town island full of cobblestone lanes and bright medieval houses.

• I loved walking out for sunrise photos before cruise crowds rolled in.
• Best for: First-timers who want history outside the door.
• Watch out: Cafés cost more, and stone streets get noisy at night.

Södermalm

Hill south of the center packed with thrift shops, street art, and late bars.

• My go-to for cheap falafel and live indie music.
• Best for: Solo travelers who like nightlife and budget eats.
• Watch out: Steep walks; book early in summer.

Kungsholmen

Local island wrapped by long water paths and small beaches.

• Great morning runs and quiet dorms kept me on budget.
• Best for: Light sleepers, remote workers, swimmers.
• Watch out: Few late-night bars; plan earlier evenings.

Östermalm

Upscale zone with museums, parks, and a famous food hall.

• Felt safe walking alone at 1 a.m. after a concert.
• Best for: Female solo travelers, design fans, calm vibes.
• Watch out: Beds and brunch both cost extra.

Vasastan

Northern grid of student bars, cheap Asian food, and leafy squares.

• I camped here a week to finish work—quiet but still lively at night.
• Best for: Long-stay backpackers, writers, tight budgets.
• Watch out: 15-minute walk to tourist sights; grab a metro pass.

Top 10 Tips for Your First Time in Stockholm

• Buy a 24-hour SL pass; ferries, buses, and metro all use it.
• Fill your bottle—tap water is top-tier and free.
• Eat “dagens lunch” (weekday deals) before 2 p.m. to cut food cost in half.
• Visit museums on Wednesday evenings, when many drop entry fees.
• Take the free subway art tour by riding the blue line end to end.
• Pack a light jacket even in summer; nights get chilly near the water.
• Cafés often go cash-free—carry at least one tap card.
• Download the SL app for real-time night-bus maps.
• Sunset from Monteliusvägen cliff beats any rooftop bar and costs nothing.
• Respect the quiet: Swedes keep voices low on transit and in dorms after 10 p.m.

Short and crisp: The Best Hostels in Stockholm

1. City Backpackers Hostel - best for Digital Nomads, Party Hostel, Solo Traveller
2. STF Stockholm Skeppsholmen Vandrarhem - best for Couples, Party Hostel, Solo Traveller
3. Dockside Hostel Old Town - best for Digital Nomads, Family-Friendly Hostel, Older travelers (+50), Quiet Rest
4. The Red Boat Mälaren - best for Couples
5. Renstierna Hotel & Hostel - best for Solo Traveller

City Backpackers Hostel

8.9

Norrmalm

"…I would recommend to anyone. Great hostel! - It's one of those travelers' paradises. A lot of open more

from

$13.90

STF Stockholm Skeppsholmen Vandrarhem

9.1

Gamla Stan

Flaggmansvägen 8... more

from

$17.94

Dockside Hostel Old Town

8.0

"…Do not stay here. The single room I was given was like a box or a cell. I could not wait to get more

from

$14.48

The Red Boat Mälaren

8.8

Södermalm

"…- The Red Boat Mälaren (Den Röda Båten) is a unique hostel located in Stockholm along the shores more

from

$30.85

Renstierna Hotel & Hostel

8.6

"…With six you would tripping over ladders and backpacks, especially in an emergency. Light was also more

Hostels in Stockholm Are the Best Option — Here’s Why

Hostels give you a kitchen to dodge pricey restaurants and a lounge full of instant day-trip buddies.

Many sit in unique spots—old ships, former prisons, even a jumbo jet—so they double as a quirky sight.

Look for places that run free walking tours or board-game nights; those events make meeting people effortless.

Final Recommendations

Pick Södermalm for the social scene, Kungsholmen for quiet budget nights, or Östermalm if safety lights matter most.

Book a hostel early, load an SL pass, and leave space in your plan for random ferry rides—they end up being the best memories.

Time to pack a carry-on, grab a reusable bottle, and let Stockholm’s islands do the rest.

Backpacking Stockholm? Here’s What You Need to Know

These are the guides I wish I had before visiting. I’ve been there, had fun, did some minor mistakes, and now I’m passing the best tips on to you. Safe travels!

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About the author: Matt Kiefer

Hey, I’m Matt, the founder behind Hostelgeeks.com. My team and I are collecting the absolute best hostels in the world for you. We share the coolest hostels so you can focus on your travels, rather than spending your time trying to pick a good hostel.

Personally, I’ve bunked in over 600 hostels and stamped my passport in more than 70 countries. My heart beats for Vietnam, Spain, and France, and so many more destinations. I’m a Foosball champ but a beer pong amateur.

Last but not least: Hostelgeeks is a proud ambassador of Hostelz.com.