Where to Stay in Stockholm as a Solo Traveler (Hostel, Safety, Areas)

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Find your Perfect Hostel in Stockholm

Stockholm looks pricey and fancy, but if you pick the right area you can see a lot, meet people, and still keep money for the next stop.

I have stayed all over the city—old boats, noisy dorms, calm guest houses—and learned what works for a solo traveler.

This guide uses simple words to show you where to stay in Stockholm and how to book a good, social hostel.

Top Picks: The Best Hostels in Stockholm

Best for Hostel Newbies

Castanea Old Town Hoste...9.2

from $13.70 | More Details

Best for Female Solo Traveler

Generator Hostel Stockh...8.4

from $14.99 | More Details

Best Party Hostel

STF Stockholm Skeppshol...9.1

from $17.52 | More Details

This is not an ad. We help you find the perfect hostel and compare prices from Hostelworld and Booking. You can save up to 23.7%

Why Stockholm is a Must-Visit Destination

1. The city sits on many small islands linked by bridges, ferries, and bike paths. You can cross water in minutes. 
2. Clean parks, safe streets, and free art in the subway make it easy and fun to walk alone.
3. Almost everyone speaks English, so asking for help is no stress.
4. You can swim in fresh water, a short bus ride from the center. That is rare for a big city.
5. Old stone lanes stand next to modern shops, so you get two moods in one trip.

Top Neighborhoods to Stay in Stockholm

Gamla Stan

The small, old island with narrow streets and bright houses.

• Pros: Walk to the palace, big square, and many tours.
• Cons: Packed with visitors; food and coffee cost more.
• Best for: First-time guests who love history and photos.

Södermalm

The south hill full of art walls, used-clothes shops, and late bars.

• Pros: Cheaper café food, strong nightlife, great city views.
• Cons: Steep streets; dorms sell out fast in summer.
• Best for: Party lovers, vintage shoppers, budget eaters.

Kungsholmen

A quiet island ringed by long walking paths next to the water.

• Pros: Calm nights, many supermarkets, free swim spots.
• Cons: Fewer late buses and fewer bars.
• Best for: Runners, remote workers, light sleepers.

Östermalm

An upscale area with museums and big food hall.

• Pros: Very safe, close to park island Djurgården.
• Cons: Hostel beds and coffee both cost more.
• Best for: Solo women who want quiet streets and culture.

Vasastan

Northern part, full of student bars and budget Asian food.

• Pros: Good lunch deals, room in dorms, even late.
• Cons: 15-minute walk or short metro ride to sights.
• Best for: Long-stay backpackers and writers.

The Best (and Worst) Areas to Stay in Stockholm

• Best overall: Södermalm – mix of cheap food, nightlife, and ferries.
• Best for solo women: Östermalm – bright lights, many buses, low crime.
• Best for tight budget: Kungsholmen – cheaper dorms and free beaches.
• Use care: Far south ends like Farsta strand at night; trams stop early and taxis cost a lot.

Extra tip: No matter where you sleep, walk to Monteliusvägen cliff for sunset. The view costs nothing and beats any bar roof.

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. Castanea Old Town Hostel - best for Digital Nomads, Family-Friendly Hostel, Older travelers (+50), Quiet Rest, Solo Traveller

City Backpackers Hostel

9.0

Norrmalm

"…I wasn't so wild about the idea of free pasta -- until I needed it. I wanted to try a few swedish more

from

$13.31

STF Stockholm Skeppsholmen Vandrarhem

9.1

Gamla Stan

"…I stayed in this hostel in April 2005. It was a great hostel. I spent the second night on the more

from

$17.52

Dockside Hostel Old Town

8.0

"…The kitchen is great, beds are comfortable, and the staff were like new friends. It's worth the more

from

$13.64

The Red Boat Mälaren

8.6

Södermalm

"…Note that there are no lockers on board, and there is very little storage space. Most rooms have more

from

$30.74

Castanea Old Town Hostel

9.2

Old Town

"…This hostel seems calm and less party oriented, although the common spaces are full of people more

from

$13.70

Safest Area to Stay in Stockholm as a Solo Traveler

Östermalm and the east side of Gamla Stan feel safest. Streets stay busy, lights stay on, and buses run late.

• Pick hostels near big roads like Strandvägen so you do not cross dark lanes.
• Use the SL phone app. It shows the next night bus and best lit route.
• Carry one tap card; most shops do not take cash now.

Tips for Booking Social Hostels in Stockholm Without Overpaying

Hostels help solo travelers save money and make friends. Kitchens cut food bills, and lounges start day-trip plans.

Go to Hostelz.com, set filters to “solo traveler favorite” or “women only,” and compare Booking.com and Hostelworld prices side by side.

Look for photos that show a big common room, open kitchen, or planned events like free tours. 

Book at least 10 days early if your dates hit summer or Pride week.

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.