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.
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3,238 within 3 miles
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418 within 6 miles
See what travellers are saying
- KityaymaSydney, Australia574 contributionsJust gorgeousI 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 againVisited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten 25 October 2023
- cold and quiet lover71 contributionsWorth a visitBeautiful area of the city with lovely cobbled streets. Although historical, a lot was aimed at tourists, but if you go a couple of streets back from the main area you can find some lovely traditional restaurants. I would reccomend spending time in this area if you are in StockholmVisited October 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 23 December 2023
- Traveller162014Leeds, United Kingdom1,685 contributionsFavourite place in StockholmI would say this was one of my favourite places in Stockholm. It is very traditional as you would expect. You could easily spend a few hours here wandering around, visiting cafes, shops and restaurants. There are several attractions such as the Royal Palace, Nobel Prize Museum and German Church. Gorgeous part of the city.Visited January 2024Travelled with friendsWritten 5 January 2024
- McigrlLawrenceburg, Kentucky140 contributionsBeautiful in WinterThere is a lot to see! The palace, Nobel Prize Museum and many other important attractions are in the area. It was fascinating to see the streets that have been around for hundreds of years. Lots of shops and restaurants in the area. We could have definitely spent the whole day and still not seen everything.Visited January 2024Travelled with familyWritten 6 January 2024
- Chris WNaseby, United Kingdom106 contributionsSo cold but lovely to walk round!We walked to the Old Town from our hotel over the bridge and it didn't disappoint as it's so pretty and lovely to walk around and explore. Because it was incredibly cold we didn't hang around much as you need to keep moving when it's that cold! The main square is so pretty and the little streets round it are perfectly unspoilt looking, just lovely. I'd like to go again in the Summer and just sit around a while and take it all in!Visited January 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 9 January 2024
- Alexander WBishops Stortford, United Kingdom1,171 contributionsLovely place to wander aroundMost of what’s in the old town is down one street, though it’s worth wandering about a little to explore. The old town is just about big enough to get lost in, though you can soon figure out where you are after a little wandering around. This area isn’t visited by locals, so you’ll likely only bump into other tourists. We spent a few hours here, and after that we felt like we’d seen enough.Visited January 2024Travelled with familyWritten 21 January 2024
- Joanna EHinckley, United Kingdom101 contributionsGreat to exploreGreat area to walk around, scenic and lots of little shops / streets to explore. Various squares and places to hang out. Easy to navigate and makes you feel like you are seeing the real part of the cityVisited February 2024Travelled with familyWritten 18 February 2024
- Kostas SpyridisAthens, Greece74 contributionsOld city!Nice area for walk and photos! Get lost inside the small roads with a hot chocolate on your hand! Take photos of the colourful houses and be prepared to travel back in time during the night!Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 23 March 2024
- Where2nextHobart, Australia517 contributionsStockholm Old Town easy to do self guided tourWe visited Stockholm Old Town on self guided tour - getting around Stockholm and to Old Town is very easy. The Christmas markets were on when we visited so added additional charm. We travelled in late November when snow had fallen and some areas very icy underfoot - make sure you have the right foot wear!Visited March 2024Travelled with familyWritten 24 March 2024
- Cristina GSantiago, Chile8 contributionsStockholm Old Town, Amazing City!Visiting Stockolm in 2017 and 2018 was an experience I'd never forget. Sweden has been an interesting country for me, I love Its language & culture. I definetely would come back. Tack sa mycket... Vi ses snart!Visited May 2023Travelled soloWritten 15 April 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
20,703 reviews
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6,376
Average
1,145
Poor
122
Terrible
51
Jason E
London, UK98 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
We caught the metro to gamla stan and started making our way into old town which was very good to see as there was lots of souvenir shops and pubs and restaurants and cafe and coffee shops. We then decided to go and see the royal palace. When we got there the guards was doing a passing out parade and then at the end the king and Queen and there family came out onto the balcony and waved at the crowd. The crowd was singing there native traditional song which was so great to hear even though we didn’t know the words to the song it was great that we was there to see this. We then afterwards decided to walk around and just take in more pictures of this beautiful city. We then decided to go and have lunch we found a great pub and restaurant called The Meat I would highly recommend this restaurant the alcohol wasn’t expensive and neither was the meal in total it cost us £40 and that was for two people. The lady who served us was very friendly and so helpful and she spoke English too.
Written 30 April 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.
AmarillaArvika
Arvika, Sweden519 contributions
Dec 2020 • Solo
If you like small independant shops, small cafes and restaurants, in a historical setting, then this is the place to go. The only setback in this time of Corona, is that not everything is open, but it’s still good. I recommend going in the afternoon when it is almost dark, and walk up and down the little alleys, and looking into the shops that interest you. A must see and do for Stockholm.
Written 10 December 2020
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.
Ocam R
Czech Republic65 contributions
Jan 2020
Flew in to Arlanda Airport. Very long walk to trains from T2. Bought 72 hr travel card and airport supplement at station, service excellent, transport superb. Metro from Airport to hotel 40 mins, then 5 mins to Old Town, also walked it in 15 mins. Easy to access. Quaint cobbled streets, very clean, lots of small shops, many cafes and bars that have live bands. Also upmarket restaurants like Vapiano Italian. You can get round the whole place easily on foot. Palace 500 m from centre. Note: most places do not take cash, have your money in sek on a preloaded currency card. Prices are very high be prepared for a shock.... One beer, one double JD& coke, one plate of chips no change from £30 at bar, prices published. Overall a good time but would not go again as once seen is enough.
Written 19 January 2020
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.
Marilyn M
Stockholm, Sweden59 contributions
Dec 2019
Is this the most attractive city centre in the world? It would certainly come in any list of finalists. Compressed onto a tiny island (the 'holm' in Stockholm means island), it's crammed full of tiny cobbled alleys, historic buildings, shops, restaurants, music spots... and fabulous waterside views. Any time you tire of its urbanity, you can walk to the quayside at Slussen and take a ferry. Just across the water, or to the lovely nearby Fjäderholmarna, or way out into the archipelago.
Written 12 February 2020
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.
Diana Varga
Bucharest, Romania233 contributions
Jan 2020 • Business
Lovely city centre and with acces to bars,shops and a bunch of museums.
Check the opening hours for museum online as in the winter a few are closed and open later than usual and for short time... 11am-4pm
Check the opening hours for museum online as in the winter a few are closed and open later than usual and for short time... 11am-4pm
Written 12 January 2020
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.
Krissy W
Moerkoev, Denmark194 contributions
Feb 2020 • Solo
Old part of the city is a really nice place to go - even during winter time where you can warm up with hot soup or chocolate in little cafe's. Have a nice lunch at the square or enjoy a delicious Swedish Fika (coffee and cake) or do both. Remember to look up during your walk as many of the old buildings are very beautiful.
Written 5 March 2020
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.
Cailin1969
Cork, Ireland35 contributions
Dec 2019
Spent a day walking about the old streets - very accessible from the city centre and worth just exploring on your own with an app or a map. lots of lovely restaurants and bars to choose from. Unfortunately the Nobel museum was closed on the day we visited (Dec 31).
Written 11 January 2020
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.
Barkan Ç
Ankara, Türkiye4 contributions
Nov 2019
This old town feels like you are in medieval times where once Vikings lived! Successfully preserved, wisely being restored.. A bit expensive what is actually usual in Nordic countries. Yes, the reason is they are rich ! :) In this city, a hard copy paper map (yes, beautiful tech. GPS is confused due to narrow streets and tall buildings) would be super useful to find the way around. Otherwise, you might have hard times.
Go to Nobel Museum and surely the Royal Palace! Most of the museums are on another island called Djurgården.
Go to Nobel Museum and surely the Royal Palace! Most of the museums are on another island called Djurgården.
Written 8 January 2020
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.
Johan
8 contributions
Jul 2019
When in Stockholm, you can't miss the Old Town. Here you find small alleys, shops, restaurants (take a visit to restaurant 'Gyllene Freden' from 1722 or the nearby pub 'Zum Franziskaner' from 1869) and even the royal castle.
Even thou a lot of the buildings has been torned down it's still the coolest place in Stockholm
Even thou a lot of the buildings has been torned down it's still the coolest place in Stockholm
Written 3 January 2020
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.
An American living in Europe
13 contributions
Feb 2020
Do a little advance reading on Gamla Stan. Look at some pictures and familiarize yourself a bit ahead of time. Evening is the time to go to avoid crowds and take it all in undisturbed. Good time to make photos, too.
Most fun is to "get lost," look all around you as you wander then refer to your guidebook for details on points of interest you uncover.
Most fun is to "get lost," look all around you as you wander then refer to your guidebook for details on points of interest you uncover.
Written 7 March 2020
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.
Is a 5 hours layover at Arlanda Airport enough time for a quick visit to the city center using the express train in February? How long does it usually take to go through customs in and out?
Written 3 May 2024
It's only 20min from the airport to the city centre by Arlanda express, so 5 hours would be definitely doable and worth it. However, I'm not sure about the customs bit as we were coming from the UK, so didn't have to go through customs.
Written 5 May 2024
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
Written 9 February 2020
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.
Written 10 February 2020
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
Written 13 December 2019
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.
Written 16 December 2019
Torill E
Son, Norway
Vi ønsker et hotell med underholdning i Stockholm gamla stan i februar en gruppe 10-12 stk
Written 26 October 2019
I would recommend Sheraton, it is near old town, near central station and good shopping
Written 2 November 2019
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
Written 28 August 2019
Находясь всего полдня в Стокгольме,что лучше бесплатно посетить. И рекомендации по бюджетному варианту питания
Written 10 October 2019
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?
Written 27 June 2019
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!!!
Written 27 June 2019
Walking is the best part of exploring Old Town! Don't miss the opportunity to wander.
Written 5 September 2018
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.
Written 5 September 2018
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.
Written 5 September 2018
Lze koupit jízdenku mhd-Stockholm,tbana,bus,tram,lod na letišti Arlanda. Pokud ano,kde.Dekuji.Luboš.
Written 1 September 2018
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.
Written 3 September 2018
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!
Written 18 August 2018
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.
Written 18 August 2018
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