Stockholm, often referred to as the “Venice of the North,” offers a captivating blend of rich history and cutting-edge modernity. While it’s a must-visit destination for many, the high cost of accommodation can be a deterrent.
However, worry not; the city is dotted with hostels that not only offer economical lodging but also serve as hubs for travelers to socialize and immerse themselves in the local culture.
Feasibility of the Best Hostel in Stockholm
Opting for one of the best hostels in Stockholm can significantly enhance your travel experience. Here’s why:
- Affordability: Hostels offer budget-friendly accommodations, allowing you to save money for other activities.
- Social Experience: Hostels provide a social atmosphere where you can meet fellow travelers from around the world.
- Convenient Locations: Many hostels are centrally located, providing easy access to major attractions and public transportation.
Top 10 Stockholm Hostels
In this guide, we take an in-depth look at the top 10 Stockholm hostels to make your travel planning seamless.
1. City Backpackers Hostel: More Than Just a Bed
City Backpackers Hostel is well-known for its vibrant atmosphere and top-of-the-line facilities, including a sauna and a courtyard café.
Situated near the central railway station, it offers guests free pasta and an open kitchen, encouraging travelers to bond over home-cooked meals. The hostel also frequently organizes city tours, live music events, and even Swedish Meatball making classes!
2. Generator Stockholm: A Trendy Option
Generator Stockholm provides an urban and modern atmosphere, perfect for younger travelers. The hostel is strategically located close to the main attractions and shopping districts.
Featuring an on-site bar that offers a wide variety of cocktails and local brews, Generator Stockholm is as much a place to socialize as it is to sleep.
3. Archipelago Hostel Old Town: Authentic Swedish Experience
Situated in a 17th-century building in the middle of Stockholm’s Old Town, Archipelago Hostel is all about providing a cultural experience.
From the antique furniture to the local artwork adorning the walls, the hostel aims to immerate guests in Swedish history. Several museums and historical sites are within walking distance, making it convenient for those who are keen on sightseeing.
4. Skanstulls Hostel: In the Heart of Södermalm
This hostel is situated in one of Stockholm’s most lively districts, Södermalm. The area is packed with vintage shops, art galleries, and organic cafes.
Skanstulls Hostel itself offers spacious rooms and a community kitchen, complete with an espresso machine to kickstart your day. During the summers, they also organize BBQ events in their garden.
5. Jumbo Stay: A Unique Airplane Experience
Jumbo Stay offers one of the most unique hostel experiences you can find. Situated inside a retrofitted Boeing 747, the hostel is conveniently close to Arlanda Airport. The cockpit has been converted into a luxury suite, offering panoramic views of the airport.
An on-site café serves both Swedish and international cuisine, perfect for travelers coming in from all corners of the globe.
6. STF/IYHF af Chapman & Skeppsholmen: Maritime Adventure
Docked at Skeppsholmen Island, this hostel on a ship offers the romance of maritime life combined with modern amenities. The deck provides extraordinary views of the city skyline and is a popular spot for guests to gather and share travel stories. The hostel also offers bicycles for rent, encouraging guests to explore Stockholm on two wheels.
7. Castanea Old Town Hostel: Small but Cozy
Housed in a building that dates back to the 16th century, Castanea Old Town Hostel gives you the feeling of living in a different era. With rooms containing no more than four beds, it offers a level of intimacy not usually found in larger hostels. Amenities include free WiFi, lockers, and even a small library for book lovers.
8. Langholmen Hostel: Experience Island Life
Once a prison, Langholmen Hostel has now been transformed into a must-stay experience. The individual rooms or “cells” have been redesigned to offer comfort while retaining their historical integrity. The hostel offers kayaking and other water activities, making it an ideal location for adventure seekers.
9. Lodge32: Homely Ambience Near the Waterfront
Located near the scenic Kungsholmen waterfront, Lodge32 provides a communal atmosphere with its large living area and fully equipped kitchen. The hostel also has an in-house cinema room where you can relax and enjoy a selection of movies.
10. Acco Hostel: Budget-Friendly in Södermalm
If you’re traveling on a tight budget, Acco Hostel in the hip SoFo district of Södermalm is the place to be. Despite its economical price point, the hostel does not compromise on cleanliness or service. Nearby you’ll find plenty of thrift stores, vegan eateries, and independent coffee shops.
Things to Do in Stockholm
Stockholm offers a plethora of activities for visitors of all ages and interests. Here are some must-see and must-do activities:
- Explore Gamla Stan: Wander through the narrow cobblestone streets of the Old Town, home to the Royal Palace and Stortorget Square.
- Visit the Vasa Museum: Discover the well-preserved 17th-century warship Vasa, which sank on its maiden voyage.
- Tour the ABBA Museum: Celebrate the legacy of Sweden’s most famous pop group with interactive exhibits and memorabilia.
- Discover Skansen: The world’s oldest open-air museum, showcasing Swedish history, culture, and wildlife.
- Take a boat tour of the archipelago: Explore some of the 30,000 islands that make up the Stockholm Archipelago.
Top 5 Libraries in Stockholm
- Stockholm Public Library (Stadsbiblioteket): Known for its stunning rotunda design by architect Gunnar Asplund.
- Royal Library (Kungliga biblioteket): The national library of Sweden, housing millions of books and historical documents.
- KTH Library: Located at the Royal Institute of Technology, offering an extensive collection of academic resources.
- Södertörn University Library: Known for its modern architecture and comprehensive academic collection.
- Riksdagsbiblioteket: The library of the Swedish Parliament, offering a wealth of legislative and historical resources.
Top 10 Food and Drinking Stops in Stockholm
- Gastrologik: A Michelin-starred restaurant offering innovative Nordic cuisine.
- Oaxen Slip: Known for its casual dining and focus on locally sourced ingredients.
- Pelikan: A historic beer hall offering traditional Swedish dishes.
- Speceriet: A cozy bistro known for its creative and seasonal menu.
- Bakfickan: Located at the Opera House, offering classic Swedish dishes in an intimate setting.
- Meatballs for the People: Specializing in Swedish meatballs made from various meats and vegetarian options.
- Tjoget: A popular bar and restaurant offering a mix of Mediterranean and Nordic cuisine.
- Kaffekoppen: A charming café in Gamla Stan, known for its delicious cinnamon buns and cozy atmosphere.
- Fotografiska: The museum café offers stunning views of the city and a menu focused on sustainability.
- Vete-Katten: A classic Stockholm bakery and café known for its pastries and traditional Swedish fika.
Top 5 Beaches in Stockholm
- Smedsuddsbadet: A popular city beach located on Kungsholmen, offering sandy shores and swimming areas.
- Långholmsbadet: Located on the island of Långholmen, offering a beach, grassy areas, and scenic views.
- Tantolunden Beach: Situated in Södermalm, featuring a beach and large park with various recreational activities.
- Fredhällsbadet: A rocky beach popular for sunbathing and swimming, located on Kungsholmen.
- Flatenbadet: One of the largest bathing areas in Stockholm, offering sandy beaches and clear waters.
Top 5 Museums in Stockholm
- Vasa Museum: Home to the world’s only preserved 17th-century ship, the Vasa, and a must-visit attraction.
- ABBA The Museum: An interactive museum dedicated to the legendary Swedish pop group ABBA.
- Skansen: The world’s oldest open-air museum, showcasing Swedish history, culture, and wildlife.
- Fotografiska: A contemporary photography museum with rotating exhibitions and a café offering panoramic views.
- Moderna Museet: Featuring modern and contemporary art from around the world.
Top 5 Castles in Stockholm
- The Royal Palace: One of the largest palaces in Europe, serving as the official residence of the Swedish monarch.
- Drottningholm Palace: A UNESCO World Heritage site and the private residence of the Swedish royal family.
- Gripsholm Castle: A historic castle located in Mariefred, known for its well-preserved Renaissance architecture.
- Skokloster Castle: A baroque castle featuring an extensive collection of art, books, and weaponry.
- Uppsala Castle: A historic castle located in Uppsala, offering beautiful gardens and panoramic views.
Top 5 Zoos in Stockholm
- Skansen: An open-air museum and zoo showcasing Swedish wildlife, culture, and history.
- Kolmården Wildlife Park: The largest zoo in Scandinavia, located just outside Stockholm.
- Furuvik Zoo: Offering a mix of wildlife exhibits and amusement park attractions.
- Parken Zoo: Located in Eskilstuna, featuring a variety of animals and family-friendly activities.
- Gröna Lund: While primarily an amusement park, it also features a small zoo with exotic animals.
Top 5 Parks in Stockholm
- Djurgården: A beautiful island park home to many of Stockholm’s top attractions, including Skansen and the Vasa Museum.
- Humlegården: A historic park in the Östermalm district, offering lush greenery and a tranquil atmosphere.
- Tantolunden: A large park in Södermalm featuring gardens, a beach, and recreational facilities.
- Hagaparken: A large park known for its English landscape garden design and historic buildings.
- Rålambshovsparken: A popular park on Kungsholmen offering sports facilities, a beach, and beautiful views.
Top 5 Mosques in Stockholm
- Stockholm Mosque (Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan’s Mosque): The largest mosque in Stockholm, offering prayer services and community events.
- Fittja Mosque: Located in the southern suburbs of Stockholm, serving the local Muslim community.
- Kista Mosque: Providing religious services and educational programs in the Kista district.
- Sundbyberg Mosque: Offering a place of worship and community support in the Sundbyberg area.
- Islamic Association of Sweden Mosque: Serving the Muslim community with prayer services and cultural activities.
Top 5 Temples in Stockholm
- Stockholm Buddhist Vihara: Offering meditation classes and Buddhist teachings.
- The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: Providing spiritual services and community support.
- Brahma Kumaris Sweden: Offering spiritual programs and meditation practices.
- Sri Sri Radha Govinda Temple: Serving the Hare Krishna community with spiritual services and vegetarian meals.
- Stockholm Zen Center: Providing teachings and meditation practices based on Zen Buddhism.
Top 5 Churches in Stockholm
- Stockholm Cathedral (Storkyrkan): The oldest church in Gamla Stan, known for its beautiful interior and historic significance.
- St. James’s Church (Sankt Jacobs kyrka): A stunning red-brick church located near Kungsträdgården.
- Klara Church (Klara kyrka): Known for its tall spire and active community outreach programs.
- Riddarholmen Church: The burial site of Swedish monarchs, located on Riddarholmen Island.
- Sofia Church (Sofia kyrka): Located in Södermalm, known for its striking architecture and beautiful interior.
Other Enjoyable Places in Stockholm
- Gamla Stan: The Old Town, offering historic streets, charming shops, and cafes.
- Södermalm: A trendy district known for its hip cafes, boutiques, and vibrant nightlife.
- Stortorget: The main square in Gamla Stan, home to colorful buildings and the Nobel Museum.
- Kungsträdgården: A central park known for its beautiful cherry blossoms in spring and ice skating rink in winter.
- Vaxholm: A charming town in the Stockholm Archipelago, perfect for a day trip.
Stockholm is a city of endless exploration and discovery. Whether you’re delving into its rich cultural heritage, savoring its delicious cuisine, or enjoying its stunning natural landscapes, this guide will help you make the most of your visit.
Enjoy the charm and beauty of Stockholm, and create unforgettable memories in this enchanting city.
Conclusion
Choosing the right hostel can make or break your Stockholm experience. Whether you’re interested in history, looking for social interaction, or just want a clean and economical place to rest, Stockholm’s diverse range of hostels offers something for everyone. Use this guide as a cornerstone for your travel planning,