Gamla Stan is the image most people have of Stockholm: narrow cobblestone streets, buildings painted in ochre and red, the Royal Palace rising above the waterfront. It's gorgeous. It's also tiny, crowded, and expensive.
Here's the local's honest take on whether you should actually stay here — or just visit.
The Good
- Atmosphere: There's nothing quite like waking up in a 17th-century building with views of the water. Gamla Stan has genuine medieval charm that no modern hotel can replicate.
- Walkability: The Royal Palace, Nobel Prize Museum, Storkyrkan cathedral, and the parliament building are all within 5 minutes.
- Dining: Restaurants like Den Gyldene Freden (operating since 1722!) offer historical dining experiences.
- Photography: Every alley is Instagram-ready, especially early morning and golden hour.
The Not-So-Good
- Prices: Hotels in Gamla Stan charge a 30–50% premium over comparable options in other neighborhoods. A standard room easily costs 2,500–4,000 SEK/night.
- Tourist traps: Västerlånggatan (the main shopping street) is full of overpriced souvenir shops and mediocre restaurants targeting cruise passengers.
- Noise: Summer nights can be surprisingly loud — bar crowds, street performers, tour groups.
- Cobblestones: Charming to look at, challenging to walk on with luggage or if you have mobility issues.
- Size: The whole island is tiny. There's no grocery store, no gym, no laundry. You'll feel like a tourist 24/7.
Who Should Stay in Gamla Stan
- ✅ First-time visitors who want the "classic Stockholm" experience for 1–2 nights
- ✅ Couples on a romantic trip (anniversary, birthday)
- ✅ History enthusiasts willing to pay the premium
- ❌ Budget travelers (way overpriced for what you get)
- ❌ Families with small children (cobblestones + no kitchen = tough)
- ❌ Business travelers (far from Kista, Solna, and tech hubs)
- ❌ Anyone staying longer than 3 nights (you'll run out of things to do on the island)
Better Alternatives
You can visit Gamla Stan in an hour and experience all the magic — without paying the premium of sleeping there. Here's where locals actually recommend staying:
🏠 Södermalm
Across the bridge from Gamla Stan. Better restaurants, better nightlife, better prices. You can walk to the Old Town in 10 minutes.
🏘️ Kungsholmen
Waterfront walks, local restaurants, residential calm. Underrated and affordable.
🏡 Täby — The Smart Choice
Our rooms in Täby are 25 minutes from Gamla Stan by metro. You get 1Gb fiber, a full kitchen, garden, sauna, and quiet residential streets — for a fraction of what you'd pay in the Old Town. Visit Gamla Stan as a morning trip, then come back to your comfortable villa.
If You Do Stay in Gamla Stan
Some quick tips to make the most of it:
- Book a side street. Avoid hotels on Västerlånggatan — the noise is real.
- Go early. The island before 9 AM is magical and empty.
- Eat on the side streets. Restaurants on Österlånggatan and Köpmangatan are better value.
- Don't eat dinner at Stortorget. Beautiful square, terrible food-to-price ratio.
- Walk to Riddarholmen. The adjacent island has better views and zero crowds.
Visit Gamla Stan. Stay somewhere smarter.
Our Superhost-managed rooms give you a comfortable base with kitchen, fiber internet, and garden — from 230 SEK/night. Spend the savings on a great dinner in the Old Town instead.