Stockholm’s neighbourhoods
Read about Stockholm’s neighbourhoods and popular areas in and around the city.
Södermalm
Södermalm offers an interesting and picturesque urban setting. Here you can find plenty of cosy cafés and small shops – many specialising in design, art, crafts and vintage goods. Tourists often head here to visit Fotografiska Museet or one of the excellent theatres, such as Södra Teatern or Göta Lejon, or both. At the western end of the island, near Hornstull, lies Tantolunden, a popular green space with allotment cottages and a bathing beach.
Östermalm
The elegant streets around Östermalm are lined with beautiful buildings with handsome façades. Between Östermalm and Norrmalm lies Stureplan, Stockholm’s trendiest district, with exclusive nightspots, restaurants and shops. Östermalmshallen and Stureplansgallerian are also here.
Gamla stan
Gamla stan wins many hearts with its narrow, cobbled lanes and picturesque houses. Here you will find Kungliga slottet, Storkyrkan and the beautiful Skeppsbrokajen, an inviting spot for a waterfront stroll. The area has many small shops, galleries, restaurants and cafés. It is also home to Skattkammaren, Nobelprismuseet and Livrustkammaren. Riksdagshuset stands on Helgeandsholmen, adjoining Gamla stan.
City centre
In the heart of the city, a couple of blocks from Stockholm Central Station and the Arlanda Express, are several popular shopping streets with both large shopping centres and smaller shops. Here you will also find Sergels Torg, known as “Plattan”, and the city’s cultural centre, run by Kulturhuset Stadsteatern.
Kungsholmen
Kungsholmen is known for its beautiful parks and waterfront promenades. It is home to Stockholms stadshus, one of the country’s most famous buildings. Read more about visiting options before your trip. In summer, many people take the opportunity to have a swim at Smeduddsbadet or stroll along Norr Mälarstrand.
Haga
The leafy Hagaparken lies close to central Stockholm. This English-style park is home to Haga slott and walking paths beside Brunnsviken. You will also find Fjärilshuset Haga Ocean here.
Vasastan
This central neighbourhood is known for being very picturesque in places and retains many traces of a bygone era. One of its best-known local figures was Astrid Lindgren, who lived for over 70 years in a flat on Dalagatan overlooking Vasaparken.
Djurgården
Scenic Djurgården is popular with visitors and Stockholm residents alike. It is home to Rosendals slott, with Rosendals trädgård nearby. On the island you will also find Vasamuseet, Skansen, Junibacken, Gröna Lund and ABBA The Museum.
The archipelago
The Stockholm archipelago consists of 30,000 islands and offers endless opportunities for adventure. You do not need your own boat to get out there, as there is a wide range of ferry services, tourist boats and boat trips. Many tourists take a day trip to one of the larger islands, such as Utö, or to Fjäderholmarna, where there are plenty of cafés, restaurants and small shops.
Birka
On the island of Björkö in Lake Mälaren lie the remains of the Viking town of Birka. An outing here can be combined with history, guided tours and museum visits. Check current boat trips and events before your visit.
Vinterviken
Vinterviken is a scenic park area in a bay in eastern Lake Mälaren. Alfred Nobel worked here for many years, and many of the historic buildings have been preserved. The former dynamite factory now houses a café and function rooms, while the surrounding garden offers plenty of space for a picnic.
Långholmen
Långholmen is a long, narrow island between Kungsholmen and Södermalm. It was once home to a well-known prison, part of which now serves as a hostel. The area is popular for its beautiful natural surroundings, and both Stockholm residents and tourists use it for recreation.
