It wouldn’t be a trip to Stockholm without visiting the city’s oldest district – Gamla Stan. This district is primarily located on the island of Stadsholmen and still boasts historic architecture and cobbled streets. It’s considered to be one of the most well preserved old towns in Europe, with a history dating back to at least the 13th century. It should come as no surprise then, that Gamla Stan is the most popular part of Stockholm to visit.
Gamla Stan is beautiful to walk around at any time of the year. The peak summer period draws in thousands of tourists every day, many of which come from cruise ships, so you can imagine just how busy Stockholm can be. The winter months are significantly less busy with tourists, so although you may need to battle the cold weather, you’ll find Gamla Stan in particular to be quieter to explore on foot.
Stockholm’s old town is very pedestrian-friendly, making it seem like you’re walking through a large outdoor museum at times. The historic streets can be uneven at times and hilly, so I would recommend wearing comfortable shoes and taking your time if you’re unsteady on your feet. That being said, the old town isn’t huge, so you should have no problems spending a day in Gamla Stan and seeing many of the main attractions.
Here are my top picks for the best things to do in Gamla Stan, especially if this is your first time visiting the old town. I’ve also included some tips about where to eat in Gamla Stan and where to stay in Stockholm’s old town to help you plan your trip to the Swedish capital.
Best things to do in Gamla Stan
The Royal Palace
The Royal Palace is the official residence of the King of Sweden and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Stockholm. Today’s palace was largely built in the 18th century to replace the old palace that was devastated by a fire in 1697. However, there’s archaeological evidence that shows a medieval fortress could have stood on this site as early as the 13th century.
The Royal Palace today boasts over 600 rooms and some of these rooms are open to the public. In the summer months it’s recommended that you book your tickets in advance to avoid the queues. Visiting one of the largest palaces in Europe should be high on your list of things to do in Gamla Stan.
Tickets for The Royal Palace include entry into The Royal Apartments, the Museum Three Crowns, and The Treasury. Entry into The Royal Armoury isn’t included and tickets need to be purchased separately for that museum. The Stockholm Pass is a great way to save money if you plan on visiting numerous attractions in Stockholm during your trip.
If you don’t manage to get tickets for The Royal Palace, or you’re simply not interested in going inside, I would recommend watching the Changing of the Guards. The Royal Guards have stood guarding the palace since the 16th century so it’s a special ceremony to witness. This is one of the best free things to do in Stockholm and takes place daily at 12:15pm and 13:15 on Sundays.
The Treasury
The Royal Palace is made up of a few different museums that are worth exploring during your time in Gamla Stan. One of these is The Treasury, where the regalia are kept in the cellar vaults. Some of the regalia are used for ceremonial occasions but many of the items remain on permanent display for the public. The Treasury is very small so it won’t take you a lot of time to walk around. It’s one of the most unique things to see in Gamla Stan and it’s worth visiting if you’re already planning on going inside The Royal Palace.
The Royal Armory
If you want to learn more about Sweden’s royal history then you can’t pass up the opportunity to visit The Royal Armoury. This is another museum in Stockholm located inside The Royal Palace, in what was once where the kings’ weaponry was stored. The museum displays ceremonial outfits, equipment, and weapons from the country’s history. What I enjoyed most about this museum was seeing the magnificent royal carriages in the vaults underneath the Armoury.
Tickets for The Royal Armoury aren’t included with The Royal Palace ticket so you’ll need to purchase them separately, either at the ticket office or online.
Museum Three Crowns
In 1697, the original Tre Kronor (Three Crowns) Palace was destroyed by a fire. The Museum Three Crowns is dedicated to the history of this palace and it’s located on the ground floor of The Royal Palace. Visitors will be able to look at objects that were rescued from the fire as well as new models of the palace that show its development into the palace that stands today. It’s a very interesting museum in Gamla Stan and it should take you around 45 minutes to see in its entirety.
Find Stockholm’s smallest statue
One of the most unusual things to do in Gamla Stan is to take a photo of Järnpojke. The Iron Boy is a sculpture in Gamla Stan that sits at just 15 cm high, and he’s positioned looking up at the sky. He’s considered to be the smallest statue in Sweden and can be found in a small courtyard near Stockholm Cathedral. Anyone visiting him shouldn’t pass up the opportunity to make a wish before leaving!
Visit Stockholm Cathedral
Stockholm Cathedral, or Storkyrkan, is located opposite The Royal Palace and was originally built in the 13th century. From 1527 onwards the cathedral has been a Lutheran church and it’s home to a number of unique objects, like the wooden St George and the Dragon sculpture dating back to the late 15th century. If you don’t have time to go inside the cathedral, it’s beautiful to look at from the outside as well.
Walk around Stockholm’s oldest square
One of the most popular things to do in Gamla Stan is to take a photo in Stortorget. Gamla Stan’s main square has been mentioned as early as 1420, making it the oldest square in Stockholm. One of the most notable buildings here is the Stock Exchange Building which now houses the Nobel Prize Museum.
The colourful facades of the buildings next to the Nobel Prize Museum are very picturesque, and most of them are made up of either eateries or quaint shops. If you want a photo here without crowds of people in it, you’ll have to wake up early in the morning – but it’s worth it!
Nobel Prize Museum
One attraction that you won’t find anywhere else is the Nobel Prize Museum. This unique museum in Stockholm displays various artefacts donated by Nobel Laureates, paired with stories of their personal lives. You’ll also find information about the award itself as well as the founder, Alfred Nobel. It’s a very modern museum in Gamla Stan housed in an historic building that’s certainly worth going inside. Visitors can sign up for a guided tour of the museum and even enjoy a bite to eat in the bistro.
Pass through the narrowest street in Stockholm
Blink and you might miss this one. Mårten Trotzigs Gränd is the narrowest street in Stockholm. It stands at barely 90 cm wide at its narrowest point and is definitely a hidden gem in Gamla Stan. It’s named after a German trader who bought a few houses and a shop along the alley in the 16th century. You won’t find it too busy with tourists but you may have to wait a while to get a good photo of it without people in the background.
Riddarholmen Church
Although it doesn’t sit on the island of Stadsholmen, Riddarholmen Church is still an important part of Stockholm’s old town. Located on the very small island of Riddarholmen, this church stands as Stockholm’s only preserved medieval abbey. Parts of the church can be dated back as far as the 13th century when it was built as a Greyfriars monastery. It’s also the final resting place of most Swedish monarchs.
The church is open in the summer months and today it’s mostly used for commemorative and burial purposes as the congregation was dissolved in 1807. While you’re visiting the church, take some time to walk around Riddarholmen as well and take in the views across the water.
Stockholm City Hall
Stockholm City Hall isn’t located within Gamla Stan, but you can get a pretty impressive view of it from Riddarholmen. It was built in the early 20th century and is famous for its tower with three gold crowns perched on top of it. The tower is open in the summer months so visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the centre of Stockholm.
After you visit Riddarholmen Church, make your way to the waterfront where you’ll be able to get the perfect photo of Stockholm City Hall from across the water with nothing impeding your view.
Listen to live jazz at Stampen
One of the best things to do in Gamla Stan at night is to visit Stampen for an evening of live jazz. This world-famous jazz bar is very cozy and it often gets so busy that you need to wait outside until a space opens up. It’s predominantly a standing bar unless you get there early enough to grab a table. The building itself has been a pawn shop and a French Reform Church before being turned into a jazz bar in 1968.
Take in the views from Mariaberget
If you’re looking for the perfect view of Gamla Stan, you’ll have to head outside of the old town. There are plenty of viewpoints in Södermalm to take advantage of, but one of my favourites is Mariaberget. This area was once made up of simple wooden huts lived in by the poorer members of society. Today however, it’s a vibrant part of Stockholm offering possibly the best panoramic view of Gamla Stan and Riddarholmen.
Drink like a Viking in Aifur
You can’t visit Gamla Stan without going inside a Viking bar. One of the most popular bars in Gamla Stan is Aifur, in the heart of the old town. This Viking-themed bar and restaurant is a big hit with tourists and the atmosphere inside is amazing. Although we didn’t dine here, the menu is tied to Viking history and legend, with each dish using ingredients found in the Viking Age. If you book in advance, you’ll be announced to the dining hall by a horn and receive cheers as you’re taken to your table.
This isn’t the most budget friendly place to eat in Gamla Stan, so I would recommend sitting in the bar and grabbing a beer or cider while you soak up the atmosphere instead.
Get lost in the streets of Gamla Stan
Gamla Stan isn’t a large old town, but it’s very easy to get lost in its winding cobbled streets. There are lots of places to eat and drink in Gamla Stan, and plenty of quaint shops to visit as well. Many of these shops are tourist traps though, selling cheap souvenirs, so keep your eyes peeled for boutique and artisan shops instead. The products will be more expensive but they’re worth paying a bit extra for in my opinion.
Västerlånggatan is one of the busiest streets in Gamla Stan, but coming off of it are numerous quieter streets that are often overlooked by tourists. Take some time and explore these streets because you never know what you’ll come across!
Parliament House
Parliament House in Stockholm is located on Helgeandsholmen, which together with Stadsholmen and Riddarholmen make up Gamla Stan. The building was completed in the early 20th century to replace the old parliament building on Riddarholmen. If you’re interested in visiting the inside of Parliament House you can book a free guided tour through the official website, but it needs to be in advance because spots fill up very quickly.
Hop on a boat ride
There are a lot of guided boat tours in Stockholm available, and choosing the right one can be a bit overwhelming. We chose a short 50 minute boat ride with Sightseeing Ride who are located directly across from The Royal Palace. They’re an eco-friendly company who use 100% electric open boats for their tours which is a great initiative.
Our tour took us past some of Stockholm’s most iconic landmarks and our tour guide was very informative and humorous as well. This is the perfect option if you’re short on time but you still want to take advantage of the many boat rides in Stockholm that are on offer.
You can find more information about boat tours, walking tours in Gamla Stan, and other unique tours around the city via Visit Stockholm.
Places to eat in Gamla Stan
Chokladkoppen
One of the most well-known cafes in Gamla Stan is Chokladkoppen. It’s located in Stortorget and was one of the first openly LGBT-friendly establishments in Stockholm. They offer a variety of drinks and baked goods, making it the perfect spot in Gamla Stan for fika (a Swedish word for socializing with coffee and cakes). Two things I would recommend getting are the hot chocolate which comes served in a bowl and an incredibly large cinnamon bun.
Österlånggatan 17
If you’re looking for lunch in Gamla Stan for a reasonable price and in a relaxing setting, you can’t go wrong with Österlånggatan 17. It’s located a short walk from both The Royal Palace and Stortorget, along a beautiful historic street in the old town. Their menu draws inspiration from global cuisines and they’re very particular about the ingredients that they use.
Österlånggatan 17 is open throughout the day, and their lunch menu features good value daily specials, small dishes meant for sharing (tapas style), and larger dishes if you’re feeling very hungry. I would recommend ordering a few dishes from their sharing menu so that you can sample several of their top-selling plates all in one sitting.
When we visited for lunch the highlights for me were the stuffed aubergine with parmesan and the queen scallops. If you like seafood then the fried gambas and the seared tuna salad are a must-try and quite a light alternative for lunch. Österlånggatan 17 definitely needs to be on your list of places to eat in Stockholm.
Cafe & Restaurang Sten Sture
For history enthusiasts, there’s no better restaurant in Gamla Stan than Cafe & Restaurang Sten Sture. The restaurant is set within historic cellar vaults that date back to the 14th century and it’s the location of the arrest of Jacob Johan Anckarström following his assassination of King Gustav III. At one time there were secret passages leading from the vaults to The Royal Palace and Stockholm Cathedral. The space was later used as a jail, a monastery, and by soldiers in the First World War.
It’s a truly remarkable setting to dine in, and their traditional menu really adds to the experience. You can’t leave Stockholm without trying Swedish meatballs and fried herring. Luckily, Cafe & Restaurang Sten Sture serves both of these popular dishes on their menu with a side of creamy mashed potatoes, and gravy to go with the meatballs. Both dishes are equally worth ordering but if you have to choose just one you can’t go wrong with Swedish meatballs, and these ones are delicious.
CONG
One of the best Vietnamese street food restaurants is located in the heart of Gamla Stan. It’s worth adding to any itinerary if you’re looking for somewhere unique to dine. CONG is a modern restaurant with a menu that brings the bold flavours of Vietnam to Stockholm. You won’t be overwhelmed with options at CONG, but what they do offer is a great mixture of dishes that are a good size to share so you can try different things.
CONG is also one of the best places for vegetarian food in Gamla Stan. The Spicy Tofu Stick, Fried Spring Rolls, and Tofu & Aubergine dishes are all incredible and delicious alternatives to meat. One of their most popular dishes is the Crispy Duck Pancakes though, so I would recommend trying those if you want to experience something a little different. Make sure you order a cocktail to really round off your meal and experience modern Vietnamese street food at its finest.
Italiensk Restaurang No53
There are a lot of restaurants in Gamla Stan for visitors to choose from, but none quite hit the spot like Italiensk Restaurang No53. It’s a great restaurant in Stockholm to go to during the day or evening, and it’s also a big hit with groups meeting for a drink and to socialize. This beautiful gastropub offers diners a large menu with many influences from all over the world. However, you’ll find that a lot of the dishes are Italian-based, with plenty of pizza and pasta options.
For starters I would recommend either the fried artichokes or the arancini which can both easily be shared due to their size. I love risotto so the mushroom risotto was a big highlight of the meal for me and it’s one dish that I would order the next time we visit. If meat is more your thing, the pasta with beef fillet is a fantastic option that definitely won’t leave you hungry. And you need to leave room for dessert because their tiramisu has to be part of your meal.
While you’re at Italiensk Restaurang No53 don’t forget to try a couple of their unique cocktails! If it’s still on the menu when you visit, the Fizzitini is one that I would recommend.
Skeppsbro Bageri
Looking for breakfast in Gamla Stan? We came across Skeppsbro Bageri by chance while we were staying at Hotel Reisen. The bakery is set along the waterfront and they use 100% raw organic materials in everything they bake. They have everything from sandwiches to baked goods and artisan coffees available. Make sure you arrive early in the day if you want to get one of their cinnamon buns because they sell out fast!
Where to stay in Gamla Stan
Hotel Reisen
Stockholm’s old town has a lot of history surrounding it, so what better place to stay in Gamla Stan than in an historic building? Hotel Reisen is a luxury 5-star hotel located directly along the beautiful waterfront, with Gamla Stan as its backdrop. The building where the hotel is situated dates back to 1617 when Gustavus Adolphus the Great was the Swedish King.
In the past, the building has been used as a coffeehouse, a storehouse, a place where poets would gather, and as a drinking den. There’s a lot of history behind this building so when you stay here you become part of Hotel Reisen’s story.
What’s interesting about the rooms at Hotel Reisen is that each one features its own piece of history. Some may feature parts of its old brick walls whereas others offer a picturesque view over the waterfront. We stayed in the Corner Suite with Sea View which is a two-room suite with a beautiful modern decor and possibly the most comfortable bed in Stockholm.
The living room is the perfect place to relax after a long day of exploring Gamla Stan. When we arrived there was a box of local chocolates on the table as well as distilled water. There’s also a TV in the living room, a minibar, and a coffee making station with a good selection of coffee pods.
Just next to the living room is a reception room where you’ll find space to hang up your coats and a desk that can be used as either a working space or a makeup counter.
The bathroom is located off of the living room and it’s very spacious, with a modern double sink, a large walk-in rain shower, and a closed-off toilet. There’s plenty of shampoo and shower gel available, including a nice exfoliating kit. A comfortable robe and slippers are also stored in the bathroom for each guest.
The view from our corner suite really was picture perfect. A nice added touch were the binoculars left on the windowsill so we could zoom in to some of the points of interest across the waterfront. Inside the binocular’s box was a miniature map that outlined some of the places we could see from our window. Although our view overlooked a main road we heard no traffic noise in the morning.
There are plenty of other attractive features at Hotel Reisen other than the beautiful modern rooms. The hotel’s spa is located in the vaults which were built as early as 1690. Much of the bricks were carried by women and you can even see a footprint left by one of these women in one of the brick stones.
There’s also a 24-hour fitness centre, a modern bar, a library with complimentary water, and a very popular restaurant in Gamla Stan, Restaurant Reiss. Hotel Reisen is also one of the very few dog-friendly hotels in Gamla Stan.
The food at Hotel Reisen is incredible. If you’re not planning on dining at the hotel, you need to try the breakfast. The buffet breakfast features everything you could ever ask for, with additional surprises such as champagne, freshly blended smoothies, caviar, and several hot food choices. Hotel Reisen’s breakfast is served in the hotel’s restaurant which has been beautifully decorated. Some tables even offer guests a view of the waterfront.
Hotel Reisen is by far the best place to stay in Gamla Stan. There are no parts of the hotel that I can fault and we thoroughly enjoyed our stay here. The location along Stockholm’s historic waterfront can’t be beat, and it’s the perfect hotel to base yourself from to explore all that Gamla Stan has to offer.
>> See what rooms are available now at Hotel Reisen <<
Is Gamla Stan worth visiting?
Gamla Stan is a highlight for anyone visiting Stockholm. Even if you’ve been to the Swedish capital before, taking a walk around the old town is something you’ll never get tired of. There are a lot of incredible things to do in Gamla Stan, from visiting The Royal Palace to exploring its quaint streets, so you can easily fill up 2 or 3 days in Stockholm just in this area. Don’t forget to check out Visit Stockholm for more information about visiting the city.
Have you had the chance to visit Stockholm’s old town yet? I’d love to hear your thoughts on Gamla Stan. If you have any other recommendations for visiting the old town please feel free to get in touch. You can also follow me on Instagram and stay up to date with my latest adventures.
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