The Ultimate Guide to Gamla Stan: The Best Things to Do in Stockholm’s Old Town

If you’re visiting Stockholm, chances are you’ll spend quite a bit of time wandering through Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s beautiful Old Town. Dating back to the 13th century, this historic neighborhood is the heart of the city and one of the best-preserved medieval centers in Europe.

Up until the 1600s, Gamla Stan made up the entire city of Stockholm. Today, its narrow cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, hidden alleyways, and historic squares make it one of our favorite places to explore.

We chose to stay in Gamla Stan during our visit, so every morning started with a walk through these historic streets. We loved the fact that every turn seemed to lead to another charming corner that we hadn’t discovered yet. Regardless if you’re visiting for a few hours or staying for a few nights, there’s so much more to Gamla Stan than its main shopping street.

Where to Stay in Gamla Stan

When we booked our flights to Stockholm, staying in Gamla Stan was an easy decision. It ended up being one of our favorite places that we’ve ever stayed. Not only is it full of charm, but it’s also incredibly convenient. The metro is just a short walk away, the Slussen ferry terminal is nearby for exploring the Stockholm Archipelago, and most of Stockholm’s top attractions are within walking distance. There’s even a CO-OP grocery store nearby, which came in handy for grabbing snacks, breakfast, or anything we forgot to pack.

Here are a few great hotels I recommend or have stayed at myself:

⭐️⭐️ Scandic Gamla Stan – Great Location
⭐️⭐️ Hotel Gamla Stan – Waterfront Views
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Victory Hotel – Incredible Hospitality & Decor
⭐️ ⭐️⭐️ Hôtel Reisen – Luxury on Gamla Stan
⭐️ ⭐️⭐️ Mälardrottningen Yacht Hotel – Lux Yacht Experience

The Royal Palace

One of the biggest landmarks in Gamla Stan is the Royal Palace. Although the Swedish royal family primarily lives at Drottningholm Palace, the Royal Palace remains the King’s official residence and is still used for state ceremonies.

We actually started our very first morning in Stockholm by watching the Changing of the Guard, and I’m so glad we did. It ended up being one of the highlights of our trip. Even if you don’t tour the palace itself, it’s worth stopping by to watch the ceremony and spend some time exploring the palace grounds. The views overlooking the waterfront are some of my favorites in Stockholm.

Stortorget Square – Stockholm’s Oldest Square

If you’ve seen photos of Gamla Stan, chances are you’ve already seen Stortorget.

This colorful square is easily one of the most photographed places in Stockholm, and once you arrive, it’s easy to understand why. The historic merchant houses give the entire square so much character.

On one side of the square, you’ll find the Nobel Prize Museum, which is worth visiting if time allows. Stortorget also has a darker history though. It was here that the Stockholm Bloodbath took place in 1520, one of Sweden’s most significant historical events.

Wander Down Prästgatan Lane

If I had to pick my favorite street in Gamla Stan, it would probably be Prästgatan.

It’s quieter than the main shopping street and somehow feels even more medieval. The narrow stone pathway, colorful buildings, and hidden doorways make it one of the most picturesque streets in Stockholm.

At the corner of Kåkbrinken, you’ll find an ancient rune stone built into the wall. It’s believed to be over 1,000 years old and is one of many little details that’s easy to walk right past if you aren’t looking for it.

I love wandering this street with absolutely no destination in mind. It feels like every doorway has a story to tell.

If you love antique shopping as much as I do, don’t skip this street. Some of my favorite antique stores in Stockholm are tucked away here. I especially loved the little shops hidden down old stone staircases. In them you will suddenly find yourself wandering through a maze of tiny basement rooms filled with vintage books, artwork, furniture, and historical treasures. Honestly, that’s one of my favorite ways to spend an afternoon in a new city.

Västerlånggatan

Västerlånggatan is Gamla Stan’s main shopping street, lined with restaurants, cafés, souvenir shops, and boutiques.

Normally, I’m not a huge fan of streets that cater heavily to tourists, but Västerlånggatan surprised me. Mixed among the souvenir shops are Swedish candy stores, locally made design shops, bookstores, cozy cafés, and even a few Viking-themed restaurants and cellar bars.

Even if you don’t plan on buying anything, it’s worth walking the entire street just to soak in the atmosphere.

Sunset at Ivar Los Park (Södermalm)

Technically, Ivar Los Park is on Södermalm, but from here you can enjoy stunning sunsets over Gamla Stan. Pack a picnic, grab a seat on the hillside, and join locals who gather here to unwind at the end of the day. This hidden gem offers a panoramic overlook of Gamla Stan, where the colorful historic buildings glow in shades of orange, red, and gold as the sun dips below the horizon. As the city lights begin to twinkle and the skyline comes alive, it’s easy to see why Ivar Los Park is one of the best places to watch the sunset in Stockholm.

How to Get to Gamla Stan from Arlanda Airport

We actually tried two different transportation options while visiting Stockholm, so hopefully this helps you decide which one works best for your trip.

When we arrived after a long travel day, I wanted the easiest option possible. The last thing I felt like doing was figuring out a brand-new transportation system while jet-lagged, so we grabbed tickets for the Arlanda Express. This is the easiest and most direct option, although it is also the most expensive.

The Arlanda Express is incredibly easy to find thanks to its bright yellow directional signs throughout the airport. Purchase your tickets at one of the kiosks before heading down to the platform. Tickets cost around $35 per person, although you may save a little if purchasing multiple tickets together.

Option 1: Arlanda Express (Fastest)
The Arlanda Express departs every 10-15 minutes and travels directly to Stockholm Central Station; from there, it’s just one stop to T-Centralen. The red (T13 and T14) and green lines (T17, T18, and T19) all run to Gamla Stan.

Travel Time: 20 minutes

Cost: Around $35 USD

Best For: First-time visitors, late arrivals, travelers with luggage

Option 2: Train + Bus (Cheapest)
Another way to get to Gamla Stan from Arlanda Airport is to combine the train and the bus. This is the most cost-effective way, as you only have to buy one ticket for both modes of transportation.

If you’re coming from the airport, you will need to take the bus 583 (make sure to ask the driver if it’s going to Märsta Station) to Märsta Station. From there you can take the train straight to Stockholm Central Station. This route will take roughly 45 minutes and costs about $4 per person. Just reverse this trip if you’re going from Stockholm back to the airport. From Stockholm Central Station simply take the train to Gamla Stan. It’s very easy to follow with a lot of tourists and locals taking this route.

Travel Time: 45–60 minutes

Cost: Around $4 USD

Best For: Budget travelers, people who pack lighter

Things to do after exploring Gamla Stan

Once you’ve explored Gamla Stan, there’s still so much more of Stockholm to experience.

• Wander through Södermalm or Norrmalm and discover another side of Stockholm.
• Take the ferry from Slussen to Vaxholm and spend the day exploring the Stockholm Archipelago.
• Visit the incredible Vasa Museum.
• Spend a morning at Drottningholm Palace.

FAQ About Things to do in Gamla Stan

Is Gamla Stan worth visiting?

Absolutely. Even if you’re only in Stockholm for one day, Gamla Stan should be at the top of your list. It’s the historic heart of the city and combines centuries of history with charming cafés, museums, and beautiful architecture.

Is Gamla Stan Touristy?

A little—but honestly, that’s part of visiting one of Stockholm’s most famous neighborhoods.

Since Stockholm is a popular cruise destination, you may notice more people during the middle of the day. If you get out early in the morning or wander the streets after dinner, you’ll find a much quieter side of Gamla Stan. Those early mornings and late evenings ended up being some of my favorite moments of the trip.

I firmly believe Gamla Stan is the best place to stay while visiting Stockholm. You’re within walking distance of many of the city’s top attractions, close to the metro, and just minutes from the ferries heading out into the Stockholm Archipelago.

How much time do you need in Gamla Stan?

I’d plan to spend at least half a day exploring Gamla Stan. But if you’re anything like us, you’ll probably find yourself coming back several times during your trip. Between the hidden alleyways, cozy cafés, waterfront views, and historic squares, it’s one of those neighborhoods that never gets old.

Best Time to Visit Gamla Stan

We visited Stockholm in May, and I honestly think it’s one of the best times to visit Gamla Stan. The weather was cool, but comfortable, and we only needed our jackets a handful of times. We were lucky with very little rain, which meant we spent most of our days exploring the city on foot.

One of my favorite things about visiting Stockholm in May was the long daylight hours. The sun didn’t set until around 9:30 pm and was back up by 5:00 am, giving us plenty of time to explore without feeling rushed. After months of winter, the locals were taking full advantage of the sunshine, and it was fun to join them by sitting outside at cafés or relaxing in the parks.

If it’s your first trip to Stockholm, I’d recommend visiting between May and September when the weather is mild and the longer days give you more time to explore everything the city has to offer. That said, I don’t think there’s a bad time to visit Gamla Stan. I’d also love to come back in the winter to see Gamla Stan covered in snow and experience the Christmas markets. I can only imagine how magical the cobblestone streets and colorful buildings would look during the holiday season.