Updated: 1/10/2019 | January 10th, 2019
Stockholm is one of my favorite places in Europe. In my opinion, it’s one of the prettiest cities on the continent, with historic well-preserved buildings dating back hundreds of years (that medieval center!), lots of parks and green space, and cobblestone streets all set on a beautiful archipelago.
I’ve been going to Stockholm for a long, long time (I used to lead tours there, and lived there for a summer) and have stayed in every hostel in town. For a small city, there are a surprising number of places to stay, and since I come here often, I wanted to try them all out!
However, it’s not a cheap place to visit. Even the hostels tend to be expensive, and they are often small and cramped. There are few that are terrible beyond measure.
But Stockholm also has a lot of incredible hostels!
So which are they?
Without further ado, here are…
The 11 Best Hostels in Stockholm
(in no particular order)
1. Archipelago Hostel Old Town
Archipelago Hostel is one of the nicer hostels in the Old Town, conveniently located in a 17th-century building that’s right near the train line. It’s also near the Nobel Museum, the Royal Palace, and the Cathedral. This hostel is very small, with only a few rooms and a small common area, but I recommend staying here if you’re looking for some peace and quiet. The shower pressure here is super strong too (just be aware that the shower stalls, while private, are in a co-ed bathroom).
Beds from 160 SEK/$18 USD, double rooms from 495 SEK/$55 USD.
—-> Click here to book your stay at Archipelago Hostel Old Town!
2. Generator Stockholm
Generator is one of the biggest European hostel chains, and this is one of its best properties. The furniture is modern, Nordic, and very minimalist! There’s a huge common lounge on the ground floor too, with a restaurant and bar. There’s a laundry facility onsite as well. Its location near the train station makes it an ideal spot to explore nearby attractions, museums, and nightlife. While it is the nicest hostel around (it was only recently built), it’s so big that it often feels impersonal and more like a backpacker hotel than anything else. If you want a more “luxury” hostel or something like a cheap hotel, stay here. If you want a small, social, traditional backpacker place, stay elsewhere. Check the website for deals, which are frequent!
Beds from 165 SEK/$18 USD, double rooms from 1,135 SEK/$125 USD.
—-> Click here to book your stay at Generator Stockholm!
3. City Backpackers
This is my favorite place to stay and by far the best hostel in Stockholm. It has a lovely café that offers steep discounts to hostelers and an outdoor eating/sitting area. Its mattresses and pillows are super cozy, and there is a huge kitchen, many common rooms, a free sauna, free pasta, and laundry facilities. You can’t turn a corner without bumping into a public computer, either! It also hosts affordable events, including bike tours, meatball-making classes, pub crawls, and more. This is a very popular hostel, so book in advance!
Beds from 190 SEK/$20 USD, double rooms from 650 SEK/$72 USD.
—-> Click here to book your stay at City Backpackers!
4. Skanstull Stockholm
My second-favorite hostel in Stockholm, it was remodeled a few years back and has a brand-new, larger kitchen and common area, and the kitchen is one of the nicest I’ve seen in a hostel in a long, long time. The hostel is quite small, but that provides a close-knit setting for getting to know other travelers. It’s located in the southern part of town, in Södermalm (my favorite area of Stockholm).
Beds from 200 SEK/$22 USD, double rooms from 775 SEK/$85 USD.
—-> Click here to book your stay at Skanstull Stockholm!
5. Castanea Old Town Hostel
This amazingly central hostel is quiet and clean, and the staff is friendly. The rooms are bright and airy, with large windows and high ceilings. If you don’t want to make your own breakfast, there’s a fantastic small bakery just around the corner. I love the narrow cobblestone street it’s located on! This place is cute, cozy, and relaxing.
Beds from 205 SEK/$23 USD, double rooms from 690 SEK/$76 USD.
—-> Click here to book your stay at Castanea Old Town Hostel!
6. City Hostel – Central Station
The hostel is a 20-minute walk to the Old Town, but it’s the closest to Central Station. The rooms are pretty basic and nothing to write home about. The common area and bathrooms are kept super clean. There’s a great kitchen here too. Overall, this is a pretty average hostel, but if you’re looking for something inexpensive and near the train station, stay here!
Beds from 240 SEK/$26 USD, double rooms from 495 SEK/$55 USD.
—-> Click here to book your stay at City Hostel – Central Station!
7. Långholmens Vandrarhem
This is the best family/group hostel in Stockholm. It’s set inside an old prison, and most rooms have their own shower and toilet. It has free Wi-Fi, a cafeteria, a pub, a restaurant, a laundry room, and bike rentals. Linens are NOT included in the price (nor is breakfast), but they are available for an additional cost. The hostel is located on Långholmen Island, surrounded by nature. It opens right onto a beach, where you can take a swim in Lake Mälaren during the summer months! HI hostel members receive a discount.
Beds from 250 SEK/$28 USD.
—-> Click here to book your stay at Långholmens Vandrarhem!
8. 2Kronor Hostel Vasastan
This hostel is in charming house that was built in 1865. It’s quiet here, as it is located in the north of the city, in a nice neighborhood (Vasastan) full of shops, cafés, and restaurants. This place is really good if you want something more upscale, smaller, and a bit quieter than some of the more centrally located party hostels.
Beds from 280 SEK/$31 USD, double rooms from 745 SEK/$82 USD.
—-> Click here to book your stay at 2Kronor Hostel Vasastan!
9. The Red Boat Mälaren
If you’re looking for a unique place to stay, this cozy hostel is actually on two boats on Lake Mälaren, and there’s a sea-themed bar in reception. There’s no kitchen here, but you’re just a five-minute walk to the Old Town. The rooms and bathrooms are small (it’s a boat!), but it’s one of the coolest places to stay, especially in the summer.
Beds from 310 SEK/$34 USD, double rooms from 520 SEK/$57 USD.
—-> Click here to book your stay at The Red Boat Mälaren!
10. Jumbo Stay STF/IYHF
This hostel is actually an old converted 747 plane and the best place to stay if you have to be at the airport really early. There are singles, doubles, and 2–4-bed dorms. The best room is the cockpit suite with a private bathroom (starting at 1,850 SEK/$204 USD). It’s open 24 hours a day and has an onsite restaurant and bar. Towels and linens are included. If need to be by the airport, stay here. It’s super awesome!
Beds from 450 SEK/$50 USD, double rooms from 1,200 SEK/$132 USD.
—-> Click here to book your stay at Jumbo Stay STF/IYHF!
11. Interhostel
Interhostel might not be the best hostel in town (in fact, it’s one of the worst), but it is the cheapest. If money is your primary concern, you should stay here. Some of the dorm rooms (as well as the kitchen) are small and feel cramped (the larger dorms have up to 14 beds), but the staff is friendly and the hostel is centrally located. Plus, it’s always busy with people, so it’s one of the best places to meet other travelers. For that reason, it makes the list!
Beds from 160 SEK/$18 USD, single rooms from 490 SEK/$55 USD.
—-> Click here to book your stay at Interhostel!
Every hostel in Stockholm has its own vibe, but if you’re looking for the best, these are it (remember, City Backpackers is the best). You’ll have a great stay, comfy bed, and fun social environment! What more do you really need?
Get the In-Depth Budget Guide to Stockholm!
For more in-depth coverage of Stockholm, my 80-page guidebook is perfect for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guides and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel and save money in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. You’ll find suggested itineraries; budgets; ways to save money; on- and off-the-beaten-path things to see and do; non-touristy restaurants, markets, and bars; and much more! Click here to learn more and get started.
Book Your Trip to Stockholm: Logistical Tips and Tricks
Book Your Flight
Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner or Momondo. They are my two favorite search engines because they search websites and airlines around the globe, so you always know no stone has been left unturned.
Book Your Accommodation
You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the most comprehensive hostel inventory out there. If you want to stay in a hotel or guesthouse, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates.
If you’re wondering what part of town to stay in, here’s my neighborhood breakdown of Stockholm!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it, as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. I’ve been using World Nomads for ten years. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:
- World Nomads (for everyone below 70)
- Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
Looking for the best companies to save money with?
Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel! I list all the ones I use to save money when I travel — and I think they will help you too!
Looking for more information on visiting Stockholm?
Check out my in-depth destination guide to Stockholm with more tips on what to see and do, costs, ways to save, and much, much more!
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