A Complete Guide to Gamla Stan: Stockholm’s Pretty Old Town

When visiting Stockholm for the first time, you’ll inevitably find yourself in Gamla Stan at some point. The Old Town has been photographed countless times, and its timeless charm feels more like Southern Europe than Scandinavia. However, visiting without doing prior research can lead to a pretty frustrating experience. 

Having previously lived in Stockholm and visited 5+ times as well, I’ve been to Gamla Stan more times than I can remember. It was often a place I’d go for an aimless walk with my camera while being based in the Swedish capital, and I still frequently go back whenever I’m in Stockholm. With that in mind, I know this part of the city inside out—allowing me to give you all the guidance you need. 

While Gamla Stan is the most touristy part of Stockholm, it is still worth visiting. In this complete guide, I’ll give you all the information you need to not only see Gamla Stan for yourself—but also actually enjoy your visit.

Gamla Stan: The Historical Center of Stockholm

Personally, I class Gamla Stan as one island; it’s the geographical center of Stockholm. The official definition also classifies Riddarholmen and Helgelandsholmen as Gamla Stan, but in my opinion, they’re individual islands rather than part of the same district. 

Both are still visiting, though. Helgelandsholmen is home to the Swedish Parliament Building, while Riddarholmen has a nice church and is easily reachable from Gamla Stan. 

As for the main part of Gamla Stan itself, the district dates back to the 13th century and has had multiple names throughout its history. Since it has always been a place of significance in Stockholm, you will find many of the city’s most important buildings and churches here. 

Besides that, though, Gamla Stan is just a charming place to be. Given its fame (and close proximity to the main shopping street), Gamla Stan is often one of the first places that tourists visit when they’re in Stockholm. 

Must-See Places in Gamla Stan, Stockholm

Checking out Gamla Stan in and of itself is one of the best things to do in Stockholm. But on a more granular level, you’ll find plenty of interesting sights in the Swedish capital’s picturesque Old Town. Below, I’ll name some of my top recommendations. 

1. Tyska Brinken

Tyska Brinken is, in my opinion, one of the prettiest streets in all of Stockholm—let alone Gamla Stan. You can get some excellent views looking toward Södermalm and its beautiful waterside architecture; if you’re into photography, coming here is an absolute must. 

You can get some nice views toward Tyska Kyrkan, also known as the German church or St. Gertrude’s Church, in the opposite direction. This part of the city is nice for street photography as well, especially where the street crosses onto others. 

Tyska Brinken translates to “The German Slope” in English. The street is quite long, and some parts of it have a lot of shops and restaurants—so it can get pretty crowded. Keep this in mind when you visit. 

2. St. Gertrude’s Church

I briefly mentioned St. Gertrude’s Church in the previous section, and in my opinion, you should take some time to check it out when you’re in Gamla Stan. My personal belief is that it’s the prettiest church in Stockholm. 

The church dates back to the 17th century and is visible from most places in the city. More than anything else, it’s a nice photo spot. 

3. The Meeting Point of Södra Benickebrinken and Östra Långgatan

Södra Benickebrinken is one of the first streets you’ll see in Stockholm when visiting from Slussen, and the part where it meets Östra Långgatan is one of the prettiest spots in the Old Town. Here, you’ll see Gamla Stan’s houses wind and weave their way alongside both streets. 

This spot is best viewed from the small elevated part at the top of the staircase. It looks particularly beautiful during the winter, when the bikes and railings have been covered in snow. 

4. Stortorget

Stortorget is the main square in Gamla Stan, and when I first saw photos of it online, it was enough to convince me to take my first trip to Stockholm. The red, amber, and yellow houses remind me a lot of being somewhere in Italy (admittedly, the Italian restaurant and its flag could also be one of the main reasons why). 

The square is full of life throughout the year, and it’s a starting point for many tours in the city. You will find a number of restaurants and bars lining the square, but I suggest eating elsewhere—since the majority of these cater to tourists. 

On one side of Stortorget, you’ll also see the Nobel Prize Museum. It’s a good place to learn about the history of the coveted world award; you can buy individual tickets, and it’s also included in GoCity’s Stockholm Passes. 

5. Storkyrkan

Storkyrkan translates in English to “The Big Church”, and it’s also known as Stockholm Cathedral. The church recently underwent a color change; it had when I first visited in 2017, but now, it’s reverted to its original pink. It still looks just as beautiful, though, so don’t worry about that. 

The church dates back to the 14th century and is still one of the main highlights in Gamla Stan to this day. You can see it from many places in Stockholm, including the must-visit elevated Monteliusvägen pathway in Södermalm. 

In addition to seeing Storkyrkan from the outside, you can actually visit the church as well. You can buy single admission tickets, as long as it’s not closed for an event. The church is included in the GoCity All-Inclusive Pass, too. 

6. The Royal Palace

Stockholm’s Royal Palace initially opened in the 18th century, and to this day, it remains the official residence of Sweden’s Royal Family. The building’s exterior isn’t as grandiose as other European palaces, such as Amalienborg Palace in Copenhagen or Buckingham Palace in London, but it’s still worth visiting. 

Inside the Royal Palace, you can see various rooms and works of art. It’s included in both GoCity Stockholm Passes, and you can buy individual tickets, too. You can get a guided tour and purchase admission tickets on the palace’s website. 

Even if you don’t go inside, you can see the Changing of the Guard outside the Royal Palace. On top of that, you can visit the square next to Storkyrkan and walk up the stairs close to Slottskajen. 

7. In Late November and December, You Can See the Christmas Markets 🎅🏾

Visiting Stockholm in the winter is still a good idea, even if the temperatures are too cold for some. In the lead-up to Christmas, Gamla Stan is home to one of the city’s Christmas Markets. 

You’ll find this Christmas Market in Stortorget, and it makes the square look even more beautiful than it usually does. The stands here sell glögg—the Swedish version of mulled wine—along with gifts, treats, and more. 

The Christmas Market in Stortorget is open daily from the end of November through the day before Christmas Eve. Opening times are slightly longer on Friday and Saturday, compared to the rest of the week. 

Is There Anywhere Worth Eating in Gamla Stan?

In my opinion, many of the restaurants in Gamla Stan are tourist traps. However, I can recommend one place to eat: Under Kastanjen. 

Under Kastanjen is in one of the most picturesque parts of the Old Town, and here, you can try Swedish meatballs. We visited on a summer trip in 2024, and it was one of my favorite places we ate while in the city. 

In addition to meatballs, you’ll find sandwiches and many other dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There’s quite a lot of seating space, so you shouldn’t have any issues—though you can book a table in advance on the website. 

You can also get a number of pastries and other sweet treats at Under Kastanjen. Starters are also available. If you want to book a table, select “Boka Bord” on the website; unfortunately, it’s currently only available in Swedish. 

Here’s When You Should Visit Gamla Stan…

Like Stockholm itself, Gamla Stan is worth visiting year-round. However, I strongly suggest visiting early in the morning. 

Since Stockholm’s Old Town is the most touristy part of the city, it quickly gets crowded. In the summer, I find being here borderline insufferable after 10:00. Besides being busy in general, the narrow streets also are not ideal if you’re already claustrophobic or don’t deal well with crowds. 

If you visit earlier, Gamla Stan will look nicer anyway—the lighting is much better at this time. Whether you’re visiting for photography or just because you want to, your experience will be infinitely better. 

Gamla Stan also has a unique charm if you visit on a winter evening, when many of the tourists have left. Walking around these streets as the snow trickles down and the sky is already dark will make you feel like you’re the main character in a novel. 

What to Expect When You Visit Gamla Stan

Looking at photos of Gamla Stan on Instagram can give you an idea of what the place looks like, but it’s not so ideal in preparing you for the actualities when you arrive. To ensure that you aren’t disappointed and you have a better trip in general, I’ll outline the main things you should expect when you’re in Stockholm’s Old Town. 

1. Gamla Stan Isn’t Great for Accessibility

This is common for most European Old Towns, in general, but Gamla Stan is not the most accessible part of the city. Parts of it are quite hilly, and the cobblestone streets can make it challenging to get around. Moreover, most of the sidewalks are quite narrow. 

Gamla Stan also isn’t ideal for pushing a stroller around if you’re traveling with kids. Instead, I suggest using a baby carrier when possible. 

Unlike some other hilly parts of Stockholm, such as Södermalm, you also won’t find elevators to get you to different parts of Gamla Stan. Keep all of this in mind when you visit. 

2. Many of the Side Streets in Gamla Stan Are Narrow

While in Gamla Stan, I recommend giving yourself some time to get lost in the neighborhood’s many side streets. However, you should note that many of these are quite narrow. 

One example is Mårten Trotzigs Gränd, which is the narrowest street in all of Stockholm. These can make it difficult to get around, and you may need to walk in a single file in some parts of the district. 

For this reason, I also recommend not bringing your suitcase or big bags while exploring Gamla Stan. Your hotel will almost certainly store these for you. 

3. The Old Town Is Mostly Pedestrianized

Getting around Gamla Stan as a person is not so easy in general, but the good news is that Stockholm’s Old Town is mostly pedestrianized. Motor traffic, except for emergency vehicles, isn’t allowed in this part of the city between 11:00 and 06:00 each day. 

This is different from the center of other European cities, where driving is an annoyance for pedestrians and drivers alike. This rule covers Gamla Stan itself, I should note, and not the roads leading along the waterfront on its outskirts. 

4. … and Yes, You Will See a Lot of Souvenir Shops

The Old Towns of many European cities have been taken over by souvenir shops, and I’m afraid to tell you that Gamla Stan is no different. You will find a number of these, which—while good for buying gifts to take home—can take a bit out of the district’s soul. 

You will also find a number of chain restaurants and cafés here, such as Burger King. The good news is that not every street has these, and as a result, you can still find a number of charming spots in Gamla Stan that don’t feel overly commercialized. 

5. Gamla Stan Is Pretty Safe at All Hours

Gamla Stan, like most central parts of Stockholm, is very safe for tourists. Pickpockets exist, of course, but you probably won’t feel like you’re constantly on the lookout like in many other cities across Europe. Take the usual precautions, and you shouldn’t have issues. 

Since you will find bars in Gamla Stan, you may also encounter drunk people being a nuisance on Friday and Saturday evenings. But generally speaking, Gamla Stan is pretty laid-back, and safety is not a major concern. 

6. Stockholmers Don’t Really Spend Much Time in Gamla Stan

While I said that I spent a lot of time wandering around Gamla Stan when I lived in Stockholm (which is true), many Stockholmers do not spend a lot of time here. You will almost exclusively encounter visitors, and the majority of locals will either be tour guides or working in Gamla Stan. 

The fact that many locals don’t spend much time in Gamla Stan, and there aren’t too many people living here, can definitely make it feel more like a museum than a district. For more authentic slices of Stockholm life, I recommend later visiting districts such as Södermalm. Even if you’re only in Stockholm for three days or less, you’ll have enough time after exploring Gamla Stan to do so. 

7. Gamla Stan Is Still Worth Visiting, Though

While Gamla Stan may have lost some of its charm, it’s still worth visiting—especially if you’re in Stockholm for the first time. The district is one of the most beautiful in the city, and there are still a number of spots worth seeing. 

Even after visiting Stockholm multiple times, I still find enough compelling reasons to visit Gamla Stan. So, if you don’t like touristy places, I’d recommend still coming here but just spending most of your time elsewhere afterward. 

How to Get to Gamla Stan

Gamla Stan is right in the center, and as a result, it’s very easy to reach by foot or public transport. 

Metro

Gamla Stan has its own Metro station, making it very easy to reach from pretty much anywhere in Stockholm. From here, you can walk into the Old Town within a couple of minutes. 

The red (T13 and T14) and green lines (T17, T18, and T19) all run to Gamla Stan. It’s just one stop from T-Centralen, which is the main Metro station in Stockholm. 

To buy tickets for the Metro, you can download the SL app for iOS / Android. Alternatively, tap your card on the contactless reader when you reach the turnstiles. 

Walking From Drottninggatan

Drottninggatan is the main shopping street in Stockholm, and you can walk to Gamla Stan via the small Norrbro footbridge. You’ll first see the island with the Swedish Parliament Building before reaching the Royal Palace. 

From here, you can then explore the rest of Gamla Stan easily. It’s possible to walk from Stockholm Central Station, too; it takes around 20 minutes. 

Ferry to Slussen

Slussen’s ferry terminal is just outside Gamla Stan. It’s in a different place compared to the namesake Metro station, which is in Södermalm on the other side of the nearby bridge. 

Taking the ferry to Slussen is very straightforward. You can board from Skeppsholmen or Djurgården. On the way, you’ll get lovely views of Stockholm; I’d recommend visiting Skeppsholmen at some point on your trip, too. 

To buy tickets for the ferry, simply tap your card on the terminal or use the SL mobile app. 

Bus

Several bus routes stop just outside Gamla Stan, and it’s an easy way to reach the Old Town from more far-fetched parts of Stockholm. However, I don’t recommend using the bus if you’re already in the city center; for the most part, it’s not really necessary. 

Like other forms of public transport, you can buy tickets by scanning your card on the contactless reader when you board or through the SL app. 

Is Gamla Stan a Good Place to Stay?

Honestly? You can, but I don’t think it’s necessary. 

Gamla Stan does have a number of hotels, and waking up right in the heart of Stockholm’s Old Town is certainly a unique experience.

Many of the hotels in Gamla Stan are, unsurprisingly, more expensive than in many parts of Stockholm. However, they also have character—so it really depends on what your preferences are. You’ll find a hostel in this part of the city if you’re traveling on a budget. 

As I mentioned earlier, though, it’s not necessary to stay in Gamla Stan. I actually prefer staying elsewhere, because I don’t like being right in the middle of everything. To me, my accommodation is a peaceful place to retreat at the end of a busy day of exploring. 

Here’s How Long I Recommend Spending in Gamla Stan

Gamla Stan isn’t very big, and I think that 2-3 hours is the perfect amount of time to spend here. Doing so will allow you to wander along the Old Town’s streets at your own pace and marvel at the architecture, while truly taking in the neighborhood. 

If you plan to visit the Nobel Peace Museum or Royal Palace, you can—of course—allocate more time here. Unless you’re going to Under Kastanjen, though, I’d recommend going elsewhere for food and drink when you start to feel hungry. 

After spending time in Gamla Stan, you’ll find it easy to reach other parts of the city. Besides the Metro, some of the other main sights are within walking distance. 

Final Thoughts

Gamla Stan is often the first place that people go when in the Swedish capital, and it’s easy to see why. Stockholm’s Old Town is a beautiful network of meandering cobblestone streets, colorful houses, and every “European city stereotype” you could possibly fit into one place. 

While nobody can deny that it’s touristy, Gamla Stan has a lot to offer—and for this reason, I still think it’s worth visiting. You can see some of Stockholm’s most important buildings and churches here, and in the winter, it’s an ideal place to enjoy one of Scandinavia’s nicest Christmas Markets. 

Ideally, you should visit outside of peak times when the district is at its busiest. As long as you know what to expect, you’ll have a great trip here and to Stockholm in general. 

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