Last Updated on July 1, 2023 by Göran Ingman
Stockholm's Old Town, or Gamla Stan, is a picturesque and historic neighborhood that dates back to the 13th century. With its narrow cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and charming cafes and shops, Gamla Stan is a must-see destination for any visitor to Stockholm.
In this post, we'll explore some of the highlights of Stockholm Old Town and give you some tips on how to make the most of your visit. Looking for a guided tour? We're listing the best ones below.
Getting to Stockholm Old Town
Gamla Stan is located on a small island in the middle of Stockholm, and is easily accessible by public transportation.
The closest subway station is Gamla Stan, which is served by the green and red lines. Buses and trams also stop near Gamla Stan, and ferries run to nearby islands and attractions.
If you're staying at a hotel in the city center of Stockholm, you can probably walk to the Old Town. If you're coming down the main shopping street Drottninggatan, you will walk just outside the Swedish parliament house before entering the medieval alleyways of Gamla stan.
Exploring Stockholm Old Town on Foot
One of the best ways to explore Gamla Stan is – you guessed right – on foot. Start by wandering through the narrow cobbled streets and alleys, taking in the colorful buildings and historic architecture. You'll find plenty of cafes, restaurants, and shops selling traditional Swedish crafts and souvenirs.
Be sure to visit the Stortorget square, the main square in the Old Town, which is surrounded by beautiful buildings in shades of orange, yellow, and pink.
The Stortorget square is home to the Nobel Museum, which tells the story of the Nobel Prize and its founder, Alfred Nobel. You can also visit the Stockholm Stock Exchange Building, which now houses the Swedish Academy, which awards the Nobel Prize in Literature.
Another highlight of Gamla Stan is the Royal Palace, which is one of the largest palaces in Europe. The Royal Palace, built during the 18th century, is home to several museums and galleries, as well as the Royal Apartments, which are open to the public during certain times of the year.
Popular guided tours of the Old Town
These are just a few of the many tours available that explore Stockholm's Old Town. Be sure to read the reviews and descriptions carefully to find the tour that's right for you.
Stockholm Old Town Walking Tour
This 1.5-hour walking tour takes you through Gamla Stan, where you'll discover the neighborhood's history and architecture. You'll visit Stortorget, the Royal Palace, and the narrowest street in Stockholm. The tour is available in English, German, Spanish, French, and Italian.
» Read more and book this tour
Stockholm Old Town and Vasa Museum Tour
This 2.5-hour tour includes a guided walk through Gamla Stan and its cobbled streets, followed by a visit to the Vasa Museum, which is home to a restored 17th-century warship. You'll learn about Sweden's maritime history and see some of the best sights in Gamla Stan along the way.
» Read more and book this tour
Stockholm Ghost Walk
This 1.5-hour tour takes you through the dark alleys and haunted buildings of Gamla Stan, where you'll hear chilling tales of ghosts and legends. The tour is available in English and Swedish.
» Read more and book this tour
Stockholm Food Tour
This 4-hour tour takes you through Gamla Stan and other neighborhoods in central Stockholm, where you'll sample traditional Swedish cuisine and learn about the city's culinary traditions. The tour is available in English and Swedish.
» Read more and book this tour
Stockholm Private Walking Tour
This 3-hour private tour is customized to your interests and preferences, so you can see the sights that interest you most. Your guide will take you through Gamla Stan and other neighborhoods in central Stockholm, and can provide insights and recommendations along the way.
» Read more and book this tour
Here are a few more examples of popular tours that include Stockholm Old Town. Even more can be found on this page.
Gamla Stan's Historic Churches
Gamla Stan is home to several historic churches that are worth a visit. One of the most famous is the Stockholm Cathedral, also known as Storkyrkan, located close to the Royal Palace.
The cathedral dates back to the 13th century and has been the site of many royal coronations and weddings. Inside, you'll find beautiful frescoes, stained glass windows, and a magnificent organ.
Another noteworthy church in Gamla Stan is the German Church, also known as Tyska Kyrkan. The church was built in the 17th century for the German-speaking merchants and diplomats who lived in Stockholm at the time. Today, it is a popular venue for concerts and other cultural events.
Enjoying Stockholm Old Town's Food and Drink
Gamla Stan is home to a wide variety of cafes, restaurants, and bars, offering everything from traditional Swedish cuisine to international dishes. One popular spot is Chokladkoppen, a cozy cafe known for its hot chocolate and cinnamon buns. For a more upscale dining experience, try Restaurang Tradition, which serves traditional Swedish dishes using locally sourced ingredients.
If you're looking for a drink, head to Tweed Bar, which has a vintage decor and a menu of classic cocktails. For something more low-key, check out Wirströms Pub, a cozy bar with a wide selection of beers and spirits.
Tips for Visiting Stockholm Old Town
Wear comfortable shoes: Gamla Stan's cobbled streets and alleys can be uneven and slippery, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes with good traction.
Avoid peak tourist season: Gamla Stan can get crowded during the summer months, so consider visiting during the off-season for a more relaxed experience.
Make sure to visit the Stockholm Royal Palace and to be there during changing of the guards. On this page you can read all our tips on visiting the Royal Palace.
Watch out for pick-pockets and scam artists. During peak tourist season we do have issues with criminals trying to steal or trick money out of international visitors. Crowded and narrow streets means that this is a place where you should keep an extra eye on your valuables.
Join a guided tour: To learn more about the history and architecture of Gamla Stan, we really recommend taking a guided walking tour around Old Town with a knowledgeable local guide.
10 things you didn't know about the Old Town
Here are ten interesting facts about Stockholm's Old Town, also known as Gamla Stan:
1. Gamla Stan is one of the best-preserved medieval city centers in Europe, with many buildings dating back to the 13th and 14th centuries.
2. The name “Gamla Stan” means “Old Town” in Swedish, and the neighborhood is located on the island of Stadsholmen in central Stockholm.
3. The streets of Gamla Stan are narrow and winding, and many are made of cobblestones. The area is closed to most vehicle traffic, making it a great place to explore on foot.
4. Stortorget, the main square in Gamla Stan, is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Stockholm. The square is surrounded by colorful buildings and is home to the Nobel Museum.
5. The Royal Palace, which dominates the western end of Gamla Stan, is one of the largest palaces in Europe. It has more than 600 rooms and is the official residence of the Swedish monarch.
6. Stockholm Cathedral, also known as Storkyrkan, is located in Gamla Stan and is the oldest church in Stockholm. It dates back to the 13th century and has been the site of many royal coronations and weddings.
7. The narrowest street in Stockholm, Mårten Trotzigs Gränd, is located in Gamla Stan. It is only 90 centimeters (35 inches) wide at its narrowest point. Make sure you try to squeeze through before having Swedish fika, not after.
8. Gamla Stan is home to several museums, including the Nobel Museum, the Royal Armoury, and the Stockholm City Museum.
9. The German Church, also known as Tyska Kyrkan, is located in Gamla Stan and was built in the 17th century for German-speaking merchants and diplomats. Today, it is a popular venue for concerts and cultural events.
10. Gamla Stan is a popular filming location and has been featured in several movies, including “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” and “The Danish Girl.”
Murders and mysteries in the Old Town
Stockholm's Old Town, Gamla Stan, has a rich and storied history that includes its fair share of murders and mysteries.
One of the most infamous crimes in the neighborhood's history is the unsolved murder of the “Engelbrekt” family in 1810. The family's patriarch, a wealthy merchant named Johan Engelbrektsson, and his wife and daughter were all brutally killed in their home. Despite an extensive investigation, the killer was never found, and the case remains a mystery to this day.
Another dark chapter in Gamla Stan's history is the Stockholm Blood Bath of 1520. The event took place in Stortorget, the main square in the neighborhood, and saw the execution of around 80 people, including Swedish nobles and their supporters.
The executions were ordered by Danish King Christian II, who had recently conquered Sweden and was seeking to consolidate his power. The bloodbath is remembered as one of the most brutal events in Swedish history, and has become a symbol of tyranny and oppression.
Conclusion
Despite its dark history, Gamla Stan remains a fascinating and beautiful neighborhood to explore. The narrow streets, colorful buildings, and charming squares are a testament to the neighborhood's rich cultural heritage, and there is much to discover and learn about in this historic part of Stockholm.
So next time you're in Stockholm, be sure to set aside some time to explore this charming and historic neighborhood.
Map of Stockholm Old Town
Zoom in, zoom out. Find your hotel and locate the Old Town. Then just take a stroll or hop on the subway:
Local expert, travel writer (visited 50+ countries), and I've been living in Stockholm for more than 20 years. My mission with this travel guide is to give you the best possible advice for your visit to Stockholm and to share tips on my own personal favorites in this beautiful city.