3 Best Hostels in Stockholm, Sweden - Are you up for Nordic co*cktails and Design? (2024)

So, you’re heading to Sweden’s capital Stockholm, but you haven’t sorted accommodation? Never fear; Hostelgeeks is here to bring you your very own hand-picked 3 best hostels in Stockholm.

Get ready to hear about hostels in Stockholm, Sweden, built for social butterflies, solo travelers, party hostel lovers, groups, and friends.

Our favorite hostels in Stockholm are:

1. City Backpackers - best for female solo travelers and backpackers
2. Generator Hostel - best for solo travelers and groups
3. Castanea Old Town Hostel - best for Couples

Money-saving tip: Compare hostel prices with Hostelz.com. They compare prices from Hostelworld, Booking.com and others with 1 click.

1. City Backpackers

2. Generator Hostel

3. Castanea Old Town Hostel

Perhaps you’ll want to go a little crazy and spend a night on a boat. The option is here, a complete guide to where to stay in Stockholm- keep scrolling!

If you’re planning a full-fledged trip in the country, you might be heading over to Gothenburg as well, in which case here is our guide on the 3 best hostels in Gothenburg(it should come in handy!).

This guide is perfect for YOU, when you…

• are tired of crappy hostels!
• want a social Hostel to actually meet people
• are happy to spend $1 to $2 more for a much better experience

We condensed it all to the 3 coolest hostels in Stockholm.

There is currently no 5 Star Hostel in Stockholm, but we’re always on the lookout.

Be sure to check out all of our 5 Star Hostels in Europe.

We’ve also written a really handy Ultimate Guide to European Hostels to help you prepare 100%.

Quick Introduction to Stockholm

Average price for a bed: Hostels in Stockholm cost around $34 per night for a bed in a dorm. A private room has an average of around $116 per night. This is a rough average, just to give you an idea.

Prices always depend on the season and holidays. Please always check the exact rates on Hostelz.com or Hostelworld.com.

Check-In and Check-Out: The average check-in time is from 15:00 (3 pm), while the Check-Out time is before 11:00 (11 am). Hostels usually offer luggage storage in case you arrive earlier or leave later. Make sure you check if luggage storage is free or if there is an extra cost.

Transportation: Stockholm’s public transport system is both dependable and economical, with a range of travel options, including buses, trains, trams, and ferries. Opting for a multi-day or weekly travel pass like the Stockholm Travelcard can be a smart way to save money. With these passes, you’ll enjoy unlimited public transport travel across certain zones for a set period.

Visit Museums During Free Hours: Many of Stockholm’s captivating museums offer zero-cost admission during specific hours or on certain days, making exploring the city’s immense cultural heritage easy without spending your precious coins.

Attend Free Events and Festivals:Stockholm takes pride in hosting various free events and festivals year-round, granting you a chance to fully embrace the city’s local culture and entertainment.

Keep yourself updated with Stockholm’s event calendars and websites to explore upcoming concerts, outdoor movie screenings, cultural festivities, and so much more. From live music shows to savory food feasts, relish and relive these unforgettable moments.

🎁 New to Hostels? Read our guide to staying in a Hostel for the First Time here. We especially recommend reading:

• How to book hostels? (and websites to save $)
• 23 clever items: the hostel packing list to download
• How does the Hostelworld App work exactly? Our Advanced Guide

The 3 Best Hostels in Stockholm are …

Let’s jump right into the coolest hostels in Stockholm.

1. City Backpackers – best for female solo travelers and backpackers
2. Generator Hostel – best for solo travelers and groups
3. Castanea Old Town Hostel – best for Couples

These are our favorite hostels in Stockholm. We want to make your life even easier, so we put all accommodations on a map for you. We even added our own tips for favorite restaurants, things to see, and more.

1. City Backpackers

2. Generator Hostel

3. Castanea Old Town Hostel

Overview: Best Hostels by Traveler Type

1. City Backpackers

City Backpackers is all about social vibes, groovy events, and the true Scandinavian experience.

You heard it here first: City Backpackers is the base camp for all social Stockholm explorers.

Specifically, we think City Backpackers is the best hostel Stockholm has to offer for solo travelers.

Also, City Backpackers has a ‘no shoes’ policy, so you know the cleanliness level is high.

You know that we strive to bring you the best hostels in Stockholm to suit every traveler, and City Backpackers Stockholm is no exception.

Here, dorm rooms sleep up to 12, and female-only dorms, private rooms, and even private apartments are available.

WiFi and security lockers are included, and linen is available for an extra fee.

Book City Backpackers here

Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com

Let’s move on to the super awesome inclusions:

• Bike rental – up to 8 hours
• FREE sauna
• FREE pasta
• FREE ice-skate + sleigh hire (winter)
• Fully-equipped kitchen
• Newspapers + book exchange
• Breakfast at the reception every morning

There are several common areas, including a courtyard and access to a cozy breakfast cafe called Nomad.

Staff arranges tours and adventures all year round for their guests.

You’ll be able to join a guided bike tour in the summer and their fun Viking sauna tour in the winter.

Book City Backpackers here

Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com

They also arrange plenty of activities: after a generous filling at their traditional Swedish meatball dinner, you can relax at one of the arranged movie nights.

The social possibilities here are endless. Don’t miss the music events frequently held in the courtyard!

Are you an eco-warrior traveler?

We love this Stockholm hostel because it takes its environmental approach seriously by recycling and using renewable resources.

Location: This 1897 building is located in the heart of Stockholm. It’s in a safe and quiet area, just 500m from the Central Station. The medieval area (old town) is within walking distance, too.

City Hostel Stockholm Backpackers is a great hostel for:

• Solo Travellers
• Social butterflies
• Female Solo-Travellers
• Backpackers

Book City Backpackers here

Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com

2. Generator Hostel

Generator Hostel is located amidst rich cultural history, creative design, art, great food, and pleasant music.

Whether traveling solo or as a couple, with friends or family – this Nordic-inspired hostel has you covered. This is indeed a Stockholm family hostel. Many rooms, private options, and dorms with up to 6 beds can be booked.

For female solo travelers: you can also book a bed in their female-only dorm.

Read: 7 Pros and 3 Cons of Female Dorms

Each room is designed to emphasize color, light, and spacious sleeping areas. The beds are super comfy, and linen is included in every room. For that added homely comfort, every room has an attached en-suite. Pure bliss.

Other worthy notes:

• Free WiFi
• 24-hour reception
• Bike Hire
• Luggage storage
• Large locker space
• Travel shop on-site (for forgotten necessities)

Book Generator Hostel here

Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com

Generator Hostel Stockholm also specializes in group bookings.

Groups can pick between rooms, from twin to 6-bed private dorms. Their allocated pick up/drop off and dedicated booking coordinator makes scheduling group bookings a breeze. Find out more about Generator Hostels here.

Bar Hilma is the modern centerpiece of Generator Stockholm. This is the place to try a co*cktail with a Nordic twist.

The lobby area in the hostel also has its very own cafe with tasty food and delicious coffee. If you want to meet new people or knuckle down and work, the large chill-out lounge is perfectly designed for everyone.

Location: This stylish hostel is located in the chic neighborhood of Torsgatan, just 5 minutes from Central Station.

The Vasa Museum and Royal Palace are within walking distance from the accommodation. Find yourself surrounded by unique architecture, vintage stores, and alternative fashion when staying at the Generator Hostel.

Did you know? Generator is one of the best hostel chains in Europe.

Generator Stockholm is a great hostel pick for:

• Friends
• Solo-travelers
• Groups

Book Generator Hostel here

Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com

3. Castanea Old Town Hostel

Castanea Old Town Hostel is one of the best hostels Stockholm, Sweden, has to offer.

The staff is very welcoming and helpful, translating into a stay where you are guaranteed to experience a cozy and intimate environment.

This Stockholm hostel offers private rooms perfect for couples as well as dorms – each of their rooms is equipped with big windows through which plenty of natural light enters, enhancing the overall homey experience.

They have nice common areas and a well-equipped kitchen with a beautiful view of the surrounding neighborhood. We also like Castanea Old Town Hostel because it’s another eco-friendly hostel in Stockholm.

Book Castanea Old Town Hostel here

Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com

Hostel Highlights:

• Free WiFi
• Family rooms
• Non-smoking rooms
• Heating
• Lift
• Laundry

Location: Located in Stockholm’s Old Town (the medieval center), this hostel is 3 minutes from the Gamla Stan Metro Station. The Royal Palace is just 200 m away, while Stockholm Central Station is 1.5 km from the hostel. It is 37km away from Stockholm Arlanda Airport.

This is one of the best hostels in Stockholm for

• couples
• backpackers
• solo travelers

Book Castanea Old Town Hostel here

Check prices at:
Hostelworld | Booking.com | Hostelz.com

Best Party Hostel in Stockholm

Fancy some Scandinavian fiesta?

We at Hostelgeeks know the importance of finding the best party hostel in Stockholm when you are looking for some fun.

So, if you’re keen on music, drinks, and new friends, we urge you to check out Generator Hostel.

In case you missed it mentioned earlier – though we hope not! – Generator is a large hostel.

Many people = great atmosphere.

That, the on-site bar – Himla – and nearby nightlife make this the best party hostel in Stockholm.

Marquise Bistro Bar is a vibrant, nearby option to continue the party.

We also have a more in-depth guide on the coolest party hostels in Stockholm.

Fun and Unique Hostels in Stockholm

Let’s start with an accommodation with a twist: a very unique hostel.

Forget drab buildings and standard rooms – book yourself a room at Jumbo Stay Hostel.

There’s a clue in the name: you can sleep in an actual jumbo jet!

It’s not only unique and fun but also the newest solution to stressing about missing a flight.

Keep in mind, the Jumbo Stay Hostel is NOT inside or near the center of Stockholm. It is located 40km North of Stockholm.

Book Jumbo Stay here

Compare prices and reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld

So how about fun hostels?

Let’s introduce STF/IYHF Af Chapman and The Red Boat Mälaren.

If boats are more your thing, consider staying at STF Af Chapman, another youth hostel Stockholm has to offer!

The Af Chapman is a ship from the 1800s which has been converted into a minimalistic accommodation.

Book STF af Chapman here

Compare prices and reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld

The second option is to stay at The Red Boat Mälaren.

Here you can choose to stay on one of two gorgeous boats, each with a red, wooden decor theme.

They are anchored at Riddarfjärden Bay of Lake Mälaren in central Stockholm.

Book The Red Boat here

Compare prices and reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld

More Stockholm Hostels worth a mention

Have you found the best Stockholm, Sweden hostels for you? If not, here is one more option that is worth a mention!

• Skanstulls Hostel

Hostels in Sweden differ from Stockholm hotels; we think hostels provide a more unique experience for travelers.

Skanstulls Hostel (a cozy design hostel)

Welcome to this modern yet quirky budget hostel in the center of Stockholm: Skanstulls Hostel.

This is a fantastic design hostel in Stockholm with furniture from all over the world and from different time periods.

Many room types are available: single, double, triple, and dorm, with an option of 4-12 beds.

Read: Hostel Room Types – what are the main differences?

Note: linen is available for a small fee at Skanstulls Hostel. No sleeping bags are allowed.

This accommodation has been designed with budget in mind but with some added perks:

• Wi-Fi and computers
• Games, newspapers, and magazines
• Book swap
• Fully-equipped kitchen w/ free pasta
• Laundry facilities

Breakfast is available every morning for a surcharge.

Tip: book breakfast at check-in and save yourself some coins.

The common area is wonderfully spacious, with large wooden tables and inspiring decor.

Location: The immediate Sofo area in the center of Stockholm. It offers many restaurants, cafes, and small vintage shops. It is also possible to go swimming nearby. Just 5 minutes from Central Station, Skanstulls Hostel is one of the best-located hostels in Stockholm.

Skanstulls Hostel is a great pick for:

• Couples
• Instagram lovers

Book Skanstulls Hostel here

Compare prices and reviews at: Booking.com | Hostelworld

What about the cheapest hostels in Stockholm?

Of course, there are always cheap hostels. But how do you actually find them? When you are traveling on a shoe-string budget and you want to save every dollar, there are ways to find the cheapest places in Stockholm.

1. Open Hostelz.com with a full list of all hostels in Stockholm
2. add your dates
3. Order the listings by price

Simple as that.

Hostelz.com is a price comparison site for hostels. They list every single one in the world and tells you exactly which website is cheaper to use.

Another smart Tip: Check what is actually included, and what is excluded. Take a closer look at the location, too. A further location might mean more costs in transport.

Any Discounts?

You can find all our hostel discounts worldwide here. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive the freshest hostel discounts directly in your inbox. We even have special discount codes we only share in the newsletter.

It is completely free to join!

How to book?

The most popular booking platforms are Booking.com and Hostelworld.com. On both platforms, your credit card is 100% protected and the booking 100% confirmed.

We included some handy links to each of the recommended hostel. Just click on the hostel name. The link will lead you to check prices and availability.

Read: Step-by-Step guide on how to book with Hostelworld

We recommend booking your hostel as early as possible! All of Stockholm best hostels are popular; especially in high-season. To make sure you end up in those stylish and good hostels, secure your room/bed as soon as you have your travel dates fix.

The coolest Hostel App you need comes as well from Hostelworld. It gives you super cool features like you can contact your hostel mates beforehand, ask questions, and make plans together. Find more details in our review of the app.

Download the Hostelworld App here

Scan the QR Code with your Smartphone to download the Hostelworld App from the App Store - like a real Hostel Geek!

Our Favorite Hostels in Stockholm put on a map + sights

It’s always nice to pinpoint places on a map.

Here we’ve included locations of all hostels mentioned above, plus some cool sights in Stockholm. It helps you to get a better understanding of the city. As mentioned before, Jumbo Stay is located North of the city – as you can see on the map.

A couple of extra recommendations whilst in Stockholm:

• Visit ABBA The Museum
• Join a Walking Tour of the Old Town
• Hop on the unique Archipelago Cruise

We hope that our recommendations will help make your planning even more effortless. Here it is again in a nutshell:

1. The best hostel in Stockholm for solo travelers: Generator Hostel
2. The best hostel in Stockholm for groups: Generator Hostel
3. The best hostel in Stockholm for couples: Castanea Old Town Hostel
4. The best hostel in Stockholm for female solo-traveler: City Backpackers
5. The best hostel in Stockholm for a backpacker: City Backpackers

FAQs

Here we share with you the most asked question:

Flights to Stockholm?

We use Skyscanner and Omio.com to find cheap flights and good connections all over the globe.

More handmade Guides for you

Alright, this is your answer to where to stay in Stockholm.

Here is another hostel guide if you’re planning on checking out other places in Sweden:

• Best hostels in Sweden
• Best hostels in Gothenburg

We did the leg work for you and brought you more hostel guides to destinations outside of Sweden:

• best hostels in Denmark
• best hostels in Norway
• best hostels in Oslo, Norway
• best hostels in Bergen, Norway
• best hostels in Aarhus, Denmark
• best hostels in Copenhagen, Denmark
• best hostels in Reykjavik – part of the best hostels in Iceland guide
• best hostels in Helsinki, Finland
• best hostels in Tallinn, Estonia+ coolest party hostels in Tallinn
• best hostels in Vilnius, Lithuania

Don’t forget to visit Bergen if you have time and stay at Marken Gjestehus.

You can find all our new and updated articles for Best Hostels in here.

We also created a huge guide to hostels. Here we cover how to build lifetime friendships in hostels, the perfect packing list, and more.

Over to you

Do you have any questions left, maybe doubts? Then please leave it in the comment below. We are very keen to help you - and actually you would even do us a favor!

Your question will help us to improve this Stockholm guide.

Last note: Our commitment

This is a genuine article to help you travel a bit smarter, and find the best place on a budget! We will never recommend you any place we haven’t evaluated or are not convinced by. We are constantly updating all our guides to keep them as fresh and accurate as possible.

Safe travels,
The Hostelgeeks