Accommodation in Stockholm

Accommodation in Stockholm is by most people's standards rather expensive, but there are ways of finding more affordable options. Many hotels offer reduced prices at various times in the year, and the cost will vary depending on the area. Norrmalm and especially the area around the central station are the best bets for budget to medium priced lodgings, whilst the Old Town tend to be more expensive.

Unlike any other city, Stockholm is spread over 14 islands, creating a neighborhood effect and city development not seen anywhere else in the world.

The Old Town, or Gamla Stan as you will often see it referred to as, is at the entrance to Lake mallaren on the Baltic and is the foundation of the city. Dating back as a walled city to the thirteenth century, today the old town is the most popular attraction of the city, teeming with restaurants, antique shops, artisan's galleries and ancient architecture. The major shopping street of the Old Town, Vasterlanggatan, is an attraction in and of itself, as is the main square, Stortorger.

Langholmen, meaning "long island: was donated in 1647 by Queen Christina to the city and is now one of the largest green areas in the city, wonderful for evening strolls or afternoon picnics.

The area known as Norrmalm lies to the north of the Old City and if the Old City encapsulates all that is old, Norrmalm encapsulates all that is young. Here you will find the commercial and cultural centre of Stockholm including the Central Station, major shopping centre and Stockholm's most famous park, Kungstradgarden.

Vasastaden includes the "Off-Broadway of Stockholm" and lies north of Norrmalm. Very much the theatre land of the city, Vasastaden has become the perfect destination for a full evening out, as many trendy bars and restaurants have opened there. Here you will be able to rub shoulders with the young professionals of the city who have en masse made Vasastaden their home.

Kungsholmen is where you will find the Town Hall and will get a further taste of the historicity of this city. It is here that you will be able to appreciate the artful blending of the new with the old as this ex-industry and artisan centre has been given a face lift.

South of the Old City you will find the most densely populated area of the city, Sudermalm. This is another place worth checking out for cheaper accommodation options.

If you head east from the Old Town you will come to Djurgarden Deer Park, this wonderful island sounds just as it is, especially in the summer. This forested island positioned in the middle of a lake used in the summer as a recreation area, plays host to the Vasa man-of war, Nordic Museum, the pleasure garden, the Waldemarsudde estate with its beautiful gardens and the open air folk museum.