Thing to do
Östermalms Saluhall
Stockholm's grand food hall on Östermalmstorg, opened in 1888 and restored in 2020, with fishmongers, delis, bakeries and sit-down restaurants under one roof.
Gamla Stan
Stockholm's medieval old town on its own island, a tangle of narrow lanes around Stortorget with the Royal Palace, the cathedral and colourful merchant houses.
At a glance
- Type
- Historic old town walk
- Area
- Gamla Stan, Stockholm, Sweden
Good to know
- Free to explore
- Cafés and restaurants
- Royal Palace
- Nobel Prize Museum
Why we recommend it
Gamla Stan is where Stockholm began. The town on this small island between Lake Mälaren and the Baltic dates back to the 13th century, and its street plan still follows the medieval pattern of narrow lanes climbing from the waterfront to the central square. Walking through it is free, and it is the best introduction to the city's history, with almost every major event in Stockholm's past connected to a building or square within a few minutes of each other.
Stortorget, the main square, is lined with tall, painted merchants' houses and dominated by the old Stock Exchange Building, now home to the Nobel Prize Museum and the Swedish Academy. It was here in November 1520 that Christian II of Denmark had leading members of the Swedish nobility executed, an event remembered as the Stockholm Bloodbath. A short walk away, Storkyrkan, Stockholm Cathedral, holds the celebrated statue of Saint George and the Dragon by Bernt Notke, and the Royal Palace fills the eastern side of the island.
The two long streets, Västerlånggatan and Österlånggatan, ran just outside the original city walls, and today they carry most of the visitor traffic, with shops, cafés and restaurants. The quieter lanes that run between them and down to the water are more rewarding: look out for steep stairways, iron lamps and carved doorways. Across a short bridge to the west, Riddarholmen is part of the same historic district and is home to Riddarholmskyrkan, the royal burial church.
Gamla Stan suits everyone, and it works well in any weather because there are plenty of cafés to duck into. Go early in the morning or in the evening to see the lanes without crowds, especially in summer when cruise-ship groups arrive. Allow at least two hours for a wander, or half a day if you add the Royal Palace or the Nobel Prize Museum. The cobbles are uneven, so wear sensible shoes, and be aware that the main streets are busy and prices there are aimed at visitors.
Gamla Stan metro station, on the red and green lines, is on the western edge of the island, and Slussen is just to the south. From the old town it is a short walk across the bridges to Södermalm, the Royal Opera and Kungsträdgården, so it is easy to combine with other parts of the centre.
Gamla Stan FAQs
How old is Gamla Stan?
The town dates back to the 13th century, and its street plan still follows the medieval layout.
Is it free to visit Gamla Stan?
Yes. The streets and squares are free to explore; museums and the palace charge admission.
What should I see in Gamla Stan?
Stortorget, the Royal Palace, Storkyrkan with its Saint George statue, the Nobel Prize Museum and the lanes off Västerlånggatan and Österlånggatan.
What happened on Stortorget?
In November 1520 Christian II of Denmark had members of the Swedish nobility executed there, an event known as the Stockholm Bloodbath.
How do I get to Gamla Stan?
Take the red or green metro line to Gamla Stan station, or walk from the city centre across the bridges.
When is the best time to visit?
Early morning or evening, when the lanes are quieter, especially in summer.
How long should I spend in Gamla Stan?
At least two hours for a walk, or half a day if you visit the Royal Palace or the Nobel Prize Museum.
Is Riddarholmen part of Gamla Stan?
Yes. The islet of Riddarholmen, with the royal burial church Riddarholmskyrkan, is part of the historic district.