Norrmalm is often the first stop for many visitors to Stockholm, as Stockholm Central Station is located here, making it a major transportation hub for the city and country. The district underwent significant redevelopment in the mid-20th century, resulting in many modernist buildings that define its skyline today.
Things to see and do in Norrmalm
The Norrmalm district offers a blend of culture, history and everyday life in Stockholm. On weekdays, it is a buzzling business district, but it also features several museums and the picturesque waterfront at the Blasieholmen peninsula.
For a cultural experience, visit Nationalmuseum located on the Blasieholmen peninsula in the southeastern part of Norrmalm. As Sweden’s premier art and design museum, it boasts an extensive collection of paintings, sculptures, and applied arts from the 16th century to the present day.
Hallwyl Museum is a unique preserved late 19th-century mansion that offers a glimpse into the life of the wealthy von Hallwyl family. The house is filled with their extensive art collections and personal belongings.
On the island of Skeppsholmen, you’ll find the Museum of Modern Art (Moderna Museet), one of Stockholm’s most prominent cultural institutions dedicated to modern and contemporary art. It’s renowned for its dynamic temporary exhibitions that showcase both established and emerging artists. These exhibitions often explore various themes, artistic movements, and media, offering a diverse and thought-provoking experience.
For people-watching and soaking in the city’s vibe, the popular park Kungsträdgården is a central meeting place in Stockholm, hosting various events throughout the year. In spring, it’s especially known for its beautiful cherry blossoms. In the heart of Norrmalm, you’ll find the lively Hötorget (Haymarket) square, with a daily fruit and vegetable market. On Sundays, the market transforms into a flea market instead. The surrounding area includes the Hötorgshallen indoor food market and the Stockholm Concert Hall (Konserthuset).
Norrmalm also offers a variety of shops, boutiques, and galleries. Just outside the central station is Designtorget, a shop specializing in Swedish design items, gifts and home accessories. Around Norrmalmstorg square, you’ll find flagship stores from fashion brands like Acne Studios, Asket, Hope, and Rodebjer. The area is also home to several department stores, including NK, Åhléns City, Gallerian, and Mood, making Norrmalm an excellent destination for shopping.
Restaurants in Norrmalm
The district offers a variety of restaurants, with dining options ranging from traditional Swedish cuisine to international fare. The area around Central Station features numerous eateries catering to travelers, commuters, and locals alike. Along Vasagatan, right by the station, you’ll find several restaurants and cafés providing convenient dining choices.
For traditional Swedish food head to the area around the shopping street Bilbioteksgatan. The restaurants Prinsen, and Konstnärsbaren offer excellent options for traditional Swedish food. Pas d’Art provides a mix of Swedish and European cuisine. In the northern part of Norrmalm, Rolfs kök is another great choice for traditional Swedish food. In the southern part of Norrmalm, at the southern edge of the park Kungsträdgården, you’ll find the upscale restaurant Operakällaren, known for its delicious traditional Swedish cuisine.
For more budget-friendly options, head down to one of Norrmalm’s food courts. Some of our recommended options are Stockholm City Food Hall, the newest and most centrally located food court, offering a variety of choices. The food court K25, located on the central street Kungsgatan, is an upscale food court featuring diverse options from trendy Stockholm restaurants. It’s still relatively budget friendly compared to sit-down restaurants and is a popular lunch spot for office workers in the area. Near Hötorget square, Kungshallen has three floors of budget friendly restaurants, offering a wide mix of options.
Cafés in Norrmalm
Norrmalm’s café scene offers a mix of traditional Swedish pastry shops (konditori), modern and trendy coffee shops, as well as popular Nordic chain cafés.
For a traditional Swedish fika experience, visit Café Vetekatten, Kungsgatan 55. While they have several smaller locations around the Central Station area, ideal for a quick bite with their pastries or sandwiches, the best fika experience is at their main store on Kungsgatan. Despite its French name, Le Violon Dingue on Olof Palmes Gata is another great choice for Swedish fika. Socker Sucker (Suger Sucker) offers a modern twist on classic pastries.
For a modern vibe, visit Art Bakery, located in the NK department store within the NK Parkaden building. Gretas at the Haymarket Hotel and Mr Cake at Regeringsgatan also offer trendy experiences. This is their second café in Stockholm and it stands out with unique pastries that you won’t find in most other pastry shops in the city. Italian style coffee is also popular in Stockholm and Sempre Espresso Bar, at Jakobsbergatan, serves some of the best Italian coffee in the city.
The Nordic chain cafés are popular for a fika or a quick stop for a coffee. Although international chains are present in Stockholm, the Nordic ones are far more favored by locals. Espresso House is a popular chain with several locations in Norrmalm. Wayne’s Coffee, a Swedish chain that opened its first shop in the 1990s, is also well loved. Bröd & Salt (Bread & Salt) is typically found on corner locations throughout the city. Joe & the Juice, a Danish chain that specializes in coffee and fresh pressed juices.
Bars in Norrmalm
Cocktail bars in Norrmalm are known for their extensive menus, offering both classic cocktails and innovative, locally-inspired creations.
When it comes to cocktail bars, MAP Petite Maison, at Vasagatan 38, offers a creative menu with both classic and experimental cocktails. On the top floor of the Bank Hotel, you’ll find the cocktail bar Le Hibou, a cocktail bar with innovative drinks, as well as a wide selection of non-alcoholic options. The service and cocktails are excellent, and during warm days, and during warm days, the outdoor rooftop terrace is a perfect spot for enjoying your drink. A bit closer to the central station, near the street Malmskillnadsgatan, is the bar Röda huset (The Red House). The building is indeed red, and the cocktails are well worth a visit.
Rooftop bars are becoming increasingly popular in Stockholm. TAK Bar & Terrace at Brunkebergstorg, offers cocktails inspired by Nordic and Japanese flavors. Just across a rooftop bridge, on the roof of the neighboring building, is the open-air bar Stockholm under Stjärnorna (Stockholm under the Stars).
Spesso is an Italian restaurant and bar offering both classic and signature cocktails, along with an impressive wine list. Its outdoor terrace, Tetto, is open during the summer and provides a view overlooking the rooftops of Norrmalm. On the eighth floor of the Scandic Continental hotel, just across from the Central station, you’ll find the rooftop bar Capital. This bar has a stunning view of Stockholm, especially at night when the city is beautifully illuminated, with the Central Station building and the tower of City Hall visible in the distance.
Wine bars have been on the rise in Stockholm in recent years, offering a range of options from natural wines to more traditional selections. Blanche & Hierta, located within Hotel At Six, is a popular spot for after-work drinks, casual evening gatherings, and informal business meetings. The bar’s atmosphere is lively yet relaxed, making it an ideal place to unwind after a day of exploring Stockholm or to start a night out. Named after August Blanche and Lars Johan Hierta—two prominent 19th-century Swedish figures, with Blanche being a writer and politician, and Hierta the founder of the newspaper Aftonbladet—the venue pays homage to Sweden’s rich literary and journalistic history.
Savant Bar is a wine bar specializing in natural wines. Its known for its minimalist design and curated selection of organic and biodynamic options. The bar has a relaxed and intimate atmosphere, making it a perfect for casual meet-ups or a quiet evening out. The interior is simple, with a focus on creating a warm and welcoming environment.
Proseccobaren is dedicated to Prosecco, the Italian sparkling wine. The bar offers a wide range of options from classic choices to more unique, lesser-known selections. The bar also serves other sparkling wines, including Cava, Champagne, and parkling wines from around the world. The menu and ambiance are heavily influenced by Italian culture. Alongside their sparkling wines, they serve Italian-inspired small plates and antipasti, such as bruschetta, olives, and cheese platters, making it an excellent spot to enjoy a light meal with your drink.
Accommodation in Norrmalm
Norrmalm offers a wide range of accommodation options, from high-end choices like the Grand Hôtel to budget-friendly options like the Hobo Hotel. The district’s central location makes it an ideal base for exploring Stockholm, with easy access to major attractions and public transportation.
Luxury hotels in Norrmalm
Some of Stockholm’s top hotels are located in Norrmalm, around the Nybroviken bay area. Bordering the Östermalm district and surrounded by waterfronts, this is a central and premier location for a stay in Stockholm.
Grand Hôtel is an iconic and historic landmark in Stockholm, renowned for its luxurious accommodations, fine dining, and high-end services catering to an upscale clientele. It remains a top choice for visitors seeking a prestigious hotel experience in the Swedish capital. Situated on the waterfront in central Stockholm, on the Blasieholmen peninsula, the hotel offers stunning views of the Royal Palace and Gamla Stan (the Old Town). The Grand Hôtel is considered one of the leading luxury hotels in Stockholm and Scandinavia.
Lydmar Hotel is a premier boutique option in central Stockholm, offering a chic, waterfront experience for guests. Its blend of historic charm and modern Scandinavian design is a key part of its appeal. The hotel is known for its stylish, intimate atmosphere and high-quality hospitality. It features a popular restaurant and bar overlooking the waterfront. Lydmar Hotel is centrally located on the waterfront of Nybroviken bay.
Bank Hotel is considered as a premier luxury option for visitors to Stockholm, offering a unique blend of historic charm and modern comforts in a prime city center location. Its high-end amenities and focus on design make it a standout among Stockholm’s top hotels. The building that houses the Bank Hotel originally served as the headquarters for Stockholms Enskilda Bank, one of Sweden’s oldest private banks. The hotel is situated in a historic building on Nybroviken bay, in Stockholm’s city center, just a short walk from attractions like the Royal Palace.
At Six is a chick design hotel, located in Stockholm’s commercial area at the square Brunkebergstorg. The hotel’s interior features a sophisticated palette of dark tones, luxurious materials like marble and granite, and custom-made furniture. The hotel’s art collection is a key highlight, with several pieces curated by Sune Nordgren, a renowned art advisor. This creates a gallery-like atmosphere throughout the public spaces and rooms. The hotel’s main restaurant, the Dining Room, offers a refined menu that blends international flavors with seasonal Swedish ingredients. The cocktailbar, Blanche & Hierta is a more casual, yet stylish, bar that serves light meals and a selection of drinks throughout the day.
Mid-range hotels in Norrmalm
Just a short walk from the Central Station, Freys Hotel is an ideal base for exploring Stockholm. Established in 1908, the hotel occupies a beautifully preserved 19th-century building that was originally the headquarters of the Swedish National Association of Painting Contractors. Today, Freys Hotel combines its historic charm with modern comforts. The lobby and public spaces have elegant decor, with high ceilings, wood paneling, and antique furnishings that reflect the building’s early 20th-century origins. In addition to its accommodations, Freys Hotel is home to several dining and drinking establishments. The in-house restaurant serves Swedish and international cuisine in a refined setting, while the cozy lobby bar offers an ideal spot for enjoying a cocktail or craft beer.
For travelers seeking a sustainable, adventurous, and design-forward hotel stay in the city center, Downtown Camper offers a unique and memorable alternative to standard city hotels. Its blend of modern comforts with nature-focused experiences is a key part of its appeal. The hotel offers an “urban camping” experience, with rooms designed to feel like high-end tents or cabins, inspired by Scandinavian nature and outdoor adventure.
Nordic Light Hotel is one of Stockholm’s top design hotels, offering a modern Scandinavian experience. Centrally located on Vasagatan near Central Station, it’s within easy walking distance of major attractions, restaurants, and shopping. The hotel’s architecture and interior design is a showcase of modern Scandinavian style, with an emphasis on natural materials, clean lines, and maximizing natural light. Its on-site restaurant Lykke specializes in Nordic cuisine, with an emphasis on seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. The menu often includes modern interpretations of classic Scandinavian dishes, showcasing the rich flavors and diversity of the region. Dishes often feature fresh seafood, game, root vegetables, and foraged ingredients typical of the Nordic landscape.
The hotel Haymarket occupies the historic PUB building, a former department store where Greta Garbo once worked, adding a touch of cinematic history to its allure. The interior is designed with a strong Art Deco influence, reflecting the glamor and elegance of the 1920s and 1930s. The interior features rich colors, geometric patterns, brass accents, and velvet furnishings, creating a sophisticated yet playful atmosphere. The hotel’s aesthetic pays homage to its history while offering modern comforts, making it a popular choice for those who appreciate design and style.
Scandic Continental is a modern hotel located just across the street from Stockholm Central Station. Opened in 2016, the hotel features a sleek, contemporary design that blends seamlessly with the urban landscape. Guests appreciate its central location, which provides easy access to major attractions, restaurants, and shopping areas. One of the highlights of Scandic Continental is its rooftop bar, offering stunning views of the city skyline—a perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploring Stockholm.
Budget hotels in Norrmalm
The concept of Hobo Hotel is centered around being more than just a place to stay; it serves as a community hub for locals and travelers alike. The hotel emphasizes a unique, urban design with a strong focus on creativity and sustainability. The interiors are modern, with an industrial-chic aesthetic that incorporates a lot of raw materials like wood and metal. These spaces are designed to encourage interaction among guests and locals.
Scandic Go is designed to cater to budget-conscious travelers who want to maximize their time exploring the city. Located on Upplandsgatan in the central Norrmalm district, the hotel offers compact, modern rooms with clever storage solutions, focusing mainly on double rooms. The hotel emphasizes sustainability, with recycled materials used throughout its design. Guests can enjoy a self-service experience, from check-in to dining. Instead of a traditional breakfast buffet, Scandic Go offers a selection of affordable pastries, sandwiches, and beverages, with an option to order street food and grilled sandwiches via phone.
Comfort Hotel Xpress is ideal for travelers who prioritize location, affordability, and modern convenience over luxury. It is part of the Comfort Hotel chain, which is known for its focus on essential services. The hotel is directly connected to Stockholm Central Station, making it incredibly convenient for travelers arriving by train or bus. The hotel offers compact, functional rooms designed with simplicity and efficiency in mind and it operates with a self-service model, emphasizing convenience and autonomy for guests. There is a 24-hour self-check-in kiosk in the lobby, and the hotel does not have traditional amenities like a full-service restaurant or room service. However, there is a bar and a communal area where guests can relax or work. Snacks, drinks, and light meals can be purchased from vending machines in the lobby.
Stockholm Inn Hotel is located on the main shopping streets Drottninggatan (Queens street). The hotel is popular among budget-conscious travelers, including backpackers and tourists looking for a centrally-located place to stay. All the rooms are located on the basement level and do not have windows. Due to its central location, guests can easily explore Stockholm’s landmarks and various museums. Public transport, including metro and bus stations, is within walking distance.
Rex Petit is a budget-friendly hotel ideal for travelers looking for an affordable and convenient place to stay in central Stockholm, with easy access to public transport and local attractions. The hotel offers compact and cozy rooms, designed to maximize space. Some rooms don’t have windows, but they are equipped with good ventilation and are soundproofed for comfort. Despite their small size, rooms are well-maintained, featuring modern decor and essential amenities such as free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and comfortable bedding. Rex Petit is located in the northern part of Norrmalm, in the area around the street Rådmansgatan.
Hostels in Norrmalm
City Backpackers Hostel is one of the most popular and highly-rated hostels in the city, distinguished by its friendly atmosphere, excellent facilities, and central location. It attracts a diverse group of travelers, including solo backpackers, groups of friends, and young couples. They arrange regular social events such as movie nights, pub crawls, and communal dinners, making it easy to meet fellow travelers. The hostel has several common areas, including a cozy lounge, a café, and a fully equipped kitchen where guests can cook their meals. There’s also a courtyard for outdoor relaxation during warmer months. A unique feature of City Backpackers Hostel is the free pasta available for guests in the kitchen, encouraging communal cooking and social interaction. Bikes are also available for rent, making it easy to explore Stockholm at your own pace. Their onsite restaurant, Nomad, is an excellent choice for traditional Swedish food.
STF Af Chapman is a unique and historic hostel located onboard a ship moored on the island of Skeppsholmen. The hostel has stunning views of the city, particularly of the Gamla Stan (Old Town) and the Royal Palace. If you prefer to stay on land, you can also choose accommodations in the building next to the boat, which is also part of the hostel. Af Chapman is a fully rigged steel ship built in 1888. It was constructed in the UK and later purchased by the Swedish Navy, where it served as a training vessel. The ship was eventually decommissioned and turned into a youth hostel in 1949, becoming part of the Swedish Tourist Association (STF).
Generator Stockholm is well-suited for budget-conscious travelers who still want a high-quality, stylish experience. It’s popular among young travelers, solo adventurers, and groups looking for a social environment. With its central location and modern amenities, it offers a great base for exploring Stockholm. The hostel has a modern, chic design with Scandinavian influences, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. The interior is decorated with art and quirky touches that give it a unique character. Generator Stockholm offers a range of accommodation options, including private rooms and shared dormitories. The hostel is located near Norra Bantorget square, close to the shopping street Drottninggatan, and within walking distance of the Central Station. It has a lively bar and restaurant, where guests can enjoy local and international cuisine as well as a selection of cocktails and drinks. With its central location and modern amenities, it offers a great base for exploring Stockholm.