Stockholm's medieval old town with cobblestone streets, the Royal Palace, and colorful buildings dating back to the 13th century.

About Gamla Stan (Old Town)

Gamla Stan (Old Town) is Stockholm\'s historical and emotional heart, a compact island of medieval streets dating to the 13th century. The narrow alleys — some barely shoulder-width — wind between colorful 17th and 18th-century buildings housing antique shops, cafés, and restaurants. Stortorget (the Great Square) is the focal point, its pastel-colored merchant houses creating one of Scandinavia\'s most photographed scenes.

The Royal Palace (Kungliga Slottet), one of Europe\'s largest, dominates the island\'s eastern side and offers daily Changing of the Guard ceremonies. The Nobel Prize Museum on Stortorget tells the story of laureates past and present, while the Storkyrkan (Great Church) and the quirky iron figure of St. George and the Dragon add to the cultural richness.

Despite its tourist popularity, Gamla Stan retains charm in its quieter southern streets where locals live in apartments above street-level shops. Mårten Trotzigs Gränd, the narrowest alley (just 90 cm wide), is a favorite discovery. The island connects seamlessly to the Parliament building (Riksdagen) on Helgeandsholmen and to Södermalm via the Slussen interchange.

Nearby Landmarks

Royal Palace Stortorget Nobel Prize Museum Storkyrkan Riksdagen

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost 520-620 SEK ($50-60)
Time 35-50 minutes

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost 420-520 SEK ($40-50)
Time 35-50 minutes

Arrivals level

Train (Arlanda Express + T-bana)

Cost 340 SEK total
Time 30 minutes
Frequency Every 15 minutes

Step-by-Step Directions

Take Arlanda Express to Stockholm Central. Walk to T-Centralen metro station. Take the Red or Green line one stop to Gamla Stan station.

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi 520-620 SEK ($50-60) 35-50 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare 420-520 SEK ($40-50) 35-50 minutes Budget-conscious, app users
Train 340 SEK total 30 minutes Budget, avoiding traffic

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

After midnight, take a Flygbussarna night bus or taxi from Arlanda to Central Station, then walk to Gamla Stan (10-15 min across the bridge). Gamla Stan has restaurants and bars open late, especially on weekends. The neighborhood is safe at night. Metro runs until about 1:00 AM (later on weekends).

Luggage Tips

Gamla Stan's cobblestone streets are rough on wheeled luggage. Leave large bags at Central Station lockers if exploring before check-in. Hotels in Gamla Stan are accessed via narrow streets — some may require carrying bags up steps. The walk from T-Centralen is about 10 minutes across Riksbron bridge.

Accessibility

Gamla Stan T-bana station has elevator access. However, the island itself is challenging for wheelchairs — cobblestones, steep inclines, narrow alleys, and stepped passages are common. The Royal Palace has accessible entrances. Main routes (Västerlånggatan, Österlånggatan) are more navigable. Södermalm is accessed via the Slussen elevator/escalator system.