To prepare for your next trip to the capital of Sweden, you wonder if there are neighborhoods in Stockholm to avoid and where the best areas to stay are.
Indeed, it is complicated to choose an area to stay in Stockholm, especially since its center is made up of 14 islands connected by around fifty bridges between Lake Mälaren and the Baltic Sea. Furthermore, faced with the insecurity of large European cities, it is legitimate to ask yourself a few questions before choosing your accommodation.
And even though Stockholm isn't as dangerous as Paris , London , or Rome , it's best to avoid certain neighborhoods. In fact, it's better to choose your accommodation in the best tourist areas, perfectly suited to your preferences and budget.
To help you, here is a guide accompanied by a map of Stockholm's neighborhoods. This was carried out by synthesizing a lot of information and data on the districts of Stockholm (press articles, statistics and web rankings).
Is Stockholm dangerous in 2024?
Just a few years ago, Stockholm was considered a safe city. But today, unfortunately, it is not among the safest cities in Europe like Vienna , Valencia , Budapest , or Copenhagen.
Indeed, in 2024, according to Numbeo's ranking of European cities' crime rates , Stockholm is in the upper range with a crime index of 46.15. Moreover, crime has increased sharply over the last 3 years.
A journalist conducted a comparative study of crime rates (rapes, murders, burglaries, assaults, and car thefts) in Stockholm with those of Paris, Berlin, Rome, and Warsaw. The results of his study revealed that, except for murders where Paris has the highest rate, Stockholm has the highest rates for all other offenses.
In fact, there are sensitive areas in the Swedish capital that they call vulnerable areas, as explained on Wikipedia in the article: Vulnerable area . The violence and insecurity in these areas are alarming to the public and the government. See the Le Monde article: " Gun violence, a scourge that worries Sweden " or the Figaro article: " Sweden alarmed by its European record for gun deaths ."
This is confirmed on the official website of the Swedish Police in a statement regarding the massive reinforcement of police officers from other cities to Stockholm starting January 17, 2022. See also the shooting and gunfire statistics.
Stockholm dangerous for tourists?
Stockholm is not considered dangerous for tourists. Indeed, visitors can discover the tourist sites of this magnificent city in safety.
However, as in most tourist cities, there can be pickpockets, theft or scams.
And to have peace of mind, it is best to avoid certain areas of Stockholm (see list below) to book their hotel there.
Here are the recommendations published on the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for travellers going to Sweden:
- In relation to the terrorist risk: “The alert level set by the Swedish authorities is 4 (high), on a scale of 1 to 5.”
- In relation to delinquency: “An increase in acts of violence linked to drug trafficking and organized crime has been observed. It is recommended to be vigilant and avoid going to certain outlying areas of large cities at night. A significant increase in bag thefts has been noted. Travelers are urged to be extra vigilant in the face of pickpockets who are rampant in the centers of large cities (stations, cafes, restaurants, hotels). »
Stockholm districts and neighborhoods
Stockholm is divided into 14 districts (stadsdelsområden), a map of which can be found on Wikipedia :
- Älvsjö
- Bromma
- Enskede-Årsta-Vantör
- Father
- Hägersten-Liljeholmen
- Hässelby-Vällingby
- Kungsholmen
- Normalm
- Östermalm
- Rinkeby-Kista
- Skarholmen
- Sharp neck
- Sodermalm
- Spånga-Tensta
Each district is itself made up of neighborhoods. To find the best areas to stay in Stockholm below, you can use this map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/zqLwLjfZVAxJw26X8
Neighborhoods in Stockholm to avoid
In central Stockholm, there are no safety issues, and therefore no particular neighborhoods to avoid. The only areas tourists should avoid in Stockholm are those on the outskirts (see below) because they are less safe and too far from the main tourist attractions.
However, even if they are not dangerous during the day, there are 2 other areas to avoid at night because they have posed security problems:
Most dangerous area in Stockholm
The most dangerous neighborhoods in Stockholm are not in the city center but on the outskirts. In fact, it is the area northwest of Stockholm that is the most dangerous (higher crime rates).
This area has three dangerous neighborhoods: Tensta, Husby, and Rinkeby . See the map for their locations: https://maps.app.goo.gl/xCoU1AS39tXGwWeJA
Best neighborhoods to stay in Stockholm
It's hard to say which are the best neighborhoods to stay in Stockholm because among its 14 islands, the neighborhoods are all very beautiful and all have their interest.
However, real estate and tourism professionals agree that the best areas in Stockholm would be:
- Gamla Stan (Old Town)
- Östermalm
- Normalm
- Sodermalm
- Söder om Söder
- Djurgården
- Skeppsholmen
- Kungsholmen
- Vasastan
Now, let's take a look at which neighborhood to choose when you want to visit the Swedish capital.
The most touristy district of Stockholm
The ideal for tourists who come to Stockholm is to choose their accommodation as close as possible to the sites to visit. The best area to stay to visit is necessarily the most touristy district of Stockholm: Gamla Stan
Gamla Stan is the old town of Stockholm, one of the oldest preserved medieval towns in Europe.
It is in this area that the majority of the city's tourist attractions are located: the Parliament, the Royal Palace (Kungliga Slot), the Christmas markets, the Nobel Museum, the Cathedral of Stockholm, many shops, pubs and good restaurants.
Right in the heart of Stockholm's waterways, Gamla Stan is located between the Norrmalm and Södermalm districts (also nice places to stay).
Where to stay in Gamla Stan?
Here is one of the best-located hotels in the old town for exploring Stockholm on foot: Hotel Sven Vintappare
In my opinion, this is the best location to discover the emblematic sites of Stockholm: The Nobel Museum at 150 meters, the Royal Palace just 5 minutes walk from the hotel and the shopping street of Västerlånggatan at 50 meters.
For tourists traveling on a budget, here's a good option: Castanea Old Town Hostel
With good value for money, its ideal geographical location in the Gamla Stan district for a successful tourist stay.
How to visit Stockholm?
Here are two convenient ways to visit Stockholm: Stockholm sightseeing boat or Stockholm sightseeing bus