One of Stockholm's most beloved hostels, centrally located near the main train station with dormitory rooms, private rooms, a cosy common room and a rooftop terrace with great views. Known for its friendly staff and social atmosphere.
City Backpackers Inn has operated at the top of Upplandsgatan in Norrmalm for many years and has built a strong reputation as one of Stockholm's most reliably welcoming hostels. The address is immediately practical: Stockholm Central Station is roughly a five-minute walk downhill, giving direct access to the Arlanda Express, regional trains and the T-Centralen metro interchange. The hostel occupies a quieter side street rather than one of the main commercial strips, giving it a more residential character while remaining genuinely central.
The building spans several floors and offers dormitory beds in rooms of 4–10 guests alongside a selection of private single, double and twin rooms. Bathrooms are shared across most configurations. The communal infrastructure is a genuine strength: a well-equipped self-catering kitchen reduces daily food costs significantly, a comfortable common room with bookshelves and board games fosters the social atmosphere the hostel is known for, and a rooftop terrace provides views over the Norrmalm roofscape that are unusual for a hostel at this price point.
Staff are a consistent highlight across years of guest reviews — the team is knowledgeable about Stockholm beyond the main tourist attractions and will recommend day trips, hiking routes and off-the-beaten-path dining without being formulaic about it. The hostel runs a popular free orientation walk for new arrivals.
The guest profile skews toward independent backpackers, gap-year travellers and budget-conscious solo visitors from across Europe and beyond, with a social dynamic that makes it easy to find travel companions for day trips out of the city.
Amenities
- wifi
- common room
- self-catering kitchen
- rooftop terrace
- lockers
Location
Upplandsgatan 2A, 111 23 Stockholm
59.3366, 18.0610 View on map
Highlights
- Rooftop terrace with Stockholm skyline views — an unusual premium for a hostel at this price level in such a central location
- Knowledgeable staff team running free orientation walks and offering tailored recommendations beyond the standard tourist circuit
- Well-equipped self-catering kitchen helping guests keep costs down in one of Europe's more expensive capital cities
Tips for visiting
- Book dormitory beds well in advance for June and July — City Backpackers fills early in high summer and is one of the most in-demand hostels in the city
- The self-catering kitchen is spacious enough for proper cooking; Hötorget market (10-minute walk) and Lidl on Vasagatan offer affordable fresh produce
- Ask staff about the free walking tour schedule at check-in — it is a practical way to orient yourself on your first day
Accessibility
The hostel occupies a multi-storey building with stairs; guests with mobility requirements should contact the hostel before booking.