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City Backpackers Hostel, Stockholm

Upplandsgatan 2a, Norrmalm, 111 23 Stockholm, Sweden (show on map)

City Backpackers Hostel is a local institution, having welcomed travelers since 1994. Housed in a beautifully preserved 19th-century building, it strikes a perfect balance between historic character and modern, social energy. It is consistently rated as one of the best hostels in Sweden, known for its remarkably clean facilities and the “no-shoes” policy that keeps the common areas feeling like a cozy home.

The hostel is famous for its unique Scandinavian touches, most notably a free evening sauna that guests can enjoy year-round. Other thoughtful perks include complimentary pasta for hungry travelers and, during the winter, free ice skate rentals to enjoy Stockholm’s outdoor rinks. The décor leans into a fun, eclectic style, featuring travel-themed ornaments like antique cameras and stacks of vintage suitcases that give it a distinct, lived-in charm.

Location-wise, you couldn’t ask for much more. It’s just a ten-minute walk from Stockholm Central Station, making arrival a breeze. You are steps away from Drottninggatan, the city’s main shopping street, and within easy walking distance of the historic Old Town (Gamla Stan) and the Royal Palace.

For those wanting to explore further, the staff are experts at helping guests discover hidden local gems. Whether you’re planning to visit the nearby Stockholm Public Library or take a quick transit trip to the many museums on Djurgården, the hostel serves as a perfect, central home base for any budget-conscious explorer in the Swedish capital.

Expert reviews

Telegraph review:

“This city-centre hostel melds practicality and style, with cosy public spaces and facilities ranging from the commonplace – laundry and free Wi-Fi – to the eccentric – sauna tours, buckets of free pasta and ice skate hire.”

Guest rating

4.5 out of 5.0

Ranked 4th in Stockholm


This an aggregated guest review rating of City Backpackers Hostel, Stockholm. We have taken customer review ratings from hotel booking sites, search engines, the official hotel website and other travel platforms. This is the average of all those ratings. We only list places that have a guest review rating of at least 4.0 out of 5.0


What guests liked


Value for Money

91.75 %

Ranked 2nd in Stockholm


We use a smart algorithm to determine the value for money each hotel offers. The score is based on a combination of aggregated guest review ratings and the average nightly rate. The higher the percentage, the better the overall value you receive for the price you pay.


Location

Recent guest reviews

5.0
Rios

1 June 2026

Lovely place to be

The location and the place in general

I love it all, the only thing is that people that snort shouldn't be allowed to be in a hostel hahahahah but that's something complete out of the control of the place so all was perfect

5.0
Rochelle

27 May 2026

Great place to stay! Affordable and did not disappoint!

The location was great! It's in the city center and around 10-15 minutes from Stockholm Central Station. However, one has to be very strategic when choosing to exit the station as this will make it so much easier (closer) especially when you're with a (big) luggage to carry.

The room I booked has a private bathroom that I share with only the people in the same dorm/room. Very big plus!! I thought I'd be sharing the bathroom with everyone in the hostel.

There was a common living and kitchen area spacious enough to accommodate a big number of people.

The staff were amazing and very friendly.

The ambiance overall was great and the guests were respectful of the rules.

I didn't mind paying extra for the sheets/linens and towels but I don't get why they wouldn't just include it in the payment upon booking.

Putting on the sheets/linens by myself and removing them when checking-out is something I didn't expect. Not too much of a task, but I find it weird, to say the least.

Still a great hostel and would recommend, no doubt!

4.0
Dan

25 May 2026

Great hostel in an amazing location.

The location is amazing, cooking facilities are good too.

The showers are quite a long way away if you’re not on the same floor as them.

4.5
Susan

19 May 2026

Great place to stay to hav easy access to Stockholm

Comfy room. Lovely staff

Having to strip the bed & take towels & sheets out the room at the end of the stay!!

3.5
Nuttcha

17 May 2026

Good location, but the late check-in communication needs to be more careful for guest safety.

The location is excellent, very close to the train station and within walking distance to main attractions. The guest kitchen is spacious and well-equipped. The hostel staff actually keeps it very clean, though some guests don't maintain it well. Also, the room size was acceptable for a hostel.

Need improvement on Late Check-in coordination: I informed the hostel in advance about my late train arrival, and they acknowledged it. However, they forgot to send me the entry code for the main outside door. My friend and I had to stand outside in the freezing cold weather for quite a while, unable to reach anyone. Luckily, a kind guest opened the door and helped us. Although the keys were prepared inside, we couldn't reach them without the outside door code. I highly suggest the hostel be more careful and attentive with late check-in details for the safety of future guests, especially female travelers.

Room & Facilities: The bunk beds were very unstable and shook every time someone moved, making it hard to sleep out of consideration for my friend. There were also too few showers for the number of guests. Lastly, the common area was right in front of our room, and other guests were incredibly noisy late at night, making it difficult to sleep.

4.0
Ingo

14 May 2026

short and you get what you paying for

all like it should be

location

3.5
Petra

11 May 2026

Not the best hostel I've been to but it was nice

It seemed clean and quiet. They have free luggage storage for the day you arrive or for the day you leave. And also you can help yourself with a free coffee until 2pm in their buffet 🫶🏻
The whole vibe is chill and aesthetic plus the location is so good!
People at the reception were very nice.

The configuration of the whole place was odd and confusing but it was okay for a couple of days.
One thing that actually bothered me was room service that came into my room while I was there, changing my clothes and wanting to take a shower. The guy just came to the room totally unbothered without any "sorry" or considering cleaning another room while I finish. He took some of my stuff and throw them without my permission..

5.0
Gonçalo

3 May 2026

Comfortable and social. Great for solo travelers.

Great location and staff. The building is beautiful and has a dynamic that creates a community of travelers. Very clean and comfortable. Great price.

Nothing.

5.0
Oscar

3 May 2026

Excellent place and location

Excellent place and location, friendly staff

Bed

5.0
Fadi

28 April 2026

Great place to meet new people

Good location staff and great place to meet new people

5.0
Andrea

26 April 2026

It was very convenient, clean, friendly staff!

I stayed in the 6-bed female dorm, which was clean and spacious. They provide lockers, though keep in mind they aren't quite large enough for full-sized luggage, perfect for smaller valuables though. While the shower was a bit on the small side, it was functional and served its purpose well

They charge for the mattress (small fee)

4.5
Stuart

25 April 2026

Excellent value, good facilities and great location

Facilities are good, has everything you need, eg good kitchen, showers, bar etc staff very friendly and helpful making everything easy

Nothing really, one or two minor maintenance issues to be expected in a busy hostel, eg loose tiles in shower, a few wonky taps..

5.0
Aitor

16 April 2026

I wish I had stayed more time

The common areas! You can meet interesting people while cooking or relaxing.

5.0
Niccolo’

14 April 2026

I had a great time, it’s perfect to socialize with other young people and it is very close to the city centre. Definitel

Great environment

5.0
Zach

10 April 2026

Comfortable and affordable with great amenities and the chance to meet a lot of new people

All the amenities and the location

5.0
Thomas

4 April 2026

Wonderful hostel and apartments.

Clean comfortable great location extremely friendly and helpful staff

Nothing

3.5
Foteini

4 April 2026

Late March 2026 Stay

The location was perfect; close to the Terminal train and bus stations, and very close to the centre of the city and Gamla Stan. The kitchen is fully equipped. All in all, for the price you pay, it's pretty adequate.

Firstly, i didn't like that you have to pay extra for bed sheets. It is not overtly expensive but it's the principle. Also, the cleanliness and the state of the rooms left a bit to be desired. Finally, my room happened to be the furthest away from the showers and it was annoying. I would appreciate if they had more showers spread out over the building.

5.0
Emir

2 April 2026

a place that i will be seeking in all other cities

The energy of the staff was amazing. The sauna is really good advantage you can meet and talk to new persons there. amd there was even free pasta which you can make your own food with.

extra prices were a bit disturbing. not too much but i think they could have given locks for free to use maybe with some deposits.

4.0
Jeremy

20 March 2026

Introvert on a social trip.

Social and fun clientele.

Your sleep depends on you roommate's, Friday & Saturday if you are planing an easy calm weekend, then City backpackers might be the wrong spot. Might as well just roll back the years and enjoy the moment.

5.0
Abby

16 March 2026

best hostel ive ever stayed in, super comfy and great value for money

everything was super clean, the facilities were great, and there were plenty of sinks and bathrooms so you never had to wait for ages to get ready. the fact there is a sauna was an amazing bonus. beds super comfy with super fresh new white sheets - felt like I should've been paying way more. Location is great - most places in the city walkable within 30mins, and a five minute walk away from central station so really easy to use public transport

5.0
Saliou

13 March 2026

It felt like I spent a night at home!

It felt very homey. I loved that everyone has to take their shoes off at the front, that the hard wood floors were creaky, and that it was old school themed in the common area.

4.5
Saahil

6 March 2026

Comfortable and refreshing

Comfortable beds and beautiful interiors. The access to sauna was the best part. Very well maintained sauna and shower rooms.

The fact to remove the shoes outside and go barefoot inside the rooms.

Hotel facilities

Food & Drink

  • - Restaurant
  • - Bar
  • - Wine/champagne (additional charge)
  • - Coffee house on site

Activities

  • - Sauna
  • - Games room
  • - Table tennis
  • - Evening entertainment
  • - Stand-up comedy
  • - Happy hour
  • - Live music/performance
  • - Bicycle rental (additional charge)

Outdoors

  • - Terrace
  • - Outdoor furniture

General

  • - Non-smoking rooms
  • - Family rooms
  • - Heating
  • - Allergy-free room
  • - Non-smoking throughout
  • - Air conditioning
  • - Designated smoking area

Services

  • - Laundry (additional charge)
  • - Fax/photocopying
  • - Luggage storage
  • - Lockers
  • - Shared lounge/TV area

Kitchen

  • - Shared kitchen

Entertainment & family services

  • - Board games/puzzles

Miscellaneous

  • - Smoke alarms
  • - CCTV in common areas
  • - Fire extinguishers
Check availability 15£13$19¥2014C$14A$14HK$148S$25SFr17¥120kr156kr114kr148