Stockholm is one of the most expensive cities in the world, so how can one possibly travel there on a budget?
By getting creative, like opting to sleep on a boat. Ånedin Hostel in Gamla Stan, the heart of Stockholm, provides double capacity private rooms with ensuite bathrooms for around $50 per night. The boat is an old cruise ship docked alongside the island that makes up the neighborhood of Gamla Stan.
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The ship is old and quirky and the cabins are tiny. Ours had a bunk bed and a bathroom just big enough to shower in, but it was quiet, convenient, and relatively comfortable.
The rooftop deck is a great place to watch the sunset and have a beer, which is cheap at a supermarket, or watch the people on the streets below. The WiFi doesn’t reach throughout the entire ship, but it is strong in the common area which has plenty of tables.
There is an option to add breakfast to your stay for about $10 per person, which is convenient, but the food isn’t great. The neighborhood boasts several pedestrian streets with restaurants, bars, and shops, giving travelers a great taste of Stockholm, quite literally.
Related: Cheapest Way to Get to Stockholm from Arlanda Airport or Skavsta Airport: Flygbussarna
We ate at one of many restaurants in Gamla Stan that served Swedish meatballs with Lingonberries, and I would highly recommend that you try this dish when you are in Sweden. Eating out is expensive in Stockholm, so expect to spend around $20 per person at a normal restaurant. It is worth it at least once to try the meatballs.
As we were passing through Stockholm for just one night, we didn’t have time to explore much of the city, but I felt that we were in one of the best places possible for our short visit. Gamla Stan is just across the river from the Central Station, making it easily accessible by foot for anyone without a car or not wanting to deal with public transportation.
Not into boats? Check out this other affordable Stockholm hotel.
If you want to try the ship hostel, you can book it on booking.com or hostelworld.com. If you want to spend more time in Stockholm and are looking for some great budget tips, check out Nomadic Matt’s Stockholm Travel Guide.