Södermalm is a fairly large peninsula, so breaking it into smaller areas makes it much easier to navigate. On the Google Map below, you’ll see how the neighbourhoods most useful for tourists are divided, along with the locations of the hotels.
I’ve also added several restaurants serving traditional Swedish food, plus a selection of great cafés, giving you a clear overview of where to eat and explore.
Overview of Södermalm
How to Use the Map: Click the top-left corner to view and select map layers. To save the map for later, just click on the star icon.
As you can see from the map, the restaurants and cafés are concentrated in the same neighbourhoods as the recommended hotels, making it easy to combine good food with convenient stays.
The Best Hotels in Södermalm
There aren’t a huge amount of decent hotels in Södermalm, since some don’t offer enough value for what they cost, and others lack consistently good reviews.
I recommend staying either at the top of the peninsula, around Mariatorget, Slussen, or Medborgarplatsen, as most of the good hotels are located there and you have easy access to Old Town. If you’re looking for more affordable options, consider staying in Skanstull.
This is a shortlist of 5 Södermalm hotels that tourists are consistently pleased with. There’s a great hostel too at the end of the post, if you’re looking for a social stay in Södermalm.
Mariatorget
A polished, mature part of Södermalm located on the western side of Södermalm. Great restaurants, wine bars, bookstores, and an easy walk toward Gamla Stan.
Hotel Rival
For a Refined Couple’s Stay


Hotel Rival offers a sophisticated stay right on Mariatorget, combining comfortable rooms, attentive service, and a distinctly Södermalm atmosphere. Ideal for couples and travelers who prefer a modestly luxurious hotel.
Hotel Hornsgatan
For an Affordable Stay in the Center

Just a stone’s throw away sits Hotel Hornsgatan. A simple two‑star stay that prioritises comfortable rooms over extras. However, breakfast is included, and you’ll find complimentary snacks available throughout the day. If you want an affordable room right in the centre, this is it.
Slussen
The most central part of Södermalm. Excellent transport connections, quick access to the Old Town, and big views over the water. Practical and convenient.
Hotel Frantz, WorldHotels Crafted
Stylish Boutique Comfort


A characterful boutique hotel at Slussen with warm interiors, thoughtful design, and genuinely welcoming staff. Rooms are cosy and well put‑together, breakfast is excellent, and the location makes it easy to explore both Södermalm and the waterfront. A stylish, comfortable choice in a central spot. A generous breakfast buffet is included to set you up for a day of exploring.
Medborgarplatsen
Busy, well‑connected, and full of casual restaurants. Larger hotels dominate the area, but reviews are inconsistent, so the only place worth recommending here is NOFO Hotel.
NOFO Hotel
A Boutique Stay


A charming boutique stay in SoFo with a wine bar, stylish rooms, and a lively, creative atmosphere. Great for travelers who want personality and walkable access SoFo, the trendy area of Södermalm, for cafés and vintage shops.
Skanstull
This is an everyday neighborhood at the southern end of Södermalm. Has a waterfront, a bit of nightlife, and some restaurants. Cheaper hotels in general, as it’s a bit further out.
Clarion Hotel Stockholm
Great Value Stay


A reliable mid‑range option at Skanstull with spacious rooms, a gym, spa, and easy transport connections. Good for travelers who want comfort and convenience without boutique pricing.
Skanstulls Boutique Hostel
Best Hostel in the Södermalm

A stylish, cosy hostel right by Skanstull — perfect for budget travelers who still want a bit of charm, and to stay social. Expect thoughtful design, friendly staff, and a relaxed vibe. Great location for exploring SoFo and the southern part of Södermalm.
Where to Eat and Fika in Södermalm
Now that you’ve sorted your accommodation, let’s take a look at the best places in Södermalm for classic Swedish food, and the cafés that serve decent fika (coffee and pasteries).
Swedish Food in Södermalm
I will only decent restaurants with traditional Swedish food called husmanskost, and in Södermalm there are three great choices to pick. All with a bit different atmospehre. You’ll find the locations of each place on the map at the beginning of the post.

- Blå Dörren
The first one on the northern side, right in the transport hub Slussen. It’s a typical working-class restaurant/bar that has plenty of regulars. They serve many different types of Swedihsh classics. Lunch is great value, big portions for a good price. I went for dinner, and paid 200 SEK/€20 for a dish of herring, mashed potatoes and lingonberry sauce. - Restaurant Kvarnen
The second restaurant is set in a historic, grand beer hall with high ceilings and long wooden tables. A classic Södermalm landmark. Portions are generous, and you’ll find many Swedish staples on the menu, including meatballs, pytt i panna, and other husmanskost favourites. It’s hearty, traditional food served in a setting that feels both local and atmospheric. - Restaurant Pelikan
The last option is the one most visitors end up at, largely thanks to its signature dish. You guessed it: meatballs with mashed potatoes. Pelikan is famous for serving one of the most iconic versions in the city, and many people come here specifically for that plate. You could easily save your meatball cravings for this spot.
Fika Spots in Södermalm
There are four cafés that stand out in Södermalm. all cafés are on the map at the start of the post.
- Drop Coffee
One of the most respected specialty coffee shops in Stockholm. If you’re a coffee enthusiast or simply want to be sure you’ll get a well‑made cup, this is a solid choice. They also serve pastries and simple sandwiches, making it an easy stop whether you’re after a quick fika or a light bite. - Beck Kaffebar
Often listed among Södermalm’s best cafés, with a friendly, easygoing atmosphere. Well‑made espresso without the sour, watery notes you sometimes find elsewhere in Stockholm. A relaxed, dependable stop for quality coffee. - Café Pascal
Café Pascal is one of Stockholm’s most respected cafés, known for great coffee and top‑tier pastries. Everything is consistently fresh and well‑crafted, making it an easy pick when you want something genuinely good. It’s a polished, straightforward fika stop with quality across the board. - Svedjan Bageri
This is a bakery, so pastries are the main draw. It is a cosy spot for a fika, with good coffee and especially tasty cinnamon buns. There is outdoor seating, and the staff are quick and friendly even when it gets busy. It is also a great place to pick up something to bring up to Skinnarviksberget, since indoor seating is limited for larger groups.
Wrap-Up
Södermalm offers a wide mix of neighborhoods, each with its own character, but not all of them have strong hotel options. Many areas are great for sightseeing, eating, and exploring, yet only a few parts of the peninsula consistently offer good places to stay. For the best hotel quality and easy access to Old Town, stick to the top of the peninsula. If you’re looking for more a mid-range stay at a good price, Skanstull is your most reliable alternative.
If you’re considering another neighborhood in Stockholm, check out my full accommodation guide: Where to Stay in Stockholm.
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