CITY BACKPACKERS HOSTEL, Stockholm

The hostel is set in a 19th-century building, 500 metres from Stockholm Central Station and a 5-minute walk from Drottninggatan shopping street. This puts you within easy walking distance of the main train and bus stations, the Arlanda Express platform, and the city's main pedestrian shopping and dining areas. The central metro station T-Centralen is also a short walk away, providing fast connections across the city. For those arriving by air, the Arlanda Express train is the quickest link from the airport; Flygbussarna buses are a more economical option. While there is no on-site parking, the hostel's walkability score is exceptionally high, and the area is safe and well-served by public transport. Several popular restaurants and cafes are within 500 metres, including Mother India, La Oliva, and Vete-Katten. Bus line 53 also stops nearby for further reach.

The property offers a range of accommodation: bed in female-only or mixed dorms (4-, 6-, and 8-bed configurations) as well as private rooms, some with private bathrooms and the option of an apartment with a kitchenette. All rooms have air conditioning and heating. Lockers are available in the rooms, and padlocks can be bought at reception. Bunk beds come with individual bed lights, but privacy curtains are not provided. Some rooms do not have windows, and a few are located on the basement level, which may feel dark and stuffy. For light sleepers, road-facing rooms and rooms near the common areas can be noisy, especially on weekends when live music is playing until around 22:00-22:45. The 6-bed female dorm has a window and a small bathroom. There is a very small number of showers and toilets relative to the hostel capacity, especially in the basement area near the sauna, and these are shared by many guests. Some private bathrooms are located outside the room itself, requiring you to leave the room for the shower. The building has no lift, but ground-floor rooms and some private rooms are available on request; the kitchen, sauna, and common room are all on the lower level. Bed comfort is generally considered satisfactory, although some bunk bed frames are creaky and shake when others move.

For self-caterers, the hostel provides a fully equipped shared kitchen with microwaves, refrigerators, cookware, and an electric kettle. A highlight is the complimentary pasta available for guests to cook. Snacks and drinks are also sold at the reception during the day. Adjacent to the hostel is Nomad Restaurant and Bar, which serves local cuisine and features a bar, live music performances, and a courtyard patio. The bar also offers wine and champagne at an additional charge, and a coffee house is on site. There is no breakfast service available; however, free coffee and tea are provided from 11:00 onwards. Numerous cafes, restaurants, and bakeries are within a 5- to 10-minute walk, including Vete-Katten, La Oliva, and Scalas Bakficka, making it easy to find a meal or coffee at any time of day.

The main wellness facility is a free sauna available for all guests from 3:00 PM to 9:00 PM daily - a popular and appreciated perk. Leisure and social activities are a strong part of the hostel's character. Evening entertainment includes free live music, stand-up comedy, table tennis, and board games. There is also a games room, and the hostel organises frequent tours and social events that vary seasonally. During summer, the open courtyard is furnished with tables and chairs. In winter, ice skates can be borrowed at no charge. There is no swimming pool or spa on site. The lounge has Mac and PC computers with free internet, a TV with cable channels, and a library with magazines and a book exchange.

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the building. The shared facilities include a lounge with computers, a library, a TV area with cable channels, and a terrace with outdoor furniture. Luggage storage is free for arrivals from 9:00 AM onward and for departures until 10:00 PM, with secure coded lockers available for longer storage until 9:00 PM the same day if you have a future booking. Self-service laundry (washer and dryer) is available on site at 50 SEK per wash, which includes detergent. Reception is not staffed 24 hours; it typically closes around 8:00 PM, but late check-in (after midnight) is possible using a code sent in advance. Hairdryers are provided near the sauna and private showers. No ironing facilities are available. Security features include CCTV in common areas, smoke alarms, and fire extinguishers. The property is non-smoking throughout, with a designated outdoor smoking area. Shoe removal is required at the entrance, helping keep floors clean.