SOFO, SODERMALM

 Sodermalm, once the settlement of Stockholm laborers, is today the most popular neighborhood of the city, where hipsters roam. Design shops, biodynamic menus, organic grocers and vintage shops are in the air. Art, kitsch and trends blend together here. The offices of many companies in the creative industries such as media and advertising are naturally here. Artist studios, fashion houses and art galleries also inhabit Sodermalm.

Sodermalm is actually the name given to the whole big island south of Gamla Stan, the part of Stockholm that is called the old town. The island is under siege by four hipsters, and the area called SoFo is at its heart. SoFo comes from “South of Folkungagatan”. You guessed it right, a pun on New York's SoHo as it has transformed into a fashion/design center.

Already with a quick glance at the map below, you can tell where SoFo is. Yes, to the right of that island where everything is clustered. You will probably spend most of your time here. However, you should not miss the shores of the island. For example, Fotografiska is a must-see photo gallery. Apart from that, if you are planning to hang out in Sodermalm at night, the popular places are always on the south coast of the island. Now we will talk about all of them.

Working Hours: If you want to come early, the neighborhood doesn't get very lively until noon, but there are good places for breakfast. Most shops don't open until 11 or 12 and close around 6-7. On Sundays, some shops open, but their working hours are short, and some do not open at all.

SoFo Nights: SoFo night on the last Thursday of every month. Shops stay open until 8, 9, and have events such as workshops or DJ performances. Some days there are even small treats like coffee and snacks and special discounts in the shops. You can follow the announcements here.

Route: If it is your first time to Stockholm, Gamla Stan for the first half of the day and Sodermalm for the second half is the ideal route. You can take a look at our recommended 2-day Stockholm route.

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As you know, affordable accommodation requires sacrificing something. Loginn Hotel and Den Röda Båte are budget hotels converted from boats. Both are very conveniently parked, very good location and view (looking towards Gamla Stan). The downside of staying here is the small cabin and windows. On the other hand, they have huge and scenic decks to hang out on. If you say you would trade the comfort of a hotel room for the great location of a boat hotel, these are the most affordable options.

Another option is to insist on hotel comfort and be a little more compromising in the location grove. Then the STF Zinkensdamm Hostel in Hornstull (southwest of Sodermalm) is a viable option. 30 minutes walking distance to SoFo and 35 minutes walking distance to Gamla Stan.

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Just 1.5 km from Fotografiska, Outstanding Soho Studio offers an apartment consisting of 1 bedroom, bathroom, living area and a kitchen with dishwasher. Ideal for 3 people. We Apartment Hammarby Sjöstad is a bit far from the Sodermalm area (about 2 kilometers) but a suitable choice for large families. If you prefer a place close to the lively streets of Sodermalm, you can consider Hellstens Glashus.

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If you're looking for a bit of luxury, the boutique hotel NOFO Hotel, located in a building dating from 1780; BW Premier Collection or its sister business Hotel Frantz, BW Premier Collection would be a good choice. But we have to say that the rooms of Hotel Frantz are a bit small. Hotel Rival de “Another hotel option, housed in an Art Déco building from the 1930s.