Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, is not just known for its stunning archipelago and rich history, but also for its exhilarating nightlife. As dusk falls over its cobblestone streets and modern architecture, the city transforms into a vibrant hub for night owls. Whether you’re a fan of cozy pubs, chic bars, or pulsating clubs, Stockholm’s nightlife has something for everyone.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best spots for a memorable night out in Stockholm, offer practical tips, and give you a glimpse of what it costs to enjoy the city’s nocturnal delights. So, get ready to dive into the electric energy of Stockholm’s night scene.
Where to Party in Stockholm
Stockholm’s nightlife is spread across various districts, each offering a unique experience:
Gamla Stan (Old Town): The historical heart of Stockholm, known for its charming taverns and pubs. It’s perfect for those who love a blend of history with their evening drink.
Södermalm: A hip and bohemian district, Södermalm is famous for its diverse range of bars and live music venues. It’s the go-to place for an alternative, laid-back night out.
Östermalm: If you’re looking for sophistication, head to Östermalm. This area is home to upscale bars and clubs, attracting a chic crowd.
Stureplan: The most exclusive part of Stockholm, Stureplan boasts high-end clubs and glamorous bars, where the city’s elite often mingles.
Kungsholmen: For a more relaxed vibe, Kungsholmen offers a selection of cozy bars and eateries, ideal for a casual night out.
Stockholm Nightlife Tips and Advice
Safety First: Stockholm is generally safe, but always be aware of your surroundings. Keep your belongings close and avoid unlit areas late at night.
Legal Drinking Age: The legal age for buying alcohol in bars in Sweden is 18, but many clubs have higher age limits (usually 20 or 23).
Tipping Culture: Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated. A 10% tip for good service is a nice gesture.
Public Transport: Public transportation, including the metro (Tunnelbana), buses, and trams, runs throughout the night but less frequently. Consider the SL Access card for convenient travel.
Dress Code: Dress codes vary. While pubs and casual bars are more relaxed, high-end clubs often have strict dress codes.
Cost of Partying in Stockholm
Drinks: Expect to pay around 60-90 SEK for a beer and 100-150 SEK for cocktails. Prices in upscale areas like Östermalm can be higher.
Cover Charges: Nightclubs often charge a cover fee, ranging from 100 to 300 SEK, sometimes including a drink.
Taxis and Rideshares: Taxis can be expensive, especially late at night. A short ride in the city might cost around 150-300 SEK. Rideshare apps can offer slightly lower rates.
Best Bars in Stockholm
Pharmarium Bar
Pharmarium, located in the heart of Stockholm’s historic Gamla Stan, offers a unique cocktail experience that creatively blends the world of mixology with a distinctive apothecary theme. The bar’s name and concept are inspired by Sweden’s first pharmacy, which opened at the same location in 1575. This intriguing heritage is reflected in the bar’s decor, featuring vintage pharmaceutical paraphernalia and an ambiance reminiscent of an old-world apothecary.
The cocktail menu at Pharmarium is renowned for its inventive and experimental approach, where skilled bartenders craft drinks using unconventional ingredients and techniques. Each concoction is not only a delight to the palate but also a visual and sensory spectacle. The bar also serves a selection of gourmet small plates, perfectly designed to complement the drinks.
Pharmarium’s combination of historical charm, innovative cocktails, and a cozy, intimate atmosphere makes it a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists seeking a unique drinking experience in Stockholm.
Tweed Bar
Tweed Bar Stockholm, nestled in the charming Gamla Stan (Old Town), epitomizes classic elegance and comfort. Known for its unique, cozy ambiance, the bar resembles a traditional British gentleman’s club with its plush armchairs, vintage wallpaper, and an extensive selection of fine tweed fabrics. The bar’s highlight is its impressive assortment of high-quality spirits, specializing in whiskies and classic cocktails.
Patrons can indulge in a sophisticated, relaxed atmosphere while savoring expertly crafted drinks. Tweed Bar also offers a variety of cigars, complementing the luxurious experience. Its intimate setting makes it an ideal spot for a quiet evening or a refined nightcap.
A Bar Called Gemma
Gemma Bar in Stockholm is a gem in the city’s vibrant nightlife scene, known for its cozy yet elegant atmosphere. This bar strikes a perfect balance between sophistication and a relaxed vibe, making it a popular choice among both locals and tourists. Its interior boasts stylish, contemporary decor with a touch of classic charm, creating an inviting environment. The bar offers an extensive selection of drinks, including expertly crafted cocktails, fine wines, and premium spirits.
The staff at Gemma Bar are known for their friendly service and in-depth knowledge of mixology, ensuring each guest has a personalized and enjoyable experience. Additionally, the bar often hosts live music events, adding to the lively and cultured ambiance. Gemma Bar is ideal for those seeking a chic, yet comfortable spot for an evening out in Stockholm.
Bar City Central
Bar City Central in Stockholm is a vibrant and welcoming establishment, perfectly embodying the lively spirit of the city. Situated in a convenient central location, this bar is a popular destination for both locals and tourists. It offers a diverse selection of drinks, including local and international beers, spirits, and expertly crafted cocktails. The atmosphere in Bar City Central is both dynamic and cozy, making it ideal for everything from casual after-work drinks to lively weekend nights out.
The interior decor is modern yet comfortable, with a mix of seating options to accommodate groups of all sizes. Additionally, the bar is known for its friendly staff and great music, which add to its inviting ambiance. Whether you’re looking to socialize, enjoy a drink, or simply relax in a lively setting, City Central Bar provides the perfect backdrop for a memorable night in Stockholm.
Wirstroms Bar
Wirstroms Pub, nestled in the heart of Stockholm’s Gamla Stan (Old Town), epitomizes the classic Irish pub experience in Sweden. Known for its warm, welcoming atmosphere, Wirstroms provides a cozy escape with its traditional wooden interiors and rich history. This pub is a favorite among both locals and tourists, offering a diverse selection of beers and spirits, including some excellent Irish and local Swedish brews. The menu features classic pub fare, perfectly complementing the drinks.
Wirstroms is not just about food and drinks; it also hosts live music nights, adding to its lively and friendly ambiance. The pub’s charm lies in its ability to blend the convivial spirit of Ireland with the historic elegance of Stockholm, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking a genuine pub experience in the city.
Best Nightclubs in Stockholm
Golden Hits
Golden Hits Nightclub in Stockholm is a lively and dynamic venue that stands out for its unique blend of entertainment. It’s not just a nightclub; it’s an experience, offering a kaleidoscope of music that spans several decades, catering to a diverse crowd. Known for its retro vibe, Golden Hits is a haven for those who love to groove to the classics from the 70s, 80s, and 90s.
The club features multiple dance floors, each dedicated to different music genres, ensuring that there’s something for every taste. With its vibrant atmosphere, friendly staff, and an eclectic mix of live performances and DJ sets, Golden Hits provides a nostalgic journey through music history, making it a must-visit destination for anyone looking to dance the night away in a fun and energetic environment. The club also offers a variety of themed nights and special events, adding to its appeal as a versatile and entertaining spot in Stockholm’s nightlife scene.
Kristall
Kristall Nightclub is a premier destination for nightlife enthusiasts, renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and sophisticated style. Located in the heart of a bustling city, it attracts a diverse crowd of party-goers, from locals to international tourists. The club boasts a state-of-the-art sound system and cutting-edge lighting, creating an immersive experience for its guests.
With a spacious dance floor and multiple bars, it offers an ideal environment for dancing and socializing. The music at Kristall ranges from the latest chart-toppers to electronic beats, spun by both renowned DJs and talented newcomers.
Hell’s Kitchen
Located in the heart of Stockholm, Hell’s Kitchen Nightclub is a premier nightlife destination known for its electric atmosphere. With cutting-edge sound systems and dazzling lighting, this club creates an unforgettable experience for partygoers. The club hosts top DJs, ensuring a mix of electronic music that keeps the dance floor alive until the early hours.
Featuring stylish decor and a spacious dance floor, Hell’s Kitchen offers both intimate corners for socializing and a dynamic space for dancing. With its trendy vibe and energetic crowd, it’s no wonder that Hell’s Kitchen Nightclub is a must-visit for Stockholm’s nightlife enthusiasts.
Fasching
Fasching Nightclub, located in the heart of Stockholm, is a premier destination for jazz enthusiasts and night owls alike. Renowned for its rich musical history and vibrant atmosphere, Fasching is more than just a nightclub; it’s an institution in Sweden’s jazz scene. The club, with its intimate and cozy ambiance, regularly hosts a wide array of jazz performances ranging from local talents to international stars.
Patrons can enjoy an evening filled with soulful melodies and rhythmic beats. The venue also offers a selection of drinks and light meals, complementing the musical experience. Fasching’s commitment to quality music and a welcoming environment makes it a must-visit for anyone looking to immerse themselves in Stockholm’s lively jazz culture.
Trädgården
Trädgården Nightclub, a unique and vibrant venue in Stockholm, is a summer sensation, situated under the Skanstull Bridge. This sprawling outdoor club, embodying a festival-like atmosphere, is a seasonal favorite, opening its doors typically from late spring to early autumn. Trädgården’s eclectic appeal lies in its diverse offerings: multiple dance floors, varied music genres, and live DJ performances, attracting both local and international crowds.
The venue also features ping-pong tables, food trucks, and chill-out areas, making it more than just a nightclub but a comprehensive social experience. Its urban, open-air setting and dynamic vibe make Trädgården a must-visit for anyone looking to experience Stockholm’s lively summer nightlife.
Stockholm Nightlife Conclusion
Stockholm’s nightlife reflects the city’s diversity and charm, offering myriad choices for every type of party-goer. From the historic taverns of Gamla Stan to the upscale clubs of Stureplan, each district brings its unique flavor to the city’s vibrant after-dark culture. Whether you’re looking to unwind with a casual beer, dance the night away to cutting-edge beats, or sip sophisticated cocktails in an elegant setting, Stockholm has it all.
As you navigate through the city’s energetic nightlife, you’ll not only discover the essence of Swedish entertainment but also create unforgettable memories. Each venue, whether a cozy pub or a bustling nightclub, tells its own story and invites you to be a part of it.
For locals and travelers alike, Stockholm’s nightlife offers a perfect blend of tradition and modernity, relaxation and excitement, local charm and international flair. So, embrace the Nordic spirit, venture out into the cool Swedish night, and experience the magic of Stockholm after dark. With this guide in hand, you’re all set to explore the rich tapestry of experiences that Stockholm’s nightlife has to offer. Skål and enjoy your adventures in this beautiful Nordic capital!