Stockholm is called the “Venice of the North” by some, but we think Stockholm is unlike any other city in Europe. The city is made up of 14 islands connected by 30 bridges on Lake Mälaren, which flows past an archipelago of 24,000 islands on its way out to the Baltic Sea. Thirty percent of the city is waterways and another thirty percent is dedicated to green space, so this city sparkles with freshness. Gay life in Stockholm is like the city itself: easily accessible, hugely fun, easy on the eyes, highly varied, warm and welcoming. Stockholm can be gay, gay-friendly, or simply friendly.

 

popular lgbtq+Q+ events and hotspots in Stockholm, Sweden. Here are some of the most well-known:

1. Pride Festival Stockholm: Stockholm Pride is one of the largest Pride events in Scandinavia, attracting over 50,000 participants each year. The festival takes place over a week in late July or early August and includes a parade, concerts, art exhibits, seminars, and more.
   
   
2. Patricia: Patricia is a popular nightclub located on a boat in the heart of Stockholm's Old Town. It's known for its lively atmosphere and welcoming environment for the lgbtq+Q+ community. The club hosts regular theme nights and has two dance floors and several bars.
   
   
3. Side Track: Side Track is a cozy gay bar located in the trendy Södermalm neighborhood. It's known for its friendly staff and laid-back atmosphere. The bar hosts regular events like karaoke and drag shows.
   
   
4. Mälarpaviljongen: Mälarpaviljongen is a popular summer hangout spot located on the waterfront in Kungsholmen. It's known for its relaxed atmosphere and stunning views of the city. The venue hosts regular events like DJ nights and outdoor movie screenings.
   
   
5. Secret Garden: Secret Garden is a gay-friendly bar and restaurant located in Gamla Stan. It's known for its beautiful outdoor patio and garden area, making it a popular spot for summertime drinks and dining. The menu features a mix of international and Swedish cuisine.
   
   
6. King Kong: King Kong is a popular gay bar and club located in the heart of Stockholm's gay district, Kungsholmen. The venue features a large dance floor, several bars, and regular events like DJ nights and drag shows.
   
   
7. The Liffey: The Liffey is a popular Irish pub located in Gamla Stan that's known for its welcoming atmosphere and diverse crowd. The pub hosts regular events like live music and pub quizzes.
   
   
8. Club Backdoor: Club Backdoor is a gay club located in the Vasastan neighborhood. It's known for its energetic dance floor and regular events like drag shows and themed parties.
   
   
9. Urban Deli: Urban Deli is a trendy restaurant and bar located in Södermalm. While not exclusively an lgbtq+Q+ hotspot, it's known for its welcoming atmosphere and diverse clientele. The venue hosts regular events like brunch parties and live music.
   
   
10. Hjartat: Hjartat is a cozy café located in Södermalm that's popular among the lgbtq+Q+ community. The café serves vegetarian and vegan food, as well as coffee and cocktails. It hosts regular events like quiz nights and art exhibitions.
    
    

Stockholm really has it all. It’s a big city, spread out over 14 islands in the archipelago, but it never really feels like you’re moving far between neighborhoods. And the typical Swedish culture just adds to the allure of the city.

Before visiting, it’s good to know that Stockholm really embraces trends. Probably the coolest city in all of Scandinavia, Stockholm seems to get all the latest trends while the news is still hot in Brooklyn

As one of the most liberal countries regarding gay rights, it’s no surprise that Sweden has become a choice destination for gay tourists. The Culture Trip bring you the best gay bars and clubs in Stockholm.

With long summer days, Stockholm is one of those cities with seemingly never-ending nightlife. Club life in Stockholm also varies from the über-trendy to even underground, alternative venues. Head to a club like Trädgården on a summer night and you’ll feel as if the place accommodates every type of person. The city is also very gay-friendly, meaning that gay tourists will find fun clubs throughout the city, though there are still a handful of clubs that have remained strictly gay or lesbian. 

Torget Located in the picturesque district of Gamla Stan, the Old Town, Torget bar and restaurant is one of the oldest gay establishments in the city. It’s a great place to meet for early evening drinks, or while the night away with cocktails while enjoying dancing to one of the excellent DJs.

Opening hours: Monday-Sunday 5pm-1am

Mälarpaviljongen Marketing itself as an ‘oasis, extending a rainbow-colored welcome’, this lakeside café is perhaps the best gay bar in Stockholm, though sadly open only in the summer.

Located on a pier extending into a floating deck on Lake Malar, the stunning setting alone is enough to warrant a visit. What better way to spend an evening than by sipping cocktails while watching the sun set.

Zipper - This award-winning club took a hiatus but is back: bigger, better and with more wild fun than ever. The club, open on Friday and Saturday nights, throws open its doors at 11pm and then the party goes on until the wee hours (4AM to be exact).  This is not the place for the gawker crowd; this is where you go to fly your rainbow flag any way you want to.

The former British light vessel Patricia, which actually served at Dunkirk, now functions as a bar, restaurant, and nightclub on the waterfront in the hip Södermalms district. While not marketing itself as a gay club or bar, it hosts a hugely popular gay night every Sunday from 11pm, making it a mainstay for Stockholm’s gay community.

Admire the views of Gamla Stan while dining or having cocktails on the sun deck, or paint the town red on one the four dancefloors. 

The new Bitter Pills bar is an answer to that: this friendly lesbian-owned establishment in Hornstull, the western part of Södermalm, welcomes people of all orientations but doesn’t hide where its main interest lies.

Drinks have hilarious names like ‘Don’t even try, a**hole’ or ‘It was so much better på [at] Roxy’, a reference to the now permanently closed bar mentioned above. It gets very busy at around midnight.

King Kong Opened in late 2014, King Kong is a hotspot for Stockholm’s gay community on a Saturday night. It features two dancefloors: one with modern pop and dance music—all in all what you’d expect from a typical club—and one with schlager (generally old or ‘old-sounding’ pop songs). Despite the mainstream beats, the crowd is decidedly young and trendy. King Kong also occasionally organises Sunday brunches to recover from the previous night. 

Three men-only or gay-friendly hotels in Stockholm:

1. Hotel Rival Located in the vibrant Södermalm district, Hotel Rival is a boutique hotel that is popular among the lgbtq+Q+ community. This stylish hotel offers 99 individually designed rooms, a bistro, a cocktail bar, and a cozy cinema. Some rooms offer views of the beautiful Maria Square. It is close to a variety of cafes, bars, and restaurants that cater to the gay community.

Check Availability and Prices: https://www.booking.com/hotel/se/rival.en-gb.html?aid=1319615

2. Clarion Hotel Sign This modern and chic hotel is located in the heart of Stockholm, near the central station and the bustling gay scene. With 558 rooms, Clarion Hotel Sign offers an outdoor rooftop pool, a spa, a gym, and a restaurant. The hotel is known for hosting various lgbtq+Q+ events and offers a friendly and inclusive environment for its guests.

Check Availability and Prices: https://www.booking.com/hotel/se/clarionsign.en-gb.html?aid=1319615

3. The Sparrow Hotel Nestled in the picturesque Östermalm district, The Sparrow Hotel is a charming boutique hotel popular among gay travelers. With 101 elegantly decorated rooms, the hotel offers a French-inspired restaurant, a wine bar, and a cozy lounge area. It is within walking distance of some of the city's most popular gay bars and clubs.

Check Availability and Prices: https://www.booking.com/hotel/se/the-sparrow.en-gb.html?aid=1319615

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