The Best Gay Bars in Stockholm
To celebrate the largest Pride festival in the Nordic countries this summer, Holly Louise Eells has put together a list of some of the best gay bars in Stockholm.
Mälarpaviljongen
This stunning open-air waterside bar and lounge is perhaps one of the best gay bars in Stockholm. (Note it’s open only during the summer months.)
Mälarpaviljongen boasts fantastic city views from its pier, which extends into a floating pontoon on Lake Malar. What better way to spend an evening enjoying an ice-cold beer or sipping cocktails while watching the sunset?
Mälarpaviljongen says it is ‘an oasis extending a rainbow-coloured welcome.’ Also, it is a proud supporter of the local gay community and the Rainbow Fund. (http://www.regnbagsfonden.org/om-regnbagsfonden-2/?lang=en)
Mälarpaviljongen, Norr Mälarstrand 64, Stockholm +46 8 650 87 01
Website: malarpaviljongen.se
Bitter Pills
Bitter Pills—”Your queer watering hole in Hornstull”—is a gay-friendly bar located close to Hornstull metro stop. This establishment is the first lesbian bar Stockholm has seen for a very long time.
Boasting a very relaxed atmosphere combined with an underground feel, it has delicious food, welcoming staff, and very entertaining drink labels such as ‘Don’t even try, a**hole’!
Bitter Pills, Verkstadsgatan 4, Stockholm
Website: bitterpills.se
King Kong
King Kong is the place to be on a Saturday night; no questions asked. The ultimate hotspot for Stockholm’s LGBTQ community, it is a popular weekly gay dance party at Mariatorget gay corner.
With two rooms of great music—one for modern pop and dance fans and the other Schlager (Swedish rock music), it is a guaranteed night of fun. Despite the mainstream beats, the crowd is relatively young and trendy and you won’t be disappointed.
Also, King Kong occasionally organises Sunday brunches to help all party goers to recover from the previous night!
King Kong, Mariatorget 1A, Stockholm +46 8 644 54 18
Website: facebook.com/kingkong.sthlm/
Patricia
The former British light vessel Patricia boasts seven bars—five located indoors, and two located outside (open in summer), a restaurant, and a nightclub. The music ranges from top hits to pop, disco and rock, Schlager and cover bands.
The legendary Sunday Club (every Sunday from 11 pm) started 20 years ago and is still incredibly popular with Stockholm’s gay scene.
While not marketing itself as a gay club or bar, it is hugely popular because of its LGBTQ night 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 their four dancefloors.
Patricia, Söder Mälarstrand, Kajplats 19, Stockholm +46 8 743 05 70
Website: patricia.st
Side Track
According to Side Track, it is Södermalm’s best gay bar. For the last 20 years, it has played host to being one of the most beautiful gay bars in the city and the perfect place to enjoy a drink or two.
One of the city’s oldest gay bars, it is an ideal location if you are looking for a cozy drink and delicious food with friends or looking to meet someone.
Side Track, 7, Wollmar Yxkullsgatan, 118 50 Stockholm
Website: sidetrack.nu
The Secret Garden
Located in the heart of Stockholm, The Secret Garden is an honest and open-minded restaurant, bar and nightclub in the middle of Gamla Stan.
A popular LGBT beautiful venue, it caters to all needs—from a cosy, quiet dinner in their hidden garden to a fun night of fast-paced dancing. They aim to keep it as simple as possible and for everyone to have a good experience.
The Secret Garden, Kornhamnstorg 59, 111 27 Stockholm
Website: secretgardensthlm.se
Chokladkoppen
Chokladkoppen is a hot spot and is adored by the community for its friendly atmosphere, tasty drinks, and delicious snacks. This cosy café bar is in the heart of Gamla Stan with the rainbow flag displayed proudly by the entrance. It is an information resource for LGBT tourists to pick up all the latest flyers for parties and other upcoming gay events in the city. Plus, you can also get your copy of the Swedish magazine QX for free.
Chokladkoppen, Stortorget 18, 111 29 Stockholm
Website: chokladkoppen.se/
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