Royal palaces, Nobel Prize ceremonies, thousands of islands, mesmerizing architecture, and ABBA! Stockholm is a gorgeous waterfront city that truly has it all—a masterpiece of land and water, history and innovation.

Upon visiting Sweden’s capital, you’ll be captivated by its crisp Nordic charm. As the country’s largest city, with a population now above 2 million, this Scandinavian metropolis represents Northern Europe at its very best. As you explore the city via its crisscrossing bridges, you can wander through Gamla Stan, the enchanting old town where cobblestone streets twist past pastel-colored buildings, leading all the way to the grand Royal Palace and splashing up along the city’s endless coastline. Lose yourself in the art-filled tunnels of the Stockholm Metro, a public transit system turned underground gallery. Stroll along Djurgården, the city’s green heart, where museums like the Vasa—home to a perfectly preserved 17th-century warship—and ABBA The Museum remind you that Swedish culture spans centuries and disco beats alike. Stockholm truly is Nordic perfection.

As for the gay scene, Stockholm is one of the most LGBTQ+-friendly cities in the world, evidenced by the muscled blond beauties you might encounter, openly holding hands as they enjoy the liberal city they call home.

Table of Contents

1. General Tips
2. Transportation & Airport Transfer
3. Gay Hotels in Stockholm
4. Sightseeing & Activities in Stockholm
5. Stockholm Gay Tours
6. Restaurants & Cafes in Stockholm
7. Stockholm Gay Bars and Clubs
8. Stockholm Gay Saunas & Cruising Bars
9. Gay Events in Stockholm
10. Day Trips from Stockholm

General Tips

Unlike many large cities, Stockholm does not have a well-defined gay district. This reflects how LGBTQ+ life is so seamlessly integrated into the city’s culture. Stockholm’s bars, clubs, and restaurants are scattered throughout, attracting both gay and mixed crowds. Notable spots include Patricia, a restaurant and club on a former yacht that’s a popular dining and dance destination on Sundays, and Mälarpaviljongen, one of the best waterfront spots for a summer cocktail.

Sweden’s capital, home to over 2 million people, boasts one of the largest gay scenes in Scandinavia. The captivating historic center comprises 14 islands connected by over 50 bridges. Almost everywhere in Stockholm is gay-friendly, and same-sex couples holding hands will hardly attract attention. Overall, Stockholm is exceptionally welcoming for LGBTQ+ travelers.

The best time to visit Stockholm is from May to September for milder weather. Crowds aren’t typically an issue, though July and August may be busier with Swedes enjoying their holidays. Outside of this period, Stockholm gets cold, so pack accordingly!

Transportation & Airport Transfer

Stockholm Arlanda Airport is the main airport, located 40 kilometers (25 miles) north of the city. The Arlanda Express train is the fastest option to reach Stockholm Central Station, departing from terminals every 10 to 15 minutes and taking around 18 minutes. Flygbussarna Airport Coaches also depart every 10–15 minutes and take around 45 minutes, stopping at various central locations.

While Stockholm is easy to explore on foot, the “Stockholms tunnelbana” (metro) is reliable and convenient. The three colored lines on tube maps form seven numbered routes with different termini. A 24-hour pass, valid for buses and the metro, costs around 115 SEK, while a single ticket within the same zone starts at 36 SEK.

Gay Hotels in Stockholm 

There aren’t currently any exclusively gay hotels in Stockholm, but there are many gay-friendly options.

Hotel Rival – Located in Södermalm, this luxury boutique hotel offers 99 designer rooms, bars, a bistro, a café, modern meeting spaces, and a theater. Owned by ABBA’s Benny Andersson, it’s only a 10-minute walk from Stockholm’s enchanting old town. Opened in 2003, Hotel Rival was Stockholm’s first boutique hotel.

Berns Hotel – Centrally located in Stockholm’s vibrant shopping and restaurant district, Berns Hotel overlooks Berzelii Park and the Baltic Sea. With 81 individually decorated rooms and a boutique feel, Berns offers brunch, cocktails, fine dining, and live music at all hours. The elegant ballroom also occasionally hosts LGBTQ+ parties during Pride and on special occasions.

Backstage Hotel – Situated in the beautiful Djurgården area near the city center, this hotel shares an address with ABBA The Museum. Nearby, you’ll find Skansen, Gröna Lund, and Cirkus, as well as scenic walking and jogging trails. Backstage Hotel is ideal for those who want a central location combined with the tranquility of nature.

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Sightseeing & Activities in Stockholm

ABBA The Museum – ABBA is one of the world’s most successful pop groups, with over 380 million albums sold. At ABBA The Museum, you can become part of their incredible story. Step on stage with ABBA, sing karaoke in the Polar Studios, and dance in an ABBA music video. You can even record and download your experiences using the personal ID number on your ticket. Don’t miss the audio guide, featuring Agnetha, Benny, Björn, and Frida sharing personal memories and stories from their amazing career. The museum also showcases ABBA’s iconic costumes, gold records, original items, memorabilia, and much more. Book tour →

The Royal Palace – One of Europe’s largest and most dynamic palaces, the Royal Palace of Stockholm is His Majesty The King's official residence and hosts most of the monarchy's official receptions. Open to the public year-round, the palace was built in baroque style by architect Nicodemus Tessin and is modeled after a Roman palace. It has more than 600 rooms spread across eleven floors, with a grand state apartment facing the city and smaller living rooms overlooking the inner courtyard.

Vasa Museum –Visit the Vasa Museum, the most visited maritime museum in the world. Marvel at the nearly 400-year-old wooden warship, remarkably preserved despite being underwater for more than 300 years. Enjoy a 30-minute guided tour to learn about this historical treasure.Book tour →

Royal Djurgården – Board the Djurgården ferry for a short trip to the island of Djurgården. Along the way, you’ll see parts of Stockholm from the water, including Old Town and the island of Södermalm. Book tour →

Skansen – Skansen, the world’s oldest open-air museum, showcases the diversity of Sweden with houses and farmsteads from every region. The venue also includes a funicular railway, aquarium, and zoo. Book tour →

Stockholm City Gay Tours

Gaily Tour in Stockholm – Start your LGBTQ+-friendly walking tour in Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s historical center, where you’ll find the Swedish Parliament, Riksdag, and the Royal Palace. Continue to the impressive Vasa Museum, home to the historic 17th-century Vasa warship. The tour concludes at Skansen Open-Air Museum, where you’re free to explore Stockholm’s zoo, experience living history, and learn about traditional Swedish festivities. Book tour →

local gay guide – Discover Stockholm with tours led by local gay guides, who create an authentic experience that makes you feel like a local. Explore neighborhoods beyond the tourist spots, immerse yourself in the LGBTQ+ scene, get insider tips, and visit iconic sites. The Queer Stockholm tour is currently available. Book tour →

Restaurants & Cafes in Stockholm

Chokladkoppen – This charming, cozy café in the heart of Gamla Stan (Old Town) is a well-known gay hangout. It’s perfect for people-watching (and maybe flirting!) and a great spot to pick up flyers with information about upcoming events in Stockholm’s gay scene.

Mälarpaviljongen – This upscale restaurant, open only in summer, is partly on land and partly floating on the water. Advertised as a straight-friendly LGBTQ+ spot, it’s popular with locals of all orientations. The owner, Arto, also opened a vegetarian organic street food restaurant nearby, offering plenty of options for vegetarians and vegans. Mälarpaviljongen is ideal for a sunny afternoon beer or a relaxing evening with cocktails, a nice meal, and friends by the lakeside.

Mosebacke– Located within Södra Teatern, Mosebacke boasts one of Stockholm's best views, overlooking Gamla Stan and beyond. This gay-friendly bar and restaurant is an ideal spot for a sunset drink on a summer evening, providing ample mingling opportunities. The menu predominantly features meat and seafood, but vegetarian options are available, with some dishes adaptable for vegan preferences. The venue also hosts live music and art events, enhancing its cultural appeal.

The Green Queen Organic Streetfood & Bar – Open from April through September, The Green Queen offers plant-based street food in a cozy bar setting. Their menu includes vegetarian burgers, Sloppy Joe's, quesadillas, and a selection of organic wines and beers. They also serve cold-pressed shots, catering to the health-conscious.

7-Eleven – For those on a budget seeking a quick bite, Stockholm's 7-Eleven convenience stores offer a surprisingly good selection of tasty and quick food options. They provide a balance of price, speed, and quality, making them a convenient choice for travelers.

Stockholm Gay Bars and Clubs

SideTrack – This small but buzzing venue is always packed with locals and tourists looking for an unpretentious night out focused on having a great time. They serve food until 11 pm, after which things really start to get lively at this gem of a gay bar in Stockholm.

The Secret Garden – This popular cafe and bar, open since 2014, has quickly become a favorite on the Stockholm gay scene. With regular events and an excellent wine menu, it’s the perfect spot for a relaxed evening. The lamb burger and fries come highly recommended if you’re looking to dine.

The Blue Oyster – Cheap cocktails, drag shows, and fun DJs make this a go-to spot. Add in comfy sofas, ambient blue lighting, and hot Swedish locals, and it’s clear why this new bar has such appeal. Located in a jazzy former sports bar, The Blue Oyster is open Wednesday through Saturday.

Patricia – This former British vessel, which served in Dunkirk during WWII, is now a bar, restaurant, and nightclub docked in the trendy Södermalm district. Though not exclusively a gay venue, its legendary Saturday gay night has become the place to party into the early hours.

Queer Beat – This club night has been a staple of the Vienna gay scene for over 13 years and draws a mixed crowd of gay men, women, and allies. Expect a mix of pop, R&B, and dance music throughout the night.

Club Backdoor – Opened in 2017 by the Ahlbom Family, this gay club quickly became one of Sweden’s largest and most popular. Fridays feature hit songs and upbeat “raj raj” music, while Saturdays are devoted to house, techno, and hits.

Xcape – This monthly gay party in Stockholm is kept fresh and exciting by a revolving selection of themed nights. As such, you can expect to see the likes of hot viking or gladiator GoGo dancers up on their stages. This high-quality event is not just the biggest circuit party in Sweden, but in all of Scandinavia. Xcape plays electronic beats throughout the best clubs in Sweden but is most commonly held in Fallan, a huge space with both outdoor and indoor areas – suitably placed in Stockholm´s meatpacking district. Xcape also occasionally plays host to some of the other biggest circuit parties in the world, including Revolver and Forever Tel Aviv.

Stockholm Gay Saunas & Cruising Bars

SLM – Sweden’s largest and legendary fetish club for gay and bisexual men, featuring themed nights and live DJs. A fetish dress code and membership are required (which can be applied for on their website), except on open house nights.

Rainbow Run -This sauna and gym provides a safe meeting place for men, with amenities like changing rooms, showers, a lounge, club rooms, slings, dry sauna, darkrooms, and glory holes. Gay-friendly masseurs are on hand – figurately – to help you relax.

Gay Events in Stockholm

Stockholm Gay Pride – Stockholm Pride includes three main sections: Pride Park, Pride House, and Pride City. Pride Park is the heart of the festivities, with a large stage for performances by both famous and emerging artists. Pride City focuses on cultural aspects, with exhibitions, films, discussions, and workshops addressing political and LGBTQ+ issues. As Scandinavia’s largest Pride event, Stockholm Pride attracts a diverse crowd, from families and visitors to sexy Swedes, over its six-day celebration. Everyone is welcome, and all are encouraged to join in the fun.

Day Trips from Stockholm

Stockholm Archipelago Sailing Tour – Discover the natural beauty of the Stockholm Archipelago on a full-day sailing tour. Relax aboard a comfortable yacht and explore the untouched wilderness of this stunning island landscape Book tour →

Kayaking Tour in the Archipelago – Spend a day paddling through the Stockholm Archipelago with a guide, exploring thousands of uninhabited islands at an easy pace. Enjoy sightings of local wildlife and savor a tasty lunch in the wilderness. Book tour →

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