Grandiose royal palaces, thousands of islands connected by crisscrossing bridges, mesmerizing architecture, lush green parks, Viking-like men, and ABBA! Sweden's capital is a masterpiece of land and water, history and innovation.

In Stockholm, it’s easy to get pleasantly lost while wandering through Gamla Stan, the enchanting old town where cobblestone streets twist past pastel-colored buildings toward the grand Royal Palace and along the city’s endless coastline. Then, for contrast, stroll into Djurgården, the city’s green heart, home to museums like the Vasa—where a perfectly preserved 17th-century warship awaits—and, of course, the iconic Abba Museum.

There's no official gay area in Stockholm but with plenty of bars scattered around the center it's one of the world’s most LGBTQ+-friendly cities—further evidenced by all the towering, muscular blond beauties strolling hand in hand everywhere you look, enjoying the liberal city they call home. Yet another good reason to visit one of the most underrated places in Europe!

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

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! Getting around on foot in the center gives the real Stockholm experience and it feels wonderful to traverse the 14 islands connected by over 50 bridges.

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. Sweden’s capital is home to over 2 million people and boasts one of the largest gay populations in Scandinavia. Its bars, clubs, and restaurants are scattered throughout, attracting both gay and mixed crowds. Notable spots include Patricia, a legendary restaurant and club on a former yacht that’s especially popular on Sundays, and Mälarpaviljongen, one of the best waterfront spots for a summer cocktail.

Also note that Sweden's currency is not the Euro, but the Swedish Krona. Do the exchange before you go because, as with anywhere, the rate in the airport and city center isn't cost-effective. Stockholm can be an expensive trip, but if you plan well you can operate within a decent budget.

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.

Luxury

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.

Mid-Range

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.

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.

Hotel Hellsten – On Luntmakargatan in Vasastan, Hotel Hellsten is a gay-friendly boutique gem in a 19th-century Art Nouveau building. Its intimate design marries vintage exposed beams with contemporary Scandinavian flair and curated art. Personalized, unpretentious service welcomes guests around-the-clock with express check-in, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a cozy lounge bar.

Castle House Inn – In Gamla Stan’s maze of medieval alleys, Castle House Inn occupies a centuries-old building whose cellars date to the 1320s and whose main structure rose from a fish market fire in 1525. Its castle-themed vibe combines arched ceilings, exposed brick, and art. Guests enjoy free Wi-Fi, 24/7 reception with express check-in/out, luggage storage, a snack bar/deli and bicycle rentals. Individually decorated rooms—from private doubles to budget dorms—offer flat-screen TVs, desks, hairdryers, blackout curtains, and private or shared bathrooms.

Budget

Generator Stockholm – Generator are a budget, gay-friendly certified, chain found around Europe and their hotel in Stockholm is just steps from Central Station. Housed in a bold, design-led building, it blends edgy street art with Scandi-modern style across vibrant common areas. An on-site café, travel shop, café-bar and Bar Hilma pulse with themed nights, karaoke and live DJs. Free Wi-Fi, 24-hour reception, bike hire, luggage storage, laundry and flexible meeting/event spaces cover practical needs. Rooms range from private twins to mixed and female-only dorms, all with en-suite bathrooms.

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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. It's a possibility you'vee heard of them! At ABBA The Museum, you get to live out some dancing queen magic by stepping on stage with a hologram of ABBA, sing karaoke in the Polar Studios, and dance in their music videos. 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

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, all sailors are welcome and its legendary Saturday gay night has become the place to party into the early hours.

Club Backdoor – Opened in 2017 by the Ahlbom Family, this gay club quickly became one of Sweden’s largest and most popular night out. 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 Fall, a huge space with both outdoor and indoor areas – suitably placed in Stockholm´s meatpacking district. 

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. Dates: 2026 to be announced.

Cinema Queer International Film Festival  – Sweden’s premier queer film showcase, featuring provocative features, documentaries and shorts at venues across the city, spotlighting voices outside the hetero-norm. Dates: 28 September – 4 October , 2026.

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 →

Sigtuna – Craving some Viking action? Just 45 km north of Stockholm is Sigtuna, Sweden’s first town by Vikings. Its cobblestone streets echo Norse heritage: rune stones dot the lakeside promenade and the open-air museum displays authentic inscriptions. Wander medieval Stora gatan past timber houses, church ruins of Mariakyrkan, and the charming town hall. Browse local handicrafts in cafés and boutiques, then sample traditional fare by Lake Mälaren. Guided Viking-themed tours illuminate sagas of skalds and sea raiders. Book tour →

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