Stockholm is one of the most visited cities in the Scandinavian region, and there are many good reasons for that. The gorgeous architecture, the rich history, and the great food that you’ll find in the Swedish capital tempt millions of visitors every year. But Stockholm is also known for some of the best nightlife in the region.
Although Scandinavia isn’t usually associated with hedomism, Stockholm is a different story. This city doesn’t sleep – especially in the summer when the nights are warm and short! The Swedish capital has a large population of students and expats, so there are plenty of places suited for the younger generations, especially in the hipster district of Södermalm and historical Gamla Stan.
This guide to nightlife in Stockholm will take a look at the nine best bars and clubs in the city, from stylish cocktail places to underground techno clubs and glitzy dance halls. Whether you’re after perfectly mixed cocktails, dancing till early morning, or craft beers with friends, Stockholm has it all…
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Trädgården (Södermalm)
Trädgården is a massive outdoor space underneath the Skanstull Bridge in the hip area of Södermalm. It’s one of the most iconic spots on the nightlife map of Stockholm. The space includes an open-air dancefloor with disco lights and colorful decorations. There is also a food shack, ping pong tables, and bars with drinks.
Enjoy Trädgården’s wild parties from May till September when the weather stays balmy until late on. That’s when you can dance out in the air until 3am. Don’t worry if you happen to be there on a chilly night, though. Just head upstairs and keep partying at one of their two indoor dancefloors. In the winter months, this place transforms into a smaller Under Bron (under the bridge) club limited to the two floors inside. They stick to electronic and techno tunes, making it a mecca for EDM buffs.
Whether you visit Trädgården in the summer or Under Bron in the winter, make sure to come early to avoid the queues. You might even be able to get in for free if you turn up before 8pm. Otherwise you’ll probably have to pay the entrance fee, which varies.
Kvarnen (Södermalm)
Södermalm keeps on giving when it comes to nighttime entertainment. Another of the area’s places worth visiting if you want to sample Stockholm’s nightlife is Kvarnen, also known as Le Moulin.
It’s primary a restaurant with traditional Swedish delicacies, including some of the best meatballs in town. However, in the evening, this place transforms into a lively beer hall that stays open until 3am. It might not be the right place if you’re looking for a dancefloor and DJs, but it’s an awesome spot to enjoy drinks with friends. A large selection of draught beers is their trademark.
Kvarnen has been open in the same place since 1908 and has preserved its authentic style and décor. Expect large wooden tables and craftwork on the walls. Even though there might be a long queue over the weekend, it’s well worth the wait.
F12Terrassen (Norrmalm)
If you want to experience the best of Stockholm’s legendary summer parties, then F12Terrassen is the place for you. It’s yet another outdoor club in the Swedish capital that is best enjoyed in hot weather. It’s open seven days a week in the peak season, so no need to panic if you happen to be there on a Monday night.
Expect different music every evening, from techno to hip hop to house. You will see a mix of locals and visitors dancing on the grand steps and the two terraces above.
F12Terrassen is only minutes away from the historical center, Gamla Stan, in the Norrmalm district. That means that you find that this isn’t the place for you, you’re only a short stroll away from plenty of other bars and cafes. One word of warning: This one’s quite pricy.
Stampen (Gamla Stan)
Stampen is one of the most iconic music venues in Stockholm. If you’re a fan of jazz and blues, then this spot is a must-visit place. And even if you’re not a melomaniac, it’s hard not to enjoy their brilliant live acts with a cocktail in hand. Different artists perform here from Tuesday to Saturday, and the program is updated regularly. They also host a super cool jam session every Saturday!
Stampen has been a live music bar since opening in 1968 in a location that was once a pawnshop. Many of the antiques were left over from the store and are now part of the unique decorations in the atmospheric interiors. The whole thing is nestled in the heart of the historical center, Gamla Stan.
Pharmarium (Gamla Stan)
Pharmarium was once the oldest pharmacy in the city, first opened around 400 years ago! The fascination for mixing medicines gave the idea to create the bar that exists today, an award-winning cocktail spot that’s not to be missed.
Pro mixologists behind the bar work hard to create innovative and delicious alcoholic drinks that are just a little different to what you might be used to. Don’t be shy about asking for recommendations – the folks really know the difference between their Grey Goose and Drambuie.
Pharmarium has retained its old-school looks with historic pharmacy drawers dotted around the place. Sit on one of the stools along the long bar inside or take a seat outside if the sun is shining. This spot is really worth a visit if you want to taste some of the best cocktails in Scandinavia.
Berns (Norrmalm)
Berns is in a historical building first raised in 1863 to give gorgeous vistas of Berzelii Park and the Baltic Sea. It’s a huge complex that houses a boutique hotel, a restaurant, bars, nightclubs, and a live music venue. On weekends, this place becomes one of the best places in Stockholm to party, no doubt about it.
From modern club Le! where you’ll dance to house tunes, to the underground NEU that attracts some of the best techno DJ acts around, there is no shortage of good music in this unique option. While the chilled out KATTHAVET is perfect for casual drinks with friends, there is also the Ballroom, a beautifully decorated dancefloor with grand chandeliers hanging from the ceiling. That’s often open for special events and gigs.
Berns is one of those places you will want to visit if you’re after the best nightlife in Stockholm. But bear in mind that, as with most things in Stockholm, this spot isn’t cheap. Just be ready to spend some big dollars there. On the flip side, some of their clubs stay open way past the usual 3am. Dancing till dawn? Yes, please!
Fållan (Sickla – Meatpacking District)
Fållan is one of the newest venues on the map of nightlife in Stockholm. Opened in 2019, this cool live-music club is located in the middle of the vibrant Meatpacking District, which is known for some of the best clubs in the city, although it was once an industrial estate.
Fållan hosts many special events, including pop-up art exhibitions, concerts, techno nights manned by international DJs, and other live events. Their program is constantly changing, so check their website to see what’s happening when you’re in town. Some of the big names that have made an appearance on the stage of Fållan include Stormzy, Fever Ray, and the Kooks, amongst others.
Fållan was once a warehouse that has been converted into a vast nightlife space. Expect plenty of industrial touches and modern design in this hip venue.
MELT (Norrmalm)
If you’re looking for something a little different from the typical nightlife in Stockholm, then this place may be for you. MELT will take you back to the roaring 1920s with their classic prohibition bar décor. From champagne to cocktails, burlesque dancers to singers, it’s got the whole lot.
Bear in mind that MELT is not for everyone, so don’t go there if you expect electronic music thumping till dawn. Also, if you’re planning to visit this place on Friday night, reserve the table because it almost always gets busy.
20hundra5 (Vasastan)
It may be a little further away from the center of Stockholm, but it’s worth traveling to Vasastan to enjoy this cool, quirky bar. They specialize in all sorts of cocktails, from gin to vodka-based mixtures. They hire some of the best bartenders in the city too, so you’re in safe hands. They also serve some small bites if you’re hungry.
Apart from outstanding drinks, 20hundra5 also has plenty of board games and retro video games – that should be enough to keep you going while having a couple of drinks with your friends. The place is small, so you may find it packed on Friday and Saturday nights. Bear in mind that it isn’t one of those late-night venues, and you won’t find it open past midnight.
Nightlife in Stockholm – the conclusion
Scandinavia may not be known for the wildest nightlife in the world, but Stockholm offers some of the best in the region. There is no shortage of clubs, bars, and live music venues dotted around the city. The areas to base yourself for the best parties include Södermalm, the Meatpacking District, and the historical Gamla Stan. If you’re looking for late night summer raves out in the open, go to Trädgården, Fållan, or F12Terrassen, and if you’re after a quiet drink with friends, head to Pharmarium or 20hundra5. Just remember that Stockholm parties are not the cheapest in Europe…
