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Your guide to Stockholm's best gay places

- Find the hottest LGBTQ+ spots in town

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Looking for the best gay places in Stockholm? You’re in the right place. Sweden’s capital is one of the most open and LGBTQ+ friendly cities in the world. You’ll see rainbow flags everywhere, and there’s no shortage of gay-friendly bars, clubs, restaurants, and cafés. Whether you’re up for a night of dancing or just want to chill, you’ll find the perfect spot.
Last updated: February 12, 2025
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Stockholm has hosted the biggest Pride festival in the Nordic region since 1998, securing its place as one of the world’s most gay-friendly cities. Every year, at the end of July, this massive event draws huge crowds.

The Stockholm Pride Parade – the biggest highlight of the event – has around 50,000 people marching and at least half a million cheering from the sidelines. And the party doesn’t stop after Pride! The city is packed with gay clubs and LGBTQ+ hotspots all year round.

Find the right gay-friendly place for you in Stockholm

Stockholm’s gay scene is vibrant and diverse, offering something for every mood and occasion. The city is full of great nightclubs, bars, restaurants, and cafés. Whether you’re in the mood to dance all night to iconic hits or just want a laid-back coffee with friends, there’s a place for you.

With so many amazing options, finding the right spot can be tricky. That’s why we’ve put together a guide to Stockholm’s best gay clubs and LGBTQI+ hotspots. Keep it handy next time you’re looking for the best places to party, socialize, and connect with the LGBTQ+ community.

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Club Backdoor

Club Backdoor is Stockholm’s—and Scandinavia’s—biggest gay club, throwing legendary parties at Tolv Stockholm in the Globen area every Friday and Saturday. The organizers call it the best gay club north of Ibiza, and it’s a must-visit spot for international celebs when they’re in town.

Expect a wild mix of people—one night you might bump into Lil Nas X, Drag Race stars, or Stockholm’s fiercest club kids, all partying alongside a diverse crowd. The music is just as eclectic, with everything from schlager and ’90s anthems to R&B and techno. And the entrance? Let’s just say it’s one of the most fabulous nightclub entrances you’ll ever see.

Arenavägen 75, Johanneshov
instagram.com/clubbackdoorstockholm

The Blue Oyster

If you remember the iconic Blue Oyster Bar from the movie Police Academy, you probably have that iconic theme song stuck in your head already. The Blue Oyster in Södermalm isn’t a replica of its 1980s cinematic counterpart, but it’s one of Stockholm’s top gay places. Expect drag bingo, karaoke, tasty cocktails, fierce queens, and, of course, queer DJs keeping the vibe just right. You’ll find the bar at Hornhuset in Hornstull.

Långholmsgatan 15C, Södermalm

instagram.com/theblueoysterstockholm

Chokladkoppen

Chokladkoppen Gamla stan
The café Chokladkoppen is one of the city’s oldest gay-friendly spots
Chokladkoppen is a cozy, classic café right on Stortorget, the historic square at the heart of Stockholm’s Old Town. A longtime LGBTQ+ favorite, it’s the perfect place to people-watch, take in the medieval surroundings, and soak up some history. And with a hot chocolate in hand beneath the rainbow flags, you’ll be sitting in one of Sweden’s oldest queer-friendly spots.
Stortorget 18, Old Town
chokladkoppen.se

Secret Garden

After sipping your hot drink and soaking up the atmosphere, it’s time to turn up the energy with a drink and some dancing. Secret Garden might not be as hidden as its name implies—it’s right in the heart of Old Town, just by the water. With a large outdoor terrace, multiple dance floors, a laid-back lounge, and a bar that stays open late, it’s a go-to spot for a great night out.
Kornhamnstorg 59, Old Town
secretgardensthlm.se

Mälarpaviljongen

Mälarpaviljongen - gay places Stockholm
Mälarpaviljongen is a fabulous place right by the water on beautiful Norr Mälarstrand
If you’re in Stockholm for the summer and can only visit one spot, Mälarpaviljongen is the place to be. This dreamy waterside oasis offers stunning views, a beautiful crowd, and a relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else.

It’s got it all—a restaurant, bar, nightclub, garden shop, and café—but most importantly, it’s a place to just be. The crowd is a mix of everyone: old ladies with their dogs, ridiculously handsome guys who look like they stepped out of a Google search for “hunky Swedish guys”, twinks, twunks, drag queens, and everyone in between.

Norr Mälarstrand 64, Kungsholmen
malarpaviljongen.se

Bakfickan

Bakfickan - gay friendly spot in Stockholm
Lovely Bakfickan has been named one of the world’s best neighborhood restaurants
Right across from Mälarpaviljongen, you’ll find Bakfickan, run by the same amazing team. It was recently named one of the world’s best neighborhood restaurants by Condé Nast Traveler—so if you needed an excuse to drop by, there it is. One of Stockholm’s top LGBTQ+ hangouts, this spot is always buzzing.
Norr Mälarstrand 64, Kungsholmen
malarpaviljongen.se/bakfickan

Kerstin och Britt

Kerstin och Britt Stockholm
Kerstin och Britt are a hidden gem by the water in the heart of the city
Kerstin och Britt is one of Stockholm’s best-kept secrets when it comes to gay-friendly spots—somehow still flying under the radar. Maybe it’s because it’s right next to the Royal Palace, which grabs all the attention. But this little oasis on Strömparterren offers breathtaking views of Stockholm’s most stunning sights, best enjoyed with a glass of bubbly and a plate of their signature smørrebrød or hot-smoked salmon.
Strömparterren, Norrbro 5, Norrmalm/City
kerstinochbritt.se

The Hills

The Hills is a vibrant, welcoming spot in Södermalm—Stockholm’s creative and bohemian heart. It’s perfect any time of day, whether you’re grabbing a morning coffee, having lunch with colleagues, sipping an evening cocktail, or enjoying a relaxed three-course dinner with friends. Whether you’re catching up with friends or just soaking up the vibe, The Hills is pure Södermalm—open, lively, and proudly LGBTQ+ friendly.
Götgatan 29, Södermalm
thehillsstockholm.se

Have fun at Stockholm’s best gay places

And there you have it—your guide to gay places in Stockholm! Whether you’re a bike dyke, comedy queen, twunk, leather daddy, femme, trans, non-binary, or anywhere under the rainbow umbrella, there’s a spot in this city for you. Discover a new LGBTQ+ friendly favorite or return to a beloved classic. Whatever you do—have a blast!

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