Best Bars With Live Music In Stockholm

Live music in Stockholm is alive and well and the best bars serve up a mix of troubadour, jazz, rock, and pop. And this being Sweden, which is the third largest exporter of music in the world, there’s always the chance you’ll catch the Next Big Thing before they become the Next Big Thing. Here’s our guide to the best bars with live music in Stockholm.

1. Debaser

Once there were three, then there were two, and then there was one. Debaser clubs have a long and legendary history in Stockholm as the best place to see live music. While two have been relegated to the dust bin due to renovation work on their spaces, the one that’s left, in Stockholm’s up-and-coming Hornstull district, carries on the proud tradition. The music tends towards rock and the atmosphere is sweaty.

Debaser at Bar Brooklyn & Calexico’s. Hornstulls Strand 4, Stockholm, Sweden. +46 (0)8 658 63 50

Catch the hottest bands at Debaser | ©Stefan Leijon/Flickr

2. Wirströms

With live music every night of the week except Sunday, Wirströms is a favourite with those whose tastes lean more towards blues, acoustic, and Irish trad. That Irish trad is a clue to this Old Town pub: Wirströms claims to be the only authentic Irish pub in Stockholm. That’s up for debate but what isn’t up for debate are the sweet tunes pouring out of the basement ‘stage’ most nights of the week.

Wirströms Pub. Stora Nygatan 13, Stockholm, Sweden. +46 (0)8 21 28 74

Irish trad and acoustic at Wirströms | ©Bengt Nyman/Flickr

3. Fasching

Music Venue

Do you like jazz? Do you like it in all its forms from all around the globe? If your answers are yes and yes then head to Fasching, where both established acts and up-and-comers from around the world make the crowd swoon. Top tip: book a table for dinner and you’ll have prime seats for the show. Another top tip: hang out after the show — the band usually drops by for a chat and then there’s a top DJ well into the night.

5. Engelen

Live music daily on the main stage, a warren of rooms in which to sip your drink, and a basement that has either a band or a DJ — Engelen has been a star on the music scene for decades. Now, since they nicked Brian Kramer’s International Blues Jam — a Saturday afternoon staple in Stockholm — from Stampen, things have only gotten better. Kramer is a well-known bluesman and a New York transplant who welcomes some of the best local and international musicians around — expect some of Sweden’s top session musicians to make an appearance.
Engelen. Kornhamnstorg 59, Stockholm, Sweden. +46 (0)77 182 68 26

Catch the Brian Kramer Blues Jam at Engelen | ©Bengt Nyman/Flickr

6. Mosebacke

The indoor stage serves up some pretty funky tunes but if you really want to experience Mosebacke — and the unbelievable view over to Djurgården, Gamla Stan, and beyond — head here when the weather is warm. The outdoor terrace hosts music most nights, which can include a woman with a guitar to rock your socks off. Outdoor shows end early due to residents in the area, which is a great excuse to head inside for more fun.
Mosebacketerrasse. Mosebacke Torg 1-3, Stockholm, Sweden. +46 (0)8 531 993 79

Music under the sky at Mossbacke | ©Jack Wallsten/Flickr

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