The 10 Best Bars To Head To In Stockholm

For a bar with a professional, business-like vibe, Riche is the best stop, with an extensive wine list. The professional crowd mostly stays for late dinner and drinks, eventually giving way to a crowd who come to enjoy the club nights. Although the bar strives to imitate its Parisian counterpart, Café Riche, it has a uniquely Swedish air to it.

Opening hours: Mon 11am – 12am; Tues – Sat 11am – 2am; Sun 11am – 12am

Tweed is an atmospheric bar tucked away in the pockets of Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s historic Old Town. The bar is reminiscent of turn-of-the-century gentlemen’s bars, with dark wood-panelling, Chesterfield armchairs (which can be rented) and tartan-covered walls. The armchairs are the perfect seats to sink into after a long day, and the atmosphere is cozy and welcoming. Tweed is part of the Victory Hotel, which also has other bars such as Bottles and The Burgundy. The cocktail list at Tweed lists drinks that are naval-themed, inspired by several ports. One of these is the Gothenburg, named after the Swedish port city, with Swedish punch, grenadine, aquavity, and lemon juice.

Opening hours: Mon – Thurs 5pm – 12am; Fri & Sat 5pm – 1am

Exquisitely reminiscent of the lush decadence of turn-of-the-century Paris, Le Bar Rouge is fraught with excitement, opulence, and delicious cocktails. The interiors are made up in red velvet, chandeliers, and gold touches. The experience of drinking in this establishment is almost cinematic, especially with the subtle lighting and the plush setting: straight out of a vintage noir movie. The bar is attached to a fine-dining restaurant, Brasserie Le Rouge, which is an experience in itself.

Opening hours: Mon & Tues 11.30am – 11pm; Wed & Thurs 11.30am – 12am; Fri 11.30am – 1am; Sat 5pm – 1am; Sun closed

Eriks Gondolen (known simply as “Gondolen”), one of Stockholm’s most famous bars, is located 33 metres above the water and peers out into a magnificent view of Stockholm in general and Gamla Stan in particular. The views of Stockholm’s skyline are outstanding, and the cocktails are a must-try. Shaped like a pier, the bar pays homage to the city’s long water-linked history and is a landmark in its own right.

Opening hours: Mon 11.30am – 11pm; Tues – Fri 11.30am – 1am; Sat 4pm – 1am

Akkurat is famed for its beer and whisky varieties. It is predominantly a beer bar, with an extensive menu and several draught options. Additionally, Akkurat has several vintage brews which cannot be found elsewhere. Set against dark wood panelling and gleaming bronzed counters, Akkurat is an experience in its own right. Should the extensive menu be overwhelming, don’t feel apprehensive about asking the bartenders— they’re extremely friendly and welcoming, and always happy to recommend brews.

Opening hours: Mon 11am – 12am; Tues – Fri 11am – 1am; Sat 3pm – 1am; Sun 6pm – 1am

For a bar where music is ambient and takes the center stage, head to Snotty Sounds Bar, which is as quirky as its name. The bar is small and cosy, exuding a hip retro indie atmosphere. It’s well-loved by the locals, and is the best place to catch a glimpse of Stockholm’s artsy crowd. The décor harks back to the ‘70s, and the posters and albums are highly nostalgic.

Opening hours: mon – Sun 4pm – 1am

Judit & Bertil offers a hip, trendy atmosphere. Named after the owner’s grandparents, it now caters to the younger crowd, for the most part, and serves a range of dishes as well as drinks. The waiters and bartenders are swift and the service is good. The DJs at Judit & Bertil are quite popular, as they play a mix of eclectic EDM and hip-hop music, current Swedish favourites.

Opening hours: Mon & Tues 5pm – 12am; Wed – Sat 5pm – 1am; Sun 5pm – 12am

Catering to a hip and stylish crowd, Hotellet’s list of classic cocktails is a draw for Stockholm’s young and trendy elite. The space is large, and there is a club downstairs in the “cellar”. It’s often crowded, so be sure to get there early for a table, and then slowly head downstairs to the dancing.

Opening hours: Tues 5pm – 12am; Wed & Thurs 5pm – 1am; Fri & Sat 5pm – 2am

Orangeriet Bar has a view over the lake and some of the most delicious cocktails in Stockholm. The atmosphere is relaxed, sophisticated, and the bartenders are extremely skilled. The volume of the music steadily increases into the night, so whilst Orangeriet doesn’t quite transform into a nightclub, the atmosphere does change slightly and there’s a younger crowd. The transition is natural and spontaneous, and very friendly.

Opening hours: mon & Tues 5pm – 11pm; Wed & Thurs 5pm – 1am; Fri 4pm – 1am; Sat 5pm – 1am