The Best Gay Bars in Stockholm, Sweden

The Secret Garden, in the heart of Stockholm’s old town, lives up to its name, boasting a cute hidden courtyard dripping in fairy lights and foliage. Visit in the afternoon for a relaxed meal – there’s a menu of salads, burgers and bar snacks to enjoy. By night, the Secret Garden transforms into a club that thrums with DJ beats until 3am from Wednesday to Sunday. Hang out in multiple rainbow-themed rooms with plenty of space for dancing or chilling, whatever your vibe.

If you’re looking for something more intense, check out the Scandinavian Leather Men (SLM). This members-only establishment – sign up at their website to visit – is Stockholm’s top fetish bar, with a dress code that covers everything from leather to rubber, uniforms and sports gear. Drop by for their laid-back pub night on Wednesdays, while Saturdays are reserved for your most outrageous outfits. SLM lies in Södermalm and also offers various monthly theme nights, including BDSM and bears parties.

Side Track is Stockholm’s oldest gay bar and has been running for over 23 years. You’ll recognise the small pub, in the Södermalm district, by its pride flag hanging outside. Side Track has a loyal, local clientele and an intimate feel, serving a pub-style menu throughout the day. As evening falls, DJs play old and current hits accompanied by house cocktails. The bar is often used as a pit stop before hitting one of Stockholm’s clubs, but it does host occasional theme nights and colourful events around Pride.

Looking to dance the night away? Club Backdoor should be your final stop on a crawl of Stockholm’s gay bars. It’s a huge venue just outside of the city centre that’s open until 5am on weekends. You can enjoy several bars and dance floors, special theme nights and international DJs. On Fridays, expect a mix of hip-hop, R&B and ’90s classic, while dark house and techno reign supreme on Saturdays.

Experience the best of Stockholm’s lesbian nightlife at this chic bar. Klubb Moxy isn’t just Sweden’s largest lesbian club – the company also organises dinner parties, cruises and events. During Pride, they host Stockholm’s top women’s party and regularly run the bars in Pride Park. Moxy welcomes everyone regardless of background, preferences and age; the only stipulation is that you’re here to have fun. Music-wise, you’ll get a mix of R&B, pop hits, disco and house.

This atmospheric cafe-bar is to be found in an old town square near the Nobel Prize Museum. Chokladkoppen, one of the very first LGBTQ-friendly places in Stockholm, is loved for its terrace area overlooking the square. The food is top-notch, ranging from daily soups and sandwiches to decadent cakes and a signature white hot chocolate served in a bowl. You’ll find flyers for LGBTQ events and free copies of the community’s Swedish magazine QX, while staff are more than happy to provide nightlife tips.

Party on a former British yacht complete with a restaurant and seven bars, including two decks with spectacular old-town views. Built in England in 1938, Patricia served in World War II and has been moored as an entertainment venue in Stockholm since the ’80s. The popular Sunday Club gay night, open till 5am, is known for its costumes and glitter. Strike moves on four separate dance floors that cater to different music tastes, whether you’re into ’80s hits, pop or DJ sets.