Edited by Holly Stark
With long winter hours of darkness and late evening summer sun, there are plenty of things to do in Stockholm at night. A decentralised nightlife means the centre isn’t too busy, so walking the cobbled streets under the twinkling lights of Gamla Stan at night is an option if clubs and party boats aren’t your thing. There’s something for everyone among Stockholm’s nightlife; Abba disco clubs, Östermalm’s classy bars, party cruisers, a night at the museum, book clubs in cosy cafes, comedy shows, salsa and bachata dance classes and live music. Stockholm’s safety at night is great compared to a lot of European cities, meaning it’s safe for solo travellers and groups alike. So, without further ado, here’s my recommendations for the best things to do in Stockholm at night!
Party
If you’re a party lover, there are plenty of opportunities in Stockholm to put on those dancing shoes and dance the night away. The two main areas for partying are Södermalm and Stureplan. The Södermalm district is the perfect place for a more relaxed vibe with options for bigger venues, whereas Stureplan is where the big clubs and big spending are. They have stricter door requirements, commercial venues and potentially long queues. Each club has its own rules, and security is high. Bouncers can be demanding: it’s always best to arrive sober, with a smile on your face and with a classy and stylish outfit on. Go for black clothes if you’re unsure. There are clubs for all ages, and all kinds of people: LGBTQ+ venues, an Abba disco, 24-hour party boats and clubs with Swedish DJ’s.
If you want a more relaxed night, enjoy a delicious dinner and sip a cocktail while suspended about 50 metres off the ground above the entrance of Stockholm’s port at Gondolen. Enjoy scenic 360-degree panoramic views of the city while indulging in an expertly made cocktail. Alternatively, head to the top of Skrapan skyscraper on Södermalm and there, at 104 metres above the ground, you will find Himlen, meaning paradise. It’s not as famous as Gondolen, but equally as luxurious with an elegant cocktail bar, roof garden, grill, fine-dining restaurant and panoramic city view from above the clouds. The dining room is on the 25th floor, with a slightly calmer atmosphere than the cocktail bar above. On the 26th floor is the ‘Grill & Cocktail’; an urban, vibrant environment with great food, drink and views. If you want a literal chill, head to Absolut Ice Bar which is made entirely of ice, with a below-zero temperature all year round. A cover charge includes loaning a warm jacket, gloves and a frozen vodka cocktail served in a glass made of ice. If you like to be intellectually stimulated, sign up to the book club, where you can meet with others and discuss characters, storylines and plot twists in coffee shops.
Enjoy Art and Music
Whether you like visual art and sculpture, dance, comedy or live music, Stockholm’s nightlife district has something for you. Fotografiska is a contemporary photo gallery by the water in the Södermalm district. Home to four unique large exhibitions and 20 small exhibitions, as well as a book and souvenir shop, restaurant and gallery. From Sunday to Wednesday, it’s open from 09.00 to 23.00, and between Thursday and Saturday 09.00–01.00 with the option to purchase beer, wine and other beverages in the café. If you’re up for a laugh, see what’s going on at Stockholm Comedy Club – the club where the elite of Swedish standup meet well-versed, experienced comedians. With plenty of shows in English, the comedy club makes for a good laugh and a good night out. For live music, head to Slakthuset, a former slaughterhouse turned nightclub/live music venue. The remaining industrial vibe produces a quirky atmosphere with multiple dance floors and clubs playing everything from house and techno to hip-hop and R’n’B. Many bands and artists have graced its floors with concerts, from Abba to The Cardigans. The venue presents a great opportunity to see any band, or any kind of music. It’s the place to be, especially during the summer when the huge patio is a popular spot for getting together and having a drink.
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