Sweden and same-sex rights: early and thorough

Sweden introduced registered partnerships in 1995 and moved to full marriage equality in 2009. This was ahead of most of the world, and it is not just a legal formality. The country has had decades of social normalisation around same-sex relationships, which shows in how Stockholm operates as a city. There is no hostility to navigate, no codes to read. Two men or two women being affectionate in public is not a thing that draws attention.

Stockholm is also an expensive city. A cocktail will typically cost 180-230 SEK, which is around 15-20 euros at current exchange rates. Hotel prices are high. Budget accordingly and you will not be surprised.

Sodermalm and the SoFo area

The gay scene is concentrated in Sodermalm, the large island south of the city centre connected to Gamla Stan by several bridges. Within Sodermalm, the area known as SoFo (south of Folkungagatan) is the most relevant. It is a mix of independent shops, cafes, restaurants, and bars, with a generally alternative and creative character. This is where most of the gay bars are, along with some of the more interesting general nightlife.

Medborgarplatsen is the key metro station for Sodermalm. The tunnelbana (metro) runs on the green line through here and is fast and reliable. From the central station you are maybe ten minutes away. From the airport it is longer but still straightforward by the Arlanda Express train and then connecting underground.

Gamla Stan, the old town, has a few gay-friendly venues but is not the main hub. It is worth visiting for the medieval streets and the general atmosphere, but you will spend most of your nights in Sodermalm.

Stockholm Pride

Stockholm Pride happens in late July or early August and is one of the bigger events in Scandinavia. It draws a large crowd, has a proper parade, and turns Sodermalm into something noticeably louder and more festive than usual. If you are in the city during Pride week, the bars will be busier, events will be on, and the atmosphere is different from the rest of the year. Worth timing a trip around if it fits. Book accommodation well in advance; the city fills up.

When to go

June, July, and August are the obvious months. The days are very long in summer, with light until 10pm or later, and outdoor bar spaces open. The city comes alive in a way that is genuinely different from other times of year. The winters are dark and cold, but the indoor scene continues and Stockholm is not a city that shuts down.

May is a good shoulder option: the weather is reasonable, the prices are slightly lower, and the crowds have not arrived yet. September is similar in the other direction.

Bars

    • B1: AN — All genders, 18 years and over, Gay/bi/queer Monday is a workday for larger groups (call them if you want to visit on Monday).
    • Bitter Pills — Bitter Pills is a bar/cafe in Stockholm.
    • Gröna Lund — Bus 67 will drop you off at Gröna Lund. Get off at the Liljevalchs/Gröna Lund bus stop. Another option is to hop on the tram nr 7 from Kungsträdgården to Djurgården. To find out when and where tram & buses run, go to SL's traffic information. You can also take the Metro Red Line to Karlaplan and walk from there. The walk will take you around 20 minutes.
    • King Kong — King Kong is a gay club in Stockholm. (KING KONG KLUBB) It was opened in 2005 and since then, it became one of the most popular gay venues in Swedish capital. There are many events organized in King Kong. Follow King Kong on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Club_King_Kong
    • La Isla — La Isla is nightclub in Stockholm suburb of Kungsholmen. It is gay-friendly and there are many party events in this club each weeknight. The music is mostly latin and salsa. Mixed crowd, but you have to be at least 23 years old to enter this club.
    • Le Bon Palais - Candy — One of the biggest gay clubs in Stockholm. Open every friday from 11pm to 4am. 20+ years
    • Mälarpaviljongen — On Saturday April 2 Mälarpaviljongen opens for the season. This is the place if you are looking for an atmospheric, cozy local restaurant and high-spirited bar with great music and people. It also happens to one of the hottest gay spots in town! Overlooking Lake Mälaren this is a relaxed, green haven where you can chill out over a glass of wine, lovely lunch or just enjoy a coffee & cake after a pleasant walk along Norr Mälarstrand Promenade. On weekdays we serve lunc
    • Manhattan Biograf — Manhattan is the obvious porn club in Stockholm, for both Stockholmers and tourists. It should be an exciting place to pick up. The place at Hantverkargatan in Stockholm is designated Stockholm's best porn club by Porrguiden. The premises are lazy and kitty and the ambience and atmosphere are mysterious and exciting. A bit tickling and annoying, just eager and sinful, maximum excitement and exciting. It's going to be nice, anonymous and spontaneous to meet for six,
    • Patricia — he old ship Patricia by Söder Mälarstrand boasts seven bars: five indoors and two outdoors (open in summer); a restaurant and a nightclub. The music ranges from top hits to pop, disco and rock, schlager and covers bands. The Sunday club started 20 years ago and is still incredibly popular with Stockholm’s gay scene.
    • Side Track — Sidetrack Bar & Restaurant is a vibrant, popular gay bar and restaurant located in Wollmar Yxkullsgatan 7, Stockholm. Very friendly staff and atmosphere.
    • SLM Stockholm — SLM (Scandinavian Leather Men) is a nightclub for men only. Dress code is leather, uniform or rubber. SLM Stockholm is in turn part of the Nordic/Baltic organization Top of Europe (ToE) which includes the clubs in Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Iceland and Estonia. The association is also part of the European Confederation of Motorcycle Clubs (ECMC) which is an organization for non-commercial leather and fetish clubs in Europe.
    • Stay Bar — Götgatan 99, 116 62 Stockholm

    For the full breakdown, see the Stockholm gay bars guide.

    Saunas

    • Texas Sauna - closed 2017 — Texas Sauna are a private sauna and gym for adult gay and bisexual men. We have made it our commitment to promote health and provide a place for men to meet in a safe, healthy and fun environment. Membership is required and you must be at least 18 years of age and show picture ID. At 30 cubic meter large, facilities at Texas Sauna include massage service, gym, cruising area & play space with slings, private cabins, dark room, glory holes, free wi-fi, etc. Texas hosts regular themed nights an

    See the Stockholm gay saunas guide for details.

    Hotels

    Staying in Sodermalm puts you close to the bars and gives you the right neighbourhood feel. The area around Medborgarplatsen has several options at different price points. The city centre and Norrmalm are also fine if you prefer to be near the main shopping and transport hub, with Sodermalm reachable in a short metro ride.

    • Berns Hotel — Berns Hotel is situated in Stockholm and is close to the area's tourist attractions. Some of the popular features at this award-winning 4-star hotel include free Wi-Fi and a rooftop terrace.  This elegant hotel provides a limousine service, 24-hour room service and valet parking. Corporate amenities include meeting rooms. There is also a trendy night club on the property.  Those staying at Berns Hotel Stockholm can relax in their luxurious rooms that feature a min
    • Clarion Hotel Stockholm — Situated in Stockholm, Clarion Hotel Stockholm provides unique 4-star accommodation, as well as a sauna, a Finnish sauna and an indoor/outdoor connecting pool. There is also a fitness centre with fitness classes, an indoor/outdoor connecting pool and a sauna.  Guests can make the most of the sun on the terrace or enjoy a drink at the bar. Facilities include complimentary wireless internet, 24-hour room service and a Turkish steam bath. After a long day of sightseeing in the local
    • Hotel C Stockholm — Boasting the world's first permanent ice bar and a lobby aquarium, Hotel C Stockholm offers stylish accommodation close to Stockholm's well-known attractions. It is also conveniently situated within a 10-minute walk of Cityterminalen Central Bus Station.  This modern hotel offers an on-site fitness centre, massage services and valet parking. Corporate facilities include meeting rooms and a business centre. Just minutes from nearby bars and clubs, this 4-star hotel also allows gue
    • Radisson Blu Waterfront Hotel — Radisson Blu Waterfront Hotel is located amongst Stockholm's popular shopping district, just a short walk from Cityterminalen Central Bus Station. It features panoramic city views and 4-star rooms.  This modern hotel offers supervised child care/activities, a concierge and a coffee bar. Corporate amenities include a business centre.  The luxurious feel of each room at Radisson Blu Waterfront Hotel is complemented by amenities like mini bars. All provide an in-room
    • Rex Hotel Stockholm — Situated in Stockholm, Rex Hotel Stockholm provides stylish, 3-star accommodation close to Birger Jarlsgatan. It also offers meeting rooms, a currency exchange and free Wi-Fi.  The rooms have a desk, heating and a flat-screen TV. They are also equipped with a shower, a telephone and cable/satellite channels.  Hotel Rex's neighbourhood is known for its nightlife and guests are spoilt for choice when it comes to dining and bar options.  Hotel Rex Petit is conven
    • Scandic Gamla Stan — Scandic Gamla Stan offers historic accommodation in Stockholm and is within a 20-minute walk of Cityterminalen Central Bus Station. It has a spa and wellness centre, as well as a rooftop terrace, a sauna and free Wi-Fi.  Rooms at Scandic Gamla Stan are well-appointed and have a private bathroom, a refrigerator and a flat-screen TV. They come with a telephone and an alarm clock.  Those staying at the hotel can sit down to a unique dining experience at the on-site r
    • Skeppsholmen — Hotel Skeppsholmen is located in Stockholm and offers outdoor tennis courts and free Wi-Fi. It is ideally positioned for those wanting to discover the area's attractions. This 4-star hotel offers meeting rooms, 24-hour room service and a 24-hour reception. Guests can exercise at the fitness centre, or borrow a bicycle and explore the surrounding area. Hotel Skeppsholmen Stockholm offers spacious rooms equipped with a flat-screen TV, a shower and a mini bar, plus all the necessities to ensure a c

    Events

    Stockholm Pride is the main annual event, late July or early August. There are also regular club nights and smaller events throughout the year, which the bars and venues list on their own channels.

    Practical notes

    • Getting around: The tunnelbana is fast and easy. Get an SL card or use contactless payment. Medborgarplatsen is the stop for Sodermalm and the SoFo area.
    • Cash: Stockholm is effectively cashless. Cards are accepted everywhere, including at market stalls and small cafes. Do not bother getting cash.
    • Costs: Budget around 180-230 SEK per drink, more at upmarket venues. Dinner in a mid-range restaurant runs 200-400 SEK per person for a main course. Public transport is reasonable.
    • Safety: Stockholm is a very safe city. Sodermalm at night is not somewhere you need to be cautious. Standard city awareness is all that is required.
    • Language: English is spoken virtually universally. Swedish people switch without hesitation and without making anything of it.

FAQ


Where is the gay area in Stockholm?



Sodermalm, particularly the SoFo area (south of Folkungagatan). Take the tunnelbana to Medborgarplatsen. This is where the majority of gay bars and nightlife is concentrated.




Is Stockholm safe for gay travellers?



Yes. Sweden has had marriage equality since 2009 and decades of strong legal and social equality before that. Stockholm is one of the most openly gay-friendly cities in Europe. There is nothing to navigate in terms of hostility or caution.




When is Stockholm Pride?



Late July or early August. It is one of the larger Pride events in Scandinavia, with a parade, associated events, and significantly busier venues. Book accommodation well in advance if you plan to visit during Pride week.




How expensive is Stockholm?



Very. Budget around 180-230 SEK (15-20 EUR) per cocktail. Hotel prices are high. Stockholm is one of the more expensive European cities, comparable to Oslo or Zurich. Plan accordingly.




Does Stockholm have gay saunas?



Yes, a modest scene. Stockholm has a smaller sauna offering than cities like Berlin or Amsterdam, but there are operating venues. See the saunas guide for current options.