What to see, what to do: the TOP 20 of Stockholm!

Mar. 16 2014

by misterb&b

A Must-Visit: the Vasa Museum
Boasting an annual footfall of 1 million visitors, the Vasa Museum tops the list of the most frequented museums in Scandinavia. Architecturally crafted like a jewel box, it enshrines a rare treasure from the 17th century—the Vasa ship. Once a proud member of the royal fleet, the Vasa tragically sank on its maiden voyage in 1629. Yet, fortune smiled upon it centuries later when it was resurrected from the depths in 1961, nearly in its original grandeur.

Where to sleep gay-friendly?
Between a classy hotel and a modern boutique hotel, our pick is the Berns, an iconic establishment with over 150 years of history, once patronized by Marlene Dietrich. You'll be captivated by its splendid Asian restaurant/ballroom, its buzzing club, the 2.35:1 (featuring monthly gay nights), and its concert hall, where legends like Edith Piaf, Josephine Baker, the Supremes, Lilly Allen, and MGMT have graced the stage. The Berns offers a serene view of a garden, once a favored gay cruising spot in Stockholm. To explore other gay-friendly hotels in Stockholm (Clarion Hotel, Grand Hotel, Hilton Stockholm, Hotel Hellsten, Hotel Skeppsholmen, and Sheraton Hotel), delve into our gay-friendly hotel guide!

Photo: Mälarpaviljongen bar-restaurant © Mats Lindfors

Your Gay Nightlife Adventure in Stockholm
Ready to delve into Stockholm's vibrant gay nightlife? Kickstart your weekend on Friday night at Södermalm's Paradise party—a bustling club with three unique vibes where Swedish pop reigns supreme. As Saturday night rolls in, the crowd flocks to the city center's Zipper Club, pulsating with trendy electro beats. Come Sunday, hop aboard the Patricia, the host vessel for Stockholm's chicest tea dance. Take note: Stockholm's nights wrap up early, even on weekends, with venues emptying by 3 AM!
For a thorough insight into Stockholm's best gay & lesbian parties, visit the QX magazine's website. It's your go-to guide, listing in English the extensive roster of bars, restaurants, and clubs. Highly recommended!

The Vasa Museum is the most visited in Scandinavia © DR

Enjoying nature
In Stockholm, the air is fresh! Spread across fourteen islands, connected by about fifty bridges, with parks and water stretching as far as the eye can see; nature is at the heart of this city. When summer arrives, locals flock to terraces, lawns, and banks to revel in the warmth and the nights that rarely fall (with merely 6 hours of darkness in mid-summer). Seize the chance to unwind at the gay-friendly beaches of Långholmen, Frescati near the university, or Kärsön.

Cycling in Stockholm
Much like other Nordic cities, Stockholm is a cyclist's haven. During summer, 25% of Stockholmers pedal their way to work. Come winter, the bold cyclists equip their bikes with special tires to glide over snow! Make use of the self-service bicycles available. Alternatively, choose between bus, river shuttle, or metro. The metro operates 24 hours on weekends. The Stockholm Card grants you access to all public transport and offers discounts at 80 museums and monuments.

Where to eat?
Pontus! stands as one of Stockholm's sought-after dining spots. Spread over three floors, it houses three distinct concepts: a cocktail bar, an oyster bar, and a traditional restaurant where the Swedish chef Pontus Frithiof showcases his culinary prowess. For a laid-back vibe, head to Momma restaurant on Södermalm, favored by ladies, or Torget on Gamla Stan, popular among gentlemen. Come lunchtime experience the mystique of Garbo or Bergman at Frippe, nestled right behind the Royal Theatre of Dramatic Art. Discover more eateries in our guide!

Stroll
Allow time to meander through the old town (Gamla Stan) with its quaint, winding streets. Amidst hopping from an art gallery to a souvenir shop, pause for a coffee or a chocolate treat at Stortorget Square's Chokladkoppen. This cozy café, with its rainbow flag fluttering proudly, awaits you in the heart of Stockholm.

Live the Gay pride
Since 1998, the Stockholm Pride Festival has been a hallmark event, celebrating the vibrancy of the LGBTQ+ community each year as July melds into August. Over a week, Pride Park pulsates with life, welcoming thousands to revel in concerts, shows, and exuberant festivities. The crescendo arrives on Saturday as the grand gay pride parade dances through Stockholm's arteries. It's a monumental celebration, standing tall as the largest gay pride event in Scandinavia, drawing 50,000 participants and an audience of 500,000 to the city's heart!

Photo: Millesgarden © Yanan Li

Museum Discovery: Millesgården
Venture beyond the usual city center tours to explore the garden museum Millesgården, named after the esteemed Swedish sculptor Carl Milles. Here, you'll encounter his ethereal bronze sculptures—moving and highly sensual creations—displayed within Carl Milles' residence and throughout its expansive garden, all set against the stunning backdrop of Lake Värtan.

The other museums
While Stockholm may not host an Abba museum yet, art enthusiasts can find solace at the Museum of Modern Art (Moderna Museet), home to illustrious works by Matisse, Léger, Duchamp, Magritte, Picasso, Dali, Warhol, Pollock, and Klein. Photography aficionados will appreciate the recently established Museum of Photography (Fotografiska). For a more classical excursion, the Royal Armory and the Hallwyl Museum, housed in a splendid 19th-century mansion, await your exploration.

The Nobel heritage
Stockholm proudly stands as the Nobel Prize stronghold. Except for the Nobel Peace Prize, all other Nobel Prizes are ceremoniously presented annually on December 10 at the city's Concert Hall. The grand event progresses with a banquet for 1,300 guests at the City Hall's (Stadshuset) reception hall, followed by a ball in its opulent golden hall. Delve into the rich history of the Nobel Prizes at the Nobel Prize Museum in Gamla Stan.

Shopping, shopping, shopping!
Set Ikea aside for a moment! Fans of H&M will find themselves in retail heaven as they step into the heartland of this fashion giant, boasting no fewer than 35 stores across the city, including the exclusive H&M Home! For those keen on exploring beyond, dive into the local Swedish brands Wezc, Whyred, Fifth Avenue, and Shoe Repair, or revel in the aromatic allure of Byredo's candles and perfumes. Adorn yourself with the exquisite jewelry designs by Efva Attlin, a notable lesbian figure from Stockholm. For a comprehensive list of shopping destinations, fetch a shopping guide from the tourist office.

View of Gamla Stan from Stockholm City Hall © DR

Changing of the Guard
A spectacle for uniform enthusiasts! During summer, the changing of the guard unfolds daily around 12:15 in front of the Royal Palace. This forty-five-minute display showcases army cadets adorned in stylish blue uniforms and gleaming helmets, a tradition steeped in ceremonial splendor.

Stockholm in winter
December casts a magical spell over Stockholm, inviting explorers to a city shimmering under endless night skies. Despite the dark, candlesticks and advent stars brighten every window, encasing Stockholm in a gentle glow. It's the season to savor Julmust, a cherished local soda holding its own against international behemoths, and Glögg, a mulled wine staple found at every Christmas market, warming hearts and hands alike.

The Royal Palace of Stockholm in the helmet of a guard during the changing of the Royal Guard © DR

Fourteen islands, 57 bridges
Water is a defining feature in Stockholm. A boat trip offers a unique lens to appreciate the city's charm! Choose from classic tours or extended cruises in the vast Stockholm archipelago, which encompasses 30,000 islands, islets, and reefs. During gay pride, a unique "Queer Tour" sails the waters, a "gay" cruise orchestrated by the Municipal Museum and led by Nadja Karlsson, a transgender guide.

The Millennium Tour
With a staggering forty-seven million copies sold, the global success of Stieg Larsson's Millennium trilogy continues to echo through Stockholm, the primary setting for the escapades of Lisbeth Salander and Mikael Blomkvist. This top-rated guided tour, curated by the municipal museum, retraces the steps of the Millennium heroes, bringing you to their apartments, the Millennium editorial office, and even the locales where scenes for the upcoming Hollywood adaptation were filmed.

Swedish traditions
Skansen Park, the world's pioneer open-air museum, is a treasure trove of cultural heritage. It's an ethnographic living museum showcasing 150 life-sized traditional buildings from across Sweden, along with costumes, dances, and culinary delights. Come December, the park transforms into a festive haven, hosting a captivating Christmas market that showcases the quaint charm of Swedish tradition.

The Woodland Cemetery © Susanne Hallman

SoFo
SoFo, shorthand for South of Folkungagatan, is Stockholm's chic district nestled on the island of Södermalm. This trendy enclave, often likened to a "bobo" (bourgeois-bohemian) haven, invites leisurely exploration. Meander through decor boutiques, design stores, fashionable clothing outlets, quaint grocery shops, and chic eateries. This neighborhood is also a hub for gay establishments, adding to its vibrant allure.

Arriving in Stockholm
The charm of Stockholm greets you right at the airport. Arlanda Airport stands out with its serene ambiance, opting for a quiet environment without loudspeaker announcements. As you step into Swedish territory, the towering images of the King and Queen of Sweden, along with notable figures like Abba, Björn Borg, Greta Garbo, Alfred Nobel, and Stieg Larsson, extend a warm welcome. The Arlanda Express swiftly transports you to the central station in 20 minutes (€27). Adding a touch of romance to your arrival, the airport hosts 200 weddings annually, showcasing Stockholm's unique blend of tradition and modernity.

Mikael Blomkvist's Apartment, on the island of Södermalm © Erik G. Svensson

Greta Garbo's final resting place
Upon exiting Arlanda Airport, illustrious faces such as those of Abba, Björn Borg, and Greta Garbo welcome you. To continue your rendezvous with "the Divine," journey to the Woodland Cemetery (Skogskyrkogården). Here lies the final resting place of Greta Garbo. Established in the early 20th century and recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994, this cemetery is more than just a place of rest. With 100,000 graves amidst a blend of nature and architectural brilliance, it is a testament to modern architecture, inviting contemplation and reverence.