A gay man’s guide to Stockholm’s chicest spots

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You don’t really need a reason to visit the open city of Stockholm. Just a short flight away, it is a city that exudes Scandi-chic; a place to imbibe in a uniquely trendy atmosphere – music, fashion, arts and culture. We guarantee that you’ll want to bottle it up and bring it home with you.

It’s a fabulous place to visit at any time of year, a place where narrow streets meet open minds – but if you’re a fan of Europride, you’ll be glad to know that the city will host the opening ceremony this year – the third time the honour has been bestowed on the city in three decades.

In the summer, the city comes into its own, its gorgeous setting amplified by long daylight hours and beautiful locals spending as much time outside as possible, sipping Rose wine – the tipple of choice.

It’s a place that sells itself, but just in case you’re looking for some inspiration, here are 5 top tips of how to make the most of your visit to this chic city.

1) CULTURE

Photography fans will simply love Fotografiska, the world-class Swedish photography gallery, soon to expand into New York and London. From fashion, to reportage, to LGBTQ subject matter, to home-grown talent, the gallery has ever evolving exhibitions, set in the most glorious of spaces.

Our hot tip is to try the restaurant and event space upstairs, it has a wonderful view of the city over the water and they throw great parties at the weekends.

2) FOOD

The jetset will always recommend a visit to Riche, the heart of all things fun in Stockholm. A legendary kitchen with an equally legendary bar, all filled with legendary guests and legendary staff, every day of the week. Try the meatballs, and ask for extra gravy!

3) SHOP

Swedish fashion is all the rage these days and there’s no better place to spend a day than at Bibliotekstan, Stockholm’s premier shopping district. From brands like Hope, to Acne, to Tiger of Sweden you can get your fashion fix here.

4) PARTY

Image: King Kong

The in-place to be ‘scene’ is King-Kong at its residency in Sodermalm’s Mariatorget. This is an underground lair where you can dance the night away courtesy of your hosts – some of Stockholm’s biggest drag  and DJ names – is the place to go at the weekends to hob-nob with other visitors and queer locals alike.

5) SLEEP

Image: Hellsten’s Glasshus

With long summer days and thriving nightlife, sleeping should be the least of your worries. But if you love hotels, the city isn’t short of fabulous places to stay.

If you want to be part of Sodermalm’s fashion and hipster scene, you can check in to the quirky Hellstens Glasshus or artsy Rival. Design fans will just adore the At Six and the all new Nordic Light with its recent refurbishment promises to be at the epicentre of all that’s cool about Stockholm.

For more inspiration for gay travellers to the open city of Stockholm, visit StockholmLGBT.com.