Sail free, love loud.
If a Nordic or Baltic cruise is on your horizon, Stockholm should top your list of port of calls. Disembark into a city that pulses with life, where lively districts, rich history, and world-class design await at every turn. From Michelin-worthy restaurants to contemporary art spaces, everything is within a stroll’s reach – and every visitor is embraced exactly as who they are.
Instead of merely passing through, consider beginning or ending your voyage here. Spend a few days discovering Stockholm in depth (visit our inspiration section for some ideas) and you’ll uncover a city that captivates far beyond its postcard-perfect streets. Its allure is woven not only into its architecture but also into its music, cultural energy and the warmth of its people. What truly sets Stockholm apart is how effortlessly you can be yourself. Queerness is an integral part of the city’s DNA, visible in its cafés, parks, politics, and the daily rhythms of life. Here, being LGBTQ+ is truly celebrated. Sweden’s capital radiates openness, boldness, and creativity, offering a space where diverse communities thrive and ideas flourish.
From long-established legal progress – Sweden decriminalised homosexuality as far back as 1944 – to the city’s modern, inclusive spirit, Stockholm is a place where everyone has a story and a welcome. You’ll find that in Stockholm, you just have to show up as who you are. Because here, you already belong.
If you only have time for a day-trip, here are some suggestions on how best to spend it.
Morning: Gamla Stan – Queer roots & royal intrigue
Discover Stockholm’s Old Town (Gamla Stan), where the city was first founded in 1254. Wander through cobbled and narrow streets and explore Sweden’s royal history.
Explore Sweden’s royal history with a queer lens at the Royal Palace. The well-preserved interior provides historical insight from the 1700s and onwards, often with queer historical narratives in the palace’s Royal Apartments and Hall of State. Queen Kristina, for example, gave up her crown and cross-dressed through Europe. Her story even hit Hollywood in 1933 with Greta Garbo, a queer icon in her own right. Also, note King Gustav III, rumoured to be gay, was assassinated at a masquerade ball – talk about royal drama!
Many of Stockholm’s LGBTQ+ businesses started in Gamla Stan, including Chokladkoppen, a cafe spot that was the first business in Stockholm to proudly fly the rainbow flag publicly, back in 1997. This is a great spot for a light lunch or a Swedish fika (coffee and cake break).
Midday: Island Escape to Djurgården
Hop on a ferry to Djurgården, a lush island escape and once the royal hunting ground. First stop: the Vasa Museum, home to the world’s only preserved 17th-century warship (which sank on its maiden voyage – oops!). But what was a dramatic fail has risen in glory to become Scandinavia’s most-visited museum.
Then hit ABBA The Museum – a must for music lovers and queer culture fans. Dance in a virtual video, sing in the studio, and relive the glam.
Evening: Get into the Stockholm groove
You’re spoilt for choice here.
You can wrap up with wine and waterfront views at Hotel Skeppsholmen – a two-minute ferry ride from outside Gröna Lund Amusement Park. This LGBTQ+-run boutique hotel is set on a serene island, originally built as the navy’s barracks in 1699. Just outside the hotel is ABBA’s modern-day recording studio, perfect for celebrity spotting.
Alternatively, head over for a drink or early dinner at Gondolen or Pelago, both set high above the city and offering Instagram-worthy, breathtaking views.
Luxury shoppers may want to explore Biblioteksgatan, NK, or the historic Svenskt Tenn boutique for a spot of shopping before grabbing a drink at the Gold Bar of Nobis Hotel. The bar’s name is a playful nod to the hotel’s location on the site of the bank that made the phrase “Stockholm Syndrome” famous. Another excellent option for drinks is the atrium bar under the glass-roofed Villa Dagmar, which blends indoors and outdoors in style.
For a taste of Stockholm’s truly integrated queer scene, grab a drink and light bites at Replik, in the hip and happening Södermalm. If you’re visiting in summer, take a taxi to Mälarpaviljongen, a lakeside oasis and social enterprise where the rainbow flag flies proudly and profits support LGBTQ+ causes worldwide. Lesbian, bi, and queer women may also want to pop over to Lyckan i Tanto, owned and run by the team behind Scandinavia’s largest sapphic club night.
Have a fabulous time in the Open City, and while you may be tempted to stay out late, remember your cruise ship awaits. Next time you return, why not linger a little longer? You’ll quickly see why in Stockholm, you belong here.