It’s July, baby! That means that summer in Sweden is in full bloom. The days are longer, the parks are greener, and our favourite event of the year, Stockholm Pride, is just around the corner. But wait, it gets better… Stockholm Pride 2023 is no ordinary Pride event: this year marks the 25th anniversary of Pride in Stockholm, which means that the city will be celebrating 25 years of love, acceptance, and progress with a kaleidoscope of events and activities that cater to every taste. Simply put, it’s going to be a big one!
With our 25th Pride anniversary looming on the horizon, Stockholmers and visitors from far and wide will soon gravitate to the city’s best gay-friendly hangouts to relax, grab a drink or two, and make new connections. Here are a few of them that should definitely be on your radar (or, shall we say, gaydar).
Royal Djurgården
Sweden is a notoriously chilly destination, so when the sun comes out to play, we Stockholmers like to make the most of it. That often means heading over to the city’s iconic green island, Royal Djurgården, also known as the ‘lung’ of Stockholm, to bask in the sun and soak up the natural surroundings. It also happens to be a gay-friendly hangout for queer people in need of some Vitamin D (no, not that kind. Get your minds out of the gutter).
This lush island is home to some of Stockholm’s greatest attractions, including the Vasa Museum, Skansen, and the queer-popular ABBA the Museum – the first and only museum dedicated to the Swedish pop group whose music is now synonymous with gay nightlife culture: ABBA, of course!
Mälarpaviljongen
This list would not be complete without a mention of this floating pontoon of queer joy! Mälarpaviljongen goes beyond being just gay-friendly; in fact, as a fully-fledged, unapologetic gay restaurant/bar, it would be more appropriate to label them as “straight-friendly.”
Open only in the summer months, Mälarpaviljongen is situated on the waterfront and a barge at Norr Mälarstrand with sprawling views of Lake Mälaren. This high-spirited hangout has attracted a wide audience of LGBTQ+ visitors thanks to its gorgeous location, warm atmosphere, and eclectic choice of food and drinks.
For those of you celebrating Stockholm Pride 2023, Mälarpaviljongen is the perfect meeting point to charge your social batteries before hitting the town. It is also conveniently just across the street from The Green Queen – a jovial lunch and fika spot with a mouth-watering, organic, plant-based menu.
Bruno Gallerian
Retail therapy, anybody? Fashion is the order of the day at this intimately-sized shopping centre in Götgatan, home to multiple Swedish brands, such as HOPE, with its fabulous gender-neutral collections, and APLACE, which showcases the best of Scandinavian designers by the likes of Rodebjer, Ganni, and Our Legacy. As Stockholm Pride 2023 swiftly approaches, Bruno Gallerian increasingly becomes a magnet for queer shoppers in search of rainbow-inspired ensembles and bold statement pieces to wear for the occasion.
If you find yourself in need of sustenance during your shopping spree, take a detour to Bruno Gallerian’s artisan bakery, Bröd & Salt, where you’ll find a plethora of your oven-baked favourites such as freshly-made pizzas and traditional Swedish kanelbullar.
Hotel Kung Carl
Last but not least on our list of Stockholm’s best gay-friendly hangouts we have Hotel Kung Carl. Set in the city’s main shopping and nightlife district, this elegant, Art Nouveau-style bolthole offers a warm respite from the bustle of Stockholm Pride, whilst still keeping you at arms reach from the action. As Stockholm’s oldest family-run hotel, they also know a thing or two about 5-star hospitality and creating lasting impressions with the perfect blend of luxury, comfort, and convenience.
Hotel Kung Carl’s beautifully appointed rooms and suites are each unique with different furnishings and antiques. Many of these rooms, along with the hotel’s thoughtfully designed cocktail bar, offer unbeatable views of the Stockholm Pride parade as it passes through Stureplan.
Looking for more gay-friendly stays in the city? These hotels in Stockholm are rolling out the rainbow carpet to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Stockholm Pride in style!