Stockholm: The Gay Capital Of Scandinavia

From the friendly locals to the majestic waterfront, Stockholm is one of those picture-perfect cities. The buildings, the outdoor space, the royal history, the bars, it’s love of all things camp and colourful (Eurovision springs to mind!); there’s something for everyone here, particularly if you’re a gay couple or single gay man.

Here’s my travel guide for a weekend break in Sweden’s capital city.

 

Friday

 

Great connections: Get to Stockholm in the early afternoon to make the most of your weekend break. There are plenty of travel options to the city, including plane, train and boat. I flew into Arlanda and took the Arlanda Express – fast and practical – which takes you straight to the central station.

Convenient accommodation: Check in at one of the hotels near the station. Nordic C Hotel is a cool, fancy option, but the Radisson Blu Waterfront Hotel has the best view.

You can find more hotel deals for Stockholm here.

Stress-free travel: Stockholm is best discovered by foot, bike or metro. Travel is relatively easy, just make sure to purchase a travel card for 72 hours from the SL Centres, newsagents or at underground platforms.

Head to the old town – the Gamla Stan – and lose yourself in the narrow, cobbled streets and pretty walkways. You’ll find the Royal Palace here too, perfect for sightseers.

Have an early supper at Chokladkoppen, our favorite café-bar, before returning to your hotel to shower, change and prepare for the night ahead.

TGIF: The best Friday night parties are organised by Klubb Hangel, which is located centrally at the iconic Club Backdoor. Alternatively, the legendary CLEAN Group regularly organizes and hosts dance parties around the city.

 

Saturday

 

Delicious food: Apparently brunch is a big weekend tradition in Stockholm, so enjoy a lie in and head to the spectacular Mälarpaviljongen for a delicious meal from 11am. If it’s not open, their sister bar The Green Queen is also highly recommended.

 

Sightsee or strip-off: Walk back along the waterfront andstop off at the historic Stockholm City Hall, where you can see the famous golden Three Crowns. If you don’t want to take pics, watch an erotic video and have fun in the dark rooms of nearby MANHATTAN cruise club.

Evening festivities: Another visit to the Gamla Stan is required, where you’ll find the best gay bars. Side Track is Stockholm's oldest gay bar and open until 1am, boasting a delicious food menu and a welcoming atmosphere.

Party atmosphere: For Saturday night partying, you have to visit the legendary King Kong club, the place where Stockholm’s hot gay guys congregate every weekend. For less pop and more fetish fun, choose SLM Stockholm instead.

 

Sunday

 

Dancing Queen: A visit to Stockholm would not be complete without a trip to the legendary ABBA: The Museum, the perfect hangover cure. Good coffee can be found at nearby Blå porten, and there’s a theme park and more museums located here should you wish to brush up on your Swedish history or ride a rollercoaster.

Finish off refreshed: Still feeling a bit rough? Do some last-minute shopping and cruising at US Video, before heading back to the hotel to collect your bags and bid farewell to this colourful, charming city.

Staying longer? If you’re leaving on Monday don’t miss out on a visit to Stockholm’s best-kept gay secret, the marvellous Patricia. Here, gay men get hot and sweaty onboard this former private yacht turned bar; trust me, you’ll have a memorable evening!

We loved Stockholm, the gay capital of Scandinavia. Do you agree with us? Tweet us @travelgay