Queer Stockholm – An LGBTQ+ Traveler’s Guide
Stockholm Pride is a multi-day affair with parties and events happening throughout the week!
Stockholm isn’t just a capital city - it’s a place where queer travelers can truly exhale. Sweden has been ahead of the curve on LGBTQ+ rights for decades, and Stockholm reflects that progressive spirit in its neighborhoods, nightlife, and culture. Whether you’re drawn to feminist cafés, floating bars, or queer dance floors, Stockholm embraces all identities with style and substance.
Södermalm: Stockholm’s Queer Heart
The bustling streets of Södermalm - take buses, trains, bikes or boats to get around to the rest of Stockholm from here!
This creative, bohemian district is the heartbeat of queer Stockholm. Base yourself at NOFO Hotel or another boutique stay to be steps from LGBTQ+-friendly cafés, vintage shops, and vegetarian & vegan friendly restaurants.
Nytorget Square is perfect for people-watching and grabbing a vegan meal at Hermans.
Evening calls for Mälarpaviljongen — a floating bar that has become the summer hangout for queer locals. Expect drag shows, cocktails, and lakeside sunsets.
Queer Nightlife: Small But Mighty
Stockholm’s queer nightlife isn’t about massive districts — it’s about intentional, vibrant spaces.
Moxy Stockholm: The largest lesbian club in Sweden, known for a welcoming, youthful vibe.
The Secret Garden: A true queer chameleon — cozy wine bar by day, DJ-fueled club by night.
Klubb Euphoria at Slakthuset: A rooftop summer party with DJs and a mix of queer crowds.
Trädgården: A summer-only outdoor dance club — think fairy lights, live music, and a community vibe.
Cafés, Fika & Queer History
Get your fika fix (for me, cinnamon bun and coffee) and people watch at Chokladkoppen!
In Sweden, fika (coffee + pastries) is sacred — and for queer travelers, it’s also historical.
Chokladkoppen in Gamla Stan was one of the first openly LGBTQ+ cafés in Stockholm, and it remains a rite of passage for queer visitors.
Pair your cinnamon bun with people-watching in Stortorget Square, imagining the generations of queer community who’ve shared this same ritual.
Nature, Wellness & Slow Travel
One of the over 24,000 islands that make up Stockholm’s archipelago. Imagine speeding by on a boat and dreaming about which ones you’d want to live on!
Part of Stockholm’s magic is its balance between vibrant nightlife and serene nature. After a big night out, or when getting over jet-lag, the
Archipelago boat tours - choose from speedboats, kayaks, or classic wooden boats to explore the thousands of islands just beyond the city. My personal favorite is a speedboat tour, as you get to see more of the archipelago. You can even add on two hours to explore one of the archipelago islands, Grinda, to walk, swim, sauna, or enjoy a meal.
Rosendals Trädgård — a feminist-friendly organic garden and café serving vegan meals.
Grand Hotel Spa — luxury wellness, saunas, and a queer-friendly place to rest.
Conclusion
Stockholm is a city where queer identity isn’t just accepted — it’s part of the city’s soul. From feminist cafés and rooftop parties to organic gardens and spa rituals, it offers every traveler a way to feel both celebrated and at home.
This scratches the surface of what Stockholm has to offer for the LGBTQ+ community. To find even more shops, events, parties, I always enjoy perusing what LGBTQ+ organizers in Stockholm are up to with the below links:
Want to find LGBTQ+ -friendly restaurants and bars? Check out Visit Stockholm’s guide here!
Looking for The LGBTQ+ clubs and events? See what's coming up in Visit Stockholm’s guide!
Want a customized itinerary to suit your individual needs and timeline? Plan your trip now with Discover Queer’s Travel Planning services!