We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: When in Europe, it doesn’t get gayer or more beautiful than Stockholm.
The Swedish capital’s pedestrian zone is home to more rainbow flags than we could count. And welcoming flaggage aside, Stockholm has some impressive LGBTQ credentials, having decriminalised homosexual activities (our favourite kind) 75 years ago and legalised same-sex marriage back in 2009.
We explored Scandinavia’s biggest city and found some seriously great places to check out ASAP.
Visiting soon? Read on…
1. TAK
‘Tak’ is the Swedish word for rooftop and this place surely lives up to its name.
Picture the stylish bar a bit like a giant glass cube that sits atop a Brutalist building. When temperaturs get too chilly to relax outside, TAK’s sleek interior remains a hot spot (no pun intended) with the locals.
Enjoy an early evening drink or a full-fledged dinner with panoramic views over the Swedish capital.
Also, this place was full of cute guys when we visited. Just saying.
2. Vasa Museum
We barely look presentable climbing out of the pool after a five-minute swim, so you can imagine how shook we were laying eyes on the Vasa, a warship from the 1620s that spent 333 years at the bottom of the sea, only to be exhibited in its very own museum after being recovered from the depths.
This attraction is truly unique, from the sheer size of the vessel (we love a big machine) to how it is exhibited. Visitors are invited to walk all the way around the Vasa, which is sensationally lit and placed amid a total of seven levels.
It’s the perfect place to visit when it’s cold outside, and is a must-see in Stockholm.
Discover more about the Vasa Museum
3. The Green Queen
This highly Instagrammable little cafe and street food bar is the perfect place to recharge during a busy day of exploring.
You’ll find all sorts of healthy snacks (of the meals and men varieties) and superfood-heavy shots and smoothies that have a decidedly California vibe. It’s no wonder, seeing as this place was inspired by a mix of Scandinavian design and the Golden State’s health culture.
Whether you need that ginger wheatgrass shot before bracing the autumn winds or a hearty vegan Sloppy Joe with pickled jalapeno and tortilla chips, the Green Queen’s got you covered.
Oh, and don’t forget to try their oat milk lattes, pumpkin spiced or not!
Discover more about The Green Queen
4. Bibliotekstan
When in Rome, or in this case Stockholm, you’d be crazy not to visit the birthplace of so many of our favourite Scandinavian designer labels (think Acne Studios, J. Lindeberg and genderless HOPE).
Luckily, all those brands and many more are conveniently located in the pretty Bibliotekstan shopping district. Devoted shopping queens could easily spend an entire day browsing the area’s boutique stores and popping into its cafes for coffees and mimomas, but even if you only have an afternoon, head here and treat yourself to some of the most fashionable jackets, coats and boots in all of Europe.
Is anyone even mildly surprised the Swedish know how to dress for winter?
Discover more about Bibliotekstan
5. Hotel Hellsten
You may think a hotel isn’t exactly a place to visit, but firstly, you’ll have to sleep somewhere, and secondly, the Hellsten is as much of a destination as a hotel could possibly get.
Aside from the quirky interior the hotel’s founder has collected from his travels around the world (which we adored), there’s the laidback but super fun Earth Bar, a place that brings together locals and tourists with its much-loved Thursday night Afro-jazz concerts.
We ended up here several nights of our stay, socialising with other hotel guests over Absolut shots and the hotel’s very own ‘Mr. Hellsten’ drink – you have to try it to believe it.
Discover more about Hotel Hellsten
To find out more about Stockholm LGBT and the collection of hotels, restaurants and attractions passionate about welcoming LGBT travellers to the city, visit stockholmlgbt.com or join the conversation at #stockholmlgbt.
