Stockholm is such a densely populated city that finding a place to stay for a night out with friends can quickly become a headache. To enjoy cool places to have a drink, the Swedish capital is full of original concepts , and bars are no exception. Places steeped in history, immersive decor, friendly atmospheres, amazing cocktails. Everything is designed in an original way to offer you a truly exotic experience! From the sports venue (if you consider pétanque a sport!) to the pirate tavern, via an ice bar or an old pharmacy, we've unearthed the most unusual bars in Stockholm! These favorite places break the mold for our greatest pleasure and revolutionize our evenings in Stockholm.
Immerse yourself in the mysterious and refined world of the Pharmarium in Stockholm, a must-visit for cocktail lovers and the curious in search of a unique experience. Located in the historic district of Gamla Stan, this bar has many surprises in store for you in a unique atmosphere: that of the first Swedish pharmacy. At the time, it offered patients a clever mix of medicine, science, folklore, religion, magic and witchcraft. Push open the door of the Pharmarium to encounter the unexpected!
At Pharmarium, every cocktail is more than just a drink: it's a meticulously crafted elixir, a remedy for the soul and a delight for the palate. The ever-evolving menu is an ode to creativity, creating innovative recipes that awaken the senses and surprise with every sip. The mixologists, true modern-day alchemists, have mastered the art of blending complex flavors and surprising aromas. They draw their inspiration from traditional medicinal herbs, rare spices, and seasonal local ingredients, transforming each tasting into a true sensory adventure.
Forget conventional drink lists. Here, the cocktail names are evocative and their poetic descriptions invite you to explore unsuspected taste universes. The staff's expertise is a major asset: passionate and knowledgeable, they guide you brilliantly through this "pharmacy of flavors", advising you on the best combinations and the fascinating stories behind each "potion". Whether you're looking for a refreshing drink for a hot summer evening, a comforting brew to escape the Swedish cold or an intriguing potion to pique your curiosity, Pharmarium promises an incomparable taste experience, etched in your memory. It's the ideal place to marvel at the ingenuity of modern mixology, while appreciating the respect for a tradition inspired by the past.
The Pharmarium 's strength lies not only in its exceptional cocktails, but also in its unique atmosphere and deep historical roots. The bar's decor is a true feat, recreating the ambiance of an old pharmacy with striking realism. Shelves overflow with tinted glass vials while dried herbs hanging from the ceiling and the subdued lighting create an intimate, cozy and slightly mysterious atmosphere.
Every detail, from the furniture to the barware, seems to have been carefully chosen to transport visitors to another era. This immersion is all the more significant given that the Pharmarium is located on the site of what was, in 1575, one of Sweden's very first pharmacies open to the public. This rich history permeates the premises, giving the bar a rare soul and authenticity.
Evenings at the Pharmarium are synonymous with a lively but never noisy atmosphere, where conversations and quiet laughter mingle with the gentle clinking of glasses. It's the perfect place for a romantic evening, a get-together with friends, or even a solitary exploration.
The popularity of this place makes it a very popular address. It is therefore strongly recommended to arrive early, especially on weekends, to ensure a place.
Photos @IcebarStockholm
We're starting off with a truly unique experience: the IceBar, located behind Stockholm's Central Station. Yes, you heard that right, a bar completely frozen at a constant temperature of -5°C in the heart of the Scandinavian capital. The entire interior is sculpted from 40 tons of natural ice from the Torne River, right down to the glass in which your drink will be served! Of course, you must book in advance; the entrance fee includes a drink and a 45-minute tour. To survive the polar cold, visitors can borrow a cape and a pair of gloves to fully enjoy the magical setting and artistic design! A memorable experience.
Vasaplan 4, 111 20 Stockholm, Sweden
3 days in Stockholm: Read our article to plan your short stay in the Swedish city.
More than just a place to go out, Lasse I Gatan is an immersion in the world of pirates! Located in the cellars of Stockholm's Old Town and open on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, this lively pirate haunt (live music every night!) literally immerses us in 18th-century Sweden, in a warm and friendly atmosphere. Nothing is missing to make the illusion perfect: barrels, skulls, lanterns, a large counter under the cellar arches... and pirates to serve you, of course! As for drinks, Lasse I Gatan suggests its selection of wines, beers, cocktails, as well as a fine range of rums. For dinner, the menu showcases traditional Swedish cuisine with a twist.
Do you like pirates? You'll love Vikings! Read our article to prepare for your visit to the Viking Museum in Stockholm.
Stortorget 7, 111 29 Stockholm
For a gastronomic journey to China without even leaving Stockholm, head to BernsAsiatika, Sweden's first Chinese restaurant, opened in the 1940s. This exotic palace is nestled in the heart of a legendary building dating back to 1863: high ceilings, moldings, crystal chandeliers... the scene is set for an evening full of color and flavor! Enjoy fabulous cocktails made with excellent spirits and shaken by a particularly attentive team. All in a captivating and luxurious atmosphere. Any excuse is good to go for a drink because the establishment is open non-stop 7 days a week, and gives way to DJs on weekends.
After the best bars, here are the best cafes for a successful Fika break! A guaranteed treat...
Stockholm is even more beautiful from above! Perched on the 26th floor of an unassuming 1960s office building, Himlen (literally "sky" in Swedish) is one of Stockholm's most popular high-altitude bars. And for good reason. The top of this skyscraper, located in the heart of the Södermalm district, offers spectacular views of Stockholm from its floor-to-ceiling windows! With your head in the clouds, take your selfie against a sunset backdrop with a panoramic view of all of Stockholm. And what else can we drink to recover from these sensations? Himlen's cocktails are fantastic: varied, well-balanced, and stylishly presented. A skybar not to be missed. Remember to book well in advance!
The top 10 most beautiful panoramic views of Stockholm for the best Instagram photos during your stay. Check out our article!
Step back in time and let yourself be transported to the world of the Vikings in the center of Stockholm's Old Town! Follow the sign written in runes, take the stairs that lead to a dark basement: you're there. A tavern with large wooden benches covered in animal skins, walls decorated with weapons, horns, shields, and furs for a total immersion awaits you. Everything is designed to celebrate this legendary Scandinavian culture: diners feast on authentic Viking dishes including root vegetables, reindeer heart, and lamb, and can quench their thirst with mead, beers flavored with bog myrtle and fir, and taste ancestral juices. An incredible experience!
For a relaxing moment while enjoying an exceptional view of Stockholm, there's nothing better than the rooftop of the Radisson Blu Royal Viking! Trendy, intimate, and romantic all at once, this skybar is ideal for admiring the most beautiful monuments from the rooftops: Stockholm is revealed until the last ray of sunshine. DJs complete the picture on Friday and Saturday evenings to accompany the establishment's signature cocktails!
An institution in the former working-class district of Södermalm, Kvarnen has been serving quality traditional Swedish cuisine in a period setting for over a century. Wooden tables and benches, large wall mirrors, high ceilings, a warm atmosphere, and a wide selection of local beers delight visitors and regulars alike. Kvarnen is featured in Stieg Larsson's Millennium works: it's the meeting place of Lisbeth Salander and her bandmates from the rock band Evil Fingers! A place that immerses us in early 20th-century Stockholm life!
Read our article on Swedish crime fiction, including the work of Stieg Larsson.
Here's an original concept that will appeal to seasoned bowlers and pétanque enthusiasts from all walks of life! Located in the greenery, at the corner of Rålambshovsparken on Kungsholmen, this Boulebar is an ideal place to refresh yourself with a drink while indulging in a game of pétanque during the summer. The cuisine is classically French-inspired, and the establishment offers a quality brunch on the weekends. The place to aim for the jack while toasting with pastis in Stockholm!
Smedsuddsvägen 2, 112 25 Stockholm
A legendary venue for entertainment and culture, Södra Teatern is one of the capital's oldest theaters, dating back to the 1800s. Its open-air Champagnebaren terrace, located on the building's rooftop, offers breathtaking views of Stockholm and is a popular and chic spot for young Swedish people. On Sundays, Södra Teatern offers a "Jazz Brunch," a blend of music and traditional cuisine.
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