Södermalm
The name says it all: this dark basement bar is bloodsucker-themed all the way through. There are perspex ‘windows’ in the walls showing buried caches of…
Must-see nightlife in Sweden
Gamla Stan
Its name and spice cabinets a nod to the square's 16th-century pharmacy, Pharmarium is where Stockholmers drink on touristy Stortorget. Not all the…
Gothenburg
This friendly and pretty local pub between the Haga and Linné districts – on a corner crammed with appealing drinking establishments – looks like it could…
Stockholm
It’s touristy. Downright gimmicky! And you’re utterly intrigued, admit it: a bar built entirely out of ice, where you drink from glasses carved of ice on…
Östersund
If you were born to be bad and you're after 'food, drinks and rock'n'roll', Jane Doe is the place to go. If you're hungry, the Smokin' Hot Jane burger …
Helsingborg
If you like your bars with atmosphere you can't go past this classic in a historic half-timbered building; sitting rooms are suitably 'period' with…
Malmö
From the outside Bee looks pretty much like she's still in the closet, but when you walk in, there's a definite fun and free LGBT vibe in the air – which…
Malmö
Depending on how you feel about the whole hipster thing, you'll either love or loathe this very hipstery joint, whose name means 'South of Småland'. The…
Södermalm
You'll find this sleek art-deco number, complete with circular bar, inside designer hotel the Rival (co-owned by ABBA's Benny Andersson). While not Söder…
Kiruna
Excellent beers from all over the globe to choose from in this English-style pub, part of the chain that is all over Sweden. Kiruna's version is unusual…
Jämtland
Its vast wine list spans the world, and you have to get here early to get a seat, as the skiing clientele packs this place to the rafters in the evenings…
Malmö
Billed as a meeting place for food, drinks, culture and events, the Grand is a popular late-night weekend venue in summer, with regular cross-genre live…
Vasastan
The blue neon sign outside this bar tips you off to its former life as a shoe store. These days, it serves as the back bar to Storstad, forming a busy…
Gothenburg
Named rather incongruously after an Egyptian goddess, this Gothenburg institution is famous for its smooth live jazz and blues, as well as club nights…
Luleå
With book-filled nooks, the Luleå version of this pseudo-English pub chain is one of the town's most popular watering holes, spilling out onto Storgatan…
Gothenburg
As the name suggests, this bar is all roughly hewn wood and copper taps, and the beer/wine selection is guaranteed to get you merry. Excellent cocktails –…
Stockholm
Swedish soap stars, flowing champagne and look-at-me attitude set a decadent scene at this glitzy, mirrored and becurtained hallway. Dress to impress and…
Södermalm
One of Stockholm's main suntraps, Snaps occupies pride of place in the centre of Medborgarplatsen. Stockholmers swarm to its expansive outdoor bar area in…
Södermalm
Claiming the title of Stockholm's oldest gay bar, this establishment has a low-key, pub-like ambience and decent bar food (fish and chips, curry,…
Gamla Stan
Fin-de-siècle Paris is the inspiration for this decadent lounge in Gamla Stan, a melange of rich red velvet, tasselled lampshades, inspired cocktails and…
Malmö
Located on Lilla Torg, with nice nibbles and an almost always animated atmosphere. Mello Yello serves decent though pricey burgers to go with its…
Central Sweden
This almost-rooftop bar on the 24th floor of Hotel Plaza offers killer cocktails and great views out over Västerås, Mälaren lake and the Västmanland…
Uppsala
This is a cosy student/after-work pub near Domkyrka with a mellow vibe, a good selection of tap beers and a simple bar menu – what more could you ask for?
Stockholm
A darling of Östermalm’s hip parade, this pretty, glassed-in bar mixes smooth bar staff, skilled DJs and a packed crowd of fashion-literate media types;…
Bohuslän
Arguably the nicest cafe for miles around, the Barn (formerly Coffee Room) serves burgers and fries, salads and sweets in a cozy candlelit room or outside…
Skåne
At Ahus Seaside, by the pier, this place gets packed on a summer night with drinkers, diners and folks who want to dance the night away.
The Bothnian Coast
Congenial pseudo-Scottish pub where you can buy your lad or lass a wee dram 'o whisky while enjoying a wholly un-Scottish menu of nachos, pulled beef and…
Malmö
Malmö’s best bet for gay clubbers, 'Fame' kicks off the weekend on Friday nights while Malmö's longest running LGBT night, 'Wonk', works up the crowd on…
Småland
Belgian beer, whisky, a time-capsule and a friendly Greek host who loves making friends from around the world – what more you could ask for? A light menu…
Southwestern Sweden
American-style pub complete with a great alfresco terrace and the likes of pulled-pork sandwiches, falafel burgers and baby back ribs to back up your beer.
The Bothnian Coast
It's rather like drinking in an antiques shop, albeit one with the widest selection of beers and microbrews in town. Conversation-friendly ambience, too.
Malmö
Appealing to a 30-something and older crowd, Victors does glam cocktails on Lilla Torg with light late-night snacks available to accompany your tipple.
Visby
A restaurant-bar with seemingly infinite levels of seating, from cellars to balconies; also home to nightclubs loved by summer revellers.
The Bothnian Coast
Umeå's branch of the American-style sports-bar chain is perpetually packed with punters who come to watch the game on the big screens.
Helsingborg
This very fashionable bar with outside seating, uber-stylish decor and a great wine list is also a reputable though pricey restaurant.
Gothenburg
Cafe–record shop serving mean espressos by day turns into a bar with a great array of beers and rowdy live-music sets by night.
The Bothnian Coast
Bright cafe with filled bagels and sandwiches accompanying the signature latte art and good, strong, lava-thick coffee.
Malmö
Popular Scottish-themed pub with a pretty outside garden and a traditional och-aye atmosphere.
Southwestern Sweden
Popular English bar in a former fire station, with live music on weekends and light meals.
Stockholm
This cycle-centric Italian spot is ideal for an espresso and a pastry.
