The 13 Best Things to do at Night in Stockholm

Visitors to Europe’s premier northern city will be impressed by the sheer breadth of its style and culture.

The impressive theaters and auditoria are complemented by the many chic bars and restaurants which play host to the country’s wealthy elite.

See ALTO for a full selection of things to do in Stockholm.

HELL’S KITCHEN

Completely rejecting the idea of minimalism, Hell’s Kitchen has styles of decor ranging from Roman Renaissance to 19th century Tokyo and prides itself on its eclectic concepts.

It is a popular nightclub, staying open later than the competition with an emphasis on polished and impeccable service. Each drinks table is served by its own individual waitress, offering treatment unparalleled in Stockholm’s nightlife.

STURECOMPAGNIET

Stockholm’s biggest club has also, for years, been one of the country’s most legendary.

The venue consists of four halls spread over two levels surrounding a stunning atrium. Guests can choose between the array of bars and dance floors, each with their own music style. The nightclub recently underwent a tasteful renovation which has complemented the classical architecture with stylish frontages.

CAFÉ OPERA

Opera opened on 12 August 1980, but the venue dates back to the late 1800s.

When Café Opera opened up as a brasserie with a nightclub and casino, it immediately became the most famous club in the country and has remained so, although it has since been appointed with a far more stylish interior. Among its frequent guests are Royals, as well as international stars and celebrities. Café Opera is located in the Royal Opera house and history permeates the atmosphere in this heritage property, with its four restaurants, cocktail bar, wine cellar and function room. Café Opera is available for private celebrations and parties.

RICHE

A classic meeting place in the heart of the city patronized by the rich, famous and very stylish, Riche was founded in 1896 and traditionally strove to imitate its Parisian model Café Riche, on Boulevard des Italiens, in interior decoration as well as in character.

The bar was refitted into a more modern, functionalistic shape at the start of the 1930s by architect Ingvar Tengbom. Today the bar and restaurant provide a relaxing ambiance in which to enjoy a drink with friends or sample some fine cuisine. There have been several installations of modern art which the bar has chosen to feature in the past.

CADIER BAR

An international contemporary cocktail bar located within the opulent surroundings of the Grand Hôtel, the Cadier Bar provides its patrons with fantastic views over the harbor, Old Town and Royal Palace, and serenades them most evenings with relaxing piano music.

The bar was named after the Grand Hôtel’s founder Régis Cadier and has received a long series of awards for its excellent cocktails, its atmosphere and skilled staff. Guests flock here in the evenings to drink and to savor the stylish ambiance, but many also come in for breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea chosen from the bar’s renowned à la carte menus.

SPY BAR

Located in the center of Stureplan, Spy Bar is a legendary nightclub that continues to be a favorite with celebrities and media personalities alike.

Its most famous feature is the queue to get in as it remains one of Stockholm’s most exclusive clubs. Spy Bar is a great choice for enjoying some very special cocktails, good music and a true party atmosphere.

ABSOLUT ICEBAR

Enjoy a unique taste of the Swedish Arctic in this exceptional venue. From the creators of the Ice Hotel comes the world’s first permanent ice bar.

The temperature is kept at a chilly -5°C all year and the entire interior, including the glasses, is made from 100% pure clear ice from the Torne River in Swedish Lapland. Warm capes and gloves are provided to keep guests comfortable, along with signature Absolut cocktails to warm from within.

DRAMATEN (ROYAL DRAMATIC THEATER)

The Dramaten is Sweden’s national stage for spoken drama and is the setting for hundreds of shows each year.

Its impressive Art Nouveau home dates from 1908 and was designed by architect Fredrik Lilljekist with assistance from the artists Carl Milles and Carl Larsson. The theater is set, like many of Stockholm’s finest buildings, along the waterfront. The associated acting school has produced many who have gone on to distinguish themselves in the dramatic field, including international stars Greta Garbo and Ingrid Bergman. Guided tours of this fabulous building can be arranged, starting at the main entrance, leading through the main stage area and behind the scenes, and including a fascinating look into the theater’s extensive wardrobes.

OPERAN (ROYAL SWEDISH OPERA)

The impressive neo-classical exterior façade of the Operan was built in 1898 and houses an ornately designed interior and vast theater.

The Royal Opera and the Royal Ballet companies operate on the site and both have busy calendars of opera and classical dance performances throughout the year. The present venue occupies the same site as the original Royal Opera House which opened in 1782. The house and its company were created by King Gustav III who was assassinated ten years later at a masked ball in 1792. The event of his demise is remembered in a number of performances, most famously Verdi’s Un Ballo in Maschera. Experiencing the drama of this historic opera house is one of the highlights of any visit to the city. Private tours can be arranged upon request.

OCH HIMLEN DÄRTILL

A stylish and elegant cocktail lounge with a 360-degree panoramic views across Stockholm, Och Himlen Därtill is an exciting venue for any evening gathering.

Set over 330 feet above the city, the cocktail bar has an international atmosphere, serving drinks from all over the world accompanied by classic Swedish food. Clients can hire the entire two floors of the venue for special celebrations.

F/L COCKTAIL BAR

An exclusive addition to the famed Michelinstarred Frantzén/Lindeberg restaurant, F/L serves arguably the finest cocktails in the capital.

Privacy increases as the evenings goes on and the venue closes to all but members. The cocktail bar has certain rules of etiquette; men are discouraged from addressing women unless spoken to first and photography is strictly forbidden. F/L is an intimate and refined setting for those looking to escape the bright lights of the city for an evening.

COSMOPOL

Casino Cosmopol is Stockholm’s international casino, and an exciting entertainment venue featuring 36 gaming tables and a separate poker room.

The former theater in which the casino is housed boasts an opulently designed restaurant, where guests can enjoy an à la carte menu, as well as several stylish bars. Membership is available and there is also a range of packages to make a night at the tables exceptionally memorable.

BERGMANS