Introduction To Stockholm's Nightlife & Etiquette

Like many cities in Europe Stockholm offers a wide range of quality bars, clubs & restaurants. This image conscious city has two distinct club scenes catering for two entirely different markets. The club & bars scenes of Stureplan and Södermalm could not be more different but both are worth a visit if you have the time.

I would highly recommend that you split your visits to each of these areas up and visit one on one night and the other the next. They are a couple of reasons for this and they are as follows. Both areas are firstly in different locations of the city, so it makes sense to stick around one area to save on taxi fares and wasting time travelling.

Another is dress code. For example the bars and clubs around Stureplan attract young, rich and very stylish people. The dress requirements for entrance into the bars and clubs here is smart and sexy, rather than the cool and relaxed dress code of Södermalm.

Drinks and entrances prices vary quite considerably as well with Stureplan being more expensive, while Södermalm is very reasonable in comparison.

Most music tastes are catered for in both areas but Stureplan bars and clubs tend to be more geared around the funky house vibe and Södermalm tends to be a little more cutting edge and underground. Both host internationally renowned and are contributing to Stockholm's growing clubbing scene which is quickly becoming one of the most exciting in Europe!

Below you'll find a guide to both of these hip areas with a couple of recommendations. I suggest you just go out and follow the crowds or alternatively ask some of the locals, they'll be more than happy to offer some alternatives.


Södermalm
Södermalm (normally just Söder) - old working class area that has seen a revival in the last 10-15 years or so and is one of Stockholm's trendiest areas. It's a very expensive area to live, but a good place for going out. The district commonly known as SoFo (south of Folkungagatan/east of Götgatan, two of the main roads in Söder) has many funky shops, good bars and nice restaurants, especially close to Nytorget which is a cute little square.

Folkhemmet on Renstiernas Gata is a nice bar/restaurant and generally the streets around Bondegatan and Skånegatan are filled with shops and places to go out. Götgatsbacken (leading up from Slussen) also has good cafes, bars and shops. A nice walk is to start at Mosebacke Torg and walk along the waterfront to Fjällgatan for spectacular views and a bit of cultural heritage.

Or turn the other way (i.e. westwards) and walk along Söder Mälarstrand and end up in Skinnarviksparken which has one of the highest points in Stockholm from where you can take some great touristy photos of the view.

Also, a must! Gondolen is a very posh restaurant at the top of Slussen, which is between Söder and Gamla Stan. You take the Katarinahissen lift up to the restaurant from Slussen, and the views are spectacular. The food is excellent but quite pricey, but it's worth just visiting for a drink and to admire the view. Vinbaren, which is downstairs from Gondolen is a good little place offering a more reasonably priced menu, especially for lunch. At the top bit (i.e. where Gondolen is) there is a place called Mosebacke (in Mosebacke Torg), which is a great club/hang-out place. Most Saturdays, there's a club there called Blacknuss which is really good. Kind of jazzy/funky. Great views as well if you sit outside. They also do jazz brunches on Sundays.

Kvarnen on Tjärhovsgatan is a classic old beer hall with good food, and has two good bars/clubs at the back and downstairs.

Other good places:
Pelikan on Blekingegatan – reasonably priced Scandinavian food.
Pet Sounds Bar on Skånegatan – good lunch menu and good DJs after dark.
La Cuccaracha on Bondegatan is a good Spanish restaurant with good atmosphere.
WC Bar & Diner on Skånegatan – good food and good drinks. Gets very busy so get here early.
Street Restaurant by Hornstulls Strand (Hornstull tube) - bit of a trek, but worth it. Street itself is 'Stockholm's version of Camden Lock' so there's lots of fun things going on. It's just by the water which is nice and the food is good too. The area closes down though during the winter months Oct-March.

For more information on good eating check out our restaurant guide in 'June' 'Things do do' on this blog.

Stureplan
Going out in Stockholm's Stureplan is a strange affair. There are about a hundred little rules one must be aware of in this image-fixated area. We'll tell you about the essentials, and you'll undoubtedly experience the rest. If these simple rules are followed, then you are in for a great time. Now please remember, Stockholmer's are a weird bunch, just go along with it.

The do's and don'ts
First off, heading out into the night without a sense of humour is liable to get you into trouble. Not so much in relation to the people on the town but it might end up making your night a boring and tedious event. Without humour you're just not going to get anywhere.

Another important thing to remember is this: you are how you present yourself. This goes for clubs in the bohemian part of town as well as chic Östermalm. How you present yourself dictates everything from how people on the street will size you up to how snooty the guy in the 7-Eleven store will treat you. Read on and you'll get it.

Transportation
How you get to a club doesn't always matter, as they're often located in a district where there are clubs everywhere and people just walk between them throughout the night. Some clubs however require a certain something upon arrival. For example, pulling up to Spy Bar in a cab filled with 8 people just won't fly. A VIP club like that has a (if arriving by taxi) 2-3 person limit per cab. Pulling up in a limo with 10 people on the other hand is fine.

The south side clubs are a little more relaxed. Walking or coming straight off the subway is always OK. People popping out of a cab right in front of the club tend to draw evil stares from the people standing in line though. Yes, it's a complete mystery.

This is of course taking the whole transportation bit to the extreme but you get the drift.

The doorman
One thing to always remember is that the doormen at clubs seriously mean business in this town, and they have no self perspective whatsoever. This is where the humour part comes in. Always let them have their power-trip and laugh about it with your friends over drinks inside. Getting into clubs in Stockholm has pretty much become as tough as getting through New York airport security. So don't be drunk, and if the doorman tells you you're an idiot then just agree. He's just looking for an excuse to keep you out from all the fun.

Also remember that a mean doorman doesn't necessarily mean a fabulous party inside, which is what many people seem to think. It all comes down to what your goal for the evening is. In general, the meaner the doorman, the more scantly dressed women and men inside, and a relaxed doorman often means a relaxed atmosphere inside.

Another thing to avoid when it comes to doormen is name-dropping. Telling him you know Bono or the President won't get you inside any faster. Honestly, the likeliness of him even knowing who either of them are , are slim to none.

Dress code
Many places in town don't have an official dress code, but still refuse people entry when dressed improperly. This is of course far from fair but that's the way it is. So here are a few things to keep in mind when dressing to go out on the town.

The south side, Södermalm, has the least pretensions when it comes to clothes. Sneakers, jeans and a t-shirt are considered OK even if they're not plastered with brand names like Gucci, Prada or D&G. But do keep in mind that the south side caters to a lot of "hip" people so hiking up jeans past the belly button (if it's not currently trendy) or wearing hip-bags in neon colours or any other dorky accessory will get you giggled at. Rock-star chic, Gothic vamp, urban adventurer, DJ skate-style or "I'm too hip to care" are all styles that work.

If you ask anybody if they've spent any time at all in front of the mirror preparing their ensemble they'll lie and tell you of course not, but that's part of the Stockholm charm!

The east side, Östermalm, with the chic uppity clubs takes clothes to another level. Sneakers will probably get you stopped at the door, so wear something a bit fancier. Same goes for jeans if they're not fancy label material. A pair of 10 000 SEK Gucci jeans complete with pre-made holes and patches are bad-boy elite so that's always a go.

The bottom line is basically that the party clubs are meant to be enjoyed by nicely dressed people with a nicely filled wallet, and the bohemian clubs are a bit cheaper and more relaxed and people dress as such.

Ordering drink and tipping
When you've finally made it through the hassle of actually getting into the club the next obstacle appears, namely ordering drinks. Basically waving money or yelling at the bartender will be ignored by said bartender until you stop. Just standing around, looking politely at the closest bartender will get you the best service. If you've got the confidence, a little flirting can get you a long way also.

Tipping isn't a necessity but it might get you a couple shots at a cheaper price later in the evening. Another thing to keep in mind is that coins in general are frowned upon, so keep the bills at hand. If you do receive a couple coins as change when buying a drink then just leave them at the bar. Scrambling for pennies is considered pretty cheap.

Important! Flirtation etiquette
So you've gotten in, you've got your drink, the music is great but now what? Everybody wants some love so here are few tips to keep in mind when venturing into the jungle of Picking Someone Up.

The rules of flirtation are pretty universal but the men and women in Stockholm are often beautiful and picky, so it's not always an easy venture (contrary to popular opinion and urban legends). Start by scoping out the potential victim and see if the eye contact seems to be of the appreciative or the "leave me alone" variety before heading over for a chat. If appreciation is sensed then step two is in order. Step two consists of starting up some easy conversation, and NOT over-the-top compliments. The person already knows you're attracted to them, so save the massive compliments for when you've at least spent a few moments together.

After that you're on your own. Either you've got it in the bag or you'll be left with your drink alone on the dance floor. Keep in mind that buying somebody a drink in Stockholm doesn't mean a thing to most people. Some people will politely decline so as not to give the wrong impression, but most will take the drink, say thanks and then hook back up with their friends in 2 seconds flat if they're not interested.

After parties
People seldom head straight home after a club closes. A few minutes of mingling outside and gathering up the crew are a given. After that most people head off to their favourite after-hours joint to eat and decide who's going home with whom, who's having the after-party and how to get there. The eating part is also a nice way to round off the evening and actually hear what people have to say, since you couldn't in the loud club.Now go out, have fun and be safe, because Stockholm is a great town to party in.

Top clubs & bars.
The Ice Bar- The Absolut Ice Bar is a must experience when visiting Stockholm. I highly recommend it as a start off for the evening. With a capacity of only 30 it's recommended that you book your visit. The entrance fee includes a choice of one of their wonderful Absolut cocktails. Located in the Nordic Sea Hotel. +46 8 50 56 31 24

Hotel Anglais- Located in the lobby of the Scandic Anglais Hotel, this is a great place to have a drink before heading for a club. A trendy lounge bar attracting stylish conscious drinkers.

Berns- With nothing sort of a gob smacking interior makes Berns a worthy visit. Expensive and stylish go hand in hand here! The clientèle tend to be a little older but no less stylish.

Cafe Opera- A bit over rated for the overseas visitor. Full of local celebrity's and wannabes but nether less has a certain charm. Expensive!

Solidaritet- A personal favourite of mine. Two levels of great dance music with an open top terrace during the summer. Arrive early!

White Rooms- Look damn good to have any chance of getting in but well worth the effort. Full on dance club attracting beautiful party people. Arrive early or forget it!

Hell's Kitchen- Good music with a nice atmosphere. It's trendy a cool interior reflects it's desired clientèle. Dress to impress.

The above only represents a snippet of what Stockholm has to offer. With many hidden gems waiting to be discovered and new clubs & bars opening every week there's really only one way to make the most of your time in Stockholm.

We highly recommend considering hiring the services of a local clubbing guide. They are not only a cost effective but they know which are currently the hippest bars to visit. They have the ability of getting you into these clubs for free (normally entrance ranges from £10-£15), so you'll get half of your money back through this service alone. You'll not have to queue and it's a perfect way for a group to gain entry without having to run the gauntlet of getting passed the doormen.

For details on our VIP clubbing guide weekend visit our site www.activitiesinsweden.com