From the best places for people-watching to the spots you go to see and be seen, we’ve found the five cocktail bars in Stockholm where you can really let loose
Café Opera
Café Opera has been the place to see and be seen in Stockholm ever since it first opened in 1980 – almost everyone in the city has partied beneath its crystal chandeliers at some point. The bar’s ornate, historic interior contrasts with the roster of international DJs who take over the space every weekend – they’re guaranteed to get you on the dance floor, so be sure to pack a pair of flats for the walk home! If you love vodka then this is definitely the bar for you; Café Opera is known for its flavoured spirits, with vanilla, strawberry and blueberry vodka blends making its drinks extra sweet.
Café Opera, Operahust, Karl XII Torg, 111 47 Stockholm, +46 (0)8 676 5807
Kaken
If you love getting away from the crowds, then Kaken is one of Stockholm’s best-kept secrets. This classic speakeasy-bar is just waiting to be discovered by discerning patrons. Hidden away at the back of Niklas restaurant, Kaken transports its guest back to 1940s New York with its dark wood furnishings, sumptuous leather banquettes and atmospheric low lighting – it’s the perfect place to debut those vintage finds you’ve picked up in SoFo. The cocktails are similarly retro and handsome mixologists are on hand to serve up delicately crafted old-world classics that are sure to impress.
Kåken, regeringsgatan 66, 111 39 stockholm, +46 (0)8 206010
Gold Bar
When looking for glamour, Gold Bar definitely doesn’t disappoint. You won’t be surprised by the seriously Instagram-worthy interior, mirrors, walls and light fixtures are all dripping in gold while its deep bucket-armchair seating just invites you to sink into it and relax. The cocktail selection runs the gamut from revered classics to reinvented vintage mixes; we recommend Hemmingway’s Daiquiri – the sugar has been replaced with Italian Maraschino liqueur and a kick of fresh grapefruit that is sure to help get the party started. Gold is one of Stockholm’s destination bars and attracts an eclectic crowd of locals and visitors – ideal if you’re looking to mingle.
Gold Bar, nobis Hotel, norrmalmstorg 2-4, 111 86 stockholm, +46 (0)8 614 1000
Orangeriet
With its comfy orange sofas and roaring fire in the winter, Orangeriet is the kind of bar where you can kick off you heels and curl up with a cocktail. It’s also a great spot for people watching, with its glass windows offering plenty of scope for street style inspiration. With its olive trees, flowers and vintage hanging lanterns, the bar’s interior is a refreshing contrast to the typically minimalist – and sometimes cold – Scandinavian designer aesthetic. We recommend working your way through the cocktail list, but if we had to pick one then it’d be The One: Tanqueray gin, apricot liqueur and Champagne with sugar and lemon.
Orangeriet, norr Mälarstrand kajplats 464, 112 20 stockholm, +46 (0)8 5052 4475
Riche
No round-up of Stockholm’s cocktail bars could be complete without mentioning Riche. Since 1896, the bar has been the hottest meeting place in the city – an ideal first date location that’s sure to impress. Its wine list is to-die-for (there’s 10 pages to choose from!) and its DJ sets are legendary, so don’t be afraid to go all out with sparkles, sequins and seriously high heels. The interior is trés Parisian with all-white walls displaying sketch art, and the crowd is intriguingly eclectic – we promise you’ll feel at home as soon as you walk through the door.
Riche, Birger Jarlsgatan 4, 11434 Stockholm, +46 (0)8 5450 3560
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