Going big in Stockholm: the hostels, bars, theme parks, and festivals

 

HOSTELS

Whether you’re travelling alone or with a group, staying in a hostel is always a good way to join in the fun.

City Backpackers Hostel is rated 9.4 on Hostelworld and is renowned for its sociable vibe. They offer a rooftop terrace with a DJ, tours of the city and endless amenities – including free pasta. 

Castanea Old Town Hostel is another great choice, rated 9.3 on Hostelworld, that affords plenty of opportunities for socialising. Travellers love this one for the homey B&B feel it offers, surrounded as it is by cobblestone streets and traditional cafés.

 

BARS

The drinking culture you’ll encounter in Stockholm depends on when you visit. In summer you’ll inevitably be sitting outside taking in some breathtaking view or other. As the lakes freeze over in winter you’ll be getting cosy inside with the locals. The island of Södermalm is the local social hub – you’re better off here than in Gamla Stan, the Old Town island opposite the central station, which is increasingly full of tourist traps. Fair warning, Sweden is not a budget destination for alcohol. So make it count and go big! We recommend:

Häktet, an upscale restaurant by day and early evening, transforms by night. Midnight to 3am are the magic hours.

Laiki, a loud industrial-vintage venue in the middle of Södermalm, has everything. The crowd are mainly in their twenties and thirties, and gather to listen to techno, indie, stand-up – you name it, it’s here.

F12 Terrassen (no website available). Lots of nightclubs in Stockholm double as galleries and restaurants, and are only open on certain nights. If you want to be sure you can go clubbing no matter when you visit, this is your best bet – it’s open until 5am every night.

 

THEME PARK

Did you know Stockholm had one? Gröna Lund is located on the island of Djurgården, and has over 30 attractions. (We’re talking actual rollercoasters, too, not sad little teacups). There’s also a variety of restaurants, to frequent after you’ve been on the rides. It’s open from the end of April to the middle of September.

 

FESTIVAL

Stockholm Jazz Festival is one of Sweden’s oldest festivals, and in 2020 will take place from 9 October to 18 October in Skansen. Spread around 60 venues, it’s one of Europe’s most chilled music festivals. Over 18’s only.

 

EXHIBITION

If museums aren’t your jam but you feel you should do something cultural, may we humbly suggest: ABBA: The Museum, an interactive exhibit. You can virtually try on ABBA’s costumes, sing, play, and mix original music.