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The Ultimate LGBTQ+ Travel Guide to Stockholm, Sweden

An LGBTQ+ Travel Guide to Stockholm, Sweden


Hej, Hej! 👋 🇸🇪 We can’t believe that it’s already been 8 months since we last travelled and we’re looking forward to resuming travels as soon as it is safe to do so. One of the places that we’re dreaming of returning to is Stockholm, Sweden.


We love traveling to LGBTQ+ friendly and inclusive destinations and Stockholm is by far one of the most accepting and open minded cities we’ve had the pleasure of visiting. As a lesbian couple, we felt that not only were we welcomed with open arms, we were also embraced. The fact that we can walk down the road holding hands as a visible lesbian couple and not having to worry is so beautiful and valuable. It made us feel right at home and was definitely one of our favourite destinations we’ve been to. Inclusivity permeates through hotels, restaurants, bars and fashion and Stockholm hosts the biggest Pride celebration in Scandinavia! Stockholm Pride takes place at the end of July and this year, due to COVID19, Pride will be live streamed. Plus, we hear that there will be a Winter Pride taking place! We don’t know about you, but we’re definitely craving Winter Pride vibes.


Since our first visit to Stockholm in 2018, it has left us wanting more. Here’s our LGBTQ+ friendly guide to where to stay, where to eat/drink and what to do.


WHERE TO STAY


If you know us, then you know that we love staying in hotels and get excited every time we check in. During our last visit we got to stay at two amazing hotels, Hotel Rival and Hotel Diplomat and new to the scene is Villa Dagmar:


Hotel Rival 



Hotel Rival is a lively, colourful and a plush boutique hotel located in the Södermalm area of the city. We very much enjoyed our stay at Hotel Rival with its very friendly staff, spacious rooms and a delicious breakfast.  We always love a balcony to look out from as well as providing the perfect backdrop for photo opportunities. Rival also is a great place to have a glass of champagne and/or a cocktail. Keep an eye out for their drag nights as we had so much fun and were so impressed! Psst. You will especially love this hotel if you're an ABBA fan as it is owned by Benny from Abba.



Hotel Diplomat




Situated in the city center of Stockholm and on the waterfront is the very stylish, elegant and gay-owned Hotel Diplomat. Hotel Diplomat has such a wonderful charm and overall opulent feel to it.  If you’re looking for luxe vibes, then this is the hotel for you. We loved our stay there, as not only is the hotel gorgeous with a beautiful ornate lift, Hotel Diplomat is a great place to have a drink, coffee or food. Megan particularly enjoyed making our own waffles in the morning.  You know by now that we’re a fan of balconies and Hotel Diplomat did not disappoint, providing amazing views over the small bay of Nybroviken.




Villa Dagmar - NEW


New to 2020, and open later this year, is sister property to Hotel Diplomat is Villa Dagmar. It’s a boutique hotel with 70 rooms in the heart of Stockholm and we love the look of the courtyard covered with a glass roof. There’s even a flower shop on site in homage to Dagmar Bergsten’s love of flowers, the inspiration behind the hotel! Villa Dagmar is definitely the hotel next on our list on where to stay in Stockholm!



WHERE TO EAT/ DRINK


High on the list when we travel is enjoying a drink and tasty food. We’ve been craving to return to the below ever since we left:


Mälarpaviljongen



Mälarpaviljongen was one of our favourite places that we visited. It is an LGBTQ+ friendly floating bar with amazing views and lots of great rose wine... does it get any better than that? Well it does because the bar makes a donation to the Rainbow Fund with every purchase. Yes way to rosé!

 


Mälarpaviljongen is normally open during the warmer months, April until the end of September.


The Green Queen



If you’re looking for great vegetarian/ vegan food, then The Green Queen is the place to go! Green Queen is a vegetarian/ vegan lunch and dinner spot serving up delicious plant-based street food in an intimate ambiance. The menu offers great comfort food from vegan sloppy joes to chickpea burgers, and we wanted to try the whole menu! This is owned by Mälarpaviljongen and they are located within a couple minutes walk from one another.



Taverna Brillo



Taverna Brillo has a trendy and vibrant atmosphere and the cuisine is Italian-inspired with a Swedish twist. Fan of truffles like we are? Then you’ll also love their truffle mac & cheese and truffle, honey & Swedish cheese pizza! YUM. Save room for dessert as Taverna’s gigantic doughnuts are a must. Plus Taverna is uniquely open from early morning to late evening, and there is often a live DJ.


WHAT TO DO:


There is so much to see and do in Stockholm and we’ve listed a few of our favs below:


ABBA The Museum



No trip to Stockholm would be complete without a trip to the ABBA The Museum, whether you’re a fan or not, a trip to ABBA Museum is a lot of fun! There's lots of interactive digital features such as the chance to sing and dance with a hologram of the band themselves! 



Vasa Museum




Vasa Museum is the most-visited museum in Scandinavia and we found it fascinating to see the world's only complete 17th-century ship in all its ill-fated glory. It sadly sank in the Stockholm harbour on its maiden voyage and it was successfully raised from the seabed after lying there for 300 years! The ship has been restored and the size, and beauty, of the ship is hard to comprehend until you're there.


Explore



We enjoyed walking around Stockholm and exploring areas such as Gamla Stan and taking in the sights, including the beautiful Royal Palace.


Fun fact: Did you know that Stockholm is actually made up of 14 islands? We didn't until we got there! This means you can reach lots of places by ferry and it's fun to do just for the experience and the views. 



Planning a trip to Stockholm? Check out Stockholm LGBT for all the businesses in Stockholm that are committed to upholding Stockholm’s reputation as one of the most diverse and inclusive cities in the world.



This post is a paid partnership with Stockholm LGBT. All views are our own.


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