Södermalm's best bars

Hernö Gin Bar boasts 200 square metres of gin experiences right next to Slussen. They serve ambitious cocktails made from different varieties of Hernö Gin, along with small plates with Swedish and Continental flavours. The historic building houses a restaurant and cocktail bar on the top floor and a cosy bar and tasting venue downstairs.

Historic Riche's sister restaurant on Götgatan is a lively drop-in bar oozing simplicity and spontaneity. Drink wines, beers and delicious cocktails with or without alcohol. The bar in right in the centre of the Riche Fenix art gallery, which gives the evening a unique and interesting backdrop.

This historic beer hall by Björns trädgårds park draws in football fans, club kids, beer aficionados and hungry guests alike, year in and year out. You can always count on a lively atmosphere, a friendly bar scene and classic Swedish homecooking in the dining room. Kvarnen also has an outdoor dining area which is open all year round.

At the NOFO Hotel's wine bar, you can travel the entire wine world – without having to leave Södermalm. The selection consists of everything from stylish classics to playful natural wines, many of which are served by the glass. Enjoy a drink in delightful city surroundings à la Paris and New York, or in the lush inner courtyard.

One Tap is a small bar on Katarinavägen that draws inspiration from North American “dive bars”, which are places with good food and a relaxed atmosphere. They serve a carefully selected range of beers, wines, tequilas, mezcals, and seasonal cocktails, along with burritos, soups, and Detroit style pizza, all made from scratch. The decor is personal and charming, with a cosy outdoor seating area in the summer.

High up above Slussen, Klotet boasts truly remarkable views. They aim to be an inviting meeting place for everyone who enjoys food, drink, music, and art. If you're in the mood for a well-mixed classic cocktail, you've come to the right place, and there's also an extensive wine list featuring bottles mainly from Europe if you prefer.

Come along to Stigbergets Fot when you're in the mood for experimental craft beer, burgers and other streetfood. They serve 20 different kinds of beer on tap, many of which come from Stigberg's own brewery in Gothenburg, along with own-imported wines which are also served from the bar's unique tap system. 

Indigo manages the feat of staying effortlessly trendy year after year, attracting both regulars and new, discerning guests to Götgatsbacken. Come here to listen to DJs, drink cocktails, and socialise in a truly Södermalm atmosphere. If you want to people-watch (or have people watch you) – head for the outdoor terrace.

Beer aficionados who used to have to travel to Copenhagen to satisfy their cravings for Mikkeller's beer can now head to Brahegatan, where the Danish phantom brewery's own beers are served by the bottle and on tap. If you get peckish, you'll also find pizza on the menu. 

You can't talk about bars in Södermalm without mentioning Mosebacketerrassen. On the large outdoor terrace, you can listen to live music featuring some of Sweden's biggest artists, socialise, and naturally, raise a toast under the open sky. A true oasis during the summer months.

At Parken Söder, it's lively most of the time. Sports, live music (mostly rock), quizzes and karaoke come together with food and drinks here in a delightful blend. The bar works just as well for pre-drinks as it is for a relaxed dinner or a raucous evening with a rock concert. You'll find the bar by Fatbursparken, just a hop and a skip from Medborgarplatsen.

Akkurat, set a few metres back from Hornsgatan, has been drawing in visitors with their whiskey and beer selection since the Nineties. As well as 28 different kinds of beer from small breweries on tap and by the bottle, you can also try their own beer, which is only served on site, or book in for a beer or whisky tasting.

Thirsty guests of all ages flock to this rock bar for post-work drinks, dinner or just a few beers with pals. The spacious premises have space for even the largest of parties and the generous opening hours mean you can stay all night, right into the small hours.

In the old library on Medborgarplatsen, you'll find bars, a restaurant, a stage, and events space spread across three floors. Their award-winning cocktail bar exudes beautifully preserved Art Deco style and next to the entrance on Medborgarplatsen, there's also a pub with a vast selection of draught beers as well as whiskies, tequilas, and rums from around the world.

Their own-brewed fun beers and creative pizzas combine at award-winning microbrewery Omnipollos hatt a stone's throw from Slussen. They welcome die-hard beer nerds and novices alike to sample IPAs, stouts and “fruit taps” in an unpretentious, relaxed atmosphere. 

The impressive views are as much of a draw as the exciting drinks selection at Freyja, the Stureplansgruppen restaurant group's first foray into Södermalm. The wine list is created by sommelier Ellen Franzén, whose ambition is to offer something to suit all palettes, whether you prefer punchy natural wines or more traditional bottles. Drinks and cocktails are shaken and stirred in the bar, where Swedish flavours mix with aromatics from all corners of the world.  

Since opening in 2010, Fotografiska has become one of the capital's most popular museums. But lots of visitors come here just for the restaurant and bar. Both have a strong sustainable philosophy and seasonal ingredients take centre stage. Expect organic non-alcoholic drinks, Nordic beers and selected wines.

In the super-hot area between Folkungagatan and Bondegatan, Bar Afterglow offers an exclusive cocktail experience with a cosy neighbourhood bar feel. The fact that it's run by none other than award-winning bartender Josephine Sondlo and Jack Parker says a lot about the level of ambition.The charmingly pastel venue is equally well thought-out.

Lykke Kaffegårdar, in Café String's former premises on Nytorget, serves everything from coffee to food, craft beer, natural wine and creative cocktails. Drink cocktails made from their own coffee, among other flavours. DJs spin vinyl here each week.

This gin bar produces their own spirits in the distillery next door, Stockholms Bränneri. The restaurant serves seasonal cocktails with Nordic flavours along with dishes in the same style. A recurring theme is keeping things local, with an emphasis on sustainability.

Bar Ninja is a popular watering hole for Södermalm's oenophiles in general, and natural wine enthusiasts in particular. Glasses are filled with artisanal wine in all possible colours, selected by the importer Wine Trade. The menu also contains an ever-changing range of snacks and smaller dishes.

You could describe Urban Deli on Nytorget as a second living room for Södermalm locals. A great place to hang out from morning till night, and don't be surprised if you bump into the odd Swedish celeb there. Their Post Bar serves natural wine, craft beer and seasonal food.

Bistro Bananas are perhaps best known for their Neapolitan pizza, but they also have a bar where they serve beer on tap, some unusual wines and cocktails. If you want additional drink options to choose from, or just want to go on a mini bar crawl, you can pop around the corner to the Bakficka. Cocktails are in the spotlight there, with smaller snacks playing a supporting role.

A broad, delightfully motley crew of regulars gather round the wooden tables at homely Harvest Home on Bondegatan, drawn in by the warm, welcoming atmosphere. The beer selection is extensive and you'll find some rare breweries among the better known bottle labels.

The wine bar Folii in the eastern part of Södermalm has won numerous awards and been recommended by the New York Times. Drop by for fantastic wines accompanied by the bar's vinyl record player. If you get hungry, their sister sister restaurant Voisine is right next door.

Bird now has a second branch in Södermalm, with the same focus on fried chicken as well as an emphasis on post-work drinks and late nights. Innovative cocktails and sparkling cava are served up in sociable, laid-back surroundings. When hunger sets in, tuck into fried chicken and American/Asian streetfood.

It's not just grilled food that takes centre stage at cosy Kanon at Tjärhovsplan, you can also enjoy bar hangouts with drinks and fresh beer from Plzeň. At weekendw, it stays open a little longer and the volume and atmosphere are raised a few notches.

In the bar at Ponti, between Nytorget and Vitabergsparken, ingredients like vermouth, amaro, gin, and bitters dominate. Inspiration comes from classic cocktails presented in a new format with creative flavourings. Hand-picked wines and beers are also available for those who prefer something other than cocktails, and if hunger strikes, you can simply order a starter or even a full dinner.

The wine list at Alba is focused on small-scale natural wines, beers and ciders with fun and slightly quirky labels. There's always a party atmosphere in the small bar and the wine-savvy staff are happy to give you an unpretentious and personal guided tour through the wine jungle.

At Vina, the focus is on “honest”, handpicked wines, mainly from France. Drinks are best combined with smaller pintxos and seasonal full and half dishes for those who crave something more filling. During the warmer months, the outdoor seating on Greta Garbo's Torg draw's in the oenophiles of Södermalm.

The bar at this North African restaurant shakes and stirs delicious cocktails with both classic and oriental flavours. If you prefer wine or beer you'll find several options here, as well as digestifs in the form of whisky, rum and cognac. Guests come here from all corners of Stockholm to party to pumping music in one of the city's most vibrant neighbourhoods. 

As you might imagine, the yeasted brew plays centre stage at Katarina Ölkafé. There's beer from small breweries on tap and bottled beer comes from local breweries including Tempel Brygghus, Södra Maltfabriken, Fjäderholmarnas bryggeri and Stockholm Brewing Co. If you're hungry the menu includes hearty sandwiches and snacks.

Are you in the mood for Latin American vibes and pisco sours? Then head along to Checa where you can discuss the day with friends or family over a cocktail to a backdrop of music. If you get hungry just order some fresh ceviche. 

If you're on the lookout for a bar that offers more than just beers and drinks (although these are available too), then Ugglan is a real go-to. With a plethora of fun activities such as boules, shuffleboard, and table tennis, the place has become something of a leisure centre for adults. There are also some quieter activities like board games if you prefer.

Inside the Clarion Hotel Stockholm in Skanstull is NÒR Södermalm, a Nordic-European brasserie with a strong focus on sustainability and the best seasonal ingredients. This is also reflected in the bar, where they shake cocktails using honey from their own beehives on the roof and herbs from their own gardens.

Polhem is a bit of a hidden gem when it comes to the Södermalm bar scene. Step into a living room where you're greeted by what feel like friends rather than staff. The drinks menu follows classic pub lines, with beers by the bottle and on tap, a couple of wines and several types of whisky.

Head to "Tucken" when you want a really cold beer or something stronger to sip on while you watch the football match. In the fridge of this pub classic, there are always at least 40 different types of bottled beer and cider, and the selection is renewed regularly so that even the regulars can try new, exciting flavours. At the weekend, they crank up the party vibes with live music in the basement.

Gastropub Duvan is on Södermannagatan, near Lilla Blecktornsparken. People come here to hang out with friends and family over a few pints and ambitious, rustic pub dishes. Naturally, they also serve Guinness.

With a long bar counter, dark wooden furniture and characteristic floor tiles, the bar at Pelikan bears witness to the tavern's rich history. Here, food and art go hand in hand, and the walls are decorated with works by various artists and creators. In the bar you can enjoy cocktails with Scandinavian flavourings, classic wines and beer in abundance.

It's no secret that the gang at Ring Katarina, who also run Racamaca on Mariatorget, like to socialise over good food and wine. So they've created the kind of place they like to hang out at themselves: a wine bar with a welcoming atmosphere, really nice wine and a couple of small dishes to snack on. The bar is regularly visited by small-scale winemakers who uncork some of their best bottles.

You'll find one of Stockholm's absolute best bars next to the charming neighbourhood favourite Hommage, housed in a former fire station on Krukmakargatan. Enjoy Pastis or order one of their popular cocktails with exciting ingredients.

The ever-reliable Bockholmen restaurant group is behind this cosy neighbourhood hangout, handily located right next to Zinkensdamm underground station. In addition to lunch, brunch and dinner, there's a generous selection of drinks in the form of a wine list with its origins in Europe, unique cocktails, and most beers and spirits. In true neighbourhood restaurant spirit, the atmosphere is familiar and relaxed.

Bar Europa on Bysistorget is, as the name suggests, a bar with European vibes. It's one of the most celebrity-dense spots in Södermalm, so don't be surprised if you see a familiar face or two while enjoying natural wine and tapas with flavours from the Mediterranean.

Häktet, which was a prison in the 18th and 19th century, now houses several different bars all gathered under one roof. The large bar next to the dining room hosts both live acts and DJs, you can order cocktails at your table and the beer bar Ölbaren serves a wide range of beers. During the summer months, the separate inner courtyard is the place to sip cocktails and enjoy DJ sets. Don't miss their secret cocktail bar Vänster, which is one of the best in the city. 

The bar at Hellstens Glashus is a popular haunt for Stockholmers wanting to experience that New York vibe, without venturing further than Södermalm. In the old glassworks, you can sink into a leather armchair with a cocktail or a glass of wine or beer, surrounded by bare brick walls and a ceiling height of no less than seven metres. Hungry? The menu is full of drink-friendly snacks. 

Kloster aims to have something for all tastes, whether you prefer a classic martini, beer from all corners of the world, a glass of wine or a non-alcoholic mocktail. The small tavern has become a popular watering hole, not least among Södermalm's post-work revellers.

Rival is an always-popular, centrally-located Södermalm meeting place. The hotel has several different bars and the cocktail bar is especially well-known for its Art Deco-inspired decor with red velvet sofas, mirrors and rugs. Order classic cocktails and listen to DJs spinning tunes.

Enjoy an authentic Irish experience at the Southside Pub, with classic pub food, English-speaking staff, sports on the screens, and of course a wide range of whiskey and beer. Thursdays are quiz night - winner stands the next round?

Their distinctive neon sign guides the way to Morfar Ginko on Swedenborgsgatan between Mariatorget and Södra station. Cool premises with a New York feel, an outdoor area in the summer and DJ sets in the loft area above the bar make this one of Stockholm's most popular spots.

Tjoget is the only Swedish bar to have been named on the prestigious "The World's Best 50 Bars" list several years in a row and their popularity is hard to miss. As well as a famous cocktail bar, the concept also includes the winebar Hornstulls Bodega and a beer café all under the same roof.

This Hornstull restaurant is passionate about pairing food and drinks. French/Asian food takes centre stage, but they also go all-in on drinks. The large bar serves up cocktails with Asian influences and tasty bites from the bar menu. 

Soak up the atmosphere of a classic London pub, just a stone's throw from Västerbron. The Old Brewer 's owners have created a modern version of British gastropubs, offering both ambitious pub grub and a selection of beers, wines, and cocktails.