The best bars in the Old Town

In a former apothecary on Stortorget, Pharmarium has become a melting pot for all cocktail fanatics who love the mysteries of mixology. Cocktails consist of healing herbs, top-notch spirits and much more, from classics to crazy combos. The presentation is often spectacular, too, with smoke, foam and incredible attention to detail.

Like walking into the pages of The Great Gatsby - that's the feeling you get when you enter the art deco-inspired restaurant and bar Mister French on Skeppsbron. In the centre of the room is the glamorous cocktail bar where bartenders mix up classic cocktails with a unique twist.

This lively neighbourhood restaurant is part of the same group of restaurants as Nybrogatan 38 and it's a great place to meet up for a bite to eat or something to drink. Don't miss the al fresco dining area that transforms this part of Österlånggatan into a picturesque oasis during the summer months.

There's always something going on at Wirströms - if it's not a quiz, it's live music. The pub is decorated in traditional Irish style and has seating over two floors. Socialise, listen to music, tuck into pub grub and drink one of the many craft beers available on tap and by the bottle.

If you've ever heard the music streaming across Kornhamnstorg in the evenings, it's probably coming from Engelen. They put on live music seven nights a week, from music students to big bands, which draws in crowds of all ages. There's also a large and popular outdoor terrace that gets the sun almost all day during the warmer months.

Is this a restaurant in the Old Town or a warm Mediterranean country? As soon as you step over the threshold here, it's easy to forget you're in Stockholm, with the large, lush plants and menus brimming with Southern European dishes and drinks. The cocktail bar mixes up seasonal and signature drinks, as well as classic cocktails if you prefer.

Geronimos is a little bit of Southwestern America in amongst the winding alleyways of the Old Town. Quench your thirst with beer, Mexican mules or margaritas, and if you're hungry there's good grub on the menu. Live music performances and other events regularly pop up.

Sovel, on Mälartorget in the classic Old Town venue that used to be home to Flying Elk, houses not one, but two bars. On the first floor, the cocktail bar Corner Club Rescued by Sovel serves innovative drinks to the sounds of music played by DJs, while in the basement Vingrottan, you can enjoy selected wines in cosy surroundings. If you're feeling peckish, there are several small dishes to choose from.

Ardbeg Embassy serves ambitious food combined with microbrewed beer and whisky and they're passionate about both drinks. In 2015 they were named Sweden's best whisky restaurant. They aim to provide the very best whisky, beer and food in Scottish distillery-inspired surroundings.

Bistro Marie is such a classic bistro it feels as though it's always been there. The restaurant includes a dining room, Continental outdoor dining area and a cocktail and wine bar which serves wines from all over the world. Cosy, snug and welcoming are the watchwords here. 

Within Hotell Reisen you'll find both Restaurant Reiss' hotel bar and Bar Brahe - a good old-fashioned speakeasy. There's plenty of room in the hotel bar and the bar serves up international cocktails with an elegant touch. Large and small parties alike are welcome - whether you're on a date, having a post-work drink with colleagues or enjoy a big night out. If you get hungry you can grab a table in the restaurant.

If you're looking for a budget bar in the Old Town, Skeppsbar is a good option. With generous opening hours, friendly prices and an atmosphere that gets more and more lively as the evening draws on, this is a popular spot for both young and mature crowds.

Zum Franziskaner, or "Zumen", is one of the city's oldest restaurants and opened in the late 19th century. Much of the old Art Nouveau decor comes from the beerhall era, with wood paneling and booths to sit in. The theme is Swedish-German and offers a wide range of beers from both countries, with an extra emphasis on unpasteurised draft beer and beer from Franconia.

You'll find this Irish pub tucked away among the narrow alleyways of the Old Town. The bar is famous and popular for its live performances, great atmosphere and drinks selection. Every Tuesday they hold a quiz evening, a perfect night out for a group of friends.

This part of the Old Town has a long history of beer brewing, and Tritonia Ölverkstad builds on this heritage. From classic brews to crazy hybrids - you'll find all kinds of craft beers here.