The guide to Stockholm's best al fresco restaurants and bars

During the summer months, Tak opens out into one of Stockholm's very best roof terraces, with panoramic views over the city's rooftops. Long hours of sunlight and refreshing cocktails combine with stunning views. Book a table inside the restaurant to make your summer evening complete.

Mosebacketerrassen is a Södermalm institution which has been drawing in Stockholmers and tourists alike to the heights of Södermalm for many years. There's room for around 2000 people who want to hang out, listen to music, eat, drink and, of course, enjoy the views.

Sandhäxan's sister restaurant by Djurgårdsbron is a popular summer spot. A greenhouse, bars, and a huge garden to hang out in - what more could you want on a sunny day? You can also rent bikes, kayaks or pedaloes right alongside.

Boulebar's leafy outdoor dining areas in Rålambshovsparken and Hagaparken ooze southern French park vibes. Meet up for a refreshing cider and something to eat close to the water, and play a little outdoor boules while you're there. 

You'll find this leafy oasis with views over Lake Mälaren in an old wooden house on Smedsudden, close to Västerbron. The outdoor dining area open during the summer months has become a popular spot for food, drinks and events. The kitchen serves summery Mediterranean flavours. 

Trädgården ('The Garden'), under Skanstullsbron bridge, is a must for anyone who wants to experience Södermalm nightlife in the summer. You can drink beer, eat, go to daytime live performances and dance the night away. Always popular.

The terrace at Dramaten theatre right by Nybroviken is a popular watering hole on warm days and balmy summer evenings. The terrace fills up with a mixed crowd who are happy to join the throngs to bag themselves a place in the sun.

Grab a pew on Strandvägen and gaze out over the waters of Nybroviken and the bustling city life from the front row. The Hotel Diplomat's restaurant features a sunny outdoor terrace that draws in both locals and tourists.

Right next to Lilla Blecktornsparken is Bleck, which draws in visitors to its sun-drenched outdoor seating areas all summer long. Hang out on the stairs, sip on a funky natural wine, and savour some small, delicious bites amidst a mixed clientele.

Debaser Pontonen is open on the water in Hornstull from May to September. The floating pontoon, with a bar and restaurant area, has comfy seating, heaters and awnings to create a pleasant atmosphere on both hot and cooler summer days. The menu includes summery dishes and snacks which can be combined with all kinds of drinks, and they occasionally invite bands and musical artists to perform on the pontoon.

In the corner of one of one of Stockholm's most popular spots to hang out in the summer, Vasa park, the team behind Lådan has opened up its own take on an American beer garden. Beer fans from all over town gather on Parklådan's outdoor serving area to sample locally produced craft beers and munch on classy burgers and hot dogs. 

On the outdoor seating area by the water in Hornstull, you can drink the Caribbean beer Carib, imported by Loopen. Classic Swedish dishes are also served here for lunch and dinner. With its green palm trees and relaxed atmosphere, Loopen provides a sunny hangout for most of the day.

With an address at one of Stockholm's best viewpoints, the view from Fotografiska's veranda is something quite special. Sit down with a summery cocktail and just take in the summer as the sun sets over the water, Gröna Lund and the Royal Palace. You don't need to buy an entry ticket to the museum to visit the restaurant.

This Swedish restaurant can be found right at the top of the Hornsgatan 18 building. The roof terrace, named Söder, has spectacular views over the city and the 400 square metre space is packed with sun-worshipping (and thirsty) guests.

Right at the top of the heights of Södermalm, in Katarinahuset near Mosebacke, you'll find the summer bar Pelago. Sip drinks in trendy surroundings while admiring the view over Stockholm.

Artilleriet's al fresco dining in the leafy courtyard of the Army Museum is just a stone's throw from Stureplan and Nybroviken. Take a pew for lunch or an after-work drink - there are plenty of chairs and comfy armchairs to sit in. Dogs are also very welcome.

Despite having been a popular summer spot for several years, Reimersholme Hotel still feels like something of a hidden gem. In the hotel's garden, under twinkling lights and large trees, people gather to drink wine and listen to live music.

This aptly-named restaurant is located right next to leafy Ellen Keys Park, where they also have their outdoor seating in the summer. Enjoy lunch and dinner here, or a post-workdrink, featuring flavours from the Mediterranean and the Middle East. 

Blå Porten's verdant garden courtyard has long been a popular oasis on Djurgården. Come here to sip a glass of rosé, enjoy a summer meal or take a long coffee break among the flowers. Combine your visit with a long walk around the island.

Villa Källhagen is just a stone's throw from the big city, along the Djurgårdsbrunn canal. Relax with a cocktail in the garden or enjoy something to eat on the outdoor dining area or in the Orangery. If you like you can even stay the night.

One of Stockholm's largest outdoor dining areas can be found on Djurgården, specifically at Josefina. Summer revellers from across the city come here to enjoy the sun in a Mediterranean-inspired setting. There's often a party vibe here with 'after-beach' parties and other fun events, but it's just as nice to sit down with a drink or a snack and enjoy the views of Skeppsholmen.

Lydmar's hidden outdoor terrace looks out over the Nationalmuseum and feels a little like a French arbor. Very popular among guests of all ages who want to enjoy the sun, a glass of wine and something to eat (lunch is served here too). In front of the Lydmar there's another fabulous al fresco area with DJs and live music.

Take the lift nine floors up from Urban Deli Sveavägen, and you'll get to their summery rooftop park. Enjoy drinks, eat delicacies from the food hall, and listen to both DJs and live performers.

This delightfully rough and ready  summer hangout draws its inspiration from big cities worldwide, where such box parks are already a popular feature. A dozen old containers have been transformed into a dynamic space with food, drink, and music, attracting sun-seeking Stockholmers both day and night. The view over the water adds to its appeal. Combine your visit with a swim in Årstaviken for a true summer vibe.

Rima Ismail and Samir Kersh have created a summery oasis outside Münchenbryggeriet, with whole grilled fish, charcoal-grilled meat and meze. Mediterranean vibes flow, with hanging lamps, olive trees, cocktails and views of the water.

You don't need to leave central Stockholm to experience sun-drenched Mediterranean vibes - just head down to Strandvägen and Strandbryggan. Strandbryggan has been around in various forms since 1989, from beer café to classic archipelago restaurant, but in summer 2023 the sunny spot was relaunched with strong influences from the Mediterranean area. Take a seat with a cocktail in the lounge, have something to eat in the restaurant or mingle in the sun.  

One Tap is covered by a roof and boasts gorgeous views over the water from the outdoor seating area in Slussen. In fact, close to the bar is a viewpoint known for having the best view in town, and at One Tap, you can enjoy a beer while admiring it. The drinks menu features beer, wine, tequila, and mezcal, and you can enjoy so-called Detroit style pizza and San Francisco-inspired burritos alongside.

A stone's throw from trendy Nytorget, Lykke Nytorget is a laid-back spot to chill out outdoors. Their large outdoor dining area serves beer and street food from a food truck, and they live up to their promise of providing a meeting place full of Nytorget vibes.

The sun ("solen") provides the inspiration for this restaurant in the Slakthus area from well-known chef duo Adam and Albin. The menu revolves around 'food of the sun', that is, charcoal-grilled and smoked dishes from the Mediterranean, South America and the Middle East. And the outdoor seating? Well, it's equally sunny. Come here for a sharing dinner or simply a glass of something tasty.

Kajsas is a summer café in leafy surroundings where you can hang out on the outdoor dining area and have something to eat and drink or cool off with an ice cream. Young and old alike are welcome here to hang out and socialise in the fresh air. 

Right next to the waters of Årstaviken in Skanstull, you'll find the summer restaurant Taley, serving classic Thai flavours amongst the greenery. Enjoy lunch and dinner, have a beer, and listen to live music on the large outdoor terrace with views of the water.

This beer garden is run by the same gang that's behind Tjoget, Paradiso and Liebling. Liebling im Park is all about the perfect combination of beer and outdoor seating - what more could you wish for on a warm summer day? Well, perhaps some beer-friendly food like hot dogs, which is what they serve from the small food cart. A real summer dream for beer lovers.

This historic steamboat is moored on Söder Mälarstrand, with its sunny rooftop terrace offering views across the waters of Riddarfjärden. Enjoy a beer, a glass of wine, or a cocktail, and order something from the menu, which includes seafood and pizza. An oasis in the middle of the city.

Restaurang Göteborg, on the waterfront of the Sickla canal, can be reached by boat and tram. Take a seat on the deck in the sunshine and have something to eat and drink. Restaurants don't get much closer to the water than this.  

In the heart of Stockholm city, Jacqueline's provides a relaxing oasis in the form of an outdoor dining area. Enjoy the sunny aspect while you sip a cocktail or a glass of wine. If you start to get peckish, their signature dish pinsa is a real hit at brunch, lunch and dinner. 

Twelve floors up in the Katarinahuset building is Gondolen's outdoor terrace, with space for about a hundred sunbathing guests. A true summer oasis perfect for celebrating the holidays, with a fruity cocktail in hand and a view over the rooftops, the water, and the sun setting behind the City Hall. If your stomach starts rumbling, you can check out the menu, which includes Swedish and slightly more Southern European flavours.

If you're in the mood for smörrebröd open sandwiches and Czech beer, head to Två små svin in Årsta. The whole place oozes welcoming Continental vibes. During the summer months you can join the locals and enjoy food and beer al fresco on the multi-level outdoor dining area. 

Enjoy a peaceful moment in harmonious surroundings with views over the sea. You'll find this hotel, restaurant and conference facility at the point where the Stockholm archipelago begins. Guests are welcome to come and eat, to stay the night or take part in a conference or kick-off. Sit out on the leafy terrace and enjoy food made from seasonal ingredients.

Just a short walk from the city centre, you'll find the Pampas marina and the K4 Pampas restaurant, whose large outdoor dining area looks out over the small boat marina. Stockholmers head here to have something to eat or enjoy a drink next to the gently lapping water. There's plenty of space for groups of all sizes. 

Mariedals Trädgårdscafé is a charming garden café on Hornsbergs Strand, right alongside the Karlberg canal. There's plenty of space here to take a seat and relax with something to eat, coffee and a cake, or a glass of wine as you look out over the canal. 

On the rooftop of Stadsgårdsterminalen, Kollektivet Livet has created a place to enjoy live music, dancing, DJ sets and pizza and beer. Thirsty Stockholmers come here to hang out on summer evenings, admire the view and enjoy everything from pop to rock music. When the outdoor serving area closes at weekends the night often continues down in the nightclub. 

When the al fresco dining spots around Medborgarplatsen fill with city dwellers thirsty for sun and beer, it's a sure sign spring has arrived. Snaps is extra popular and attracts a motley crew who flock under the heaters or, even better, under the parasols. As well as a beer or a cocktail, you can also get something simple to eat.

Among cobblestones, ancient houses and cellar vaults you'll find Stortorgskällaren on Stortorget in the heart of the Old Town. Their generous outdoor dining area is perfect for people-watching. Take a seat from lunchtime onwards and enjoy food, a cocktail or a glass of wine.

Hidden away behind Ling Long, at the Story Hotel Riddargatan, you'll find one of Stockholm's most charming courtyards seating around 60 people, just a stone's throw from Stureplan. The restaurant is popular for their Asian flavours, cocktails and lunch dishes.

Thoresta Herrgård is beautifully located in natural surroundings right next to Lake Mälaren. Enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner with views over the water. Food-wise, they aim to offer a top-notch and sustainable gastronomic experience and food is prepared using selected ingredients from nearby farms.

In the old Saltsjöqvarn building, SQ Bar & Restaurant's outdoor terrace offers magnificent views of the entrance to Stockholm harbour from the spacious outdoor seating area. Enjoy lunch or dinner with classic European flavours, or why not enhance your weekend with a luxurious brunch. Getting here is quick and easy by ferry from Nybrokajen.

Norr Mälarstrand is the perfect waterfront promenade on a sunny day and there are plenty of delightful outdoor spots to eat and drink spread out along the water. Whether you want to eat, have a coffee or enjoy a glass of bubbles, you'll find what you're looking for. 

Simply heading down to Kungsträdgården is a great idea if you're looking for al fresco dining, leafy greenness and other things to enhance a sunny summer's day. You'll find, among other places, Bar Burger Café, Café Söderberg, Oma and Non Solo Bar.