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

During the summer months, Tak opens up 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 enjoy Japanese/Nordic cuisine 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.

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.

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.

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.

The rooftop bar Stockholm Under Stjärnorna, or SUS as it is often called, is located on the fourteenth floor of Hotel At Six at Brunkebergstorg, 50 metres above the ground. Sip on a drink, enjoy street food, and admire the view. A variety of fun activities are also organised here, from DJ performances and concerts to film and match screenings.

Boulebar's leafy outdoor dining areas in Rålambshovsparken, Tantolunden 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. 

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.

The Hallwyl museum's delightful inner courtyard is a popular watering hole during the summer months. There's a Continental restaurant and bar here where you can spend lazy summer days eating and drinking cocktails. There's also a smaller outdoor dining area outside the entrance on Hamngatan. 

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.

One of Stockholm's largest outdoor terraces can be found in Djurgården, specifically at Josefina. Summer visitors from all over the city come here to enjoy the sun in Mediterranean-inspired surroundings. Lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch are served during the warmer months, and of course, you can also come here just to have a drink with a view of Skeppsholmen.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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-work drink, 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.

Agrikultur has an unbeatable location under the Guldbron bridge on the Slussen waterfront, with a view of the Old Town and Vattentorget. There are 125 seats where guests can settle down to enjoy the best Swedish produce in season and drinks to accompany it.

Under Guldbron bridge in Slussen, this restaurant features an outdoor terrace that enjoys sunshine from lunch until sunset. They call themselves “a future classic restaurant”, with flavours from both Sweden and around the world. Alongside this, they serve well-shaken cocktails and carefully selected wines.

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.

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.  

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

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.

In the lush surroundings of Djurgården, Rosendal Trädgård has large vegetable and flower gardens, an orchard, and a garden café. They serve lunch, coffee, alcoholic drinks, and dinner on certain evenings, all made from produce from the garden itself. During colder days, you can sit in the insulated greenhouse, and when the weather allows, the outdoor seating area opens up. From early summer until late autumn, they also set tables out in the historic orchard, where you can enjoy food and drinks.

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.

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 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.

Twelve floors up in the Katarinahuset building is Gondolen's outdoor terrace, with space for about a hundred sun-worshipping guests. A true summer oasis perfect for celebrating the holidays, with a cooling drink 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.

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.  

Like being in the countryside, but in the city. That's how Bergianska Garden feels, just a stone's throw from the Natural History Museum a little north of the city centre. Check out the plantings, visit the greenhouse, enjoy the calm atmosphere, and have lunch or a coffee in the Old Orangery.

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.

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. 

In Fredhäll, on Kungsholmen, Solstugan has been around since 1922. People flock here to eat and drink with a view over the water and Traneberg Bridge, and there's no shortage of seating – about 275 seays, to be exact. When the winds blow and the rain pours down, they pull down covers so that it's still possible to sit outside, and there are also places indoors. A summer gem in Kungsholmen, quite simply.

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.

When Hornstull feels hectic and too much like the big city, just head to Lasse i Parken. Around the red 18th-century cottage, there are plenty of seats to sit down for lunch, coffee or to have a beer in a rural setting. They also occasionally have live performances, which tend to draw in big crowds.

Situated on a pier at Hornsberg Strand, Piren offers an unbeatable view from the outdoor seating area. Come by for anything from a refreshing drink to lunch, brunch, or dinner featuring both Southern European and Swedish flavours – all set against a backdrop of sparkling water. If you want to take a dip in the big blue, there's both a swimming ladder and a beach on site.

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.

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.

Rörstrandsgatan runs through Birkastan, a charming street that has been a pedestrian street all year round since 2026. Despite its central location, the pace here is a bit slower, with strollers and cyclists sharing the space. The street is lined with several popular outdoor dining spots, so hurry to grab a seat.

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. 

Heading over to Kungsträdgården is a great tip if you want to find outdoor cafes, greenery, and other delights that enhance a sunny summer day. There's something for most tastes here: coffee and cake, food and wine, or a simple beer – the choice is yours.