There’s something to be said about being above it all – even better if you have a good drink in hand and stylish surroundings! Here are five great bars in Stockholm high above the urban buzz.
In recent years, getting a bird's eye view of Stockholm has become increasingly easy. From the hills of Södermalm to the skyscrapers of the city center, numerous rooftop bars have sprung up, serving drinks in style with a chill atmosphere to fit the expansive panorama. Whether you’re after elegance, a club vibes, artisanal cocktails, or Italian dolce vita, there’s a rooftop bar for you. We’ve selected our favorites, from intimate gems to grand summer spots.
Located in a part of Södermalm otherwise lacking rooftop bars, this elegant and intimate gem has evolved from very good to even better over its two years of existence. Emphasizing craftsmanship in its drinks menu, there’s also a fine dining restaurant – merged with its sister, Etoile, during summer – as well as simpler, more easy-going à la carte offerings.
A must-try drink is the clarified margarita – a silky-smooth, fresh, and elegant take on the original. This summer's novelty is a delicious slushy flavored with fresh strawberry and sea buckthorn, topped with crémant. We also want to give a shout-out to their Blomkruka – umeshu, shiso, and melon, with a hint of violet in the aftertaste. And even though the focus here is on the drinks, we have to mention the mini smörgåstårta – a treat familiar to every Swede that is as visually appealing as it is delicious.
At the intersection of the old town and the new neighborhood of Hagastaden, you’ll find Arc – high up on the 16th floor of the Blique by Nobis hotel. From here, the view stretches out over both the new landmark Norra tornen skyscrapers and charming old houses with brick roof tiles. With its sleek design and eastern influences – both in the décor and on the menu – Arc brings a pan-Asian sensibility up north.
The signature drink, which you should try at least once, mixes shochu (a Japanese spirit with a subtle flavor perfect for mixing), lime, passion fruit, and pomegranate – topped with a creamy egg white. The atmosphere is both relaxed and trendy, making Arc a favorite among both locals and visitors.
Arc
Gävlegatan 18, Stockholm, Sweden
bliquebynobis.se/arc
An Italian restaurant and rooftop bar in the heart of Stockholm, Spesso sits majestically 12 stories high, offering stunning views of landmarks like the NK sign and the Hötorg towers. Despite its spacious outdoor bar, Tetto, the atmosphere remains intimate, blending exclusivity with a relaxed, stylish vibe.
Service is both friendly and knowledgeable, and the drinks are creative and well-executed. Non-alcoholic options are also thoughtfully crafted – their Spicy Paloma stands out as a sophisticated and refreshing choice that pairs well with bold flavors.
The Bank Hotel’s popular rooftop bar on Arsenalsgatan, Le Hibou is both stylish and enticing. Overlooking Nybroviken, its velvet sofas and wooden paneling evoke a continental townhouse. The cocktails are top-notch – during our visits, we especially enjoyed a citrus-scented Tom Collins with yuzu sake and their signature drink, Hoot Hoot, with notes of apple and ginger.
The bartenders’ own summer favorite is Green Banana, a mix of Bacardi, Superior Green Banana, and yuzu sake. “Elegant, fresh, but also a bit unexpected. Rum and banana might sound odd together, but it works.” There's always a wide range of non-alcoholic options too. Walk-ins only, so come early if you want a good spot. And yes, even in winter it’s worth visiting – for its view of a brightly lit Stockholm skyline.
At the top of the Katarina building in Södermalm lies Pelago, a spacious bar and summer restaurant with dramatic views of the city and the Stockholm inlet. It’s a modern and social gathering spot specializing in barbecue, DJs, and one of the city’s most Instagram-friendly settings.
On the drinks side, you’ll find well-crafted canned cocktails, created in collaboration with the renowned Stockholm Bränneri. The menu features delicacies prepared on a six-meter-long charcoal grill, such as Argentinian-style choripán and flavorful lamb kebab, best preceded by fine de clair oysters with jalapeño vinaigrette and tomatillo.
Sure, the food is great in the summer – but it’s the festive, club-like atmosphere that makes Pelago a true gem. Worth noting: Pelago has two high-altitude neighbors, the elegant Gondolen and the trendy Klotet, both with their own outdoor terraces.
Pelago
Urvädersgränd 15 A, Stockholm, Sweden
pelagosthlm.se
Stockholm Under Stjärnorna (SUS) is an urban oasis on the rooftop of Gallerian, right in the city center. Here, a lively scene complements the view, with regular live music, film screenings, pop-ups, and DJ nights adorning their program. Despite its impressive size, it’s nontheless often packed – SUS is the go-to for the in-crowd on warm evenings. The vibe is easy and free – and that’s exactly what people come here for.
Stockholm Under Stjärnorna
Brunkebergstorg 2, Stockholm, Sweden
sthlmunderstjarnorna.com
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