Mathias Janson: My 5 favourite LGBTQI+ spots in Stockholm
Publish date: 8 April 2026
Mathias Janson works at the classic café Chokladkoppen in Gamla stan and has long been part of Stockholm’s LGBTQI+ scene. Here, he shares his personal favourites – from laid-back cafés to late-night dance floors.
Mathias Janson’s 5 favourites in Stockholm’s LGBTQI+ scene
1. Backdoor
“Backdoor is one of my absolute favourite clubs in Stockholm! It’s a super fun place where there’s always a real party going on every weekend. You’ll hear everything from pop and disco to old classics – there’s truly something for everyone.
The club opened a few years ago, after a period when it felt like all the great places had disappeared, and it quickly became a go-to favourite. The staff are friendly, the bartenders are great, and the DJs really know how to get the dance floor going.
They open at 11 pm, and it’s a bit calmer at first – but around 12:30 am it really kicks off, and then it’s full energy all the way until 5 in the morning.”
2. Chokladkoppen
“Chokladkoppen is a bit like my second home – it’s actually where I work! It’s an open and LGBTQI+-friendly café right on Stortorget in Gamla stan, and it’s been around since 1997.
The building itself, Seyfridtz House, dates back to the 1520s, and together with the neighbouring building where Kaffekoppen is located, they’re probably the most photographed houses in all of Gamla stan.
I’ve worked here since 2017, and I often end up acting as a bit of a guide for LGBTQI+ visitors looking for tips on what to do in Stockholm. For me, it’s really important that everyone feels welcome here.
We also have a small tradition: if we notice LGBTQI+ guests, we always offer them a small piece of chocolate.”
3. Secret Garden & Side Track
“The Secret Garden is one of my favourite spots in Gamla stan – a gay bar, restaurant and nightclub all in one, right on Kornhamnstorg. It’s really a place where you can do it all: start the evening with dinner, have a drink at the bar, and then let the night turn into dancing and partying.
From Wednesday to Saturday, DJs set the vibe, and it’s one of those places where you always feel welcome.
Side Track is something of an icon in Stockholm and the city’s oldest gay bar, located by Mariatorget on Södermalm. I don’t go there very often myself, but many of my friends do – and they all say the same thing: a relaxed atmosphere, really good food and consistently great service. A perfect place to start your evening.”
4. Mälarpaviljongen
“Mälarpaviljongen is summer in Stockholm for me, and one of my absolute favourite spots when the sun starts to come out. It’s located by the water at Norr Mälarstrand, with a large outdoor terrace floating on Lake Mälaren.
The atmosphere is always great, and it feels like the whole city gathers here when the weather is nice. You can just as easily come here for lunch as for a glass of wine or an evening drink.
I sometimes come here with my mum to enjoy a glass of bubbly in the sun – it’s become a bit of a summer tradition.”
5. Patricia, Blue Oyster & Klubb Anne Marie
“Patricia is a true Stockholm classic. It’s an old ship moored at Söder Mälarstrand, with a restaurant, a schlager bar and a nightclub. Sundays used to be legendary, and even though it’s more mixed today, it’s still a night with a great atmosphere. It’s easy to end up staying for hours.
The Blue Oyster is a lively bar in Hornstull – perfect for a drink and some pre-party hanging out before the night really gets going. On weekends there are DJs, and sometimes karaoke or drag bingo.
Club Anne Marie is a really fun club that always delivers a great vibe. They pop up at different venues, but wherever they are, it’s always a success. The music is very dance-friendly with lots of hits, and it’s a perfect pre-party spot.”