Drag Queen Nutella’s Guide to Stockholm
As the capital of one of the world’s most progressive countries, it’ll come as no surprise that Stockholm’s drag scene is vibrant, varied, and thriving. Often hailed as the Gay Capital of Scandinavia, Stockholm offers LGBTQ+ travelers a heady mix of club nights and drag shows that cover the entire LGBTQ+ spectrum—all served with trademark Scandinavian chic. And nobody knows it better than Nutella, a long-time theater actor and drag queen, who’s called the city holm for more than 10 years.
The fabulous Nutella serves up fierce looks and lip-syncs alongside the other half of her drag duo, Grace. Though Stockholm’s drag scene has always been bright and busy, she’s delighted to “see that it’s becoming more diverse, with more new drag queens of different races embracing different styles of drag, from bearded queens to super femme.” Here’s her essential guide to her hometown—drag scene, dive bars, and all.
How and where to experience Stockholm’s drag scene
Nutella says that while “most of Stockholm’s LGBTQ+ institutions are located in the Södermalm neighborhood, the whole city is welcoming and gay-friendly.” Her number one way to experience the capital’s drag scene, though, is at a Tuk O’Hej show—a “fabulous drag show is hosted by Ceviche de ChoCho and Brenda Mandlar” which features “a mix of old and new drag queens, including first-timers and big names on the scene from Drag Race Sweden.” While you’re most likely to catch the queens at Debaser, the show does take place at different locations, so check social media for dates, places, and tickets.
More LGBTQ+ nightlife and events in Stockholm
Snövit Bar is “a queer-owned dive bar where the atmosphere is amazing and the owner is so nice.” Nutella always starts with a couple of beers here before heading to Club Backdoor in Arenavägen, which she hails as “the best and biggest gay club in Stockholm.” It’s open every Friday and Saturday until the early hours, and has three dance floors playing everything from house and techno to 90’s pop. If you’re looking for mid-week drinking and dancing, Secret Garden in Stockholm’s Old Town (Gamla Stan) stays open daily until 3am.
Nutella’s favorite LGBTQ+ event in Stockholm is CinemaQueer—“a week-long queer film festival in October, during which there are some amazing parties and incredible cultural events.” And of course, Stockholm’s dazzling Pride celebrations typically take place each year at the end of July. “It’s Scandinavia's biggest Pride festival—all of the buses have Pride flags, and there are non-stop parties and a huge parade on [the] Saturday. There are so many people and the atmosphere is electric.”
Nutella’s Stockholm must-do’s
What to see and do
To learn how Stockholm became the progressive city it is today, Nutella recommends exploring with Queer Tours STHLM, who “reveal historical tales of lesbian love triangles tried in court and show you where LGBTQ+ Swedes would go cruising in the early 1900s.” They also offer a queer tour rooted in the present that visits LGBTQ+ venues ranging from brunch spots to bookshops.
Where to stay
Södermalm is where Nutella would recommend staying, as “even though it's in the middle of the city, it’s still off the beaten path. You’ll be around more gay people and see a different side of Stockholm.” It’s often hailed as Stockholm’s hippest neighborhood, too, so you’ll be within easy reach of some of the city’s coolest spots—which you can tick off on a neighborhood walking tour.
Where to eat
Nutella recommends Side Track, a “fantastic, cozy gay bar in a basement—it’s the oldest gay bar in town and serves traditional Swedish meatballs. If you go there alone, you’re always going to end up meeting a friend.” Just round the corner, there’s also Morfar Ginko, where Nutella says you can “sit outside in the street, drink an Aperol spritz, and have a good pizza.” We say cheers to that.
Find more fabulous things to do in Stockholm
