Regarding transportation:
How you get to a club doesn't always matter, as they're often
located in a district where there are clubs everywhere and people just walk
between them throughout the night. Some clubs however require a certain
something upon arrival. For example, pulling up to Spy Bar in a cab filled with
8 people just won't fly. A VIP club like that has a (if arriving by taxi) 2-3
person limit per cab. Pulling up in a limo with 10 people on the other hand is
fine.
The south side clubs are a little more relaxed. Walking or coming
straight off the subway is always OK. People popping out of a cab right in
front of the club tend to draw evil stares from the people standing in line
though. Yes, it's a complete mystery.
This is of course taking the whole transportation bit to the
extreme but you get the drift.
Regarding the doormen:
One thing to always remember is that the doormen at clubs
seriously mean business in this town, and they have no self perspective
whatsoever. This is where the humor part comes in. Always let them have their
power-trip and laugh about it with your friends over drinks inside. Getting
into clubs in Stockholm has pretty much become as tough as getting through New
York airport security. So don't be drunk, and if the doorman tells you you're
an idiot then just agree. He's just looking for an excuse to keep you out from
all the fun.
Also remember that a mean doorman doesn't necessarily mean a
fabulous party inside, which is what many people seem to think. It all comes
down to what your goal for the evening is. In general, the meaner the doorman,
the more scantly dressed women and men inside, and a relaxed doorman often
means a relaxed atmosphere inside.
Another thing to avoid when it comes to doormen is name-dropping.
Telling him you know Bono or the President won't get you inside any faster.
Honestly, the likeliness of him even knowing who either of them are , are slim
to none.
Regarding dresscodes and stuff:
Many places in town don't have an official dresscode, but still
refuse people entry when dressed improperly. This is of course far from fair
but that's the way it is. So here are a few things to keep in mind when
dressing to go out on the town.
The south side, Södermalm, has the least pretensions when it
comes to clothes. Sneakers, jeans and a t-shirt are considered OK even if
they're not plastered with brand names like Gucci, Prada or D&G. But do
keep in mind that the south side caters to a lot of "hip" people so hiking up
jeans past the belly button (if it's not currently trendy) or wearing hip-bags
in neon colors or any other dorky accessory will get you giggled at. Rock-star
chic, Gothic vamp, urban adventurer, DJ skate-style or "I'm too hip to care"
are all styles that work.
If you ask anybody if they've spent any time at all in front of
the mirror preparing their ensemble they'll lie and tell you of course not, but
that's part of the Stockholm charm!
The east side, Östermalm, with the chic uppety clubs takes
clothes to another level. Sneakers will probably get you stopped at the door,
so wear something a bit fancier. Same goes for jeans if they're not fancy label
material. A pair of 10 000 SEK Gucci jeans complete with pre-made holes and
patches are bad-boy elite so that's always a go.
The bottom line is basically that the party clubs are meant to be
enjoyed by nicely dressed people with a nicely filled wallet, and the bohemian
clubs are a bit cheaper and more relaxed and people dress as such.
You are what you hang with:
This is mostly a disclaimer. The fact is that if you look hot but
your friends do not you're not getting in at the upscale clubs if you're not
Paris Hilton.
Regarding ordering drinks and tipping:
When you've finally made it through the hassle of actually getting
into the club the next obstacle appears, namely ordering drinks. Basically
waving money or yelling at the bartender will be ignored by said bartender
until you stop. Just standing around, looking politely at the closest bartender
will get you the best service. If you've got the confidence, a little flirting
can get you a long way also.
Tipping isn't a necessity but it might get you a couple shots at a
cheaper price later in the evening. Another thing to keep in mind is that coins
in general are frowned upon, so keep the bills at hand. If you do receive a
couple coins as change when buying a drink then just leave them at the bar.
Scrambling for pennies is considered pretty cheap.
Stockholm flirtation etiquette:
So you've gotten in, you've got your drink, the music is great but
now what? Everybody wants some love so here are few tips to keep in mind when
venturing into the jungle of Picking Someone Up.
The rules of flirtation are pretty universal but the men and women
in Stockholm are often beautiful and picky, so it's not always an easy venture
(contrary to popular opinion and urban legends). Start by scoping out the
potential victim and see if the eye contact seems to be of the appreciative or
the "leave me alone" variety before heading over for a chat. If appreciation is
sensed then step two is in order. Step two consists of starting up some easy
conversation, and NOT over-the-top compliments. The person already knows you're
attracted to them, so save the massive compliments for when you've at least
spent a few moments together.
After that you're on your own. Either you've got it in the bag or
you'll be left with your drink alone on the dance floor. Keep in mind that
buying somebody a drink in Stockholm doesn't mean a thing to most people. Some
people will politely decline so as not to give the wrong impression, but most
will take the drink, say thanks and then hook back up with their friends in 2
seconds flat if they're not interested.
When the party's over:
People seldom head straight home after a club closes. A few
minutes of mingling outside and gathering up the crew are a given. After that
most people head off to their favorite after-hours joint to eat and decide
who's going home with whom, who's having the after-party and how to get there.
The eating part is also a nice way to round off the evening and actually hear
what people have to say, since you couldn't in the loud club.
Now go out, have fun and be safe, because Stockholm is a great
town to party in.
The clubs:
Here are some randomly approved clubs to get you started. Start by
picking one, and then let the night drag you away. Most of them have websites
so google them for current information. Having trouble finding them on your
map? Just copy/paste the street address
HERE and a map will show you the location (now complete with both maps and
satelite shots).
Aladdin Barnhusgatan 12-14, 111 23 Stockholm, +46 8-10 09
32
Berns Berzelii park 9, 103 27 Stockholm, +46 8-566 322
22
Blue Moon Bar Kungsgatan 18, 111 35 Stockholm, +46 8-24 47
00
Bonden Bondegatan 1c, 116 23 Stockholm, +46 8-641 86 79
Café Opera Karl XII:s torg, 111 86 Stockholm, +46
8-676 58 07
Chaplin´s Bar Kungsgatan 50, 111 35 Stockholm, +46 8-
411 51 80
Debaser Karl Johans Torg 1, 111 30 Stockholm, +46 8 - 462
98 60
East Stureplan 13, 111 45 Stockholm, +46 8- 611 49 59
Golden Hits Kungsgatan 29, 111 26 Stockholm +46 8- 505 560
00
Göta Källare (GK) Folkungagatan 45, 118 26
Stockholm, +46 8-642 08 28
Hirschenkeller Blekholmsterrassen 15, 111 64 Stockholm, +46
8-698 80 80
Jazzclub Fasching Kungsgatan 63, 111 22 Stockholm, +46
8-534 829 60
Karlsson & Co Kungsgatan 56, 111 22 Stockholm, +46
8-545 121 40
Kharma Sturegatan 10, 114 36 Stockholm, +46 8-662 04 65
Kicki´s Bar & Cafe Kungsgatan 54, 111 35
Stockholm, +46 8-10 00 26
Kvarnen Tjärhovsgatan 4, 116 21 Stockholm +46 8 - 643
03 80
La Cucaracha Bondegatan 2, 116 23 Stockholm, +46 8- 644 39
44
La Habana Sveavägen 108, 113 50 Stockholm, +46 8-16 64
65
La Isla Sankt Eriksgatan 51, 112 34 Stockholm +46 8-654 60
43
Lokal Scheelegatan 8, 112 23 Stockholm, +46 8-650 98 09
Metro Götgatan 93, 118 62 Stockholm, +46 8-442 03
30
Mondo Medborgarplatsen 8 118 26 Stockholm 08 - 673 10
32
Nada Åsögatan 140, 116 24 Stockholm, +46 8 644
70 20
Naglo Vodkabar Regeringsgatan 4, 111 53 Stockholm, +46 8 -
20 76 30
Nalen Regeringsgatan 74, 111 39 Stockholm, +46 8-505 292
00
Patricia Stadgårdskajen 152, 116 45 Stockholm, +46
8-743 05 70
Pub Anchor Sveavägen 90, 113 59 Stockholm, +46 8-15 20
00
Restaurang Clara Jakobsgatan 22, 111 52 Stockholm, +46 8-21
55 81
Restaurang Flemings Fleminggatan 2-4, 112 26 Stockholm, +46
8-508 267 09
Restaurang Pelé Upplandsgatan 18 113 60 Stockholm
08-31 97 00
Stacy Regeringsgatan 59 111 56 Stockholm 08-411 59 00
Sthlm Kök & Bar Smålandsgatan 2 114 34
Stockholm 08-611 31 95
Storstad Döbelnsgatan 44 113 52 STOCKHOLM 08-673 38
00
Sturecompagniet Sturegatan 4 114 35 Stockholm 08-611 78
00
The Spy Bar Birger Jarlsgatan 20 114 34 Stockholm 08-611 65
00
The Viper Room Sankt Eriksgatan 46 112 34 Stockholm 08-650
11 83
Tranan Karlbergsvägen 14 113 27 Stockholm 08-527 281
00
Wallmans Salonger Teatergatan 3 120 07 Stockholm 08-505 560
00
Victoria Café & Matsalar
Kungsträdgården 111 47 Stockholm 08 - 10 10 85 |
