Gay and Lesbian Vacations: Newsletter

Let’s Talk (LT):
Welcome to Stockholm. It is a fairly well known fact that Stockholm is a very gay-friendly destination, but before we get to that why don’t you tell us, in our 100 words or less overview, a little about Stockholm as a great vacation destination in general.

Stockholm (S):
Well, actually, that’s easy. This friendly, spotlessly-clean city starts with a massive advantage: its breathtakingly beautiful setting. Stockholm is built on 14 islands, set in a sparkling sea so unpolluted that you can even swim in it (and many people do!). And, if the sea is never far away, the same is true for nature in all its splendor and ever-changing variety. Whether you are exploring the Old Town or the stylish modern architecture of Stockholm’s business district, beautifully-designed parks and gardens are a constant reminder of nature’s responses to the changing seasons.

LT:
The thing that amazed me, the first time I was there, is that even though it seems like it would be difficult navigating your way around 14 islands to see the city, it was easy. Its a great walking city. Walking about the city also gives you the opportunity to meet the residents. Tell us about the people of Stockholm....”Stockholmians”?

S:
I guess the English translation would normally be ”Stockholmers”, but ”Stockholmians” sounds good as well. Probably either would work since generally speaking Swedes are a fun-loving, open and tolerant people, at ease with diversity, and filled with a huge love of life that makes them great people to be around. (Most of them are also a glory to behold – stylish and stunning Nordic gods and goddesses abound wherever you go in this city!). Whatever time of the year you visit Stockholm, you’ll see the locals enjoying themselves to the full, and you’ll quickly find yourself joining in.

LT:
I’ll agree with all of that. Everyone was very helpful and made me feel welcome. Now, what about the gay life in Stockholm specifically?

S:
Gay life in Stockholm is like the city itself: easily accessible, hugely fun, highly varied, and warm and welcoming in a laid-back, typically Scandinavian type of way. It is never brash, “ghettoized” or in-your-face. Stockholm can be gay, gay-friendly, or just plain friendly, depending on what you are looking for in a holiday destination. But it is never, ever, dull or predictable.

LT:
As a side note, for anyone not familiar with Europe, when talking about “holiday” here, it means vacation, not limiting to a specific “Holiday” such as Christmas, etc. But of course “Holiday” times can also be a great time to visit Stockholm for a “holiday”. Did I further confuse you?

Any way, let’s get back to Stockholm as a great destination for gay and lesbian vacationers. Where would one find the gay community in Stockholm, or “gayborhood”?

S:
Stockholm has no gay enclave or “gayborhood” as such, but welcoming and relaxed gay and gay-friendly establishments are scattered in this city, and rainbow flags fly high in most of Stockholm’s central districts.

The greatest concentration of gay bars and clubs is to be found in two areas: the Södermalm district, (mainly around Mariatorget and the Södra train station) and in Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s Old Town, where the original medieval town springs to life in the cobblestone streets and the stunning buildings.
Södermalm is where you’ll find, for example, the gay club Side Track, as well as the SM/leather clubs LASH (for women) and SLM (for men) – if that’s your taste. In the Old Town, Torget is a firm favorite among gay bars, with different themes each evening. For dancing queens, a unique event is the Sunday tea party on the three levels of the moored old steamship Patricia from whose upper deck you can admire the lights of Stockholm while taking a rest from the dance-floor.

LT:
Ah, yes, the Patricia, I’m familiar with that! Talk about being “out” in Stockholm, that is definitely an experience whether you are a regular nightlife conisseur or not.

How about beyond the party nightlife? Tell us about the dining experience in Stockholm.

S:
First I must say, there’s much more to Swedish food than smorgasbord. Stockholm abounds in fashionable restaurants with enticing menus, rivaling those of any European capital city. The restaurant scene in Stockholm is known for its wide selection of dining options, high standards, and professional service. The city puts its very best face forward in restaurants where the food, the ambience, and the attractive clientele all compete for your attention.
Creative menus in often hip, modern locations are on offer in the many gay-friendly restaurants that have sprung up all around the city, such as Göken and Mälarpaviljongen . In Södermalm's fashion district Sofo Roxy is a lesbian-run restaurant/lounge.

LT:
Ok, we’ve talked about the gay life in Stockholm, we know there are fabulous sights and museums to explore and a great nightlife, and now we have learned more about dining out. What else do you think would be good for our readers to know?

S:
My guess would be shopping. For all its lovingly-preserved traditions, Stockholm is clearly a 21st century city that has made quite a name for itself in recent years, as one of the world’s leading centers of design, fashion and music. You will inevitably want to take some of those typically Swedish goods back home with you, so head for Stockholm’s shops – you have 4,000 to choose from. In the department stores and exclusive boutiques, traditional Swedish handicrafts sit side by side with clothes and accessories, glass-ware and ceramics of superb contemporary design that often draw their inspiration from Swedish folk-art and crafts.

LT:
Right you are! What’s a “holiday” without shopping?

However, that brings up another subject, the cost. In today’s economy everyone is looking to be sure they get good value for their money. What can visitors expect when they come to Stockholm?

S:
The myth that Sweden is an expensive country persists, despite the fact that this is no longer the case. If you’re looking for a low-cost option, it can be worth eating a hot meal at lunch time. Swedes themselves often have a hot meal at midday, so most of Stockholm’s restaurants offer good value lunches. Look out for “Dagens lunch” (“Lunch of the day”) or “Dagens rätt” (“Dish of the day”) when you visit Stockholm. Another popular choice is to eat at a “saluhall” – an indoor food market. If you’re looking for an up-market experience, head to Östermalms Saluhall. This charming venue dates back to the late 19th century, and is home to small, intimate restaurants, wine bars and cafés. Hötorgshallen offers specialty foods from every corner of the world and a unique atmosphere. Browsing the products on offer at the busy stalls is absolutely fascinating. There are a few restaurants in this underground market, but it’s just as nice to buy something to eat and enjoy an impromptu picnic on the steps of the Concert Hall or in a nearby park.

Another great thing to do is purchase The Stockholm Card. The Stockholm Card gives you free entry to 75 museums and attractions, free travel by public transport, free sightseeing by boat as well as several other bonus offers. You decide whether you want a card that is valid for 24, 48 or 72 hours. The card will not be valid until it is stamped with the time and date the first time you use it. Three child cards can be purchased per adult card. The card is valid once per attraction and entitles you to unlimited travel by metro, bus and commuter train.

LT:
Yes, the Stockholm Card was a great thing to have. It also saves you the trouble of having to whip out the charge card all the time or take the time figuring out cash amounts.

Well, this has been very informative. Thank you for taking the time to share Stockholm with us.

S:
It has been my pleasure. I hope this helps your readers make the decision to take a holiday with us in Stockholm. Your website makes it very easy to select a hotel I know everyone would enjoy and book it. The Stockholm experience has something for everyone.

LT:
Thank you for that. And I agree with you about something for everyone. That starts the minute you check into a hotel in Stockholm. Every gay-friendly hotel appears to be staffed by the seriously gorgeous. Are they recruited from some exclusive Scandinavian model agency? And how is it possible for them to be so attractive and yet so friendly and helpful at the same time?

To our readers, we hope you enjoyed getting to know the great gay-friendly destination of Stockholm a little better. Of course for even more information about what makes Stockholm such a great experience visit: http://www.stockholmtown.com