Tucked into a cobblestone square in Gamla Stan, The Secret Garden is Stockholm's beloved LGBTQ+ bar and restaurant — and a two-time QX "Gay Place of the Year" winner. It's the kind of place where everyone is genuinely welcome, the cocktails flow freely, and the outdoor terrace is the real star on a summer evening. The food is solid Swedish pub fare, but you're really here for the warm, inclusive atmosphere and the people-watching on Kornhamnstorg.
A two-time QX Gay Place of the Year, this Gamla Stan institution wins hearts with an inclusive vibe, a sprawling terrace on Kornhamnstorg, and a cocktail list that keeps the party going.
Go on a warm evening and grab a spot on the outdoor terrace — reviewers say the interior is small and quiet compared to the lively outside seating.
Stockholm's most welcoming terrace in the Old Town
If you're wandering the cobblestone streets of Gamla Stan and want a drink with personality, The Secret Garden is your spot. This LGBTQ+ bar and restaurant has been a fixture on Kornhamnstorg since 2014, and it's earned its reputation — twice winning QX's "Gay Place of the Year" (2019 and 2020). The crowd is mixed and friendly, and the staff genuinely make you feel at home, which isn't always a given in Stockholm's bar scene.
The outdoor terrace is where you want to be when the weather cooperates. Several reviewers mention that the interior can feel a bit small and quiet by comparison — one Yelp reviewer called it "kind of dull unless you're sitting outside." So plan your visit for a sunny afternoon or a warm evening, grab a cocktail, and watch the Old Town foot traffic go by. The cocktail list is extensive and well-regarded, and they also serve a full food menu if you're hungry.
It's not a cheap night out — a few reviewers note the prices are on the steep side, though that's fairly standard for a bar in this tourist-heavy neighborhood. But the welcoming vibe, the three bars spread across the venue, and the prime location make it worth it. Whether you're LGBTQ+ or an ally, this is one of the most genuinely inclusive spots in Stockholm, and a great place to start (or end) a night out in the Old Town.