Jazz and blues clubgamla-stan
Stampen on Stora Nygatan in Stockholm's Gamla Stan has run a jazz and blues club in a 17th-century vault since 1968; live music Wednesday through Saturday, walk-in friendly from the Royal Palace.
Signature drink: House beer with live jazz
Food: Bar snacks
Tip: No cover Wednesday through Friday before 21:00. Saturdays a small entry. Music starts 20:30.
Beer hallsodermalm
Soldaten Švejk on Östgötagatan in Stockholm's Södermalm is the Czech-themed beer hall pulling Pilsner Urquell from the tank; goulash, schnitzel and a long bar that runs late.
Signature drink: Czech pilsner from the tank
Food: Czech and Swedish bar food
Tip: Open seven days, kitchen until 22:00. The tank-fresh Pilsner Urquell is the buy.
Cocktail barhornstull
Tjoget on Hornsbruksgatan in Stockholm's Hornstull is the World's 50 Best Bars regular; a metallic-bar room with North African and Middle Eastern influences in the cocktails.
Signature drink: Beets by Tjoget
Food: Mediterranean small plates, charcuterie
Tip: Three-room marketplace with Linje Tio (dining), Bisou Bisou (champagne) and the cocktail bar; arrive 18:00 to claim a counter seat.
Cocktail bargamla-stan
Pharmarium on Stortorget in Stockholm's Gamla Stan occupies the city's first public pharmacy from the 17th century; alchemy-themed cocktails served in beakers and bitters.
Signature drink: Bitter-and-tincture cocktails in vintage beakers
Food: Small plates, charcuterie
Tip: Best for the apothecary-themed program; the seated counter is the spot for the bartender-led flight.
Cocktail bargamla-stan
Corner Club on Lilla Nygatan in Stockholm's Gamla Stan is the Frantzén Group cocktail room behind the Lilla Nygatan facade; classic-leaning drinks, a small bartender-led counter and a tucked-away Old Town address.
Signature drink: Smoky Pineapple with smoky whisky
Food: Bar snacks
Tip: Walk-in friendly. The counter is the bartender-led seat; book ahead on weekends.
Craft beer barsodermalm
Akkurat on Hornsgatan in Stockholm's Södermalm runs the city's reference beer bar; 30 taps of Belgian, Swedish and American craft, plus a whisky list of 500-plus bottles.
Signature drink: Belgian lambic on tap
Food: Bar food, mussels, sausages
Tip: The Belgian lambic rotation is the standout. Open until 02:00 on weekends.