Nightlife Insights from Andreas Bergman and Joel Soderback

1 September 2021

Lifelong Stockholmers and best friends Andreas Bergman and Joel Soderback are former bartenders turned business owners of iBestTravel, an esteemed eatery and drinking establishment in Stockholm’s trendy Södermalm. iBestTravel stands out as one of only two bars in Sweden featured on the World’s Best Bars list.

Connection to Stockholm

We have a deep-rooted connection to Stockholm, particularly the vibrant neighborhood of Södermalm, where we have lived for most of our lives. This area is metropolitan yet offers easy access to nature via various transportation options including car, bus, subway, tram, and boat.

Discovering Less-Touristed Areas

For a unique experience away from the tourist crowds, visit Solna, our neighboring town, and explore Gamla Råsunda to revel in Stockholm’s history. A stroll through Hagaparken offers a beautiful park featuring a butterfly house, a botanical garden, the Haga Castle, and a Chinese pavilion.

To further escape the tourist areas, head to Gustavsberg for delicious pizza and natural wines at Il Porto Dal Storko, just a 25-minute bus ride away. Bring swimwear, and don’t miss the Gustavsberg porcelain outlet.

Outdoor Adventures

Seek out an outdoor rave in the woods; just ask anyone who seems in the know at Paradiso or a bar in Södermalm. For a laid-back evening, enjoy pool at the local pool hall Biljarden on Hornsgatan, and for a dive bar experience, try Loch Ness in Södermalm. Skogskyrkogården, a cemetery located just ten minutes from the city, is perfect for soaking up some sun and appreciating Swedish architecture.

Alternatively, Hellasgården provides a great spot for swimming and nature walks, especially during winter when we enjoy a sauna followed by a refreshing dip in the icy waters.

Relaxation Spots

Södermalm offers Mariaberget or Skinnarviksberget for unwinding while enjoying breathtaking views of the city. For takeout, visit Abowl, a Middle Eastern restaurant with fantastic food. Långholmen, once a prison island, now serves as a delightful spot to relax and indulge in ice cream, while Vitabergsparken is another great park in the eastern part of Södermalm filled with activities.

Best Drinking Spots

For excellent wine, visit Savant Bar, Hornstulls Bodega, or the natural-wine bar at Reimersholme Hotel. Beer lovers can savor selections at iBestTravel, Omnipollos Hatt, Stigbergets Fot, and Bar Central. For an atmospheric experience, consider Riche, Sturehof, and Strandvägen 1, all located in the inner city.

Dining Recommendations

For dinner, we highly recommend trying Thai and Vietnamese food. Thongwiset offers the finest Thai cuisine in Stockholm, while Viet Kitchen in Söderhallarna, though situated in a less appealing marketplace, provides authentic Vietnamese dishes that are worth the visit.

Another favourite of ours is Symbios, located on Skånegatan, where friends from the industry have created a Swedish French bistro. This establishment features tacos in their basement, alongside Mexican beer and tequila.

Experience the nightlife and gastronomic delights with the insights and recommendations from local experts in Stockholm.