Stockholm is located on 14 islands where Lake Mälaren meets the Baltic Sea. The resulting formation makes a natural amphitheater that looks better from higher up. Over the past ten years, the city’s rooftop bar scene has grown a lot. It has gone from seasonal pop-ups to year-round destinations with well-thought-out design, curated cocktail menus and kitchen quality that rivals that of restaurants on the ground. In many European capitals, only hotel guests or private clubs can get to the rooftops. But in Stockholm, there are a lot of publicly accessible terraces, from huge urban parks in the sky to small cocktail lounges.
For both tourists and locals looking for the best combination of great views and a great place to drink, the criteria go beyond just height. Some of the things that affect the overall experience are the direction of the sunset, protection from Nordic winds, seating policy (reservation vs. first-come, first-served) and seasonal operation. These five places are the best in these areas. Each one has its own style, from the sleek Japanese-Nordic fusion of Tak to the festive rooftop-cinema vibe of Stockholm Under Stjärnorna.
Top 5 Rooftop Bars with a View in Stockholm
- Tak
- Stockholm Under Stjärnorna (SUS)
- Arc Rooftop Bar
- Le Hibou
- Sjöstaden Skybar
A Closer Look at the Top 5 Rooftop Bars with a View in Stockholm
1. Tak
Tak, which means “roof” in Swedish, is on the 13th floor of the At Six hotel in the city center. From there, you can see all the way across Gamla Stan (the Old Town), Kungsholmen and the inlet to Lake Mälaren. The place has a modern Japanese-Nordic restaurant and a lively rooftop bar, which makes it a classy but welcoming place that attracts both hotel guests and local professionals. The name carries a deliberate double meaning—simultaneously referencing the physical roof and the Japanese-style grill (takumi) that anchors the kitchen.
Key Points
- Fusion cuisine: The bar menu goes well with the restaurant’s Scandinavian ingredients cooked with Japanese methods, like robata-grilled dishes.
- Cocktail program: new drinks that lean toward natural wines and Japanese spirits like shochu and yuzu.
- Scandinavian minimalism with warm wood tones, soft lighting and floor-to-ceiling glass that gives you the best views without letting in the wind.
Achievements
- Travel and lifestyle magazines always list this place as one of Stockholm’s most stylish rooftops.
- The integrated restaurant is known for its high-quality food, which is rare for a rooftop venue.
- Many locals come back, which shows that the quality stays high even when tourists aren’t around.
Feedback
Guests love the polished service and the amazing views, especially at sunset when the Old Town’s spires catch golden light. The price is high because the restaurant is in a central location and wants to be known for its food. It’s best to make a reservation for dinner because the bar area works on a first-come, first-served basis and fills up quickly on summer evenings.
Contact
Website: https://www.tak.se
2. Stockholm Under Stjärnorna (SUS)
Stockholm Under Stjärnorna, or Stockholm Beneath the Stars, is a huge 1,200 square meter rooftop park on top of the At Six complex (next to Tak, in the same building but with its own entrance). SUS opened in 2018 and is less like a regular bar and more like a city festival space. It has three bars, a radio station booth, a rooftop gym and different themed areas like Molnet (a cocktail lounge) and Djungeln (a tropical area with sand and palm trees). The venue is 50 meters above Brunkebergstorg and has views of central Stockholm and the Mälaren inlet from all sides.
Key Points
- Event-driven programming: Hosts live sports broadcasts on a big screen, yoga classes, rooftop movie screenings and international DJ shows.
- No reservations for tables; it’s a “roof park” model where people come first, first served. People who come to the bar can order food and drinks and then sit on picnic-style benches, beach chairs, or amphitheater steps.
- Focus on street food: Instead of formal dining, people can order from food stations around the world.
Achievements
- One of Stockholm’s biggest rooftop terraces in terms of space and capacity.
- Since it opened in 2018, it quickly became a summer tradition, with big crowds coming for sessions after work and on weekends.
- Successfully maintains high energy while remaining accessible—no dress code, no membership.
Feedback
Guests give the lively atmosphere, beautiful views from all sides and wide range of music programming high marks (ambiance scores are usually around 9 out of 10). The main complaints are that the venue gets crowded during peak hours because it’s so popular and that the prices seem a little high compared to other bars in Stockholm. Service is quick and easy, but not tailored to each customer, which is in line with the self-service model. Open seasonally, usually from May to September, with hours from 15:00 on weekdays and 13:00 on Saturdays.
Contact
Website: https://www.sthlmunderstjarnorna.com
3. Arc Rooftop Bar
Arc is on the 16th floor of the Blique by Nobis hotel in Vasastan. It is located at the point where the old city’s preserved brick warehouses meet the modern high-rise district of Hagastaden. The view from this spot is unique: on one side are the twin Norra Tornen skyscrapers and on the other are traditional Stockholm rooftops with red tile and copper patina. Arc stands out because it has a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere than the other bars in the central city. This draws in a slightly older and more local crowd.
Key Points
- Pan-Asian influence: The cocktail menu uses Japanese and Southeast Asian ingredients like shochu, passion fruit and pomegranate.
- Intimate scale: Smaller than SUS or Tak, which makes it easier to talk and get better service.
- Indoor-outdoor flow: A retractable glass wall system lets you use the space all year long while still being able to see outside.
Achievements
- Because of its quieter atmosphere compared to its quality, it has been called a “hidden gem” in several Stockholm bar guides.
- It has a mid-range price that makes it easy to get to without sacrificing the quality of the cocktails.
- A good reputation among people in Vasastan who don’t like crowds in the city center.
Feedback
People who have been to Arc say it is “intimate yet cosmopolitan” and “relaxed.” People enjoy the views of Norra Djurgården and the old town, but some say the northern view lacks the dramatic water views found at bars in Södermalm or Gamla Stan. The staff are friendly and know what they’re talking about. The place is ideal for both drinks after work and dates in the early evening.
Contact
Website: https://www.bliquebynobis.se/arc
4. Le Hibou
Le Hibou, which means “the owl” in French, is on top of the Bank Hotel on Arsenalsgatan. It has a classy, Parisian-inspired rooftop that looks out over Nybroviken and Berzelii Park. Tak’s modern minimalism and SUS’s festival energy are different from Le Hibou’s exclusive townhouse style, which includes velvet sofas, wood paneling and soft, warm lighting. The owl, which stands for wisdom and watching things at night, is the name of the bar. The bar’s design makes sense because it is meant for long conversations at night.
Key Points
- Cocktail making: The signature drinks are Hoot Hoot (with apple and ginger notes) and Green Banana (with Bacardi, green banana and yuzu sake).
- No reservations are accepted; only walk-ins are welcome. It is strongly suggested that you arrive early, especially on summer weekends.
- Open all year: The indoor space is completely enclosed and heated, so winter visits are particularly enjoyable for seeing the city skyline lit up.
Achievements
- Often called one of Stockholm’s most stylish rooftop bars, it has a design that is more continental than Nordic minimalism.
- Keeps the quality of the cocktails high even though customers can only walk in, showing that the business is consistent.
- The reviewers give special praise to the non-alcoholic menu for its well-thought-out design.
Feedback
Visitors say the view over Nybroviken, where ferries leave for the archipelago, is one of the city’s most beautiful. People say the atmosphere is “elegant but not stuffy.” You may have to wait on weekends because they don’t take reservations. Prices are on the
high-side end, which fits with the Bank Hotel’s upscale image. The best time to visit is for drinks at sunset before dinner somewhere else, or for a full evening.
Contact
Website: https://www.bankhotel.se/le-hibou
5. Sjöstaden Skybar
The Sjöstaden Skybar is on top of the Sthlm 01 skyscraper in the Hammarby Sjöstad district, which is south of the city center. It is 102 meters above sea level. Even though this area is far from the central islands, its high elevation gives it a unique advantage: it has 360-degree views that go all the way around Årstaviken, the islands in Lake Mälaren, and, on clear days, the outer rim of the archipelago. There are several indoor areas in the venue, including the dining room, living room, bar and Red Room. There is also a terrace with a roof that can be opened and closed, so the venue can stay open all year round, no matter what the weather is like.
Key Points
- Multi-space concept: Different rooms have different moods, from formal dining to relaxed lounge seating.
- Charcoal grill focus: The menu is mostly made up of Mediterranean, American and Middle Eastern foods that are cooked over an open fire or in a smokehouse.
- Day-to-night transition: Open from 11:30 a.m. to late at night on weekdays and 12:00 p.m. to late at night on weekends for lunch, brunch, dinner and drinks.
Achievements
- The highest rooftop bar in central Stockholm, at 102 meters above sea level.
- Even in inclement Nordic weather, retractable roof technology allows us to use the terrace as an outdoor space.
- Hammarby Sjöstad is a district that doesn’t have many nightlife options, but this place is a destination in its own right.
Feedback
Reviewers consistently highlight the exceptional 360° views, noting that the southern perspective provides a different—and in some opinions, superior—angle on the city compared to central bars. The distance from the historic core (approximately 10 minutes by tram from Slussen) means lower tourist traffic and easier table availability. Reservations are recommended for dining; the Terrace operates on a first-come basis. The venue has been operational since approximately 2022 and has established a stable reputation.
Contact
Website: https://www.sjostadenskybar.se
FAQ
Which rooftop bar in Stockholm has the best view of Gamla Stan (the Old Town)?
From the 13th floor of the At Six complex, Tak has the clearest view of Gamla Stan’s spires and rooftops, facing south. Le Hibou has stunning views of Nybroviken and the Old Town from a more eastern angle. Sjöstaden Skybar has a wider view that includes Gamla Stan in the distance.
Do any of these rooftop bars accept reservations, or are they walk‑ins only?
You can’t make a reservation at Le Hibou; you have to walk in. There are no table reservations at SUS; it’s first come, first served. You can make a reservation for dinner at Tak, but the bar area is usually open to anyone. You can make reservations to eat at Arc and Sjöstaden Skybar. Depending on the night, their terrace and lounge areas may not be reserved. It’s best to get to all venues early (before 18:00) on summer weekends.
Are these rooftop bars open during winter?
Yes, some are open all year. Tak is completely closed off and open all year. Le Hibou’s indoor area is warm and open in the winter and the enclosed terrace offers protected views. Arc and Sjöstaden Skybar have systems that can be pulled back or completely closed. SUS is only open during certain times of the year, usually from May to September. Capital at Scandic Continental is another option for winter that has a stylish indoor sky bar.
What is the dress code for Stockholm’s upscale rooftop bars?
None of the five places listed have a dress code that must be followed. Smart casual is the most common style, though. Collared shirts, dark jeans, dresses and clean sneakers are all fine. Clothing for swimming, sports and work (like high-visibility vests and construction boots) would not fit in. Tak and Le Hibou have hotels that are a little nicer and cost a little more than SUS or Arc, so their customers are a little more polished.
Which rooftop bar is best for a large group or celebration?
SUS (Stockholm Under Stjärnorna) is best for groups because it has a 1,200-square-meter terrace, several bars and picnic-style seating that doesn’t require reservations, so groups can sit together. But since they don’t take reservations, big groups should get there early. Tak or Sjöstaden Skybar are better choices for a seated, private celebration dinner with a view because they both take reservations for dining.
Are food options available or only drinks?
All five places serve food. Tak has a full menu of high-quality Japanese and Nordic food. From lunch to dinner, Sjöstaden Skybar serves food that has been grilled over charcoal. Arc has smaller plates and snacks. SUS is all about street food from around the world. Instead of full meals, Le Hibou serves small plates and bar snacks. Tak and Sjöstaden Skybar are the best places to eat a full meal with a view.
Which bar is closest to Stockholm Central Station?
The most accessible venue from the station is Capital at Scandic Continental, which is located directly opposite the Central Station on the 8th floor of the Scandic Continental hotel. Among the top five, Tak and SUS are approximately 5–7 minutes on foot from the station via Brunkebergstorg, making them also highly convenient for travelers.
What is the typical price for a cocktail at these venues?
The price of cocktails usually ranges from SEK 140 to 200 (£10 to 15 / €12 to 17), depending on the place and the drink. Tak and Le Hibou are at the top of this range. SUS and Arc are in the middle. The prices at Sjöstaden Skybar are in the middle to upper range. Most places sell beer and wine by the glass for between SEK 80 and 120. SUS has a self-service bar model, which could lower the cost of service.
