A staple in Stockholm’s nightlife scene for more than 150 years, Berns is a sprawling complex of bars, clubs, restaurants and a hotel. For live music lovers, the magic happens in the decadent grand hall, Stora Salongen. Elaborately carved wooden panels adorn the walls, the high ceiling is dripping with oversized chandeliers, and decorative archways flank a coveted second-tier balcony area rising above the lengthy bar. Here, the calendar switches between intimate performances from global folk and indie bands to pulsating strobe-light raves—veteran DJs Todd Terje and Paul Kalkbrenner are among the recent headliners. On Friday and Saturday nights, the atmosphere is less unique; Stora Salongen transforms into a lively commercial club with a dressed-up younger crowd.
Time Out tip: Berns is pricey, as are its neighbouring bars. For a pre-gig tipple when the sun’s shining, pick up some beers from an off-license shop (Systembolaget) on nearby street Nybrogatan and head to Humlegården park. Note that Systembolaget stores close at 7pm on weekdays and shut up shop for the weekend after 3pm on Saturdays.