Ion Ciorici

There are many things to do in the evening in Stockholm, something like this:

…or just go clubbing.

Going out in the evening Stockholm is a strange affair. There are about a hundred little rules one must be aware of in this image-fixated city.

First important thing to remember is this: you are how you present yourself. This goes for clubs in the bohemian part of town as well as chic Östermalm. How you present yourself dictates everything from how people on the street will size you up to how snooty the guy in the 7-Eleven store will treat you. Read on and you’ll get it.

Regarding transportation:

How you get to a club doesn’t always matter, as they’re often located in a district where there are clubs everywhere and people just walk between them throughout the night. Some clubs however require a certain something upon arrival. For example, pulling up to Spy Bar in a cab filled with 8 people just won’t fly. A VIP club like that has a (if arriving by taxi) 2-3 person limit per cab. Pulling up in a limo with 10 people on the other hand is fine.
This is of course taking the whole transportation bit to the extreme but you get the drift.

Regarding the doormen:

One thing to always remember is that the doormen at clubs seriously mean business in this town, and they have no self perspective whatsoever. This is where the humor part comes in. Always let them have their power-trip and laugh about it with your friends over drinks inside. Getting into clubs in Stockholm has pretty much become as tough as getting through New York airport security. So don’t be drunk, and if the doorman tells you you’re an idiot then just agree . He’s just looking for an excuse to keep you out from all the fun.

Also remember that a mean doorman doesn’t necessarily mean a fabulous party inside, which is what many people seem to think. It all comes down to what your goal for the evening is. In general, the meaner the doorman, the more scantly dressed women and men inside, and a relaxed doorman often means a relaxed atmosphere inside.

Another thing to avoid when it comes to doormen is name-dropping. Telling him you know the princess Magdalena or the King won’t get you inside any faster. Honestly, the likeliness of him even knowing who either of them are, are slim to none.

Regarding dresscodes and stuff:

Many places in town don’t have an official dresscode, but still refuse people entry when dressed improperly. This is of course far from fair but that’s the way it is. So here are a few things to keep in mind when dressing to go out on the town.

The south side, Södermalm, has the least pretensions when it comes to clothes. Sneakers, jeans and a t-shirt are considered OK even if they’re not plastered with brand names like Gucci, Prada or D&G.
If you ask anybody if they’ve spent any time at all in front of the mirror preparing their ensemble they’ll lie and tell you of course not, but that’s part of the Stockholm charm!

The east side, Östermalm, with the chic uppety clubs takes clothes to another level. Sneakers will probably get you stopped at the door, so wear something a bit fancier. Same goes for jeans if they’re not fancy label material.
The bottom line is basically that the party clubs are meant to be enjoyed by nicely dressed people with a nicely filled wallet, and the bohemian clubs are a bit cheaper and more relaxed and people dress as such.

Regarding ordering drinks and tipping:

When you’ve finally made it through the hassle of actually getting into the club the next obstacle appears, namely ordering drinks. Basically waving money or yelling at the bartender will be ignored by bartender until you stop. Just standing around, looking politely at the closest bartender will get you the best service. If you’ve got the confidence, a little flirting can get you a long way also.

Tipping isn’t a necessity but it might get you a couple shots at a cheaper price later in the evening. Another thing to keep in mind is that coins in general are frowned upon, so keep the bills at hand. If you do receive a couple coins as change when buying a drink then just leave them at the bar. Scrambling for öre is considered pretty cheap.

Stockholm flirtation etiquette :

So you’ve gotten in, you’ve got your drink, the music is great but now what? Everybody wants some love so here are few tips to keep in mind when venturing into the jungle of Picking Someone Up.

The rules of flirtation are pretty universal. Start by scoping out the potential victim and see if the eye contact seems to be of the appreciative or the “leave me alone” variety before heading over for a chat. If appreciation is sensed then step two is in order. Step two consists of starting up some easy conversation, and NOT over-the-top compliments . The person already knows you’re attracted to them, so save the massive compliments for when you’ve at least spent a few moments together.

After that you’re on your own. Either you’ve got it in the bag or you’ll be left with your drink alone on the dance floor. Keep in mind that buying somebody a drink in Stockholm doesn’t mean a thing to most people. Some people will politely decline so as not to give the wrong impression, but most will take the drink, say thanks and then hook back up with their friends in 2 seconds if they’re not interested.

When the party’s over:

MAAAAAAAX –

photo by Sanna Samuelsson

Now go out, have fun and be safe, because Stockholm is a great town to party in.