🎭

Cinemas and Theaters

Enjoy a variety of film screenings, stage productions, and cultural performances at cinemas and theaters across the city.

Sections

Cinemas in Stockholm

Stockholm has a mix of modern multiplexes, independent cinemas, and historic theaters, offering everything from Hollywood blockbusters to indie films, art-house productions, and international cinema.

Popular Cinemas

  1. Filmstaden Sergel

    • Location: Hötorget, central Stockholm.
    • Overview: One of the largest and most popular multiplexes in Stockholm, offering a wide selection of mainstream Hollywood films, Swedish movies, and international releases.
    • Unique Features: Modern facilities, IMAX screen, and a central location near shopping and dining options.
    • Ticket Prices: Around 150–200 SEK for standard tickets; IMAX tickets are slightly higher (200–250 SEK).
    • Booking: Tickets can be booked online via the Filmstaden website or app, or purchased at the box office.
    • Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible with elevators and designated seating. Assistive listening devices are available for some screenings.
  2. Bio Capitol

    • Location: Sankt Eriksgatan 82, Vasastan.
    • Overview: A boutique cinema with a retro vibe, known for showing art-house films, classics, and independent productions.
    • Unique Features: Luxurious seating, a bar serving wine and snacks, and a curated selection of films.
    • Ticket Prices: Around 150–180 SEK.
    • Booking: Online booking is recommended due to limited seating.
    • Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible, but check in advance for specific screenings.
  3. Zita Folkets Bio

    • Location: Birger Jarlsgatan 37, Östermalm.
    • Overview: Stockholm’s oldest cinema, focusing on independent, international, and documentary films.
    • Unique Features: A strong emphasis on cultural and socially conscious films.
    • Ticket Prices: Around 120–150 SEK.
    • Booking: Tickets can be booked online or at the box office.
    • Accessibility: Limited wheelchair access; contact the cinema for details.
  4. Skandia

    • Location: Drottninggatan 82, Norrmalm.
    • Overview: A historic cinema designed by renowned architect Gunnar Asplund, known for its stunning Art Deco interior.
    • Unique Features: Hosts special screenings, film festivals, and events.
    • Ticket Prices: Around 120–150 SEK.
    • Booking: Online or at the box office.
    • Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible.

Types of Movies

  • Mainstream Hollywood films (often shown in English with Swedish subtitles).
  • Swedish films (in Swedish, often with English subtitles for select screenings).
  • International films from Europe, Asia, and beyond.
  • Documentaries and independent productions.

Local Tips

  • Language: Most foreign films are shown in their original language with Swedish subtitles. Animated films and family movies may be dubbed into Swedish.
  • Discounts: Students and seniors often receive discounts. Check the cinema’s website for details.
  • Snacks: Swedish cinemas typically offer popcorn, candy, and soft drinks, but some boutique cinemas like Bio Capitol also serve wine and gourmet snacks.

Theaters in Stockholm

Stockholm’s theater scene is equally diverse, with options ranging from grand opera houses to intimate playhouses. Performances include Swedish and international plays, musicals, opera, ballet, and contemporary performances.

Popular Theaters

  1. Dramaten (The Royal Dramatic Theatre)

    • Location: Nybroplan, central Stockholm.
    • Overview: Sweden’s national stage for spoken drama, housed in a stunning Art Nouveau building.
    • Types of Shows: Classic and contemporary plays, often in Swedish. Some productions offer English subtitles.
    • Ticket Prices: 150–600 SEK, depending on the production and seating.
    • Booking: Tickets can be booked online via the Dramaten website or at the box office.
    • Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible with elevators and designated seating. Assistive listening devices are available.
  2. Kungliga Operan (The Royal Swedish Opera)

    • Location: Gustav Adolfs Torg, central Stockholm.
    • Overview: The national opera house, offering opera and ballet performances in a grand historic venue.
    • Types of Shows: Opera, ballet, and classical music concerts.
    • Ticket Prices: 200–1,000 SEK, depending on the production and seating.
    • Booking: Tickets can be booked online or at the box office. Early booking is recommended for popular performances.
    • Accessibility: Fully wheelchair-accessible. Subtitles are often provided for opera performances.
  3. Stockholms Stadsteater (Stockholm City Theatre)

    • Location: Sergels torg, central Stockholm.
    • Overview: A modern theater offering a wide range of productions, from classic plays to contemporary works and musicals.
    • Types of Shows: Plays, musicals, and children’s theater.
    • Ticket Prices: 150–500 SEK.
    • Booking: Tickets can be booked online or at the box office.
    • Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible with assistive listening devices available.
  4. Orionteatern

    • Location: Katarina Bangata 77, Södermalm.
    • Overview: An experimental theater known for its innovative and avant-garde productions.
    • Types of Shows: Contemporary and experimental performances.
    • Ticket Prices: 150–300 SEK.
    • Booking: Online booking is recommended.
    • Accessibility: Limited wheelchair access; contact the theater for details.

Local Tips

  • Language: Most theater productions are in Swedish, but some venues (like Dramaten) occasionally offer English subtitles or performances in English.
  • Dress Code: While there’s no strict dress code, people tend to dress smart-casual for theater performances, and more formally for opera and ballet.
  • Discounts: Students, seniors, and youth often receive discounts. Check the theater’s website for details.
  • Pre-Show Dining: Many theaters have on-site restaurants or are located near excellent dining options. Consider arriving early for a meal or drink.

Booking Tickets

  • Online: Most cinemas and theaters have user-friendly websites or apps for booking tickets. Payment is typically made via credit card.
  • Box Office: Tickets can also be purchased in person at the venue’s box office.
  • Third-Party Platforms: Websites like Ticketmaster and Biljettforum are commonly used for theater tickets.

Accessibility

Stockholm is generally very accessible for people with disabilities. Most cinemas and theaters offer:

  • Wheelchair-accessible entrances and seating.
  • Assistive listening devices for the hearing impaired.
  • Subtitles or surtitles for some performances (check in advance).

Cultural Considerations

  • Punctuality: Swedes value punctuality, so arrive on time. Latecomers may not be admitted until intermission.
  • Quiet Atmosphere: During performances, it’s customary to remain quiet and avoid using phones.
  • Applause: It’s common to applaud at the end of a performance, and standing ovations are reserved for exceptional shows.

Unique Features of Stockholm’s Cinema and Theater Scene

  • Film Festivals: Stockholm hosts several film festivals, including the Stockholm International Film Festival (November) and Tempo Documentary Festival (March).
  • Outdoor Cinemas: During summer, outdoor screenings are held in parks like Rålambshovsparken.
  • Innovative Theater: Stockholm’s theaters often push boundaries with experimental and immersive productions.

By exploring Stockholm’s cinemas and theaters, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the city’s cultural richness and creativity. Whether you’re catching a blockbuster at Filmstaden Sergel or enjoying a classic play at Dramaten, there’s something for everyone in Stockholm’s entertainment scene!