Uppsala

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Nightlife and Bars

Popular nightlife spots, including bars, pubs, and clubs for evening leisure and entertainment.

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Comprehensive Guide to Nightlife and Bars in Uppsala, Sweden

Uppsala, Sweden’s fourth-largest city, is a vibrant university town with a youthful and dynamic nightlife scene. While it may not rival the scale of Stockholm, Uppsala offers a unique and intimate nightlife experience, heavily influenced by its large student population and rich cultural history. Below is a detailed guide to help you navigate Uppsala’s nightlife and bar scene.

1. Overview of Uppsala’s Nightlife Scene

Uppsala’s nightlife is centered around its student culture, with many events and venues catering to the city’s university population. The city offers a mix of student nations (exclusive to students), cozy pubs, trendy cocktail bars, and a few nightclubs. The nightlife is generally more relaxed and intimate compared to larger cities, but it still provides plenty of options for a fun night out.

  • Student Nations: Uppsala University’s student nations (student-run organizations) dominate the nightlife scene. Each nation has its own pub, bar, or club, and they host regular events, including club nights, live music, and themed parties. Access to these venues is typically restricted to students or members of the nations.
  • Public Bars and Clubs: For non-students or visitors, Uppsala has a variety of public bars, pubs, and clubs that cater to a broader audience.

2. Popular Venues in Uppsala

Student Nations (For Students)

If you’re a student, joining a student nation is highly recommended. Here are some of the most popular nations for nightlife:

  • Stockholms Nation: Known for its lively club nights and large dance floors. It’s one of the most popular nations for partying.
  • Södermanlands-Nerikes Nation (Snerikes): Famous for its outdoor terrace and vibrant club nights. It’s a favorite among students for its energetic atmosphere.
  • Västgöta Nation (VG): Offers a more laid-back vibe with cozy pub nights and occasional live music.
  • Norrlands Nation: Known for its traditional Swedish vibe and a mix of club nights and cultural events.

Note: To enter a student nation, you’ll need a valid student ID and a nation membership card. Temporary memberships are sometimes available for visiting students.

Public Bars and Pubs

For non-students or visitors, these venues are great options:

  • Flustret: A historic venue near the city park (Stadsträdgården) that transforms into a nightclub on weekends. It’s popular with both students and locals.
  • O’Connor’s: A lively Irish pub located in the city center. It’s a great spot for live music, a wide selection of beers, and a friendly atmosphere.
  • Stationen: A stylish bar and restaurant located in Uppsala’s old train station. It’s perfect for cocktails and a more upscale experience.
  • Churchill Arms: A traditional British-style pub offering a cozy atmosphere and a good selection of beers and ciders.
  • Birger Jarl (BJ): A nightclub that attracts a slightly older crowd compared to the student nations. It features multiple dance floors and a mix of music genres.

Cocktail Bars

  • Dryck & Mat: A sophisticated cocktail bar with expertly crafted drinks and a modern ambiance.
  • Jay Fu’s: A fusion restaurant with a bar that serves creative cocktails in a trendy setting.

3. Typical Costs for Drinks and Entry Fees

Sweden is known for its high cost of living, and Uppsala is no exception. However, prices in Uppsala are slightly lower than in Stockholm. Here’s what you can expect:

  • Beer (Pint): 60–90 SEK at most bars and pubs. Student nations often offer cheaper options, with prices as low as 40–50 SEK.
  • Cocktails: 120–160 SEK at cocktail bars. Student nations may have simpler cocktails for around 80–100 SEK.
  • Wine (Glass): 80–120 SEK.
  • Entry Fees:
    • Student nations typically charge 60–100 SEK for club nights (free or discounted for members).
    • Public nightclubs like Flustret or Birger Jarl may charge 100–200 SEK, depending on the event.
    • Many pubs and bars have no entry fee.

Tip: Pre-drinking (known as “förfest” in Swedish) is common due to the high cost of alcohol at bars. Many locals and students gather at home before heading out.

4. Local Customs and Etiquette

Understanding Swedish nightlife customs will help you blend in and enjoy your night:

  • Queuing: Swedes are known for their love of order, so always queue patiently at the bar or entrance.
  • Cashless Payments: Most venues in Uppsala are cashless, so be prepared to pay with a card or mobile payment app like Swish.
  • Dress Code: Uppsala’s nightlife is generally casual, but some upscale venues or clubs may have a smart-casual dress code. Avoid overly casual attire like sportswear if you’re heading to a nightclub.
  • Alcohol Laws: The legal drinking age in Sweden is 18 for bars and clubs, but you must be 20 to purchase alcohol from Systembolaget (the state-run liquor store). Bars and clubs are strict about ID checks, so always carry a valid ID.
  • Closing Times: Most bars and clubs close by 1:00–3:00 AM. After-parties are common among students.

5. Safety Tips

Uppsala is a safe city, but it’s always wise to take precautions:

  • Plan Your Transport: Public transport (buses) stops running around midnight, so plan your way home in advance. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Bolt are available but can be expensive.
  • Stay in Well-Lit Areas: Stick to well-lit and populated areas when walking home, especially late at night.
  • Drink Responsibly: Alcohol is expensive, so pace yourself to avoid overindulging. Tap water is free and safe to drink, so stay hydrated.
  • Watch Your Belongings: Pickpocketing is rare but can happen in crowded venues. Keep an eye on your phone and wallet.

6. Unique Aspects of Uppsala’s Nightlife

  • Valborg (Walpurgis Night): If you’re in Uppsala on April 30th, you’re in for a treat. Valborg is the city’s biggest celebration, with students and locals gathering for champagne breakfasts, river rafting, and massive parties at the student nations.
  • Student Culture: The student nations create a unique nightlife experience that you won’t find in other cities. Each nation has its own traditions, events, and atmosphere, making it worth exploring multiple nations if you’re a student.
  • Cozy Atmosphere: Uppsala’s nightlife is more intimate and community-oriented compared to larger cities. It’s easy to strike up conversations and meet new people, especially in the student nations.

7. Final Tips for Enjoying Uppsala’s Nightlife

  • Check Event Schedules: Many venues, especially student nations, have specific club nights or themed events. Check their websites or social media pages for schedules.
  • Arrive Early: Popular venues can get crowded, so arriving early ensures you’ll get in without waiting in long lines.
  • Explore the City: Don’t limit yourself to one venue. Uppsala’s compact size makes it easy to hop between bars and clubs.

With its mix of student-driven energy, cozy pubs, and lively clubs, Uppsala offers a nightlife experience that’s both unique and welcoming. Whether you’re a student or a visitor, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this charming Swedish city.