Pharmarium, Svealand Travel Guide

4.5 (1383)

Alchemy reborn: inventive cocktails and small plates in Sweden's oldest apothecary site, Gamla Stan's intimate mixology gem.

Pharmarium is a prize-winning cocktail bar nestled in Stockholm's historic Gamla Stan at Stortorget 7. Housed in the site of Sweden's first public apothecary from 1575, it blends alchemical heritage with modern mixology, offering inventive cocktails, small plates, and an intimate atmosphere. Open evenings with reservations recommended, it draws discerning locals and visitors for its creative drinks and cozy seating amid vintage apothecary decor.

A brief summary to Pharmarium

Stortorget 7, Stockholm, 111 29, SE
Click to display
Click to display
Duration: 1 to 2.5 hours
Mid ranged
Indoor
Mobile reception: 5 out of 5

Monday 5 pm-11 pm
Tuesday 5 pm-11 pm
Wednesday 4 pm-12 am
Thursday 4 pm-12 am
Friday 3 pm-1 am
Saturday 3 pm-1 am
Sunday 5 pm-11 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Pharmarium.

Book ahead, especially for weekends; walk-ins may snag window seats but bar spots fill fast.
Pair cocktails with small plates like the beef tartar for a full alchemical tasting experience.
Arrive before 10pm if with minors; the venue shifts to adults-only afterward.
Savor the menu's seasonal changes—storytelling through 'spirituosa' and 'substantia' evolves.

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Pub Anchor

Erlands

A bar called Gemma

20hundra5

Tiki Room

Explore Pharmarium on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Pharmarium, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

From Gamla Stan T-bana station, 7-10 minute walk along Västerlånggatan's pedestrian streets to Stortorget; flat cobblestones, easy access but watch for evening crowds.
Taxi

Taxi from central Stockholm, 10-15 minutes to Stortorget 7; costs 150-250 SEK depending on traffic, drop-off nearby but limited street parking.
Bus

Bus 3 from Slussen to Gamla Stan stop, 5-8 minutes then 4-minute walk; fares 30-40 SEK single ticket, frequent service evenings.

For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you

Drink Options
Food Options
Seating Areas

Discover more about Pharmarium

Alchemical Origins at Stortorget

Pharmarium occupies a storied spot on Stortorget 7 in Gamla Stan, where in 1575 Dutch apothecary Anthonius Busenius received permission to sell medicines to the public from what was once part of the royal pharmacy in the castle. This marked Sweden's inaugural public apothecary, later known as Schmidtens apotek, blending early science with mysticism until it relocated in 1625.The era's remedies mixed pharmaceuticals with exotic ingredients like mumiepulver, elfenben, and mythical enhancements such as unicorn horn powder, reflecting a world where alchemy promised elixirs and gold.

Mixology Inspired by History

Today's Pharmarium channels this legacy into masterful mixology. Cocktails bear evocative names like Amortentia and Demon Cleaner, crafted with unusual ingredients echoing ancient potions. The menu features 'spirituosa' alongside 'substantia'—small plates like beef tartar with shiitake mushrooms, smoked mayo, and rose pepper, or gravlax herring with tomato browned butter.These pairings highlight innovative gastronomy, with drinks matched to bites in a nod to apothecary precision.

Intimate Vintage Ambiance

Inside, the space evokes an old-world laboratory: walls lined with wooden drawers bearing cryptic labels, the logo featuring the serpent-coiled Rod of Asclepius. Seating for about 50 includes a green marble bar, plush sofas around low tables, and a large round table for groups.Cozy window nooks are reserved for walk-ins, fostering a sense of discovery amid soft carpets and dim lighting.

Evening Rhythm and Exclusivity

Operations focus on evenings, with hours from 5pm weekdays, earlier on weekends, extending late into the night on Fridays and Saturdays. No minors after 10pm, and no strollers, ensuring an adults-only vibe post-evening.The bar's compact size emphasizes quality over quantity, with reservations distributing guests across bar and lounge areas.

Gamla Stan's Timeless Allure

Set in Stockholm's medieval heart, Pharmarium enhances the cobblestoned charm of Stortorget. Its concept, designed by the team behind notable local spots, weaves history into contemporary indulgence, making it a haven for cocktail enthusiasts amid the old town's fairy-tale streets.