Stockholm Hotels

A crisp, clean mix of modern, functional design, tidy stone façades, and sparkling waters, Stockholm radiates the same cool as the star it once nurtured, Greta Garbo. Get your walking shoes on and explore.

Stroll through the surprisingly accessible circular Parliament building towards the baroque Royal Palace and into the narrow lanes of the medieval Old Town. Cross the clean waters of Lake Mälaren on one of the many bridges joining the city's small islands to pay a visit to the gold-capped Nobel Prize party venue, the City Hall.

For upmarket designer clothes, including many young Swedish brands, go to the area surrounding Stureplan and Kungsträdgården. Famous Swedish glass design, such as Orrefors and Kosta Boda, are easiest to find in the Old Town and a collection of minimalist design can also be found at Designtorget. Head south to the chic SoFo district for independent boutiques and vintage clothing or north to Drottninggatan for cheap and cheerful high street fashion.

Walk along the waterfront of Norrmälarstrand and stop at a houseboat bar for a cold drink before arriving at the bustling Rålambshovsparken park. In summer, swim off the nearby Fredhäll cliffs. In winter, go ice-skating in Kungsträdgården or see the city from a different angle while walking on the frozen Mälaren lake.

The Kulturhuset is at the heart of Stockholm's cultural scene, offering dance performances, contemporary art shows and lectures by international authors. In summer, Skansen hosts the truly Swedish Allsång på Skansen sing-along concerts, with Swedish stars appearing for guest performances. More urbane entertainment is provided by the Royal Swedish Opera.

Stockholm dining is a fishy experience. Salmon, herring and trout-based dishes are the mainstay of restaurants around Stureplan and Kungsträdgården, along with traditional meat dishes such as minute steak and Swedish meatballs. Find a choice of lively restaurants in the area surrounding Medborgarplatsen on the island of Södermalm, or venture into a cosy tapas bar on Kungsholmen.

See the city from below on the Stockholm underground, also dubbed the world's longest art exhibition. Step out into the deep red cave at Solna, the blue-tiled neon-lit universe at Hötorget or see the surreal installations at Kungsträdgården.