STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN

Sweden isn’t just famous for Ikea, metballs and ABBA! It’s capital city is undeniably one of the world’s loveliest. ‘The Venice of the North’ rests on an archipelago at the point that Lake Mälaren meets the Baltic Sea. The central city rests on fourteen islands, and is replete with sublime Scandinavian architecture. Stockholms Slott is possibly most dramatic of all, and is the residence of the Swedish Monarchy.

Stockholm’s good looks and fashion sense could almost be intimidating. But this city is an accessible beauty, as easy to explore as it is to love. Though spread across 14 islands, connected by 57 bridges, it is compact and walkable. Each neighbourhood has a distinct character, yet they’re so close together you can easily spend time in several areas. In each, you'll find trend-setting design, inventive cuisine, unbeatable museums, great shopping, pretty parks and loads of atmosphere.

The old town, Gamla Stan, is one of Europe’s most arresting historic hubs, all storybook buildings, imposing palaces and razor-thin cobblestone streets.

Just a few metres from this time capsule, the modern city centre shines like the pages of a magazine. Downtown is a catwalk, showroom and test kitchen. Everything here is the very latest thing.

And it’s surrounded by pristine forests and a vast archipelago. What’s not to love?

Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, encompasses 14 islands of the vast Stockholm archipelago on the Baltic Sea. The cobblestone streets and ochre-colored buildings of medieval Gamla Stan, the old town, are home to a 13th-century cathedral, the royal palace of Kungliga Slottet and its underground armory, cafes and restaurants. Ferries and sightseeing boats shuttle passengers between islands, beneath more than 50 bridges.