Stockholm, Sweden

One of the world’s most beautiful capitals, Stockholm isn’t just picturesque: It’s also the cultural, political, media, and economic center of Sweden. Make like a local and stroll narrow cobblestone streets, hang by the city’s colorful waterfront, and indulge in its coffee culture. Though many travelers spend most of their time in the medieval center, Stockholm actually comprises 14 islands of an archipelago, which makes it a perfect jumping off point for island hopping— Fjäderholmarna, one of the closest, is a mere 20 minutes by boat.