Across the city’s 14 islands you will discover leafy parks, serene walking trails, delightful swimming spots and bustling bars and restaurants

Whether you’re looking for the stylish modern minimalism this Scandinavian city is known for, or the rows of painted wooden houseboats which line the cobbled waterfront, Stockholm has it all. With a backdrop of futuristic skyscrapers, a busy commercial heart and one of the world’s hottest start-up scenes, Stockholm offers visitors the perfect collision of tradition and technology.

Explore the Old Town

Sitting at the very centre of Stockholm’s modern metropolis, Gamla Stan – Stockholm’s Old Town – is one of the largest and best preserved medieval city centres in Europe. A tangle of cobbled streets, narrow alleyways, quaint townhouses and atmospheric squares await; take time exploring centuries of history nestled among charming, pastel architecture.

Discover the Swedish royal family’s palace, Stockholm Cathedral (Storkyrkhan) and the Nobel Museum, all within a few minutes’ walk of each other. The palace has more than 600 rooms and is one of the largest in the world. Try and catch the daily changing of the guard if you can! If you’re a bit of a historian, Stortorget, Stockholm’s oldest square, can be found in the middle of Gamla Stan.

Taste of Sweden

Visitors will soon discover that Stockholm is a city for foodies. Surrounded by sea and farmlands, fresh produce is plentiful and the food scene is both trendy and traditional. You’ll find all the Swedish dishes you’d expect, like meatballs and fried herring, as well as the latest modern food craze like the acai bowl. You can’t visit Sweden without having Finka, a cup of freshly brewed coffee, usually served mid-afternoon with a slice of homemade cake on the side.

However, if you’re looking for something more substantial, Stockholm provides an eclectic mix of Michelin-starred restaurants and excellent affordable eating, so you’re sure to be satisfied whatever your budget. Style and design is an integral part of Stockholm’s charm, and you’ll find this not only represented in the many well-dressed fashionistas frequenting the city but also in the quaintest of coffee shops. If you’re into skandi design, you’ll be in your element.

Visit Stockholm’s Archipelago

Stockholm might be spread across 14 islands but it is surprisingly easy to negotiate. Most of the islands are connected by bridges, with any that aren’t connected by ferries and the metro. That said, walking is often the most convenient way to get around and is the best way to absorb the sights and sounds of Stockholm.

Head east of the city and out into the captivating Stockholm Archipelago, a vast sea of around 30,000 islands, islets and rocks, each with its own unique appeal. Take a boat tour round tranquil coves and through the open sea, explore uninhabited islands and walk through dense, ancient forests and fields strewn with wild flowers. Stockholm’s landscape is wonderfully unique and yearns to be explored.