Stockholm

The Rough Guide to Sweden describes Stockholm as "without a shadow of a doubt one of the loveliest cities in Europe", and it's hard to disagree with their assessment. Perched on a series of islands in a lake, the old town has beautiful cobbled alleys, impressive public buildings from the 17th-century heyday of the Swedish Empire and relaxing waterfront areas. Beyond the old town, you can relax in the enormous park of Djurgården, visit the fascinating open-air Skansen folk museum, people-watch in trendy Södermalm or hit the shops in commercial Nörrmalm around the station.

Featured Hotels

Birger Jarl Hotel - 4*

The Birger Jarl Hotel - named after Stockholm's legendary founder - combines the best in traditional Swedish hospitality with the cutting-edge design and modern decor for which Stockholm is renowned. Centrally located within the "Golden Triangle" area where the trendiest restaurants and best entertainment are found, the hotel is a great base to explore the best that the Swedish capital has to offer.

Scandic Malmen Hotel - 3*

This modern hotel located in the trendy district of Södermalm, south of the old town, is a great value location. Södermalm itself (known to the locals as "SoFo" or "the Southside") is a great place to catch local bands and top theatre alike, while a metro stop is just two stops away from the old town and one more from the main station.