Gamla Stan
The historic Old Town on the central island is dominated by the Kungliga Slottet (Royal Palace) and Swedish parliament. The surrounding winding streets are filled with cute cafes and shops hawking all the obligatory memorabilia – including Viking helmets.
A tour of the Royal Apartments will take you through the staterooms used by the royal family for state functions, including an annual Nobel Peace Prize dinner.
Sodermalm
The funky island of Stockholm is home to some of the best bars and galleries you’ll find in the city.
Once home to the working class, it’s now one of the hippest spots in town to head for socialising. The main street Gotgaten is packed with shops to check out, and passes through the main square on the island.
The Rival Hotel
Up there alongside Ikea as Sweden’s most famous export is the 70s band ABBA.
Since the band split in 1983, band member Benny Andersson has diverged his interests and bought and developed a boutique hotel.
Located in Sodermalm, the Hotel Rival is decorated with Swedish movie paraphernalia, and includes a Hollywood style bar in the lobby, with red velvet decor and a cinema that has been restored from its 1930s glory.
Not only a hotel, the Rival has a bar that is frequented by many of the suited Swedes who flock there after work for a few cocktails, while a cafe attached to the hotel draws in the coffee set who relax over lattes and cake.
Museums
You’ll be spoilt for choice in Stockholm with their vast variety of museums. There is the Butterfly Museum for nature lovers, or the Vasa Museum, which is home to a preserved 17th century warship. In summer, it’s worth visiting the open-air museum and zoo Skansen.
