ONCE CONSIDERED AN OUTPOST ventured to by only a few travellers, low-cost airlines and the internet have made Stockholm a most attractive destination, both for those close enough to take advantage of weekend breaks as well as long-haul holidaymakers.
With its canals, historic buildings and location, where Lake Malaren flows into the Baltic Sea, many consider the Swedish capital to be the most beautiful city in Scandinavia. It's less densely populated than many other major European cities, providing a feeling of relaxation and space. And for those interested in culture, there are 100 art galleries and 70 museums to choose from.
At the heart of this north European gem is Gamla Stan (Old Town), a collection of cobbled streets, dotted with boutiques, coffee shops and restaurants. Stockholm is a city of canals (along with St Petersburg, it has earned itself the moniker, Venice of the north) and nowhere is this more noticeable than when you are walking through the old town, as you find yourself crossing bridge upon bridge to get to your next port of call.
On the edge of Gamla Stan, the imposing Kungliga Slottet, an 18th-century palace, lights up the hillside, while nearby at Stortorget Square is the Nobelmuseet, or Nobel Museum, where you can explore the history of the 20th century through the Nobel Prize and its laureates and gain an insight into more than 700 ingenious minds in the museum's exhibition, 'Cultures of Creativity'.
No visit to Stockholm would be complete without a trip to Drottningholm Palace, home to the Swedish Royal family. Built in the late 16th century, the palace is inspired by the chateau of Versailles, outside Paris, and is one of the finest examples of a northern European royal residence.
Walking through the grounds of the palace, you will come across the Chinese Pavilion. It was erected in 1753 as a birthday present for Queen Lovisa Ulrika and was built in a Chinese-inspired style, which at the time was the height of European fashion. The fusion of Chinese architecture allied to the European structure of the building is breathtaking, combining European Rococo with genuine Chinese influences. A pleasant way to approach Drottningholm is by boat. The journey takes an hour from Stadshusbron by the side of the City Hall (Stadshuset) to the palace.
The Museum of Modern Art - built in 1998 when Stockholm was European City of Culture - is well worth a visit. Just below the museum, visitors can walk to the Festivalplatsen where jazz and blues festivals are often held, especially in the summer. Stroll through the romantic Engelska Parken by its wooded footpath to Svensksundvagen, an 18th-century park. Finally, there is the Museum of Far East Antiquities - the last stop on this beautiful walk around Stockholm and highly recommended. Here you will find numerous historical collections of Chinese stoneware and art from Japan, Korea and India.