Scandic Grand Central

There’s no shortage of European cities nicknamed ‘the Venice of the North’, but few have such a strong claim to the title as Stockholm. It’s a city very much defined by its maritime heritage, with the bulk of the city built on 14 main islands, with another 30,000 islands comprising the wider archipelago that extends way out into the Baltic Sea. 

The natural starting point when exploring the Swedish capital is the medieval core, Gamla Stan, whose alluring maze of pedestrian-friendly cobbled lanes and courtyards contains cosy cafes, lively bars, handicraft stores, picturesque churches and a handful of fascinating museums. Across the Golden Bridge lies Södermalm, a former working-class district which has transformed into one of the city’s trendiest areas – often referred to as Stockholm’s version of Brooklyn or Shoreditch. 

Elsewhere, a stroll along the elegant waterfront boulevard, Strandvägen, is a must, as is a trip to Östermalms Saluhall, a 19th-century red brick building housing a food hall where artisan, family-run vendors sell everything from fresh seafood to gourmet desserts. Nearby Djurgården, meanwhile, offers a plethora of rewarding things to see and do. 

Thanks to its excellent public transport system and well-developed biking infrastructure, it’s an incredibly easy city to get around – and one that lends itself to being explored at a relaxed pace at any time of the year.