Stockholm

Drawn from its historic buildings and picturesque islands, Stockholm is an attractive city full of character, which is reflected in its assortment of hotels. For five-star luxury place yourself opposite the Royal Palace at the waterside Grand Hôtel Stockholm (Södra Blasieholmshamnen 8), or make it over to the islands to stay at the Hotel Skeppsholmen (Gröna Gången 1), which is housed in a 17th-century building and sits quite epically overlooking the water. For something a touch more affordable, try the three-star Clarion Collection Hotel Tapto (Jungfrugatan 57) in the Östermalm district, which is found close to Stockholm Stadium and offers a free evening buffet. Quite literally push the boat out and enjoy a very different stay at the Hotell M/S Monika (Kungsholms Strand 133), a refurbished boat.

Stockholm offers everything from modern department stores to designer outlets and vintage boutiques. For the former head straight for the city centre where you’ll find the city’s biggest retail outlet, Åhléns (Klarabergsgatan 50), its oldest, PUB (Hötorget), and Nordiska Kompaniet (Hamngatan 18-20) for higher-end items and designer goods. Make for the SoFo district in the Södermalm quarter, which boasts a great selection of vintage shops and quirky fashion outlets, or for one of Sweden’s most famous staples, head to the world’s largest IKEA store, which lies south of the city (Kungens Kurva).

Traditional Swedish fare is never far away from your table in Stockholm, although the city’s multicultural nature translates itself into a restaurant scene that offers plenty of other cuisines such as Thai, Chinese and Italian. Artists and writers have flocked to the ambient KB (Smålandsgatan 7) to enjoy its local dishes for many a year, while in the Old Town you’ll find the similarly popular Restaurang Kryp In (Prästgatan 17). Plenty of cafes and restaurants offer heavily discounted set menus at lunchtime, so it could be an idea to dine more heavily earlier in the day to alleviate the slightly pricey nature of Stockholm’s eateries.

Stockholm Early Music Festival (SEMF)

June

A number of venues in the Old Town aptly help put on the annual SEMF, which has been going for more than a decade and serves up a great selection of renaissance, baroque and medieval music, with both international and Scandinavian influences.

Stockholm Pride

July – August

The events at Stockholm Pride range from the more relaxed nature of workshops, films, theatre and discussions, to the full-blooded partying of the costumed parades and late night jiving. ‘Pride Park’ is the new name for Tantolunden, a city park, for the five days of the festival.

Midnight Run

August

The incredible phenomenon of the region’s midsummer sun is put to good use with this 10km race that starts at 9.30pm and attracts thousands of runners and even bigger crowds.

Stockholm Jazz Festival

October

Overseas artists and local talent combine to put on the seven-day Stockholm Jazz Festival, which takes place at around 20 venues across the city. The October extravaganza boasts a burgeoning international reputation and is one of Sweden’s oldest festivals.

Stockholm Tennis Open

October

Head to the Kungliga Tennishallen and check out the on-court action at this ATP tour event. Roger Federer has won here in the past, along with other stars such as John McEnroe and Swedish favourite Stefan Edberg.