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FIND OUT MORESummer fun in Stockholm
Stockholm in summer is heart-warmingly beautiful. The bright light that spills into every corner of the city brings the Swedish capital back to life after its winter hibernation, making it a great tourist destination and one that is easily accessible from Manchester, says Andrew Watson.
Images courtesy of Stockholm Visitors Board.
Often referred to as the Venice of the North, Stockholm is built on 14 islands connected by 57 bridges, so you are never far from the water. Find your own private swimming spot in the heart of the city and jump in - the water is warmer and more welcoming in late summer.
And if the city's 14 islands aren't enough for you, Stockholm offers a spectacular archipelago with nearly 30,000 islands, islets and skerries to explore.
If you manage to drag yourself away from the water, there's much to see and do in Sweden's largest city. With a 750-year history to delve into at the city's world-class museums, majestic architecture to admire, tranquil green spaces to relax in, delicious food to try and new music to discover, you may find yourself running out of time much sooner than you would like. Here are some of the highlights:
What to do
Hit the streets
Wander the winding cobblestoned streets of the old town, Gamla Stan, one of the largest and best preserved medieval city centres in Europe. Dating back to the 13th century, Gamla Stan is full of architectural gems, cultural attractions, archaic squares, atmospheric narrow alleys, restaurants, cafes, bars and craft shops. Here you will find Sweden's national cathedral, the Stockholm Cathedral, and the Nobel Museum. The district is also home to the Royal Palace, one of the largest and most imposing palaces in the world.
Take to the water
Exploring Stockholm by water on a sunny day is great fun, so make sure you rent a canoe and paddle away. If working out is not part of your holiday plans, you can go on a boat sightseeing tour of the city - there are a number of different tours to choose from, covering central Stockholm and the archipelago. Hop On Hop Off is another great way to see Stockholm from the water - the ticket is good for an unlimited number of ferry trips over a 24-hour period, and it can also be used on any open top bus tour.
Discover Swedish indie pop
Sweden has produced a number of successful bands in the past decade, including the Cardigans, the Hives and the Wannadies. Indie pop in particular is alive and kicking here, so don't miss the opportunity to see a gig by a home-grown band at the original Debaser (www.debaser.nu) in Slussen - an intimate and very popular venue by the water, showcasing an eclectic mix of indie, hip hop and electro.
Try the meatballs
Don't even think about leaving Stockholm without trying some of the local culinary delights, such as meatballs or herring. Try the 108-year-old Prinsen (www.restaurangprinsen.com), which is famed for its Swedish meatballs, or the Pelikan (www.pelikan.se), which serves traditional Swedish 'home-style' food such as smoer, ost and sill, (butter, cheese and herring), or fried pork with onion sauce.
Indulge in retail therapy
Head to trendy Soedermalm for a multitude of small boutiques selling top-class vintage clothing, including the famous Judits Second Hand (www.judits.se). Here you will also find art galleries and contemporary fashion boutiques that you won't find anywhere else in the world.
What to see
Stockholm City Hall
One of the city's most famous landmarks, the city hall on the island of Kungsholmen was designed by architect Ragnar Oestberg and opened in 1923. A great example of National Romanticism, the building houses offices for politicians and officials, as well as grand assembly rooms and numerous works of art. Its Blue Hall is the venue of the annual Nobel banquet, while its Golden Hall with its 18 million gold mosaic tiles hosts the after dinner ball for Nobel Prize recipients, royalty and guests. Take a guided tour of the building and climb up inside the tower for fantastic views of the city.
The Royal Palace
One of the largest palaces in Europe, the 600-room Royal Palace in Gamla Stan is the official residence of the Swedish monarch. The palace stands on the site of the Tre Kronor castle, which was burned down in 1697. Completed in 1760, it is open to the public and houses a range of visitor attractions, including five museums that exhibit a host of priceless national treasures. The daily changing of the guard at the palace is a sight worth waiting for.
Drottningholm Palace
Take a day trip to Drottningholm to experience the royal family's private residence, with its beautiful park, its perfectly preserved 18th century theatre and its exotic Chinese Pavilion - an unmissable World Heritage Site.
The Vasa Museum
Located on the green island of Djurgarden, the Vasa is reportedly the most visited museum in Scandinavia. Opened in 1990, it is a maritime museum specially built to display the only almost fully intact 17th century ship in the world, from which it takes its name. The 69 metre long warship sank on its maiden voyage in 1628 and was salvaged more than three centuries later. It took nearly half a century to restore the ship to its original glory, but it now stands at the centre of the Vasa Museum, adorned with hundreds of carved sculptures.
Skansen open-air museum
Also on Djurgarden, Skansen is a favourite family destination, consisting of an open-air museum and the Stockholm Zoo. Here you will find a full replica of an average 19th century Swedish town, complete with farms, houses, craft shops, a church and people in period clothes demonstrating traditional skills. The zoo contains mostly animals native to Scandinavia, such as moose, bears, lynxes, wolves, red foxes and seals. Skansen also features restaurants and cafes, and in summer it hosts folk dancing and music concerts.
Nationalmuseum
There's no better place to explore Sweden's famed obsession with design than the Nationalmuseum in Stockholm. Located in Stromkajen, this is the largest, most important museum of art and design in Sweden. Its vast collection includes works by Rembrandt, Rubens, Goya, Renoir and Degas alongside Sweden's most prominent artists such as Carl Larsson, Hanna Pauli, Anders Zorn and Bruno Liljefors. Of special interest is the permanent Modern Design exhibition, which includes furniture and ceramics.
Where to stay
Hotel Rival (www.rival.se) is a hip, 99-room boutique hotel owned by former ABBA star Benny Andersson. Situated in one of the city's most beautiful squares, Mariatorget, the hotel is just a ten-minute walk from Gamla Stan. Prices start from £117 per night.
Another popular hotel is the 135-year-old Grand Hotel Stockholm (www.grandhotel.se), which boasts a splendid waterfront location opposite the Royal Palace and 368 super-luxurious rooms. Its guests range from royalty and heads of state to artists and Nobel Prize laureates. Prices start from £234 per night.
How to get there
Scandinavian Airlines (www.flysas.co.uk) offer regular flights from Manchester to Stockholm. For a range of other flights available from Manchester to Stockholm visit www.manchesterairport.co.uk.