Discover Stockholm, The Capital Of Scandinavia

Stockholm is a beautiful destination and has lots of unique sights that will fascinate and captivate any first-time visitor. Art, music, architecture, shopping, scenery, and some of the most modern accommodation options are available. The city has an energy and buzz about it along with a sense of history and plenty of trendy and chic places to try traditional Swedish cuisine.

Flying into the Swedish capital you are struck instantly by how it looks like no other city you've ever seen as it seems to float over 14 separate islands, once you land you'll soon discover how much of city life is centered around the water. A destination of diversity with castles and medieval architecture alongside contemporary buildings, it has a dynamic pub scene, and original fashion and designs to spend your money on.

Ensure you visit the oldest part of Stockholm, Gamla Stan, and its tiny neighbour Riddarholmen. Here you'll see the Royal Palace where the changing of the Guards is a sight to behold. There are plenty of budget hotels in the city centre and surrounding islands, including hostels if you're planning on a backpacking trip. Otherwise consider renting an apartment in the city centre as a base and then explore a different part of the city every day so you don't miss any of this fascinating place. An apartment allows you to meet the locals and taste Swedish life that's just not possible when staying in a hotel with other tourists. It's possible to take a different boat trip every day - the perfect way to discover Stockholm and remain relaxed and calm.

The city is renowned as having one of Europe's most vibrant and exhilarating cuisine's and the great thing about it is that whatever the state of your finances, whether you eat at budget places or fine dining the food is delicious. You can dine well anywhere in the city and not only Swedish food, there's also a good selection of international and ethnic restaurants.

Although you don't hear about Stockholm in the same way you hear of Barcelona and London as clubbing destinations, the night scene is lively and constant, there is somewhere to go every night, all year round, and the partying never stops. Each district attracts a different kind of clientele from Södermalm with its trendy, youthful crowd to the larger better-known establishments located in the precinct around Kungsträdgården and Berzelii Park.

The Hives, The Cardigans, Mando Diao, ABBA, Ace of Base and Roxette are just some of the musicians and bands to have come out of Sweden and live music venues can be found everywhere around the city.

A leading design centre, in a contemporary and traditional sense, the city offers an exciting and diverse shopping experience. Östermalm is similar to Knightsbridge in London and the major luxury goods brands and boutiques are clustered around Birger Jarlsgatan, Biblioteksgatan, Nybrogatan, Östermalmstorg and Stureplan. You'll find all the latest designer brands here including Louis Vuitton, Armani, Boss, Guess, and Gucci along with top Swedish brands, J Lindberg, Anna Holtblad, Filippa K, Peak and Northface.

If you're interested in buying Swedish art glass and crystal from the famous designers Orrefors and Kosta Boda then head to Kungsgatan and Birger Jarlsgatan where there's a massive selection to choose from. Design is inherent with Sweden, check out Östermalm, the Swedish, Nordic and international furniture designs from Asplund and Nordiska Galleriet and Svenskt Tenn on Strandvägen features classic and contemporary Swedish furniture and textiles many by the celebrated Austrian-Swedish designer Josef Frank.

International visitors use Stockholm as a base from which to travel around the archipelago, catch a boat from Strömkajen which leave regularly during the summer months to a number of islands. There are 3 boat routes that tour the area, the northern routes go through Roslagen to reach Fejan and Idö, or go even further out to RödlögaSvartlöga. The middle route crosses the islands of Grinda, Möja and Ingmarsö, whilst the southern route takes you out to the high seas and all the way to Utö, Fjärdlång and Ornö. Some of the boats are designed in the traditional style and there are old steamers too so a trip is atmospheric and can be romantic too.

Mathieu Quintart writes articles about Cocoon Stockholm, the online booking agency for an enjoyable stay in Stockholm that offers you an excellent alternative to hotels, renting a room, apartment or Archipelago House Stockholm. For high-quality Stockholm Apartments, Cocoon Stockholm provides an extensive assortment of both luxury accommodations and Cheap Apartments Stockholm, visiting each apartment offered on their website personally to assure you get the best.

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