World Wings: Stockholm

Stockholm Sweden

Sweden's capital - a Nordic vision of waterways, parks and spire-filled skylines - is rightly celebrated as one of the most attractive cities in Europe. Spread across no fewer than 14 islands and surrounded by literally thousands of smaller, rocky islets, it blends the drama and open skies of Scandinavia with the energy, dynamism and urban cool of Western Europe. The soul of the place lies in its many facets: the stucco walls of the Old Town, the contemporary pulse of the galleries, the consumerist hum of the shopping districts, the deep tranquillity of the parklands, the thumping bass of the nightlife and, increasingly, the gourmet allure of the restaurants. Stockholm's location on the shores of the Baltic Sea means seasonal variations hit hard, and many locals will tell you that the only thing to rival the beauty of a summer's evening in Stockholm is the winter charm of its frozen lakes and snow-fringed skylines. It's certainly true that Stockholm's unique character is a major reason for its popularity among travellers and, in a continent where charismatic urban destinations are plentiful, it says a lot that the city's cultural scene is vibrant enough to rival anywhere else in northern Europe. In addition to its exhibitions, museums and concerts, it's also a deeply romantic setting in which to spend a long weekend - you'd have to be hard-hearted not to fall for the mix of preserved medieval architecture, sweeping water vistas and consistently intense nightlife. Most importantly though, it's worth emphasising just how much this is a city apart. It's the most populated urban area in Scandinavia, yet two thirds of it are still made up of water and greenery. And if this doesn't seem likely, well, you've got the perfect excuse to go and check.

Recommended airport

Stockholm (STO)