Set on a magnificent archipelago at the point where the waters of Malaren (Lake Malar) rush into the Baltic, Stockholm is a city of impressive beauty both natural and man-made. Despite the fact that almost 1.6 million people live on the Stockholm’s 14 islands, it retains the feel of a relaxed almost pastoral city, filled with bridges, towers and steeples, cobbled squares, beautiful parks and anglers catching salmon right in the centre of the city.

However, modern Stockholm is a bustling business hub for the entire Baltic region. Steel-and-glass skyscrapers abound, the city's stylish bars, clubs and pavement cafes buzz with activity on into the small hours throughout the almost endless days of bright summer sunshine. Stockholm has almost as many restaurants as Paris and a night in the hotspots of Stureplan should be enough to satisfy even the most demanding clubber. At the same time you are never more than five minutes' walk from twisting medieval streets and waterside promenades.

Although the city was founded more than 7 centuries ago, it did not become the official capital of Sweden until the mid-17th century, when Sweden was an imperial power. The Vasa monarchs left Stockholm with a Baroque magnificence that would grace a far grander setting than today's peaceful capital of a small Nordic nation: splendid palaces, gold and ironwork, dignified ceremonial and rich royal collections, numerous museums and galleries. Baroque monumental stucco blends beautifully with the colourful plastered walls of the medieval Old Town. The clear northern light falling across these surfaces, especially during the endless northern summer evenings, is a unique and unforgettable view.

In the cold winters, Stockholm's canals make for excellent ice skating and is a favourite of both locals and visitors. Cycling is also popular in Stockholm; its roads and walkways seem to be almost designed with the cyclist in mind.