Stockholm, Sweden, Is a Place Of Remarkable Beauty, Extraordinary Culture And Unparalleled Grandeur   by Andrew Regan

Stockholm is renowned as one of the most beautiful capitals in the world. Built atop 14 islands around one of Europe's largest and best preserved medieval city centres, Stockholm has a historic and cultural magnificence which is virtually unrivalled in northern Europe. Stockholm retains all the advantages of a big city, yet possesses all the charms of a small town. The city offers a multitude of national cultural institutions - from a wealth of fine museums and theatres to exciting attractions and events for visitors to experience. And due to the city's compact layout, tourists can see and do a great deal in a short amount of time; this makes Stockholm an ideal holiday destination for weekend breaks or extended stays. What's more, Stockholm offers something different each season - so the city is worth visiting at any time of year.

Stockholm is a visually stunning city: its water bodies, green belt and stunning architectural landscape make up equal thirds of the city, ensuring amazing views in every direction. Take a tour along Stockholm's countless waterways, stroll through the narrow, medieval streets of Gamla Stan (the 'Old Town'), or simply take delight in its fairy tale palaces. Stockholm's architecture is truly remarkable, with well-preserved medieval structures sitting alongside modern buildings: visit the Storkyrkan Cathedral, the Royal Castle, Stockholm City Hall and the 13th century Riddarholmskyrkan, which is the oldest building in Stockholm.

The city boasts over one hundred museums and collections of various faculties, including technology, history, art, music, architecture and nature. Among the most popular are Skansen, an open air museum and zoological park, the Museum of Modern Art and the Swedish National Museum of Fine Art, which holds over 45,000 pieces of art and is Sweden's largest collection. Moreover, children will take delight in various attractions such as the toy museum, Skansen's aquarium and various maritime museums. With so much to offer, it's no surprise that over 9 million people visit Stockholm's museums each year.

Enjoy all the entertainment that Stockholm has to offer, from fantastic shopping opportunities to an evening at the theatre. The biggest shopping districts stretch from Hötorget to Gamla Stan, and from Hamngatan, Kungsgatan and Biblioteksgaten to Stureplan. Stockholm is often used as a retail test market by many international companies, as its residents are usually quick to pick up on the latest trends. This is most apparent on the island of Sodermalm, a hub of fashion, culture and entertainment. And when it comes to dining and nightlife, Stockholm is sure to impress; you'll find a range of vibrant restaurants, cafes, bars, pubs and clubs in the city centre and beyond. Stockholm also has a range of theatres to visit: the Royal Dramatic Theatre and the Royal Swedish Opera are among Europe's most renowned theatrical venues.

If you love city settings but enjoy a bit of peace and quiet from time to time, head to one of Stockholm's various botanical gardens, national parks and natural preserves. The island of Djurgarden, which is the world's first National City Park, happens to be a short distance from the city centre - so it's easy for you to read a book, take a stroll or simply relax in serene surroundings. The nature enthusiast is also sure to take delight in Stockholm's stunning archipelago seascape - one of the most spectacular in the world - which comprises 24,000 islands, islets and rocks.

If you're planning to travel to Stockholm, you'll find typically Scandinavian hotels in close proximity to the city's top attractions; and if you're travelling on business, you'll find suitable accommodation within Stockholm's business district or near the international airport. Regardless of whether you plan to travel to Stockholm for business or pleasure, this gem of a city is guaranteed to provide you with a truly unique experience.

About the author: Andrew Regan is a keen sportsman playing rugby during the winter and cricket during the summer.
 

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