WITH ITS arresting cocktail of cobblestoned charm and effortless modern style, the Swedish capital is every bit the Scandinavian hotspot its reputation would have you believe.
Stockholm is renowned for its stunning architecture, matched by the locals who frequent the urban hub.
The endlessly inviting streets are riddled with character and history, which never fail to lure thousands of tourists each year.
Despite its immense popularity of the city its authenticity remains largely unscathed, and the area very easy to explore.
Spread across 14 islands connected by almost 60 bridges, the city area is still compact and easy to get around either by foot or bicycle.
And you certainly won't be stuck for places to stay. From designer boutique hotels to budget-friendly hostels, the Swedish capital offers something for every accommodation preference.
If you're looking to splash out, the Lydmar Hotel is situated in the heart of Stockholm, boasting the Royal Castle and National Museum as its 'closest neighbours'.
To soak up the city's unrivalled sense of style, the effortlessly trendy Ett Hem prides itself on its impeccable elegance and welcoming atmosphere. Be sure to book in advance though, as there are only 12 rooms at any time.
To orientate yourself on arrival, nothing beats a guided walking tour and Stockholm has many to choose from.
Free walking tours depart daily from the city centre with Stockholm Free Tour. The company also offers private guided tours, if you'd rather something more intimate.
If you're looking to familiarse yourself with a specific area, the Stockholm Old Town Walking Tour takes you through the charming streets of the historic old town from €16.
For the foodies, the Stockholm Old Town Culinary Walking Tour is a must-do. For €55, you'll spend three hours getting a taste of Sweden, and walking off each course to make room for the next.
Whichever way you choose to see the city, be sure to get a sample of each of Stockholm's five boroughs, which all have an entirely unique energy.
Södermalm is know for its relaxed and creative atmosphere. With a unique combination of shops, galleries and vintage stores, it's the perfect spot to wander through to get the creative juices flowing or people watch with a good book. Its neighbour, Kungsholmen, also boasts a relaxed vibe for a lazy Sunday morning.
Smaller but by no means lacking influence, the Östermalm district is regarded one of the more glamorous parts of town. And of course the city centre, Norrmalm, should be wandered through at leisure.
Stockholm's historic old town, Gamla Stan, cannot be missed for history buffs and curious visitors alike.
Getting to the city is easy, there are a variety of transport modes available. If coming from any of Sweden's Nordic neighbours, ScandinavianRail offer a variety of ticketing options.
If you prefer to fly and can be relatively flexible with dates, Skyscanner's view monthly tool helps to keep track of when prices are peaking and dropping. If you're organised enough, you can even set up an email alert to notify you when the price of certain flights change.