A flight to Stockholm takes visitors to one of Europe's most beautiful cities. The island-based Scandinavian capital boasts hip bars, fashionable locals and an increasingly thriving restaurant scene.

Things to do

Excellent galleries are clustered on Skeppsholmen while museums are concentrated around Djurgården – pick up a ticket to Stockholm's high-tech Vasa Museum. For breathtaking views, hot air balloon rides offer flights over Stockholm's city landmarks.

Shopping

A return flight from Stockholm is often laden with elegant frocks from Östermalm, vintage finds from Hornstull and high street items from Drottninggatan. Stockholm, however, is most famous for its homeware designs.

Restaurants

Seafood lovers travel to Stockholm for simple and effortlessly pleasing dishes. The most spectacular restaurants are concentrated around Östermalm and tend to have an international flavour. The thriving café culture here is also well worth sampling – try cinnamon buns in Gamla Stan or Hornstull.

Nightlife

Stockholm's cutting-edge music and countless club nights cater to a range of tastes. For dressed-up dancing, head to Östermalm. Cool bars packed with arty types fill SoFo. For a more classical night out, buy a Royal Stockholm Philharmonic ticket.

When to go

KLM has frequent flights to Stockholm. A city break in summer means endless opportunities for swimming in the city's sparklingly clean water – book your ticket to Stockholm to coincide with Midsummer's Day. The Christmas markets, St Lucia festivities and inevitable snow make December a picturesque experience.