Stockholm 

Stockholm is built on the shores of Lake Malaren where it joins the Baltic Sea, as a result over 30% of the city area is made up of waterways and another 30% is made up of parks and green spaces, in contrast of many capital cities!  

What to see in Stockholm

Old Town - the city's oldest section is called "Gamla Stan" - located on the original small islands of the city's earliest settlements and still featuring the medieval street layout. Stortorget is a large square at the heart of the area which is overlooked by many colourful 13th century buildings. Mårten Trotzigs Gränd is a narrow alley in the Old Town - in places it is less than a metre wide. 

The Stockholm Palace - is the official residence and major and royal palace of the Swedish monarch, King Carl XVI Gustaf; it adjoins the Old Town area.

Church of St. Nicholas - most commonly known as Storkyrkan (The Great Church) is the oldest church in Gamla Stan. It is an important example of Swedish Brick Gothic dating from around 1270.

Skeppsbron - is the old quay area of Stockholm (most often seen in photos of the city) it dates from around 1630. 

The Riksdag Building - is the home of the Swedish parliament.

The Drottningholm Palace - is the residence of the Swedish royal family and is open to visitors at certain times. The palace dates from the 16th century and is a World Heritage Site.

Stockholm City Hall - is an iconic building that stands on the waterfront on Kungsholmen Island. The tower has 365 steps (and a lift) and provides panoramic views of the city from the top. The building is where the Noble Prize presentations take place. 

Nationalmuseum - is the location of Stockholm's collection of old masters and includes many Swedish artists. 

The Museum of Modern Art - contains the city's collection of modern art.

The Vasa Museum - the museum displays the only almost fully intact 17th century ship that has ever been salvaged, the 64-gun warship Vasa that sank on her maiden voyage in 1628; it is located on the island of Djurgården, Stockhom. 

Gröna Lund - is a small amusement park located on the seaward side of the Djurgården island in central Stockholm. It has around 30 rides as well as cafes and shops.