Stockholm is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. It is built on 14 islands at a point where Lake Malaren meets the Baltic sea. One third of the area within the city limits is made up of water while another comprises parks and woodlands including the world's first urban park with swimming and fishing just minutes from the city centre. Broad boulevards lined with elegant buildings sit comfortably with cobbled allyways, antique painted houses and brightly coloured houseboats on the many waterfronts. The modern centre of Stockholm is filled with stylish shops, bars and restaurants and though it often presents a bustling spactacle, there always seems to be plenty of elbow room or a seat on the metro. Here is also the high-tec commercial hub of the city with many futuristic skyscrapers.
Stockholm sits in a unique geographical location where water is everywhere, the archipeligo alone consists of 24,000 islands. Many of the islands are easily accessible from the city and are popular summer retreats for the city dwellers.
Particularly attractive to first time visitor is Old Stockholm - Gamla Stan, a history riddled cluster of 17th and 18th century buildings backed by narrow cobbled alley and hidden squares. It was in this area in 1255 that Birger Jarl erected fortifications that probably heralded the beginning of the city. Stockholm may mean "island cleared of trees". A taste of Stockholm's past can be had at the excellent Medeltidsmuseum at the northern end of the two bridges. Here, it's also possible to visit the Royal Palace, the Parliament buildings and the cathedral.
It would be pretentious to imagine that I could even start to describe all that is worthy of visiting in Stockholm. The Rough Guide to Sweden can be thoroughly recommended, and of course visit Stockholm's web site and Tourist Centre (info@svb.stockholm.se) as a starting points to further information.