Vikings and Volvos

If ever a people were universally cool (not to mention strikingly gorgeous) it’s the Swedes. The kings and queens of clean lines and hip functionality (think IKEA, Volvo and Absolut) the Viking descendants have definitely got it right (well, Abba aside…).

No big surprise then that Sweden’s capital city is a splendid place full of friendly people, fabulous food and some winning sights. And the best bit is that it’s actually an archipelago with countless gorgeous islands to explore and bridges to cross.

Our insider tips? Skip all the usual tourist attractions excepting the Vasa Museum and City Hall. The former houses a near complete preserved wreck of an early 17th century ship and tells the fascinating story of its wreck, excavation and preservation; the latter is a majestic monument to Swedish prowess – truly awe-inspiring.

Then head for the back streets of the city’s old town, Gamla Stan. While the main drags are cluttered with Viking statues and meatball touting restaurants, the smaller winding alleys house artisans’ shops, renowned restaurants (try the ‘5 houses’) and some beautiful old churches.

Fancy a meal? Check out Riche in Stureplan for swanky Swedish-Mediterranean cuisine or pop into one of the ubiquitous hole-in-the-wall sushi bars for some of the best raw fish you’ll ever taste. No really, it’s melt-in-your-mouth AMAZING. Sweden and sushi: a match made in heaven.

And then of course there’s the nightlife. Let’s just say the Swedes know how to party and if you make some friends, don’t expect to leave them till well after dawn, having danced the night away and finished off with a hearty breakfast.

So if you’re looking for a stylish city break, look north (though you might want to wait a month or two while the temperatures creep slowly upward).

Sarah Eno