While the accommodations available in Stockholm range in price and type, from budget hostels to luxury hotels, they share the common traits of Scandinavian functionality and sensibilities.

Located across the water from the Royal Palace, the Grand Hotel is 4-star in every way; it is incredibly comfortable, has outstanding service, and all the amenities you could ask for. All of the rooms are luxuriously appointed and the friendly staff is so relaxed and doting, which provides guests with a real sense of at-home comfort.

The Columbus, located in bustling Sodermalm, provides a welcome respite from the urban chaos of the district. The historic building features expose beams, hardwood flooring, and colourful decor. It is close enough to all of the excitement of the area, but also peaceful enough to escape it.

Modern decorative touches mixed with fluffy furnishings make Rival a standout among Stockholm hotels. The rooms are almost too comfortable, but if you do decide to venture outside of it, you will find the hotel equipped with a movie theater, bakery, restaurant, and a stylish bar.

Hotel Stureplan is the perfect combination of old world architecture and modern design. The 18th century mansion features crisp, clean, and functional architectural designs. Choose from sumptuous “classic” rooms or more minimally-designed lofts.

Traditional Scandinavian fare along with innovative vegetarian and seafood offerings give visitors to Stockholm a good variety of dining options to choose from.

Vegetarians and omnivores alike will marvel at the buffet-style offerings at Hermans. Views from the glassed-in deck showcase the harbour, and make for a delightful experience for all of the senses.

Fredsgatan 12 is pricey, but totally worth the experience. Utilizing a Farmer’s Almanac from 1666 to select ingredients, the 11-course tasting menu is not to be passed up. The service and the setting are also impeccable.

To sample the simple and tasty local cuisine, dine at the award-winning Mathias Dahlgren. The ambience is very elegant and the food is some of the best that you will taste in all of Stockholm.

Each of Stockholm’s islands have a distinct flair, attitude, and history. From the medieval architecture of Gamla Stan to the lovely green spaces of Djurgarden to the hipster attitude of Sodermalm to the chic and upscale sensibilities of Ostermalm, you can pick your unique Stockholm experience from day to day.

A must-see in Stockholm is the Kungliga Slottet, or the Royal Palace. Visit the State apartments for a tour of the Gobelin tapestries, the Treasury has the crown jewels on display, and the Royal Armoury showcases weaponry.

The Nationalmuseum features the finest examples of Nordic and Scandinavian art, including several works by Rembrandt. The Moderna Museet showcases woks by Picasso, Dali, and Kandinsky. And for a unique museum experience, visit Skansen, the world’s first open-air museum.

Enjoy the beautiful scenery of Rosendals Tragarden, where you can pick flowers, explore the gardens, and dine on tasty items crafted from locally grown ingredients.

Tour the architecturally impressive Stadhuset (city hall), and marvel at the Riddarholmskyran, the Grey Friars monastery, which dates back to 1270.

Summer is the most ideal time to visit Stockholm. Summertime temperatures average about 70 degree fahrenheit. The nights can become chilly, though, sometimes dropping 10-20 degrees.

Winters are very cold, but conditions are perfect for those who enjoy winter sports such as skiing. Fall and spring are lovely in Stockholm, warmer than winter, and a touch chillier than summer.