Johanna Jackson

Sure, there’s always ABBA, Avicii and Zara Larsson, but if a Stockholmer gets sentimental, he or she might burst into the ’90s Lasse Berghagen song ‘Stockholm i mitt hjärta’. The song, which translates to ‘Stockholm in My Heart’, is a love letter to the city, celebrating its beauty with its golden Nordic light and its ‘perfect mixture of sweet and salt’. But it’s not only the salty sea of the archipelago or Swedes’ obsession with fika and candy that gives the city its unique appeal. It’s that distinct blend of restrained Nordic minimalism alongside a restless pursuit of the future. It’s the cool pubs, bistros and thrift stores of Södermalm; the glitzy floating bars at Strandvägen and Strömkajen with their sun-drenched patios; and the buzzing backstreets of downtown Norrmalm and Stureplan, where Michelin restaurants and high-end eateries blend with fashionable shopping streets and nightclubs. Here are 19 essential things to do, see and eat in the stunning Scandinavian capital – enough to make you want to join in the serenade. Some of our Stockholm highlights  Take a stroll on Stockholm's most beautiful street, Strandvägen Or do your own walking sight seeing tour around the Heights of Söder Scream your lungs out and smell the flowers at Djurgården  Watch world-class photography at Fotografiska  Take a boat trip to the nearest Stockholm archipelago Island  Have a red velvet croissant at Mr Cake – one of the city’s best ‘fika’ places  Find Stockholm's best place for boule – Swed