From its 1874 opening, Grand Hotel InterContinental Stockholm has been Sweden's leading luxury hotel. Royalty, heads of state, celebrities and Nobel laureates make themselves at home in sumptuous waterfront surroundings near the Royal Palace...more
The biggest tourist attraction in Stockholm is the city itself. Looking out in the early morning over the islands, water and surrounding hills from one of the city's many bridges is a world-beating experience.
But Stockholm is not simply a vision of timeless beauty. Stockholm is also smart and trendy. Only the really large international metropolises are able to compare favorably with Stockholm for their 'coolness' and artistic flair. The city's restaurateurs, designers and musicians and the never-ending stream of fashionable people through the city centre are continually on the lookout for the very latest trends.
The large island of Södermalm is the haunt of, and home to, young creative people. In the old working-class quarters here small shops and alternative bars flourish; and trend-setters and bohemians meet in the area around Götgatsbacken, Skånegatan and SoFo (south of Folkungagatan). Gamla stan (Old Town) is the very foundation and centre of Stockholm.
As early as the 13th century the town began to grow on this small island. Nowadays the antique façades, mediaeval cellar-vaults, souvenir shops and restaurants draw tourists from Sweden and around the world.
The heart of modern Stockholm is to be found in the City and the pulse is fastest in the area around Stureplan. This hub is a magnet for the most important restaurants, the most expensive shops and the trendiest people. Kungsgatan and Hamngatan then cut through the City past the large department stores towards the focal points for Stockholm's public transport.
