Must-see in Stockholm: a first-timer's guide

A brief history Stockholm was founded around 1250 on the islands where Lake Malaren meets the Baltic, controlling trade in and out of central Sweden. It became the capital of a great power in the 17th century, then industrialised late and quietly, avoiding both world wars. Twentieth-century social planning and a strong design tradition produced today's clean, water-surrounded city spread across fourteen islands. 10 must-see attractions 1. Gamla Stan — the ochre-coloured medieval old town of narrow lanes and the Stortorget square. 2. Vasa Museum — a 17th-century warship raised almost intact from the harbour mud. 3. Royal Palace — one of Europe's largest palaces, with the daily changing of the guard. 4. Skansen — the world's oldest open-air museum, plus Nordic wildlife. 5. ABBA The Museum — interactive pop history on the museum island of Djurgarden. 6. City Hall — the Nobel banquet hall and a tower climb over the water. 7. Fotografiska — a leading contemporary photography gallery with a top-floor view. 8. Stockholm metro art — stations carved and painted like underground caves. 9. Archipelago boat trip — 30,000 islands, with Vaxholm and Fjaderholmarna the easiest visits. 10. Sodermalm — hilltop viewpoints, vintage shops and the city's best coffee. Tip: a boat ticket often beats the bus for both views and speed.