Stockholm is the capital of Sweden and one of the more attractive European capital cities. Made up of about 14 islands, Stockholm has often been called the "Venice of the North" as one third of the city’s area is composed of water. Stockholm was destined to become a great city just based on its strategic location, where Lake Malaren flows into the Baltic Sea. This location proved to be crucial in the city’s development, allowing the early settlers to tax all merchants sailing in and out of the lake and turning Stockholm into an important trading hub. Stockholm now claims a population of 1.3 million people.

Stockholm has grown since those days, where now it can boast as the most visited city in Scandinavia and for good reason. Stockholm has an endless array of activities that are sure to keep the whole family entertained. Culture vultures will be satisfied around ever corner of Stockholm, including the subway stations. Over 90 of the 100 metro stops contain paintings, murals, mosaics, sculptures, gardens and even ponds and springs from 140 artists, adding to the uniqueness of the city.

The subway is just a taste of the culture that Stockholm has to offer. The best way to see some of this culture and learn about the city is to take an open top boat tour through the city. The boat ride allows guests to hop on and off at their discretion to explore the city and then get back on the boat and continue the tour. This option allows the traveler to explore at their own leisure and not be confined to tight schedules and itineraries. For people looking to stay ashore and still experience Stockholm can partake in a horse and carriage tour through the cobblestone streets of the Old Town.

Kids will be entertained on a trip to Junibacken, a fantasy experience based on the stories of Astrid Lindgren, best known for creating Pippi Longstocking. Here the kids can take a ride on the Story Train, which takes you through a journey of Astrid Lindgren’s exciting characters and stories in a narrated train ride. Families will also enjoy a trip to Grona Lund Tivoli, an amusement park with rides designed for the entire family.

Stockholm also boasts an exciting nightlife once the children have been put to bed. The nightlife on Sodermalm Island on the south side of town rivals that of anywhere else in Europe. Sodermalm caters to the more relaxed crowd while Ostermalm on the east, caters to the more chic and trendy crowd. However there are bars and clubs located throughout the city, these areas feature more of the popular watering holes.