Elegant and intriguing?this is Stockholm, one of the most famous cities in Sweden. It is the center of fashion, commerce, and politics. Stockholm is the capital of Sweden and the home of the Swedish monarch as well as the Swedish Parliament.

History of Stockholm

Stockholm's history dates back to the 1500s, when the first record of the city was found. Early Stockholm was a center for the iron trade. The city's name is thought to be derived from the small islet on the center of the city and is believed to be founded by Birger Jarl. The city rose to prominence with the start of the trade of the Hanseatic League and when it started forging strong economic linkages with neighboring trading outputs. The city's population, however, did not reach unprecedented growth until after the Stockholm Bloodbath in 1600. By the 1700s, Stockholm had grown into a major European power.

Popular events and attractions in Stockholm

Stockholm is popular among tourists for its Scandinavian architecture, fairy tale towers interspersed in a modern jungle along with contemporary buildings of glass and steel. The Old Stockholm is carefully preserved in the city's Old Quarter in Gamla Stan. Nights in Stockholm are made more magical by the lights in the city's waterways. Most attractions sit on the heart of the inner city, where the best shopping outlets and residences of Stockholm's rich are located. Gamla Stan is located in the southern inner city. Here you can find the Swedish Royal Palace and the Swedish Parliament.

From popular beach events and casual strolls beside the famous Stockholm waterways to stops at the citys quaint or modern restaurants and bars, visitors of Stockholm will not run out of things to do. Stockholm is the center for food, fashion, and entertainment, as well as cultural attractions such as the Maria Magdalene Church for a brief spell of rejuvenation, or World Heritage Sites like the Royal Palace Drottningholm, Birka and Hovg?rden Viking-Age trading sites, as well as the Skogskyrkog?rden (woodland cemetery). Specialty food places such as vegetarian restaurants are establishments that one should never miss on a visit to the Stockholm.

Peak tourist season in Stockholm

The peak tourist season in Stockholm occurs from mid-May to mid-September. Planning for a trip to Stockholm, including flights, air travel, and accommodations for hotels is essential, simply because Stockholm is one of the most expensive cities in Sweden. If you want to visit the city during the tourist seasons, book your flights and travel accommodations well in advance to avoid running out of accommodation options. You can also opt to go during the off-peak seasons, where air travel rates and hotel accommodation rates are lower. Tourists are also minimal during the off-peak seasons, so you have a better chance of having the city all to yourself, minus the crowd of people.

Accommodations in Stockholm hotels

You have a variety of choices for accommodations in Stockholm. Despite the expense, Stockholm is also friendly to backpacking travelers. Swedish hostels abound in the city, with prices for a room a fraction of what a hotel will cost.

Food and restaurants to offer the best of Swedish cuisine

Swedish cuisine is distinctive because of various regional differences. Dishes in the far-north are famous for their deer and game dishes, while the cuisine in the South typically features dishes with fresh vegetables. Swedish food is typically centered on dairy products and vegetables. Potatoes are a popular side dish in most Swedish food. Swedish restaurants traditionally serve cuisines that are heavily influenced by the French. Must-visit Swedish restaurants are those that arefamous for their class, elegance, and multi-awarded chefs. There also restaurants that double as a bar and beerhouse and offer affordable prices.