A scheduled air destination, cheap flights to Stockholm rely on airline promotions and seasonal off-peak discount airline tickets, like an excursion fare where you must stay over a Saturday night.

Shopping:

Stockholm isn't the cheapest place you'll shop, but the emphasis is on quality, functionality and design. In addition there are all the usual international names to chose from, as well as all the well known Swedish brands.

Recommended Stores - Biblioteksgatan, Nk Ahlens and PUB sell designer wear and goods at tax free prices. Try the indoor markets with a rich selection of Swedish food. The oldest, Ostermalmshallen, has been established for over a hundred years. Newest arrivals are Hotorgshallen, Soderhallarna and Kopmangatan. The old town has many antiquity shops and cafes.

Best Buys - IKEA, Swedish crystal, designer labels and furniture.

Opening Times - 10.00 to 18.00 hrs, Mon - Fri, 10.00 to 14.00 hrs Sat. Department stores are generally open from 10.00 - 16.00 hrs on Sundays

Sightseeing Attractions:

It's worth considering buying the Stockholm Tourist Card. It is the official guide and gives free entry to 70 museums and attractions, as well as free parking and free travel on the local travel network. Prices per adult ais Kr199 and Kr40 per child for 24 hours, or Kr500 and Kr110 for 72 hours respectively.

Palaces - a must is the Royal Palace with its history and Royal traditions, plus the opportunity to explore the Armoury and the Royal Coin Collection Cabinet. The Museum of National Antiquities has a further collection of gold coins to view.

Museums - the world famous Vasa Museum exhibits the restored old warship 'Vasa', which sank in 1628.

The Swedish Museum of Natural History - planetarium shows and nature films for kids of all ages.

Art Galleries -The National Museum of Art, Millesgarden, Liljevalch Art Gallery, Prince Eugen's Waldermarsudde Art Museum and the Museum of Modern Art all display a comprehensive range of traditional and contemporary arts.

Sightseeing - try travelling the city by boat and explore Swedish architecture at its best.

Recommended Entertainment:

Theatres - for classical performances try the historical Dramaten Theatre of Drottningholm Palace, which is considered the best preserved palace theatre in the world, boasting original decor and 18th century stage machinery. The Palace Gala at Ulriksdal stages outdoor summer concerts within its beautiful surroundings.

Outdoors - throughout the year there are many sporting events and festivals.

Bars - the bars around around Stureplan and on Sodermalm are guaranteed to be buzzing. There's always loud music at Sophie's Bar and O-baren. Folkhemmet is a mecca for trend setters and the bar at Koh Phangan is often packed with a party crowd. For a more relaxed atmosphere try the bars at Gamla Stan, Bistro Ruby and Marten

Trotzig - all make a good night out for relaxed conversational evenings.

Clubs - the best clubs are around the area of Stureplan where clubbers can dance into the early hours (5 a.m.) Be prepared to queue outside for a long time at the weekends to get in. Sturecompagniet and Cafe Opera are two well known established clubs. The Spy Bar is currently the place to be seen with local celebrities.

Eating Out - A wide variety of restaurants, ranging from world famous gourmet to small eateries. A must to eat is the local pickled and smoked fish, Swedish crisp breads, cheeses, meatballs and much more. Most restaurants serve the traditional set meal "Dagen" between 11.00 - 13.00 hours at around Kr 45/65. Alternatively try Indian, Thai, Japanese and American cuisine at restaurants around the city. The Streplan and Sodermalm area are worth a visit and Lloc at 33 Bergsgatan is one of seven restaurants within the city to acclaim Michelin status.

Local Transport :
* Buses/Subways/Local Trains - one ticket adult - Kr 70, child - Kr 40, 72-hour SL card available, Adult -Kr 135, child - Kr 80.
* Taxis - always agree on fare in advance - many companies have fixed fares.