Stockholm is an easy city for tourists to navigate, as its centre is largely flat and strolling around is a pleasure. For journeys further afield, there is an excellent public transport system with trams, underground trains, buses and ferries servicing all areas of the city and the surrounding towns and villages.

The focus of Stockholm sightseeing is around the Gamla Stan (or Old Town), which boasts many historical buildings, tourist shops and cafes, as well as the impressive Royal Palace - the largest royal palace still in use in the world. North of the Old Town is the main part of the more modern city, whose districts are home to numerous attractions, such as the impressive City Hall, the Museum of National Antiquities and the Strindberg Museum.

Across the water, via ferry, is Djurgården - a playground with a funfair park, Stockholm Zoo and Sweden's most visited museum, the Vasa Museum, which is home to a 17th-century galleon that has been impressively raised from the chill waters of Stockholm's harbour.

Many museums are closed on Mondays. The city has recently gained a reputation for stylish shops, bars and restaurants, making it the Scandinavian capital of cool. Beyond the centre of the city, some 24,000 islands and rocky islets in the Stockholm Archipelago wait to be explored.

Stockholm Tourist Centre
Sverigehuset (Sweden House), Hamngatan 27
Tel: (08) 5082 8508.
Website: www.stockholmtown.com  
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1900, Sat 1000-1700 and Sun 1000-1600. Closed 24-25 Dec and 1 Jan.

There is also a tourist office at Stockholm's central station.

The Stockholm Card (Stockholmskortet) gives free public transport within Stockholm, free sightseeing by boat and free admission to 75 museums and attractions (including the Royal Palace, the Museum of National Antiquities and the National Museum) as well as free parking at municipal parking meters and other special offers and benefits. You can buy the pass at tourist centres, at the City Hall and at hotels, youth hostels and kiosks throughout the city. The Stockholm Card is available for 24, 48 or 72 hours.

Storstockholms Lokaltrafik (SL) (tel: (08) 600 1000; website: www.sl.se) offers 24-hour, 72-hour and seven-day travelcards for Greater Stockholm. These cards are available from SL Centres at several metro stations, in the lower hall at the Central Station and in the ticket halls of T-centralen station at Sergels Torg.