Forget what you think you know about Scandinavia - Vikings, Nokia and Ikea. It has some amazing cities to spend a relaxing holiday away and none more so than Stockholm.

This bustling lively city has a very distinct international flavour - one a day here and you will feel like you are at the cross-roads of the world.

Stockholm is a magnet for immigrants as well as tourists - over 15 per cent of greater Stockholm's population have come from places around the world to make it their home away from home. Just amble through the quaint streets and you'll be sure hear everything from Japanese to Czech.

Traditions and Culture

Sweden is known for its very open and progressive culture which over the years, has been accommodating of outside influences. The concept of Jante Law - which supports the idea of equality and egalitarianism - is very strong among many Swedes. Any form of elitism is likely to meet strong criticism.

Swedes generally express themselves in very modest terms especially when it comes to compliments and praises. When they say something is "totally okay", what they usually mean is that it's very good indeed. Similarly, they are not likely to harshly critisise others unduly.

There is also a strong individualist and liberal outlook among Sweden's population. There is a strong support for tolerance of same-sex relationships compared to most European countries and most Swedes like to think of their country having little xenophobia.

In terms of cuisine, travellers to Stockholm can expect to find various interesting dishes. Traditional Swedish food is relatively simple but hearty - a typical meal consists of boiled potatoes, meat or fish and a simple sauce accompanied with vegetables.

In keeping with its openness to foreign influences, some Swedish dishes also show hints of French and Italian cuisine. Japanese sushi is also fast gaining popularity.

Recommended in Stockholm

The Grona Lund Tivoli is Stockholm's landmark amusement park and boasts Europe's tallest free fall ride, dropping 80 metres in just two seconds. It is an absolute must for adrenalin-deprived thrill seekers.

While LA has Mann's Chinese Theater, Stockholm boasts of the Biografen Skandia. Designed by Gunnar Asplund, this fantastic picture palace features a deep blue vanishing ceiling and a Pompeian rotunda in the lobby.

For a thoroughly enjoyable cultural experience, travellers must visit this modest but very sassy dance museum, which focuses on the ongoing dialogue between theatre, dance and art.

Highlights include traditional dance masks from Africa, India and Tibet, Chinese and Japanese theatre puppets and one of the world's finest collections of early 20th century ballet costumes.

Weather in Stockholm

Most of Sweden has a typically European cool climate with precipitation in all seasons. The southern quarter of the country however does have a warm temperate climate.

Stockholm itself usually has a cool climate. Its summers are normally mild and sunny, while winters are known to be cold, dark and snowy.

Destination checklist for Stockholm

The official language is Swedish and the currency in use is the Swedish Krona.

Prices are fairly reasonable in Stockholm as are flights out there but visitors should be warned that service charges and tips are usually included in restaurant bills and taxi fares.

Sweden's international dialling code is +46 and it is just one hour ahead of GMT.