Often called the “Venice of the North,” Stockholm lies on a number of islands and peninsulas at the outflow of Lake Mälar into the Baltic, which here forms a deep inlet. The charm of its setting lies in the intermingling of land and water – the skerries fringing the coast, the crags rearing up from the sea, the intricate pattern of waterways encompassing the city. World-class museums, theaters, galleries, and gorgeous parklands await, and traveling around couldn’t be easier. The excellent underground railway system, the Tunnelbana (T-bana), takes you almost anywhere in the city. A highly efficient and regular bus network fills in any gaps between destinations. Alternatively, take the time to walk instead, as Stockholm is a terrific city to absorb on foot. The city also has an efficient network of bicycle lanes. Locals proudly call the city a “levande stad,” or “living city,” as a large part of the cosmopolitan population still lives in the downtown areas. A short hop from the city, you can explore the UNESCO-listed palace Drottningholm and other fun tourist attractions on day trips. Stockholmers call their city ‘beauty on water’. But despite the well-preserved historic core, Stockholm is no museum piece: it’s modern, dynamic and ever-evolving.