Winning tip: Junibacken

This is an interactive playground of Scandinavian children’s stories, including a “story train” through the tales of Astrid Lindgren, creator of Pippi Longstocking. I sat for nearly two hours while my youngest played cooking in Moominmamma’s kitchen. With food and a walk around the island of Djurgården, it’s a full day.
Just behind Nordiska Museet in Galärparken, junibacken.se
Edgarl

Boot sales at Täby Galoppet

If you’re looking for second-hand bargains, head to Täby for the summer car boot sales at Täby Galopp race track. Täby is known for its upper-class vibe, and you’re sure to find some gems, whether you’re looking for clothes, antiques, books or kitchenware.
tabyloppis.com
ceebus

Vasa Museum

A 17th-century warship that sank in Stockholm harbour on its maiden voyage in 1628, the Vasa lay in mud for over 300 years until it was raised from the sea bed in 1961. It is amazingly well-preserved, and there are excellent exhibitions about life on board, and its discovery and renovation.
Galärvarvsvägen 14, vasamuseet.se/en
Shirleyg2

Kulturhustaket

This cool cafe overlooks busy shopping streets and has views to Stockholm’s twin towers, the Kungstornen. It has nightly live music and a variety of events – you can even take the kids along to special Kiddy Jazz nights.
Sergels Torg 3, kulturhuset.se
benatech

F/B Sea

Things rarely get any more seasidey that this wonderful little restaurant with breathtaking views over Stockholm. The ferry stops just outside the restaurant, and it has friendly staff, awesome food and a seasonal menu.
Finnboda Varsvag 18, fbsea.com
Johan W

Utö

The picture-perfect island of Utö in the Stockholm archipelago is the essence of Swedishness. There are several restaurants, a lovely inn and great views (Utö Värdshus). The views from the windmill are stunning.
uto.se
FoodEatLove

Rosendal’s Garden

This garden aims to introduce the public to biodynamic cultivation. You can picnic in one of the themed gardens, or have lunch at a cafe in one of the old greenhouses. There’s also a bakery, a plant shop and courses in gardening, cooking and handicrafts.
rosendalstradgard.se
Kaamos2014

Cafe String

Take the ferry or metro to Cafe String, which has been serving locals and tourists a delicious selection of coffees, teas, fikabrod, pastries and lingonberry pie for decades.
Nytorgsgatan 38, cafestring.com
gallarate

Borggården

To feel the atmosphere of a restaurant Swedes go to for lunch, Borggården, by the side of the Army museum, is a good choice. Prices are average for the neighbourhood and the food is good.
Artillerigatan 13, restaurangborggarden.se
Foreigner2

Drottning Victorias Orlogshem

This good value hotel is in an excellent location, on a quiet street in the very city centre, just a two-minute walk from the royal palace.
Teatergatan 3, orlogshemmet.com, doubles from £78
CaptainKosher