We’re in Sweden, the birthplace of ABBA, 60p Ikea hotdogs and some long-winded crime books. The country's capital, Stockholm, is a cultural playground come summer, when beautiful people gather in cafes drinking coffee and cider (not that we're generalising). Obviously, we want to join them.
EAT: OSTERMALMS SALUHALL
Stockholm is known for merking your wallet (we once paid 15 euro for slice of quiche, and it wasn't even nice!). Visit the food halls instead, where city residents line the counters eating heaving plates of fresh fish, cheese and meatballs. Try the swish, 19th-century Ostermalms Saluhall, which gives you a taste of local life, city history AND excellent skagen (also known as prawns on toast). ostermalmshallen.se
DO: STREET FESTIVAL, 2-5 JULY
Every year, the world's finest street artists congregate in Stockholm for the city's street festival. There are magicians, acrobats and jugglers to keep you entertained, but this year's star act is surely the sequin-clad Lisa Lottie, the hula hooper dancer whose show 'Bend it like Barbie' has had world-wide success. stockholmstreetfestival.com
STAY: ETT HEM HOTEL
Ett Hem translates as 'A Home', and that's the philosophy at this 12-bedroom boutique hotel in Ostermalm. Rooms come with their own cocktail cabinets, and you're encouraged to treat the hotel like you would your own house. No, that doesn't mean leaving your pants on the floor, but it does mean helping yourself to food and drink from the well-stocked fridge. etthem.se
