Travel Agent - March 31, 2008 - (Page 34) DESTINATIONS EUROPE STOCKHOLMDesign By Sweden’s capital offers a lot more than Ikea, ABBA, Absolut and meatballs BY ANNE-SOPHIE GUÉRIN SPRAWLING OVER 14 ISLANDS, where Lake Mälaren flows into the Baltic Sea, the hip Scandinavian capital of Stockholm is aesthetically magnificent. Steeped in history and Old World charm, the city also showcases smart design—as to be expected from the styleconscious, trend-setting Swedes. This floating city is centered around the medieval old town of Gamla Stan, a picturesque island of narrow streets, cobbled squares and church spires. However, just a quick hop over to the next island in the archipelago is the design-savvy SoFo district (south of Folkungagatan Street in bohemian Södermalm), where designer boutiques abound. Even Stockholm’s subway system—with its dynamic art exhibits—is cool. But nowhere is the city’s daring design more manifest than in its beautiful hotels. The best time to plan a visit to Stockholm is during the summer months, especially in June when the sun barely sets. Sunlight dances over Stockholm’s grand neoclassical structures, lingering late into the night and inspiring people to pack the sidewalk cafés. Thus, May through A “De luxe” Room at the Hotel Rival 34 | TravelAgent March 31, 2008
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