| Stockholm is one of the most progressive cities in the | | | | shopping options. One convenient way to experience |
| world, and nowhere is this reflected more than in its | | | | many of these entertaining possibilities is by purchasing |
| social policy. Citizens are provided with housing, health | | | | a Stockholm Card online ahead of time. A one-day |
| care, and educational opportunities, all of which makes | | | | pass costs about $38 (a two-day pass runs around |
| for happy, productive people. While taxes may be high, | | | | $59, a three-day pass, $75), and with it you gain |
| the money they generate is used to create a high | | | | admission to 75 of the city's top tourist attractions and |
| quality of life, which makes Stockholm extremely | | | | unlimited access to its excellent public transportation |
| appealing to the many hopeful immigrants that flock | | | | system, as well as special deals from local shops and |
| there each year. You don't need to move all the way | | | | restaurants. You can arrange to have your pass |
| to Sweden to make the most of what Stockholm has | | | | mailed to you, or you may pick them up at the |
| to offer; a simple trip will also allow you to experience | | | | Stockholm Tourist Centre (located at Sverigehuset, |
| this utterly unique metropolis. The weather in | | | | Hamngatan 27). Stockholm's many museums target |
| Stockholm definitely reflects the seasons, from snowy | | | | different audiences. There are some specifically |
| winters to balmy summers. Spring brings the heaviest | | | | geared toward children (such as the International Child |
| flow of tourists to the city, so you might want to wait | | | | Art Museum, located at Vrby All 14 , 143 03 Vrby), |
| until summer or fall to visit. Summer, naturally, brings the | | | | while others cater to niche interests, like maritime |
| warmest weather of the year, with temperatures | | | | navigation (such as the Vasa Museum, Galrvarvsvgen |
| starting at 68 degrees. Fall is considerably cooler, when | | | | 14, 102 52 Stockholm). Keep in mind that museums |
| temperatures range from 41 to 64 degrees. Both of | | | | worldwide are closed on Mondays for maintenance, |
| these seasons also include the benefits of fewer | | | | so make sure to schedule the start date of your |
| people and lower lodging prices, two definite musts for | | | | Stockholm Card for another day. Each museum |
| the smart and thrifty traveler. Traveling in Europe is | | | | includes a permanent collection, as well as special |
| often an expensive endeavor, but Stockholm allows | | | | visiting exhibits. There are also many dining choices for |
| tourists to visit without paying a hefty price. In fact, one | | | | tourists, featuring cuisine from all corners of the globe, |
| of the city's best-rated hotels is also one of its most | | | | including Asia, the Middle East, and the rest of Europe. |
| affordable (with double rooms from less than $200 a | | | | Shopping options are no less diverse, and visitors are |
| night). Hotel Rival, owned by Benny Andersson, of | | | | sure to find that Swedish design extends to far more |
| ABBA fame-houses 99 boutique-style rooms, each | | | | than just home dcor (a la IKEA). Make sure to check |
| containing an array of high-tech extras, such as large | | | | out Gamla Stan-an older region of Stockholm-for all |
| plasma screen televisions, CD/DVD players, and | | | | your handmade gift needs. You have the author's |
| wireless internet. This fashionable lodging spot also has | | | | permission to publish this article in your ezine or on your |
| its own bakery, caf, and restaurant, which enable | | | | website as long as you do not modify it. You must |
| guests not only to be well-rested, but also well-fed. | | | | retain the resource box with live link back to the |
| There is much to see and do in Stockholm, including | | | | Search Sweden Hotels website. |
| over 100 museums and a wide array of dining and | | | | |