Two of Stockholm's many islands, Gamla Stan and Riddarholmen, together make up Europe's largest and best preserved medieval quarter, home to narrow streets (including the narrowest of all, Marten Trotzig Gränd, a whopping 90 centimetres/35 inches wide). Knock around its little shops and have a bite in its lovely restaurants, such as the classic Fem Små Hus. Catch the changing of the guard at the Royal Palace, one of the largest on the continent. Nearby is the austere yet impressive red-brick city hall, where all the Nobel Prizes but the peace prize are awarded each December.

Read more in my post Sweet Summertime in Stockholm.

Leonardo Patrizi