Stockholm City Town Guide Stockholm straddles its string of islands like so many gems floating in the waters between the Baltic sea and Lake Malaren. The "Venice of the North" offers itself up to visitors, nestling amidst the surrounding nature, from which its houses rise as yellow as the sun. The streets of the old town form a charming labyrinth, through which can be read the history of this stylish city, with its gaze turned unflinchingly towards its reflection in the sea. Five ideas for discovering another side to the city -  Discover the incredible Vasa, a ship that sank almost four centuries ago. Saved from its watery grave, it can be seen in the museum that bears its name (15 minutes from the town centre by tram). -  Stroll through the meandering streets of the old town, beneath the pink and yellow façades, in search of the numerous secondhand book and antique dealers. -  Enjoy the same splendid meal that is served to the winners of the Nobel Prize, awarded annually in Stockholm, at the restaurant in the town hall. -  Set sail for the island of Drottningholm, a tiny Nordic Versailles that is the residence of the royal couple. The baroque castle, the old theatre and the Chinese pavilion may be visited during the summer. -  Let your mind wander as a kaleidoscope of butterflies flutters freely around you at the Museum of Butterflies and Birds. Time difference Stockholm is one hour ahead of GMT. To call Stockholm Dial the international code followed by 46 for Sweden, then 8 for Stockholm and the 6 to 11 digits of the person you are calling. Climate Average temperatures by season: - Spring: 9° C - Summer: 20° C - Autumn: 8° C - Winter: -1° C Holidays - 1 January: New Year - Epiphany (1st Sunday in January) - Good Friday and Easter Monday (dates vary) - 1 May: Labour Day - Ascension (dates varies) - Monday after Pentecost (dates varies) - 23 June: Saint John - 1 November: All Saints Day - 25 and 26 December: Christmas Some restaurants and cafés close from 24 December to 8 January. Getting around On foot in the center and the old town, by tram or metro (tunnelbana) for longer journeys, and by boat to visit outlying islands. Stockholm Tourism Office Sweden House Hamngatan 27 Kunsträdgerden Stockholm, Sweden Tel: (international n° + 46) 8 789 24 90 Stockholm on the Web http://www.stockholmtown.com See our Cultural calendar Back