High 5: Cool Stockholm

From world-renowned music and imaginative art to a thriving fashion and design industry, the Swedish capital has all angles covered. Here are five unique things to see or do on a weekend break in Stockholm:

ABBA mania
Easily the most popular act in the nation’s history, ABBA set the bar for Swedish – and international – pop music. No trip to Stockholm would be complete without a visit to the city’s ABBA museum, particularly in 2014 – the 40^th anniversary of the quartet’s Eurovision win.

Go underground
The Stockholm Metro is one gigantic art gallery, featuring pieces created by some 150 artists. For the price of a Metro ticket, join an expert-led tour to see sculptures, mosaics, paintings and art installations.

Catch an exhibition over brunch
With regularly changing exhibitions displayed beneath the gilded balconies of its Asiatiska restaurant, as well as in the hotel’s lobby and nightclub, Berns is the place to discover unique artwork. Pop in for the hotel’s renowned brunch and marvel at Berns’ exhibition of the moment.

Celebrate 90 years of Svenskt Tenn
2014 marks the 90th anniversary of Svenskt Tenn, Stockholm’s famous interior design company. Celebrations include several special exhibitions taking place at the store over the year.

Visit trendy SoFo
Stockholm’s SoFo – south of Folkungagatan – is packed with hip fashion boutiques and stylish vintage shops. Pop to the seven-block square for fine galleries, cool restaurants, Scandi furnishings, laid-back pottery studios, retro clothing and erotica. [Image credit: www.runawaybrit.com].

Laura Manning