There’s just something about Stockholm, Sweden’s capital and beating heart. It’s an intellectual city like Berlin and brimming with cultural artifacts like Rome. On a Scandinavia cruise, Stockholm is a bit of a wildcard. It’s a leader in the design space that put Scandinavian minimalism on the map. The city is home to an array of museums, historic buildings, and genuinely delicious eats scattered across the 14 connected islands that comprise it. Stockholm is also a pioneer in the foodie scene, where expensive delicacies and down-to-earth street foods collide.

For a city that has been around since the 13th century, Stockholm balances hundreds of years of history with a sleek, modern energy. On your Stockholm cruise, don’t miss a walking tour through the cobblestoned streets of Gamla Stan, the Old Town. Spend an afternoon at the National Museum or the Vasa Museum, and you’ll leave with more knowledge about Vikings and Swedish art than you ever thought possible. Because Stockholm is a set of islands connected by bridges, there’s often a light breeze and plenty of opportunities for swimming, kayaking, and water sports during the summer months. Stockholm is the perfect introduction to the finer things in life in Scandinavia.