From 13th century architecture to hipster hang-outs, we show you how to ABBA good time in the Swedish capital Stockholm

SWEDEN may be renowned for its flat-pack furniture and legendary Seventies pop groups.

But it only takes a few days in capital city Stockholm to discover endless other reasons to visit.

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With 13th-century architecture, ski resorts, the most entertaining museum experience in the world (courtesy of Abba, obviously) and the great people, no one leaves Stockholm dissatisfied.

The recently opened Hobo hotel, run by twenty-something Mattias Stengl, is an eclectic mix of very young and very old.

In true Scandi style, the design of every table and chair has been thought through, with retro furniture hand-picked by the hotel’s very own “home specialist”.

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Bedrooms are minimalist without skimping on practicality.

You’ll find a book of animal facts, a vintage, hand-held video game and a water pistol alongside the thoughtful additions of a hairdryer, area encyclopaedia and umbrella.

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Despite being a little out of the way from the main, busy streets, Hobo is not short of liveliness.

The upstairs space is open to “creatives” who sit tapping away at MacBooks during the day. After 8pm, however, crowds flock to the bar and spend the night getting down to the sounds of guest DJs.

Breakfast options include a selection of kitschy items.

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Think quirky bottles of chocolate milk and “pickled” fruit cocktails.

But with award-winning bakeries offering fresh Danish pastries a five-minute walk away, you are better off opting out of hotel breakfast and grabbing a cinnamon bun to-go.

If Hobo doesn’t sound your cup of tea, Story hotel is central, chic and simple.

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“Music rooms” directly above the noisy bar are discounted — great if you don’t plan on sleeping much.

Head down to Café Saturnus in downtown Stockholm for delicious cinnamon buns the size of your head.

But another great spot is Mother in the city centre.

Serving generous portions of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean deliciousness, it’s great for a lazy lunch.

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Elsewhere, check out The Urban Deli in hipster hang-out SoFo, for seafood fresh from the Baltic Sea and juicy burgers.

If you are out to impress a special someone, rely on the talents of award-winning Klas Lindberg at his Nordic restaurant, Portal.

We dined on stuffed quail, truffle pureé, followed by a perfect plate of roasted rhubarb, Italian meringue and ice cream.

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I never had Stockholm down for its culinary experiences but my taste buds were very pleasantly surprised.

In a hyper-digital city, Gamla Stan — one of Europe’s largest and best-restored medieval city centres — feels a little odd.

But the Swedes’ dedication to preserving their language, heritage and 13th-century buildings is admirable.

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Fotografiska is the museum of contemporary photography and a must-visit for even the most amateur of snappers. The restaurant at the top of the gallery is worth a look too.

A ten-minute drive from the gallery is another cultural highlight, the Abba Museum.

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Get to know Bjorn, Benny, Anni-Frid and Agnetha while shaking your thing to Dancing Queen.

The museum stays open until 11pm and is complete with karaoke booths, glitterballs and a dedicated boogie room.

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Check out up-and-coming SoFo and neighbouring Mosebacke for the best vintage shopping outside New York.

Plenty of clothes, interiors and accessory shops offer the latest cutting-edge Scandi style, too.

It seems Stockholm really is a city for everyone, from the history buff or techno-whizz, to the party addict and even the winter sport enthusiast, and makes a great city break.

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