Be charmed by Stockholm's storybook setting

It is not surprising that Scandinavian countries - particularly Sweden, Denmark and Norway - make it to the top 20 in most travel listings.

Their cities are also known as natural wellness destinations with a host of organic foods and a plethora of invigorating activities to occupy visitors.

But what impressed me on my first visit to Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, goes beyond the food and touristy pursuits.

I was awed by the storybook setting of the Old Town and the unique balance of mediaeval and modern architecture that characterises the city.

As I stepped out of my hotel in the Old Town, also known as Gamla Stan, I was drawn to the narrow cobbled streets and atmospheric alleys. One of Europe's largest and best preserved mediaeval city centres, it captivates with its rustic, grand buildings and rich heritage.

Stockholm has an efficient public transport system - the Swedish Transport Agency produced Scandinavia's first driverless public buses - that is easy to navigate, but you may not even need to use it as the town is compact and many attractions are within walking distance.

History buffs will be delighted to know that there are more than 70 historic churches and museums featuring various interests including photography, warships and modern art.

It is also home to Abba, one of the most successful pop bands in history. There is even an Abba museum.

With the box-office success of the movie musical sequel Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, based on the band's music and has earned over US$350 million (S$480 million) worldwide, interest in Stockholm has no doubt been reignited.

Another highlight is Skansen, an open-air museum with a zoo featuring Nordic animals. It is often ranked top on the travellers' must-do list and located a little further from the city on the island of Djurgarden.

Besides wild elk, moose and reindeer, you will also get a glimpse of Swedish heritage through its exhibits, workshops and live demonstrations.

Stockholm boasts a rich royal history. A visit to the Royal Palace (Kungliga Slottet) is a must. The baroque-style palace is one of the largest in Europe and has more than 600 rooms occupying seven levels, while the reception rooms have spectacular interiors from the 18th and 19th centuries.

Do catch the changing of the guards that takes place daily. If you are there in the summer months, there will also be a horse parade and a performance by the military band.

For a dose of retail therapy, visit the world's first mall selling recycled, upcycled or repaired goods.

With the country's reputation as having the best recycling rates worldwide, this venture comes as no surprise.

ReTuna Aterbruksgalleria will give you a shopping experience that feeds your ecological conscience, a perfect showcase of what sustainable living and circular economy is all about.

If you want to bask in a typical Swedish atmosphere, check out the shopping street Drottninggatan and the main tourist street Vasterlanggatan, where you will be drawn to irresistible, colourful window displays.

December is the ideal time to sample Sweden's festive traditions, so visiting a Christmas market should be high on your to-do list.

The decorations filled up the whole street, and my favourites were the larger-than-life elks that light up the park at Nybroplan each year, the same place where you can catch a boat ride or tram to Skansen, as we ended the chilly night with a stroll along the stunning waterway.

We had to spend one night near the Stockholm Arlanda Airport to catch an early morning flight.

With some time to spare, we decided to check out the Jumbo Stay hostel nearby, a decommissioned Boeing plane that has been converted into a unique accommodation.

It is a transformation that is sure to leave guests in awe.

The hostel is 20m from the main building and literally next to the runway, so you can easily watch planes take off and land.

The best part? Anyone is welcome to take a peek, even if you are not a guest at the hostel.

The most expensive room in the house? A luxury suite in the cockpit of course.