Where to stay in Sweden?

On Barnhusgatan, in Norrmalm, just over a kilometre from the centre. A hostel for those who want Gamla Stan on foot and the budget saved for the Vasa Museum.

On Torsgatan, in Vasastaden, just over a kilometre from the centre. A large modern hostel for those who like lively common areas before heading off to Södermalm.

On Kindstugatan, in Gamla Stan, six hundred metres from the centre. A hostel in the old town itself, for sleeping in the lanes that others visit by day.

The city's great historic hotel, on the waterfront, for those who want Stockholm in its classic version. You get the quays beneath the windows and a capital you can explore on foot.

Opened in 1874, facing the Royal Palace across the water; Nobel laureates have stayed here since 1901.

On Friggagatan, in Östermalm, in Lärkstaden, just under two kilometres from the centre. A private house for those who want residential Stockholm, away from the groups in Gamla Stan.

A 1910 townhouse designed by Ilse Crawford; you eat in the kitchen, as if staying with friends.

A hostel for those who want Gothenburg on a small budget, with the Haga district and the botanical garden in sight. You save enough to pay for the ferry to the archipelago.

On Storgatan, in Vasastaden, a kilometre from the centre. A simple hotel for those who want the Avenyn and the botanical garden on foot without paying historic-centre prices.

A panoramic address for those who want to see Gothenburg from above at the end of the day, after the archipelago. You get a view of the city that the hotels in the historic centre lack.

The hotel occupies the upper floors of Gothia Towers, directly opposite the Liseberg amusement park.

On Västra Hamngatan, in Inom Vallgraven, eight hundred metres from the centre. A large old-town hotel for those who want the canals and the fish market on foot.

On Drottningtorget, in Stampen, a hundred metres from the centre and the central station. A grand hotel for those arriving by train who want the whole centre on foot.

This is Gothenburg's former main post office, a 1925 building converted into a hotel.

In Abisko, two kilometres from the centre. A mountain hostel for those who want to set off on the national park trails straight from the dormitory, without a car.

This is the northern starting point of the Kungsleden, the King's Trail; the Aurora Sky Station is reached by the nearby chairlift.

On Kalle Jons väg, in Abisko village, two hundred metres from the centre. A guesthouse for those who want a simple bed and the northern lights at the door.