Stockholm, boasts as the capital of Scandinavia, and while I have neither the adequate knowledge of the region nor the experience of extensive travel among neighbouring countries, I can certainly tell you that it is worth a visit.

Arlanda Airport at 9:45am, terminal 2: This is a small airport, perhaps like the country. Having come from a city with a population greater than Sweden’s and with the whole country almost twice the size of Sweden, I was in for a bit of a shock.

In Gardet, we headed straight into Gamla Stan, the old town, for a stroll where there seemed to be a great concept of space. Space for Swedes, is a way of life, and is used in a rather clever way. The streets were incredibly wide and to such an extent that I could do a couple of jumping jacks and still not be within an arm’s reach of anyone. The city is very methodical and rather logical -- perhaps what you would expect from Scandinavia. I loved the fact that it felt so open, so free. But you could also feel quite lonely, and in some ways, it is more atmospheric when you’re in a crowded city than in a confined space -- it may just be one reflection. You feel very distant and unsociable, like the Swedes.

In the evening, I strolled through Hamngatan and popped into Nordiska Kompaniet, (‘Nordiska’ referring to the Nordic region), a luxury department store with only two in Sweden and the other in Gothenburg. This was another thing which astounded me -- there seemed to be very little presence of western capitalism on the streets of this capital. Having been to a few countries in Europe, all of which have several Starbucks, McDonalds and Nando’s at every corner you turn, it is difficult to feel that far away from home.

But Stockholm was different. Yes, consumer culture was still ever-present. But there were distinctive Swedish or Scandinavian variations. But the Swedish competitors were holding up well. For instance, there is a rather pricey fast food chain called Max’s, which was absolutely jam-packed even though it was a Tuesday night! Ahlens City (a major department store) was teeming with people and everyone I caught a glimpse of had a bag in hand and when browsing through Gina Tricot, a Swedish fashion designer, the shop was also utterly stuffed. This led me to an interesting conclusion.

Sweden may be an underdog in this global economy, the Swedes are actually pioneers in fashion, health, furniture, cars and all other sorts. They just are not the kind of people who make a big song and dance about it. Whereas, the British and Americans do. You will be absolutely fascinated if you merely take a stroll in the streets of this city. You will discover the sheer scale of companies which originate here, other than just Ikea -- which is the common misconception.

Personally, I liked this touch, because the city felt foreign, as if Sweden had an identity. It seemed proud of its commercial achievements, which coincided with its great reputation as a welfare state. It is what I imagined parts of Europe to be like.

My second day was a Sunday. I headed off to the Royal Palace. Roaming around the Imperial and Royal apartments raised several questions. I was surprised by the relationship between the monarchy and state in this 21st century country. Essentially, they play a larger role than I initially thought, representing the state alongside government officials. How can the monarchy still exist in Europe and be a part of national identity? I thought.

Monday: The sun was shining and there was not a cloud in the sky. Just the day to head outdoors. The Vasamuseet was my first stop, as it was one of the few museums that were thankfully open. Once inside, you are greeted by this enormous ship as a centrepiece. The size, design, depth is all extraordinary. It seems absurd that the Swedes are boasting of an accomplishment. But in typical Scandinavian style, it’s very understated. They are not boasting of a triumph, in preserving this artefact… simply informing.

The evening consisted of a brief visit to Fotografiska, with a surprising 11pm closing time. So after buying my ticket at 8pm and being on an extremely tight schedule, I was delighted that there were only a few exhibitions worth viewing. Truthfully, I had never been to such an interesting place and thoroughly enjoyed it. Due to the extensive range of photographs in terms of genres and countries of origin, combined with my recent love of travel photography, I loved learning a bit more about how photographs transform into art and its ability to capture our attention, emotions and certain moments in time.

A photograph holds several definitions -- it can be a record, a form of expression, a provocation, or a combination; all of which were presented in a beautiful and sophisticated manner. Many images leave you captivated, intrigued and inspired from those taken of the protestors outside Wall Street in 2011 to a mesmerising piece called ‘Drifting Away’ as part of the Imagine: Created Reality exhibition.

Also, on the top floor there is a restaurant with a brilliant view of Stockholm at night. I feel a city looks more magical, mysterious and wonderful at night -- especially with all the glittering colourful lights.

So, on my final day in this mesmerising city, I headed to Stockholm City Hall and arrived early for the 12pm tour. Due to my promptness, I spent a bit of time admiring the exceptional view outside the building and used this as a prime photo opportunity.

The City Hall was a picturesque building and the most magnificent room, Gyllene Salen (the Golden Hall) was made of gold, I mean real gold.

Everything seemed diplomatic in this political system, as we were informed of how members of the council are elected and vote. Local meetings are recorded and can be heard in a room open to the public.

Stockholm was captivating -- not only aesthetically, but culturally, intellectually and certainly architecturally. The city never failed to surprise me, and it makes one curious of the pivotal role Sweden plays in the global economy -- despite the lack of credit they give themselves. I am certain every country has its political and economic concerns, but there is little to fault in their flourishing welfare state. The city opens up your eyes to the existence of a different kind of Europe -- a secluded kind. I loved people watching, sightseeing and just exploring. And I can say, with absolute certainty, that I left more than just my heart in Stockholm!