Stockholm for girls with dragon tattoos

A literary trip to the coolest city in the coolest country, January shopping breaks and the best apr�s-ski bars in BritainTake me there: StockholmScandinavia is the coolest place on the planet right now. Fact. Having established itself as the crime-scene capital of the universe, it's about to get the Hollywood seal of approval. Filmed on location in a wintry Stockholm, the film adaptation of Stieg Larsson's Girl with the Dragon Tattoo is out on Boxing Day and will highlight the city's underrated charms. Much of the action takes place on the island of S�dermalm, where you can mix with the bohemian crowd in arty coffee bars and beer halls such as the Kaffebar and Kvarnen, both frequented by the book's protagonists. The Stockholm City Museum runs Larsson-themed walking tours (stadsmuseum.stockholm.se).January shopping breaksThe dilemma We want to go away for a weekend in January for the sales and sightseeing. We don't want to spend a fortune on the hotel, as our budget will be tight after Christmas. Rachel Jo's response January is traditionally a quiet time of year for hotels, so there are some great deals to be had, leaving you some spare cash to splurge with in the sales. Check out the winter promotions on offer from budget chains Etap (accorhotels.com) and Premier Inn (premierinn.com), with rooms from �18 and �29 respectively on stays before the end of February. The deals are available at city centre hotels across the UK, and there are savings of up to 50% on certain dates. Best Western (bestwestern.co.uk) has reduced rates at many properties in January. Rooms at the Edinburgh Best Western Plus Bruntsfield Hotel are available from �67.20 per night, which represents 30% off the standard rate. The Malmaison (malmaison.com) and Hotel du Vin (hotelduvin.com) chains are offering heavily discounted stays if guests spend over a certain amount in the brasserie. For example, spend over �75 between two people at the Malmaison Leeds or Birmingham and you can stay for �25 a night before 15 January.Three of the best apr�s-ski bars in BritainJust because we don't have the "ski" why should we miss out on the "apr�s?" Here are three pop-up bars which are bringing a taste of the Alps to Britain this winterNetil 360, London E8 Hot cocktails and arty winter "happenings" on a Hackney warehouse rooftop. Apr�s-ski goes urban (netil360.wordpress.com)The North Pole, Cathedral Gardens, Manchester A little bit Bing Crosby, a whole lot raucous office Christmas party (thenorthpolebar.co.uk)Candy Bar, George Street, Edinburgh A pint of gl�hwein, a cheese fondue and a side order of toasted marshmallow, please. And a doggy bag? (candybaredinburgh.co.uk)StockholmSwedenEuropeShopping tripsJoanne O'Connorguardian.co.uk © 2011 Guardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. | Use of this content is subject to our Terms & Conditions | More Feeds

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