Stockholm in the summer

Looking out over the Swedish capital, Stockholm. The city is spread over 14 islands where the Lake Mälaren meets the Baltic sea. Photograph: James Leech/James Leech

Gamla Stan (the old town) is where the city started in the early 1250s. It's made up of a network of narrow streets and alleyways, winding between sandy yellow and red historic buildings. Photograph: James Leech/James Leech

The changing of the guards at the Royal Palace on Gamla Stan. Photograph: James Leech/James Leech

Stockholm's Kungliga Dramatiska Teatern (Royal Dramatic Theatre), where Ingmar Bergman directed a numerous productions. Photograph: James Leech/James Leech

Statue outside the Nordiska Museet, which is designed in the style of a Nordic Renaissance palace. Photograph: James Leech/James Leech

Sergels Torg in the city centre is the modern side of Stockholm. Photograph: James Leech/James Leech

The warship Vasa, housed in the impressive Vasa museum on Djurgården. Photograph: James Leech/James Leech

The view from the summer terrace of Mosebacke Etablissement bar in Södermalm. Photograph: James Leech/James Leech

The boulevard-style street of Strandvägen runs along the harbour in Östermalm. On a summer's day it's the perfect place for people and boat watching. Photograph: James Leech/James Leech

Boats moored along Strandvägen. Photograph: James Leech/James Leech

Fjaderholmarna are the nearest islands in the archipelago to the city. Photograph: James Leech/James Leech

The SoFo district in Södermalm - named in a nod to New York's SoHo - is home to designer boutiques and trendy bars. Photograph: James Leech/James Leech

Drinking in Babylon bar in the SoFo district. Photograph: James Leech/James Leech

In the evening hot air balloons rise up over the city. Photograph: James Leech/James Leech