Should I Visit Copenhagen or Stockholm? Which is Better for Food, Nightlife, Old Town, and Families? Which is Cheaper? Which is More Expensive? | Budget Your Trip (2024)

Should you visit Copenhagen or Stockholm?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Copenhagen and Stockholm can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

Copenhagen

Copenhagen is a relaxed, beautiful, and laid-back city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Stockholm

Stockholm is a clean, coastal, and safe city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Visitors also love the nightlife, live music, and food.

Copenhagen and Stockholm: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Copenhagen or Stockholm?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Stockholm. Although Copenhagen and Stockholm are roughly the same size, Stockholm has more sights and attractions for tourists. Stockholm is better known for its music, historical sights, and big city activities, while Copenhagen is more popular for its food, nightlife, and shopping. Stockholm is more touristy than Copenhagen and is popular for its many bridges and water culture, its open air museum, and its colorful old town. Also, Stockholm is famous for Gamla Stan (the old town). Copenhagen is well known for its colorful buildings, beautiful canals, progressive policies, and happy population.

Gamla Stan (the old town)

How is Copenhagen different from Stockholm?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Stockholm and Copenhagen. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Copenhagen or Stockholm?

Visiting museums and landmarks is a fun activity in both Copenhagen and Stockholm.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Copenhagen. There are many sights and landmarks around town including Tivoli Gardens, Christiansborg Palace, Nyhavn Harbor, and The Round Tower. Some of the most popular museums are the National Museum of Denmark and the National Gallery of Denmark.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Stockholm. Famous sights and museums include the Vasa Museum, the Skansen Open-Air Museum, and the Royal Palace.

Is the Food Better in Copenhagen or Stockholm? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Copenhagen is a must-visit destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Stockholm is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Many restaurants in Copenhagen have been singled out for their culinary prowess. In recent years the celebrity food scene has put this city on the map. There are many Michelin star restaurants around town including the world famous Noma. But there's also a diversity of restaurants to choose from, ranging from elegant, award-winning options to cozy local eateries. Danish food includes a lot of pastries and sandwiches. Make sure you try a rød pølse, or local hot dog from one of the many stands around town.

Stockholm is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Most famous for its Swedish meatballs, there is so much more to the food scene in this city. Although they're expensive, the restaurants often have a relaxed atmosphere with dishes that take advantage of local, fresh ingredients. Seafood is obviously popular as well.

Is Copenhagen or Stockholm Better for Nightlife?

Copenhagen is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Stockholm is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Copenhagen is a world class party destination. The nightlife scene stays active until the early morning hours with many bars and clubs staying open until 5 or 6 in the morning. Some of the most popular areas for nightlife include Istedgade and EnghavePlads in Vesterbro, Sankt Hans Torv in Nørrebro and some areas around Frederiksberg.

Many people head to Stockholm for the nightlife scene. The city is a particularly fun place to visit during the summer months when clubs open outdoor areas and parties happen day and night.

Is Copenhagen or Stockholm Better for Music?

Stockholm is renowned for its live music scene. However, Copenhagen is not a live music destination.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Stockholm. The city has an amazing music scene that includes international groups and DJs, local venues, and popular festivals.

Copenhagen is not a live music destination.

Is Copenhagen or Stockholm Better for its Old Town?

Stockholm is renowned for its old town. Also, Copenhagen is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town charm.

The old town of Stockholm is one of the most recognized in the world. Right in the middle of the city is Gamla Stan. It's spread out over a hill and filled with character, cobblestone streets, cafes, and historical sights.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Copenhagen. Indre By is the oldest part of the city and where you'll find most of the sights and attractions. This is where most visitors stay and you'll find many great restaurants and activities to enjoy.

Is the Shopping Better in Copenhagen or Stockholm?

Copenhagen is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Stockholm is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Copenhagen make it a world-class shopping destination. Design and style is notorious with Danish culture. You'll find many great local boutique or fashion design shops in town. Købmagergade is one of the busiest and most famous shopping streets in town, but you should also visit the street parallel to it, Pilestræde.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Stockholm. Right by Gamla Stan, you'll find the city's main shopping street of Drottninggatan. The city has great jewelry and artisan crafts.

Is Copenhagen or Stockholm Better for Families?

Both Copenhagen and Stockholm are world-class to visit with kids.

Copenhagen is an extremely popular city to visit for families. The city almost feels like it was designed with kids in mind. There are countless playgrounds, beaches, and other kid-friendly places to explore. Also make sure you stop by Tivoli Gardens, which has rides and rollercoasters that everyone can enjoy. The city also has an aquarium, zoo, and even a deer park. The Little Mermaid statue may fascinate Disney lovers, and if you want to get out on the water there are boat tours through the canals.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Stockholm is very family-friendly. As cities go, this is among the most child-friendly in Europe. There are many unique activities like Junibacken, which is a Pippi Longstocking themed kid's museum. There's also Tom tit* Experiment, which is a hands on science and technology museum, the swimming pools at Eriksdalsbadet, and the amusem*nt park Gröna Lund.

Is Copenhagen or Stockholm Better for Couples?

Both Copenhagen and Stockholm are world-class destinations for a couple's getaway.

Copenhagen is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. The city is filled with a positive energy that will rejuvenate any couple. You can hire a bike or hop on a boat to explore town, or simply wander through the cobblestone streets. There are many parks and gardens to explore and culture lovers will appreciate the many museums.

Stockholm is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. The city is filled with romance, from wandering around Gamla Stan to taking a dinner cruise or exploring a rose garden. During the winter months, the Christmas markets and festive atmosphere bring the city to life.

Is Copenhagen or Stockholm Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Copenhagen is well known for backpackers. Also, Stockholm is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Copenhagen is a great city to visit for backpackers. While the city is expensive, there are still plenty of free things to do like simply wandering the neighborhoods. The city has a relaxed and friendly vibe that will almost make you forget all of the money you're spending.

Plenty of backpackers visit Stockholm. While the city has a lot to offer, many backpackers avoid the area because it is so expensive. There are some hostels, but in general food and entertainment are all going to cost a lot.

Is Copenhagen or Stockholm Better for Students?

Copenhagen is well known for students. Also, Stockholm is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Students come from all over to stay in Copenhagen. The city has a reputation as the happiest in the world, and students are no exception. There are plenty of activities for students as well as a relaxed, yet productive, atmosphere. It's easy to explore the town on foot or by bike as well.

It's common for students to visit Stockholm. The cost of the city scares off many international students, but those that come here will find a clean, safe, and fun city with excellent academics.

Is Copenhagen or Stockholm Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Visitors will find world-class public transit in both Copenhagen and Stockholm.

Copenhagen has a great public transit system. There are metros, s-trains, waterbuses, and regular buses available.

Public transit in Stockholm is top-notch. The system is efficient with bus lines, metro, commuter rails, trams and ferries.

Is Copenhagen or Stockholm a more walkable city?

Copenhagen and Stockholm are world-class when it comes to walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Copenhagen. It is compact enough to explore on foot, but there are also plenty of bikes available as well.

Getting around Stockholm on foot is easy. The city has actively worked to create a walkable environment that is safe and pleasant. There are restrictions on vehicles as well as pedestrian-only areas.

For even more information, also check out Is Copenhagen Worth Visiting? and Is Stockholm Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Stockholm or Copenhagen?

How long in Copenhagen or Stockholm?

Both Copenhagen and Stockholm have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Stockholm than in Copenhagen. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Copenhagen, and 2-7 days is enough time in Stockholm.

Couples should spend more time in Copenhagen than Stockholm. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Copenhagen that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Copenhagen than Stockholm if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Copenhagen.

One day in Copenhagen or Stockholm?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Copenhagen. Visiting the old town is also a must. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

When visiting Stockholm, people usually allow for lots of time. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the live music. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Copenhagen or Stockholm?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the happy destination of Copenhagen. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

When visiting Stockholm, people usually allow for lots of time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the live music. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Copenhagen or Stockholm?

You'll find nightlife and food around the welcoming city of Copenhagen. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

Stockholm, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Visiting the old town is also a must. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Copenhagen or Stockholm?

Copenhagen is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. One week is usually plenty of time to spend here with extra days to spare. With this much time, visitors often visit nearby destinations or take day trips. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Stockholm is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this city makes for a great vacation. One of the main draws to the area is the live music. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Adventure Tours to Denmark, The Best Sightseeing Tours in Denmark, The Best Adventure Tours to Sweden, and The Best Camping Tours in Sweden.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Copenhagen and Stockholm, we can see that Copenhagen is more expensive. And not only is Stockholm much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Stockholm would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Stockholm and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Copenhagen would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Copenhagen than you might in Stockholm.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Copenhagen Expensive? and Is Stockholm Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Copenhagen or Stockholm?

Stockholm has a larger population, and is about 9% larger than the population of Copenhagen. When comparing the sizes of Copenhagen and Stockholm, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.

When is the best time to visit Copenhagen or Stockholm?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Copenhagen or Stockholm in the Summer?

Both Stockholm and Copenhagen during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Copenhagen because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Stockholm this time of year.

Copenhagen is around the same temperature as Stockholm in the summer. The daily temperature in Copenhagen averages around 17°C (63°F) in July, and Stockholm fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

Copenhagen usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Stockholm. Copenhagen gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Stockholm receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Copenhagen or Stockholm in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Copenhagen and Stockholm. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Copenhagen this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Stockholm for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Copenhagen is a little warmer than Stockholm. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Copenhagen in October average around 10°C (50°F), and Stockholm averages at about 8°C (46°F).

In October, Copenhagen usually receives more rain than Stockholm. Copenhagen gets 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Stockholm receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Copenhagen or Stockholm in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Copenhagen as well as Stockholm. Many travelers come to Copenhagen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Stockholm in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Stockholm can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Copenhagen. In January, Copenhagen is generally much warmer than Stockholm. Daily temperatures in Copenhagen average around 1°C (33°F), and Stockholm fluctuates around -3°C (27°F).

Copenhagen usually gets more rain in January than Stockholm. Copenhagen gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Stockholm receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Copenhagen or Stockholm in the Spring?

Both Stockholm and Copenhagen are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Copenhagen in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, most visitors come to Stockholm for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

Copenhagen is a little warmer than Stockholm in the spring. The daily temperature in Copenhagen averages around 7°C (45°F) in April, and Stockholm fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In April, Copenhagen usually receives more rain than Stockholm. Copenhagen gets 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Stockholm receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Stockholm and Copenhagen