A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Athens vs. Stockholm for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Old Town

Should you visit Athens or Stockholm?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Athens and Stockholm. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Athens

Athens is a vibrant, energetic, and historic city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. It's a beautiful place to visit, too. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Stockholm

Stockholm is a coastal, safe, and expensive city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the live music, food, and shopping.

Athens and Stockholm: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Athens or Stockholm?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Stockholm than Athens, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Stockholm is more popular for its music, shopping, and impressive beauty, while Athens is known for its museums, food, and nightlife. Athens is popular for its ancient temples and landmarks as well as its influence as the birthplace of democracy. Stockholm is popular for its many bridges and water culture, its open air museum, and its colorful old town. It is also home to Gamla Stan (the old town).

Gamla Stan (the old town)

How is Athens different from Stockholm?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Athens is a must-visit destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Stockholm is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Athens are among the most recognizable in the world. As a historical capital of the world, this city has countless museums and archeological sites including the famous Acropolis, the National Archaeology Museum, and the Ancient Agora.

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 Athens or Stockholm? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Athens 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 Athens have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Make sure you try the souvlaki, moussaka, and dolmades at any of the many local restaurants throughout the city.

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 Athens or Stockholm Better for Nightlife?

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

Athens is a world class party destination. There are all-night dance clubs as well as local bars and chill live music venues.

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 Athens or Stockholm Better for Music?

Stockholm is an unbeatable place for its music scene. However, Athens is not a live music destination.

Stockholm has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The city has an amazing music scene that includes international groups and DJs, local venues, and popular festivals.

Athens is not a live music destination.

Is Athens or Stockholm Better for its Old Town?

Visitors enjoy the fantastic old town areas in both Athens and Stockholm.

With a famous historical old-town, Athens offers plenty to see. The city's "historic triangle" is between Syntagma, Omonia, and Monastiraki Squares. This area is also at the political and financial heart of the city.

The rich history of Stockholm can be explored in its historical center. 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Athens or Stockholm?

Stockholm is great for its shopping areas. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for shopping.

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.

Athens is a great destination for shopping. Most neighborhoods have a shopping street but head to Ermou Street for some of the city's best shopping.

Is Athens or Stockholm Better for Families?

Stockholm is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

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 Tits Experiment, which is a hands on science and technology museum, the swimming pools at Eriksdalsbadet, and the amusement park Gröna Lund.

Athens is a very family-friendly place to visit. With its rich history, beautiful outdoor activities, and kid-friendly food, Athens is a fun place to explore with the whole family.

Is Athens or Stockholm Better for Couples?

Stockholm is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for romance.

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.

Athens is a nice destination for couples. The city is historical, fascinating, and romantic, making it a beautiful place to explore as a couple.

Is Athens or Stockholm Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Athens is a must-visit destination for backpackers. Also, Stockholm is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Athens. The city has long been established as a backpackers destination with budget friendly food and plenty of hostels around town.

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 Athens or Stockholm Better for Students?

Athens 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 Athens. International students will appreciate the rich history, archaeological ruins, and unique opportunities that are available here.

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

Stockholm is an unbeatable place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Visitors in Stockholm can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The system is efficient with bus lines, metro, commuter rails, trams and ferries.

Public transit in Athens is fairly effecient and thorough. The city's metro system has 3 lines that connect to bus, tram and commuter rail lines.

Is Athens or Stockholm a more walkable city?

Stockholm is an unbeatable place for its ease of walking around. Also, Athens is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its walkability.

Stockholm is a very easy city to get around on foot. 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.

Athens is very walkable. You'll find the city's most walkable area's in the historical heart, where there are many pedestrian only streets and shopping areas.

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

Should I spend more time in Stockholm or Athens?

How long in Athens or Stockholm?

Both Athens and Stockholm have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Stockholm has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Stockholm than Athens. In general, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Athens, and 2-7 days is enough time in Stockholm.

Families should spend more time in Stockholm than Athens. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Stockholm, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Athens 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 Athens.

One day in Athens or Stockholm?

People visit Athens because there is so much to do. 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.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the big city destination of Stockholm. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Athens or Stockholm?

People visit Athens because there is so much to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Stockholm is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the live music, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Athens or Stockholm?

People visit Athens because there is so much to do. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Stockholm. Don't miss the live music, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Athens or Stockholm?

Athens is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Athens, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the expensive big city of Stockholm. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours in Greece, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Greece, The Best Budget Tours to Sweden, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Sweden.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Athens and Stockholm, we can see that Stockholm is more expensive. And not only is Athens much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Athens would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Athens 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 Stockholm would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Stockholm than you might in Athens.

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

Which is Bigger, Athens or Stockholm?

Stockholm has a larger population, and is about 72% larger than the population of Athens. When comparing the sizes of Athens 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 Athens 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 Athens or Stockholm in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Athens as well as Stockholm. Most visitors come to Athens for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Additionally, the summer months attract visitors to Stockholm because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Athens is generally much warmer than Stockholm. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 27°C (81°F), and Stockholm fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Stockholm. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Athens this time of the year. In the summer, Athens often gets more sunshine than Stockholm. Athens gets 357 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Stockholm receives 260 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets less rain in July than Stockholm. Athens gets 6 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Stockholm receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Stockholm in the Autumn?

Both Stockholm and Athens are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The autumn months attract visitors to Athens because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Stockholm this time of year.

Athens is much warmer than Stockholm in the autumn. The daily temperature in Athens averages around 19°C (67°F) in October, and Stockholm fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Athens. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Stockholm during autumn. Athens gets 206 hours of sunny skies, while Stockholm receives 99 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Athens usually receives around the same amount of rain as Stockholm. Athens gets 48 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Stockholm receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Athens or Stockholm in the Winter?

Both Stockholm and Athens during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Athens this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Stockholm for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Stockholm. In the winter, Athens is much warmer than Stockholm. Typically, the winter temperatures in Athens in January average around 10°C (51°F), and Stockholm averages at about -3°C (27°F).

In the winter, Athens often gets more sunshine than Stockholm. Athens gets 143 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Stockholm receives 40 hours of full sun.

Athens usually gets more rain in January than Stockholm. Athens gets 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain, while Stockholm receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Athens or Stockholm in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Athens and Stockholm. Many travelers come to Athens for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Stockholm in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Athens is generally much warmer than Stockholm. Daily temperatures in Athens average around 16°C (60°F), and Stockholm fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In Athens, it's very sunny this time of the year. Athens usually receives more sunshine than Stockholm during spring. Athens gets 226 hours of sunny skies, while Stockholm receives 185 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Athens usually receives less rain than Stockholm. Athens gets 25 mm (1 in) of rain, while Stockholm receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Stockholm and Athens