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

Should you visit Basel or Stockholm?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Basel or Stockholm, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Basel

Basel is a museum-filled, easily accessible, and beautiful city. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Stockholm

Stockholm is a beautiful, clean, and coastal city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Basel and Stockholm: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Basel or Stockholm?

You'll generally find more things to do in Stockholm than Basel. Stockholm is bigger than Basel, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Stockholm is more touristy than Basel and is known 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). Basel is well known for its many museums and its nice old town.

Gamla Stan (the old town)

How is Basel different from Stockholm?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the high quality sights and museums in both Basel and Stockholm.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Basel can be an interesting and educational experience. The city is filled with history. Head to Minster Hill to see the beautiful historic church and Münsterplatz. There are also several unique museums around town including Jean Tinguely Museum, the Paper Mill Museum, the Historical Museum, and the Museum of Art.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Stockholm. Famous sights and museums include the Vasa Museum, the Skansen Open-Air Museum, and the Royal Palace.

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

Foodies will find both Basel and Stockholm both to be notable destinations.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Basel. Food around town can be expensive, but there are some outdoor markets where you can buy fruit and a bratwurst for a reasonable price. The city is known for its breads, soups, and pastries, which are all delicious.

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 Basel or Stockholm Better for Nightlife?

Stockholm is notable for nightlife and partying. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its evening party scene.

Stockholm has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city is a particularly fun place to visit during the summer months when clubs open outdoor areas and parties happen day and night.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Basel. The city's nightlife comes alive as the sun sets. There are bars, pubs, and dance clubs that stay active until the early morning hours.

Is Basel or Stockholm Better for Music?

Stockholm is a world-class destination for its live music scene. However, Basel is not a live music destination.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Stockholm The city has an amazing music scene that includes international groups and DJs, local venues, and popular festivals.

Basel is not a live music destination.

Is Basel or Stockholm Better for its Old Town?

Stockholm is a world-class destination for its old town. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its historic old town charm.

The historic old town of Stockholm is revered around 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.

Basel is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The charming old town is fun to explore on foot with its quaint streets and meandering alleys. The beautiful architecture and ornate fountains give the area a unique personality. On the hottest days you may even see locals swimming in some of the fountains.

Is the Shopping Better in Basel or Stockholm?

Both Basel and Stockholm are high quality shopping destinations.

Basel is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. The old town is filled with shops that you can wander through as you explore. Popular shopping streets include Freie Strasse and the area around Marktplatz, where you'll find boutique shops and interesting trinkets. You can also head to the city's oldest department store - Manor.

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 Basel or Stockholm Better for Families?

Stockholm is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Stockholm is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. 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.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Basel. The city has an impressive zoo, a really unique toy museum, as well as Aquabasilea with its pools and slides. It's also compact enough that little legs can explore and enjoy everything that it has to offer. If the weather's warm, head for the river to cool off.

Is Basel or Stockholm Better for Couples?

Stockholm is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for couples.

Stockholm has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Basel is a good city for couples to visit. Nice restaurants, interesting museums, and several great spas make this a nice place for a romantic trip.

Is Basel or Stockholm Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Both Basel and Stockholm are notable destinations for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Basel. There are a few hostels and a really useful City Pass that make this city an option for backpackers and budget travelers. It's also a major transit center so accessibility is convenient. If you're traveling around Europe by train, you'll likely pass through Basel at some point.

Stockholm is a good city to visit for backpackers. 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 Basel or Stockholm Better for Students?

Basel 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 Basel. The University of Basel brings in international students from around the world. The city makes a nice base for exploring Europe, but it's also a bit expensive which can be challenging on a student income.

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

Stockholm is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, Basel is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Stockholm can get you around easily. The system is efficient with bus lines, metro, commuter rails, trams and ferries.

The public transit in Basel can get you to most places easily. Trams and buses make it easy to get around town.

Is Basel or Stockholm a more walkable city?

Basel and Stockholm both are first-rate when exploring on foot.

It is easy to get around Basel on foot. The old town and most of the major attractions are easily accessible on foot.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Stockholm. 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 Basel Worth Visiting? and Is Stockholm Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Stockholm or Basel?

How long in Basel or Stockholm?

Both Basel 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 Basel. Usually, 1-3 days is a good amount of time for Basel, and 2-7 days is enough time in Stockholm.

Families should spend more time in Stockholm than Basel. 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 Basel. 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 Stockholm than Basel 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 Stockholm.

One day in Basel or Stockholm?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Basel. Visiting the old town is also a must. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Basel has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Each neighborhood in Stockholm has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the live music. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Since there is so much to do in the area, one day is probably not enough for all of it.

A weekend in Basel or Stockholm?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the beautiful destination of Basel. 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.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Stockholm. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

Five days in Basel or Stockholm?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the museum-filled city of Basel. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Stockholm is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Stockholm has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Lots of people come for the live music. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A week in Basel or Stockholm?

Basel 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.

Each neighborhood in Stockholm has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the live music. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours in Switzerland, The Best Bicycle Tours in Switzerland, The Best Budget Tours to Sweden, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Sweden.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Basel and Stockholm, we can see that Basel 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 Basel would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Basel 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 Basel Expensive? and Is Stockholm Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Basel or Stockholm?

Stockholm has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Basel. When comparing the sizes of Basel 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 Basel or Stockholm?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Basel or Stockholm in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Basel and Stockholm. The family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Basel this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Stockholm for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Basel is a little warmer than Stockholm in the summer. The daily temperature in Basel averages around 21°C (70°F) in July, and Stockholm fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Stockholm this time of the year. In Basel, it's very sunny this time of the year. Basel usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Stockholm during summer. Basel gets 241 hours of sunny skies, while Stockholm receives 260 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Basel usually receives more rain than Stockholm. Basel gets 89 mm (3.5 in) of rain, while Stockholm receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Basel or Stockholm in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Basel as well as Stockholm. Many travelers come to Basel for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area. Additionally, many visitors come to Stockholm in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Basel is much warmer than Stockholm. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Basel in October average around 13°C (56°F), and Stockholm averages at about 8°C (46°F).

In the autumn, Basel often gets more sunshine than Stockholm. Basel gets 120 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Stockholm receives 99 hours of full sun.

Basel usually gets more rain in October than Stockholm. Basel gets 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Stockholm receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Basel or Stockholm in the Winter?

Both Stockholm and Basel are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Basel in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Stockholm for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Stockholm can be very cold during winter. Basel can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Basel is generally much warmer than Stockholm. Daily temperatures in Basel average around 3°C (37°F), and Stockholm fluctuates around -3°C (27°F).

Basel usually receives more sunshine than Stockholm during winter. Basel gets 55 hours of sunny skies, while Stockholm receives 40 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Basel usually receives more rain than Stockholm. Basel gets 77 mm (3 in) of rain, while Stockholm receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Basel or Stockholm in the Spring?

Both Stockholm and Basel during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Basel for the natural beauty during these months. Also, the spring months attract visitors to Stockholm because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Basel is much warmer than Stockholm in the spring. The daily temperature in Basel averages around 12°C (53°F) in April, and Stockholm fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the spring, Basel often gets less sunshine than Stockholm. Basel gets 150 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Stockholm receives 185 hours of full sun.

Basel usually gets more rain in April than Stockholm. Basel gets 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Stockholm receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Stockholm and Basel