A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Cambridge vs. Stockholm for Families, Couples, Attractions, and Food

Should you visit Cambridge 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 Cambridge 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.

Cambridge

Cambridge is a collegiate, scholarly, and charming university town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. 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 coastal, safe, and expensive city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include live music, food, and shopping.

Cambridge and Stockholm: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Cambridge or Stockholm?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Stockholm than Cambridge. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Stockholm is very popular for its nightlife, music, historical sights, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Cambridge attracts visitors for its food and small town charm. Cambridge is famous for its iconic university and the many colleges associated with it. Stockholm is famous for its many bridges and water culture, its open air museum, and its colorful old town. It is also well known for Gamla Stan (the old town).

Gamla Stan (the old town)

How is Cambridge different from Stockholm?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Spend time exploring the very good sights and museums in either Cambridge or Stockholm.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Cambridge. The history is rich and impressive in this university town. There are countless museums and architectural sights that you should check out. High on the list are the Cambridge University buildings, The Fitzwilliam Museum, the Bridge of Sighs, The Round Church, and many more.

Stockholm offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Famous sights and museums include the Vasa Museum, the Skansen Open-Air Museum, and the Royal Palace.

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

Cambridge is well known for its restaurant scene. Also, Stockholm is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Cambridge. You'll find college pubs, local eateries, and fine dining, all in one charming town. Enjoy afternoon tea or fish chips at one of the many local restaurants 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 Cambridge or Stockholm Better for Nightlife?

Stockholm is an excellent place to visit for nightlife. Also, Cambridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Stockholm has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The city is a particularly fun place to visit during the summer months when clubs open outdoor areas and parties happen day and night.

Cambridge has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene is centered around the student culture and you'll find many university pubs, some lively clubs, theaters, and wine bars around town. Whether you're looking for a chill night with friends or a more wild experience, there are options in Cambridge.

Is Cambridge or Stockholm Better for Music?

Stockholm is a must-visit destination for live music. However, Cambridge is not a live music destination.

Stockholm is known as a music capital around the world. The city has an amazing music scene that includes international groups and DJs, local venues, and popular festivals.

Cambridge is not a live music destination.

Is Cambridge or Stockholm Better for its Old Town?

Stockholm is a must-visit destination for its historic old town. However, Cambridge does not have a historic old town.

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.

Cambridge does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Cambridge or Stockholm?

Shoppers can find a variety of very good stores in both Cambridge and Stockholm.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Cambridge. The town offers independent boutique shops, local brands, and a 7 day a week market. The three main shopping areas in town are The Grafton, Lion Yard and Grand Arcade.

Stockholm is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Right by Gamla Stan, you'll find the city's main shopping street of Drottninggatan. The city has great jewelry and artisan crafts.

Is Cambridge or Stockholm Better for Families?

Stockholm is a must-visit destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Cambridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good 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.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Cambridge. Kids will enjoy following the Treasure Trail, or climbing to the top of the Great St Mary’s Tower. Punting is another iconic experience. On a rainy day, head to the Sedgwick Museum of Earth Sciences, the Museum of Zoology, or the Cambridge Science Centre.

Is Cambridge or Stockholm Better for Couples?

Stockholm is a must-visit destination for romance. Also, Cambridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

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.

Couples visit Cambridge frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The quaint town is fun to explore as a couple. Try your hand at punting or take a tour of one of the colleges. You can also enjoy a picnic in the botanical gardens or have tea at the Orchard Tea Garden.

Is Cambridge or Stockholm Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Cambridge and Stockholm are both nice destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Cambridge. With a handful of hostels and a vibrant student population, the town makes for a fun stop on your backpacking trip.

Plenty of budget travelers 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 Cambridge or Stockholm Better for Students?

Cambridge is a must-visit destination for students. Also, Stockholm is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Cambridge is a very popular university town for students. The town is home to more than 25,000 students who come from 140 different countries. This is one of the most iconic university towns in the world, and there's really no better place for students to visit or reside.

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

Stockholm is a must-visit destination for times when you don't have a car. Also, Cambridge is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Stockholm has a world-class public transit network to take passengers everywhere in the city. The system is efficient with bus lines, metro, commuter rails, trams and ferries.

You'll find some public transit in Cambridge, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a regional bus service that operates through town.

Is Cambridge or Stockholm a more walkable city?

Cambridge and Stockholm are fantastic when it comes to walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Cambridge. Walking is the best way to explore the town.

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 Cambridge Worth Visiting? and Is Stockholm Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Stockholm or Cambridge?

How long in Cambridge or Stockholm?

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

Families should spend more time in Stockholm than Cambridge. 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 Cambridge. 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 Cambridge 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 Cambridge or Stockholm?

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

People visit Stockholm 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.

A weekend in Cambridge or Stockholm?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the beautiful destination of Cambridge. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this university town has to offer. This university town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

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

Five days in Cambridge or Stockholm?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the scholarly university town of Cambridge. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

People visit Stockholm 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. Most people head to the area for the live music. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Cambridge or Stockholm?

Cambridge is a popular choice for travelers. 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 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 Stockholm, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 3-Day Tours from London, The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from London, The Best Budget Tours to Sweden, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Sweden.

When comparing the travel costs between Cambridge and Stockholm, we can see that Stockholm is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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

Which is Bigger, Cambridge or Stockholm?

Stockholm has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Cambridge. When comparing the sizes of Cambridge 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.