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

Should you visit Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh 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.

Edinburgh

Edinburgh is a ancient, charming, and character-filled city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the nightlife, live music, and shopping.

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.

Edinburgh and Stockholm: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Edinburgh or Stockholm?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Edinburgh than Stockholm. While Stockholm is larger than Edinburgh, Edinburgh has more sights and attractions for tourists. Edinburgh is better known for its museums, theatre productions, and quaint atmosphere, while Stockholm is more popular for its food, big city activities, and impressive beauty. Edinburgh is more touristy than Stockholm and is popular for its medieval Old Town, the Royal Mile, and its influence on the Harry Potter series. Also, Edinburgh is famous for The Edinburgh Castle. Stockholm is well known for its many bridges and water culture, its open air museum, and its colorful old town.

How is Edinburgh different from Stockholm?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh are among the most recognizable in the world. The most famous sights include the Edinburgh Castle, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and the National Museum of Scotland. There are also kid-friendly museums like Camera Obscura.

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 Edinburgh or Stockholm Better for Theater?

Edinburgh is well known for its theatre productions. However, Stockholm is not a theatre destination.

Edinburgh attracts a wide-range of world-class performances. It's fun to see a live performance or attend one of the festivals in town.

Stockholm is not a theatre destination.

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

Stockholm is a city with good options for its restaurants. However, Edinburgh is lacking in good options for its restaurant scene.

Stockholm has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. 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.

Edinburgh may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. The city has some unique but famous dishes to try including haggis and black pudding. For slightly less intimidating options, check out the cullen skink, porridge, or smoked salmon. There are many fish and chips shops to choose from as well as a diversity of ethnic restaurants including Indian, Thai, and Ethiopian.

Is Edinburgh or Stockholm Better for Nightlife?

The great nightlife scene is relatively similar in Edinburgh and Stockholm.

Edinburgh has a large number of nightlife venues. With so many students, the nightlife stays very active. There are a wide range of bars and clubs to choose from as well as some of the country's oldest pubs. Tourists tend to frequent the Old Town area, but you'll find more locals if you head to the student and university areas.

Stockholm is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. 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 Edinburgh or Stockholm Better for Music?

It can be fun to see live music in either Edinburgh and Stockholm.

With so many music venues, you're guaranteed a show any night of the week in Edinburgh. In addition to a wide range of live music venues, there are also a number of music festivals held in town.

In Stockholm you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. The city has an amazing music scene that includes international groups and DJs, local venues, and popular festivals.

Is Edinburgh or Stockholm Better for its Old Town?

Both Edinburgh and Stockholm have world-class historic old towns worth visiting.

Edinburgh has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. The city's Old Town attracts international visitors who come to see the Edinburgh Castle, the quaint streets, and the many shops and cafes. The Royal Mile is a popular area with pubs and souvenir shops. It connects the castle to the Scottish Parliament.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in Edinburgh or Stockholm?

Shoppers can find a variety of great stores in both Edinburgh and Stockholm.

Edinburgh is well-known for its shopping. Head to Princes Street in the New Town to visit department stores and other name brand shops. Nearby George Street has more boutique style shops and less crowds. In the Old Town, Victoria Street is filled with Harry Potter shops and tourist stores where you can pick up a kilt or Edinburgh sweatshirt.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity 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 Edinburgh or Stockholm Better for Families?

Stockholm is terrific for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Edinburgh is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Stockholm is an extremely popular city to visit for families. 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.

Edinburgh is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. Kids will enjoy wandering down Victoria Street and popping in the Harry Potter shops. There are also a number of fascinating Harry Potter tours that take you through notable landmarks where J.K. Rowling was inspired to write these popular stories. You'll even visit Tom Riddle's gravesite. Other highlights that families will enjoy include Edinburgh Castle and the Edinburgh Dungeon, which is best for older kids or kids that enjoy a good scare. Younger kids will enjoy a trip the illusions museum, Camera Obscura, which also offers one of the best views of the city.

Is Edinburgh or Stockholm Better for Couples?

Stockholm is terrific for its romantic activities. Also, Edinburgh is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for couples.

Stockholm is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. 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 Edinburgh frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With its castle and the Royal Mile, there are many romantic places to explore as a couple. There are also good restaurants and some nice hotels. Whether you're interested in history, food, or fun, this city makes for a great couples trip.

Is Edinburgh or Stockholm Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh. The city has some good hostels and an active nightlife, so it's not hard to find other travelers to hang out with. It's a well visited city with many areas that attracted younger travelers or students.

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 Edinburgh or Stockholm Better for Students?

Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh. This multicultural city is popular with international students because of its excellent research and academic centers as well as its unique history.

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

Stockholm is terrific for times when you don't have a car. Also, Edinburgh is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Stockholm can take you anywhere. The system is efficient with bus lines, metro, commuter rails, trams and ferries.

You'll find some public transit in Edinburgh, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. Buses are the best way to get into town from the outer edges if you don't have a car.

Is Edinburgh or Stockholm a more walkable city?

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

It's very easy to get around on foot in Edinburgh. The Old Town in particular is fun to walk around

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 Edinburgh Worth Visiting? and Is Stockholm Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Stockholm or Edinburgh?

How long in Edinburgh or Stockholm?

Both Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Edinburgh, and 2-7 days is enough time in Stockholm.

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

One day in Edinburgh or Stockholm?

You'll find nightlife and live music around the quaint city of Edinburgh. 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.

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 Edinburgh or Stockholm?

You'll find live music and shopping around the ancient destination of Edinburgh. 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.

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 Edinburgh or Stockholm?

You'll find shopping and museums around the ancient city of Edinburgh. 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.

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 Edinburgh or Stockholm?

Edinburgh 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 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 One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Edinburgh, The Best 10-Day Tours from London, The Best Budget Tours to Sweden, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Sweden.

When comparing the travel costs between Edinburgh and Stockholm, we can see that Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh Expensive? and Is Stockholm Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Edinburgh or Stockholm?

Stockholm has a larger population, and is about 3 times larger than the population of Edinburgh. When comparing the sizes of Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh 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 Edinburgh or Stockholm in the Summer?

Both Stockholm and Edinburgh during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Edinburgh because of the city activities, the music scene, 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.

Edinburgh is cooler than Stockholm in the summer. The daily temperature in Edinburgh averages around 14°C (58°F) in July, and Stockholm fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In Stockholm, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the summer, Edinburgh often gets less sunshine than Stockholm. Edinburgh gets 163 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Stockholm receives 260 hours of full sun.

Edinburgh usually gets less rain in July than Stockholm. Edinburgh gets 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain, while Stockholm receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Stockholm in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Edinburgh and Stockholm. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Edinburgh 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, Edinburgh is a little warmer than Stockholm. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Edinburgh in October average around 10°C (49°F), and Stockholm averages at about 8°C (46°F).

Edinburgh usually receives less sunshine than Stockholm during autumn. Edinburgh gets 90 hours of sunny skies, while Stockholm receives 99 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Edinburgh usually receives more rain than Stockholm. Edinburgh gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Stockholm receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Stockholm in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Edinburgh as well as Stockholm. Many travelers come to Edinburgh for the museums, the shopping scene, the theater shows, 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 Edinburgh. In January, Edinburgh is generally much warmer than Stockholm. Daily temperatures in Edinburgh average around 3°C (38°F), and Stockholm fluctuates around -3°C (27°F).

In the winter, Edinburgh often gets more sunshine than Stockholm. Edinburgh gets 48 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Stockholm receives 40 hours of full sun.

Edinburgh usually gets more rain in January than Stockholm. Edinburgh gets 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain, while Stockholm receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Edinburgh or Stockholm in the Spring?

Both Stockholm and Edinburgh are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Edinburgh 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.

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

Edinburgh usually receives less sunshine than Stockholm during spring. Edinburgh gets 132 hours of sunny skies, while Stockholm receives 185 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Edinburgh usually receives more rain than Stockholm. Edinburgh gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Stockholm receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Stockholm and Edinburgh