A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Helsinki vs. Stockholm for Families, Couples, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit Helsinki 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 Helsinki 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.

Helsinki

Helsinki is a nature-focused, coastal, and environmentally conscious city. 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.

Helsinki and Stockholm: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Helsinki or Stockholm?

You'll generally find more things to do in Stockholm than Helsinki. Stockholm is bigger than Helsinki, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Stockholm is more touristy than Helsinki 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). Helsinki is well known for its rich culture that includes traditional elements as well as an active subculture scene.

Gamla Stan (the old town)

How is Helsinki different from Stockholm?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Helsinki. Many of the city's sights and attractions center around nature and the water. Major hightlights of the city include the Fortress of Sveaborg, Seurasaari open-Air Museum, and Temppeliaukio Rock Church. The city is also home to The National Museum of Finland.

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 Helsinki or Stockholm? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

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

Helsinki has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Food in town is all about local flavors and simple ingredients. The dishes let the flavor speak for itself without fancy cooking techniques or complex flavor combinations. Many of the restaurants are locally sourced with traditional ingredients. You'll find a lot of seafood, herring, grilled sausages, pancakes, and desserts.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Stockholm area. 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 Helsinki or Stockholm Better for Nightlife?

Stockholm is a very popular place for nightlife and partying. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its evening party scene.

Stockholm has a large number of nightlife venues. The city is a particularly fun place to visit during the summer months when clubs open outdoor areas and parties happen day and night.

Helsinki has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The nightlife scene is at its best on weekends when the city center comes to life with parties, dance clubs, and student activities. Many of the best clubs and bars are concentrated in the city center. Weekends are a bit calmer and things quiet down a lot.

Is Helsinki or Stockholm Better for Music?

Stockholm is a world-class destination for its live music scene. However, Helsinki 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.

Helsinki is not a live music destination.

Is Helsinki or Stockholm Better for its Old Town?

Stockholm is a world-class destination for its old town. However, Helsinki does not have a historic old town.

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.

Helsinki does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Helsinki or Stockholm?

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

Helsinki is well-known for its shopping. The city is great for shopping, with many brands focused on sustainability. There are local boutiques as well as name brands. Flea markets and vintage shops are also popular.

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 Helsinki or Stockholm Better for Families?

Stockholm is a world-class destination for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Helsinki 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.

Helsinki is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The coastal setting offers many activities that kids and adults alike will enjoy. This capital city has a calm atmosphere with plenty of parkland to explore. The shoreline is dotted by islands where you'll also find a zoo and a fort. Kids will also enjoy exploring the islands by boat.

Is Helsinki or Stockholm Better for Couples?

Stockholm is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Helsinki 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 Helsinki frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. The city's many parks offer the perfect setting for a picnic or a walk. There are also botanical gardens, evening boat rides, and saunas that will help you enjoy a romantic trip away.

Is Helsinki or Stockholm Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Helsinki and Stockholm are both notable destinations for backpackers.

Helsinki is a good city to visit for backpackers. With its active nightlife scene, vibrant atmosphere, and inclusive personality, this city is a fun place for backpackers, but you should expect to pay a premium for the experience. Many backpackers avoid the city because they have heard how expensive it is. There are a few hostels around that will help you keep costs a bit more manageable.

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 Helsinki or Stockholm Better for Students?

Helsinki 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 Helsinki. The city has an active student life with plenty of culture and nature. It's active nightlife scene and beautiful natural areas make it a wonderful place to study.

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

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

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.

Helsinki offers a very effecient public transportation network. Transit options include bus, tram, metro, commuter train and ferry services.

Is Helsinki or Stockholm a more walkable city?

Stockholm is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Helsinki is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its ease of walking around.

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.

Helsinki is a somewhat walkable city. Many neighborhoods are easy to explore on foot. The air is also clean and the setting is refreshing.

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

Should I spend more time in Stockholm or Helsinki?

How long in Helsinki or Stockholm?

Both Helsinki 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 Helsinki. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for Helsinki, and 2-7 days is enough time in Stockholm.

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

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

Stockholm is a big city with plenty to do. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

A weekend in Helsinki or Stockholm?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the coastal destination of Helsinki. 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.

Stockholm is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this city makes for a great vacation. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Stockholm, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

Five days in Helsinki or Stockholm?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the active city of Helsinki. 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.

Stockholm is a popular choice for travelers. Five days here is typical. It's no surprise that live music is why people visit. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Stockholm, five days is sufficent for most. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

A week in Helsinki or Stockholm?

Helsinki 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 great place to explore. It's no surprise that live music is why people visit. It is common to spend one week here. Visiting the old town is also a must. One week is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Stockholm has to offer. This city offers something for everyone.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Finland, The Best Tours for Seniors to Finland, The Best Budget Tours to Sweden, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Sweden.

When comparing the travel costs between Helsinki 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 Helsinki Expensive? and Is Stockholm Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Helsinki or Stockholm?

Stockholm has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Helsinki. When comparing the sizes of Helsinki 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 Helsinki 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 Helsinki or Stockholm in the Summer?

Both Stockholm and Helsinki during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Helsinki because of 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.

Helsinki is around the same temperature as Stockholm in the summer. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around 17°C (62°F) in July, and Stockholm fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In Stockholm, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Helsinki. In the summer, Helsinki often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Stockholm. Helsinki gets 275 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Stockholm receives 260 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets less rain in July than Stockholm. Helsinki gets 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain, while Stockholm receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Helsinki or Stockholm in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Helsinki and Stockholm. The shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Helsinki 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, Helsinki is cooler than Stockholm. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Helsinki in October average around 6°C (42°F), and Stockholm averages at about 8°C (46°F).

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

In October, Helsinki usually receives more rain than Stockholm. Helsinki gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Stockholm receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Helsinki or Stockholm in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Helsinki as well as Stockholm. Many travelers come to Helsinki 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 Helsinki. In January, Helsinki is generally much colder than Stockholm. Daily temperatures in Helsinki average around -6°C (21°F), and Stockholm fluctuates around -3°C (27°F).

In the winter, Helsinki often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Stockholm. Helsinki gets 39 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Stockholm receives 40 hours of full sun.

Helsinki usually gets more rain in January than Stockholm. Helsinki gets 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Stockholm receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Helsinki or Stockholm in the Spring?

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

Helsinki can get quite cold in the spring. Helsinki is much colder than Stockholm in the spring. The daily temperature in Helsinki averages around 3°C (37°F) in April, and Stockholm fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Helsinki usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Stockholm during spring. Helsinki gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Stockholm receives 185 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Helsinki usually receives more rain than Stockholm. Helsinki gets 41 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 Helsinki