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

Should you visit Heraklion 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 Heraklion 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.

Heraklion

Heraklion is a accessible, bustling, and historic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and beaches.

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.

Heraklion and Stockholm: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Heraklion or Stockholm?

You'll generally find more things to do in Stockholm than Heraklion. Stockholm is bigger than Heraklion, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Stockholm is better known for its music, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Heraklion is more popular for its food and beaches. Heraklion is well known for its archeological sights, local Cretan restaurants, and its vibrant nightlife scene. Stockholm is well 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).

Gamla Stan (the old town)

How is Heraklion different from Stockholm?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

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

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Heraklion. The city is filled with historical sights and archeological ruins. The impressive Palace of Knossos is a must-see, but also make sure you visit the Koules Fortress, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, and the Natural History Museum of Crete.

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 Heraklion or Stockholm? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Heraklion 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 Heraklion. The city is home to countless Cretan restaurants that range in style and budget. There are fine dining restaurants as well as local dives with casual street food. The restaurants reflect the island's multi-cultural past with many styles and flavors available.

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 Heraklion or Stockholm Better for Nightlife?

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

Heraklion has a large number of nightlife venues. The city has some of the best nightlife on the island of Crete. There are many all-night clubs as well as bars that stay open until 2 or 3 in the morning. In particular, there are many British tourists hanging out at the clubs and bars.

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 Heraklion or Stockholm Better for Music?

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

Heraklion is not a live music destination.

Is Heraklion or Stockholm Better for Beaches?

Heraklion is well known for the beache. However, Stockholm is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Heraklion attract visitors from all over. You'll find world-class beaches just outside of town, if you're willing to explore a little. Agia Pelagia Beach is about half an hour away and Limanakia Beach is also not a bad day trip. If you want to stay closer to town, head to nearby Amnissos Beach.

Stockholm is not a beach destination.

Is Heraklion or Stockholm Better for its Old Town?

Stockholm is a world-class destination for its old town. However, Heraklion 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.

Heraklion does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Heraklion or Stockholm?

Stockholm is a very popular place for its shopping opportunities. Also, Heraklion is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping areas.

Stockholm is well-known for its shopping. Right by Gamla Stan, you'll find the city's main shopping street of Drottninggatan. The city has great jewelry and artisan crafts.

Many visitors go to Heraklion to go shopping. There are a number of unique shops around town that sell everything from traditional pottery to homemade jewelry.

Is Heraklion or Stockholm Better for Families?

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

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Heraklion. In town you'll find many historical and educational sights such as the Palace of Knossos, the Heraklion Archaeological Museum, and the Koules Venetian fortress. Kids will also enjoy walking the Venetian Walls that are in town. If you're willing to head a bit outside of town, in about half an hour you can reach the Cretaquarium, Dinosauria Park, or Acqua Plus Water Park.

Is Heraklion or Stockholm Better for Couples?

Stockholm is a world-class destination for its romantic activities. Also, Heraklion 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 Heraklion frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. Most couples head outside of town to other parts of the island, but those who linger in town for a while will enjoy world-class museums and fascinating archeological sights.

Is Heraklion or Stockholm Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Heraklion is well known for backpackers. Also, Stockholm is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Heraklion is a great city to visit for backpackers. The city is filled with budget-friendly hostels that often have a social atmosphere and a fun vibe.

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 Heraklion or Stockholm Better for Students?

Stockholm is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Heraklion is not popular with students.

Plenty of students 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.

Heraklion is not popular with students.

Is Heraklion 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, Heraklion 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.

You'll find some public transit in Heraklion, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. KTEL buses travel both within town and to nearby villages.

Is Heraklion or Stockholm a more walkable city?

Stockholm is a world-class destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Heraklion 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.

Heraklion is a very walkable destination. Many parts of the town are walkable and doing a walking tour is a great way to see many of the city's sights.

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

Should I spend more time in Stockholm or Heraklion?

How long in Heraklion or Stockholm?

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

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

One day in Heraklion or Stockholm?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Heraklion. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Heraklion 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 Heraklion or Stockholm?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Heraklion. People usually spend lots of time at the beach. 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 Heraklion or Stockholm?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the vibrant city of Heraklion. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. 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 Heraklion or Stockholm?

Heraklion is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 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 comparing the travel costs between Heraklion and Stockholm, we can see that Heraklion 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 Heraklion Expensive? and Is Stockholm Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Heraklion or Stockholm?

Stockholm has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of Heraklion. When comparing the sizes of Heraklion 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 Heraklion 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 Heraklion or Stockholm in the Summer?

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

Heraklion is a little warmer than Stockholm in the summer. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 25°C (78°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 Heraklion. In the summer, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Stockholm. Heraklion gets 366 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Stockholm receives 260 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets less rain in July than Stockholm. Heraklion gets 1 mm (0 in) of rain, while Stockholm receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heraklion or Stockholm in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Heraklion and Stockholm. The city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Heraklion 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, Heraklion is much warmer than Stockholm. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Heraklion in October average around 20°C (68°F), and Stockholm averages at about 8°C (46°F).

Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Stockholm during autumn. Heraklion gets 199 hours of sunny skies, while Stockholm receives 99 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Heraklion usually receives more rain than Stockholm. Heraklion gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Stockholm receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Heraklion or Stockholm in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Heraklion as well as Stockholm. Many travelers come to Heraklion 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. In January, Heraklion is generally much warmer than Stockholm. Daily temperatures in Heraklion average around 12°C (54°F), and Stockholm fluctuates around -3°C (27°F).

In the winter, Heraklion often gets more sunshine than Stockholm. Heraklion gets 121 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Stockholm receives 40 hours of full sun.

Heraklion usually gets more rain in January than Stockholm. Heraklion gets 92 mm (3.6 in) of rain, while Stockholm receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Heraklion or Stockholm in the Spring?

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

Heraklion is much warmer than Stockholm in the spring. The daily temperature in Heraklion averages around 16°C (61°F) in April, and Stockholm fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Heraklion. Heraklion usually receives more sunshine than Stockholm during spring. Heraklion gets 224 hours of sunny skies, while Stockholm receives 185 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Heraklion usually receives around the same amount of rain as Stockholm. Heraklion gets 30 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Stockholm receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Stockholm and Heraklion