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

Should you visit Kyoto 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 Kyoto 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.

Kyoto

Kyoto is a fascinating, traditional, and historic city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. 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. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the nightlife, live music, and food.

Kyoto and Stockholm: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Kyoto or Stockholm?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Stockholm than Kyoto, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Stockholm is better known for its nightlife, music, and big city activities, while Kyoto is more popular for its museums and food. Kyoto is well known for its Buddhist temples, cultural activities, and rich history. 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 Kyoto different from Stockholm?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Kyoto 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 Kyoto are among the most recognizable in the world. With its long-running history, there are many traditional buildings and temples in town. Nijo Castle is stunning to explore, but also make sure you visit the Fushimi-Inari Taisha Shrine, the Golden Pavilion, and Kiyomizu-dera Temple.

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 Kyoto or Stockholm? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Kyoto 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 Kyoto. The local cuisine is as beautiful as it is delicious. There is a long running history to many of the dishes, and the recipes are expertly prepared by world class chefs at many of the restaurants. You can enjoy everything from a tea ceremony to multi-course meals, referred to as kyo kaiseki.

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 Kyoto or Stockholm Better for Nightlife?

Stockholm is a great destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Kyoto is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

The people in Stockholm know how to have a good time. The city is a particularly fun place to visit during the summer months when clubs open outdoor areas and parties happen day and night.

If you're looking for night time activities Kyoto has a few options to choose from. While it isn't known for its wild nightlife scene, there is a relaxed and active energy in the evenings here. You can visit the beautiful Arashiyama Kimono Forest or explore some of the riverfront areas such as Kamo Riverside.

Is Kyoto or Stockholm Better for Music?

Stockholm is renowned for its live music scene. However, Kyoto 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.

Kyoto is not a live music destination.

Is Kyoto or Stockholm Better for its Old Town?

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

The old town of Kyoto is one of the most recognized in the world. This is among the most historic cities in Japan and there are many traditional buildings and temples. Higashiyama is filled with interesting districts and it has many UNESCO World Heritage temples.

Stockholm offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. 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 Kyoto or Stockholm?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Stockholm and Kyoto.

Kyoto is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. There's a mix of modern shopping venues and traditional boutiques. Shijo Street is a popular shopping area, as is the area around JR Kyoto Station.

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 Kyoto or Stockholm Better for Families?

Stockholm is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Kyoto is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-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 family-friendly things to do in Kyoto. Kids will enjoy exploring Nijo Castle as much as adults. If the weather isn't great, you can head to the Kyoto International Manga Museum which is a bit like a library and is perfect for Manga fans. There are also markets to explore such as the Nishiki Markets, which are lined with shops and restaurants.

Is Kyoto or Stockholm Better for Couples?

Both Kyoto and Stockholm are world-class destinations for a couple's getaway.

Kyoto is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. This is one of the most historic cities in Japan, and it has many romantic neighborhoods where you can enjoy the atmosphere. Visit Sanneizaka Slope for its traditional shops and restaurants or take a ride on the Sagano Romantic Train. Other romantic highlights include Kimono Forest, which is an art exhibit, and Suzumushidera Temple.

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.

Is Kyoto or Stockholm Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

Kyoto is a great city to visit for backpackers. It's a popular destination in Japan and there are plenty of hostels and free activities that backpackers can enjoy.

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 Kyoto or Stockholm Better for Students?

Kyoto 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 Kyoto. It's a great student city with world class universities and a large student population.

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

Stockholm is renowned for its public transit. Also, Kyoto is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Stockholm has a great public transit system. The system is efficient with bus lines, metro, commuter rails, trams and ferries.

Many visitors use the public transit system in Kyoto. The city has an extensive system of trains, subways, and buses that make it easy to get around.

Is Kyoto or Stockholm a more walkable city?

Kyoto and Stockholm both are world-class when exploring on foot.

Getting around Kyoto on foot is easy. It's one of the most walkable cities in Japan and there are many sidewalks and pedestrian-friendly areas.

Stockholm is a very easy city to get around on foot. 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 Kyoto Worth Visiting? and Is Stockholm Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Stockholm or Kyoto?

How long in Kyoto or Stockholm?

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

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

One day in Kyoto or Stockholm?

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

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 Kyoto or Stockholm?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of Kyoto. 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 Kyoto or Stockholm?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the cultural city of Kyoto. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the museums. 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 Kyoto or Stockholm?

Kyoto 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 10-Day Tours from Tokyo, The Best 2-Week Tours from Tokyo, The Best Budget Tours to Sweden, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Sweden.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Kyoto and Stockholm, we can see that Stockholm is more expensive. And not only is Kyoto much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Kyoto is in Asia and Stockholm is in Europe, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Kyoto would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Kyoto 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 Stockholm would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Stockholm than you might in Kyoto.

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

Which is Bigger, Kyoto or Stockholm?

Kyoto has a larger population, and is about 16% larger than the population of Stockholm. When comparing the sizes of Kyoto 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 Kyoto 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 Kyoto or Stockholm in the Summer?

Both Stockholm and Kyoto are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Kyoto because of 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.

Kyoto is much warmer than Stockholm in the summer. The daily temperature in Kyoto averages around 27°C (81°F) in July, and Stockholm fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

It's quite sunny in Stockholm. Kyoto usually receives less sunshine than Stockholm during summer. Kyoto gets 183 hours of sunny skies, while Stockholm receives 260 hours of full sun in the summer.

It's quite rainy in Kyoto. In July, Kyoto usually receives more rain than Stockholm. Kyoto gets 236 mm (9.3 in) of rain, while Stockholm receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Kyoto or Stockholm in the Autumn?

Both Stockholm and Kyoto during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Kyoto this time of year. Furthermore, 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, Kyoto is much warmer than Stockholm. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Kyoto in October average around 18°C (64°F), and Stockholm averages at about 8°C (46°F).

In the autumn, Kyoto often gets more sunshine than Stockholm. Kyoto gets 159 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Stockholm receives 99 hours of full sun.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Kyoto. Kyoto usually gets more rain in October than Stockholm. Kyoto gets 111 mm (4.4 in) of rain, while Stockholm receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Kyoto or Stockholm in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Kyoto and Stockholm. Many travelers come to Kyoto for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, 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 Kyoto. In January, Kyoto is generally much warmer than Stockholm. Daily temperatures in Kyoto average around 5°C (40°F), and Stockholm fluctuates around -3°C (27°F).

Kyoto usually receives more sunshine than Stockholm during winter. Kyoto gets 140 hours of sunny skies, while Stockholm receives 40 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Kyoto usually receives more rain than Stockholm. Kyoto gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Stockholm receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Kyoto or Stockholm in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Kyoto as well as Stockholm. Many visitors come to Kyoto in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to Stockholm for the activities around the city and the natural beauty during these months.

Kyoto is much warmer than Stockholm in the spring. The daily temperature in Kyoto averages around 14°C (58°F) in April, and Stockholm fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

In the spring, Kyoto often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Stockholm. Kyoto gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Stockholm receives 185 hours of full sun.

Kyoto receives a lot of rain in the spring. Kyoto usually gets more rain in April than Stockholm. Kyoto gets 153 mm (6 in) of rain, while Stockholm receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Stockholm and Kyoto