A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Lisbon vs. Stockholm for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Music

Should you visit Lisbon or Stockholm?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit Lisbon or Stockholm? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

Lisbon

Lisbon is a stunning, picturesque, and colorful city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. 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 safe, expensive, and beautiful city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. It's also popular because of the food, shopping, and museums.

Lisbon and Stockholm: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Lisbon or Stockholm?

Travelers will generally find more things to do in Lisbon than Stockholm. While Stockholm is larger than Lisbon, Lisbon has more sights and attractions for tourists. Lisbon is popular for its hilltop vistos, beautiful old town, and lively Fado music. It is also home to Castelo de São Jorge. Stockholm is popular for its many bridges and water culture, its open air museum, and its colorful old town.

How is Lisbon different from Stockholm?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Lisbon 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 Lisbon are among the most recognizable in the world. World renowned landmarks include St. George's Castle, Jerónimos monastery, the Belém Tower, Santa Justa Lift, and countless world class museums.

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 Lisbon or Stockholm? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Lisbon is a must-visit destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Stockholm is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Many restaurants in Lisbon have been singled out for their culinary prowess. There are many local restaurants as well as food tours and cooking classes that you can enjoy. Make sure you try the local favorites like bacalhau à brás, frango no churrasco, and pastel de nata. Given the beautiful climate, outdoor seating is also popular. Head into the less touristy neighborhoods to try some local dishes or hit up a seafood market. There are also many cafes that offer great breakfasts with fresh ingredients.

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 Lisbon or Stockholm Better for Nightlife?

Lisbon is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Stockholm is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Lisbon is a world class party destination. It is a bustling city with a lot of energy late into the night. There are countless bars, clubs, and music venues that cater to every personality type and style. Whether you want a more relaxed vibe or a raging party, there is likely an place for you.

Many people head to Stockholm for the nightlife scene. 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 Lisbon or Stockholm Better for Music?

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

Lisbon has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The local folk music, fado, is popular here, but there are also venues that host almost any other style of music as well. You'll also find several fado museums around town.

Stockholm is a world class music destination. The city has an amazing music scene that includes international groups and DJs, local venues, and popular festivals.

Is Lisbon or Stockholm Better for Beaches?

Lisbon is a city with good options for the beache. However, Stockholm is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Lisbon. The beaches are often overlooked by visitors, but the coastline near the city is lined with beautiful sandy beaches that are arguably among the best in the area. If you want to get away from city life, head for the water.

Stockholm is not a beach destination.

Is Lisbon or Stockholm Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the terrific old towns in both Lisbon and Stockholm.

With a famous historical old-town, Lisbon offers plenty to see. The city is famous for the Alfama area, which is where you find the traditional buildings, cobblestoned streets, wandering alleyways, and steep hills. Make sure you take in the stunning view from various parts of 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.

Is the Shopping Better in Lisbon or Stockholm?

Lisbon is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Stockholm is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Lisbon make it a world-class shopping destination. For high end shopping, head to The Avenida da Liberdade. It's lined with designer brands and luxury boutiques.

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 Lisbon or Stockholm Better for Families?

Stockholm is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Lisbon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Stockholm is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Lisbon is a very family-friendly place to visit. Popular family-friendly activities include exploring Castelo Sao Jorge, visiting the aquarium, hanging out on the beach, and of course, taking the funiculars. Kids of all ages will appreciate the intricate maze of streets and lively atmosphere that this city offers. There's also the famous Livraria Lello & Irmão, which is a beautiful bookshop that is said to be an inspiration for Harry Potter. Don't expect to simply walk in, as there is often a long line to enter.

Is Lisbon or Stockholm Better for Couples?

Stockholm is an unbeatable place for couples. Also, Lisbon is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Stockholm makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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 Lisbon frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With it's colorful buildings and dramatic hills, this city offers a truly romantic setting for couples. There are many romantic viewpoints as well as world class restaurants that couples will enjoy.

Is Lisbon or Stockholm Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Lisbon 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 Lisbon. Hostels are abundant, and you'll have no trouble finding other backpackers to hang out with. Many hostels even organize activities and group meals for travelers. Prices are also reasonable for a large and vibrant city.

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 Lisbon or Stockholm Better for Students?

Lisbon 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 Lisbon. It's a lively city with a lot to see and do for international students.

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

Visitors will find terrific public transit in both Lisbon and Stockholm.

Visitors in Lisbon can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The metro has four lines that go around the city. There are also trams, buses, and the funiculars.

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.

Is Lisbon or Stockholm a more walkable city?

Lisbon and Stockholm are terrific when it comes to walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Lisbon. There are many walkable areas that aren't too hilly like Baixa, a stretch along the Tagus River, and Belém.

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 Lisbon Worth Visiting? and Is Stockholm Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Stockholm or Lisbon?

How long in Lisbon or Stockholm?

Both Lisbon and Stockholm have a number of activities to choose from. In our opinion, Lisbon has more to see and do, so we recommend that you spend more time in Lisbon than Stockholm. In general, 3-7 days is a good amount of time for Lisbon, and 2-7 days is enough time in Stockholm.

Families should spend more time in Stockholm than Lisbon. 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 Lisbon than Stockholm. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Lisbon that are great for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Lisbon 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 Lisbon.

One day in Lisbon or Stockholm?

People visit Lisbon 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.

Many travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the big city destination of Stockholm. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Lisbon or Stockholm?

People visit Lisbon because there is so much to do. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Stockholm is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. Don't miss the live music, as that's what most people do. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Five days in Lisbon or Stockholm?

People visit Lisbon 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. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Stockholm. Don't miss the live music, as that's what most people do. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill five days here. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A week in Lisbon or Stockholm?

Lisbon 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 Lisbon, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

Many travelers enjoy the nightlife and live music when visiting the clean big city of Stockholm. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. This would be the perfect place to spend one week, as it has just the right amount of activities.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Portugal, The Best 2-Week Tours in Portugal, The Best Budget Tours to Sweden, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Sweden.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Lisbon and Stockholm, we can see that Stockholm is more expensive. And not only is Lisbon much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Lisbon would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Lisbon 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 Lisbon.

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

Which is Bigger, Lisbon or Stockholm?

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

Both Stockholm and Lisbon during the summer are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Lisbon in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Stockholm for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In July, Lisbon is generally a little warmer than Stockholm. Daily temperatures in Lisbon average around 23°C (73°F), and Stockholm fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

In Stockholm, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Lisbon. In the summer, Lisbon often gets more sunshine than Stockholm. Lisbon gets 352 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Stockholm receives 260 hours of full sun.

Lisbon usually gets less rain in July than Stockholm. Lisbon gets 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain, while Stockholm receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lisbon or Stockholm in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Lisbon and Stockholm. Most visitors come to Lisbon for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Stockholm because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

Lisbon is much warmer than Stockholm in the autumn. The daily temperature in Lisbon averages around 19°C (66°F) in October, and Stockholm fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In Lisbon, it's very sunny this time of the year. Lisbon usually receives more sunshine than Stockholm during autumn. Lisbon gets 213 hours of sunny skies, while Stockholm receives 99 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Lisbon usually receives more rain than Stockholm. Lisbon gets 80 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Stockholm receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Lisbon or Stockholm in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Lisbon as well as Stockholm. The winter months attract visitors to Lisbon because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Stockholm this time of year.

It's quite cold in Stockholm in the winter. In the winter, Lisbon is much warmer than Stockholm. Typically, the winter temperatures in Lisbon in January average around 12°C (53°F), and Stockholm averages at about -3°C (27°F).

In the winter, Lisbon often gets more sunshine than Stockholm. Lisbon gets 144 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Stockholm receives 40 hours of full sun.

Lisbon receives a lot of rain in the winter. Lisbon usually gets more rain in January than Stockholm. Lisbon gets 110 mm (4.3 in) of rain, while Stockholm receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Lisbon or Stockholm in the Spring?

Both Stockholm and Lisbon are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty are the main draw to Lisbon this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Stockholm for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In April, Lisbon is generally much warmer than Stockholm. Daily temperatures in Lisbon average around 16°C (60°F), and Stockholm fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Lisbon. Lisbon usually receives more sunshine than Stockholm during spring. Lisbon gets 235 hours of sunny skies, while Stockholm receives 185 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Lisbon usually receives more rain than Stockholm. Lisbon gets 64 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Stockholm receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Stockholm and Lisbon