A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Manchester vs. Stockholm for Music, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Manchester or Stockholm?

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

Which city is more affordable and which is best for your travel style? If you're trying to figure out where to go next, comparing the travel costs between Manchester and Stockholm can help you decide which place is right for you.

Manchester

Manchester is a cultural, vibrant, and dynamic city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the nightlife, live music, and food.

Stockholm

Stockholm is a expensive, beautiful, and clean city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Manchester and Stockholm: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Manchester or Stockholm?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Stockholm than Manchester. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Stockholm is very popular for its music, historical sights, and impressive beauty, while Manchester attracts visitors for its food. Stockholm is more touristy than Manchester and is popular for its many bridges and water culture, its open air museum, and its colorful old town. It is also well known for Gamla Stan (the old town). Manchester is famous for its strong music culture as well as being home to the world-renowned Manchester United Football Club.

Gamla Stan (the old town)

How is Manchester different from Stockholm?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Spend time exploring the superb sights and museums in either Manchester or Stockholm.

Many visitors head to Manchester specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Head to the Science and Industry Museum, the Imperial War Museum North, Manchester Cathedral, or John Rylands Library & Manchester Central Library to see some of the cities most interesting sights.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Stockholm can be an interesting and educational experience. Famous sights and museums include the Vasa Museum, the Skansen Open-Air Museum, and the Royal Palace.

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

Manchester 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 Manchester. You'll find a great food scene with diverse restaurant options that include international flavors, vegetarian options, and more. There are also many great places to try craft beer.

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 Manchester or Stockholm Better for Nightlife?

The vibe at night is superb in both Manchester and Stockholm.

Many people head to Manchester for the nightlife scene. The nightlife scene is diverse and high energy. Head to Deansgate or the Northern Quarter for some of the best nightlife venues. You'll also find a huge rave scene in town.

Stockholm has plenty to do after the sun goes down. 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 Manchester or Stockholm Better for Music?

Stockholm is very popular for live music. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its live music scene.

Stockholm is known as a music capital around the world. The city has an amazing music scene that includes international groups and DJs, local venues, and popular festivals.

If you love music, you'll find something to enjoy in Manchester. There's a long running music reputation here. Some of the iconic bands that began here include Oasis and Stone Roses.

Is Manchester or Stockholm Better for its Old Town?

Stockholm is very popular for its historic old town. However, Manchester does not have a historic old town.

Stockholm has a world-famous historical area. 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.

Manchester does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Manchester or Stockholm?

If you're looking to go shopping, Manchester and Stockholm both offer plenty of superb spots.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Manchester. From jewelry to boutique clothing outlets, there are many places to shop around town. Head to Manchester Arndale, Trafford Centre, or Market Street for some of the best shopping.

Stockholm is a popular shopping destination with plenty of stores. Right by Gamla Stan, you'll find the city's main shopping street of Drottninggatan. The city has great jewelry and artisan crafts.

Is Manchester or Stockholm Better for Families?

Stockholm is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its family-friendly activities.

Stockholm is one of the most popular family destinations. 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.

Manchester is a very kid-friendly city. You'll find a number of kid-friendly activities around town including the popular Legoland Discovery Center. Another fun activity is taking a behind the scenes CBBC interactive tour at MediaCityUK. Animal lovers will enjoy visiting the SeaLife Aquarium or the Chester Zoo and sports enthusiasts will not want to miss a visit to the National Football Museum or doing a tour of Old Trafford where you can also visit the Manchester United Museum.

Is Manchester or Stockholm Better for Couples?

Stockholm is very popular for romance. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its romantic activities.

For those traveling as a couple, Stockholm 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.

Manchester is a very popular place to visit for couples. Couples can enjoy a visit to a spa, a nice meal out, or simply wandering down the canal. For a unique experience, you can hit to slopes at Chill Factore.

Is Manchester or Stockholm Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Manchester and Stockholm are nice places to visit.

Manchester is popular with backpackers and budget travelers. You'll find hostels around town and a number of visitors, particularly during the sports season.

It's common for backpackers to 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 Manchester or Stockholm Better for Students?

Manchester 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 Manchester. There's a large number of students as well as a great music scene and tons of festivals that make this a great city to do your studies.

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

Stockholm is very popular for times when you don't have a car. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its public transit.

Stockholm has an effecient and thorough public transportation system which can take you anywhere in the city. The system is efficient with bus lines, metro, commuter rails, trams and ferries.

Public transit in Manchester can get you to some places easily. The city has bus, train, and tram options for travel.

Is Manchester or Stockholm a more walkable city?

Stockholm is very popular for its walkability. Also, Manchester is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of walkability.

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.

Manchester is a somewhat walkable place. Some neighborhoods are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Stockholm or Manchester?

How long in Manchester or Stockholm?

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

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

People visit Manchester because there is so much to do. 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.

With live music and food around the safe city of Stockholm, there's plenty to do. Anyone can find something fun to do here. One of the main draws to the area is the live music. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

A weekend in Manchester or Stockholm?

People visit Manchester because there is so much to do. 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.

With food and shopping around the big city destination of Stockholm, there's plenty to do. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. It offers something for everyone. Many people spend a weekend here. One of the main draws to the area is the live music. In a weekend, you should have a good grasp of this city.

Five days in Manchester or Stockholm?

Travelers enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the cultural city of Manchester. 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, a popular city, is full of activities for travelers. This is a popular place to visit for five days. Visiting the old town is also a must. In five days, you should have a good grasp of this city. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

A week in Manchester or Stockholm?

Manchester 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 popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have one week, this city makes for a great vacation. One of the main draws to the area is the live music. One week should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 2-Week Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to United Kingdom, The Best Budget Tours to Sweden, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Sweden.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Manchester and Stockholm, we can see that Manchester is more expensive. And not only is Stockholm much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Stockholm would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Stockholm 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 Manchester would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Manchester than you might in Stockholm.

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

Which is Bigger, Manchester or Stockholm?

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

The summer brings many poeple to Manchester as well as Stockholm. Many travelers come to Manchester for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Additionally, many visitors come to Stockholm in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Manchester is around the same temperature as Stockholm. Typically, the summer temperatures in Manchester in July average around 16°C (62°F), and Stockholm averages at about 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Stockholm. In the summer, Manchester often gets less sunshine than Stockholm. Manchester gets 176 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Stockholm receives 260 hours of full sun.

Manchester usually gets less rain in July than Stockholm. Manchester gets 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Stockholm receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Manchester or Stockholm in the Autumn?

Both Stockholm and Manchester are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Manchester in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene. Also, most visitors come to Stockholm for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Manchester is generally a little warmer than Stockholm. Daily temperatures in Manchester average around 11°C (52°F), and Stockholm fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Manchester usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Stockholm during autumn. Manchester gets 97 hours of sunny skies, while Stockholm receives 99 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Manchester usually receives more rain than Stockholm. Manchester gets 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain, while Stockholm receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Manchester or Stockholm in the Winter?

Both Stockholm and Manchester during the winter are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Manchester for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Stockholm because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Stockholm can be very cold. Manchester can be very cold during winter. Manchester is much warmer than Stockholm in the winter. The daily temperature in Manchester averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Stockholm fluctuates around -3°C (27°F).

In the winter, Manchester often gets more sunshine than Stockholm. Manchester gets 53 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Stockholm receives 40 hours of full sun.

Manchester usually gets more rain in January than Stockholm. Manchester gets 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain, while Stockholm receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Manchester or Stockholm in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Manchester and Stockholm. The spring months attract visitors to Manchester because of the activities around the city. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Stockholm this time of year.

In the spring, Manchester is much warmer than Stockholm. Typically, the spring temperatures in Manchester in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Stockholm averages at about 5°C (41°F).

Manchester usually receives less sunshine than Stockholm during spring. Manchester gets 144 hours of sunny skies, while Stockholm receives 185 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Manchester usually receives more rain than Stockholm. Manchester gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Stockholm receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Stockholm and Manchester