A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Marbella vs. Stockholm for Nightlife, Music, Old Town, and Families

Should you visit Marbella or Stockholm?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Marbella or Stockholm, this travel comparison, which includes costs, can help. The overall cost of travel is usually a consideration when deciding where to go next, and the cost comparison down below can help you decide based on the average prices from other travelers along with your own travel budget.

Marbella

Marbella is a fun-filled, high energy, and ritzy resort town. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the beaches, shopping, and nightlife.

Stockholm

Stockholm is a beautiful, clean, and coastal 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 museums, nightlife, and live music.

Marbella and Stockholm: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Marbella or Stockholm?

You'll generally find more things to do in Stockholm than Marbella. Stockholm is bigger than Marbella, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Stockholm is better known for its museums, music, historical sights, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Marbella is more popular for its nightlife, resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and shopping. Marbella is well known for its luxury hotels, beautiful beaches, and lively nightlife. 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 Marbella different from Stockholm?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Stockholm is a very popular place for its museums and history. However, Marbella does not have museums and landmarks.

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.

Marbella does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Both Marbella and Stockholm offer notable local cuisine and restaurants.

Marbella has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. The area is filled with tourists, so finding an authentic dining experience can be difficult. Several favorite dishes include croquetas, boquerones, and pulpo.

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 Marbella or Stockholm Better for Nightlife?

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

Marbella is a world class party destination. European tourists flock to the town for its beaches and resorts. The town has a glamorous nightlife scene with exclusive clubs and ritzy cocktail bars, particularly in Puerto Banus and along the Golden Mile.

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 Marbella or Stockholm Better for Music?

Stockholm is very popular for its live music scene. Also, Marbella is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its music scene.

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.

Music is a popular form of entertainment in Marbella. Some of the best music venues include Starlite, Kitch Social Club, and Momento.

Is Marbella or Stockholm Better for Resorts?

Marbella is a must-visit destination for its resorts. However, Stockholm is not a resort destination.

Marbella is a world class resort vacation destination. From luxury to family-friendly, this area has plenty of resorts to choose from. Popular resorts in the area include Marbella Club Hotel, Puente Romano Marbella, and Don Carlos Resort and Spa.

Stockholm is not a resort destination.

Is Marbella or Stockholm Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Marbella is a must-visit destination for its diving and snorkeling. However, Stockholm is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Marbella is a world class destination for scuba diving and snorkeling. There are more than 100 dive sights and endless snorkeling opportunities in the area. There are deep offshore reefs that you can explore as well as shallower wrecks and caves.

Stockholm is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Marbella or Stockholm Better for Beaches?

Marbella is a must-visit destination for the beache. However, Stockholm is not a beach destination.

Marbella is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The area boasts some of the best beaches in Europe. They are hubs of activity with lots of energy, and there are more than 18 miles of sandy beach in the area. Popular options include Guadalmina Beach, San Pedro de Alcántara Beach, and Nueva Andalucía Beach.

Stockholm is not a beach destination.

Is Marbella or Stockholm Better for its Old Town?

Stockholm is very popular for its old town. Also, Marbella is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its historic old town charm.

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.

Marbella offers a nice historic old town area. Head into the old town to explore a quaint area with small, meandering streets, churches, restaurants, shops, and cafes.

Is the Shopping Better in Marbella or Stockholm?

Marbella 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 Marbella make it a world-class shopping destination. This area attracts vacationers from around Europe and the shopping is some of the best in Europe.

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 Marbella or Stockholm Better for Families?

Stockholm is very popular for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Marbella is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

Stockholm is an amazing family-friendly city to visit. 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.

Marbella is known to be a very family-friendly place to visit. The area has beautiful, family-friendly beaches and many resorts with pools that are great for kids.

Is Marbella or Stockholm Better for Couples?

Marbella and Stockholm are both first-rate to visit as a couple.

Marbella has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. The area has luxury resorts, nice beaches, water sports, golf, and water activities that are perfect for a honeymoon or a romantic weekend or a honeymoon.

Stockholm is a great resort town 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.

Is Marbella or Stockholm Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Marbella and Stockholm are both notable destinations for backpackers.

It's common for backpackers to visit Marbella. There are a few good hostels in the area for backpackers who want to enjoy this part of Spain's cost. There's also a lively nightlife scene and plenty of opportunities to meet others.

Stockholm is a good resort town to visit for backpackers. 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 Marbella or Stockholm Better for Students?

Stockholm is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Marbella 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.

Marbella is not popular with students.

Is Marbella 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. However, Marbella is lacking in good options 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 is generally limited in Marbella. There is a bus system through the area, but most visitors prefer to get around by car.

Is Marbella or Stockholm a more walkable city?

Stockholm is very popular for its high level of walkability. Also, Marbella 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.

Marbella is a very walkable destination. The old town is particularly walkable and there are a number of hotels and nice resorts within a short walk of the town along a nice promenade.

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

Should I spend more time in Stockholm or Marbella?

How long in Marbella or Stockholm?

Both Marbella 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 Marbella. Usually, 2-5 days is a good amount of time for Marbella, and 2-7 days is enough time in Stockholm.

Families should spend more time in Stockholm than Marbella. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Stockholm than Marbella 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 Marbella or Stockholm?

You'll find nightlife and live music around the resort town of Marbella. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Marbella or Stockholm?

You'll find live music and food around the high energy destination of Marbella. 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 resort town has to offer. This resort town 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 Marbella or Stockholm?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the fun-filled resort town of Marbella. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this resort town makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this resort town has to offer.

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 Marbella or Stockholm?

Marbella is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Sightseeing Tours in Spain, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Spain, The Best Budget Tours to Sweden, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Sweden.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Marbella or Stockholm?

Stockholm has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Marbella. When comparing the sizes of Marbella 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 Marbella 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 Marbella or Stockholm in the Summer?

Both Stockholm and Marbella during the summer are popular places to visit. The beaches, snorkeling, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Marbella this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Stockholm for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Marbella is a little warmer than Stockholm in the summer. The daily temperature in Marbella averages around 25°C (77°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 Marbella. In the summer, Marbella often gets more sunshine than Stockholm. Marbella gets 348 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Stockholm receives 260 hours of full sun.

Marbella usually gets less rain in July than Stockholm. Marbella gets 2 mm (0.1 in) of rain, while Stockholm receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marbella or Stockholm in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Marbella and Stockholm. Many travelers come to Marbella for the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area. Also, many visitors come to Stockholm in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Marbella is much warmer than Stockholm. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Marbella in October average around 19°C (67°F), and Stockholm averages at about 8°C (46°F).

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

In October, Marbella usually receives more rain than Stockholm. Marbella gets 54 mm (2.1 in) of rain, while Stockholm receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Marbella or Stockholm in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Marbella as well as Stockholm. Many visitors come to Marbella in the winter for the shopping scene and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Stockholm for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Stockholm can be very cold during winter. In January, Marbella is generally much warmer than Stockholm. Daily temperatures in Marbella average around 12°C (54°F), and Stockholm fluctuates around -3°C (27°F).

In the winter, Marbella often gets more sunshine than Stockholm. Marbella gets 171 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Stockholm receives 40 hours of full sun.

Marbella usually gets more rain in January than Stockholm. Marbella gets 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain, while Stockholm receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Marbella or Stockholm in the Spring?

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

Marbella is much warmer than Stockholm in the spring. The daily temperature in Marbella averages around 16°C (60°F) in April, and Stockholm fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Marbella. Marbella usually receives more sunshine than Stockholm during spring. Marbella gets 220 hours of sunny skies, while Stockholm receives 185 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Marbella usually receives more rain than Stockholm. Marbella gets 40 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 Marbella