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

Should you visit Saaremaa or Stockholm?

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

If you're trying to decide where to visit between Saaremaa 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.

Saaremaa

Saaremaa is a peaceful, relaxed, and traditional island. It also offers plenty of small town charm and also has plenty of sights and activities. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the food and beaches.

Stockholm

Stockholm is a beautiful, clean, and coastal city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Saaremaa and Stockholm: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Saaremaa or Stockholm?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Stockholm. Although Saaremaa and Stockholm are both popular with visitors, Stockholm has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Stockholm is more popular for its museums, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Saaremaa is known for its food, beaches, and small town charm. Stockholm is more touristy than Saaremaa and is popular for its many bridges and water culture, its open air museum, and its colorful old town. It is also home to Gamla Stan (the old town). Saaremaa is popular for its untouched, undiscovered rural setting.

Gamla Stan (the old town)

How is Saaremaa different from Stockholm?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Stockholm is great for its historical sights. However, Saaremaa 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.

Saaremaa does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Saaremaa 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 Saaremaa. Like most things on the island, traditional local food is still the norm here. The island is known for its smoked fish, homemade bread, and locally brewed beers. Popular fishes include garfish, herring, and flatfish, which you can enjoy at a local restaurant or one of the pop-up cafes that are popular during the summer months. You'll find the highest concentration of restaurants in Kuressaare, but there are still many options further out. It's also fun to visit during September during the Saaremaa Food Festival.

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 Saaremaa or Stockholm Better for Nightlife?

Stockholm is great for its evening party scene. However, Saaremaa is not a good destination for nightlife.

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.

People don't go to Saaremaa for the nightlife. The island is known for it's quiet, laid-back atmosphere, so you'll be hard pressed to find a party or active club, even during the more popular summer months.

Is Saaremaa or Stockholm Better for Music?

Stockholm is an amazing city to visit for its music scene. However, Saaremaa is not a live music destination.

Stockholm has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The city has an amazing music scene that includes international groups and DJs, local venues, and popular festivals.

Saaremaa is not a live music destination.

Is Saaremaa or Stockholm Better for Beaches?

Saaremaa is a island with good options for the beache. However, Stockholm is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Saaremaa. The beaches are quiet and relaxed, even during the summer months. In town, the best beach is Kuressaare Beach. Outside of town you'll find other nice beaches such as the sandy beaches between Mändjala and Järve. The beaches in Tuhkana and Jõiste villages are also well known. For swimming, most people prefer to visit Lake Karujärv.

Stockholm is not a beach destination.

Is Saaremaa or Stockholm Better for its Old Town?

Stockholm is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town charm. However, Saaremaa does not have a historic old town.

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.

Saaremaa does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Saaremaa or Stockholm?

Stockholm is great for its shopping areas. However, Saaremaa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

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.

Saaremaa is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Saaremaa or Stockholm Better for Families?

Stockholm is an amazing city to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Saaremaa is not as popular, but is still a nice island 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.

Saaremaa is a family-friendly place to visit. While the island is known for its slow pace, there are still a number of fun activities where the kids can run and jump. There are several outdoor adventure parks and playgrounds that are great for young legs. Check out the playgrounds in Kuressaare or head out of town for more outdoor activities. When the weather's nice you can head to Kuressaare Beach or check out the ostrich farm in Muhu.

Is Saaremaa or Stockholm Better for Couples?

Stockholm is an amazing city to visit for couples. Also, Saaremaa is not as popular, but is still a nice island for romance.

Stockholm has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. 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.

Saaremaa is a very popular place to visit for couples. The peace and quiet of the island make for a relaxing couple's getaway. You can enjoy the outdoors and feel like you've stepped back in time as you explore the laid back island in the Baltics.

Is Saaremaa or Stockholm Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

For backpackers, both Saaremaa and Stockholm are good places to visit.

It's common for backpackers to visit Saaremaa. While prices are cheap, transportation isn't great so you'll likely want to rent a car if you want to really explore the island. There are a number of rooms available for rent at an affordable price, particularly in the shoulder season, but you'll you'll only find a handful of hostels on the island.

Stockholm is a good island 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 Saaremaa or Stockholm Better for Students?

Stockholm is a nice place to visit for its student-friendly activities. However, Saaremaa is not popular with 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.

Saaremaa is not popular with students.

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

Stockholm is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. However, Saaremaa is not a good destination for its public transit.

Public transit in Stockholm is top-notch. The system is efficient with bus lines, metro, commuter rails, trams and ferries.

Public transit is limited or non-existant in Saaremaa. Most people arrive on the island by ferry. There are buses on the island but they cater mostly to locals. To really explore, you'll want to have access to a car.

Is Saaremaa or Stockholm a more walkable city?

Stockholm is an amazing city to visit for its ease of walking around. However, Saaremaa is not a good destination for its 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.

Saaremaa is not a walkable island. While their are some walking trails, you really need a car to explore the island in depth.

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

Should I spend more time in Stockholm or Saaremaa?

How long in Saaremaa or Stockholm?

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

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

Even though Saaremaa is a small town, it has plenty 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. 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 Saaremaa or Stockholm?

Saaremaa is a small town where visitors enjoy the food. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this island has to offer. This island 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 Saaremaa or Stockholm?

Saaremaa is a small town, so it's a great destination if you're short on time. 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 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 Saaremaa or Stockholm?

Saaremaa 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 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 2-Week Tours from Tallinn, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Estonia, The Best Budget Tours to Sweden, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Sweden.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Saaremaa or Stockholm?

Stockholm has a larger population, and is about 80 times larger than the population of Saaremaa. When comparing the sizes of Saaremaa 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 Saaremaa 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 Saaremaa or Stockholm in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Saaremaa as well as Stockholm. The beaches, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Saaremaa this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Stockholm for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Saaremaa is generally around the same temperature as Stockholm. Daily temperatures in Saaremaa average around 17°C (62°F), and Stockholm fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Stockholm. People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Saaremaa this time of the year. In the summer, Saaremaa often gets more sunshine than Stockholm. Saaremaa gets 302 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Stockholm receives 260 hours of full sun.

Saaremaa usually gets less rain in July than Stockholm. Saaremaa gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Stockholm receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saaremaa or Stockholm in the Autumn?

Both Stockholm and Saaremaa are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Saaremaa for the small town atmosphere 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.

Saaremaa is around the same temperature as Stockholm in the autumn. The daily temperature in Saaremaa averages around 8°C (47°F) in October, and Stockholm fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

Saaremaa usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Stockholm during autumn. Saaremaa gets 101 hours of sunny skies, while Stockholm receives 99 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Saaremaa usually receives more rain than Stockholm. Saaremaa gets 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Stockholm receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Saaremaa or Stockholm in the Winter?

Both Stockholm and Saaremaa during the winter are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Saaremaa in the winter for 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. Saaremaa can get quite cold in the winter. In the winter, Saaremaa is around the same temperature as Stockholm. Typically, the winter temperatures in Saaremaa in January average around -3°C (27°F), and Stockholm averages at about -3°C (27°F).

In the winter, Saaremaa often gets less sunshine than Stockholm. Saaremaa gets 33 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Stockholm receives 40 hours of full sun.

Saaremaa usually gets more rain in January than Stockholm. Saaremaa gets 41 mm (1.6 in) of rain, while Stockholm receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Saaremaa or Stockholm in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Saaremaa and Stockholm. Most visitors come to Saaremaa for the beaches, the small town charm, 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.

Saaremaa can be very cold during spring. In April, Saaremaa is generally cooler than Stockholm. Daily temperatures in Saaremaa average around 4°C (38°F), and Stockholm fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Saaremaa usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Stockholm during spring. Saaremaa gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Stockholm receives 185 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Saaremaa usually receives around the same amount of rain as Stockholm. Saaremaa gets 29 mm (1.1 in) of rain, while Stockholm receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Stockholm and Saaremaa