A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Santorini vs. Stockholm for Families, Couples, Attractions, and Nightlife

Should you visit Santorini or Stockholm?

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

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

Santorini

Santorini is a historic, romantic, and stunning island. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. With a quaint atmosphere, it also offers a unique feeling. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and shopping.

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. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Santorini and Stockholm: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Nice resorts
  • Good scuba and snorkeling destination
  • Popular beach
  • Good for hiking
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
  • Quaint atmosphere
Things to Consider
  • Less family-friendly
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Scenic old town
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty


Is there more to do in Santorini or Stockholm?

You'll generally find more things to do in Stockholm than Santorini. Stockholm is bigger than Santorini, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Stockholm is better known for its museums, nightlife, music, historical sights, and big city activities, while Santorini is more popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and quaint atmosphere. Santorini is more touristy than Stockholm and is popular for its beautiful volcanic beaches, stunning natural beauty, and breathtaking sunsets over the whitewashed villages. 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)
Gamla Stan (the old town)

How is Santorini different from Stockholm?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Santorini
Stockholm

Stockholm is a great city for its historical sights. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its sights and museums.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Santorini. One of the most impressive historical sights is Akrotiri Archaeological Site. The island has many archeological sites as well as the Archeological Museum in Fira.


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

Santorini
Stockholm

Dining out at restaurants in both Santorini and Stockholm can be an enjoyable experience.

Santorini has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Popular foods on this island include fava, Greek salad, and kofta.

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 Santorini or Stockholm Better for Nightlife?

Santorini
Stockholm

Stockholm is a great city for nightlife and partying. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its evening party scene.

The nightlife in Stockholm has something for everybody. The city is a particularly fun place to visit during the summer months when clubs open outdoor areas and parties happen day and night.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Santorini. It is one of the calmer, more romantic islands in Greece. For the best nightlife, you'll want to stay near Fira.

Is Santorini or Stockholm Better for Music?

Santorini
Stockholm

Stockholm is an unbeatable place for its live music scene. However, Santorini is not a live music destination.

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.

Santorini is not a live music destination.


Is Santorini or Stockholm Better for Resorts?

Santorini
Stockholm

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

Santorini is a world class resort vacation destination. The resorts range from all-inclusive options to resorts with a more local feel. The island is one of the most romantic of the Greek Islands, and the resorts are no exception.

Stockholm is not a resort destination.

Is Santorini or Stockholm Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Santorini
Stockholm

Santorini is a island with good options for its diving and snorkeling. However, Stockholm is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

It's fun to get in the water and check out the local marine life in Santorini. Some of the best snorkeling places are found at Red Beach, White Beach, and the less accessible Kambia. One of the island's best diving spots is Caldera Beach.

Stockholm is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Santorini or Stockholm Better for Beaches?

Santorini
Stockholm

Santorini 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 Santorini. The island has many beaches, most of which are made of black pebbly sand that are a result of the island's volcanic history. Popular beaches include Perissa Beach, Kamari Beach, and Perivolos Beach.

Stockholm is not a beach destination.


Is Santorini or Stockholm Better for its Old Town?

Santorini
Stockholm

Stockholm is an unbeatable place for its old town. However, Santorini does not have a historic old town.

With a famous historical old-town, Stockholm offers plenty to see. 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.

Santorini does not have a historic old town.

Is Santorini or Stockholm Better for Hiking?

Santorini
Stockholm

Santorini is a island with good options for its hiking experiences. However, Stockholm is not a hiking destination.

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Santorini. The best hiking trails on the island pass by quaint villages and offers stunning ocean views. You can also hike along the edge of a volcano.

Stockholm is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Santorini or Stockholm?

Santorini
Stockholm

If you're looking to go shopping, Santorini and Stockholm both offer plenty of high quality spots.

Santorini is well-known for its shopping. Towns around the island are filled with clothing and jewelry boutiques as well as many unique Greek shopping experiences.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity 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 Santorini or Stockholm Better for Families?

Santorini
Stockholm

Stockholm is an unbeatable place for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Santorini 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.

Santorini is a family-friendly place to visit. It is a calmer destination than many of the Greek Islands. While it's a great place to relax with kids, the beaches aren't as good as they are on some of the other islands. Most families hang out in Kamari and Perissa Beach.

Is Santorini or Stockholm Better for Couples?

Santorini
Stockholm

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

Santorini has so much to offer for a romantic couple's vacation. It is a dream honeymoon destination that is famous for its picturesque setting and luxury resorts. For many couples, this is a top pick for a romantic trip to the Greek Isles.

Stockholm is a great island 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 Santorini or Stockholm Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Santorini
Stockholm

For backpackers, both Santorini and Stockholm are notable places to visit.

It's common for backpackers to visit Santorini. The island has its share of 5 star resorts, but if you head a few streets in you'll find some surprisingly affordable accommodation. Backpackers are welcomed on the island and beaches are free, so it's possible to get by on a relatively low budget.

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 Santorini or Stockholm Better for Students?

Santorini
Stockholm

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

Santorini is not popular with students.

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

Santorini
Stockholm

Stockholm is an unbeatable place for times when you don't have a car. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its public transit.

Visitors in Stockholm can get around quickly with the extensive public transit system. The system is efficient with bus lines, metro, commuter rails, trams and ferries.

Santorini has a few public transit options. There is a bus system, KTEL Santorini Buses, that runs 23 buses during the summer months but only a small fraction of that operate during the winter months.

Is Santorini or Stockholm a more walkable city?

Santorini
Stockholm

Stockholm is an unbeatable place for its high level of walkability. Also, Santorini is not as popular, but is still a nice island for its ease of walking around.

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.

Santorini is a somewhat walkable island. Many towns on the island are walkable, including Fira, but the actual island is too large to explore on foot.


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

Should I spend more time in Stockholm or Santorini?

How long in Santorini or Stockholm?

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

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


  • How many days in Santorini or Stockholm? Ideal Length of Stay
    Santorini 3-7 
    Stockholm 2-7

One day in Santorini or Stockholm?

You'll find nightlife and food around the quaint island of Santorini. 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.

People visit Stockholm 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.

A weekend in Santorini or Stockholm?

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the romantic destination of Santorini. You can also relax and pamper yourself at one of the resorts. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

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

Five days in Santorini or Stockholm?

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

People visit Stockholm 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. Most people head to the area for the live music. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.


A week in Santorini or Stockholm?

Santorini is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Santorini, one week is sufficent for most. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

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


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Luxury Tours to Greece, The Best Budget Tours to Greece, The Best Budget Tours to Sweden, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Sweden.


Which place is cheaper, Stockholm or Santorini?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Santorini is €175, while the average daily cost in Stockholm is €157. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Santorini and Stockholm in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Santorini 93
    Stockholm 90
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Santorini 186
    Stockholm 180
Compare Hotels in Santorini and Stockholm

Looking for a hotel in Santorini or Stockholm? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Santorini


Hotels in Stockholm


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Santorini Hotel Prices and Stockholm Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Santorini 28
    Stockholm 19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Santorini

Also for Santorini, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Skip Cable Car! Santorini Shore Excursion with Boat Transfer: $129
  • 24h Luxury Santorini Transfer.Arrival/Departure one way: $76
  • Arrival Private Transfer Santorini Airport JTR or Port to Santorini by Minibus: $46
  • Arrival Private Transfer Santorini Airport JTR or Port to Santorini by Sprinter: $32
  • Blue Dome And Oia Sunset Small Group Transfer: $37
  • Blue Dome and Oia Sunset Small Group Transfer: $38
  • Departure Private Transfer Santorini to Santorini Airport JTR by Sedan Car: $23
  • Departure Private Transfer Santorini to Santorini Airport JTR or Port by Van: $32
  • Departure Private Transfer Santorni to Santorini Airport JTR or Port by Sprinter: $46
  • Departure Shared Transfer in Santorini Island: $22
  • Departure Transfer To Santorini Port: $33
  • Economy Roundtrip Transfer Santorini Airport ( Max 4 stop ): $15

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Stockholm

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Stockholm:

  • Stockholm Private Transfer from Stockholm Cruise Terminal to Skavsta airport: $291
  • Departure Private Transfer: Stockholm City to Bromma Airport BMA by Minibus: $264
  • Airport Transfer By Luxuary First Class , Arlanda Airport-Sthlm City: $245
  • Skansen Stockholm Fast-Track Tickets, Private Tour, Transfer: $239
  • Airport Transfer By Business Van - Arlanda Airport - Sthlm City : $207
  • First Class Airport Limousine Transfer: Stockholm City to Arlanda Airport: $179
  • Private Arlanda Transfer Service to/from Stockholm : $170
  • From Viking Culture Guided Tour with Transfer: $170
  • Stockholm Airport (ARN): Transfer to Stockholm city/port: $168
  • Cruise port VIP Transfer: Cruise port to Stockholm city center 1-6 Passangers: $161
  • Stockholm Private Transfer from Stockholm Cruise Terminal to Arlanda airport: $158
  • First Class Airport Limousine Transfer: Stockholm City to Bromma Airport: $151

Is it cheaper to fly into Santorini or Stockholm?

Prices for flights to both Stockholm and Santorini change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Santorini 48
    Stockholm 33

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Santorini

For Santorini, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • Romantic Sunset Caldera Cruise with Dinner: $70
  • Santorini Caldera: Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $70
  • Volcanic Sunset Cruise with Dinner: $80
  • Catamaran Tour with BBQ Dinner, Drinks, and Music: $91
  • Volcano and Hot Springs Sunset Dinner Cruise: $96
  • Cooking Class in Traditional cave house in Santorini!: $120
  • Sunset Cruise with Swim Stops, Dinner, and Drinks: $120
  • Fira: 4-Hour Walking Food Tour With Tastings: $123
  • Half-Day Sunset Wine Tasting Tour in Santorini with dinner: $123
  • Luxury Sunset Cruise with Dinner & Open Bar: $128
  • Sunset Sea Kayak with Light Dinner: $128
  • Hands on Cooking Class with a Chef: $134

Typical Food Prices in Stockholm

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Stockholm:


  • Breakfast
    8.55

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Stockholm

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Stockholm.

  • Self Guided Taysta Food Tour in Stockholm: $33
  • Food Tour: $101
  • Stockholm Food Tour: $104
  • Stockholm Walking Food Tour With Small Group: $119
  • From Wildlife Safari with Campfire Dinner: $128

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Santorini 36
    Stockholm 23

Tours and Activities in Santorini

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Santorini.

  • Authentic A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Oia: $6.99
  • Megalochori: Lost Atlantis 9D Experience Museum Entry Ticket: $15
  • Skip the Line Lost Atlantis Experience Ticket: $15
  • E-Ticket to Akrotiri with Audio Tour on your Phone: $15
  • Akrotiri Archaeological Site Entry Ticket: $16
  • Refundable Ticket for Akrotiri Archaeological Site : $20
  • Santorini Volcano and Hot Springs Cruise Tour from Fira Old Port: $27
  • Volcanic Islands Cruise with Hot Springs Visit: $28
  • Santorini Caldera Cruise Tour (Volcano, Hot Springs, Thirassia): $33
  • Santorini Volcano Tour: $37
  • Santorini Volcano & Hot Springs Tour : $40
  • Santorini Volcano Half Day Tour: $44

Tours and Activities in Stockholm

Here are a few actual costs in Stockholm for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Stockholm Fire and Ice Tour! Dive into Swedish lifestyle! Bike and Sauna: $235
  • 1-Day Small-Group Stockholm Archipelago Kayak Tour: $184
  • 1-day 7h Royal Palace and Castle Tour from Stockholm: $349
  • 2-Hour Free Walking Tour in Stockholm: $0.92
  • 2-day kayaking adventure around Vaxholm in Stockholm Archipelago - self guided: $255
  • 3-Hour Private Stockholm Photography Tour of Famous Landmarks : $172
  • 3h walking tour, small group max 10 people Stockholm: $63
  • ABBA Museum Fast-Track Tickets, Stockholm Pop Culture Tour: $280
  • Best Stockholm Small Group Bike Tour. English,French or Spanish! : $83
  • Best of Stockholm Walking Tour-3 Hours, Small Group max 10: $68
  • Bloody Stockholm 2h - ghosts, horror and Dark Folklore Tour: $81
  • Bohemian Södermalm Island Walking Tour: $533

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Santorini 26
    Stockholm 24

Sample the Local Flavors in Santorini

Also in Santorini, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Half Day Simply Santorini Tour with Wine Tasting: $60
  • Top Sights Day Trip, Wine Tasting, & Oia Sunset: $63
  • Fira Town Walking Tour with Wine Tasting: $75
  • Top Sights of Santorini with Wine Tasting and Sunset in Oia: $75
  • Notos Day Tour through History & Wine Tasting: $98
  • Santorini 4 Hour Private Oia Tour & Wine Tasting : $105
  • Wine Tour with Sunset in Oia: $106
  • Santorini Highlights Small-Group Tour with Wine Tasting from Fira: $109
  • 5 towns in 5 hours: Santorini Most Popular Tour with Wine tasting: $117
  • Wine Tour Santorini: $118
  • Wine tasting and Carving lesson in Santorini: $131
  • Santorini 4-Hour Private Tour including Wine Tasting, Shore Excursion: $136

Sample the Local Flavors in Stockholm

Also in Stockholm, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Original Stockholm Pub Crawl: $32
  • Swedish Wine Tasting Tour in Stockholm Gamla Stan: $280
  • Swedish Wine Tasting Tour in Stockholm Gamla Stan: $288


When comparing the travel costs between Santorini and Stockholm, we can see that Santorini is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Santorini or Stockholm?

Stockholm has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Santorini. When comparing the sizes of Santorini 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.