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

Should you visit Stockholm or Amsterdam?

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

Trying to figure out where to travel next? This travel comparison between Stockholm and Amsterdam can help. It includes a travel cost comparison in addition to other factors. For many travelers, the cost of a destination is a primary consideration when choosing where to go.

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. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the museums, nightlife, and live music.

Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a party-oriented, laid-back, and scenic 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 and Amsterdam: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Stockholm or Amsterdam?

Visitors will generally find more to do in Amsterdam than Stockholm. While Stockholm is larger than Amsterdam, Amsterdam has more sights, attractions, and activities for tourists. Amsterdam is better known for its nightlife and big city activities, while Stockholm is more popular for its food and historical sights. Amsterdam is more touristy than Stockholm and is known for its scenic canals, huge biking culture, and its wild nightlife scene. Also, Amsterdam is famous for The Rijksmuseum. Stockholm is well known for its many bridges and water culture, its open air museum, and its colorful old town.

How is Stockholm different from Amsterdam?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

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

Plenty of people visit the high quality sights and museums in both Stockholm and Amsterdam.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Stockholm. Famous sights and museums include the Vasa Museum, the Skansen Open-Air Museum, and the Royal Palace.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Amsterdam. The city has a number of sights and museums including the Anne Frank House, the Van Gogh Museum, and the Royal Palace. The world renowned Rijksmuseum is a must see for any art enthusiast. There are also many smaller, lesser known museums that are well worth a visit.

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

Stockholm is a nice place to visit for its restaurant scene. However, Amsterdam is not particularly known for its local flavors and cuisine.

Visitors will find a budding food and restaurant scene in Stockholm. 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.

Amsterdam may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Food is expensive in this city, particularly in the touristy areas. There are some markets that sell great local items and the dessert cafes are awesome!

Is Stockholm or Amsterdam Better for Nightlife?

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

Amsterdam is a world class party destination. The city has some of the best nightlife in Europe. There are plenty of bars, dance clubs, and other activities that you can enjoy throughout the night.

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 Stockholm or Amsterdam Better for Music?

Live music enthusiatsts will find something to enjoy in either Stockholm or Amsterdam.

Live music, and music in many other forms, is everyone in Stockholm The city has an amazing music scene that includes international groups and DJs, local venues, and popular festivals.

Amsterdam has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. The city attracts its share of world renowned DJs and musicians. Popular music venues include Paradiso, De Melkweg, and Chicago Social Club.

Is Stockholm or Amsterdam Better for its Old Town?

Stockholm is an unbeatable place for its old town. Also, Amsterdam is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historic old town charm.

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.

Amsterdam is an extremely popular place to visit the historic old town area. The old city center is one of the best preserved in Europe. It's enclosed by canals and has many historic churches, plazas, and buildings.

Is the Shopping Better in Stockholm or Amsterdam?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Amsterdam and Stockholm.

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.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Amsterdam. For the best shopping in town, head to the Nine Streets area in the historic district and the two main shopping streets of The Kalverstraat and Leidsestraat.

Is Stockholm or Amsterdam Better for Families?

Stockholm is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. However, Amsterdam is not particularly known for its kid-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.

For families, Amsterdam is not always the best place to visit. The city does it's share of partying, and there are some areas, like the red light district, that aren't exactly kid-friendly, but there are some nice parks, playgrounds, and the impressive NEMO Science Museum that you can explore.

Is Stockholm or Amsterdam Better for Couples?

Stockholm is an unbeatable place for its romantic activities. Also, Amsterdam is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

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.

Amsterdam is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. For many, a visit to this city is all about the party, but for couples who enjoy history, architecture, or boat rides along the scenic canals, the city also makes a great getaway. It's also fun to stay in a houseboat and have a unique experience.

Is Stockholm or Amsterdam Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Amsterdam 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 Amsterdam. With it's party-hard personality and countless low price hostels, this city attracts its share of backpackers. Do note that many of the hostels aren't focused on quality, so make sure you understand what you're paying for. It may be worth booking a slightly more expensive room in a hotel.

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 Stockholm or Amsterdam Better for Students?

Stockholm is a nice place to visit for students. However, Amsterdam is not popular with students.

Stockholm is popular with students. 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.

Amsterdam is not popular with students.

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

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Stockholm and Amsterdam.

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.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Amsterdam can take you anywhere. The city has metros, trams, buses, and ferries that help you get around. Since this is the Netherlands, getting around by bike is very popular.

Is Stockholm or Amsterdam a more walkable city?

Stockholm and Amsterdam both are first-rate when exploring on foot.

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.

Amsterdam is a very easy city to get around on foot. The historic parts of the city are very walkable and much of the city is best explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Amsterdam or Stockholm?

How long in Stockholm or Amsterdam?

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

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

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

One day in Stockholm or Amsterdam?

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.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Amsterdam. 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 Stockholm or Amsterdam?

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.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the scenic big city of Amsterdam. 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 Stockholm or Amsterdam?

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.

You'll find nightlife and live music around the scenic city of Amsterdam. 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.

A week in Stockholm or Amsterdam?

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.

Amsterdam 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 Amsterdam, 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 Adventure Tours to Sweden, The Best Camping Tours in Sweden, The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Netherlands, and The Best Adventure Tours to Netherlands.

When comparing the travel costs between Stockholm and Amsterdam, we can see that Amsterdam 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 Stockholm Expensive? and Is Amsterdam Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Stockholm or Amsterdam?

Stockholm has a larger population, and is about 69% larger than the population of Amsterdam. When comparing the sizes of Stockholm and Amsterdam, 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 Stockholm or Amsterdam?

Both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. And since both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Stockholm or Amsterdam in the Summer?

Both Amsterdam and Stockholm are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Stockholm for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Also, the summer months attract visitors to Amsterdam because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

Stockholm is around the same temperature as Amsterdam in the summer. The daily temperature in Stockholm averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Amsterdam fluctuates around 17°C (62°F).

It's quite sunny in Amsterdam. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Stockholm. Stockholm usually receives more sunshine than Amsterdam during summer. Stockholm gets 260 hours of sunny skies, while Amsterdam receives 204 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Stockholm usually receives around the same amount of rain as Amsterdam. Stockholm gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Stockholm or Amsterdam in the Autumn?

Both Amsterdam and Stockholm during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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. Also, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Amsterdam this time of year.

In the autumn, Stockholm is cooler than Amsterdam. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Stockholm in October average around 8°C (46°F), and Amsterdam averages at about 11°C (51°F).

In the autumn, Stockholm often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Amsterdam. Stockholm gets 99 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amsterdam receives 99 hours of full sun.

Stockholm usually gets less rain in October than Amsterdam. Stockholm gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 72 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Stockholm or Amsterdam in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Stockholm and Amsterdam. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Stockholm this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Amsterdam for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Amsterdam. It's quite cold in Stockholm in the winter. In January, Stockholm is generally much colder than Amsterdam. Daily temperatures in Stockholm average around -3°C (27°F), and Amsterdam fluctuates around 2°C (36°F).

Stockholm usually receives less sunshine than Amsterdam during winter. Stockholm gets 40 hours of sunny skies, while Amsterdam receives 46 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Stockholm usually receives less rain than Amsterdam. Stockholm gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Stockholm or Amsterdam in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Stockholm as well as Amsterdam. Many travelers come to Stockholm for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, many visitors come to Amsterdam in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

Stockholm is cooler than Amsterdam in the spring. The daily temperature in Stockholm averages around 5°C (41°F) in April, and Amsterdam fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In the spring, Stockholm often gets more sunshine than Amsterdam. Stockholm gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Amsterdam receives 166 hours of full sun.

Stockholm usually gets less rain in April than Amsterdam. Stockholm gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Amsterdam receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Amsterdam and Stockholm