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

Should you visit Stockholm or Hvar?

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 Hvar 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 clean, coastal, and safe city. Travelers will also find plenty of sights and attractions here, as it's a big city that attracts lots of visitors. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the nightlife, live music, and food.

Hvar

Hvar is a vibrant, energetic, and party-oriented island. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the beaches, hiking, and shopping.

Stockholm and Hvar: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Stockholm or Hvar?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Stockholm than Hvar, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Stockholm is better known for its museums, music, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Hvar is more popular for its food, nightlife, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, and hiking. Hvar is more touristy than Stockholm and is known for its wild parties, beautiful buildings, and world class cuisine. 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 Stockholm different from Hvar?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Hvar 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 Hvar?

Stockholm is notable for its sights and museums. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its museums and history.

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.

If you're looking for an educational opportunity, there are a decent number of museums and historical sights around Hvar. Wandering around the old town you'll see many historic buildings such as the Cathedral of St. Stephen. You can also visit the nearby Hvar Fort or explore the Franciscan Monastery.

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

Hvar 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 Hvar. It's an island, so you'll find no shortage of seafood in the restaurants. There's fish, crab, lobster, squid, and octopus on the menus around town. Many dishes are prepared with risotto or pasta and you'll find a lot of olive oil and wine.

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 Stockholm or Hvar Better for Nightlife?

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

Hvar is a world class party destination. The island has a reputation as a party island, and it's well earned. Most of the activity is found in Hvar Town, particularly between the months of June and September. Young people flock to the island for the all night parties and wild beach bars and clubs.

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 Hvar Better for Music?

Stockholm is renowned for its live music scene. However, Hvar is not a live music destination.

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.

Hvar is not a live music destination.

Is Stockholm or Hvar Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Hvar 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 Hvar. The water is clear and there are snorkeling day trips that leave from town. This is a great way to get out on the water and glimpse the undersea world.

Stockholm is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Stockholm or Hvar Better for Beaches?

Hvar is well known for the beache. However, Stockholm is not a beach destination.

The beaches at Hvar attract visitors from all over. The island has hilly bays and coves that are fun to explore. The best beaches are found to the south and southwest of the island and many are pebbly or gravelly.

Stockholm is not a beach destination.

Is Stockholm or Hvar Better for its Old Town?

Stockholm is renowned for its old town. However, Hvar does not have a historic old town.

The old town of Stockholm is one of the most recognized in the world. 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.

Hvar does not have a historic old town.

Is Stockholm or Hvar Better for Hiking?

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

Plenty of visitors go hiking around Hvar. There are a number of hikes on the island that cater to every skill level and take you through natural areas or past historic sights.

Stockholm is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Stockholm or Hvar?

Stockholm is notable for its shopping opportunities. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its shopping areas.

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.

Hvar has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. In the town you'll find galleries, boutiques, jewelry shops and other beach stores. It's fun to pop in and look at the different items.

Is Stockholm or Hvar Better for Families?

Stockholm is renowned for its family-friendly activities. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its kid-friendly activities.

Stockholm is an extremely popular city to visit for families. 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.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Hvar. There are adventure parks, water parks, and other fun activities for kids. There are also beaches where everyone can swim and sea kayaking trips. Hvar Observatory is also a unique and fun place to visit as a family.

Is Stockholm or Hvar Better for Couples?

Stockholm is renowned for its romantic activities. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for couples.

Stockholm is a great city 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.

Hvar makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are some romantic hotels and beautiful beaches that make this a wonderful destination for couples. Anyone who enjoys a coastal setting with clear waters and a variety of water sports will enjoy their time here.

Is Stockholm or Hvar Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Hvar 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 Hvar. The island has long been a popular stop with backpackers who enjoy the affordable prices, abundance of hostels, and active nightlife scene. You'll have no trouble meeting other travelers, particularly during the peak summer months.

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 Hvar Better for Students?

Stockholm is a city with good options for students. However, Hvar is not popular with students.

Stockholm is a good city to visit for 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.

Hvar is not popular with students.

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

Stockholm is renowned for its public transit. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for times when you don't have a car.

Stockholm has a great public transit system. The system is efficient with bus lines, metro, commuter rails, trams and ferries.

Hvar has some public transit options. Buses are operated by Cazmatrans Hva and they travel between the major municipalities.

Is Stockholm or Hvar a more walkable city?

Stockholm is renowned for its high level of walkability. Also, Hvar is not as famous, but is still a good island to visit for its ease of walking around.

It is easy to get around Stockholm 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.

Hvar is a somewhat walkable city. Hvar Town can be explored on foot, but you'll need a vehicle to explore other parts of the island.

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

Should I spend more time in Hvar or Stockholm?

How long in Stockholm or Hvar?

It's fun to spend time in either Stockholm or Hvar. Generally, people tend to spend more time in Stockholm due to the larger number of activities and things to do. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Stockholm, and 2-4 days is enough time in Hvar.

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

One day in Stockholm or Hvar?

Stockholm is a big city destination where you can fill many days. Visiting the old town is also a must. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

You'll find nightlife and food around the island of Hvar. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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 Hvar?

Stockholm is a fun place to experience. Most people visit for the live music. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. A weekend is often enough time to do most activities. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

You'll find food and scuba diving and snorkeling around the party-oriented destination of Hvar. 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 island has to offer. This island offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Stockholm or Hvar?

Stockholm is a safe big city where you can fill many days. This city offers something for everyone. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Five days is often enough time to do most activities.

Travelers enjoy the scuba diving and snorkeling and shopping when visiting the beautiful island of Hvar. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. It's also a great beach destination, too. Most people head to the area for the nightlife. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

A week in Stockholm or Hvar?

Stockholm is a clean city where you can fill many days. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Many people spend one week here. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. Because of this, one week is usually enough time for a trip here.

Hvar is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Budget Tours to Sweden, The Best Tours for Seniors to Sweden, The Best One Week (7-Day) Tours in Croatia, and The Best 2-Week Tours in Croatia.

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

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

Which is Bigger, Stockholm or Hvar?

Stockholm has a larger population, and is about 340 times larger than the population of Hvar. When comparing the sizes of Stockholm and Hvar, 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 Hvar?

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 Hvar in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Stockholm and Hvar. The summer months attract visitors to Stockholm because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, snorkeling, the hiking, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Hvar this time of year.

Stockholm is cooler than Hvar in the summer. The daily temperature in Stockholm averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Hvar fluctuates around 26°C (80°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Hvar this time of the year. In Stockholm, it's very sunny this time of the year. Stockholm usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during summer. Stockholm gets 260 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 345 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Stockholm usually receives more rain than Hvar. Stockholm gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 28 mm (1.1 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Stockholm or Hvar in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Stockholm as well as Hvar. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Stockholm this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Hvar for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Stockholm is much colder than Hvar. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Stockholm in October average around 8°C (46°F), and Hvar averages at about 18°C (64°F).

The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Hvar. In the autumn, Stockholm often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Stockholm gets 99 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 200 hours of full sun.

Stockholm usually gets less rain in October than Hvar. Stockholm gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 79 mm (3.1 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Stockholm or Hvar in the Winter?

Both Hvar and Stockholm are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Stockholm for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, many visitors come to Hvar in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Stockholm. In January, Stockholm is generally much colder than Hvar. Daily temperatures in Stockholm average around -3°C (27°F), and Hvar fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Stockholm usually receives less sunshine than Hvar during winter. Stockholm gets 40 hours of sunny skies, while Hvar receives 128 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Stockholm usually receives less rain than Hvar. Stockholm gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 83 mm (3.3 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Stockholm or Hvar in the Spring?

Both Hvar and Stockholm during the spring are popular places to visit. Many visitors come to Stockholm in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, most visitors come to Hvar for the beaches and the natural beauty during these months.

Stockholm is much colder than Hvar in the spring. The daily temperature in Stockholm averages around 5°C (41°F) in April, and Hvar fluctuates around 15°C (59°F).

In Hvar, it's very sunny this time of the year. In the spring, Stockholm often gets less sunshine than Hvar. Stockholm gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Hvar receives 212 hours of full sun.

Stockholm usually gets less rain in April than Hvar. Stockholm gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Hvar receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Hvar and Stockholm