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

Should you visit Stockholm or Kiel?

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 Kiel 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 safe, expensive, and beautiful 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 food, shopping, and museums.

Kiel

Kiel is a authentic, off-the-beaten-path, and waterfront city. It's a large city, so you'll find plenty of things to do around town. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Stockholm and Kiel: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Stockholm or Kiel?

You'll generally find more things to do in Stockholm than Kiel. Stockholm is bigger than Kiel, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Stockholm is better known for its museums, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Kiel is more popular for its beaches. Stockholm is more touristy than Kiel and is 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). Kiel is well known for its maritime history and its role as the host of the Schleswig-Holstein Music Festival.

Gamla Stan (the old town)

How is Stockholm different from Kiel?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Stockholm is well known for its museums and landmarks. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Stockholm offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. 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 Kiel. You'll find museums and landmarks that focus on the city's maritime past. These include Submarine U-995, the Naval Memorial, Schifffahrtsmuseum Kiel, and Leuchtturm Bülk.

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

Both Stockholm and Kiel offer a number of notable restaurants to choose from.

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.

Kiel is becoming an appealing option for foodies. The local cuisine, Schleswig-Holstein cuisine, is similar to much of Germany in that the dishes are hearty and filling. There are many British and Scandenavian influences. Local dishes that you should try include Kieler Sprotte (herring-like fish), Schnüüsch (veggie stew), and Mehlbüdel (bread dumpling with pork belly)

Is Stockholm or Kiel Better for Nightlife?

Stockholm is well known for nightlife and partying. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Stockholm is a popular destination for visitors looking to party into the night. The city is a particularly fun place to visit during the summer months when clubs open outdoor areas and parties happen day and night.

If you're looking for night time activities Kiel has a few options to choose from. The nightlife scene is low key and relaxing. You can sip a cocktail at a trendy bar or enjoy a beer on a floating beach bar.

Is Stockholm or Kiel Better for Music?

Stockholm is a must-visit destination for its live music scene. However, Kiel 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.

Kiel is not a live music destination.

Is Stockholm or Kiel Better for Beaches?

Kiel is a city with good options for the beache. However, Stockholm is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Kiel. The city has several sandy beaches with coastal dunes and a family-friendly atmosphere.

Stockholm is not a beach destination.

Is Stockholm or Kiel Better for its Old Town?

Stockholm is a must-visit destination for its old town. However, Kiel does not have a historic old town.

The rich history of Stockholm can be explored in its historical center. 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.

Kiel does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Stockholm or Kiel?

Stockholm is well known for its shopping opportunities. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Kiel has a variety of shopping areas worth visiting. There's a mix of retail shopping centers and pedestrian shopping streets like Holstenstrasse and Dänische Strasse.

Is Stockholm or Kiel Better for Families?

Stockholm is a must-visit destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, Stockholm is a very family-friendly destination. 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.

Kiel offers lots of family activities. The U-Boot U 995 is a museum on an actual submarine. Kids will love exploring this unique setting. The Kiel Botanical Gardens is another beautiful and fun place to explore. Also make sure you check out the city's aquarium, the Zoologisches Museum, and Computermuseum der Fachhochschule Kiel.

Is Stockholm or Kiel Better for Couples?

Stockholm is a must-visit destination for its romantic activities. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for couples.

Stockholm makes for a terrific place to visit as a couple. 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.

Kiel is a good city for couples to visit. The old port city sits along Germany’s Baltic Sea and couples can enjoy learning about the city's maritime past and shopping along the shopping streets of Holstenstrasse and Dänische Strasse.

Is Stockholm or Kiel Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Stockholm is a popular place for backpackers. However, Kiel is not particularly known for backpackers and budget travelers.

Plenty of budget travelers 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.

Kiel is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. While it's not on the main backpacker circuit, there is a hostel or two in town.

Is Stockholm or Kiel Better for Students?

Stockholm and Kiel are notable places to visit for 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.

It's common for students to visit Kiel. Students can enjoy the city's beaches and lively nightlife scene.

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

Stockholm is a must-visit destination for its public transit. However, Kiel is not particularly known for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Kiel. There is a bus system around town.

Is Stockholm or Kiel a more walkable city?

Stockholm is a must-visit destination for its high level of walkability. Also, Kiel is still popular, but not quite as popular for its ease of walking around.

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.

Kiel is a somewhat walkable city. Some parts of Kiel are more walkable than others.

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

Should I spend more time in Kiel or Stockholm?

How long in Stockholm or Kiel?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Stockholm and Kiel. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Stockholm than in Kiel. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Stockholm, and 1-3 days is enough time in Kiel.

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

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 shopping and museums around the city of Kiel. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Kiel has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Stockholm or Kiel?

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 museums and nightlife around the waterfront destination of Kiel. 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 Kiel?

Stockholm is a coastal 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 nightlife and food when visiting the authentic city of Kiel. 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.

A week in Stockholm or Kiel?

Stockholm is a coastal 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.

Kiel 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.

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 from Berlin, and The Best 10-Day Tours from Berlin.

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

Which is Bigger, Stockholm or Kiel?

Stockholm has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Kiel. When comparing the sizes of Stockholm and Kiel, 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 Kiel?

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 Kiel in the Summer?

Both Kiel and Stockholm are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Stockholm for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Kiel in the summer for the beaches, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences.

Stockholm is around the same temperature as Kiel in the summer. The daily temperature in Stockholm averages around 18°C (64°F) in July, and Kiel fluctuates around 16°C (61°F).

It's quite sunny in Kiel. The sun comes out a lot this time of the year in Stockholm. Stockholm usually receives more sunshine than Kiel during summer. Stockholm gets 260 hours of sunny skies, while Kiel receives 219 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Stockholm usually receives less rain than Kiel. Stockholm gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 88 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Stockholm or Kiel in the Autumn?

Both Kiel and Stockholm during the autumn are popular places to visit. 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. Also, most visitors come to Kiel for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene during these months.

In the autumn, Stockholm is cooler than Kiel. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Stockholm in October average around 8°C (46°F), and Kiel averages at about 10°C (50°F).

In the autumn, Stockholm often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Kiel. Stockholm gets 99 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kiel receives 102 hours of full sun.

Stockholm usually gets less rain in October than Kiel. Stockholm gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 65 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Stockholm or Kiel in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Stockholm and Kiel. Most visitors come to Stockholm for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Kiel because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Kiel can be very cold. Stockholm can be very cold during winter. In January, Stockholm is generally much colder than Kiel. Daily temperatures in Stockholm average around -3°C (27°F), and Kiel fluctuates around 0°C (33°F).

Stockholm usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Kiel during winter. Stockholm gets 40 hours of sunny skies, while Kiel receives 39 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Stockholm usually receives less rain than Kiel. Stockholm gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 61 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Stockholm or Kiel in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Stockholm as well as Kiel. The spring months attract visitors to Stockholm because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the beaches and the activities around the city are the main draw to Kiel this time of year.

Stockholm is cooler than Kiel in the spring. The daily temperature in Stockholm averages around 5°C (41°F) in April, and Kiel fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

In the spring, Stockholm often gets more sunshine than Kiel. Stockholm gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Kiel receives 171 hours of full sun.

Stockholm usually gets less rain in April than Kiel. Stockholm gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Kiel receives 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Kiel and Stockholm