A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Stockholm vs. Paris for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Music

Should you visit Stockholm or Paris?

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 Paris 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. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. Many visitors also come because of it's amazing beauty. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Paris

Paris is a beautiful, iconic, and bustling 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 museums, theater, and nightlife.

Stockholm and Paris: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Stockholm or Paris?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Paris than Stockholm. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Paris is very popular for its museums, theatre productions, food, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Stockholm attracts visitors for its historical sights. Paris is more touristy than Stockholm and is popular for its world-renowned cuisine, iconic landmarks, trendsetting fashion, and dynamic markets. It is also well known for The Eiffel Tower. Stockholm is famous for its many bridges and water culture, its open air museum, and its colorful old town.

The Eiffel Tower

How is Stockholm different from Paris?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Paris is a must-visit destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Stockholm is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Paris are among the most recognizable in the world. One of the most world famous landmarks is the Eiffel Tower. The city is also home to the world renowned Louvre, Notre-Dame, and Palais Garnier Opera House. In addition to the many iconic sights, there are beautiful buildings and hidden gems throughout the city.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Stockholm. Famous sights and museums include the Vasa Museum, the Skansen Open-Air Museum, and the Royal Palace.

Is Stockholm or Paris Better for Theater?

Paris is a must-visit destination for its theatre productions. However, Stockholm is not a theatre destination.

Visitors will find world class theater shows, plays, and musicals in Paris that are not to be missed. There are world class theaters as well as smaller local venues where you can enjoy a show.

Stockholm is not a theatre destination.

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

Paris is a must-visit destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Stockholm is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Many restaurants in Paris have been singled out for their culinary prowess. There are countless local restaurants, markets, and patisseries to explore. Make sure you try the steak tartare, pate, and macarons.

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 Paris Better for Nightlife?

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

Paris is a world class party destination. Head to Pigalle or the Latin Quarter for some of the city's best nightlife. There are all-night parties, cabarets, and exclusive night clubs that you can experience.

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 Paris Better for Music?

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

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.

Paris has become a mecca for musicians from around the world. Some of the most famous music venues include Le Pop In, La Mécanique Ondulatoire, and Les Disquaires. You'll also find many small bars where you can enjoy live music in a quaint setting.

Is Stockholm or Paris Better for its Old Town?

Stockholm is terrific for its historic old town. However, Paris does not have a historic old town.

Stockholm has a unique history which comes to life in its historic area. 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.

Paris does not have a historic old town.

Is the Shopping Better in Stockholm or Paris?

Paris is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Stockholm is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Paris make it a world-class shopping destination. Some of the best areas for shopping are Boulevard Haussmann and the Grands Boulevards, the Marais, and Avenue Montaigne and the Champs-Elysées. The city is iconic for its fashion scene and world class shopping venues.

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.

Is Stockholm or Paris Better for Christmas?

Paris is a must-visit destination for its Christmas activities. However, Stockholm does not offer Christmas activities.

During Christmas, Paris is not to be missed. The city of lights really proves itself around the holiday season. In addition to checking out the Christmas lights, it's fun to go window shopping or check out one of the city's Christmas markets.

Stockholm does not offer Christmas activities.

Is Stockholm or Paris Better for Families?

Both Stockholm and Paris are terrific to visit with kids.

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.

With a huge array of activities for kids, Paris is very family-friendly. Check out Jardin du Luxembourg, or one of the city's many playgrounds. Also grab a treat at one of the city's many patisseries. And of course, there's Disneyland Paris.

Is Stockholm or Paris Better for Couples?

Both Stockholm and Paris are terrific destinations for a couple's getaway.

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.

Paris is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. A city filled with romance, you really can't find a more ideal destination for a European honeymoon or a couple's getaway.

Is Stockholm or Paris Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Paris 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 Paris. It's a big city, so it's easy to get lost in the chaos, but there are many hostels and other backpacker hangouts around town.

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 Paris Better for Students?

Paris is a must-visit destination for students. Also, Stockholm is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Paris is a very popular city for students. The city is one of the most popular destinations for international and study abroad 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.

Is Stockholm or Paris 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 Paris.

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 Paris can take you anywhere. The city's metro system is very comprehensive. There's also a bus system that you can use to get around.

Is Stockholm or Paris a more walkable city?

Stockholm is terrific for its walkability. Also, Paris is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its high level of 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.

Paris is a very walkable city. Some streets can feel a bit overwhelming, but there are many parts of the city that are easily explored on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Paris or Stockholm?

How long in Stockholm or Paris?

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

Families should spend more time in Paris than Stockholm. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Paris, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

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

One day in Stockholm or Paris?

Each neighborhood in Stockholm has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Lots of people come for the live music. This city offers a variety 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.

You'll find museums and theater around the city of Paris. 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 Paris?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Stockholm. For many, it makes a great getaway for a weekend. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This would be the perfect place to spend a weekend, as it has just the right amount of activities. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision.

You'll find theater and nightlife around the iconic big city of Paris. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Stockholm or Paris?

Stockholm is a fun place to experience. Each neighborhood in Stockholm has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Lots of people come for the live music. Visiting the old town is also a must. This would be the perfect place to spend five days, as it has just the right amount of activities.

You'll find nightlife and live music around the energetic city of Paris. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Stockholm or Paris?

Each neighborhood in Stockholm has its own distinct appeal, so there are pleny of areas to explore. Plenty of people spend one week in the area when traveling. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Lots of people come for the live music. One week is often enough time to do most activities.

Paris is a popular choice for travelers. One week here is typical. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Paris, 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 Budget Tours to Sweden, The Best Tours for Seniors to Sweden, The Best Historical Tours in France, and The Best 10-Day Tours in France.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Stockholm and Paris, we can see that Paris is more expensive. And not only is Stockholm much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Stockholm would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Stockholm 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 Paris would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Paris than you might in Stockholm.

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

Which is Bigger, Stockholm or Paris?

Paris has a larger population, and is about 71% larger than the population of Stockholm. When comparing the sizes of Stockholm and Paris, 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 Paris?

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 Stockholm or Paris in the Summer?

Both Paris and Stockholm during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Stockholm for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Paris in the summer for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Stockholm is generally cooler than Paris. Daily temperatures in Stockholm average around 18°C (64°F), and Paris fluctuates around 20°C (68°F).

In Paris, it's very sunny this time of the year. It's quite sunny in Stockholm. In the summer, Stockholm often gets more sunshine than Paris. Stockholm gets 260 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Paris receives 241 hours of full sun.

Stockholm usually gets more rain in July than Paris. Stockholm gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Paris receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Stockholm or Paris in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Stockholm and Paris. 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 Paris for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

Stockholm is much colder than Paris in the autumn. The daily temperature in Stockholm averages around 8°C (46°F) in October, and Paris fluctuates around 13°C (56°F).

Stockholm usually receives less sunshine than Paris during autumn. Stockholm gets 99 hours of sunny skies, while Paris receives 127 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Stockholm usually receives less rain than Paris. Stockholm gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Paris receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Stockholm or Paris in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Stockholm as well as Paris. Most visitors come to Stockholm for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Paris because of the museums, the Christmas ambience, the shopping scene, the theater shows, and the cuisine.

The weather in Paris can be very cold. Stockholm can be very cold during winter. In the winter, Stockholm is much colder than Paris. Typically, the winter temperatures in Stockholm in January average around -3°C (27°F), and Paris averages at about 5°C (40°F).

In the winter, Stockholm often gets less sunshine than Paris. Stockholm gets 40 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Paris receives 62 hours of full sun.

Stockholm usually gets less rain in January than Paris. Stockholm gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Paris receives 55 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Stockholm or Paris in the Spring?

Both Paris and Stockholm are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Stockholm because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Paris this time of year.

In April, Stockholm is generally much colder than Paris. Daily temperatures in Stockholm average around 5°C (41°F), and Paris fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Stockholm usually receives around the same amount of sunshine as Paris during spring. Stockholm gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Paris receives 172 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Stockholm usually receives less rain than Paris. Stockholm gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Paris receives 50 mm (1.9 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Paris and Stockholm