A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Stockholm vs. Portofino for Old Town, Families, Couples, and Attractions

Should you visit Stockholm or Portofino?

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 Portofino 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. You'll find world class beauty here as well. And you can't forget about the food, shopping, and museums.

Portofino

Portofino is a opulent, exclusive, and luxurious seaside village. As this is a charming small town, visitors also come to explore the sights and local activities. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It also has a unique and quaint vibe that attracts lots of visitors. And you can't forget about the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Stockholm and Portofino: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Stockholm or Portofino?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Stockholm than Portofino, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Stockholm is better known for its museums, music, historical sights, and big city activities, while Portofino is more popular for its food, resorts, beaches, hiking, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere. Portofino is more touristy than Stockholm and is known for its picturesque harbor, high end shopping, strikingly blue waters, and popularity with superyachts. 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 Portofino?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Stockholm is notable for its sights and museums. However, Portofino is a mediocre seaside village for its museums and history.

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.

While most people don't head to Portofino specifically for the museums and attractions, it does offer a few options. The village is mostly about soaking up the atmosphere, but you can also visit sights such as Sun Church of St. George and Cervara Abbey.

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

Portofino 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 Portofino. Located by the sea, you'll enjoy tons of great seafood here. Make sure you try the mussels, swordfish, and salt cod.

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 Portofino Better for Nightlife?

Party-goers will find similar levels of energy in Stockholm and Portofino.

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.

Many people head to Portofino for the nightlife scene. Most of the nightlife is found around Piazzetta (Oliveri Square) and Molo Umberto I. Happy hours (aperitivo) start around 5pm or 6pm and then as the evening continues, the party often moves to Paraggi Beach.

Is Stockholm or Portofino Better for Music?

Stockholm is an unbeatable place for its live music scene. However, Portofino 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.

Portofino is not a live music destination.

Is Stockholm or Portofino Better for Resorts?

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

Portofino is a world class resort vacation destination. Known for it's exclusive luxury, there are a number of high end resorts in the area. Popular options include Splendido, Sublimis Boutique Hotel, and Grand Hotel Miramare.

Stockholm is not a resort destination.

Is Stockholm or Portofino Better for Beaches?

Portofino is a seaside village with good options for the beache. However, Stockholm is not a beach destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy relaxing on the beach in Portofino. Like much of the Italian coast, the beaches in the area are dramatic and beautiful. They're also rocky and pebbly and can get a bit crowded during the summer months.

Stockholm is not a beach destination.

Is Stockholm or Portofino Better for its Old Town?

Stockholm is an unbeatable place for its old town. Also, Portofino is not as famous, but is still a good seaside village to visit 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.

There is a nice variety of sights in the old town of Portofino. Despite evolving into a famous resort town, Portofino still holds on to its fishing village charm.

Is Stockholm or Portofino Better for Hiking?

Portofino is well known for its hiking experiences. However, Stockholm is not a hiking destination.

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Portofino. There are many beautiful hikes and treks along the coastline that pass by scenic landscapes and breathtaking views.

Stockholm is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Stockholm or Portofino?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Portofino 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 Portofino. The quaint cobblestone streets are lined with high end boutiques that target the opulent jet-setter crowd that frequents Portofino. Much of the shopping is around Martiri dell'Olivetta Square.

Is Stockholm or Portofino Better for Families?

Stockholm is an unbeatable place for its family-friendly activities. However, Portofino is a mediocre seaside village 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.

Portofino is not always a place people visit with their families. The town has a picturesque setting and some beautiful pebbly beaches. It's fun for kids to run around the town, explore by kayak, or play in the waters edge.

Is Stockholm or Portofino Better for Couples?

Both Stockholm and Portofino 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.

Portofino is fantastic couple's destination with fun and romantic activities. Set beautifully against the ocean's edge, this famous Italian town makes for a truly romantic holiday. Ogle the mega yachts in the harbor and then wander the charming streets while you soak in the atmosphere.

Is Stockholm or Portofino Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Stockholm is a popular place for backpackers. However, Portofino is a mediocre seaside village 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.

Portofino is a challenging destination for budget travelers and backpackers due to the higher prices. Known for it's high prices, the town isn't particularly popular with the backpacker crowd. It is possible to stay outside of town and head in for a day trip.

Is Stockholm or Portofino Better for Students?

Stockholm is a popular place for students. However, Portofino 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.

Portofino is not popular with students.

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

Stockholm is an unbeatable place for its public transit. However, Portofino is a mediocre seaside village for times when you don't have a car.

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.

Public transit is mostly limited in Portofino. The closet train stations are Santa Margherita Ligure and Camogli. You can catch a bus from the Santa Margherita train station. There are also some ferry options.

Is Stockholm or Portofino a more walkable city?

Stockholm and Portofino both are terrific 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.

Portofino is a very easy city to get around on foot. It's easy to walk around the village and then explore the countryside on one of the nearby trails.

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

Should I spend more time in Portofino or Stockholm?

How long in Stockholm or Portofino?

In either Stockholm or Portofino, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Stockholm than Portofino because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Stockholm, and 2-5 days is enough time in Portofino.

Families should spend more time in Stockholm than Portofino. 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.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Stockholm than Portofino 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 Portofino?

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.

Even though Portofino is a small town, it has plenty of activities to choose from. 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.

A weekend in Stockholm or Portofino?

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.

Portofino is a small town where visitors enjoy the shopping and nightlife. Hikers are also drawn to this area. This is a popular place to visit for a weekend.A weekend should give you a good understanding of everything this seaside village has to offer. This seaside village offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Stockholm or Portofino?

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.

Portofino is a small town with plenty to do. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this seaside village makes for a great vacation. It's also a relaxing resort destination. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this seaside village has to offer.

A week in Stockholm or Portofino?

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.

Portofino is a popular choice for travelers. People enjoy relaxing at one of the resorts. 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 Historical Tours in Italy, and The Best 10-Day Tours in Italy.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Stockholm and Portofino, we can see that Portofino 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 Portofino would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Portofino 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 Portofino Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Stockholm or Portofino?

Stockholm has a larger population, and is about 2370 times larger than the population of Portofino. When comparing the sizes of Stockholm and Portofino, 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.