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

Should you visit Stockholm or Reykjavik?

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 Reykjavik 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. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. It's considered by many to be an absolutely beautiful destination, too. Other reasons to visit include museums, nightlife, and live music.

Reykjavik

Reykjavik is a safe, friendly, and clean city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the hiking, shopping, and nightlife.

Stockholm and Reykjavik: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Stockholm or Reykjavik?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Stockholm than Reykjavik. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Stockholm is very popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Reykjavik attracts visitors for its hiking. Stockholm is famous for its many bridges and water culture, its open air museum, and its colorful old town. It is also well known for Gamla Stan (the old town). Reykjavik is famous for its proximity to natural beauty and many thermal pools, as well as its active nightlife scene and many festivals.

Gamla Stan (the old town)

How is Stockholm different from Reykjavik?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Stockholm is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. However, Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.

With a variety of museums, monuments, and historical sights, a trip to Stockholm can be an interesting and educational experience. Famous sights and museums include the Vasa Museum, the Skansen Open-Air Museum, and the Royal Palace.

Reykjavik does not have museums and landmarks.

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

Stockholm is a nice place to visit for its restaurants. However, Reykjavik is lacking in options for its restaurant scene.

There are plenty of up and coming restaurants around 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.

You'll find the standard options when it comes to food in Reykjavik. Traditional Icelandic food may not have the best reputation, but restaurants these days are pretty good with a variety of dishes to choose from. Popular foods in the area include fish, lamb, and Icelandic skyr (a type of yogurt).

Is Stockholm or Reykjavik Better for Nightlife?

Stockholm is an excellent place to visit for nightlife. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife and partying.

Stockholm has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The city is a particularly fun place to visit during the summer months when clubs open outdoor areas and parties happen day and night.

Reykjavik has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. The city offers the best nightlife in Iceland and you'll be surprised at the number of clubs, bars, and craft breweries that you can choose from. Almost all of the popular nightlife spots are around Laugavegur, a major shopping street in town.

Is Stockholm or Reykjavik Better for Music?

Stockholm is an amazing city to visit for live music. However, Reykjavik is not a live music destination.

Stockholm is known as a music capital around the world. The city has an amazing music scene that includes international groups and DJs, local venues, and popular festivals.

Reykjavik is not a live music destination.

Is Stockholm or Reykjavik Better for its Old Town?

Stockholm is an amazing city to visit for its historic old town. However, Reykjavik does not have a historic old town.

Stockholm offers visitors a world-class historical old town to explore. 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.

Reykjavik does not have a historic old town.

Is Stockholm or Reykjavik Better for Hiking?

Reykjavik is a must-visit destination for its hiking experiences. However, Stockholm is not a hiking destination.

Around Reykjavik visitors will find world-class hiking trails. The city offers easy access to some of the world's most spectacular scenery. There are many hikes that you can easily reach from town. They pass through diverse landscapes that include waterfalls, mountains, glaciers, and beaches.

Stockholm is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Stockholm or Reykjavik?

Stockholm is an excellent place to visit for shopping. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its shopping opportunities.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Stockholm. Right by Gamla Stan, you'll find the city's main shopping street of Drottninggatan. The city has great jewelry and artisan crafts.

Reykjavik offers some nice shopping areas. The city's main shopping street is Laugavegur, which is where you'll find the most activity around town as well as a bustling atmosphere.

Is Stockholm or Reykjavik Better for Families?

Stockholm is an amazing city to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-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.

Reykjavik is a very kid-friendly city. With its many outdoor activities and hands on museums, the city is great for kids. The cafes and restaurants are family-friendly and their are plenty of entertainment options for the whole family.

Is Stockholm or Reykjavik Better for Couples?

Stockholm is an amazing city to visit for romance. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its romantic activities.

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.

Couples visit Reykjavik frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. There are museums, outdoor activities, and even the northern lights that make this city very romantic. The cafes are laid-back and the atmosphere is friendly.

Is Stockholm or Reykjavik Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Stockholm and Reykjavik are nice places to visit for backpackers and budget travelers.

Stockholm is a good city to visit for backpackers. 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.

Plenty of backpackers visit Reykjavik. There are a number of hostels around town, but they can be pretty expensive. Transportation can also be pretty challenging for backpackers.

Is Stockholm or Reykjavik Better for Students?

Stockholm and Reykjavik are nice 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 Reykjavik. Students will enjoy a unique experience in this city. There are good academic programs as well as beautiful outdoor settings that you can explore.

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

Stockholm is an amazing city to visit for times when you don't have a car. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its public transit.

Public transit in Stockholm is top-notch. The system is efficient with bus lines, metro, commuter rails, trams and ferries.

You'll find some public transit in Reykjavik, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There is a fairly comprehensive bus system around town.

Is Stockholm or Reykjavik a more walkable city?

Stockholm is an amazing city to visit for its walkability. Also, Reykjavik is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its high level of walkability.

It's very easy to get around on foot in Stockholm. 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.

Reykjavik is a very walkable city. The city is small and compact, so it's easy to explore on foot.

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

Should I spend more time in Reykjavik or Stockholm?

How long in Stockholm or Reykjavik?

In either Stockholm or Reykjavik, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Stockholm than Reykjavik because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Stockholm, and 1-5 days is enough time in Reykjavik.

Families should spend more time in Stockholm than Reykjavik. 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 Reykjavik. 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 Reykjavik 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 Reykjavik?

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 nightlife and shopping around the city of Reykjavik. Hiking can easily take up a good amount of your time here, too. One day is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Reykjavik has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Stockholm or Reykjavik?

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 shopping and nightlife around the green destination of Reykjavik. 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 city has to offer. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Stockholm or Reykjavik?

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 shopping around the safe city of Reykjavik. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Most people head to the area for the hiking. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Stockholm or Reykjavik?

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.

Reykjavik is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you spend some time hiking while you're in the area. 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 Budget Tours to Iceland, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Iceland.

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

Which is Bigger, Stockholm or Reykjavik?

Stockholm has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Reykjavik. When comparing the sizes of Stockholm and Reykjavik, 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 Reykjavik?

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 Reykjavik in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Stockholm as well as Reykjavik. 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 Reykjavik because of the hiking and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Stockholm is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Stockholm average around 18°C (64°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Stockholm this time of the year. In the summer, Stockholm often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Stockholm gets 260 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 171 hours of full sun.

Stockholm usually gets more rain in July than Reykjavik. Stockholm gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 52 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Stockholm or Reykjavik in the Autumn?

Both Reykjavik and Stockholm are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. 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 hiking trails, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Reykjavik this time of year.

It's quite cold in Reykjavik in the autumn. Stockholm is much warmer than Reykjavik in the autumn. The daily temperature in Stockholm averages around 8°C (46°F) in October, and Reykjavik fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Stockholm usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during autumn. Stockholm gets 99 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 83 hours of full sun in the autumn.

In October, Stockholm usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. Stockholm gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 86 mm (3.4 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Stockholm or Reykjavik in the Winter?

Both Reykjavik and Stockholm during the winter are popular places to visit. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Stockholm this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Reykjavik for the shopping scene and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Reykjavik. It's quite cold in Stockholm in the winter. In the winter, Stockholm is much colder than Reykjavik. Typically, the winter temperatures in Stockholm in January average around -3°C (27°F), and Reykjavik averages at about -0°C (32°F).

In the winter, Stockholm often gets more sunshine than Reykjavik. Stockholm gets 40 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Reykjavik receives 27 hours of full sun.

Stockholm usually gets less rain in January than Reykjavik. Stockholm gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 76 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Stockholm or Reykjavik in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Stockholm and Reykjavik. Many travelers come to Stockholm for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, many visitors come to Reykjavik in the spring for the natural beauty.

Reykjavik can get quite cold in the spring. In April, Stockholm is generally much warmer than Reykjavik. Daily temperatures in Stockholm average around 5°C (41°F), and Reykjavik fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

Stockholm usually receives more sunshine than Reykjavik during spring. Stockholm gets 185 hours of sunny skies, while Reykjavik receives 140 hours of full sun in the spring.

In April, Stockholm usually receives less rain than Reykjavik. Stockholm gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Reykjavik receives 58 mm (2.3 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Reykjavik and Stockholm