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

Should you visit Stockholm or Villach?

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 Villach 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. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. You'll find world class beauty here as well. Other popular activities here include food, shopping, and museums.

Villach

Villach is a historic, nature-filled, and outdoorsy town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. The beauty of this spot is also one of the main reasons why visitors come. And you can't forget about the hiking, museums, and nightlife.

Stockholm and Villach: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good music scene
  • Scenic old town
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Good for hiking
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular old town
  • Less popular for shopping
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable


Is there more to do in Stockholm or Villach?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Stockholm than Villach, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Stockholm is more popular for its museums, food, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Villach is known for its hiking and small town charm. Stockholm is more touristy than Villach and is known for its many bridges and water culture, its open air museum, and its colorful old town. It is also home to Gamla Stan (the old town). Villach is popular for its many alpine hikes, nearby lakes, and its quaint main square.

Gamla Stan (the old town)
Gamla Stan (the old town)

How is Stockholm different from Villach?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Stockholm
Villach

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

Villach is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. There are several historical buildings in town such as the Parish Church of St. Jakob, the Holy Cross Church, and the Parish Church of St. Martin. Also worth a visit is the Museum of the City of Villach.


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

Stockholm
Villach

Stockholm is a popular place for its local cuisine and restaurants. However, Villach is a mediocre town for its restaurants.

There are many up and coming restaurants in the Stockholm area. 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.

Villach offers some easy restaurants to choose from. You'll find the standard options of pizza and burgers around town. While the food scene isn't particularly special, the quality is decent and reliable.

Is Stockholm or Villach Better for Nightlife?

Stockholm
Villach

Stockholm is notable for its evening party scene. Also, Villach is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for nightlife.

Stockholm has plenty to do after the sun goes down. The city is a particularly fun place to visit during the summer months when clubs open outdoor areas and parties happen day and night.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Villach. The weekends are when you'll find the best nightlife. There are some local bars and clubs that come to life and attract a young crowd on a weekend night.

Is Stockholm or Villach Better for Music?

Stockholm
Villach

Stockholm is terrific for its music scene. However, Villach is not a live music destination.

In Stockholm you'll find nightly musicians performing at a variety of venues. The city has an amazing music scene that includes international groups and DJs, local venues, and popular festivals.

Villach is not a live music destination.


Is Stockholm or Villach Better for its Old Town?

Stockholm
Villach

Stockholm is terrific for its historic old town charm. Also, Villach is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for its 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.

Villach is a good destination for visiting its old town. You'll find churches and gardens throughout the charming old town. At the heart of the town is the main square.

Is Stockholm or Villach Better for Hiking?

Stockholm
Villach

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

You'll find a nice variety of hiking trails around Villach. The surrounding countryside is filled with both short and long hikes. You can take a short stroll or spend hours (or days) exploring the alpine scenery. Breathtaking views and peaceful retreats make this a wonderful area for hiking.

Stockholm is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Stockholm or Villach?

Stockholm
Villach

Stockholm is notable for its shopping areas. However, Villach is a mediocre town for shopping.

Browsing through shops is a popular activity 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.

Villach is a good destination for shopping. There are your standard shopping centers where you can pick up clothes or anything you may have forgotten for your trip.


Is Stockholm or Villach Better for Families?

Stockholm
Villach

Stockholm is terrific for its family-friendly activities. Also, Villach is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit 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.

Villach is a very family-friendly destination. The area is filled with outdoor adventures that the whole family will enjoy. There's kid-friendly hiking, adventure parks, nature parks, and some swimming areas.

Is Stockholm or Villach Better for Couples?

Stockholm
Villach

Stockholm is terrific for couples. Also, Villach is not as famous, but is still a good town to visit for romance.

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.

Villach makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples who enjoy outdoor adventures, beautiful hikes, and stunning scenery will appreciate a visit to this area.

Is Stockholm or Villach Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Stockholm
Villach

Villach is well known for backpackers. Also, Stockholm is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Villach is a great town to visit for backpackers. There are a number of hostels in the area that cater to backpackers who enjoy the outdoor setting and beautiful hikes that are nearby.

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 Villach Better for Students?

Stockholm
Villach

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

Villach is not popular with students.

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

Stockholm
Villach

Stockholm is terrific for its public transit. However, Villach is a mediocre town for times when you don't have a car.

The thorough and effecient public transit system of Stockholm can take you anywhere. The system is efficient with bus lines, metro, commuter rails, trams and ferries.

Public transit is mostly limited in Villach. There are buses and trains in the area, but to experience the nearby nature you'll want to have a car.

Is Stockholm or Villach a more walkable city?

Stockholm
Villach

Stockholm is terrific for its ease of walking around. However, Villach is a mediocre town for its walkability.

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.

Villach is generally not a very walkable city. Parts of the town are walkable but the surrounding natural areas are most easily accessed with a car.


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

Should I spend more time in Villach or Stockholm?

How long in Stockholm or Villach?

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

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


  • How many days in Stockholm or Villach? Ideal Length of Stay
    Stockholm 2-7 
    Villach 1-3

One day in Stockholm or Villach?

Because Stockholm is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

You'll find nightlife and museums around the town of Villach. 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 Villach has to offer. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

A weekend in Stockholm or Villach?

Because Stockholm is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Stockholm has to offer.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the outdoorsy destination of Villach. 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 town has to offer. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Stockholm or Villach?

Stockholm is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Stockholm has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and museums when visiting the historic town of Villach. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Many visitors also spend a good bit of time hiking. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.


A week in Stockholm or Villach?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Stockholm. Because Stockholm is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. With all of its activities, you can easily fill one week here.

Villach 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 2-Week Tours in Austria, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Austria.


Which place is cheaper, Villach or Stockholm?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Stockholm is $167, while the average daily cost in Villach is $125. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Stockholm and Villach in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Stockholm $96
    Villach $73
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Stockholm $192
    Villach $146
Compare Hotels in Stockholm and Villach

Looking for a hotel in Stockholm or Villach? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Stockholm


Hotels in Villach


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Stockholm Hotel Prices and Villach Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Stockholm $20
    Villach $19

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Stockholm

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Stockholm:

  • Arlanda Airport Bus Transfer Departure: $17
  • Train Transfer between City and Arlanda Airport: $21
  • Skavsta Airport Bus Transfer: $26
  • Private Transfer from Stockholm Port to Bromma Airport BMA: $37
  • Private Transfer from Bromma Airport (BMA) to Stockholm Port: $37
  • Stockholm City to Stockholm Bromma Airport (BMA) - Departure Private Transfer: $37
  • Stockholm Port to Stockholm Bromma Airport (BMA) - Departure Private Transfer: $37
  • Stockholm Hotels to Nynashamn Cruise Port Private Transfer: $38
  • Stockholm Port to Stockholm hotel Arrival Private Transfer: $41
  • Stockholm hotel to Stockholm Port Departure Private Transfer: $41
  • Private Transfer from Stockholm hotels to Stockholm Cruise Port: $41
  • Stockholm to Stockholm Airport (ARN) - Departure Transfer: $49

Is it cheaper to fly into Stockholm or Villach?

Prices for flights to both Villach and Stockholm change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Stockholm $36
    Villach $38
Typical Food Prices in Stockholm

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Stockholm:


  • Breakfast
    $9.12

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Stockholm

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Stockholm.

  • Self Guided Taysta Food Tour in Stockholm: $33
  • Food Tour: $101
  • Stockholm Food Tour: $104
  • Stockholm Walking Food Tour With Small Group: $119
  • From Wildlife Safari with Campfire Dinner: $128

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Stockholm $25
    Villach $16

Tours and Activities in Stockholm

Here are a few actual costs in Stockholm for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • 2-Hour Free Walking Tour in Stockholm: $0.92
  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Tour Gratis Estocolmo La Ciudad Vieja Isla los Caballerosen: $4.41
  • Central A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Central A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Gamla Stan's Landmarks and legends: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • History and Secrets of Gamla Audio Guided Walking Tour: $6.20
  • Stockholm City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Stockholm Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $6.55
  • Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & City Highlights Tour: $6.95
  • Gamla Stan: A Self-Guided Audio Tour of Stockholm’s Old City: $6.99
  • Walking Tour of Stockholm's City Center: $7.64

Tours and Activities in Villach

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Villach are as follows:

  • Murder Crime Game Self-Guided Interactive Tour: $74
  • Villach Private Walking Tour with Professional Guide: $250
  • Magic Christmas Tour: $769

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Stockholm $26
    Villach $14

Sample the Local Flavors in Stockholm

Also in Stockholm, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • Original Stockholm Pub Crawl: $32
  • Swedish Wine Tasting Tour in Stockholm Gamla Stan: $280
  • Swedish Wine Tasting Tour in Stockholm Gamla Stan: $288


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

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


Which is Bigger, Stockholm or Villach?

Stockholm has a larger population, and is about 20 times larger than the population of Villach. When comparing the sizes of Stockholm and Villach, 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 Villach?

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 Villach in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Stockholm and Villach. Many travelers come to Stockholm for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, many visitors come to Villach in the summer for the hiking, the small town charm, and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Stockholm is cooler than Villach. Typically, the summer temperatures in Stockholm in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Villach averages at about 24°C (75°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Villach this time of the year. In Stockholm, it's very sunny this time of the year. Stockholm usually receives less sunshine than Villach during summer. Stockholm gets 260 hours of sunny skies, while Villach receives 288 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, Stockholm usually receives around the same amount of rain as Villach. Stockholm gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Villach receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Stockholm 18°C (64°F) 
    Villach 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Stockholm or Villach in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Stockholm as well as Villach. 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 Villach for the hiking trails, the shopping scene, the small town atmosphere, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Stockholm is generally much colder than Villach. Daily temperatures in Stockholm average around 8°C (46°F), and Villach fluctuates around 16°C (60°F).

In the autumn, Stockholm often gets less sunshine than Villach. Stockholm gets 99 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Villach receives 167 hours of full sun.

Stockholm usually gets less rain in October than Villach. Stockholm gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Villach receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Stockholm 8°C (46°F) 
    Villach 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Stockholm or Villach in the Winter?

Both Villach and Stockholm are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Most visitors come to Stockholm for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Also, the winter months attract visitors to Villach because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Stockholm can be very cold during winter. Stockholm is much colder than Villach in the winter. The daily temperature in Stockholm averages around -3°C (27°F) in January, and Villach fluctuates around 5°C (41°F).

Stockholm usually receives less sunshine than Villach during winter. Stockholm gets 40 hours of sunny skies, while Villach receives 96 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, Stockholm usually receives less rain than Villach. Stockholm gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Villach receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Stockholm -3°C (27°F) 
    Villach 5°C (41°F)

Should I visit Stockholm or Villach in the Spring?

Both Villach and Stockholm during the spring are popular places to visit. The spring months attract visitors to Stockholm because of the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Furthermore, the small town charm and the natural beauty are the main draw to Villach this time of year.

In the spring, Stockholm is much colder than Villach. Typically, the spring temperatures in Stockholm in April average around 5°C (41°F), and Villach averages at about 13°C (56°F).

In the spring, Stockholm often gets around the same amount of sunshine as Villach. Stockholm gets 185 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Villach receives 177 hours of full sun.

Stockholm usually gets less rain in April than Villach. Stockholm gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Villach receives 87 mm (3.4 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Stockholm 5°C (41°F) 
    Villach 13°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Villach and Stockholm

Stockholm Villach
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -3°C (27°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 5°C (41°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Feb -3°C (27°F) 26 mm (1 in) 7°C (44°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Mar 0°C (33°F) 26 mm (1 in) 9°C (49°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Apr 5°C (41°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 13°C (56°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
May 11°C (52°F) 31 mm (1.2 in) 18°C (64°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Jun 16°C (61°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) 22°C (71°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Jul 18°C (64°F) 71 mm (2.8 in) 24°C (75°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Aug 17°C (62°F) 65 mm (2.5 in) 24°C (74°F) 101 mm (4 in)
Sep 12°C (54°F) 52 mm (2.1 in) 20°C (68°F) 102 mm (4 in)
Oct 8°C (46°F) 50 mm (2 in) 16°C (60°F) 87 mm (3.4 in)
Nov 3°C (37°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) 10°C (51°F) 114 mm (4.5 in)
Dec -1°C (31°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) 6°C (44°F) 92 mm (3.6 in)