A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers York vs. Stockholm for Food, Old Town, Families, and Couples

Should you visit York or Stockholm?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Should I visit York or Stockholm? This is a common question asked by many travelers. By figuring out which city has activities that align with your interests along with knowing which is more affordable, you'll understand where you can get more bang for your buck. So, let's dive into the details and the data, which all comes from actual travelers.

York

York is a medieval, fanciful, and historic city. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Stockholm

Stockholm is a safe, expensive, and beautiful city. It's a large city with plenty of activites for visitors as well. You'll find world class beauty here as well. It's also known for food, shopping, and museums.

York and Stockholm: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in York or Stockholm?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Stockholm than York. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Stockholm is very popular for its music, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while York attracts visitors for its food. York is famous for its markets, old town, and its many ghost tours. 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).

Gamla Stan (the old town)

How is York different from Stockholm?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Stockholm and York. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in York or Stockholm?

Both York and Stockholm have excellent landmarks and museums for visitors.

York offers many unique museums, sights, and landmarks that will make for a memorable trip. Popular museums include the York Castle Museum, the National Railway Museum, Castle Howard, and JORVIK Viking Centre.

Many visitors head to Stockholm specifically to visit some of its top-rated museums and other sights. Famous sights and museums include the Vasa Museum, the Skansen Open-Air Museum, and the Royal Palace.

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

York 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 York have been singled out for their culinary prowess. Meat pies, fudge, and fish and chips are just some of the culinary experiences you'll find here. The Shambles Market has vendors that sell a wide variety of cuisines. There are also food trucks throughout town that offer affordable and delicious meal options.

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 York or Stockholm Better for Nightlife?

Both York and Stockholm are excellent when it comes to partying.

York offers plenty to do in the evening. The young population and thriving tourist scene means there's no shortage of nightlife around town. Check out a pub or music venue to experience everything that city has to offer.

Stockholm has a large number of nightlife venues. 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 York or Stockholm Better for Music?

Stockholm is a world-class destination for live music. However, York is not a live music destination.

Stockholm is a world class music destination. The city has an amazing music scene that includes international groups and DJs, local venues, and popular festivals.

York is not a live music destination.

Is York or Stockholm Better for its Old Town?

It's fun to wander around the terrific old towns in both York and Stockholm.

The historic old town of York is revered around the world. The charming old town is filled with shops and restaurants. There are street performers, fudge shops, and all of the Harry Potter merchandise that a person could need.

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.

Is the Shopping Better in York or Stockholm?

Stockholm is a well-known place for shopping. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its shopping opportunities.

Stockholm is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Right by Gamla Stan, you'll find the city's main shopping street of Drottninggatan. The city has great jewelry and artisan crafts.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting York. The old town has many great candy stores that sell fudge and other local specialties. There are also Harry Potter stores that sell potions, t-shirts, games, and more.

Is York or Stockholm Better for Families?

Kids will enjoy a visit to either York or Stockholm.

As it has a large number of activities for kids, York is a very family-friendly destination. The city does an amazing job bringing history to life in a way that kids will enjoy. The JORVIK Viking Centre transports visitors back in time and introduces them to a fully immersive viking experience. The York Dungeon is great for older kids as long as they don't scare easily. Actors and special effects offer a terrifying and entertaining visit through a York dungeon. Harry Potter fans will enjoy exploring the potion shops and broomstick stores along the iconic Shambles, which is said to be an inspiration for J.K. Rowling's Diagon Alley.

Stockholm is one of the most popular family destinations. 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.

Is York or Stockholm Better for Couples?

Stockholm is a world-class destination for romance. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its romantic activities.

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.

York makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Couples can explore the history and entertainment venues that make York an enjoyable destination. There are museums, restaurants, and outdoor markets that make this a great weekend getaway.

Is York or Stockholm Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

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

York is a great city to visit for backpackers. There are a few hostels around town as well as nightlife venues and entertainment spots that appeal to backpackers and younger travelers. For great and affordable food, grab a meal at one of the many food trucks 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 York or Stockholm Better for Students?

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

York is not popular with students.

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

Stockholm is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for times when you don't have a car.

With a huge network, the transit system in Stockholm can get you around easily. The system is efficient with bus lines, metro, commuter rails, trams and ferries.

York has some public transit options. There is a reliable and efficient bus system around town.

Is York or Stockholm a more walkable city?

Stockholm is a world-class destination for its walkability. Also, York is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its high level of 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.

York is a somewhat walkable place. The old town has many pedestrian streets that are easily explored on food.

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

Should I spend more time in Stockholm or York?

How long in York or Stockholm?

Both York and Stockholm have a number of activities to choose from. With generally more activities and things to do, visitors tend to spend more time in Stockholm than in York. Usually, 2-4 days is a good amount of time for York, and 2-7 days is enough time in Stockholm.

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

One day in York or Stockholm?

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of York. 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.

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.

A weekend in York or Stockholm?

You'll find museums and nightlife around the historic destination of York. 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.

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.

Five days in York or Stockholm?

Travelers enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the medieval city of York. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. Most people head to the area for the food. Five days is plenty of time to see everything, even with extra days to spare.

Stockholm is a expensive 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.

A week in York or Stockholm?

York is a popular choice for travelers. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. 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.

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.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best 10-Day Tours from London, The Best 10-Day Tours from Edinburgh, The Best Budget Tours to Sweden, and The Best Tours for Seniors to Sweden.

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

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

Which is Bigger, York or Stockholm?

Stockholm has a larger population, and is about 9 times larger than the population of York. When comparing the sizes of York and Stockholm, 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 York or Stockholm?

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 York or Stockholm in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both York and Stockholm. Many visitors come to York in the summer for the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Stockholm for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, York is around the same temperature as Stockholm. Typically, the summer temperatures in York in July average around 16°C (62°F), and Stockholm averages at about 18°C (64°F).

People are often attracted to the plentiful sunshine in Stockholm this time of the year. York usually receives less sunshine than Stockholm during summer. York gets 196 hours of sunny skies, while Stockholm receives 260 hours of full sun in the summer.

In July, York usually receives less rain than Stockholm. York gets 51 mm (2 in) of rain, while Stockholm receives 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit York or Stockholm in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to York as well as Stockholm. Most visitors come to York for the shopping scene during these months. Also, 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.

In October, York is generally a little warmer than Stockholm. Daily temperatures in York average around 11°C (52°F), and Stockholm fluctuates around 8°C (46°F).

In the autumn, York often gets more sunshine than Stockholm. York gets 112 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Stockholm receives 99 hours of full sun.

York usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Stockholm. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Stockholm receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit York or Stockholm in the Winter?

Both Stockholm and York are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. The winter months attract visitors to York because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Stockholm this time of year.

It's quite cold in Stockholm in the winter. The weather in York can be very cold. York is much warmer than Stockholm in the winter. The daily temperature in York averages around 4°C (39°F) in January, and Stockholm fluctuates around -3°C (27°F).

York usually receives more sunshine than Stockholm during winter. York gets 61 hours of sunny skies, while Stockholm receives 40 hours of full sun in the winter.

In January, York usually receives more rain than Stockholm. York gets 49 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Stockholm receives 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit York or Stockholm in the Spring?

Both Stockholm and York during the spring are popular places to visit. Furthermore, many travelers come to Stockholm for the activities around the city and the natural beauty.

In the spring, York is much warmer than Stockholm. Typically, the spring temperatures in York in April average around 8°C (46°F), and Stockholm averages at about 5°C (41°F).

In the spring, York often gets less sunshine than Stockholm. York gets 151 hours of sunny skies this time of year, while Stockholm receives 185 hours of full sun.

York usually gets more rain in April than Stockholm. York gets 47 mm (1.9 in) of rain, while Stockholm receives 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain this time of the year.

Typical Weather for Stockholm and York