Stockholm vs Copenhagen: The Ultimate Decision

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Running out of time to make a decision? Then have a quick flick through this quick rundown of each city. Don’t skip the rest of the article, though, that’s where I get into the real nitty-gritty bits so you can have the most epic time backpacking in Scandinavia!

Stockholm

• Size of the place: Stockholm is sprawled across 14 islands in the Baltic Sea that are connected by 57 bridges. Overall, it spans nearly 188 square kilometres.
• What it’s famous for: The city’s colourful and picturesque Gamla Stan historic district is irresistible. Add that to the cool Scandi atmosphere and epic boat tours through the extensive waterways, and it’s not hard to see why Stockholm is a sought-after holiday destination.
• Ease of getting there: The best way to reach Stockholm is to fly into the Stockholm Arlanda Airport, then catch the Arlanda Express Train, which reaches the city centre in just 20 minutes. 
• How to get around: Catch the bus, trams, trains, or island-hopping ferries to move around Stockholm. 
• Types of accommodation: You’ll find everything from backpacker hostels to boutique hotels in the city centre, which is where you’ll want to base yourself in Stockholm.

Copenhagen

• Size of the place: Copenhagen is only slightly smaller than Stockholm, and spans some 180 square kilometres. It’s stretched across two main islands, Zealand and Amager, as well as several islets nestled between them. 
• What it’s famous for: The city’s adorable Nyhavn neighbourhood, Amager Strand beach, and bike paths are some of my favourite things about Copenhagen! 
• Ease of getting there: The easiest way to reach Copenhagen is to fly into Copenhagen Airport, then catch the metro or train to the city centre (which is just 15 minutes away). 
• How to get around: For the most unique ways to get around, rent a bike or hop on and off the city’s yellow Harbour Bus boat. Of course, the city also has an extensive network of buses and metro lines.
• Types of accommodation: Copenhagen has loads of central hostels, cute apartment rentals on Airbnb, and luxurious hotel rooms (which cost an arm and a leg). 

Copenhagen’s top attractions feel more clustered together, which is great if you’re looking for a more quaint city break and you want to walk around the city. But busy bees will love Stockholm, which is awesome for anyone who likes the idea of hopping between busy islands, each with its own attractions. 

Let’s dive right in and discover the subtle differences between the two!

For Things to Do 

Copenhagen is great for keen hikers who want to use their walking shoes even on a city break. Get a good look at the city’s historical buildings with a hike along The Harbour Ring (or Havneringen in Danish), a 13-kilometre-long walk that includes iconic structures like the Black Diamond Library. Bring an extra layer in the winter, as it gets pretty windy along the path!

One thing both these Scandinavian capitals share is that they are built on islands. Water is a big part of their identities, so going on a boat tour and exploring the city streets from the water is an absolute must, whether you choose to visit Stockholm or Copenhagen.  

If you’re lucky enough to be in Copenhagen during the warmer months or a freak heat wave, head to the sandy shores of Amager Strand, the city’s coolest beach. Already booked a flight to Stockholm? Don’t panic! The city’s Lake Mälaren is just as worthy of a swimming spot.

Even though it’s a touristy thing to do, you can’t leave the city without visiting Nyhavn. The walk along the little canalside neighbourhood is a Copenhagen classic not to be skipped. Colourful houses bring the historic district to life and are the perfect backdrop for some holiday pics. 

But don’t be fooled into thinking that Stockholm can’t be as charming. The Old Town neighbourhood, Gamla Stan, with its enchanting cobblestone streets and equally colourful buildings, is a hot competitor. Wander along the narrow streets and you’ll pop out at top attractions like the Royal Palace and Stockholm Cathedral.

Stockholm has more museums than Copenhagen, too. I’m not a huge fan of museums, but if that’s your jam, then you should head to the island of Djurgården, where most of the city’s best museums are clustered together. Historians will love the preserved 17th-century (the only one of its kind) at the Vasa Museum!

Looking for a pampering? Copenhagen can’t compete with Stockholm’s luxurious spas. A day at Centralbadet, in the heart of Gamla Stan, is worth every penny. Nordic saunas are so rejuvenating!

Winner: Because Stockholm can cater to so many different types of travellers, it takes the lead when it comes to things to do. 

For Budget Travellers  

There’s no way around it – neither Stockholm nor Copenhagen are cheap. In fact, they’re some of the most expensive cities in Europe. There’s no getting around that Sweden in GENERAL is hella expensive! Perhaps that’s why most budget travellers head to Eastern Europe on their gap years? 

But that doesn’t mean there aren’t ways you can keep your costs down. Drinking alcohol in Stockholm is a real killer because of all the taxes that get added on, so you might want to consider challenging yourself to a sober trip if you want to cut costs. Copenhagen is a little cheaper if you’re planning a drinking-heavy getaway, but it’ll quickly add up if you’re getting on one every day. 

Another reason Copenhagen can work out a bit cheaper is that the main attractions are closer together. It’s a more walkable city than Stockholm. Save some bucks and get your daily steps in – a win all around! 

Hostel dorm rooms aren’t too expensive in Stockholm or Copenhagen, but forget about paying for private rooms, which are about four times the price. 

Stockholm has much cheaper restaurants, which is where the bulk of your money will go. In either one, eating out every day definitely won’t be an option if you’re on a tight budget. I’d suggest staying at a hostel that has a kitchen so you can cook some of your own meals if you’re travelling on a shoestring. 

List of price comparisons:

Copenhagen 

• Central accommodation: You can find cheap hostel beds in dorm rooms for around €50 a night in the city centre. 
• The main mode of transport in the place: a single two-zone metro ticket costs about €3.20.
• 1 restaurant meal: a cheap meal in a less touristy area costs about €15-€20 if you skip drinks.
• Beer: Expect to pay about €5 for a small beer. 

Stockholm

• Central accommodation: Similar to Copenhagen, bunk beds in hostel dorms cost about €50 a night. 
• Main mode of transport in the place: A single 75-minute public transport ticket in Stockholm costs €4.
• 1 restaurant meal: You can get cheap on-the-go lunches in the city, so if you’re clever, you can grab something for as little as €10 (without drinks included). 
• Beer: a small beer costs about €6,50.

Winner: Despite Copenhagen’s slightly lower beer prices and more walkable city centre, Stockholm still ends up being cheaper overall. 

STF Zinkensdamm Hostel | Where to Stay in Stockholm

I immediately fell head-over-heels for this hostel in a quaint and colourful neighbourhood of Södermalm, not far from the city centre. It’s perfect for a group of friends or money-conscious backpackers in Stockholm.

For Couples

When it comes to romance, the Stockholm vs Copenhagen debate is a close call. It really depends on what kind of things you like to get up to together. 

Outdoorsy couples who cringe at the idea of PDA and would rather go on an adventure together should go to Stockholm. Hop on a boat and go on an epic cruise around the Stockholm archipelago, which is spread across 50 miles and encompasses more than 30,000 islands. It’s an understated honeymoon and anniversary activity you’ll never forget!

Trying to plan a romantic holiday on the cheap? Then head to Copenhagen instead and check out the cityscape views from the top of the tower at Christiansborg Palace. The best bit? It’s free! Another great spot for any couple eager about photography who want to snap some cool pictures of the city is the Church of Our Saviour. There’s a little spiralling staircase (which is also very Instagrammable) that leads to a great lookout point.

Foodie couples will love the famous Ostermalm Market Hall in Gamla Stan. Lively and bustling, you can watch locals buying their favourite produce and sample some Nordic classics from the quaint food stalls. Reindeer is an option you won’t see on the menu in many places!

But despite everything Stockholm has to offer, you can’t compete with Copenhagen when it comes to romance. The quaint streets of Nyhavn and picturesque cycling routes that weave through the city centre are the perfect backdrop for a romantic getaway! 

Winner: Copenhagen takes the throne for a couple’s trip.

Motel One Copenhagen | Where to Stay in Copenhagen

Staying less than a 10-minute walk away from Copenhagen’s city centre is a dream! You’ll love how their boho-chic rooms break away from the usual hotel vibe.

For Getting Around

Next up – let’s compare Copenhagen vs Stockholm for getting around. One thing I love about Copenhagen is how easy it is to cycle around the city. You can rent a bike from companies like Donkey and Republic. 

It’s such a common way to explore the city that some hotels even include a bike in their room price! Hop on and pedal your way through the historical streets of the city centre, which is conveniently compact. 

In Stockholm, I used the local bus and trams a lot more, and decided not to rent a bike. It was also pretty rainy while I was there, so the idea of pedalling around the city was less appealing. If the weather is kinder to you, exploring the city on a bike tour is such a cool way to get a feel for the place when you first arrive.

Because the main sites in Stockholm are more spread out, you’ll need more leg power if you want to do it by bike. It’s also less walkable than Copenhagen, so you’ll need to put aside some extra time to get between the different islands if you want to see parts of the city that aren’t on the obvious tourist map. 

Another awesome way to get around Copenhagen is by boat. The city’s yellow Harbour Bus, which is included in the local public transport pass, covers most of the places you’d want to get to as a tourist. This isn’t too different from Stockholm, which has loads of local ferries that run between the city’s many islands. 

Winner: Because of how easy it is to get hold of a bike and how many bike paths there are in the city, Copenhagen is easier to get around in. 

For a Weekend Trip

Running out of annual leave and trying to squeeze in a short city break to break up the work year? In an ideal world, holidays would go on forever, but if you’re short for time, it’s important to pick somewhere that has enough to do, but not too much.

Leaving a city with the heart-wrenching feeling that you didn’t even scratch the surface is never fun. For this very reason, we suggest you choose Copenhagen for a weekend-long city break. The city has loads of character, and there’s plenty to keep you busy for a few days, but stay much longer and you’d find yourself going in circles. Hopping on a guided canal tour is a great way to get a feel for the city and to tick off the heavy hitters in an afternoon.

Knowing how long you’ve got to travel can make it much easier to choose between Copenhagen and Stockholm. With so much to do and endless islands to explore, you’ll quickly feel like you’ve bitten off more than you can chew if you try to see Stockholm in a weekend. 

Avoid getting FOMO and save Stockholm for another time!

Winner: A Copenhagen itinerary has just the right amount to do and see for a weekend trip. 

For a Week-Long Trip

You’ve spoken to your boss and booked a dog sitter, now you just have to decide where to go. Lucky for you – we’ve got the answers. Because it’s slightly bigger and considerably more spread out, Stockholm is the right choice for a week-long trip. 

You can be exploring the ABBA museum on Djurgarden Island one day, then drinking chai lattes among a sea of trendy hipsters in the seriously cool Sodermalm neighbourhood the next. 

Try out the custom of fika, which involves taking some time out over a cup of coffee and a snack, in the colourful Old Town of the city, then head on an epic island-hopping adventure through the city’s network of waterways. Even the busiest travellers won’t run out of things to fill their packed Stockholm itineraries on a week-long trip.

Winner: Avoid being underwhelmed if you’re on a longer trip and visit Stockholm, where you’ll never run out of things to do! 

Wondering whether you can get the best of both worlds and avoid having to choose between Stockholm and Copenhagen? It’s tempting to do it all, but traveller fatigue is definitely something to be wary of.

Driving is pretty much off the cards (unless you’ve got time to stop and explore along the way) as it’s a hefty 8-hour drive. It’d take up a solid day of your holiday time, which seems a waste when you could be doing something more fun instead. 

The only option worth looking into if you’re adamant about visiting both Copenhagen and Stockholm is flying. The flight takes an hour and ten minutes, and you can get flights for as little as €35 one way. 

Personally, I wouldn’t recommend doing both on a short trip. Overpacking your schedule can leave you run down and overwhelmed, so if you decide to visit both cities, make sure you’ve planned some downtime into your schedule. 

Need a smidge more info before making your final decisions, well, I’ve got a few on the most commonly asked questions answered here for ya!

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance for Stockholm vs Copenhagen

Unfortunately, things can go wrong when you least expect them. This is why good travel insurance is essential before you head on your trip, no matter whether you decide on Stockholm or Copenhagen.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

When it comes to the Copenhagen vs Stockholm debate, there’s no wrong choice. It really depends on what kind of traveller you are. 

If you’re short on time, love exploring on foot, or you’re hoping to impress your other half with a picture-perfect romantic escape, Copenhagen is your best bet. Its cosy neighbourhoods, scenic cycle paths, and charming canalside streets make it ideal for a weekend break or a getaway with your other half. 

On the other hand, if you’re looking for a week-long getaway packed with variety, island-hopping, and cultural highlights, Stockholm wins hands down. It’s more budget-friendly (though only just) and is better suited to adventurous or culture-hungry travellers. 

Ultimately, both cities have a unique Scandi vibe worth experiencing, so it really comes down to how much time you’ve got on your hands or your bank balance! Either way, you’re in for a memorable trip.