Comparison · Copenhagen vs Stockholm · Denmark / Sweden
Copenhagen vs Stockholm
Two great trips, different strengths. Here is how they compare on the things that decide it.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Moahim, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
Choose Copenhagen for Tivoli Gardens, Nyhavn and free sights; choose Stockholm for Gamla Stan, Vasa Museum and lower day-to-day costs. Stockholm is generally less expensive, and the two are about 522 km apart.
Key facts
- Distance apart
- 522 km
- Less expensive
- Stockholm
- Best time for Copenhagen
- May–September
- Best time for Stockholm
- May–September
Side by side
| Copenhagen | Stockholm | |
|---|---|---|
| Country | Denmark | Sweden |
| Known for | Tivoli Gardens, Nyhavn and Cycling | Gamla Stan, Vasa Museum and Archipelago |
| Best time to visit | May–September | May–September |
| Ideal stay | 4 days | 4 days |
| Mid-range budget per day | $240–$420 | $180–$320 |
| Cost level | Very expensive | Expensive |
| Warmest month | July, 22°C (72°F) | July, 24°C (75°F) |
| Coldest month | January, 3°C (37°F) | January, 1°C (34°F) |
| Free sights in our guide | 9 | 6 |
| Day trips in our guide | 7 | 7 |
| Beaches | Amager Strandpark | Långholmen |
| Airports | CPH | ARN, BMA, NYO |
Which one is right for you?
Choose Copenhagen for…
Tivoli Gardens, Nyhavn and free sights. Copenhagen is a flat, compact harbour city where cycling is the normal way to get around and the harbour water is clean enough to swim in. The medieval centre, with Strøget and the Round Tower, sits between Tivoli Gardens and the painted townhouses of…
Choose Stockholm for…
Gamla Stan, Vasa Museum and lower day-to-day costs. Stockholm is built across 14 islands where Lake Mälaren meets the Baltic, so water and ferries are part of every day. The medieval lanes of Gamla Stan lead to the Royal Palace, the museum island of Djurgården holds the Vasa warship, Skansen and ABBA The…
Top sights compared
| # | Copenhagen | Stockholm |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tivoli Gardens | Gamla Stan and Stortorget |
| 2 | Nyhavn | Vasa Museum |
| 3 | Rosenborg Castle | Skansen |
| 4 | Christiansborg Palace | Royal Palace |
| 5 | Amalienborg | Stockholm City Hall |
Food compared
| Copenhagen | Stockholm |
|---|---|
| Smørrebrød | Swedish meatballs |
| Danish pastries | Cinnamon bun |
| Danish hot dog | Gravlax |
| Stegt flæsk med persillesovs | Pickled herring |
Which is cheaper?
Stockholm is usually the less expensive of the two: a mid-range day costs about $180–$320 per person there, against $240–$420 in Copenhagen (AMZBooking estimates, excluding flights). Stockholm on a budget.
Can you visit both?
Yes. Copenhagen and Stockholm are about 522 km apart, so they combine well in one trip: allow 4 days in Copenhagen and 4 in Stockholm.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Copenhagen or Stockholm cheaper?
Stockholm is usually less expensive: about $180–$320 a day mid-range against $240–$420 (estimates).
+Is Copenhagen or Stockholm better for a first trip?
Pick Copenhagen for Tivoli Gardens, Nyhavn and free sights, or Stockholm for Gamla Stan, Vasa Museum and lower day-to-day costs.
+How far is Copenhagen from Stockholm?
About 522 km in a straight line.