A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Stockholm vs. Rio de Janeiro for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Families

Should you visit Stockholm or Rio de Janeiro?

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 Rio de Janeiro 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 clean, coastal, and safe city. As it's a big city, visitors will find plenty to do, too. The famous beauty of Stockholm is one of the main draws. Other popular activities here include nightlife, live music, and food. See Stockholm travel costs.

Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro is a colorful, multicultural, and festive city. With plenty of activities and things to do, it's a huge city that draws plenty of visitors. The famous beauty of Rio de Janeiro is one of the main draws. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife. See Rio de Janeiro travel costs.

Stockholm and Rio de Janeiro: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Stockholm or Rio de Janeiro?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Rio de Janeiro than Stockholm, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Rio de Janeiro is more popular for its museums and attractions, food, nightlife, beaches, hiking, shopping, and big city activities, while Stockholm is known for its music and historical sights. Rio de Janeiro is more touristy than Stockholm and is known for its samba dancing, sandy beaches, and Carnival. It is also home to Christ the Redeemer. Stockholm is popular for its many bridges and water culture, its open air museum, and its colorful old town.

How is Stockholm different from Rio de Janeiro?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro?

Rio de Janeiro is a must-visit destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Stockholm is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

The museums, monuments, and landmarks in Rio de Janeiro are among the most recognizable in the world. Looking out over the city is the world famous landmark of Christ the Redeemer. It sits on top of Corcovado Mountain and it is a must-see destination for visitors to the city. Other sights around town include the church and monastery of São Bento, the stunning church of São Francisco da Penitência, the imperial palaces of São Cristóvão, and the baroque church of Nossa Senhora do Carmo.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Stockholm. Famous sights and museums include the Vasa Museum, the Skansen Open-Air Museum, and the Royal Palace.

Is the Food Better in Stockholm or Rio de Janeiro? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro have been singled out for their culinary prowess. The cuisine around town mixes African and European cooking styles to give it a unique taste. The city is a mix of cultures and flavors and you'll find restaurants that integrate traditional Brazilian dishes with international influences. You'll find a wonderful street food scene, but also fine dining, and everything in between. Some of the most popular dishes include feijoada (beef and bean stew), churrasco (Brazilian barbecue), and pão de queijo (baked dough and cheese).

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 Stockholm or Rio de Janeiro Better for Nightlife?

Rio de Janeiro is a must-visit destination for nightlife and partying. Also, Stockholm is still popular, but not quite as popular for its evening party scene.

Rio de Janeiro is a world class party destination. It has a world famous nightlife scene, and the most popular party neighborhood is Lapa. While the biggest crowds are on the weekends, weeknights stay busy as well. Every weekend in Lapa there's a huge street party, but there are also bars and dance clubs nearby. A more local neighborhood is Botafogo, which is a great area to grab a beer and enjoy a relaxed night out. If you want a beachside bar, check out the touristy neighborhoods of Ipanema and Copacabana.

Many people head to Stockholm for the nightlife scene. 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 Stockholm or Rio de Janeiro Better for Music?

Stockholm is a world-class destination for its music scene. However, Rio de Janeiro 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.

Rio de Janeiro is not a live music destination.

Is Stockholm or Rio de Janeiro Better for Beaches?

Rio de Janeiro is a must-visit destination for the beach. However, Stockholm is not a beach destination.

Rio de Janeiro is considered to be a world-class beach destination. The beaches have long been written about and made iconic by songs and literary works. Copacabana and Ipanema are world renowned, and the sandy stretches and vibrant waterfront promenades will not disappoint. There are plenty of recreational activities as well as a striking blue water backdrop. You'll find beach parties, waterside bars, and pickup games of football or volleyball. In addition to these iconic beaches, there are several lesser known places to visit like Joatinga and Barra da Tijuca.

Stockholm is not a beach destination.

Is Stockholm or Rio de Janeiro Better for its Old Town?

Stockholm is a world-class destination for its historic old town charm. However, Rio de Janeiro does not have a historic old town.

The historic old town of Stockholm is revered around the world. 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.

Rio de Janeiro does not have a historic old town.

Is Stockholm or Rio de Janeiro Better for Hiking?

Rio de Janeiro is a must-visit destination for its hiking experiences. However, Stockholm is not a hiking destination.

Around Rio de Janeiro visitors will find world-class hiking trails. Although it is a bustling megacity, it also offers access to world class hikes. The city is filled with mountains and dramatic peaks, so many hikes take you to spectacular views of the city. There are also jungle hikes and even opportunities to see local wildlife. There's a combination of iconic trails and lesser known strolls that will let you truly absorb what this city has to offer. Some of the best hikes include Pedra Bonita, Dois Irmaos, and Pedra da Gávea.

Stockholm is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Stockholm or Rio de Janeiro?

Rio de Janeiro is a must-visit destination for its shopping opportunities. Also, Stockholm is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping areas.

The abundance of shops in Rio de Janeiro make it a world-class shopping destination. The shopping is as diverse as the city itself. Whatever your budget, there are options for you. There are wonderful street markets for those on a budget and grand shopping malls if you're looking for something a bit higher end. Some of the best places for shopping include Rio Sul, Barra Shopping, and SAARA Market.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas 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.

Is Stockholm or Rio de Janeiro More Beautiful?

Stockholm and Rio de Janeiro are somewhat similar when it comes to the world-class scenery.

The famous beauty of Stockholm is one of the main draws. This is among the cleanest and most beautiful cities in Europe.

Many visitors also come to Rio de Janeiro because of it's amazing beauty. The city's mountainous landscapes and striking beaches make it, arguably, one of the most beautiful cities in the world. There are many mountaintop views of the city as well as city hikes and iconic neighborhoods.

Is Stockholm or Rio de Janeiro Better for Families?

Stockholm is a world-class destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Rio de Janeiro is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Stockholm is an extremely popular city to visit for families. 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.

Rio de Janeiro is a very family-friendly destination. Kids and adults alike will enjoy the beaches. It's easy to spend days by the water soaking up the sun. Another must-do is a trip up Sugarloaf Mountain. The cable cars are fun and there are jungle walks and spectacular views. If you need to escape the rain or heat, spend the day at the Museum of Tomorrow.

Is Stockholm or Rio de Janeiro Better for Couples?

Stockholm is a world-class destination for couples. Also, Rio de Janeiro is still popular, but not quite as popular for romance.

Stockholm is a great city for couples, as it has plenty to offer. 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.

Rio de Janeiro is a great city if you're traveling as a couple. There are many parks and gardens around town that are perfect for a stroll. Nature lovers will enjoy the many hikes in the area, many which go through the jungle, visit waterfalls, or offer spectacular views. And, of course, Sugarloaf Mountain is a must-see destination, as are the many beaches in the area.

Is Stockholm or Rio de Janeiro Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Rio de Janeiro is a must-visit destination for backpackers. Also, Stockholm is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers and budget travelers come from all over the world to visit Rio de Janeiro. Backpackers flock to the city for its wild nightlife scene and beautiful beaches. There's a huge backpacker culture here and many hostels around town that offer a social setting and plenty of activities for guests.

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 Rio de Janeiro Better for Students?

Stockholm is a city with good options for students. However, Rio de Janeiro is not popular with 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.

Rio de Janeiro is not popular with students.

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

Stockholm is a world-class destination for its public transit. Also, Rio de Janeiro is still popular, but not quite as popular 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.

Public transit in Rio de Janeiro is fairly effecient and thorough. The city has a subway system, MetroRio, that is relatively reliable and convenient. There are also city buses, trams, and commuter trains.

Is Stockholm or Rio de Janeiro a more walkable city?

Stockholm is a world-class destination for its ease of walking around. Also, Rio de Janeiro is still popular, but not quite as popular for its walkability.

Getting around Stockholm on foot is easy. 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.

Rio de Janeiro is very walkable. Most of the areas where tourists spend their time are relatively walkable. Centro is compact and many tourists choose to explore areas on foot. As always, remember to take the appropriate safety precautions and always be aware of your surroundings.

For even more information, also check out Is Stockholm Worth Visiting? and Is Rio de Janeiro Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Rio de Janeiro or Stockholm?

How long in Stockholm or Rio de Janeiro?

Stockholm and Rio de Janeiro both offer a nice selection of activities for visitors. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Stockholm than Rio de Janeiro because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-7 days is a good amount of time for Stockholm, and 4-6 days is enough time in Rio de Janeiro.

Families should spend more time in Stockholm than Rio de Janeiro. 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 Rio de Janeiro. 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 Rio de Janeiro than Stockholm 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 Rio de Janeiro.

One day in Stockholm or Rio de Janeiro?

Because Stockholm is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Visiting the old town is also a must. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

You'll find shopping and museums around the city of Rio de Janeiro. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. 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.

A weekend in Stockholm or Rio de Janeiro?

Stockholm is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Anyone can find something fun to do here. Because of this, a weekend is usually enough time for a trip here.

You'll find museums and nightlife around the festive big city of Rio de Janeiro. Hikers are also drawn to this area. A weekend is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from.

Five days in Stockholm or Rio de Janeiro?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Stockholm. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. For many, it makes a great getaway for five days. It offers something for everyone. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. Because of this, five days is usually enough time for a trip here.

You'll find nightlife and food around the high energy city of Rio de Janeiro. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. If you have five days, this city makes for a great vacation. It's also a great beach destination, too. Five days should give you a good understanding of everything this city has to offer.

A week in Stockholm or Rio de Janeiro?

Because Stockholm is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. Make sure you visit the old town while you're here. Your budget might influence how long you stay. If you have one week, this is a great place to go. One reason most visitors come is for the live music. One week is usually enough time to experience most activities.

Rio de Janeiro is a popular choice for travelers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. 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 G Adventures Tours to Brazil, and The Best One-Week (7-Day) Tours from Rio de Janeiro.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Stockholm and Rio de Janeiro, we can see that Stockholm is more expensive. And not only is Rio de Janeiro much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. Since Stockholm is in Europe and Rio de Janeiro is in South America, this is one of the main reasons why the costs are so different, as different regions of the world tend to have overall different travel costs. So, traveling to Rio de Janeiro would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Rio de Janeiro 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 Rio de Janeiro.

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

Which is Bigger, Stockholm or Rio de Janeiro?

Rio de Janeiro has a larger population, and is about 5 times larger than the population of Stockholm. When comparing the sizes of Stockholm and Rio de Janeiro, 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 Rio de Janeiro?

Even though both destinations experience a temperate climate with four distinct seasons, they experience these seasons at different times of the year. Rio de Janeiro is in the southern hemisphere and summer is in January and winter is in July, but Stockholm has summer in [NORTHERNSUMMERMONTH] and winter in [NORTHERNWINTERMONTH].

Should I visit Stockholm or Rio de Janeiro in the Summer?

Both Rio de Janeiro and Stockholm are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The summer months attract visitors to Stockholm because of the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the beaches, the hiking, the city activities, and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Rio de Janeiro this time of year.

In the summer, Stockholm is cooler than Rio de Janeiro. Typically, the summer temperatures in Stockholm in July average around 18°C (64°F), and Rio de Janeiro averages at about 26°C (79°F)in January.

It rains a lot this time of the year in Rio de Janeiro. In July, Stockholm usually receives less rain than Rio de Janeiroin January. Stockholm gets 71 mm (2.8 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 114 mm (4.5 in) of rain each month for the summer.

Should I visit Stockholm or Rio de Janeiro in the Autumn?

Both Rio de Janeiro and Stockholm during the autumn are popular places to visit. The city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, the music scene, and the natural beauty of the area are the main draw to Stockholm this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Rio de Janeiro for the hiking trails, the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area.

In October, Stockholm is generally much colder than Rio de Janeiroin April. Daily temperatures in Stockholm average around 8°C (46°F), and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 25°C (77°F).

Rio de Janeiro gets a good bit of rain this time of year. Stockholm usually gets less rain in October than Rio de Janeiroin April. Stockholm gets 50 mm (2 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 137 mm (5.4 in) of rain this time of the year. May to November is the dry season in Rio de Janeiro. December to April is the rainy season in Rio de Janeiro.

Should I visit Stockholm or Rio de Janeiro in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Stockholm and Rio de Janeiro. Many travelers come to Stockholm for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Rio de Janeiro in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Stockholm. Stockholm is much colder than Rio de Janeiro in the winter. The daily temperature in Stockholm averages around -3°C (27°F) in January, and Rio de Janeiro fluctuates around 21°C (70°F)in July.

In January, Stockholm usually receives less rain than Rio de Janeiroin July. Stockholm gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.

Should I visit Stockholm or Rio de Janeiro in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Stockholm as well as Rio de Janeiro. Many visitors come to Stockholm in the spring for the activities around the city and the natural beauty. Additionally, most visitors come to Rio de Janeiro for the beaches, the activities around the city, and the natural beauty during these months.

In the spring, Stockholm is much colder than Rio de Janeiro. Typically, the spring temperatures in Stockholm in April average around 5°C (41°F), and Rio de Janeiro averages at about 23°C (73°F)in October.

Stockholm usually gets less rain in April than Rio de Janeiroin October. Stockholm gets 31 mm (1.2 in) of rain, while Rio de Janeiro receives 88 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year. Also, May to November in Rio de Janeiro is the dry season. December to April in Rio de Janeiro is the rainy season.

Typical Weather for Rio de Janeiro and Stockholm