Stockholm vs Copenhagen: Island archipelago or Tivoli hygge?
Stockholm stretches across 14 islands with the ABBA museum and the Vasa ship. Copenhagen is hygge at its best: Nyhavn harbour, Tivoli amusement park, the alternative Christiania district.
Updated: 22 July 2026 · compiled by the CheapTrips editors
Choose Stockholm for a city on islands with lots of museums. Choose Copenhagen for design, hygge and bike culture. Flights from the Netherlands take about 2 hours to Stockholm and about 1 hour 20 to Copenhagen. On price, are similarly priced. For a first visit most travellers pick Stockholm.
Stockholm
Stockholm stretches across 14 islands in the Baltic Sea: yellow and red facades, design museums (ABBA, Vasa), and one of the highest quality-of-life scores in the world.
Flight from NL: €90 return
View Stockholm →Copenhagen
Copenhagen is hygge culture at its best: New Nordic restaurants, colourful Nyhavn harbour, the free town of Christiania and Tivoli amusement park. One of the happiest cities in the world.
Flight from NL: €80 return
View Copenhagen →Stockholm vs Copenhagen at a glance
| Stockholm | Copenhagen | |
|---|---|---|
| Return flight from NL | €90 return | €80 return |
| Flight time from Schiphol | about 2 hours | about 1 hour 20 |
| Coast / beach | No | No |
| Museums | World-class | Good |
| Nightlife | Decent | Decent |
| Winter weather | Cold | Cold |
| Best months | May, June, July, August | May, June, July, August |
| Ideal length | 3 days | 3 days |
| Price level | €€€€ | €€€€ |
Stockholm and Copenhagen are both popular for a trip from the Netherlands, but they feel quite different. Stockholm is known for a city on islands with lots of museums, while Copenhagen is about design, hygge and bike culture. On price, are similarly priced. Stockholm ideally needs 3 days, while you can see Copenhagen well in 3 days. The best months are May, June, July, August for Stockholm and May, June, July, August for Copenhagen. Want to combine them: The train over the Oresund Bridge takes about 5 hours between the two cities. All prices below are indicative and based on return flights from Schiphol or Eindhoven outside the school holidays.
Best time to visit compared
Stockholm
June to August: 18-22 degrees, light summer nights, all terraces open. May and September are quieter. December has Christmas markets + snow, magical but cold. Avoid January/February (dark and -5°C).
Copenhagen
May to September: 15-22 degrees, all bike routes open, light nights. December is Tivoli Christmas market magic. January and February are dark (8 hours of light) and cold.
Flights + transfer from the Netherlands
Stockholm
Directly from Schiphol to Stockholm Arlanda (STO) in 2 hours 15 minutes. KLM, SAS. Arlanda Express €30 or bus €10 to the centre.
Copenhagen
From Schiphol to Copenhagen (CPH) in 1 hour 25 minutes. KLM, SAS. Metro to the centre €5 in 15 minutes.
Costs compared
Stockholm
Hostels from €30, mid-range hotels €130 to 180, vacation rentals €150 per night. Food: lunch €15, dinner €30 to 45, kanelbulle €4. Tip: Saluhall is cheaper than restaurants.
Copenhagen
Hostels from €30, mid-range hotels €130 to 200, vacation rentals €150 per night. Food: smørrebrød €15, lunch €20, dinner €30 to 50, beer €7. City bike free with Bycyklen!
Who is it for?
Choose Stockholm if you are...
Island-hopping by ferry, design fans, ABBA + Pippi Longstocking lovers.
Choose Copenhagen if you are...
Hygge seekers, foodie couples (Michelin-starred restaurants), cyclists (the city is flat).
Our verdict
Copenhagen is a little cheaper. Stockholm has more variety. Best from May to September.
Plan your trip
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Discover these destinations
See the individual travel guides with live prices from the Netherlands.