A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Aalborg vs. Aberdeen for Attractions, Food, Nightlife, and Old Town

Should you visit Aalborg or Aberdeen?

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

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Aalborg and Aberdeen. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Aalborg

Aalborg is a historic, charming, and local town. It's a very nice small town not to be missed. It's also known for nightlife, food, and shopping.

Aberdeen

Aberdeen is a architectural, authentic, and historic city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Aalborg and Aberdeen: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance


Is there more to do in Aalborg or Aberdeen?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Aberdeen than Aalborg, as it is bigger with more sights, attractions, and activities for visitors. Aberdeen is more popular for its museums, historical sights, and big city activities, while Aalborg is known for its food, nightlife, and small town charm. Aalborg is popular for its half-timbered homes and waterfront setting. Aberdeen is popular for its longstanding maritime history and its many cultural sights and activities. It is also home to St Machar's Cathedral Aberdeen.

How is Aalborg different from Aberdeen?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Aalborg or Aberdeen?

Aalborg
Aberdeen

Aberdeen is a great destination for its museums and landmarks. Also, Aalborg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its historical sights.

Visitors can fill many days exploring the museums and attractions around Aberdeen. The city's long running history means that there are plenty of sights and museums worth exploring. Highlights include St. Machar's Cathedral, the University and King's College of Aberdeen, Brig o'Balgownie, and the Tolbooth Museum.

Aalborg offers a variety of museums and landmarks to choose from. There are some interesting museums around town such as the House of Music and the Kunsten Museum of Modern Art.


Is the Food Better in Aalborg or Aberdeen? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Aalborg
Aberdeen

Aalborg is a well-known place for its local cuisine and restaurants. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for its restaurants.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Aalborg makes for a great culinary experience. You'll find an eclectic mix of trendy restaurants and local finds. There are also international options and modern street food.

Aberdeen has a delicious restaurant scene that relies on local flavors. Everything from brunch bistros to fine dining are available in this city. You can enjoy local specialties or international options at any of the unique restaurants around town.

Is Aalborg or Aberdeen Better for Nightlife?

Aalborg
Aberdeen

Aalborg is a well-known place for nightlife. Also, Aberdeen is not as famous, but is still a good city to visit for nightlife and partying.

Aalborg offers plenty to do in the evening. Despite its small town vibe and relatively unknown status, Aalborg has a great nightlife scene. It's home to the longest continuous string of bars and clubs in all of Scandinavia. You'll find about 30 bars along the pedestrian street of Jomfru Ane Gade and in the early hours, drinks are also surprisingly cheap.

With a handful of venues, visitors can find a fairly lively vibe in Aberdeen. The nightlife scene is diverse with whisky dens, local pubs, and even trendy nightclubs to choose from.

Is Aalborg or Aberdeen Better for its Old Town?

Aalborg
Aberdeen

Aberdeen is a great destination for its historic old town. Also, Aalborg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its old town.

There are many historical things to see in the old town of Aberdeen. This city's old town is a hidden gem in Scotland. The cobblestone streets and long history make for a fascinating place to explore.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Aalborg. The charming streets of the old town are filled with cafes that come to life during the warm summer months.


Is the Shopping Better in Aalborg or Aberdeen?

Aalborg
Aberdeen

Shopping is a popular activity in both Aberdeen and Aalborg.

Aalborg is a great destination for shopping. There are a number of shopping malls, shopping centers, and local boutiques around town.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Aberdeen. A mix of modern shopping centers, antique vendors, and local boutiques make for an interesting shopping scene. For some of the city's best shopping head to Union Square Shopping Centre, the Trinity Centre, or Bon Accord Aberdeen.

Is Aalborg or Aberdeen Better for Families?

Aalborg
Aberdeen

Aberdeen is a great destination for its family-friendly activities. Also, Aalborg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its kid-friendly activities.

Aberdeen is a very family-friendly place to visit. Explore the city's history or wander through one of the many museums. Some of the best museums for kids include the Aberdeen Maritime Museum, Little Treasures Toy Museum, the Aberdeen Science Center, and the Gordon Highlanders Museum. Adrenaline seekers will enjoy rock climbing and ropes courses at Transition Extreme or ziplining at Go Ape Crathes Castle. Also nearby is horseback riding and Codona’s Amusement Park.

Aalborg offers lots of family activities. There is plenty of outdoor space, some kid-friendly museums, a zoo, and fascinating street art. Not far from town there's also Fårup Sommerland, which is a great amusement park.

Is Aalborg or Aberdeen Better for Couples?

Aalborg
Aberdeen

Aalborg and Aberdeen both good destinations for a couple.

Aalborg is a nice destination for couples. Art museums, parks, and interesting restaurants make this a nice town for a weekend trip.

Aberdeen makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are many of the standard activities for couples such as interesting restaurants, theaters, and fun concerts.


Is Aalborg or Aberdeen Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Aalborg
Aberdeen

Aalborg is a popular place for backpackers. However, Aberdeen is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Aalborg. There are a couple of hostels in town that offer accommodation for backpackers and budget travelers.

Aberdeen is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Aalborg or Aberdeen Better for Students?

Aalborg
Aberdeen

Aalborg and Aberdeen are good places to visit for students.

Aalborg is popular with students. The town feels quiet during the rainy winter months but when the sun makes an appearance, it comes to life and people head outdoors and into the cafes.

It's common for students to visit Aberdeen. The city is a nice affordable option for students who want to study at the University of Aberdeen.

Is Aalborg or Aberdeen Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Aalborg
Aberdeen

You'll find somewhat comparable public transit options in both Aalborg and Aberdeen.

You'll find some public transit in Aalborg, but it may not be enough to take you everywhere. There's a decent bus system around town.

While Aberdeen offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There are public buses through town and it's possible to pick up a Grasshopper ticket that lets you ride on most of the bus companies.


Is Aalborg or Aberdeen a more walkable city?

Aalborg
Aberdeen

Aberdeen is a great destination for its walkability. Also, Aalborg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Aberdeen is very walkable. It's easy to walk to most of the city's attractions.

Aalborg is a somewhat walkable place. It's a walkable town, but it does get a lot of rain so some seasons are more pedestrian-friendly than others.

For even more information, also check out Is Aalborg Worth Visiting? and Is Aberdeen Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Aberdeen or Aalborg?

How long in Aalborg or Aberdeen?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Aalborg and Aberdeen. In our opinion, Aberdeen has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Aberdeen than Aalborg. However, 2-3 days is a good amount of time to spend in either destination.

Families should spend more time in Aberdeen than Aalborg. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Aberdeen, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Aalborg than Aberdeen 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 Aalborg.


  • How many days in Aalborg or Aberdeen? Ideal Length of Stay
    Aalborg 2-3 
    Aberdeen 2-3

One day in Aalborg or Aberdeen?

The town of Aalborg offers food and shopping. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything. It will give you the chance to have new experiences.

In Aberdeen, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. This city offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

A weekend in Aalborg or Aberdeen?

Aalborg is a popular place that is full of things to see and experience. If you have a weekend, this town makes for a great vacation. While some people choose to spend more or less time in Aalborg, a weekend is sufficent for most. Take your pick from the many activities offered here.

In Aberdeen, you'll find food and shopping. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel. A weekend here is typical. Visiting the old town is also a must. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Aberdeen has to offer.


Five days in Aalborg or Aberdeen?

Aalborg is a popular choice for travelers. Five days 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. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

Aberdeen is a great place to explore. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Aalborg or Aberdeen?

Aalborg is a great place to explore. One week is more than enough time to enjoy everything. Take some day trips to nearby places to fill the extra days. This town offers something for everyone.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Aberdeen. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Aberdeen. Exploring the old town is a popular activity. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing.


For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Denmark, The Best Adventure Tours to Denmark, The Best Budget Tours to United Kingdom, and The Best Tours for Seniors to United Kingdom.


Which place is cheaper, Aberdeen or Aalborg?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Aalborg is $156, while the average daily cost in Aberdeen is $151. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Aalborg and Aberdeen in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Aalborg $87
    Aberdeen $80
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Aalborg $174
    Aberdeen $160
Compare Hotels in Aalborg and Aberdeen

Looking for a hotel in Aalborg or Aberdeen? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.

Hotels in Aalborg


Hotels in Aberdeen


Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.


Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Aalborg Hotel Prices and Aberdeen Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Aalborg $32
    Aberdeen $43

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aalborg

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aalborg:

  • Private Transfer from Aalborg Airport (AAL) to Skagen Cruise Port: $46
  • Private Transfer from Aalborg City Hotels to Skagen Cruise Port: $46
  • Private Airport and City Transfers in Aalborg: $87
  • Aalborg Private Transfer from Aalborg (AAL) Airport to City centre: $131
  • Aalborg Private Transfer from Aalborg city centre to Aalborg airport: $131

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aberdeen

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aberdeen:

  • Aberdeen Airport to Aberdeen - Round-Trip Private Transfer : $131
  • Aberdeen City to Aberdeen Dyce Airport (ABZ) - Departure Private Transfer: $57
  • Aberdeen Dyce Airport (ABZ) to Aberdeen - Arrival Private Transfer: $57
  • Aberdeen Dyce Airport (ABZ): Private Transfer to Aberdeen: $181
  • Aberdeen Dyce Airport(ABZ) to Balmedie - Arrival Private Transfer: $44
  • Private Aberdeen Arrival Transfer - Airport to Hotel / Accommodation: $49
  • Private Aberdeen Departure Transfer - Hotel / Accommodation to Airport: $49

Is it cheaper to fly into Aalborg or Aberdeen?

Prices for flights to both Aberdeen and Aalborg change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.





Food
  • Food Meals for one day
    Aalborg $47
    Aberdeen $43

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Aalborg $24
    Aberdeen $24

Tours and Activities in Aalborg

Here are a few actual costs in Aalborg for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:

  • Aalborg during WW2: Self-guided Audio Tour with StoryHunt: $14
  • 3-Hours Street Art Tour in Aalborg: $44
  • The best of Aalborg walking tour: $219
  • Love and Joy in Aalborg – Walking Tour for Couples: $246
  • Love and Joy in Aalborg – Walking Tour for Couples: $480

Tours and Activities in Aberdeen

Some specific costs of activities, tours, and entrance tickets for Aberdeen are as follows:

  • Union Street App-Based Self-Guided Audio Tour: $4.99
  • Aberdeen's Union Street: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.34
  • Dark history Self-Guided Smartphone Walking Tour: $6.99
  • 500 Years of Crime and Punishment: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99
  • Skip the Line: The Gordon Highlanders Museum Admission Ticket: $12
  • Daily City Centre Walking Tour (2pm): $17
  • Aberdeen City Centre Walking Tour (2pm): $18
  • Aberdeen Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (1 Day Pass) UK: $19
  • Aberdeen Historical Walking Tour: $60
  • Dunnottar Castle and Royal Deeside 1-Day Tour from Aberdeen: $64
  • From Adventure to St Andrews & Dundee: $65
  • St Andrews and Dundee Small-Group Tour from Aberdeen: $67

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Aalborg $19
    Aberdeen $4.45

Sample the Local Flavors in Aberdeen

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Aberdeen:

  • Gin Distillery Discovery Tour with Welcome Drink: $34
  • Aberdeen’s Distillery Discovery Tour: $34
  • City of Aberdeen Distillery: Gin School Experience: $150
  • Aberdeen&Shire Castle & Distillery Private Group 1 Day Tour: $401


When comparing the travel costs between Aalborg and Aberdeen, we can see that Aalborg is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in Europe, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

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


Which is Bigger, Aalborg or Aberdeen?

Aberdeen has a larger population, and is about 50% larger than the population of Aalborg. When comparing the sizes of Aalborg and Aberdeen, 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 Aalborg or Aberdeen?

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 Aalborg or Aberdeen in the Summer?

The summer attracts plenty of travelers to both Aalborg and Aberdeen. The small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Aalborg this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Aberdeen for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

Aalborg is a little warmer than Aberdeen in the summer. The daily temperature in Aalborg averages around 16°C (61°F) in July, and Aberdeen fluctuates around 14°C (58°F).

In July, Aalborg usually receives around the same amount of rain as Aberdeen. Aalborg gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Aberdeen receives 60 mm (2.4 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Aalborg 16°C (61°F) 
    Aberdeen 14°C (58°F)

Should I visit Aalborg or Aberdeen in the Autumn?

The autumn brings many poeple to Aalborg as well as Aberdeen. Many travelers come to Aalborg for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Also, many visitors come to Aberdeen in the autumn for the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene.

In the autumn, Aalborg is around the same temperature as Aberdeen. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Aalborg in October average around 9°C (48°F), and Aberdeen averages at about 9°C (49°F).

Aalborg usually gets less rain in October than Aberdeen. Aalborg gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Aberdeen receives 77 mm (3 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Aalborg 9°C (48°F) 
    Aberdeen 9°C (49°F)

Should I visit Aalborg or Aberdeen in the Winter?

Both Aberdeen and Aalborg are popular destinations to visit in the winter with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Aalborg in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, most visitors come to Aberdeen for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months.

Aberdeen can be very cold during winter. Aalborg can get quite cold in the winter. In January, Aalborg is generally much colder than Aberdeen. Daily temperatures in Aalborg average around -1°C (31°F), and Aberdeen fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In January, Aalborg usually receives less rain than Aberdeen. Aalborg gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Aberdeen receives 81 mm (3.2 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Aalborg -1°C (31°F) 
    Aberdeen 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Aalborg or Aberdeen in the Spring?

Both Aberdeen and Aalborg during the spring are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Aalborg for the small town charm during these months. Furthermore, the spring months attract visitors to Aberdeen because of the activities around the city.

Aalborg is cooler than Aberdeen in the spring. The daily temperature in Aalborg averages around 6°C (43°F) in April, and Aberdeen fluctuates around 7°C (44°F).

Aalborg usually gets less rain in April than Aberdeen. Aalborg gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Aberdeen receives 53 mm (2.1 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Aalborg 6°C (43°F) 
    Aberdeen 7°C (44°F)

Typical Weather for Aberdeen and Aalborg

Aalborg Aberdeen
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -1°C (31°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 3°C (38°F) 81 mm (3.2 in)
Feb -0°C (31°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 3°C (38°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Mar 2°C (36°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 5°C (41°F) 58 mm (2.3 in)
Apr 6°C (43°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 7°C (44°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
May 11°C (51°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 9°C (49°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Jun 14°C (58°F) 51 mm (2 in) 13°C (55°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Jul 16°C (61°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 14°C (58°F) 60 mm (2.4 in)
Aug 16°C (60°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 14°C (57°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Sep 13°C (55°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 12°C (54°F) 68 mm (2.7 in)
Oct 9°C (48°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 9°C (49°F) 77 mm (3 in)
Nov 3°C (38°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 5°C (42°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Dec 2°C (36°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 4°C (39°F) 73 mm (2.9 in)