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

Should you visit Aalborg or Bristol?

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 Bristol. 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 local, historic, and charming town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. It's also popular because of the museums, nightlife, and food.

Bristol

Bristol is a diverse, cultural, and friendly 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 Bristol: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Scenic old town
  • 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 Bristol?

You'll generally find more things to do in Bristol than Aalborg. Bristol is bigger than Aalborg, and it also has more attractions and activities for travelers. Bristol is better known for its museums, shopping, and big city activities, while Aalborg is more popular for its food, historical sights, and small town charm. Aalborg is well known for its half-timbered homes and waterfront setting. Bristol is well known for its laid-back atmosphere and progressive environmental policies. Also, Bristol is famous for The Bristol Harbour.

How is Aalborg different from Bristol?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Bristol 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 Bristol?

Aalborg
Bristol

Bristol 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 Bristol. The city has some great museums and landmarks such as the SS Great Britain, M Shed, the Clifton Suspension Bridge, and Cabot Tower.

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 Bristol? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Aalborg
Bristol

Aalborg is great for its local flavors and cuisine. Also, Bristol is not as popular, but is still a nice city for its local cuisine and restaurants.

Aalborg has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. You'll find an eclectic mix of trendy restaurants and local finds. There are also international options and modern street food.

Bristol offers number of good local restaurants to choose from. You'll find all of the classic British specialties such as bangers and mash or fish and chips. There are many restaurants, markets, and pubs where you can grab a relaxing meal and enjoy the British ambiance.

Is Aalborg or Bristol Better for Nightlife?

Aalborg
Bristol

It's hard to distinguish whether Aalborg or Bristol has a better nightlife scene.

The people in Aalborg know how to have a good time. 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.

The nightlife in Bristol has something for everybody. The nightlife scene is diverse and inclusive. There are huge clubs that host well known DJs. There is also an underground music scene as well as local bars and even traditional speakeasies. Whether your interest is live jazz or upscale cocktail bars, there really is something for everyone.

Is Aalborg or Bristol Better for its Old Town?

Aalborg
Bristol

Aalborg is a town with good options for its historic old town charm. However, Bristol does not have a historic old town.

Aalborg has an old town worth visiting. The charming streets of the old town are filled with cafes that come to life during the warm summer months.

Bristol does not have a historic old town.


Is the Shopping Better in Aalborg or Bristol?

Aalborg
Bristol

Bristol is a great destination for shopping. Also, Aalborg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its shopping opportunities.

Bristol is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Head to Clifton Village for the most upscale boutiques or the Bristol Shopping Quarter for a diversity of budgets and brands. Gloucester Street is famous for its independent shops or there are the student neighborhoods of Park Street and the Triangle which have a number of trendy shops.

Shopping is a popular activity when visiting Aalborg. There are a number of shopping malls, shopping centers, and local boutiques around town.

Is Aalborg or Bristol Better for Families?

Aalborg
Bristol

Both Aalborg and Bristol are notable family-friendly destinations.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Aalborg. 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.

Bristol offers lots of family activities. The city has a number of kid-friendly museums, activities, and playgrounds. For museums, check out the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, the M Shed, or Aerospace Bristol. There are also boat rides and the Bristol Aquarium among other unique activities.

Is Aalborg or Bristol Better for Couples?

Aalborg
Bristol

Aalborg and Bristol both notable 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.

Bristol makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. There are romantic restaurants, fun bars, and unique museums that make for a variety of different date options.


Is Aalborg or Bristol Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Aalborg
Bristol

Aalborg is a town with good options for backpackers and budget travelers. However, Bristol is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

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

Bristol is not a backpacker-friendly destination.

Is Aalborg or Bristol Better for Students?

Aalborg
Bristol

Aalborg and Bristol are notable 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 Bristol. It's a small and friendly city with enough diversity that it stays interesting and dynamic.

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

Aalborg
Bristol

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

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 Bristol offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. Metrobus serves the greater Bristol area.


Is Aalborg or Bristol a more walkable city?

Aalborg
Bristol

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

Bristol is very walkable. The city center is well designed for walking.

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 Bristol Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bristol or Aalborg?

How long in Aalborg or Bristol?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Aalborg and Bristol. You can spend similar amounts of time exploring each one. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Aalborg, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bristol.

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Aalborg than Bristol 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 Bristol? Ideal Length of Stay
    Aalborg 2-3 
    Bristol 1-3

One day in Aalborg or Bristol?

In Aalborg, you'll find nightlife and food. This town offers something for everyone. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do.

In Bristol, you'll find nightlife and food. This city offers something for everyone. This would be the perfect place to spend one day, as it has just the right amount of activities.

A weekend in Aalborg or Bristol?

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

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


Five days in Aalborg or Bristol?

Aalborg is a great place to explore. 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.

Bristol is a great place to explore. 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 Bristol?

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

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bristol. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bristol. 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 Hiking & Trekking Tours in United Kingdom, and The Best Historical Tours in United Kingdom.


Which place is cheaper, Bristol 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 Bristol is $113. 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 Bristol in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Aalborg $87
    Bristol $61
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Aalborg $174
    Bristol $122
Compare Hotels in Aalborg and Bristol

Looking for a hotel in Aalborg or Bristol? 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 Bristol


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 Bristol Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Aalborg $32
    Bristol $16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aalborg

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aalborg:

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

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Bristol

Also for Bristol, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:

  • Arrival Private Transfer Bristol Airport BRS to Bristol by Business Car: $78
  • Arrival Private Transfer Bristol Airport BRS to Bristol by Luxury Car: $85
  • Arrival Private Transfers: Bristol Airport BRS to Bristol City in Business Car: $90
  • Bristol Airport (BRS) to Southampton hotels - Arrival Transfer: $172
  • Bristol Airport (BRS): Private Transfer to Bristol City: $148
  • Bristol Airport (BRS): Private Transfer to London city: $680
  • Bristol Airport (BRS): Transfer to Southampton city hotels: $781
  • Bristol Airport Transfers: Bristol Airport BRS to Bristol City in Luxury Van: $99
  • Bristol Airport Transfers: Bristol City to Bristol Airport BRS in Business Car: $90
  • Bristol Airport Transfers: Bristol City to Bristol Airport BRS in Luxury Car: $108
  • Bristol Airport Transfers: Bristol City to Bristol Airport BRS in Luxury Van: $99
  • Bristol Airport to London City Hotels Arrival Private Transfer: $160

Is it cheaper to fly into Aalborg or Bristol?

Prices for flights to both Bristol 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
    Bristol $40

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Bristol

For Bristol, here are some samples of tours and activities related to meals and dining experiences:

  • (Thur 7pm) Comedy Magic Show includes 1x Pizza & 2 glasses of Prosecco: $25

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Aalborg $24
    Bristol $16

Tours and Activities in Aalborg

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

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

Tours and Activities in Bristol

Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Bristol.

  • Self-Guided Sightseeing Audio Tour: $5.31
  • Self-Guided Craft Beer Tour with Optional Tasting: $5.31
  • Self-Guided Walking Tour of Bristol's Harbourside History: $5.99
  • The Harbourside's Hidden History Audio Tour: $5.99
  • Bristol's Brilliant Pubs: A Self-Guided GPS Audio Tour of the Old City: $6.99
  • Brunel’s A Self-Guided Tour from SS Great Britain to Clifton Bridge: $7.99
  • Brunel’s Iconic Engineering Self-Guided Audio Tour: $7.99
  • Bristol's Time-Honored Pubs: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $11
  • Bristol Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Bristol Scavenger Hunt and Sights Self-Guided Tour: $11
  • Bristol Harbourside Self-Guided Walking Tour: $11
  • Clifton Suspension Bridge Vaults Experiences: $12

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Aalborg $19
    Bristol $14

Sample the Local Flavors in Bristol

Here are a few nightlife and alcohol tours and activities from local tour providers in Bristol:

  • Bristol’s Best Brewery Taprooms: A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99


When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Aalborg and Bristol, we can see that Aalborg is more expensive. And not only is Bristol much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bristol would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bristol 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 Aalborg would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Aalborg than you might in Bristol.

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


Which is Bigger, Aalborg or Bristol?

Bristol has a larger population, and is about 4 times larger than the population of Aalborg. When comparing the sizes of Aalborg and Bristol, 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 Bristol?

Both places have a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. As both cities are in the northern hemisphere, summer is in July and winter is in January.

Should I visit Aalborg or Bristol in the Summer?

Both Bristol and Aalborg during the summer are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Aalborg for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences during these months. Furthermore, the summer months attract visitors to Bristol because of the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In July, Aalborg is generally cooler than Bristol. Daily temperatures in Aalborg average around 16°C (61°F), and Bristol fluctuates around 18°C (64°F).

Aalborg usually gets more rain in July than Bristol. Aalborg gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Bristol receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Aalborg 16°C (61°F) 
    Bristol 18°C (64°F)

Should I visit Aalborg or Bristol in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Aalborg and Bristol. The autumn months attract visitors to Aalborg because of the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Furthermore, the city's sights and attractions and the shopping scene are the main draw to Bristol this time of year.

Aalborg is cooler than Bristol in the autumn. The daily temperature in Aalborg averages around 9°C (48°F) in October, and Bristol fluctuates around 13°C (55°F).

In October, Aalborg usually receives less rain than Bristol. Aalborg gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Bristol receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Aalborg 9°C (48°F) 
    Bristol 13°C (55°F)

Should I visit Aalborg or Bristol in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Aalborg as well as Bristol. The museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Aalborg this time of year. Additionally, many travelers come to Bristol for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

It's quite cold in Aalborg in the winter. In the winter, Aalborg is much colder than Bristol. Typically, the winter temperatures in Aalborg in January average around -1°C (31°F), and Bristol averages at about 6°C (43°F).

Aalborg usually gets less rain in January than Bristol. Aalborg gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Bristol receives 90 mm (3.5 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Aalborg -1°C (31°F) 
    Bristol 6°C (43°F)

Should I visit Aalborg or Bristol in the Spring?

Both Bristol and Aalborg are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many travelers come to Aalborg for the small town charm. Also, many visitors come to Bristol in the spring for the activities around the city.

In April, Aalborg is generally much colder than Bristol. Daily temperatures in Aalborg average around 6°C (43°F), and Bristol fluctuates around 10°C (50°F).

In April, Aalborg usually receives less rain than Bristol. Aalborg gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Bristol receives 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Aalborg 6°C (43°F) 
    Bristol 10°C (50°F)

Typical Weather for Bristol and Aalborg

Aalborg Bristol
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -1°C (31°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 6°C (43°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Feb -0°C (31°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 5°C (41°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Mar 2°C (36°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Apr 6°C (43°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 10°C (50°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
May 11°C (51°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 13°C (55°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Jun 14°C (58°F) 51 mm (2 in) 16°C (61°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jul 16°C (61°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 18°C (64°F) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Aug 16°C (60°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 18°C (64°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 13°C (55°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 15°C (59°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)
Oct 9°C (48°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 13°C (55°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 3°C (38°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 100 mm (3.9 in)
Dec 2°C (36°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 7°C (45°F) 80 mm (3.1 in)