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

Should you visit Aalborg or Bruges?

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 Bruges. 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.

Bruges

Bruges is a historic, cultural, and beautiful city. The famous beauty of this place is one of the main draws. It also has that perfectly quaint feel that is like no other place. It's also known for shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Aalborg and Bruges: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Aalborg or Bruges?

Visitors will usually find more to do in Bruges than Aalborg, as it offers more sights, attractions, and activities. Bruges is better known for its museums, historical sights, impressive beauty, and quaint atmosphere, while Aalborg is more popular for its nightlife and small town charm. Bruges is more touristy than Aalborg and is popular for its scenic old town, charming streets, local chocolate, and unique Christmas market. Also, Bruges is famous for Bruges' Markt (The Main Square). Aalborg is well known for its half-timbered homes and waterfront setting.

How is Aalborg different from Bruges?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Bruges 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 Bruges. The city is filled with charming hidden corners as well as notable landmarks. The main square is Bruges' Markt which is where you'll find the the Belfry Tower. Other must-see sights include the Historium, Groeninge Museum, the Town Hall, and Brugse Vrije 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 Bruges? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at excellent restaurants in both Aalborg and Bruges.

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.

Bruges has a huge number of terrific restaurants. From its world class breweries to its famous chocolate shops, there is plenty to eat and drink around town. In the old town prices can be a bit high, but the dishes and atmosphere are great. Popular local dishes include Belgian waffles, fries, mussels, and beef stew.

Is Aalborg or Bruges Better for Nightlife?

Aalborg is great for its evening party scene. Also, Bruges is not as popular, but is still a nice city for nightlife.

Many people head to Aalborg for the nightlife scene. 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.

There's a variety of activities in the evening in Bruges. It's famous for its beer and breweries, so you'll find a number of places to gather in the evening. There is a lack of nightclubs, so if dancing and partying hard is your style, then this may not be your place. The vibes are generally chill and relaxed at night. Most places are concentrated around old town or near Kuipersstraat or Zilverstraat.

Is Aalborg or Bruges Better for its Old Town?

Bruges is renowned for its historic old town. Also, Aalborg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its old town.

The old town of Bruges is one of the most recognized in the world. The old town is the main attraction, with its quaint cobblestone streets and beautiful brick architecture.

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 Bruges?

Shopping is a popular activity in both Bruges 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 Bruges. The city offers plenty of shopping, whether you're looking for souvenirs, trendy European brands, or local items. It's more geared towards tourists than locals, and you want find the same diversity that you get in some of the larger nearby cities, but you'll find unique lace items and other local goods in the old town. The streets around Markt Square, Steenstraat, Geld Monstraat, and Jakobstraat are the main shopping areas.

Is Aalborg or Bruges Better for Families?

Both Aalborg and Bruges 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.

Bruges offers lots of family activities. Kids will enjoy sampling the unique chocolate around town, eating their fill of waffles, and getting their energy out in the park or at a local playground. There are also canal boat tours and horse drawn carriage rides that are fun for the whole family.

Is Aalborg or Bruges Better for Couples?

Bruges is a great destination for romance. Also, Aalborg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its romantic activities.

Couples visit Bruges frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. This romantic city has amazing restaurants, charming streets, and impressive architecture. Couples will enjoy exploring the canals by boat or taking a horse drawn carriage ride through the old town. There are also a number of cute bed and breakfasts where you can stay.

Aalborg makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Art museums, parks, and interesting restaurants make this a nice town for a weekend trip.

Is Aalborg or Bruges Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Bruges is a great destination for backpackers. Also, Aalborg is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Backpackers come from all over to visit Bruges. There are a few good hostels around town. The city sees its share of tourists, but many arrive as part of tours or river boat cruises. If you stay in a hostel, you shouldn't have trouble meeting other young travelers though. There are also plenty of well known breweries where you can gather with friends.

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

Is Aalborg or Bruges Better for Students?

Aalborg is a good destination for its student-friendly activities. However, Bruges is not popular with students.

It's common for students to visit Aalborg. 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.

Bruges is not popular with students.

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

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

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 Bruges offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a bus system that connects the train station to the old town. Otherwise, the city is best explored on foot.

Is Aalborg or Bruges a more walkable city?

Bruges is renowned for its walkability. Also, Aalborg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its high level of walkability.

Getting around Bruges on foot is easy. The train station is a short walk from the old town but the city is very walkable and best explored on foot.

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 Bruges Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Bruges or Aalborg?

How long in Aalborg or Bruges?

Visitors can find plenty of fun things to do in both Aalborg and Bruges. In our opinion, Bruges has more to see and do, so we recommend spending more time in Bruges than Aalborg. In general, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Aalborg, and 1-3 days is enough time in Bruges.

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

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

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

One day in Aalborg or Bruges?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Aalborg. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Bruges, you'll find nightlife and food. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. 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 Bruges?

Aalborg is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

In Bruges, 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 Bruges has to offer.

Five days in Aalborg or Bruges?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Aalborg. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

Bruges 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 Bruges?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the charming destination of Aalborg. This town offers a variety of activities to choose from. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Bruges. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Bruges. 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 Cultural Tours in Belgium, and The Best Luxury Tours to Belgium.

When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Aalborg and Bruges, we can see that Aalborg is more expensive. And not only is Bruges much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Bruges would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Bruges 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 Bruges.

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

Which is Bigger, Aalborg or Bruges?

Aalborg has a larger population, and is about 5% larger than the population of Bruges. When comparing the sizes of Aalborg and Bruges, 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 Bruges?

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 Bruges in the Summer?

Both Bruges and Aalborg during the summer are popular places to visit. The summer months attract visitors to Aalborg because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Bruges this time of year.

In July, Aalborg is generally around the same temperature as Bruges. Daily temperatures in Aalborg average around 16°C (61°F), and Bruges fluctuates around 17°C (63°F).

Aalborg usually gets around the same amount of rain in July as Bruges. Aalborg gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Aalborg or Bruges in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Aalborg and Bruges. The shopping scene and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Aalborg this time of year. Furthermore, many travelers come to Bruges for the shopping scene and the natural beauty of the area.

Aalborg is cooler than Bruges in the autumn. The daily temperature in Aalborg averages around 9°C (48°F) in October, and Bruges fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

In October, Aalborg usually receives less rain than Bruges. Aalborg gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 78 mm (3.1 in) of rain each month for the autumn.

Should I visit Aalborg or Bruges in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Aalborg as well as Bruges. Many travelers come to Aalborg for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Additionally, many visitors come to Bruges in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Bruges can get quite cold in the winter. Be prepared for some very cold days in Aalborg. In the winter, Aalborg is much colder than Bruges. Typically, the winter temperatures in Aalborg in January average around -1°C (31°F), and Bruges averages at about 3°C (38°F).

Aalborg usually gets less rain in January than Bruges. Aalborg gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain this time of the year.

Should I visit Aalborg or Bruges in the Spring?

Both Bruges and Aalborg are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Aalborg in the spring for the small town charm. Also, most visitors come to Bruges for the natural beauty during these months.

In April, Aalborg is generally cooler than Bruges. Daily temperatures in Aalborg average around 6°C (43°F), and Bruges fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

In April, Aalborg usually receives less rain than Bruges. Aalborg gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Bruges receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain each month for the spring.

Typical Weather for Bruges and Aalborg