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

Should you visit Aalborg or Budapest?

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 Budapest. 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 charming, local, and historic town. With fun activities and sights, this is a small town worth visiting. Visitors also love the museums, nightlife, and food.

Budapest

Budapest is a authentic, bustling, and cultural city. It's an amazing and huge city with tons of activities and things to do. This is also a very beautiful destination which attracts plenty of visitors. It's also known for nightlife, shopping, and museums.

Aalborg and Budapest: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Popular for food and cuisine
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
Things to Consider
  • Less popular with backpackers
  • Less popular for students
  • Public transit not as usable
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
  • Good public transit
  • Very walkable
  • Big city activities
  • Impressive beauty
Things to Consider
  • Less popular for food


Is there more to do in Aalborg or Budapest?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Budapest than Aalborg. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Budapest is very popular for its museums, historical sights, shopping, big city activities, and impressive beauty, while Aalborg attracts visitors for its food and small town charm. Budapest is more touristy than Aalborg and is popular for its thermal hot springs, European spas, rich culture, and wild nightlife scene. It is also well known for The Hungarian Parliament Building. Aalborg is famous for its half-timbered homes and waterfront setting.

How is Aalborg different from Budapest?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Aalborg
Budapest

Budapest 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 Budapest. Famous sights include the Buda Castle and Castle Hill, the Hungarian Parliament Building, and St. Stephen's Basilica.

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 Budapest? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Aalborg
Budapest

Aalborg is great for its local flavors and cuisine. However, Budapest is not a good destination for its local cuisine and restaurants.

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

Budapest may not make the list for most foodies, but you'll find what you need while you're in town. Traditional dishes tend to be heavy on the meat and bread. They make good comfort food and are very filling meals. The city also has many great pastry shops. Make sure you check out the stuffed cabbage, goulash, and chimney cake.

Is Aalborg or Budapest Better for Nightlife?

Aalborg
Budapest

It's hard to distinguish whether Aalborg or Budapest 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 Budapest has something for everybody. The city's active nightlife includes dance clubs, local pubs, and cultural festivals throughout the year.

Is Aalborg or Budapest Better for its Old Town?

Aalborg
Budapest

Budapest 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 Budapest. The city grew from the merging of two towns, Buda and Pest, which were divided by the Danube River. Buda is the more historical part of town and Pest is more modern.

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 Budapest?

Aalborg
Budapest

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

Budapest is an extremely popular place for shoppers. The city has a diverse shopping scene that you can experience by visiting the Central Market or Váci Street.

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 Budapest Better for Families?

Aalborg
Budapest

Both Aalborg and Budapest are nice 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.

Budapest offers lots of family activities. The city has the typical trampoline parks and playgrounds, but kids will also enjoy the baths and pools around town. Do take note that most of the museums are less hands on than kids prefer.

Is Aalborg or Budapest Better for Couples?

Aalborg
Budapest

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

Couples visit Budapest frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. With it's many beautiful neighborhoods, and unique entertainment options including the opera, this is a fun city for couples. The baths and spas also make for a great experience for couples.

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 Budapest Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Aalborg
Budapest

Budapest is renowned for backpackers. Also, Aalborg is still popular, but not quite as popular for backpackers and budget travelers.

Budapest is a mecca for backpackers and budget travelers. The city is more affordable than many large cities and it has a number of fun hostels to choose from. There's a good backpacker vibe around town with many places to meet and hang out with other travelers.

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 Budapest Better for Students?

Aalborg
Budapest

Budapest is renowned for students. Also, Aalborg is still popular, but not quite as popular for its student-friendly activities.

Budapest is a very popular place to visit for students. The city has a great international vibe with several good universities that are welcoming to international students that are studying abroad.

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.

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

Aalborg
Budapest

Budapest is renowned for its public transit. Also, Aalborg is still popular, but not quite as popular for times when you don't have a car.

Budapest has a great public transit system. The metro, trams, and buses make it easy to get around town.

While Aalborg offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There's a decent bus system around town.


Is Aalborg or Budapest a more walkable city?

Aalborg
Budapest

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

Getting around Budapest on foot is easy. Pest is very flat, making for an easy stroll, while Buda is more hilly.

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 Budapest Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Budapest or Aalborg?

How long in Aalborg or Budapest?

In either Aalborg or Budapest, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Budapest than Aalborg because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Aalborg, and 2-5 days is enough time in Budapest.

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

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

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Budapest 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 Budapest.


  • How many days in Aalborg or Budapest? Ideal Length of Stay
    Aalborg 2-3 
    Budapest 2-5

One day in Aalborg or Budapest?

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.

Because Budapest is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 Budapest?

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.

Because Budapest is a large city, there are a variety of ways to spend your time. 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 Budapest has to offer.


Five days in Aalborg or Budapest?

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.

Budapest is a great place to explore. It is common to spend five days here. The old town is one of the main draws for visitors. Five days is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Budapest has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Aalborg or Budapest?

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 Budapest. Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Budapest. 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 10-Day Tours from Budapest, and The Best 2-Week Tours from Budapest.


Which place is cheaper, Budapest 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 Budapest is $89. 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 Budapest in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Aalborg $87
    Budapest $49
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Aalborg $174
    Budapest $98
Compare Hotels in Aalborg and Budapest

Looking for a hotel in Aalborg or Budapest? 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 Budapest


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 Budapest Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Aalborg $32
    Budapest $10

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

Typical Local Transportation Prices in Budapest

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Budapest:


  • Short Taxi Ride
    $6.91
  • Metro Pass
    $3.79

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Budapest

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

  • Bucharest - Romania to Budapest - Hungary /Private Transfer: $1,181
  • Budapest - Bük Transfer: $153
  • Budapest - Bratislava Transfer: $199
  • Budapest - Debrecen Transfer: $168
  • Budapest - Hungary to Bucharest - Romania /Private Transfer: $1,289
  • Budapest - Pécs Transfer: $149
  • Budapest - Szeged Transfer: $134
  • Budapest Airport BUD Arrival Private Transfer to Budapest City: $89
  • Budapest Airport Private Departure Transfer : City to Airport: $16
  • Budapest Airport Private Luxury Transfer by a Mercedes Benz S Class: $120
  • Budapest Airport Transfer: $55
  • Budapest Airport Transfer - Round trip to and from Liszt Ferenc Airport: $78

Is it cheaper to fly into Aalborg or Budapest?

Prices for flights to both Budapest 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
    Budapest $23

Typical Food Prices in Budapest

Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Budapest:


  • Lunch
    $3.37

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Budapest

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

  • Traveling Spoon Hungarian Goulash Private Online Cooking Class: $40
  • Downtown Budapest Cruise with Pizza and Beer: $45
  • Pizza & Beer Downtown Budapest Cruise: $46
  • Vegan Hungarian Food Tour (full meals): $51
  • Medieval Dinner Show with Drinks: $52
  • Private Street Food Tour: $59
  • Danube Cruise with Hungarian Dinner and Live Music: $74
  • Budapest Danube Cruise with Buffet Dinner, Performances and Music: $75
  • Evening Cruise and Dinner with Champagne: $86
  • Lángos (Hungary’s nr1 streetfood) cooking class: $87
  • Candlelit Dinner River Cruise with Live Music: $91
  • Budapest Danube River Candlelit Dinner Cruise with Live Music: $93

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Aalborg $24
    Budapest $22

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

Typical Entertainment Prices in Budapest

For Budapest, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:


  • Entrance to the Baths for Two
    $6.77

Tours and Activities in Budapest

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

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.21
  • Free Tour Budapest Essential in Spanish: $3.26
  • Budapest Historical Sightseeing - Walking Tour: $3.27
  • Free walking tour in the Buda Castle incl. Fisherman's Bastion: $3.27
  • Free Walking Tour Budapest incl. the Shoes on the Danube Bank: $3.27
  • Communist History Evening Walking Tour of Budapest: $3.27
  • Past and Present of Budapest Jewish District Tour: $3.27
  • Self Guided City Audio Tour in Buda Castle: $5.45
  • Escape Game and Tour: $5.88
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $5.88
  • Historical Heroes & Hot Spa Self-Guided Audio Tour: $5.99
  • TOP 10 Budapest- City Tour : $6.00

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Aalborg $19
    Budapest $18

Sample the Local Flavors in Budapest

Also in Budapest, these are the prices for nightlife and alcohol related activities from various tour providers:

  • The Original Budapest Pub Crawl - One Hour Open Bar + Free Shots: $17
  • 5-Hour Pub Crawl through Ruin Bars: $21
  • Ultimate Budapest Pub Crawl: $23
  • Ultimate Budapest Pub Crawl: $23
  • Bingo Bar Crawl: $25
  • Budapest Original Ruin Pub Crawl Including 5 Shots: $28
  • Ruin Bar Pub Crawl with Entry Tickets: $29
  • Detective Pub Crawl Game by App: $38
  • 8-Tier Hungarian Wine Tasting in a Cozy Downtown Wine Bar: $38
  • Tipsy Tour Fun Bar Crawl with a Local Guide: $42
  • Drunken History Bar Crawl Tour with Local Drinks: $42
  • Hungarian Wine Tasting (with Cheese and Charcuterie) in Budapest: $50


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

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


Which is Bigger, Aalborg or Budapest?

Budapest has a larger population, and is about 10 times larger than the population of Aalborg. When comparing the sizes of Aalborg and Budapest, 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 Budapest?

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 Budapest in the Summer?

Both Budapest and Aalborg during the summer are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Aalborg for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Furthermore, many visitors come to Budapest in the summer for the city activities and the family-friendly experiences.

In the summer, Aalborg is cooler than Budapest. Typically, the summer temperatures in Aalborg in July average around 16°C (61°F), and Budapest averages at about 21°C (70°F).

Aalborg usually gets more rain in July than Budapest. Aalborg gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 45 mm (1.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Aalborg 16°C (61°F) 
    Budapest 21°C (70°F)

Should I visit Aalborg or Budapest in the Autumn?

The autumn attracts plenty of travelers to both Aalborg and Budapest. Many visitors come to Aalborg in the autumn for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere. Furthermore, most visitors come to Budapest for the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the natural beauty of the area during these months.

In October, Aalborg is generally cooler than Budapest. Daily temperatures in Aalborg average around 9°C (48°F), and Budapest fluctuates around 12°C (53°F).

In October, Aalborg usually receives more rain than Budapest. Aalborg gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 34 mm (1.3 in) of rain each month for the autumn.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Aalborg 9°C (48°F) 
    Budapest 12°C (53°F)

Should I visit Aalborg or Budapest in the Winter?

The winter brings many poeple to Aalborg as well as Budapest. Most visitors come to Aalborg for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine during these months. Additionally, the winter months attract visitors to Budapest because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

The weather in Budapest can be very cold. Aalborg can be very cold during winter. Aalborg is much warmer than Budapest in the winter. The daily temperature in Aalborg averages around -1°C (31°F) in January, and Budapest fluctuates around -1°C (31°F).

Aalborg usually gets around the same amount of rain in January as Budapest. Aalborg gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Aalborg -1°C (31°F) 
    Budapest -1°C (31°F)

Should I visit Aalborg or Budapest in the Spring?

Both Budapest and Aalborg are popular destinations to visit in the spring with plenty of activities. The spring months attract visitors to Aalborg because of the small town charm. Also, the activities around the city and the natural beauty are the main draw to Budapest this time of year.

In the spring, Aalborg is much colder than Budapest. Typically, the spring temperatures in Aalborg in April average around 6°C (43°F), and Budapest averages at about 12°C (53°F).

In April, Aalborg usually receives less rain than Budapest. Aalborg gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Budapest receives 42 mm (1.7 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Aalborg 6°C (43°F) 
    Budapest 12°C (53°F)

Typical Weather for Budapest and Aalborg

Aalborg Budapest
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -1°C (31°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) -1°C (31°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
Feb -0°C (31°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 2°C (35°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Mar 2°C (36°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 7°C (44°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Apr 6°C (43°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 12°C (53°F) 42 mm (1.7 in)
May 11°C (51°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 16°C (62°F) 62 mm (2.4 in)
Jun 14°C (58°F) 51 mm (2 in) 20°C (67°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Jul 16°C (61°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 21°C (70°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Aug 16°C (60°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 21°C (69°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Sep 13°C (55°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 17°C (63°F) 39 mm (1.5 in)
Oct 9°C (48°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 12°C (53°F) 34 mm (1.3 in)
Nov 3°C (38°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 6°C (42°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 2°C (36°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 1°C (34°F) 48 mm (1.9 in)