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

Should you visit Aalborg or Carcassonne?

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 Carcassonne. 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. This is a charming small with plenty of activities, too. Other reasons to visit include food, shopping, and museums.

Carcassonne

Carcassonne is a medieval, historical, and fairytale town. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. It's a gorgeous place to visit. It's also known for food and museums.

Aalborg and Carcassonne: Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Active nightlife
  • Fun shopping
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Good for students
Things to Consider
  • Less walkable
Pros
  • Popular museums and historical sights
  • Family-friendly
  • Good for couples and romance
  • Good for backpackers and budget travelers
  • Very walkable


Is there more to do in Aalborg or Carcassonne?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Aalborg. Although Aalborg and Carcassonne are both popular with visitors, Aalborg has more sights, activities, and attractions for travelers. Aalborg is more popular for its nightlife and shopping, while Carcassonne is known for its museums and impressive beauty. Carcassonne is more touristy than Aalborg and is popular for its medieval history, walled fortifications, and well-known castle. Aalborg is popular for its half-timbered homes and waterfront setting. It is also home to the Utzon Center.

How is Aalborg different from Carcassonne?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Aalborg
Carcassonne

Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne. The town is filled with medieval sights including the Château Comtal, the Basilica of Saints Nazarius and Celsus, and the Carcassonne Cathedral.

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 Carcassonne? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Aalborg
Carcassonne

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

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.

Carcassonne has a huge number of terrific restaurants. There are a number of local restaurants that serve regional specialties such as cassoulet. You can spend a few hours exploring the castle and then grab a delicious bite to eat.

Is Aalborg or Carcassonne Better for Nightlife?

Aalborg
Carcassonne

Aalborg is a very popular place for nightlife. However, Carcassonne is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Aalborg has a large number of nightlife venues. 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.

Carcassonne is not a destination with noteworthy nightlife.

Is Aalborg or Carcassonne Better for its Old Town?

Aalborg
Carcassonne

Visitors enjoy the good old town areas in both Aalborg and Carcassonne.

Many visitors go to Aalborg to see the historical old town. The charming streets of the old town are filled with cafes that come to life during the warm summer months.

Plenty of visitors enjoy exploring the old town in Carcassonne. The medieval walled city is seeped in history and filled with atmosphere. Cars are not allowed in town.


Is the Shopping Better in Aalborg or Carcassonne?

Aalborg
Carcassonne

Aalborg is a good destination for shopping. However, Carcassonne is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Plenty of visitors enjoy shopping while in Aalborg. There are a number of shopping malls, shopping centers, and local boutiques around town.

Carcassonne is not a noteworthy shopping destination.

Is Aalborg or Carcassonne Better for Families?

Aalborg
Carcassonne

Both Aalborg and Carcassonne are good 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.

Carcassonne offers lots of family activities. Kids who love castles will enjoy wandering the maze of rooms and getting lost in the medieval atmosphere.

Is Aalborg or Carcassonne Better for Couples?

Aalborg
Carcassonne

Aalborg and Carcassonne 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.

Carcassonne makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. It's a medieval city with an impressive castle and walled fortifications. It's a uniquely European sight that is great for couples who enjoy history.


Is Aalborg or Carcassonne Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Aalborg
Carcassonne

Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne. There are interesting hostels in the area including a converted 17th century convent.

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 Carcassonne Better for Students?

Aalborg
Carcassonne

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

Plenty of students 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.

Carcassonne is not popular with students.

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

Aalborg
Carcassonne

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

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 Carcassonne offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. You can reach the town by train from Dijon, Lyon, Marseille, Toulouse, or Bordeaux and many people visit the town as a day trip.


Is Aalborg or Carcassonne a more walkable city?

Aalborg
Carcassonne

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

Getting around Carcassonne on foot is easy. Cars aren't allowed in the medieval city so it's best to explore 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 Carcassonne Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Carcassonne or Aalborg?

How long in Aalborg or Carcassonne?

You'll be able to find lots of things to do in Aalborg or Carcassonne to fill your time. Many travelers usually spend more of their time in Aalborg than Carcassonne because of the number of activities and things to do in the area. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Aalborg, and 1-2 days is enough time in Carcassonne.

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

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


  • How many days in Aalborg or Carcassonne? Ideal Length of Stay
    Aalborg 2-3 
    Carcassonne 1-2

One day in Aalborg or Carcassonne?

Visitors enjoy the nightlife and food when visiting the historic town of Aalborg. One day is usually not enough time for a trip here as there is plenty to do. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

In Carcassonne, you'll find food and museums. This town 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 Carcassonne?

Visitors enjoy the food and shopping when visiting the local destination of Aalborg. This town offers something for everyone. Plenty of people spend a weekend in the area when traveling. If you enjoy all that's offered here, then a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

In Carcassonne, you'll find museums and food. 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 Carcassonne has to offer.


Five days in Aalborg or Carcassonne?

The historic town of Aalborg offers shopping and museums. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The length of your trip often depends on your style of travel.

Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne?

Many people enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting Aalborg. Anyone can find something fun to do here. 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 Carcassonne. Many people enjoy the museums and food when visiting Carcassonne. 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 France, and The Best Historical Tours in France.


Which place is cheaper, Carcassonne 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 Carcassonne is $114. 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 Carcassonne in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Aalborg $87
    Carcassonne $65
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Aalborg $174
    Carcassonne $130
Compare Hotels in Aalborg and Carcassonne

Looking for a hotel in Aalborg or Carcassonne? 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 Carcassonne


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 Carcassonne Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Aalborg $32
    Carcassonne $7.65

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aalborg

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aalborg:

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

Is it cheaper to fly into Aalborg or Carcassonne?

Prices for flights to both Carcassonne 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
    Carcassonne $41

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Aalborg $24
    Carcassonne $15

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 Carcassonne

For Carcassonne, here are a few prices for actual activities, tours, and tickets provided by various companies:

  • City Exploration Game and Tour: $6.42
  • Highlights Self-Guided Scavenger Hunt & Tour: $6.42
  • Castle and Ramparts Entry Ticket: $12
  • A Self-Guided Tour of Carcassonne’s Ancient Basilica: $20
  • Medieval Walls Self-Guided Smartphone App Tour: $20
  • Carcassonne 's Medieval Walls: A Self-Guided Tour: $20
  • Languedoc: Tour and Tasting at Domaine de Baronarques: $21
  • Unusual guided tour of Carcassonne at the time of the Builders: $22
  • Unusual Guided Tour of the Medieval City of Carcassonne: $22
  • Small group tour of the Cité de Carcassonne: $49
  • Complete Private Tour City and Castle of Carcassonne: $109
  • Cité de Private Guided Tour: $160

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

Sample the Local Flavors in Carcassonne

Some specific costs for nightlife related activities in Carcassonne:

  • Wine tour Cathar country: $471


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

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


Which is Bigger, Aalborg or Carcassonne?

Aalborg has a larger population, and is about 2 times larger than the population of Carcassonne. When comparing the sizes of Aalborg and Carcassonne, 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 Carcassonne?

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 Carcassonne in the Summer?

The summer brings many poeple to Aalborg as well as Carcassonne. The summer months attract visitors to Aalborg because of the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Carcassonne this time of year.

Aalborg is much colder than Carcassonne in the summer. The daily temperature in Aalborg averages around 16°C (61°F) in July, and Carcassonne fluctuates around 24°C (75°F).

Aalborg usually gets more rain in July than Carcassonne. Aalborg gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 17 mm (0.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Aalborg 16°C (61°F) 
    Carcassonne 24°C (75°F)

Should I visit Aalborg or Carcassonne in the Autumn?

Both Carcassonne and Aalborg are popular destinations to visit in the autumn with plenty of activities. The shopping scene and the small town atmosphere are the main draw to Aalborg this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Carcassonne for the small town atmosphere and the natural beauty of the area.

In the autumn, Aalborg is much colder than Carcassonne. Typically, the autumn temperatures in Aalborg in October average around 9°C (48°F), and Carcassonne averages at about 17°C (62°F).

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


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Aalborg 9°C (48°F) 
    Carcassonne 17°C (62°F)

Should I visit Aalborg or Carcassonne in the Winter?

Both Carcassonne and Aalborg during the winter are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Aalborg for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Furthermore, many visitors come to Carcassonne in the winter for the museums and the cuisine.

Be prepared for some very cold days in Aalborg. In January, Aalborg is generally much colder than Carcassonne. Daily temperatures in Aalborg average around -1°C (31°F), and Carcassonne fluctuates around 8°C (47°F).

Aalborg usually gets less rain in January than Carcassonne. Aalborg gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Aalborg -1°C (31°F) 
    Carcassonne 8°C (47°F)

Should I visit Aalborg or Carcassonne in the Spring?

The spring attracts plenty of travelers to both Aalborg and Carcassonne. Many visitors come to Aalborg in the spring for the small town charm. Furthermore, most visitors come to Carcassonne for the small town charm and the natural beauty during these months.

Aalborg is much colder than Carcassonne in the spring. The daily temperature in Aalborg averages around 6°C (43°F) in April, and Carcassonne fluctuates around 14°C (56°F).

In April, Aalborg usually receives less rain than Carcassonne. Aalborg gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Carcassonne receives 56 mm (2.2 in) of rain each month for the spring.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Aalborg 6°C (43°F) 
    Carcassonne 14°C (56°F)

Typical Weather for Carcassonne and Aalborg

Aalborg Carcassonne
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -1°C (31°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 8°C (47°F) 51 mm (2 in)
Feb -0°C (31°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 9°C (49°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Mar 2°C (36°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 11°C (52°F) 44 mm (1.7 in)
Apr 6°C (43°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 14°C (56°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
May 11°C (51°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 17°C (63°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Jun 14°C (58°F) 51 mm (2 in) 21°C (70°F) 28 mm (1.1 in)
Jul 16°C (61°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 24°C (75°F) 17 mm (0.7 in)
Aug 16°C (60°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 24°C (74°F) 32 mm (1.3 in)
Sep 13°C (55°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 21°C (69°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Oct 9°C (48°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 17°C (62°F) 90 mm (3.5 in)
Nov 3°C (38°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 12°C (53°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Dec 2°C (36°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 9°C (49°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)