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

Should you visit Aalborg or Dublin?

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 Dublin. 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. Don't miss this spot, as it's a charming small town with plenty of activities. And you can't forget about the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Dublin

Dublin is a fun, laid-back, and friendly city. Since it's a large city, you'll find plenty of things to do. It's also known for live music, food, and shopping.

Aalborg and Dublin: Pros and Cons

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


Is there more to do in Aalborg or Dublin?

Tourists will generally find more to do in Dublin than Aalborg. It is bigger and it has more sights, attractions, and activities for travelers. Dublin is very popular for its museums, nightlife, music, historical sights, shopping, and big city activities, while Aalborg attracts visitors for its food and small town charm. Dublin is more touristy than Aalborg and is known for its friendly and social nightlife, its local pubs, and its role as the birthplace of Guinness. It is also well known for The Guinness Storehouse. Aalborg is famous for its half-timbered homes and waterfront setting.

How is Aalborg different from Dublin?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

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

Aalborg
Dublin

Dublin 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 Dublin. There are a number of museums around town including the National Museum of Ireland, the Little Museum of Dublin, and the National Gallery of Ireland.

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 Dublin? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

Aalborg
Dublin

Aalborg is a great destination for its restaurant scene. Also, Dublin is still popular, but not quite as popular for its local flavors and cuisine.

Eating is part of the travel experience when you visit Aalborg. You'll find an eclectic mix of trendy restaurants and local finds. There are also international options and modern street food.

Dublin is becoming an appealing option for foodies. Seafood has become popular around town, but you can also try traditional favorites like stew, pancakes, or coddle.

Is Aalborg or Dublin Better for Nightlife?

Aalborg
Dublin

Dublin is renowned for nightlife. Also, Aalborg is still popular, but not quite as popular for nightlife and partying.

Dublin is a destination that you simply have to visit at least once for nightlife. Temple Bar is where you'll find the greatest concentration of pubs and nightlife. The city is among the friendliest and most welcoming, and this is seen even in the vibe around town at night.

The nightlife in Aalborg has something for everybody. 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.

Is Aalborg or Dublin Better for Music?

Aalborg
Dublin

Dublin is a great destination for live music. However, Aalborg is not a live music destination.

Dublin has become a hotbed of musicians and artists. The best places to hear live music around town are the back street pubs that feature local groups.

Aalborg is not a live music destination.


Is Aalborg or Dublin Better for its Old Town?

Aalborg
Dublin

Dublin 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 Dublin. On the south side of the River Liffey are three different historic parts to the city. The Medieval Quarter is the oldest. To the east is Temple Bar, and further east is the Georgian Quarter.

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 Dublin?

Aalborg
Dublin

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

Dublin is an extremely popular place for shoppers. Head to Grafton Street to see a number of brand name and local shops. It's a pedestrian street that is fun to wander around.

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 Dublin Better for Families?

Aalborg
Dublin

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

Dublin is a very family-friendly place to visit. Explore the waterways with the viking splash, learn about the vikings at the museum Dublina, or visit any of the other kid-friendly museums around town, or see a show at The Gaiety.

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 Dublin Better for Couples?

Aalborg
Dublin

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

Couples visit Dublin frequently as it offers plenty of romantic activities. It's laid-back vibe and countless pubs make it a fun weekend getaway 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 Dublin Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Aalborg
Dublin

Dublin 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 Dublin. There are a number of popular backpacker hostels around town. The pub scene is also popular with the young crowd.

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 Dublin Better for Students?

Aalborg
Dublin

Aalborg and Dublin are nice 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 Dublin. While student accommodation can be a bit expensive in town, the nightlife and social aspect of living in the city center makes it well worth it.


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

Aalborg
Dublin

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

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 Dublin offers some public transit options, it might not be your first choice. There is a comprehensive bus system around town.

Is Aalborg or Dublin a more walkable city?

Aalborg
Dublin

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

Getting around Dublin on foot is easy. Because it is so compact and flat, it is easy to explore the city center 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 Dublin Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Dublin or Aalborg?

How long in Aalborg or Dublin?

In either Aalborg or Dublin, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Dublin 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 Dublin.

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

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

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


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

One day in Aalborg or Dublin?

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 Dublin, you'll find shopping and museums. Most visitors spend time around the old town while in the area. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. 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 Dublin?

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 Dublin, you'll find museums and nightlife. 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. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. A weekend is a great amount of time to relax and see the many things that Dublin has to offer.

Five days in Aalborg or Dublin?

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.

Dublin 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 Dublin has to offer. Anyone can find something fun to do here.

A week in Aalborg or Dublin?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the historic 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 Dublin. Many people enjoy the live music and food when visiting Dublin. One reason most visitors come is for the nightlife. 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 Walking Tours in Ireland, and The Best Luxury Tours to Ireland.


Which place is cheaper, Dublin 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 Dublin is $155. 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 Dublin in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Aalborg $87
    Dublin $74
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Aalborg $174
    Dublin $148
Compare Hotels in Aalborg and Dublin

Looking for a hotel in Aalborg or Dublin? 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 Dublin


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 Dublin Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Aalborg $32
    Dublin $21

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 Dublin

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


  • Rental Car for a Day
    $16

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Dublin

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Dublin:

  • Arrival Private Transfer by Business Car from Dublin airport DUB to Dublin: $82
  • Arrival Transfer: Dublin Airport DUB to Dublin in Business Car: $103
  • Belfast | Coach transfer from / to Dublin: $11
  • Child Friendly | Dublin Airport Transfer: $168
  • Conrad Hotel Dublin To Dublin Airport Private Chauffeur Transfer: $167
  • Departure Transfer Dublin to Dublin Airport by Van or Minibus: $109
  • Departure Transfer: Dublin to Dublin Airport DUB in Business Car: $103
  • Departure Transfer: Dublin to Dublin Airport DUB in Luxury Van: $111
  • Dublin Airport & City Transfers : $182
  • Dublin Airport Or Dublin City To Bellinter House Private Chauffeur Transfer: $293
  • Dublin Airport Or Dublin City To Loughcrew Gardens Private Chauffeur Transfer: $299
  • Dublin Airport Or Dublin City To Tankardstown House Private Chauffeur Transfer: $209

Is it cheaper to fly into Aalborg or Dublin?

Prices for flights to both Dublin 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
    Dublin $53

Typical Food Prices in Dublin

Below are a few samples from actual travelers for food and meal costs in Dublin:


  • Lunch Lynam's Pub
    $4.28

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Dublin

Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Dublin.

  • Walking Street Food Tour with Local Guide: $29
  • Dublin 3-Course Dinner and Live Shows at The Irish House Party: $31
  • No Diet Club - Best Food Tour in Dublin !: $59
  • Dublin Irish Night Show, Dance and Traditional 3-Course Dinner: $60
  • NO DIET CLUB - Best Food Tour in Dublin !: $62
  • Grand Canal Cruise with Dinner: $71
  • Delicious Walking Food Tour: $80
  • Delicious Dublin Food Tour: $82
  • Dublin Holiday Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $87
  • Dublin Delicious Donut Adventure & Walking Food Tour: $87
  • Howth Coastal Craft Beer and Seafood Tour: $95
  • The Food Tour: $96

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Aalborg $24
    Dublin $27

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: $218
  • Love and Joy in Aalborg – Walking Tour for Couples: $246
  • Love and Joy in Aalborg – Walking Tour for Couples: $478

Typical Entertainment Prices in Dublin

Here are a few typical costs in Dublin for activities, ticket prices, and tours that come from previous visitors:


  • Wild Wicklow Tour
    $28
  • Guinness Brewery for Two
    $29
  • St Pauls Cathedral
    $4.87
  • Dublin Writer's Museum
    $6.82

Tours and Activities in Dublin

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

  • First Discovery Walk and Reading Walking Tour: $3.19
  • Dublin Scavenger Hunt and Best Landmarks Self-Guided Tour: $4.37
  • Dublin city tour: audio guide for smartphone in French: $5.32
  • Dublin city tour: audio guide in your smartphone: $5.32
  • Self Guided City Audio Tour in Dublin: $5.46
  • Turtle Bunbury's A Self-Guided Audio Tour from a Celebrated Author: $5.99
  • Temple Bar Self-Guided Must-See Highlights Tour: $6.28
  • City Highlights Self-guided Walking Tour: $6.28
  • City Exploration Game and Tour on your Phone: $6.33
  • Self-Guided Highlights Scavenger Hunt & Walking Tour: $6.38
  • Escape Game and Tour: $6.38
  • Stories of A Self-Guided Audio Tour: $6.99

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Aalborg $19
    Dublin $19

Sample the Local Flavors in Dublin

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

  • Authentic Brewery Tour: $11
  • Generation Pub Crawl: $15
  • Dublin Epic Pub Crawl: Experience Dublin's pubs and nightlife: $15
  • "Dublin Delight Pub Expedition" Pub Crawl: $16
  • The Dublin Liberties Distillery: Tour with Whiskey Tasting: $18
  • Dublin Traditional Irish Pub Crawl: $19
  • City Pub Crawl Experience: $20
  • Teeling Whiskey Distillery Tour & Tasting: $21
  • The Black Experience Pub Tour: $22
  • Exclusive Brewery Tour and Tasting at Kildare Brewing Co, Sallins: $22
  • Pearse Lyons Whiskey Distillery Experience: $23
  • Roe and Co Distillery Cocktail Workshop Experience: $27


When comparing the travel costs between Aalborg and Dublin, 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 Dublin Expensive?.


Which is Bigger, Aalborg or Dublin?

Dublin has a larger population, and is about 8 times larger than the population of Aalborg. When comparing the sizes of Aalborg and Dublin, 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 Dublin?

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 Dublin in the Summer?

Both Dublin and Aalborg are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. Many visitors come to Aalborg in the summer for the small town charm and the family-friendly experiences. Also, most visitors come to Dublin for the city activities, the music scene, and the family-friendly experiences during these months.

In the summer, Aalborg is around the same temperature as Dublin. Typically, the summer temperatures in Aalborg in July average around 16°C (61°F), and Dublin averages at about 16°C (60°F).

In July, Aalborg usually receives more rain than Dublin. Aalborg gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 50 mm (2 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Aalborg 16°C (61°F) 
    Dublin 16°C (60°F)

Should I visit Aalborg or Dublin in the Autumn?

Both Dublin and Aalborg during the autumn are popular places to visit. Most visitors come to Aalborg for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere during these months. Also, the autumn months attract visitors to Dublin because of the city's sights and attractions, the shopping scene, and the music scene.

In October, Aalborg is generally cooler than Dublin. Daily temperatures in Aalborg average around 9°C (48°F), and Dublin fluctuates around 11°C (52°F).

Aalborg usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Dublin. Aalborg gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 70 mm (2.7 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Aalborg 9°C (48°F) 
    Dublin 11°C (52°F)

Should I visit Aalborg or Dublin in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Aalborg and Dublin. The winter months attract visitors to Aalborg because of the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine. Also, the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine are the main draw to Dublin this time of year.

The weather in Aalborg can be very cold. Aalborg is much colder than Dublin in the winter. The daily temperature in Aalborg averages around -1°C (31°F) in January, and Dublin fluctuates around 6°C (42°F).

In January, Aalborg usually receives less rain than Dublin. Aalborg gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 69 mm (2.7 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Aalborg -1°C (31°F) 
    Dublin 6°C (42°F)

Should I visit Aalborg or Dublin in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Aalborg as well as Dublin. The small town charm are the main draw to Aalborg this time of year. Also, many travelers come to Dublin for the activities around the city.

In the spring, Aalborg is cooler than Dublin. Typically, the spring temperatures in Aalborg in April average around 6°C (43°F), and Dublin averages at about 8°C (47°F).

Aalborg usually gets less rain in April than Dublin. Aalborg gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Dublin receives 51 mm (2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Aalborg 6°C (43°F) 
    Dublin 8°C (47°F)

Typical Weather for Dublin and Aalborg

Aalborg Dublin
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -1°C (31°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 6°C (42°F) 69 mm (2.7 in)
Feb -0°C (31°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 6°C (42°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Mar 2°C (36°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 7°C (44°F) 54 mm (2.1 in)
Apr 6°C (43°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 8°C (47°F) 51 mm (2 in)
May 11°C (51°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 11°C (52°F) 55 mm (2.2 in)
Jun 14°C (58°F) 51 mm (2 in) 14°C (57°F) 56 mm (2.2 in)
Jul 16°C (61°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 16°C (60°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Aug 16°C (60°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 15°C (60°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Sep 13°C (55°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 14°C (56°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Oct 9°C (48°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 11°C (52°F) 70 mm (2.7 in)
Nov 3°C (38°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 8°C (46°F) 65 mm (2.5 in)
Dec 2°C (36°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 6°C (44°F) 76 mm (3 in)