A Travel Price Comparison for Families, Couples, and Backpackers Aalborg vs. Leuven for Vacations, Tours, and Honeymoons

Should you visit Aalborg or Leuven?

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 Leuven. 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.

Where Should I go: Aalborg or Leuven?

Aalborg

Aalborg is the fourth largest city in Denmark with a population of over 200,000. It is an industrial and university city in the north of Jutland. Aalborg is a cultural hub as it is home to many historical museums, and performance venues.

Leuven

Lying just east of Brussels, Leuven is a Belgian city and capital of the Province of Flemish Brabant known for its breweries, historic architecture, and university. Because of the university, the town is at its busiest during the academic year (September through June), but there is plenty to see and do during all seasons.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Denmark, The Best Adventure Tours to Denmark, The Best Family-Friendly Tours to Belgium, and The Best Sightseeing Tours in Belgium.


Which place is cheaper, Leuven or Aalborg?

These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.

The average daily cost (per person) in Aalborg is $163, while the average daily cost in Leuven is $199. 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 Leuven in more detail.



Accommodation
  • Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one person
    Aalborg $91
    Leuven $103
  • Accommodation Typical double-occupancy room
    Aalborg $182
    Leuven $206
Compare Hotels in Aalborg and Leuven

Looking for a hotel in Aalborg or Leuven? 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 Leuven


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 Leuven Hotel Prices.

Local Transportation
  • Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    Aalborg $33
    Leuven $68

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Aalborg

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Aalborg:

  • Aalborg Private Transfer from Aalborg (AAL) Airport to City centre: $137
  • Aalborg Private Transfer from Aalborg city centre to Aalborg airport: $137
  • Private Airport and City Transfers in Aalborg: $91
  • Private Transfer from Aalborg Airport (AAL) to Skagen Cruise Port: $172
  • Private Transfer from Aalborg City Hotels to Skagen Cruise Port: $172

Hired Cars and Shuttles in Leuven

Some specific examples of transportation prices in Leuven:

  • Airport Transfer Brussels To Brussels: $90
  • Airport Transfer Brussels To Ghent: $150
  • Airport Transfer: Brussels Airport BRU to Brussels by Luxury Van: $96
  • Arrival Private Transfer from Brussels Airport BRU to Ghent City by Business Car: $152
  • Arrival Transfer: Airport BRU to Brussels by Business Car: $89
  • Brussels Airport (BRU) to Brussels - Round-Trip Private Transfer: $68
  • Brussels Airport(BRU) to Brussels hotels-Arrival Private Transfer: $25
  • One-way Private Transfer From/To Brussels Airport: $73
  • PRIVATE VAN TRANSFER FROM/TO BRUSSELS AIRPORT (Max 6 pax) ONE-WAY: $123
  • Private Airport Transfer: Brussels Airport (BRU) to Brussels: $68
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Brussels Airport BRU to Brussels by luxury car: $81
  • Private Arrival Transfer from Brussels Airport to Brussels City by Business Car: $76

Is it cheaper to fly into Aalborg or Leuven?

Prices for flights to both Leuven 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 $49
    Leuven $55

Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Leuven

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

  • Mechelen Food Tour: $90

Entertainment
  • Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    Aalborg $25
    Leuven $25

Tours and Activities in Aalborg

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

  • Ghosts of The Witch Trial Quest Experience: $11
  • The Hunt, an exciting cat-and-mouse adventure in Aalborg: $14
  • Aalborg during WW2: Self-guided Audio Tour with StoryHunt: $15
  • 3-Hours Street Art Tour in Aalborg: $46
  • The best of Aalborg walking tour: $228
  • Love and Joy in Aalborg – Walking Tour for Couples: $256
  • Love and Joy in Aalborg – Walking Tour for Couples: $501

Tours and Activities in Leuven

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

  • Belgium Mechelen Guided Tour Guide: $29
  • Street Art Walking Tour with Belgian Pastry: $33
  • Mechelen Small-Group Running Tour: $65
  • Small-Group Mechelen City Guided Walking Tour: $65
  • Small-Group Chocolate Tour in Mechelen: $77
  • Mechelen Small-Group Walking Tour with a small meal /snack: $85
  • Guided Small-Group Cycling Tour of Mechelen: $164
  • Private 2 Hour Walking Tour of Mechelen : $237
  • Leuven Private Walking Tour: $321
  • Historical Private Tour with Local Guide: $334
  • Soothing Corners of Leuven - Romantic Tour: $431
  • Pearls of Leuven – Private Walking Tour: $431

Alcohol
  • Alcohol Drinks for one day
    Aalborg $20
    Leuven $28


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

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


Which is Bigger, Aalborg or Leuven?

Aalborg has a larger population, and is about 32% larger than the population of Leuven. When comparing the sizes of Aalborg and Leuven, 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 Leuven?

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 Leuven in the Summer?

Both Leuven and Aalborg are popular destinations to visit in the summer with plenty of activities. The small town charm and the family-friendly experiences are the main draw to Aalborg this time of year.

In the summer, Aalborg is cooler than Leuven. Typically, the summer temperatures in Aalborg in July average around 16°C (61°F), and Leuven averages at about 18°C (65°F).

In July, Aalborg usually receives less rain than Leuven. Aalborg gets 63 mm (2.5 in) of rain, while Leuven receives 75 mm (3 in) of rain each month for the summer.


  • Summer Average Temperatures July
    Aalborg 16°C (61°F) 
    Leuven 18°C (65°F)

Should I visit Aalborg or Leuven in the Autumn?

Both Leuven and Aalborg during the autumn are popular places to visit. Many travelers come to Aalborg for the shopping scene and the small town atmosphere.

In October, Aalborg is generally cooler than Leuven. Daily temperatures in Aalborg average around 9°C (48°F), and Leuven fluctuates around 12°C (54°F).

Aalborg usually gets around the same amount of rain in October as Leuven. Aalborg gets 66 mm (2.6 in) of rain, while Leuven receives 70 mm (2.8 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Autumn Average Temperatures October
    Aalborg 9°C (48°F) 
    Leuven 12°C (54°F)

Should I visit Aalborg or Leuven in the Winter?

The winter attracts plenty of travelers to both Aalborg and Leuven. Many visitors come to Aalborg in the winter for the museums, the shopping scene, and the cuisine.

Leuven can be very cold during winter. Aalborg can get quite cold in the winter. Aalborg is much colder than Leuven in the winter. The daily temperature in Aalborg averages around -1°C (31°F) in January, and Leuven fluctuates around 3°C (38°F).

In January, Aalborg usually receives less rain than Leuven. Aalborg gets 43 mm (1.7 in) of rain, while Leuven receives 67 mm (2.6 in) of rain each month for the winter.


  • Winter Average Temperatures January
    Aalborg -1°C (31°F) 
    Leuven 3°C (38°F)

Should I visit Aalborg or Leuven in the Spring?

The spring brings many poeple to Aalborg as well as Leuven. Most visitors come to Aalborg for the small town charm during these months.

In the spring, Aalborg is much colder than Leuven. Typically, the spring temperatures in Aalborg in April average around 6°C (43°F), and Leuven averages at about 10°C (49°F).

Aalborg usually gets less rain in April than Leuven. Aalborg gets 36 mm (1.4 in) of rain, while Leuven receives 57 mm (2.2 in) of rain this time of the year.


  • Spring Average Temperatures April
    Aalborg 6°C (43°F) 
    Leuven 10°C (49°F)

Typical Weather for Leuven and Aalborg

Aalborg Leuven
Temp (°C) Rain (mm) Temp (°C) Rain (mm)
Jan -1°C (31°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) 3°C (38°F) 67 mm (2.6 in)
Feb -0°C (31°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 4°C (39°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Mar 2°C (36°F) 35 mm (1.4 in) 6°C (43°F) 72 mm (2.8 in)
Apr 6°C (43°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) 10°C (49°F) 57 mm (2.2 in)
May 11°C (51°F) 44 mm (1.7 in) 14°C (57°F) 71 mm (2.8 in)
Jun 14°C (58°F) 51 mm (2 in) 17°C (62°F) 79 mm (3.1 in)
Jul 16°C (61°F) 63 mm (2.5 in) 18°C (65°F) 75 mm (3 in)
Aug 16°C (60°F) 57 mm (2.2 in) 18°C (65°F) 63 mm (2.5 in)
Sep 13°C (55°F) 65 mm (2.6 in) 16°C (60°F) 59 mm (2.3 in)
Oct 9°C (48°F) 66 mm (2.6 in) 12°C (54°F) 70 mm (2.8 in)
Nov 3°C (38°F) 62 mm (2.4 in) 7°C (45°F) 76 mm (3 in)
Dec 2°C (36°F) 55 mm (2.2 in) 4°C (40°F) 76 mm (3 in)